asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the approximate number of children in Stoke Newington who require elementary education; how many schools and teachers are available to satisfy such need; and what steps he is taking to see that all children are enabled to receive adequate elementary education?

I am informed that there are now about 2,700 children of school age in Stoke Newington for whom three teachers, and part of the services of two others, are available under the "home service" system now in operation. No public elementary schools are at present used for instruction, but the position will be modified as the London County Council give effect to the decision of the Government, announced in the House yesterday, allowing the reopening of schools in certain circumstances in evacuation areas.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware that a number of secondary school teachers have already lost, or are in danger of losing, their employment owing to the evacuation or commandeering of the schools in which they serve; and whether, in view of the fact that the appointment of teachers in State-aided secondary schools is in the hands of local education authorities and governing bodies, he will appeal to those authorities to bear in mind the hard lot of these displaced teachers when filling vacancies in their schools?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to a similar question by the hon. Member for Windsor (Sir A. Somerville) on 26th October. I have every sympathy with teachers who may have lost their employment through circumstances outside their control, and I am sure that local education authorities and governing bodies can be relied on to give every consideration to applications from such teachers in filling normal vacancies. The Board of Education could not take official action to influence the selection of candidates by authorities and governing bodies; but I think the publicity already given to this matter will be sufficient to bring it to their notice.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether the Board has considered the resolution passed by the Durham County Education Committee, recording their strong protest against the action of the Government in suspending the provisions of the Education Act. 1936, so far as these relate to the raising of the school-leaving age; and what reply has been given thereto?

Yes, Sir. The resolution passed by the Durham County Education Committee has been. received by the Board and has been acknowledged.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he proposes to take for the efficient distribution of pamphlets issued by his Department?

The publications in general are listed in His Majesty's Stationery Office "Daily Publishing List," which has an extensive circulation amongst booksellers, etc. Review copies of priced publications are sent to a selected Press list, and copies of free leaflets are supplied on issue to agricultural organisers, county officials and others likely to be in touch with farmers. Wherever possible, the attention of the Press has been drawn to the publication, with an intimation that a printed list of the Ministry's bulletins, leaflets and other publications is supplied free on application. Press publicity is now being intensified and aided by broadcasting. A notable result is that His Majesty's Stationery Office has been able within the last three weeks to dispose of 300,000 copies of "Food from the Garden" and is obtaining a further reprint. I am at present considering further means of bringing the publications to the notice of potential readers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what representations he has received that the net price of 11d. per gallon for liquid milk, valid till 1st February next, does not meet the present cost of production; and what action he is taking thereon?

I have not received any such representations. The pool price for September, the latest available, was 12.3d. per gallon compared with 11.8d. per gallon for September, 1938. As my hon. and gallant Friend may be aware, the pool prices are not fixed in advance, but represent a balance between the receipts realised each month for the sale of milk for liquid consumption and for manufacture. It is not possible, therefore, to say whether the pool prices for the months October to January next will be greater or less than the September price but, while the prices for liquid milk are, for the present, being maintained at the rates ruling during the corresponding month last year, the prices for manufacturing milk have been raised as from 1st November.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of women land-workers who have volunteered to serve and who have been offered employment; and what steps he is taking to popularise their employment?

Over 30,000 women have volunteered for service on the land during the war, and about 24,000 of these are now enrolled in the Women's Land Army. Nine hundred were placed in employment during the month of September and it is estimated that this number has since been doubled. Women's Land Army county committees, in close co-operation with the National Farmers' Union, the War Agricultural Executive Committees, the principals of training centres and local employment offices of the Ministry of Labour, have been active in drawing the attention of farmers to the fact that women land-workers are available in any district where there is a shortage of agricultural labour.

asked the Minister of Agriculture to state the functions of the recently appointed Poultry Consultative or Advisory Committee?

The Poultry Advisory Committee was appointed to advise me on matters affecting the interests of the poultry industry which may be referred to the committee from time to time during the war.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the county war agricultural executive committees have power to enforce proper protection of all potato stacks during this winter, with the object of avoiding waste of food?

County War Agricultural Executive Committees have no power to enforce action for the protection of potatoes in clamps. I think, however, that farmers in their own interests may be relied upon to take all necessary steps to prevent damage to their stock of potatoes during the winter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether a register is being kept of neglected or derelict estates, with a view to acquisition for agricultural wartime purposes; and whether any orders have been issued under the Defence of the Realm Act to acquire such estates for such purposes, and the acreage involved?

County War Agricultural Executive Committees report to the Ministry cases where in their opinion it is necessary to exercise the powers delegated to them to take possession of under-cultivated land (including buildings) for the purpose of increasing the food supply of the country. My consent is required and has been given in four such cases comprising a total area of 427 acres. Other applications are under consideration.

asked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the widespread distress among certain classes of the community, in particular hotel and boarding-house proprietors and garage proprietors, who, on account of evacuation, Government control, restriction of supplies, and other causes attributable directly to the war, are quite unable to meet their commitments for rent and rates, he will consider ways and means of alleviating the resultant position as between landlord and tenant which is fast arriving at a deadlock?

This matter is under investigation and I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave yesterday in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Kensington South (Sir W. Davison), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give the composition of the committee which is inquiring into civil liabilities in relation to the war and war-time legislation; what evidence is being taken; what type of evidence is required; whether offers of evidence are welcomed; and whether he is satisfied that sufficient time has elapsed to enable a correct estimate to be formed of the effect of war-time legislation?

I think that there is some misapprehension with reference to the committee to which my hon. Friend's question refers. The Home Policy Committee has committed to the departmental advisers of the Ministers composing the Home Policy Committee, acting together, the duty of collating such evidence as is available with respect to the effect of the war and war-time legislation on civil liabilities, and for that purpose of receiving information by way of interview or written communication from those whom they consider best fitted to advise and inform them. I understand that from time to time as their task proceeds a report of these investigations will be made to the Home Policy Committee who will then have it in their power to consider whether legislation or other remedial action should be set on foot.Any information and any class of opinion bearing upon the subject under discussion will be gladly received by the body to which I have referred. Until their investigation has proceeded a little further, it is not possible to say whether a correct estimate can be made of the effect of war-time legislation.I will, if my hon. Friend desires, furnish him with the name and address of the official to whom communications on this matter should be made.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has further considered the appeal made to him by petition and correspondence, by and on behalf of the residents of Frecheville, Gleadless and Beighton, for further air-raid equipment, first-aid posts and air-raid shelters, on the ground that their close proximity to Sheffield makes it a very vulnerable area, and with what result?

Representations made to me on behalf of these areas have been confined to requests for early issue of standard steel shelters; and, as the hon. Member is aware, I have not felt able to make any promise in that respect for the reasons I gave him.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the blue volunteer enrolment form for civil defence, rescue parties, building trade workers, London, is about to be withdrawn and a new one issued with certain alterations; whether he will state the nature of such alterations and whether the building trade unions have been consulted on the matter?

I am informed that consultation has taken place between the local authority and the appropriate trade union representatives with a view to alterations of the form, principally to record an agreed increase in the rates of pay for the skilled members of rescue parties.

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether, in the case of rooms placed at the disposal of local authorities by householders for use as air-raid wardens' posts, he is aware that certain local authorities are of the opinion that the minimum figure to cover lighting, heating, cleaning, rental of telephone, rent of room, including use of furniture, would be 15s. per week; and whether he can, therefore, consider increasing the sum of 5s. fixed by his Department for this purpose;(2) whether his Department has informed all local authorities that 5s. has been fixed as the charge for the use of a room in a private house for an air-raid warden's post; and whether the local authorities have expressed any opinion as to the adequacy or inadequacy of this sum?

No such instruction has been issued by my Department. In a few cases local authorities have been informed that the charge for heating and lighting a room should not exceed 5s. a week. I have not received any representations from local authorities, but if they are made I will certainly consider them.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will, in the near future, initiate legislation to enable the tenant who purchases an Anderson air-raid shelter to retain possession should he leave the premises on which it is erected so that the shelter shall not revert to the landlord of the premises?

As at present advised I do not consider that legislation on this matter is called for.

asked the Home Secretary what was the number of steel shelters for free distribution applied for by the boroughs of Bexley, Dartford, and Erith up to 31st October, and the number supplied to these boroughs, respectively, by that date?

The information has been communicated to the hon. Member.

asked the Home Secretary what was the number of steel shelters for free distribution applied for by Crayford Urban District Council, by Swanscombe Urban District Council, and by Stone Parish Council up to 31st October, and the number supplied to these districts, respectively, by that date?

The information has been communicated privately to the hon. Member.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make on the difficulties that have arisen between air-raid wardens and the police authorities in Leeds?

My right hon. Friend understands that some members of the wardens' service at Leeds took exception to the form in which a decision of the chief constable (who is also the A.R.P. controller for the city) was conveyed to them. This decision was to the effect that, in present circumstances, it was not necessary for wardens to undertake directly the duty of dealing with un-obscured lights. From inquiries which he has made the difficulties seem not to be so serious as at first appeared, and my right hon. Friend would not regard the matter as calling for further intervention on his part. He is satisfied that the action of the chief constable was in no way due to lack of confidence in the wardens whose valuable work is fully recognised.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that the air-raid defences in Goole and district are sufficient to give adequate protection to the population in that area?

The state of preparation in Goole of the Civil Defence services is, generally speaking, well up to standard; and my right hon. Friend will continue to keep the position under close review.

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether he is collecting the many gasmasks whose owners have now been furnished with service gas-masks; and what use he proposes to make of them;

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, owing to the distribution of the service gas-masks many serving men now have in addition gas-masks originally distributed which they no longer need; and what steps are being taken to collect this surplus equipment for alternative use?

I understand these questions to refer only to persons who receive service respirators on joining some branch of the fighting Services. I am informed that the civilian respirators in the possession of these persons are withdrawn, and in the case of the Army there is a recent arrangement whereby the withdrawn respirators are for the time being held by the Army authorities. In the case of the Navy and the Air Force the withdrawn respirators are returned to the local authority, but I am proposing to make more specific arrangements for their collection.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered representations sent through his senior regional officer from the city engineer of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, dated 19th October, and a resolution unanimously passed by the officers of the rescue service of the city requesting the provision of a satisfactory uniform of a standard similar to that supplied to the Auxiliary Fire Service; and whether he has decided to accede to this request?

I have considered these representations, but I cannot authorise local authorities to provide for members of the rescue service any uniform other than the uniform overall which is being made available for members of air-raid precautions services.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has again considered the schemes of local authorities for provision of trailer-ambulances; and what financial assistance he is prepared to recommend towards the upkeep of such a service?

I would refer to the reply which I gave on the 31st October to the hon. Member for Clackmannan and Eastern (Mr. Woodburn) as to the purchase of suitable vehicles for the emergency ambulance service. Approved expenditure in the acquisition of these vehicles, and maintenance charges in respect of them, will rank for grant under the Air-Raid Precautions Acts 1937.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mrs. Hallows, an evacuation helper at Penwortham, Preston. who with her seven-year old son, was compelled to leave her lodgings on 6th October, at 9 p.m., by two policemen, on the instructions of M. E. Fraser, the voluntary billeting officer; and whether he will order an inquiry into the whole matter?

I have had very full inquiries made into the matter and am communicating with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Health how many aldermen and councillors on Metropolitan boroughs are in receipt of wages or salaries upon the ground of being employed in Civil Defence, under the provisions of Section 10 of the Local Government Staffs (War Service) Act?

I regret that the information desired by my hon. Friend is not available.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that residents in Chingford have been asked to apply for discs stating that they object to vaccination or inoculation in the event of their becoming air-raid casualties; whether this procedure has his approval; and whether this is a local scheme or part of a national scheme?

It is not with my knowledge or approval that any such request has been made, and it does not form part of the national scheme for dealing with casualties.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider compiling and publishing for general information a list of organisations or individuals who are conducting pro-German propaganda at the present time?

No, Sir. The question whether particular activities are calculated to assist the enemy is an issue which would have to be decided by a Court in the event of legal proceedings being taken, and it would not be right therefore for me to prejudge that issue by publishing a list of the organisations or individuals whose activities may be thought to require special attention.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the great inconvenience to newsagents and booksellers which will be caused by the proposed order to close shops at 6 p.m. five days per week for the sale of periodicals, books and stationery; and whether he will reconsider the matter?

The new regulation referred to allows newspapers to be sold in shops until 8 p.m. on five days a week and until 9 p.m. on the late day, and this applies to the sale of some publications which are known to the trade as periodicals. I regret that I should not feel justified in extending this provision to books, stationery and periodicals which are not newspapers, but it is open to these shops to apply to the local authority to allow them to remain open until a later hour not later than 7 p.m. (or 8 p.m. on the late day) if local conditions make such a variation desirable.

asked the Home Secretary whether some extension beyond 6 p.m., under the Shop Hours Act, can be permitted to small hairdressing shops when they rely largely on evening trade for their livelihood?

The Order-in-Council which fixed 6 p.m. as the general closing hour also empowered local authorities to substitute an hour not later than 7 p.m., or 8 p.m. on the late day, for any class of trade or business in any part of their area. If in any area hairdressers think they can make out a case for being allowed to open for the extra hour, it is open to them to make representations to their local authority.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in the last war, for the benefit of serving officers and men, where there was sufficient time for the publication of banns, the cost of a special marriage licence was reduced from £2 to 10s.; and is there any reason why the same concession should not be made in similar cases now?

I understand that during the last war Diocesan Registrars issued licences (not special licences) for the sum of 10s. to any sailors and soldiers below commissioned rank who were desirous of marrying at short notice and whose circumstances did not permit them to pay the usual fees. I am informed that this matter has again been under the consideration of the ecclesiastical authorities in connection with the present emergency; and that while they are not satisfied that it is necessary owing to changed circumstances to follow the same practice as in the last war, cases of real hardship will be considered sympathetically, on their merits, by the Diocesan Registrars.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any consideration has been or will be given to the need of increasing the scales of payment to unemployed workers, in view of the increase in the cost of living?

As regards unemployment assistance I cannot add anything at the moment to replies given recently on this subject in the House. So far as unemployment benefit is concerned the question of the financial condition of the Unemployment Insurance Fund will be receiving consideration by the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee shortly.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, owing to the closing down of business premises in vulnerable areas, there are a great number of non-manual workers who were outside the scope of the State unemployment insurance and who, whilst being deprived

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make inquiries into the case of a Greenock man who, on 29th August, 1939, was released from the London Scottish, at the request of a Ministry of Labour official, because of scientific qualifications; and why the said

I would refer the hon. Member to the provisions of the Unemployment Assistance (Emergency Powers) Act, 1939, and to the Unemployment Assistance (Prevention and Relief of Distress) Regulations, 1939, laid on the 7th September, 1939, which make provision for giving assistance to the class of person mentioned by the hon Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he: can state the number of unemployed miners now registered at the various Employment Exchanges in county Durham?

The table below shows the numbers of insured persons, aged 14·64, in the coal-mining industry classification recorded as unemployed at the undermentioned Employment Exchanges at IIth September, 1939:man has not been given a post by the Ministry of Labour, with the result that he has been without employment since 29th August, 1939?

If the hon. Member will let me have particulars of the case to which he refers, I shall be glad to look into it.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the number of persons wholly unemployed and temporarily stopped at Normanton, Castle-ford and Pontefract at the present time, and the comparative figures for August last?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the percentage of increase of unemployment in stone-quarrying in Great Britain; and whether an effort can be made to extend the use of British stone for war-time needs?

At nth September, 1939, the latest date for which figures are a1 present available, the number of insured persons, aged 14–64, recorded as unemployed in the stone quarrying industry in Great Britain was 4,411, compared with 3,520 at 14th August, showing an increase between the two dates of about 25 per cent.As regards the second part of the question, I should be glad to refer to the Departments concerned any suggestions that my hon. Friend may wish to make.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is satisfied that the wages and conditions of labour at the Sydney Wake, Limited, studios, now processing a film for the Government, are in accordance with trade union standards; and whether he will take any action necessary to see that such a standard is observed?

I have no information as to the wages and conditions of labour at the firm in question. If the firm is

The following table shows the numbers of unemployed persons on the registers of the Normanton, Castleford and Pontefract Employment Exchanges at 11th September, 1939 (the latest date for which figures are at present available) and at 14th August, 1939:engaged on a Government contract the contract will include the Fair Wages Clause, and if there is reason to suppose that the requirements of the Clause are not being carried out representations may be made to the Department on whose behalf the contract is being carried out.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of factories completed; the number under construction; and the number of persons now employed on the Team Valley Trading Estate?

On 30th September, 1939, the number of factories completed on the Team Valley Trading Estate was 123 and a further six factories were under construction. Three thousand three hundred and twenty-one persons were employed in the factories on 31st August, 1939, the last date for which particulars are available.

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the tribunals dealing with conscientious objectors have so far met; how many cases have been heard in each; how many complete exemptions have been given; how many conditional exemptions; how many have been ordered to join non-combatant corps; and how many have been completely rejected?

As at 22nd October, 1939, nine local tribunals had met. The number of decisions given at that date was: London, 327; South Western, 166; Midlands, 18; Northumberland and Durham, 87; North Eastern, 28; South Wales, 99; South West Scotland, 148; South East Scotland, 19; North Scotland, 6. One hundred and thirteen persons were registered unconditionally by the tribunals as conscientious objectors, 365 were registered conditionally, and 189 were removed from the conscientious objector register.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that many of the workers employed at Rosyth Dockyard, resident in Kirkcaldy, Dysart, Boreland, and other towns in Fife on account of the lack of housing accommodation at Rosyth, are dependent on an irregular, inadequate, and expensive omnibus service, which involves their leaving home at 4.30 a.m. and returning at 9 p.m.; and whether any action is being taken to improve their travelling facilities or to provide increased housing at Rosyth?

The Admiralty, the Dunfermline Town Council and the Scottish National Housing Company have undertaken schemes for the construction of houses to be occupied by Admiralty workpeople. The Admiralty is also converting certain requisitioned property to accommodate a large number.In addition arrangements are being made to provide, within certain limits, free travelling facilities for dockyard workpeople who have been transferred to Rosyth from southern dockyards.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty at what rates payment is made for the hire of road motor goods vehicles by his Department; what are the periods of payment; and to what date full payment has already been issued?

Rates at which motor goods vehicles are hired under emergency conditions vary in different localities and have mostly been settled on the spot by the local Admiralty authorities on the best terms obtainable, according to the nature and duration of the work to be performed. Payment is made as bills are rendered. At certain places the settlement of standard rates of hire is still under correspondence but in these cases reasonable advances have been made.The answer to the last part of the question could not be given without a large number of inquiries addressed to each of the many local authorities concerned. The date would, of course, vary for each establishment.

asked the Minister of Supply whether his attention has been drawn to the desirability of allocating certain phases of munitions production to the town of St. Helens, Lancashire, as was done between the years of 1914 and 1918, as this town is in a neutral area and has, at present, large unemployment figures?

Firms in areas with a high rate of unemployment receive preference, other things being equal, in the allocation of Ministry of Supply contracts. There are a number of firms in St. Helens who are on the Ministry's contracts lists, and if there are additional firms who desire their capacity for munitions production to be investigated, they should apply to the Area Officer, Piccadilly House, Piccadilly, Manchester.New munition factories are erected so far as possible in districts having a high rate of unemployment, and the claims of this part of Lancashire have not been overlooked.

asked the Minister of Supply what were the circumstances in which he issued the Control of Shirts Order?

The War Office asked at short notice for the provision of a very large requirement of woollen vests, of which 250,000 were wanted immediately. Efforts were made to purchase the 250,000 from manufacturers' stocks, but only 60,000 could be obtained in this way. I was not satisfied that this quantity represented all the vests in the hands of manufacturers, and I therefore made the Order in question. The Order enabled the Ministry to take possession of all vests of a specified description at the works of manufacturers or in warehouses, and as it happens that these vests are known in the trade as woollen shirts, the term "Woollen Shirts" was used in the Order.The staff of the Ministry deputed to carry out the requisitioning were instructed to be ready at all centres where the goods were manufactured or warehoused in order to go through the premises with the minimum of delay. They were to present the Order and after selecting the vests required to hand the firm concerned an order releasing them from the further operation of the Order. In no case was the ordinary business of the firm held up for more than two hours. Over 120 firms were visited in the course of four days. The control then ended and the Order had produced over 200,000 vests which had not previously been offered to the Government.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he has received from the Russian Government any formal assurance that rubber supplied by this country to Russia under current trade agreements will not be re-exported to Germany?

No, Sir. But, as I informed my hon. Friend the Member for West Leeds (Mr. V. Adams) on 17th October, the quantities involved are not large in relation to the quantities required by the U.S.S.R. for its own use.

asked the Minister of Supply how many controls have been set up by his Department and for what purposes; who is in charge of each of these; where have their headquarters been established; and what is the present authorised establishment of each, giving salaried officials and others on a weekly payment basis?

Sixteen controls have been set up by my Department for the purposes explained in the opening part of the statement which I made on the 21st September in the Debate on the Ministry of Supply. I have had a list prepared giving the names of the controllers and their headquarters and will send a copy to my hon. Friend.The compilation of the complete information requested in the last part of the question would involve a call on the time of the staff which I am reluctant to make in existing pressure, but I will furnish my hon. Friend, as regards each of the controls, with information similar to that which I promised to the hon. Member for Salford, North (Mr. Morris) on the 19th October in relation to the Timber Control, that is, the names of staff, other than juniors, with their salaries and former occupations.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will consider ways and means of providing that all tenders for Government requirements shall be quoted f.o.r. at works or nearest railway station and so eliminate the factor of freightage from contractors' costs and concurrently create a special State fund from which transport charges will be provided?

The practice of putting transport contracts out to tender has been in force for a considerable time and is being extended, so that the factor of freightage cost is eliminated from the contractor's cost in many cases. The last part of the question involves considerations which are outside my province.

asked the Minister of Supply what steps he has taken to see that manufacturers get their supply of raw materials in right quantity and at the right time?

One of the main purposes of the various controls over raw materials which I have set up is to ensure that, so far as the available supplies permit, the manufacturers requiring materials for essential purposes obtain them according to their needs.The relative importance of contractors' needs is decided by the Priority organisation of the Government which I described in detail in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent (Mr. E. Smith) on 18th October.

asked the Minister of Supply what steps are being taken to augment home-production of raw materials?

The hon. Member may be assured that this matter is receiving due attention, and that active steps are being taken.

asked the Minister of Supply what steps have been taken to ascertain machinery and labour capacities of different firms; and how the priority system is worked in terms of raw materials, machinery and labour requirements?

Information as to the capacity of firms suitable for armament production has been steadily collected over the last few years, a special central organisation for the purpose having been provided in the Committee of Imperial Defence. With regard to the labour position, I am in close touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.As regards the second part of the question, a description of the priority machinery was given at some length in the OFFICIAL REPORT of the 18th of October, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Stoke (Mr. E. Smith). The central organisation above mentioned has now been brought into the priority machinery.

asked the Minister of Supply how many persons employed in his Department were selected through the central register of the Ministry of Labour; and by whom, or by what selection, were the other appointments made, clerical and messenger staff excluded?

I have interpreted my hon. and learned Friend's question as relating to the staff employed in my Department exclusive of the staffs employed in the various raw materials controls. Since the outbreak of war, when the central register first began to function, the Ministry of Supply has used it to the fullest possible extent for the classes of occupation for which it caters. The number of persons who were selected through this channel is 152.With regard to the second part of the question, the other appointments referred to have been filled, apart from cases where urgency or special circumstances have called for other arrangements, through normal Departmental machinery by (

asked the Minister of Supply whether he has considered the resolution passed by the Manchester Timber Trade Association, and whether he proposes to adopt the suggestion therein, that the control personnel should be drawn from the agents' and brokers' section of the trade, and that licences should be issued only by such officials?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The control personnel includes persons drawn from the agents' and brokers' section of the trade as well as from the importing and merchanting sections. The issue of licences, however, requires practical knowledge of timber consumption, and it is necessary to employ upon this part of the control's work persons possessing such knowledge.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that manufacturers of wooden products are unable to obtain a licence from the Timber Control Department as long as they have any stock in their yard seasoning; and whether in order to overcome this difficulty, he will bring into immediate operation some form of rationing whereby manufacturers can purchase a reasonable percentage of their normal requirements?

Every effort is being made to ensure the equitable distribution among all consumers of supplies of timber, with due regard to the prior claims of the Defence Departments, the export trade, and other national services. In present circumstances, it is necessary when considering applications for licences, to take account of stocks held by applicants. I shall be glad to investigate any specific case of hardship which my hon. Friend may have in mind.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he can state the terms of appointment of the timber controller; on what date he was first retained for this purpose; and from what date he was first remunerated?

After my assumption of the duties placed upon me by the Minister of Supply Act the present Timber Controller, Major A. I. Harris, was on 26th August designated by me to act in that capacity, if it proved necessary to put the control plans into operation in an emergency. I understand that for some two years previously he had in an honorary capacity given considerable assistance to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade in the preparation of those plans. He is a Past President of the Timber Trade Federation. He was formally appointed as Controller by me on 3rd September. The salary authorised for the post is £1,500 per annum, but up to the present Major Harris has not accepted any remuneration. As I have already informed the House, all the Controllers whom I have appointed are required during tenure of their posts to cease from active participation in business enterprises in any way connected with the industry whose materials they are controlling.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will state the name of the holder of the office of timber-shipping director; when he was appointed; and whether he is the first holder of this office?

There is no separate office of timber-shipping director. One of the Assistant Controllers in the Timber Control deals with questions relating to the importation of timber, including shipping questions. The Assistant Controller dealing with these questions at present is Mr. E. Lindsey-Renton, who was appointed on the 25th October in place of Mr. P. B. Meyer, resigned.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of the serious unemployment at present existing at the Morris motor-car and radiator factories and at the pressed steel factory at Oxford; and what explanation there is of such unemployment, in view of the expressed intention of the Government to utilise all our resources in support of the national war effort?

The Morris Motor Car factories and the subsidiary organisations feeding them were organised in the main for light-car production until the outbreak of hostilities. Modern methods of flow production call for a special lay-out to deal with the particular product, and before the factories can be used for other purposes it will be necessary to effect complete alteration of this lay-out.The various organisations controlled by Lord Nuffield have very large Government orders and they are using then-various works on a sub-contracting basis wherever possible. Other arrangements are in hand and all departments of the Ministry are fully aware of the facilities and hope to make use of them increasingly as time proceeds.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that there are a number of tinplate and steel-sheet works in West Wales lying idle; and, as similar buildings and plant were adapted for munition purposes during 1914–18, whether he will consider the utilisation of these plants during the present emergency particularly as there are large numbers of unemployed in the area?

My information is that most of the tinplate and steel-sheet plant which can be economically employed is at work and that it is unlikely that any of the works now idle would lend themselves to adaptation for munitions purposes. If, however, the hon. Member will send me details of any factories which might be suitable for my purposes, I should be glad to have inquiries made.

asked the Minister of Supply when manufacturers of coal and coke sacks will be enabled to purchase from their usual suppliers hemp sacking, which has been held up since the beginning of September, as manufacturers are faced with the prospect of discharging their employés, although there is a demand for coal and coke sacks?

No restriction is placed by my Department upon the sale of hemp sacking, and the few cases which have been brought to the attention of the Hemp Control of difficulty in securing supplies of hemp for this purpose have been satisfactorily settled.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can now describe the system under which fat cattle and sheep are to be marketed; and how prices are to be determined at the various stages between producers and consumers?

The full plan of control of meat and livestock is of course not yet in operation but under that plan it is proposed that farmers shall bring all their fat cattle and fat sheep to collecting centres where they will be bought by the Government. The fatstock purchased will be slaughtered on behalf of the Government in selected slaughter-houses, and the resultant meat will be distributed, through wholesale meat supply associations, acting as the Government's agents, to the retail trade.All the markets which are at present used as certification centres under the Livestock Industry Act (1937) together with a few additional markets have been selected as collecting centres. The stock will be paid for at prescribed prices according to grade and classification. The grading of cattle will be carried out by the existing cattle certifying authorities and similar authorities have been set up in respect of sheep.The question of prices for livestock is under active consideration between officers of my Department and of the Agricultural Departments, in consultation with the National Farmers' Unions of England and Scotland.The price of meat to the retailer will be fixed at a figure to cover the cost, and it is intended that retail prices to the consumer shall be such as to allow retailers a reasonable margin of profit.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what complaints he has received that, in allocating the distribution of foodstuffs to different areas, no account has been taken of the increase in population in the reception areas since the war; and whether he can make any statement on this subject?

Any such complaints would have been unjustifiable, since plans were made before war broke out to increase the supplies of all the staple foodstuffs in the reception areas. These plans have worked well. Through its divisional food offices the Ministry of Food is in daily touch with the food supply position in all areas, and immediate steps are taken, wherever practicable, to remedy faulty distribution.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster why it is necessary to control tea?

Tea is an irreplaceable item in the diet of all classes of the community, and the demand for it is accentuated by war-time conditions. Adequate supplies at reasonable prices are essential, and supplies are, therefore, being maintained by direct Government contracts with the producing estates in India, Ceylon and East Africa. The scheme of control is directed to allotting to traders supplies in proportion to the quantities they handled in a pre-war period.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether arrangements have been made to supply a sufficient quantity of sugar in those districts where home-brewing is a long established practice, to enable production to be carried on?

I have the matter to which my hon. Friend refers under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can make a statement on the position of the negotiations between the Eire and British Governments concerning Eire butter, eggs, bacon, pigs, and fat cattle exports?

Negotiations are taking place between the Ministry and the Eire Government, including representatives of the recently appointed Pig and Bacon Control Board. I am not in a position at present to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that the prices of wheat, meal, and corn for poultry have risen since 3rd September by 2S. 9d., 1s. 8d., and 1s. 8d. per cwt., respectively, and as a consequence poultry farmers are facing a serious situation; and what steps he proposes to take in order to deal with the situation?

The prices of animal feeding stuffs, other than home-produced wheat, are fixed at approximately prewar prices by the Feeding Stuffs (Maximum Prices) Order which came into force on 29th September, and no poultry keeper should pay more than the prices laid down in the Order. The price of home-produced wheat is fixed by the Wheat (Prices) Order which comes into operation on 3rd November, at 7s. per cwt. plus certain margins for distribution. This represents an increase over the prewar price of home-grown, which was necessary to bring the price into line with the cost of imported wheat.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) whether it is his intention to encourage the production of first-grade meat either by a special subsidy for this quality of meat or a special higher fixed price; and what steps the Government propose to take to see that the standards of grading of this class of meat are the same in all districts throughout Great Britain;(2) Whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the present fixed price of 48s. per cwt. for fat cattle is some shillings less than Scottish farmers, especially those in the North-East, were receiving for their fat cattle at public auction marts prior to the commencement of the war; if and when the Government propose to increase the fixed price; and if the fixed price is altered he will see that it is a price that will give producers a reasonable profit after taking into account the increased costs of production?

I am aware that the existing maximum price of 48s. per cwt. for fat cattle is lower than the prices which were being received immediately before the war for a proportion of the fat cattle produced by Scottish farmers. There is, however, at this time of the year usually a fall in the price of fat cattle, and I am not prepared at present to give any undertaking as to the date upon which the existing Maximum Price Order will be revised. I can, however, assure my hon. Friend that I am giving, in consultation with my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Scotland, close consideration to the possibility of assisting quality production in war-time, and I will do my utmost whenever a new schedule of prices is made, to bear in mind the considerations to which he refers in the last part of his question.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what arrangements have been made to maintain and stimulate the production of regional types of cheese in Great Britain during the war, with a view to satisfying the public demand for cheese from home sources so far as possible?

I am considering the position in regard to cheese and will bear in mind the question of regional types which my hon. and gallant Friend mentions. On the general question of production I would refer to the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend on the 1st November.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether any arrangements are being made for bulk purchases of this season's apple crop for the use of the fighting Services?

I understand that apples are not a general ration of any of the fighting Services, and that their supply is determined by the tastes and demand of individual units. Such demand is normally met by purchases through the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes. I would refer my hon. Friend, however, to my reply yesterday to a question on the subject by my hon. Friend the Member for Tonbridge (Sir A. Baillie).

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will state the price of the 2-lb. white loaf and the 4-lb. white loaf in the provinces; the date when the last increase in price in the provinces was sanctioned, together with the amount; and give the same information for London?

The Ministry of Food is at present continuing the arrangements made by the Food Council with regard to bread prices. A price is fixed for the 4-lb. loaf in London. Some provincial areas follow the changes made in London but many do not and bread prices in the provinces vary considerably. The last increase of price in London was from 7½d. to 8d. per 4-lb. loaf on 25th September, 1939.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in cases where the wife of a serving soldier joins the Auxiliary Territorial Service, marriage allowance ceases to be payable irrespective of any civil obligation the couple may have, such as purchasing a house; and whether the soldier has a right to apply to the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee for a supplementary allowance in such cases?

As matters stand at present, the answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and, unless and until any different instructions are issued, the second part of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any measures have been taken to deal with the numerous and increasing complaints of damage done to agriculturists and other inhabitants of the countryside by training camps and other Defence establishments of the Army and Royal Air Force; and whether he will consider setting up on the staff of each home command a staff officer and a land agent, as was done in the Northern Command in the last war, to go round and assess damage done and to act as a liaison body between the Defence authorities and the aggrieved persons through their county war agricultural committees?

Every effort is made by the local military authorities, in consultation with the Land Commissioners, to minimise the disturbance to agriculture caused by the training of troops. War Department land agents are stationed at command headquarters and are being established at sub-offices throughout the commands and are always available for consultation; and my Department are in frequent touch with the Ministry of Agriculture to consider the improvement of arrangements for local co-ordination. Compensation for damage done on land of which the War Department have taken possession is payable under the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939, and the lands staff has been specially strengthened to deal with such claims. They will also deal with compensation for damage due to training on land of which the War Department have not taken complete possession.So far as the Royal Air Force is concerned, I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air that every endeavour is made in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture to minimise disturbance to agriculture when sites for Royal Air Force training establishments are selected, and there is little likelihood of similar disturbance to agriculture resulting from training activities. Should any case arise, my right hon. Friend will, of course, be prepared to receive a claim for compensation, which will be considered similarly on its merits.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to make German prisoners of war friends of this nation and likely later on to explain to their countrymen our own point of view?

German prisoners of war are being well fed and well treated, and have shown themselves much impressed by the marked difference between actual conditions in this country and the picture which had been put before them in Germany. They have access to our newspapers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the granting of commissions from the ranks depends in any way upon the possession of private means; and why some recent applicants from the ranks have been asked questions as to their means?

The granting of commissions from the ranks does not depend in any way upon the possession of private means, the sole qualification being the merit of the individual. No instructions have been given for inquiry into the private means of individuals recommended for commissions, and any inquiries of this nature which may have been made are unofficial, and have no bearing on whether or not the candidate receives a commission.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that wives of military and naval men in the employ of the Edinburgh Corporation tramway department are prevented from receiving their allowances from the corporation by delays on the part of the men's units in returning the questionnaire sent them by the Edinburgh Corporation; and will he take steps to have prompt attention given to these inquiries?

If the hon. Member will supply a list of the men concerned with their units and numbers, inquiries will be made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make an announcement with regard to a new scheme for the welfare of soldiers?

Provision is made for the welfare of the soldier through a number of organisations. Every officer is instructed to look after his men and attend to all their personal needs. In addition, there are Army chaplains, medical officers and sports officers, and there are institutions such as the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes and various philanthropic organisations who are also interested. Further, the Nuffield Trust furnishes a large sum of money to be spent in directions not covered by public funds.It is realised, however, that with the great increase in the Army, drawing men from all parts of the country and from all walks of life, some further provision might with advantage be made, and it has accordingly been decided to appoint to the staff of each General Officer Com-manding-in-Chief an honorary Welfare Officer. He will make recommendations to, and be available for consultation with, the Command on any question affecting the welfare of the troops.Each Territorial Army Association has been asked to appoint one or more Social Welfare Officers, who may be civilians or retired officers, to be responsible for assisting commanding officers and for coordinating all efforts to improve the conditions of the troops. County Associations will be responsible for providing the necessary clerical assistance. Further, each Territorial Army County Association has also been invited to appoint a Social Welfare Committee to study the subject of the social welfare of the troops and to afford what help may be required. The County Welfare Officers will expend, for the benefit of the soldier, funds that the County Welfare Committees may be able to derive from individuals and organisations within the county.The new welfare scheme will be supervised by Lieut.-General Sir John Brown, Deputy Adjutant-General (T), War Office, under the Adjutant-General. Full particulars of this scheme, from which it is hoped much benefit to the Army may be derived, will to-day be published. If any hon. Members, whose qualifications seem particularly suitable to this work, would care to interest themselves in it, I should be grateful if they would notify me.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the difficulties experienced by officers in obtaining copies of Form M.S.A.C. 21; and whether he will see that adequate supplies are forthcoming?

All regimental paymasters hold stocks of this form which should be adequate and can be replenished whenever necessary. Commanding officers who require copies should apply to the regimental paymasters.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the object of the blue lamps in railway trains, which give out a certain amount of heat but not sufficient light for a person to see whether anyone is in the compartment; and will drivers of electric trains be permitted to switch on the ordinary lights in tunnels, particularly in the day-time, as the present system is causing discomfort and annoyance to passengers?

There has been some difficulty in obtaining a sufficient supply of suitable blue glass, with the result that it has been necessary to spray lamps with blue paint, and in some cases this has been done with undue liberality. Steps have been taken to rectify this and I am assured that blue lamps of standard intensity are now fitted in most trains, and provide light sufficient to enable passengers to move about in reasonable comfort.I regret that it is not possible to permit ordinary lights to be switched on in tunnels. The provision of these standard lamps would be greatly accelerated if the public would co-operate with the Railway Companies in preventing the theft of a large number of bulbs every day. The removal of one bulb may mean plunging the whole of a coach into darkness.Arrangements have been completed to allow the installation of reading lights in main line trains, and progress in this matter is being made as rapidly as circumstances and the supply of equipment permit.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the termination of the daylight-saving period, he will arrange a more efficient lighting on all long-distance trains?

As I stated last week in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Brentford (Mr. Mitchell) the equipment of main line trains with reading light is proceeding. The hon. Member will no doubt have observed that a satisfactory start has been made with a train on the London, Midland and Scottish Railway, and others will follow as quickly as the necessary equipment can be provided.

asked the Minister of Transport at what rate payment is made for hire of road motor goods vehicles requisitioned by his Department; what are the periods of payment; and to what date full payment has already been made?

No road motor goods vehicles have been requisitioned by my Department for its own use. The Departments for which vehicles have been requisitioned by the Ministry of Transport are themselves responsible for the payment of compensation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is his intention to bring the price of newsprint within the scope of the Prices of Goods Bill; whether he is aware of the proposal of the paper controller to increase the price of newsprint from £12 5s. a ton to £17 a ton, and all other papers by approximately 50 per cent. in the immediate future; and whether he proposes to take any effective action to prevent this steep rise in the price of paper which will have serious repercussions on the newspaper, printing and allied trades?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As I explained in the course of the Debates on the Prices of Goods Bill, the Bill will not be applied to commodities whose price is fixed by Government Departments.In regard to the latter part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 31st October by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Supply, to the hon. Members for Wycombe (Sir A. Knox) and Kidderminster (Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make a statement on the Government's policy regarding the promotion of improved trade relations between Great Britain and Russia and with the Governments of the Balkan countries?

It is, of course, the constant wish of His Majesty's Government to improve their trade relations with the Soviet Union as with other neutral countries, but I am not at present able to add anything to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for the Forest of Dean (Mr. Price) on 12th October. The best means of maintaining and the possibility of expanding trade between the United Kingdom and the Balkan countries is being discussed with representatives of the respective countries, though I am not yet in a position to make any announcement on the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the value of the import and export trade, respectively, between Great Britain and Russia from the outbreak of war, to the nearest possible date?

The publication of monthly particulars of trade with individual countries has been suspended during the period of the war, as this information may be of value to the enemy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider a revision of the Import of Goods (Prohibition) (No. 1) Order, 1939, dated 3rd September, 1939, relative to the admission of musical instruments from France; and whether he will consider receiving trade representations on this matter?

My right hon. Friend is always ready to receive trade representations, but the purpose of these restrictions must be kept in mind in considering them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the difficulty of obtaining battery-refills for torches owing to shopkeepers refusing to supply less than a complete torch; and will he take steps to stop such exploitation?

As my right hon. Friend explained in answer to a question by the hon. Member for Devizes (Sir P. Hurd) on 31st October, the present demand for batteries largely exceeds the available supply and it is obviously possible that shopkeepers do not always have in stock refills of the desired size available. I am inquiring into complaints where it is alleged that supplies are available but are being reserved for those customers who buy a complete torch.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many control committees have been set up by his Department and for what purpose; what is the present establishment of each, giving number of salaried officials and those in receipt of weekly wages; and what is the estimated annual cost for salaries and wages of each committee?

My right hon. Friend has appointed a controller of imported dyestuffs and a representative committee to advise him. The controller has the assistance of a staff of eight persons whose duties were previously to assist the Dyestuffs Advisory Licensing Committee under the Dyestuffs (Import Regulation) Acts, 1920–34. Of this staff one is in receipt of a salary of £212 per annum and the others are paid by the week. The annual cost of the salaries and wages of this staff is estimated at £1,370. The controller and his committee are unpaid.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether arrangements have been made to call the attention of shipping firms to the undesirability of disclosing, both by letter as well as by publication, the date on, and place from which, their vessels sail, in view of the fact that this information could be of the greatest value to the enemy if it fell into his hands?

Yes, Sir. Shipping companies have been advised and are being urged to exercise the utmost possible discretion in this matter.

asked the Minister of Shipping how many merchant ships make use of the life-saving jacket; and whether he is aware that many lives have been saved at sea where they have been in use?

The Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances) Rules, 1938, require approved life jackets sufficient in number for all persons on board to be provided in all sea-going ships except small launches and motor boats carrying passengers near the shore. The answer to the second part of this question is in the affirmative.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will ascertain from the Polish Ambassador the fate of the two vice-marechaux de la diete, Jan Debski and Leon le Surzynski, sous-secrétaire détat le Colonel Tadeusz Lechnicki, M. Waclaw Zagorowski, the chef du cabinet du margchal de la diete and Messieurs le Comte Jan Choinski-Dzieduszycki, Tadeusz Katelbach, Brunon Sikorski, and Leopold Tomaszkiewicz, who comprised the Polish Parliamentary Delegation to the International Conference which was held at Oslo in August last?

My Noble Friend is making inquiries at the Polish Embassy and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has yet considered making allowances to officers and men who are serving in the Air Cadets; and can he now make a statement on the subject?

I presume the hon. Member refers to the members of the Air Defence Cadet Corps, a voluntary organisation controlled by the Air League of the British Empire. I am unable to hold out any hope of an increase in the financial assistance at present given to this body by the Air Ministry.

asked the Secretary of State for Air at what rates payment is made for the hire of road motor goods-vehicles by his Department; what are the periods of payment; and to what date full payment has already been issued?

Road motor vehicles are hired on the most advantageous terms obtainable, normally as a result of open competitive tendering. Payments are made as soon as possible after the service has been rendered, or at regular monthly intervals. Generally speaking, full payment has been made for services rendered up to the end of August, 1939, and settlement of accounts for many hirings made later has also been effected.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what proportion of the officers and sergeant-pilots at present stationed at Cambridge have received their full pay and allowances?

I am informed that, of the officers at present stationed at Cambridge, those who joined at the beginning of September have received their full pay and allowances for that month. Those who did not join until October were not entitled to pay or allowances until the month expired. All the sergeant pilots have been paid on the due dates, namely fortnightly in arrear.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many of the 30 officers and sergeant-pilots, at present undergoing an instructor's course at Prestwick, have received their full pay and allowances?

All the officers and sergeant-pilots who have completed their instructor's course at Prestwick or who are at present undergoing this course, have received their full pay and allowances with one exception. In this case, pending settlement which should be made in a day or two, an advance of pay has been made.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many of the sergeant pilots and corporals in C Flight No. 5 Squadron, Hastings, have received full pay and allowances up to the end of September; how many are entitled to the retaining fee as volunteer reservists; and how many have received this money?

All the sergeant pilots and corporals in C Flight No. 5 Squadron, Hastings, have received full pay and allowances up to the end of September. I am making inquiries and will communicate with my hon. Friend further with regard to the second part of the question.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that the evacuation of a large section of the staffs of the Post Office Savings Bank would be likely to result in a withdrawal of certain facilities now available to the public, and would possibly detract from the efficiency of the present system for the avoidance of fraud, he will retain the major portion of the staffs of the Post Office Savings Bank in London so long as such retention is possible?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information when he intends to inform the public on such matters which require explanation relating to the home-front policy as would tend to lessen criticism and obtain cooperation?

Much has already been done, under the direction of regional officers, to deal with local demands for information on matters of Government policy such as A.R.P. I can assure my hon. Friend that the growing need for information an a national scale on home war measures of various kinds is also fully recognised.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will give a list of all the controllers appointed by him, and, in such cases as these gentlemen were not previously Government officials, their business interests prior to their assuming their present duties; and to what extent these interests continue?

I have appointed no controllers either of the coal or petroleum industries. The Government organisation for dealing with matters relating to the distribution and rationing of coal and oil is centred in the Mines Department and there is a regional organisation to deal with these questions locally.

asked the Secretary for Mines what representations he has received from the Coal Merchants' Federation in favour of the dropping of coal rationing; and whether he is aware that in many cases coal merchants' yards are so heavily stocked that no further supplies can be received?

I have received a letter from the Coal Merchants' Federation on this subject. As I indicated on Tuesday, I am now engaged in examining the state of coal stocks and consumption. Until my inquiries are complete I am not in a position to make any further statement.

asked the Secretary for Mines what is the total cost of running the Midland petroleum office; and how many persons are engaged there?

The number of persons at present engaged in the Midland divisional petroleum office, which covers the counties of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire, in which about 186,000 cars are registered, is 174; and the average weekly cost of the staff, postage, and incidentals, has been approximately £493.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the petrol rations issued for the first month of rationing are also available for the second month?

The coupons contained in the basic ration book for private cars issued for the first month of rationing are not valid for the second month. This condition does not, however, apply in the case of supplementary coupons which are issued on the basis of stated requirements for essential needs. At present the use of such coupons is not limited to a particular period.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the difficulty experienced by business people in obtaining sufficient petrol to conduct their business at a time when fuel storage is strained to full capacity and that tankers are unable to discharge their loads for this reason; and what is he doing to meet this difficulty?

I am aware that statements have appeared in the Press to the effect that fuel storage is strained to full capacity and that tankers are unable to discharge their loads for this reason; these statements are quite incorrect.As regards the remainder of the question, it is one of the principal purposes of the motor fuel rationing scheme that the needs of owners of motor cars used for essential business should be promptly met, and every effort is being made to achieve this object.

asked the Secretary for Mines why taximeter-cabs in Torquay are allowed 90 gallons of petrol a month, and also London, whilst the streamline taximeter-cabs in Brighton and Hove, of the same horse-power, are only allowed 60 gallons where they only have a radius of two miles in which to pick up passengers; and, in view of the fact that there is no shortage of petrol, will he come to a decision quickly to increase the grant to the Brighton and Hove taximeter-cabs, before any more men are compelled to give up business?

The grant of petrol allowances to provincial taxis is related to horse-power with a maximum grant of 90 gallons per month. I have ascertained that the same rule is followed for assessing the petrol allowances to taximeter-cabs in Torquay as in Brighton and Hove.As regards the second part of the question, I would like again to emphasise the importance of conserving the petrol resources of the country, and having already reviewed the petrol allowances to be made to provincial taxis, I regret that I cannot see my way to make any further concession at present.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the fact that the existing arrangements seem to be inadequate to deal with correspondence over the petrol question, he will make alternative arrangements by drawing on the staffs of other Departments not so busily occupied, as, owing to the length of time it takes to reply to some letters, traders have been compelled to cease business before the reply arrives?

The adequacy of the staff of my Department is kept regularly under review with the object of ensuring that, with proper regard to economy, the staff shall be sufficient to deal with correspondence without undue delay.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what reply has been given to the application for an increase in wages for forestry workers received from the trade unions concerned?

No reply has yet been given as the matter is under investigation.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether any advance in wages has been extended to forestry workers during the last 12 months?

The answer is in the negative. The last advance was made in May last year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many old age pensioners there were in Greenock at the last convenient date; and how many of these were in receipt of public assistance?

As the statistics relating to pensioners are not kept on a geographical basis, I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the question is not available. The number of old age pensioners in Greenock in receipt of public assistance at 15th May, 1939, the latest date for which figures are available, was 782.