asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will ascertain how many instances there are under the Royal Air Force Pay Regulations, under which officers and other ranks are entitled to draw less pay with allowances when serving overseas than was due to them when serving at home stations and take the necessary steps forthwith to adjust the matter with retrospective effect?

There is no instance of a reduction in pay. As regards allowances, there is one regulation of the nature referred to; it affects officers only, and I am now giving it further consideration.

It is a fact then, from the answer given by the right hon. Gentleman, that certain categories of officers are worse off on active service than they were at home?

There are considerations on the other side, and I am now giving the matter my consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that there are officers of the Royal Air Force now serving overseas who have received no pay since the second week of September; and whether he will at once ask for a return from the various commands of the officers so affected and take such immediate steps as will relieve the position and enable officers' wives and relatives to obtain accommodation through their banking agents to meet their liabilities?

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many officers of the Royal Air Force who have been called up have been without pay since mobilisation; and for what period they have been without such pay?

Officers of the Royal Air Force are paid monthly in arrear. So far as I am aware, all serving officers at home and overseas have been credited with their pay for the month of September. I have, however, asked for confirmation from the various commands.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has been completely misinformed in this case, and that large numbers of officers, including Members of this House, have not received their pay or allowances?

I am answering another question on that point.

Is the Secretary of State aware that the wife of one of the men who did not return from the Kiel raid has received no payment yet?

No, Sir, and if the right hon. Member will give me particulars I will inquire into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many of the 10 officers and sergeant pilots, who did an instructor's course at Perth ended on 14th October last, and how many of the 11 officers and sergeant pilots, who did a similar course at Prestwick and who are at present stationed at Hastings, have received their full pay and allowances for the month of September?

All the officers and sergeant pilots in question have received their full pay and allowances for the month of September.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he is misinformed, that my hon. Friend the Member for Bodmin (Mr. Rathbone) has had only three days' pay since the war started and that I have had only a fortnight's pay?

I understand that owing to an error two sergeant pilots, of whom Sergeant Perkins was one, were not paid for the period after 27th September. The mistake has been rectified and the two sergeants have received all arrears of pay.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I have here a large number of letters and telegrams which I have received this morning from men to the effect that they have not been paid?

If the hon. Member will let me have them I will look into them.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that uniform allowances have not yet been paid to officers of the Royal Air Force Reserve who were mobilised during September; and whether he anticipates that these will be paid before the 1st January next?

All officers who are entitled to the allowance are credited with it by the Royal Air Force agents at the same time as they are brought on pay.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the whole system of pay for reserve officers and airmen of the Royal Air Force is in a chaotic state; and what steps does he propose to enable the wives of these men to meet their obligations?

I am satisfied that the pay system of the Royal Air Force is functioning efficiently having regard to the strain imposed by war conditions. Certain delays, due to causes which were not all within the control of the Air Ministry, have occurred in the payment of family allowances to the wives of airmen, but these allowances, numbering scores of thousands, have now been paid in full, except in 50 cases which are still the subject of inquiry and will be settled at the earliest possible date.

Is my right hon. Friend going to introduce into the Air Force the new system which has been adopted by the War Office?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put that question down.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the long delay that takes place in delivering mails and newspapers to the scattered units of the Royal Air Force overseas, he will arrange that a daily aerial postal service is established, to and from France, by utilising civil machines and over-age civil pilots, now unemployed, as the importance of removing such grievances would be worth the cost of such services and be welcomed by the Army postal department?

This matter has already been carefully considered but it has not been found practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for Air when he last visited Scottish air defences; and whether he in tends to re-visit those defences in the near future?

I visited certain Royal Air Force units in Scotland in February last and have every intention of making further visits, although I am unable to say at present when this will be possible.

Is the Minister aware that the air defences of Scotland have been shifted almost weekly and that he would find great difficulty in visiting them unless he went to one place, and will he take steps to see to it that other districts are adequately protected?

No, Sir. I do not agree with that at all and recent events have shown how well defended Scotland is.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the outcome of the conference held on 19th October which discussed war problems of the fishing industry?

As a result of the conference to which my hon. Friend refers, certain steps have been agreed upon for the immediate assistance of the fishing industry. A standing committee has been set up to advise the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Secretary of State for Scotland on questions affecting the industry as a whole in time of war, and in particular the maintenance and distribution of supplies. It has been possible to return a number of requisitioned vessels to the industry as they have been relieved by other vessels. The question of purchasing and building further trawlers for the industry is being actively pursued.

Could my right hon. Friend make any statement about the matter which will reassure those who are concerned with the winter herring fishing in the Firth of Forth which is due to start in a few weeks' time?

No, Sir. I think the herring fishery was not part of the conference, which dealt more particularly with other aspects of the protection of the country.

Could he not assure us that the herring industry is also under his care and attention?

Not directly under my care and attention; but I feel absolutely bound to do everything possible to prevent the needs of the Admiralty and the Navy from ill-using or unduly upsetting this invaluable industry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of these fishermen have been getting only 1s. 2d. a basket?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will undertake not to take any steps which will deprive the midshipmen in the Royal Navy of their privilege of serving in His Majesty's Fleet, bearing in mind the resentment which any such deprivation would occasion?

It is not intended to alter the practice of appointing midshipmen to seagoing ships of the Fleet. Such service is an essential part of a seaman's training.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether, in this war, it is intended to grant prize bounty to the officers and crew of His Majesty's ships of war?

The whole question of granting prize bounty and prize money is under consideration.

Does not my right hon. Friend consider that this award, an incentive which is not given to members of the other Services, is unnecessary and undesirable—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"]—and will he consider—

rose—

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a further Parliamentary statement from him can be expected at an early date dealing with operations of the naval forces to date?

I hope to make a further statement next week.

Can that answer be taken to mean that the right hon. Gentleman will exhilarate the country and the House periodically on this matter?

Will my right hon. Friend arrange at an early date to give another broadcast?

Can the right hon. Gentleman state that he is satisfied as to the whereabouts of the "Deutschland" type ships, "Columbus" and "Orinoko"?

Not without notice.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is in a position to state whether German surface vessels are operating on the trade routes; and, if so, to what type and class those vessels belong?

Two German warships of the "Deutschland" type have been reported as operating in the Atlantic, one in the North, the other in the South.

Are you chasing them?

Are these the only two surface vessels that have been reported, and can reliance be placed on the report that they are of "Deutschland" type?

Evidence on this matter, as on other matters in this sphere, is conflicting, but I think that we may be sure that at least one vessel of "Deutschland" type has been abroad on the ocean.

Has the Admiralty any information to that effect from actual naval reports?

Oh, yes Sir. We have people who have been held prisoner on board the "Deutschland" and we have reports from sailors of a ship captured by the "Deutschland" who were kept on the "Deutschland" for some time and who had an opportunity of making sure that it was that vessel.

When will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to state that these ships have been sunk?

I do not think that I ought to try to make any forecast of that kind.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can assure the House that adequate measures are being taken, in conjunction with the authorities of Eire, to prevent German submarines from sheltering or refuelling in the various bays and inlets on the coast of Eire, and, in particular, on the West Coast?

So far as the territorial waters of Eire are concerned, the responsibility rests exclusively with the Government of that country. Outside these waters on the high seas, the Royal Navy are taking such measures as are open to them, and I can assure the House they are doing their best.

Does my right hon. Friend recollect that in the Great War a very large number of coast watchers were employed by the Admiralty to watch the West Coast of Ireland in order to guard against matters referred to in my question; and can he assure the House that he is satisfied as to the present position?

rose—

Can we not have an answer to that question? This is a matter vitally affecting the security of the country and I have asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is satisfied that it is being dealt with.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the position with regard to the suggested changes in the constitution of Ceylon?

The preparation of the Governor's report on the reforms debates in the State Council has been delayed by urgent work resulting from the outbreak of war, and I am not therefore in a position to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 2nd August.

Does that reply indicate that the Government do not intend to go on with this matter?

The hon. Member ought not to draw that implication from the reply. The whole matter will be considered in the light of the Governor's report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received the results of the inquiry promised by the Governor of Kenya into the question of children having been turned out of elementary schools because of their parents inability to pay the fees, and into the question of fee-paying generally; and, if so, whether he will communicate the result of the inquiry to the House?

I have not yet received the results of the inquiry, but have asked that they may be furnished to me at an early date.

This is a fairly simple question, and as four or five months have elapsed since this report was promised, ought we not, in the circumstances, to have had a result before now?

It involves a good deal of inquiry and consideration, and, like other matters it has had, I am afraid, to be interrupted by urgent work which the Government have had to carry out in connection with the war, but the matter has not been lost sight of.

asked the Minister of Transport in how many cases the Electricity Commissioners have granted applications from electricity undertakers for loans for extensions during September and October, 1939; the amount of the loans so sanctioned; and similar figures for loans refused during the period mentioned?

The number of sanctions granted by the commissioners during September and up to 28th October, 1939, was 139; and the amount of the loans so sanctioned was £4,594,365. No applications for loan sanction were refused during the period mentioned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has now received the result of the committee of inquiry appointed to investigate the circumstances which led to the detention of Mr. Wallace Johnson under a Sierra Leone Defence Regulation, with a view to preventing him acting in any manner prejudicial to public safety or defence; and, if so, will he tell the House the result of the inquiry and the nature of the action which led to Mr. Johnson's detention?

I learn from the Governor that the committee appointed to consider objections to Mr. Wallace Johnson's detention have advised that this is not a case where the Detention Order could be revoked or varied without injury to the public safety or defence. The committee's report is on its way to me by air mail and should arrive shortly. I cannot add anything further on the subject until I have received and considered it.

Before any other person is detained under this ordinance, will the right hon. Gentleman read the Debate which took place in this House last night upon a similar ordinance, and note what this House thought about it?

I have read it already. In connection with the consideration of the regulations for this country we shall, of course, be considering, if necessary, the Colonial regulations also.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of road schemes, in respect of which grant had been indicated, which have been stopped by the order of, or with the consent of, his Department; the estimated original cost of such schemes; and the estimated remaining unexpended balance?

Up to date, it has been decided to suspend 2,352 road schemes, in respect of which grant had been indicated. The original estimated cost of these schemes was £45,115,000. It is not yet possible to give any precise estimate of the unexpended balance, since the exact stages at which many of the schemes will be closed down have not yet been settled. It appears probable, however, that the unexpended balance will be not less than £33,000,000. In addition, 215 trunk road schemes which I had approved for execution have already been suspended. The total estimated cost of such schemes was £7,500,000 and the unexpended balance will be over £7,000,000.

Before closing down these schemes will the right hon. Gentleman consult the Minister of Labour in regard to the possible effect on unemployment in some of the areas concerned?

Yes, Sir. I think I have already stated in the House that I keep in the closest touch with the Minister of Labour on this subject. I agree with the hon. Gentleman that it is a vitally important aspect of the matter.

Has not the Minister of Labour told the House that in these particular areas unemployment has not gone down?

asked the Minister of Transport what substantial savings he now contemplates making in his Department having regard to the fact that the work of road inspectors and vehicle examiners must be considerably reduced as the regulations under the Road and Rail Traffic Acts have now become almost redundant?

Apart from those members who have joined the Forces, the staffs to which my hon. Friend refers have been transferred to work on the Emergency Scheme for Road Transport, on which they have been, and are, very fully occupied. I am now considering the transfer of some of these officers back to work in connection with the enforcement of safety regulations.

asked the Minister of Transport how he accounts for the present shortage of work at the railway carriage works at Doncaster; and why repair work usually carried out at these works is being diverted to privately-owned workshops in other parts of the country?

I am informed that there is no shortage of work at the railway carriage shops at Doncaster, and that no repair work usually carried out at these shops is being diverted to privately-owned workshops in other parts of the country.

If I submit to the right hon. and gallant Gentleman a resolution from the N.U.R. branch concerned in this matter, will he go a little more into it than his answer indicates?

I realise that the hon. Member opposite is not one who puts down a question without some foundation, and I have, therefore, made very particular inquiries into this matter, and I am assured by the railway companies that there is no shortage of work.

Is it not a fact that such work as this can be carried out at a lower cost than at privately-owned works?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the licensing authority for the Metro- politan area has refused to allow the transfer of the A licence for a two-and-a-half ton motor-van impressed for war service to a van of similar capacity weighing three tons purchased by the owner to replace the impressed vehicle; and whether, seeing that the owner was unable to obtain a suitable vehicle of less weight, and that the replacement vehicle was of no greater carrying capacity, he will suggest to the licensing authority that his refusal should be reconsidered in the light of the difficult circumstances occasioned by the outbreak of war?

I am informed by the Metropolitan Regional Transport Commissioner that it has been his policy to allow very great latitude in authorising the substitution of vehicles on carriers' licences to replace vehicles which have been impressed. The application referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend related to a vehicle of 3 tons 3 cwt. which was to be substituted for a vehicle of 2 tons 10 cwt. The difference in this case was thought to be excessive, as it would have brought the vehicle into a higher taxation class carrying with it the right to additional fuel, and the application was, therefore, refused. I understand, however, that the vehicle was subsequently lightened and its substitution on the licence authorised before my hon. and gallant Friend drew my attention to the matter.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the commissioner in this case only granted a defence permit to run 12 months to replace an A licence which had a running existence of five years, and is he also aware of the long delay which took place between the original application and the granting of this permit which entailed nearly a fortnight's loss of work to the operator concerned?

No, Sir, I am not aware of those matters. In fact, when the applicant's licence was applied for, after the van had been lightened it was granted on the same day.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, with a view to avoiding large quantities of food going bad and having to be destroyed through delay in transit on rail, he will convene a conference of road operators for the purpose of considering in what way their services can be utilised with a view to expediting the transportation of foodstuffs?

The emergency road transport organisation works in the closest collaboration with road transport operators, and I do not think that there is any need for the special conference proposed by my hon. Friend.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, given petrol, road operators can be of great assistance to the nation, and will he urge on the Government a change in technique to do away with the unfortunate bias against road operators?

I could not accept my hon. Friend's remarks for one moment. The rationing of petrol is a necessity, and we are doing our best to see that the petrol ration is distributed in the most equitable manner possible.

But ought we to allow perishable food to travel on railways and go rotten?

asked the Minister of Transport what has been the cost of planting rose trees and shrubs along the Crawley by-pass road, including cost of labour, fencing, petrol, oil and lorries, which are still being used there for that purpose?

The total cost of planting the trees and shrubs on the Crawley by-pass, including all labour, protective fencing and haulage, is estimated at £1,900. The bulk of this expenditure, including that for the trees and shrubs, the preparation of the ground and the fixing of the protective fencing, was incurred before the outbreak of war.

Could my right hon. and gallant Friend give an assurance that until the war is over he will not sanction any such unnecessary expenditure in any similar road schemes that may be put before him for consideration?

I hope I shall not sanction any unnecessary expenditure.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, owing to the shortage of petrol and the congestion on railways, he will do all he can to encourage the use of steam-wagons which use home-produced fuel?

The heavier classes of steam vehicles already enjoy a preferential rate of taxation, and higher laden weights are permitted than for other mechanically-propelled road vehicles. In addition, steam vehicles use untaxed fuel. I do not think that there is any ground for further concessions to these vehicles.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is in a position to make a statement regarding the permitting of railway passenger trains to be on the Forth Bridge when air raids upon Rosyth and the Firth of Forth are in progress?

Special instructions have been given to the railway staffs concerned that trains are not to proceed on to the Forth Bridge when an air raid is taking place in the vicinity of the bridge.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information the names of the nucleus staff who were responsible for the appointment of the staff of the Ministry and who were not on the list submitted to the Lord Privy Seal for approval?

The nucleus staff, who among other duties designated persons to fill posts in the Ministry of Information, other than the higher posts, consisted of Lord Perth, Mr. A. P. Waterfield, First Civil Service Commissioner, Mr. D. B. Woodburn and Mr. H. V. Rhodes of the Customs and Excise Department, with the assistance of Mr. I. S. Macadam, at that time Secretary of the Royal Institute of International Affairs, and a number of other gentlemen who gave their assistance on a part-time basis.

Could we have the names of the other gentlemen who kindly gave their assistance on a part-time basis?

If the hon. Lady will put down that question I shall be glad to answer it.

Surely it cannot be said that these officials are responsible for the appointment of the staff? The responsibility must have been that of the Minister concerned?

The responsibility is on the Minister concerned, and I have only given the names of the nucleus staff.

asked the Parliament ary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether he is present at the meetings of the Advisory Council?

I am not ex officio a member of the Council, and I have not attended its meetings; but I shall always be ready to do so if my presence should be thought desirable.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether, in view of the difficulty experienced by private persons wishing to send newspapers and pamphlets to the United States of America, he will see that a large consignment of Sir Nevile Henderson's reports on the outbreak of hostilities are shipped to America by his Ministry, as they would be of great interest to American citizens and have considerable propaganda value?

The hon. Lady seems to be under a misapprehension. There is nothing to prevent private persons from sending to the United States of America documents such as the one she refers to; and in this connection I would refer her to the answer given to the hon. Lady the Member for Wallsend (Miss Ward) on 17th October, by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War. With regard to her suggestion that the Ministry of Information should ship a large consignment of Sir Nevile Henderson's final report to the United States of America, the British Library of Information in New York regularly orders from His Majesty's Stationery Office sufficient quantities of the latter's publications to meet the demands made on it by the American public. The hon. Lady will be glad to know that the Stationery Office has given permission for the document to be reprinted by an American firm for publication in the United States of America.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether he will consider the desirability of recommending cheaper Empire air rates, because British newspapers overseas, not being able to afford the present high charges for receiving material, are compelled to rely on attenuated cables and broadcasting from all countries?

I appreciate the importance of despatches from correspondents in this country to British newspapers overseas. I regret that I am unable at present to add to the answer given to the hon. Member by my right hon, and gallant Friend the Postmaster-General on 17th October, except to say that my right hon. Friend, in consultation with the Secretary of State for Air, has the question of Empire air-mail rates under constant review.

Will the right hon. Gentleman represent to the members of the Cabinet that this is a most urgent matter, and that the lack of air mail and high postal rates are depriving the public abroad of all British news and articles?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the importance of this matter is fully realised, but the real difficulty lies with regard to weight and space.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that it is more than a month since this matter was raised by the Advisory Council, and that we then urged that action should immediately be taken? Is he also aware that all this time the British position has been seriously compromised even within the Empire?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether his attention has been called to the invitations being issued by the Midland Regional branch of the Ministry to persons in the Birmingham area to attend a meeting to consider plans for developing amateur dramatic activities in the district; what expenditure is being incurred by this and other regional branches of the Department in connection with the development of amateur drama; and whether, before such activities are continued, he will consider the desirability of giving priority in such matters to the professional stage, where severe unemployment exists as a result of blackouts and the compulsory closing down of places of entertainment?

I am aware that a meeting was held at Birmingham on 24th October, 1939, in connection with a scheme for developing amateur dramatic activities in the district. As I stated on the 24th of last week, in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for North Kensington (Mr. Duncan), the purpose of this and similar meetings elsewhere was to provide for public entertainment, especially in reception areas, by encouraging dramatic performances. The only expenditure involved at Birmingham was 10s. 6d. in respect of the hire of a hall. The total expenditure by the Ministry in all regions where similar meetings were held was £8 1s. 10d. No further meetings of the kind are being arranged by the Ministry, and accordingly the last part of the question does not arise.

Does the Minister really think it necessary for a Government Department to intervene in matters of this kind?

At that time it was thought desirable to get such assistance as was possible in connection with plans for giving public entertainments, particularly in the reception areas.

asked the Prime Minister whether steps can be taken to effect a greater measure of contact and liaison between the various sections of the trade of this country and the Departments of the Government which are controlling these trades?

Machinery already exists for this purpose, and I am not aware that any further measures are necessary. I am confident that those Departments which are exercis- ing war-time controls wish to maintain close contact with representatives of the trades affected, and would gladly consider any specific representations or suggestions for improvement in this respect.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the matter cannot be lightly dismissed—and cannot even be dismissed at all? It is urgent that the Government should consult and have the advice of all sections of the trade at all times.

I am afraid my hon. Friend is not aware himself of the machinery which already exists, and the close contact that there is between the trades concerned and the Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered, or will consider, the possibility of having all air-raid defences under the one responsible command?

The command of all the active air defences of Great Britain is already vested in one commander.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Oral Questions on the Order Paper have, for some considerable time, exceeded 100 a day, and that the average reached to be answered is less than 80; and will he, therefore, consider proposing such amendment of the Standing Orders of this House as would extend Question Time from 3.45 to 4 o'clock?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Bridgwater (Mr. Bartlett) on 18th October last, and to the statement which I made in the course of business on Thursday last.

Is the Prime Minister aware that the war has created many new problems, and that Members are anxious to get information on them by way of question? I think he would be well advised to grant the extra time.

Would it not, to some extent, meet the case if the number of questions allowed to each Member daily were reduced to two?

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that if this plan is adopted the three-quarters of an hour that we normally have on Mondays would be spread over the three days a week on which the House now sits?

Would not the grant of this extra time be simply wasting Ministers' time for nothing?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the resolutions from the West Riding of Yorkshire County Council calling upon the Government to increase the pay and allowances of the fighting forces to a standard at least equal to that of the air-raid precautions services, and to pay allowances to the wives and families of men of the fighting forces on a scale sufficient to avoid the necessity for public assistance; and what action is being taken in consequence?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend has taken note of the resolutions referred to, but he cannot accept the implication that the total receipts of men in the fighting Services compare unfavourably with those of air-raid precautions personnel. As the hon. Member will be aware, from the statements which have been made, the question of children's allowances is now being examined.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that there has been a public statement to the effect that A.R.P. is costing £35,000,000 a year, as against £10,500,000 paid to the R.A.F. and similar sums to other units? Is not that the case?

Even if it is, it does not affect the point as to what the individual gets, which is the subject of the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will issue a White Paper or circular stating as fully as possible the conditions, scales, and method of applying for special allowances or grants for civil liabilities available for serving men in all three forces and their families; and whether he will cause the same to be circulated to all Members of Parliament, commanding officers, and branches of the Soldiers', Sailors', and Airmens' Families Association, and similar organisations?

I have been asked to reply. I have already undertaken to circulate a White Paper, but, in view of the inquiry which is proceeding regarding children's allowances, it has been thought better to wait until the examination of that question has been completed.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is the greatest confusion and ignorance, both among applicants and the organisation advising them, and does he not think that there is really a necessity for some information to be given as to the procedure to be followed by the committee?

It would be very much better for everybody concerned if we waited for the issue of the White Paper, so that we might know what the position is.

May I ask whether there is to be an inquiry into the allowances for dependants and parents, and is the hon. Gentleman aware of the very great dissatisfaction that exists among these people?

The inquiry that is taking place concerns children's allowances.

Is the Minister aware that mothers and others are not aware of their rights, even at present; and will he take steps to see that there is some available resource to which mothers and others can apply for help in this matter?

As far as dependants' allowances are concerned, there is a leaflet in every post office of the country, setting out the procedure for obtaining them and the rights of dependants, and so on. The other information will be available as soon as the White Paper is published, and I hope very much that it will not be long before it is published.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the very great dissatisfaction in regard to this matter?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) whether he is aware that large quantities of Irish separator butter, in a condition unfit for consumption, have been released from storage and supplied to retailers; and what quantities of the butter have been returned as unfit for sale;

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the reason for sending butter unfit for human consumption to South Wales; what steps are proposed to prevent its recurrence; and whether, in future, he will undertake that the regional food controller shall have authority over depots and disposals?

The position in regard to the despatch of butter to South Wales is that immediately prior to the outbreak of war, it was decided, as a precautionary measure, to disperse stocks of butter from London cold stores to various parts of the country. This step inevitably resulted in departures from peace-time practice for butter distribution, and certain areas, including South Wales, received butter of a type to which consumers in those areas were not accustomed. On receipt of complaints, the Ministry of Food replaced returned butter with other butter which subsequently became available. So far as I am aware, there is no foundation for the statement that butter unfit for human consumption was released for consumption in South Wales, and, whilst in times of emergency exceptional steps are bound to be taken, I can see no reason for modifying the present organisation for the distribution of butter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of question 50, as to the quantities of the unsuitable butter that were returned?

I have not been able to get that figure in time. I was informed that the butter that was returned was not unfit for human consumption, but was of a different character from that to which the locality is accustomed.

Is there not too much storage of butter taking place, and would it not be better for the country if more were released?

I cannot say that.

Is there a standard quality of blended butter, and how is it made up?

There is no blending of butter at all.

Would it not be better for the divisional food controller in South Wales to have control over supplies in war time?

Yes, Sir; it is the intention to allow the divisional officers to have a great deal of control, but very often butter has to be shipped from London.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the price per hundredweight of requisitioned butter; the price at which it is sold to retailers; and the profit per hundredweight realised?

The price of requisitioned butter varies according to circumstances, and no one figure can, therefore, be given. Under the Butter (Maximum Prices) Order of 23rd September, 1939, the maximum price on a sale first-hand "ex store" is 145s. per cwt. in bulk and the maximum price on a sale by wholesale delivered to buyers premises is 152s. per cwt. sold in bulk. The margin between the price "ex store" and the price delivered to retailers is, therefore, 7s. per cwt. a figure which represents the maximum gross profit of the wholesaler. As the maximum retail price is fixed at 1s. 7d. per lb., the maximum gross profit of the retailer is 25s. 4d. per cwt.

What is the profit obtained by the Food Ministry on this butter?

That question would have to be answered after the compensation payable for requisitioned butter has been determined in accordance with the terms of the Compensation Act.

What machinery is in existence to ensure that no buyer is paid more than the maximum price fixed for butter?

If the hon. Member refers to consumers, that matter is carefully watched. As regards retail traders also it is being carefully scrutinised.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that the supplies of butter to the Hucknall Co-operative Society, Nottingham, have been restricted to 50 per cent. so that they can only supply ¼ lb. per week per member, whereas other shops in the town have been able to secure ample supplies and one tradesman, whose average sales have been 28 lbs. per week, received last week four cwts., 448 lbs., of butter; whether he is aware that this discrimination is causing great discontent and is calculated to cause serious injury to the society when the time comes for registering customers; will he state the cause of this discrimination and whether he will take immediate steps to have the matter remedied?

Inquiries which I have caused to be made lend no support to the suggestions of the hon. Member. If he will give me further information including the name of the trader who is alleged to have received an excessive allocation I will gladly have; the matter investigated further.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since the question was put down supplies have been decreased to 40 per cent., that butter is being distributed and sold in the streets by bakers and greengrocers, that this affects over 8,000 people in Hucknall, and that the view locally is that it is a deliberate attempt to injure the co-operative society, which has 75 per cent. of the retail trade in the area?

No, Sir. I am not aware of these facts, but I should like to take the opportunity of saying that there is no desire in my Department to make any differentiation between co-operators and other traders.

May we take it that co-operators will not be penalised in the rationing scheme?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in the scheme for pooling of tea, any consideration is given for difference of taste and quality; whether it will be possible to buy established brands that have been mixed as the result of experience of the needs of various parts of the country; and the cause of the rise in price of tea since the war?

There has not been and there is not in operation any scheme for pooling tea, and I hope that no such scheme will be required for some considerable time, if at all. As regards the concluding sentence of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 19th October to the hon. Member for North Cornwall (Mr. Horabin).

Was a pooling scheme originally contemplated and then abandoned? If not, how did the rumour get about?

Could the right hon. Gentleman say how many classes of tea the Food Controller is issuing to the trade?

I could, with notice.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the number of curers registered with the Bacon Marketing Board prior to the outbreak of the war; how many of that number produced less than an average of 15 cwt. of bacon, excluding pickled pork, each week during 1938; and whether, as those registered curers who did produce less than an average of 15 cwt. of bacon, excluding pickled pork, per week during 1938, have been informed by the Bacon Department of the Ministry of Food that they will not be allowed to produce bacon when control commences, it is proposed to compensate those put out of business as a result of this decision?

The number of curers registered under the Bacon Marketing Scheme on 3rd September, 1939, was 551. The number of separate premises on which bacon was being produced by these curers was 569, and in 346 cases the average weekly production of bacon (ex- Cluding pickled pork) during 1938 was less than 15 cwt. It is proposed that these 346 premises should not be licensed for the production of bacon under the Bacon (Licensing of Producers) Order, 1939. There is no reason to suppose, however, that these curers be put out of business as a result of this decision. There will be nothing to prevent their continuing to act as retailers or wholesalers of bacon and provision will be made, when rationing of bacon commences, for supplying them with their due share of bacon to meet the demand of customers registered with them.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, before taking this decision, it was ascertained whether or not the maximum quantities of food are provided by these small curers, who cure only a small proportion of the pork which they receive and turn the offal into pork products, which are largely working-class articles of consumption?

In regard to those businesses which, in the main, are pork butchers' businesses, to which I think the hon. Member refers, I have answered previous questions on that subject, and it is hoped to make provision for them in the scheme.

Is the right hon. Gentleman still prepared to receive representations on this matter?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will consider altering or supplementing Regulations 7 and 8 on ration books, in view of the possibility that the feeding of necessitous children, all communal feeding in elementary and secondary schools and juvenile instruction centres may have to be curtailed or stopped if parents of children so fed hand the whole of the meat vouchers to butchers; and will he take steps to ensure that a fair proportion of meat vouchers are handed to the above centres?

The instructions cannot cover in detail every individual case, and I think that those referred to by the hon. Member clearly imply that a whole page of coupons should not be deposited with a retailer if it is intended to have some meals of the rationed food away from home. The particular cases in the hon. Member's mind are under consideration at the present time.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that on 18th October an official of the Food Ministry called at the town hall of the Borough of Southwark and gave instructions that the food ration cards were to be ready for distribution by the morning of Monday, 23rd October; that the payment of overtime was necessitated to permit the work to be done; and that the cards are still lying at the town hall without any instructions for issue, and why this was done?

Instructions were given to local food offices that the particulars in the ration books should be filled in as soon as possible after the National Registration schedules became available so that if rationing became necessary the scheme could be put into operation with the minimum delay. I have made inquiries into the case referred to by the hon. Member and understand that the food executive officer, in arranging for the expedition of the work, was acting on the advice of a representative of the divisional food officer. As regards the last part of the question, I would ask the hon. Member to await my statement at the end of Questions.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this borough council is to be reimbursed for the extra cost it has incurred in this matter?

All proper costs will be attended to.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the percentage increase in the price of fish since war broke out and whether he is proposing to fix maximum prices; and, if so, when?

According to the Ministry of Labour index, the average percentage increase in the retail prices of fish during the month of September was 29. The October figures are not yet available. In regard to the latter part of the hon. Member's question, I would refer him to the reply given to the hon. Member for Birkenhead on 12th October. It is hoped that the steps which are being taken to set up an Advisory Committee, which I desire to consult on this as on other matters, will be completed at an early date.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that, should there be a further steep increase in fish prices, he will not hesitate to fix maximum prices?

Should circumstances justify, I will gladly give that assurance.

Is the Advisory Committee to which my right hon. Friend has just referred the same one as that to which the First Lord of the Admiralty referred earlier to-day?

I had not the privilege of hearing the reference of the First Lord.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether the pledge given to the herring fishing in dustry that the Ministry of Food would purchase all surplus herring at 30s. per cran still holds good; and will he authorise the English and Scottish fleets to fish to capacity and make adequate arrangements for dealing with the catch?

The Ministry has undertaken to purchase at 30s. per cran all herring not sold at 40s. per cran or over. This undertaking is restricted to the present fishing season at Lowestoft and Yarmouth and in respect of a limited number of boats. In reply to the second part, I would point out that the herring fishing is not controlled, and if the owners of the vessels desire to fish to full capacity, they are free to do so. It is obvious, however, that an undertaking of this nature could not be given without some limit upon the number of vessels to which it would apply, and the number taken was that proposed by the owners themselves.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that out of a total English and Scottish herring drifter fleet of 250 vessels now fishing from Lowestoft and Yarmouth on 25th October no boats were allowed to go to sea, and on preceding and subsequent days, only a maximum of 60, because of the difficulty of disposing of the catch; and whether he will take immediate steps to prevent this waste of potential food reserves, especially in view of the fact that the fishing season will be over in a few weeks?