asked the Minister of Economic Warfare the qualications and duties of that member of the headquarters staff whose salary is shown in the published list to be £1,800 per annum and considerably higher than what is paid to heads of Departments?

The salary drawn by the officer in question is paid to him in respect of two posts which he has held for some years past, namely, those of British Commissioner on the International River Commission and United Kingdom Delegate on the Advisory and Technical Committee for Communications and Transit of the League of Nations. His salary is unaffected by the fact that he now is also employed in the Ministry of Economic Warfare.

Does the Minister seriously suggest that the services of this gentleman are more valuable to the nation than those of an Under-Secretary of State and three times as valuable as the services of a Member of Parliament?

The hon. Gentleman must appreciate that this is a salary to which this gentleman is entitled anyhow as a civil servant, and we are taking advantage of his experience in order to employ him in this particular section of the Ministry of Economic Warfare.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare the number and percentage, respectively, of the appointments to his Ministry, other than clerical and messenger staff, that were made through the central registry of the Ministry of Labour; when, and by whom, the other persons were appointed, and upon what governing considerations; what it is now proposed to pay by way of emoluments to those whose salaries have not hitherto been fixed; and what are the reasons for the delay in fixing the remuneration of any of the persons employed in his Department?

Apart from civil servants, ex-civil servants and service officers, the list published on 25th October in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for East Aberdeen (Mr. Boothby), contained the names of 103 persons. Of these persons, 78 were earmarked before the war—many of them at a time when the Central Register had not been set up by the Ministry of Labour— and 25 have been appointed since the outbreak of war. The names of 35, representing 34 per cent. were on the Central Register but all appointments have been duly notified to the Ministry of Labour. In all cases, whether the appointments were made by the Foreign Office before the outbreak of war, or by my Department since, the candidates were carefully selected, after interview, on the governing consideration of their special qualifications for the duties for which they were required. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT details regarding the salaries to be paid in the cases in which the emoluments had not been fixed up to 25th October. Such delay as has occurred in fixing the salaries of certain members of the staff has been due in the main to the urgency with which the appointments were made in consequence of the very rapid increase of the work of the Ministry.

Is it a fact that no one member of the Minister's staff has, in fact, been appointed through the machinery of the Central Register; secondly, may I ask whether every one of his staff is now on a fixed salary, and, if not, what is the reason for the delay in fixing the salaries for people employed in his Department?

If the hon. Gentleman will read my reply he will see that a great many of these officers were appointed through the medium of the Central Register. As to the latter part of his question, I think I can say definitely that there are now no outstanding cases where salaries have not been fixed.

Do I take it that in the particulars that the right hon. Gentleman said he would be good enough to publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT he will show the salaries of all those people who were not fixed in salary up to the present moment?

Yes, Sir, I think the hon. Gentleman may take it that that is so.

Will the Minister circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names and qualifications of the persons who are now employed in the Department, including their previous occupations? I think the right hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the information regarding this Department is just as desirable as is information concerning other Departments.

I was not proposing to add the previous occupations, but in view of what the right hon. Gentleman says I will certainly do so.

Will the hon. Gentleman explain to the House with regard to those ex-civil servants that he mentioned whether they are in fact on pension, and, if so, are they now receiving pension and pay?

Is there any truth in the statement in the West of Scotland regarding this Ministry, that the recommendation in the appointment of the staff has been the old school tie?

I have not the slightest doubt that a considerable number of old school ties will be found amongst them. At the same time, I would point out that the staff consists largely of gentlemen with considerable qualifications and experience who, with considerable self-sacrifice, have joined up in order to put their experience at the disposal of the nation.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare how many tons of merchandise have been detained by His Majesty's Government for inquiry as to its contraband character; how much has been released; and how much finally declared to be contraband?

The total amount of merchandise seized as contraband up to 4th November, was 420,500 tons, but no final decision has yet been reached in the Prize Courts. The hon. Member will appreciate that it is not possible to provide figures of the amount of merchandise detained for inquiry and released. The number of ships detained varies hourly, and it is frequently unnecessary to take details of all consignments included in their cargoes.

May I ask whether it is true that this contraband still remains in the boats, that the boats are consequently put out of action and not used, and that none of this contraband has yet been released and sold?

No, Sir, that would not be true as a general statement.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he is aware that the Italians are purchasing Spanish iron-ore for which payment is being made in blocked pesetas; that the Spanish Government are insisting on British purchasers paying in sterling on the dollar sterling exchange basis, despite the fact that very large sums in blocked pesetas are held in Spain by British nationals; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter?

I am not aware of the precise terms of payment which may have been arranged between the Italian and Spanish Governments for a transaction of this nature. But His Majesty's Government are hoping shortly to open negotiations with the Spanish Government during which all questions relating to trade and payments will be taken into account.

Is it not a fact that some hon. Members thought the Spanish Government would be looking very favourably upon the British after what we did in the Spanish war?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that young recruits at camps in Scotland are having to send home for additional food and for overcoats, and that hardship is experienced by others without these resources; and whether he will take steps to see that adequate supplies are available of both food and clothing?

No such information has come to my notice. If the hon. Member will give me particulars, I will have the matter investigated. I have reason to believe that this is one of the rumours deliberately circulated in the vain endeavour to shake public confidence.

I will give the Minister particulars of an actual case.

I think this matter is so important that I will read a letter which I have received from an hon. Member:

"I went to Edinburgh on Thursday night last…When I got there I was told that a dreadful thing was happening and they hoped I would try to do something about it. This is the story. The men were billeted in an unused mill. They were treated like cattle, having nothing but straw on the top of cement flooring and one blanket, and that several of them had been taken to hospital with pneumonia, that the food was inadequate, meat in particular being short, and that the men had to go into the town to buy anything to keep themselves going. This story was told to me by responsible municipal councillors, not Labour. I said that I would immediately go into the matter and I took one of these councillors with me and went down to the works. I found the sentry at the gate and I got him to take me to the officer on duty. I explained who I was and I said I would like to look round. I found that each man had an excellent straw palliasse under which he had got two ground sheets, and he had three very good blankets. The men all told me that they were very satisfied and had no complaints. I then went round the kitchens and interviewed all the cooks. I found that the food was plentiful and good. I also interviewed the butcher who told me that he had never been short of meat, and I inspected the meat he had already received that day which was very good indeed. He said that, of course, occasionally they got a side of beef which might have rather more fat than others, but he said he had no complaints whatever and that everything was going well. The officer told me he was not aware that many of the men were going sick; in fact, he told me that the story I had been told was a complete ' mare's nest.' I am trying to find out how it originated, but I rather fancy it is propaganda."

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that numerous cases are being brought to the attention of hon. Members of soldiers sleeping on the ground in tents without blankets, and that they have been doing so for weeks without any question of propaganda arising? This is a serious matter.

I would ask the right hon. Gentleman to pause before making statements of that kind. They are all broadcast in Germany. This question asked me if I am aware that young recruits in Scotland have suffered these indignities. I said if any hon. Gentleman will furnish me with precise information I will immediately send down an inspector to investigate. On the whole the British Army is treated better than any other army in the world.

Will the right hon. Gentleman deny that apart from propaganda—it is not our intention to use propaganda—in the last few weeks, indeed since the outbreak of war, many complaints have been brought to the notice of the War Office and that in many cases remedies have been found, and does not that prove that there was some justification for the complaints?

That is a different thing from saying that recruits have had to send home for additional food and that hardship was experienced by others without these resources. I say to the House that I have had no case brought to my notice where any British soldier has been without sufficient food or who has been badly treated in any way. If by some mischance it should prove to be the case that in some out-of-the-way unit unsatisfactory conditions have prevailed, I only ask my colleagues in this House to give me an opportunity to investigate the matter.

The Minister stated that this was propaganda. May I ask him whether I did not indicate privately in my note that the reference was to Battle Abbey camp? I can add that the conditions were that recruits were sending home to people in my own constituency for food, and there is no propaganda attached to it. It is a simple statement of fact, and I very much resent the Minister's statement.

If it is true that the hon. Gentleman is referring to a particular unit—I have not seen any letter from him —he might give me an opportunity of verifying those facts.

The Minister has made a statement and I think I have the right to say that he has a letter from me regarding a constituency where exactly those conditions prevail.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the complaints that soldiers on duty at the pump at the Euxton Royal Ordnance Factory are still under canvas without any heat being supplied and that the conditions under which they have to eat are much below standard; and will he take steps to remove these grievances?

I am informed that no men on duty at the pump at this factory are under canvas, but that there are 21 soldiers in the factory area who are so accommodated. They are provided with stoves. Huts for these men are being erected as quickly as possible, and will include adequate dining accommodation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the three wooden-hutted camps at Cove constructed each for the accommodation of 1,000 persons have each cost not less than £400,000 and have involved the employment of from 5,000 to 7,000 men at any one time in their construction, whereas the two camps at Arborfield, of similar capacity, to the same specification, and under nearly similar conditions, have cost only £160,000 and never involved the employment of more than 962 at any one time; and whether he will cause a public inquiry to be made into the costs of construction at Cove?

asked the Secretary of State for War the position with regard to the Militia camp near Aldershot, estimated to cost £480,000, which has already cost £800,000 and is not finished; whether this contract is based on the old system of a percentage of the total cost; and when completion is expected?

I have called for a full report. The contract for the camp at Cove was not placed on a cost and percentage basis, but on the basis of cost plus a fixed fee according to various ranges of expenditure. Completion is expected in December.

If my right hon. Friend is contemplating building any further camps, will he get tenders from the local contractors who have the labour available and permit them to compete with the others in order to reduce the abnormal costs?

I will consider that suggestion.

When the right hon. Gentleman gets the report will he be good enough to publish it, or, at any rate, to make a statement?

I shall be only too ready to answer any question on the subject when I have the facts and the analysis.

When the right hon. Gentleman is getting further information about this, will he take into consideration all the factors associated with the camp? Will he take into consideration the fact that when this camp was being built in August—I know, because I was personally asked to get men—there were no men available and 4,000 had to be sent from London each day at a cost of 5s. 6d. each per day, which accounts for £130,000, independent of anything else?

In considering this matter I should be most grateful for any assistance and advice which the hon. Gentleman, with his great experience, can give me.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether postal packets addressed to units in the serving Forces overseas are now being delivered without the delay or undelivered returns which occurred earlier?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that letters and parcels addressed to serving soldiers upwards of a month ago have not been delivered, and that others despatched on 30th September were not delivered until 19th October; and whether, having regard to the anxiety such delay causes both to the relatives at home and to the men with the Forces, the delivery of correspondence can be accelerated?

asked the Secretary of State for War why many of the soldiers serving with the British Expeditionary Force have not received any letters from home for five weeks although the relatives have sent those letters addressed, as instructed, care of Army Field Post Office, London; if this post office is understaffed; and, if so, whether he will undertake to have this remedied and so remove a source of grievance with both serving soldiers and their relatives at home, who are constantly receiving letters from the British Expeditionary Force asking why they do not write?

As I have previously stated, letters and parcels, when correctly addressed, are now proceeding from this country to France with regularity and despatch, and should normally reach their destinations in six days at most. New instructions facilitating the method of address for letters were recently issued, and it is no longer necessary to include the words "c o Army Post Office" in the address of any letters to the British Expeditionary Force. There are, however, still some 4,000 letters a day which, in spite of every effort, cannot be delivered owing to faulty addresses. The Army Post Office staff was increased some three weeks ago, and is now adequate.

Does the Minister mean by "correct address" the actual unit and number of the man concerned?

indicated assent.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, with an Army that is static, much smaller and less widespread, it takes longer to deliver a letter than at any time during the last War?

If the hon. Gentleman will look at the map—which I regret he cannot do—to see the location of these units he will understand what a splendid job of work has been done by the postal authorities.

That does not answer the question. I have submitted to him cases of four or five weeks' delay.

There may be cases of, not only delay, but complete impossibility to deliver letters even in Great Britain, because of inadequacy of address. The Assistant Postmaster-General was good enough to go out to France himself. It is generally admitted that the system is now extremely efficient. If the hon. Member will read some of the reports of the military correspondents, he will see that all difficulties are being cleared up, except that we cannot deliver letters which are not properly addressed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman taken an early opportunity of broadcasting on this particular point, because it is so important?

Yes, Sir. I think it is a most important matter. I am anxious that correspondence should flow as freely and regularly as possible, and I will do everything I can to assist.

Did the right hon. Gentleman not see that in my question I stated that the letters were correctly addressed, as the parents were instructed? Would he be good enough to say where the new instructions can be seen, so that parents will know exactly how to address the letters?

The instructions were published and broadcast, but I will see that they receive further and wider publicity. The new instructions were given in order to simplify the procedure; but if letters are correctly addressed according to the old procedure, they will reach the troops, provided the persons to whom they are addressed can be identified.

Will the right hon. Gentleman given an assurance on one further point? Will he explain why letters have been delivered and parcels addressed to the same destinations have not? It would be reassuring to the senders of parcels.

When giving that further publicity which has been suggested, I will try to make as comprehensive a statement as possible, for the guidance of those who naturally wish that the correspondence should reach the destination as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War why soldiers who have not been issued with Army gloves and greatcoats are being compelled to refrain from the use of their own and punished for wearing them; and whether he will cause commanding officers to allow the use of civilian supplies until Army issues are made available?

The answer to the first part of the question is that I am not aware of any such cases; and, to the second part, that not only is the use of civilian coats permitted, but a monetary allowance is made for their use.

The right hon. Gentleman asks for details of these cases. Will he accept the details without the name of my informant, provided that he is able to identify where these irregularities—as I consider them to be—take place?

Only too readily; but they were not identifiable from the question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will ensure that all troops serving at the front in winter are equipped with india-rubber boots, in order that they may be adequately protected against mud and damp?

An adequate supply of these boots is available.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many road motor goods vehicles have been impressed and requisitioned, respectively, by his Department; and how many of these were the property of railway companies?

Up to 28th October last, 17,446 goods vehicles, none of which was the property of a railway company, had been impressed under the provisions of the Army Act. There has been no requisitioning by the War Department of vehicles under the Defence Regulations.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is tremendous dissatisfaction about the requisitioning of these private vehicles? In some cases a man has been told to get another lorry and his own lorry has not been taken, so that he then has had two left on his hands, while in other cases lorries which have been taken have been sent back to the owners.

Obviously, if one requisitions about 18,000 vehicles, inconvenience is caused; but the bulk of the requisitioning has now been done. If the hon. Member has particular instances of the kind he mentions, where injustices have been caused, I will look into them.

asked the Secretary of State for War why he has placed an embargo upon the use of clergymen over the age of 40 as chaplains in the Army; and whether he will relax this in the case of clergymen with past experience in the late war, and especially those who have held commissions in the Army?

The reason why the age limit for war emergency commissions for chaplains was 40 was that almost 50 per cent. of the chaplains who were serving at the outbreak of war, including those who were embodied from the reserves as a result of the war, was over 40 years of age, and it was necessary to secure a number of younger chaplains to preserve the balance in the Department. It has now been found possible to raise the age limit to 50.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the waste of life involved in the application of the death penalty in previous wars, he will order its abolition in the present war?

Since the last war, the death penalty has been abolished for a number of offences including desertion, cowardice and sleeping when on sentry duty, and now remains, as a maximum punishment, only for murder, mutiny and offences of a treacherous character.

Is it not a fact that the abolition of this death penalty was one of the wise and humane things which the last Labour Government did?

asked the Secretary of State for War the machinery for considering claims for family and dependants' allowances; and whether he will consider revising the membership of the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee, in order to provide for a larger proportion of members, including both men and women, with a first-hand knowledge of working-class conditions of living?

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he is taking to see that Army Order 170, which lays down the conditions for parents' allowances where a son is in the Army, is made better known than at present?

I would ask the hon. Members to await the publication of the White Paper, which will cover the machinery for dealing with these questions. I shall be happy to consider the best means of giving the widest publicity to the contents of the Paper.

When are we likely to have this White Paper, and will it deal with the second part of my question, namely, the suggestion that the advisory committee should include a larger proportion of members with knowledge of working-class conditions?

I think the White Paper will mention the personnel. As the hon. Gentleman is aware, the personnel includes a former Labour Member of Parliament and others with great knowledge of working-class conditions.

I hope that my right hon. Friend will see that there are some women on the committee?

This is a Ministry of Pensions committee, but its personnel can always be reconsidered. As the hon. Gentleman knows, certain matters are under consideration in connection with the procedure of the allowances, and I will delay publication of the White Paper until they are settled.

May I have an answer to my question? Is it not very important that there should be a woman on a committee dealing with family allowances?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a soldier, separated from his wife, is precluded, under the Regulations for Army Allowances, 1938, Section 224 (c), from receiving married allowance, notwithstanding that he has been making her regular payments under a deed of separation; and, if so, will he take steps forthwith to remove the discrimination against such soldier?

In such a case the separated wife may be eligible for an allowance as a dependant.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is any appeal against the decision of the War Office when application for allowances to dependants is refused?

If an application for a dependants' allowance is refused, it is because the prescribed conditions are not fulfilled. If there are special circumstances which might warrant exceptional treatment outside the provisions of the normal regulations, there is access to the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee.

What is the rule regarding the amount that a parent may get?

That has all been published with great particularity in a White Paper.

Is the Minister aware that in the case of parents who had been receiving 44s. a week from their son, the father being in hospital and receiving sick pay, the mother simply gets 5s. a week from his Department; and can they make an appeal against that?

I cannot judge the facts of that particular case, but if all the surrounding circumstances are compatible with what the hon. Gentleman has just said, it would seem that she would get the maximum rate of allowance.

Is the Minister aware that a number of tenants living on London municipal housing estates with no rates are unable to pay the rent in cases where the husband is on war service owing to the smallness of these dependant allowances; and could they make an appeal in cases of that kind?

That is exactly what the tribunal is for.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many applications for dependants' allowances have been received, and how many were rejected since the beginning of the war?

To 21st October, 39,144 claims had been received, and 10,642 had been rejected.

Does not the figure of rejected cases justify the claim to some kind of machinery being established?

I do not see that it follows at all. Many people ask in this world as a matter of course, but it does not follow that the claim is a good one.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the last war there was a right of appeal to the local pensions committees, who could investigate, and that people had direct access to them; and is he also aware that the bulk of the people do not know why they are refused dependants' allowances?

We have, in addition to that procedure, this special allowances tribunal, and they may have access to that also, but I am only too ready to listen to any particular suggestions which the hon. Gentleman may have to make.

Is the right hon. Gentleman sure that the special committee is a tribunal of appeal for parents?

It is not a tribunal of appeal at all. It is a committee to deal with special cases. The other cases are questions of fact. Either a question is eligible or not; it is a question of fact.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many applications for financial assistance have been received by the Military Service (Special Allowances) Committee, and how many have been refused a grant?

Up to 2nd November, inclusive, 3,115 applications had been received, and 1,297 had been rejected.

Would not a great many of these difficulties be avoided if each member of the Armed Services were supplied with a small pamphlet setting out all the conditions under which allowances were granted?

That seems to be a very helpful suggestion. Of course they have been handed the information, but it is surprising how difficult it is to get them to read it sometimes, but I will do everything that I can to get the facts known.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider that suggestion?

Yes, Sir; I will.

In view of the large number of cases rejected by this committee, would the right hon. Gentleman consider the setting up of some kind of appeal machinery?

It is an appeal to get something in addition to the prescribed allowances.

Is the Minister correct in saying that the Military Service (Special Allowances) Committee is an appeal tribunal? Was it not specially set up to enable applications to be made for special grants?

Yes, Sir; it is for a special kind of allowances over and above, and apart from, the ordinary allowances that are laid down. In that sense it gives a further opportunity to the men to make a claim.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the possibility of allowing weekly insurance premiums to be taken into account, in addition to payments made in respect of rent and rates, by applicants for special hardship allowances?

Account is taken of weekly insurance premiums in the same way as of other factors.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the allowances to parents are excluded from the investigation now being made into allowances paid to soldiers' dependants?

Parents of men serving with the Forces come under the scheme of what is known as dependants' allowance, which is distinct from the family allowance for wives and children, and which is governed by quite different considerations. I am not aware that the rates of dependants' allowance have been called in question, but in any case the subject is not strictly related to the review of children's allowances which the Government undertook to conduct.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Debate which took place reference was made to this subject, and that there is great dissatisfaction in the country in regard to it? The Government will make a great mistake if they do not consider it.

I think the hon. Member is quite right and that he did make a reference to this matter in the Debate. If he can conveniently indicate the nature of the complaint I have no doubt that it will be looked into.

Am I to take it that if it is looked into the committee will investigate these allowances and conditions?

I think I am right in saying that the committee is not in fact covering this point. If the hon. Member will give me or the Secretary of State for War some information on the matter it will be looked into.

Has the inquiry now proceeding in South Wales anything to do with the matter?

I am told that it has nothing to do with it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, despite his promises, men between the ages of 18 and 19 years are being drafted overseas; and what steps are being taken to see that the promise is implemented?

Definite instructions have been issued that no officer or man is to be sent overseas under the age of 19. In any case brought to notice where an officer or man has been subsequently found to be below that age, he is returned to this country, unless he is within a fortnight of 19, in which case he is sent to the base until he becomes 19.

Will my right hon. Friend say whether this applies to people who voluntarily joined up prior to the people under the National Service enlistment?

Yes, Sir; 19 is the age.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information in connection with an accident to eight soldiers, who were injured on the night of Tuesday, 31st October, when a motor lorry crashed into a column on march outside London; and whether the men will get their pay and allowances until they are fit to return to their regiment?

The accident occurred on the evening of 30th October at about 6.45 p.m. to a party of 50 men who were being marched back to their barracks after attending a concert. A sergeant was marching in the rear of the party and had a torch which he had orders to flash about every ten seconds. A small private car ran into the rear of the party injuring ten of them. The sergeant received rather- severe injuries, namely, concussion and a broken leg, but he is making good progress. The injuries to the others were slight. The men were all seen by the medical officer that evening, and seven of them were able to return to their unit forthwith. There will be no cessation of the pay and allowances of the men.

Would it be possible to have a lamp attached to the outside man at the rear of each of these marching squads?

I will consider any such precautions as may be possible.

Animals have to have them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the delay in the supply of coloured asbestos for the roofing of army huts, he will consider the advisability of obtaining tiles which can be delivered immediately and at a much lower cost?

No delay is anticipated in the supply of coloured asbestos roof material, which I am informed is cheaper than tiles and needs less timber.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether all horses and other transport animals which become surplus to military requirements while abroad will be either brought back to the United Kingdom or destroyed under military supervision in accordance with the policy of the Army Council, as announced in 1936?

The assurance asked for is in accordance with the practice that has for a long time been observed in the disposal of British Army horses on foreign service, and there is no intention of departing from it.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask whether he realises the wide satisfaction with which the announcement of the Government will be received?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will lay on the Table of the House a copy of the instructions issued to War Office agents buying horses for Army purposes?

It would be contrary to practice to adopt my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion, but I would refer him to the statement made by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary on Tuesday, 24th October.

Are the owners of these horses the only people who are not to get a fair price?

If that is so there is an appeal.

Is not the real reason that the orders are so sketchy that they cannot understand them?

That is not the reason at all. The reason is obvious.

asked the Secretary of State for War what impressment of horses there has been in Scotland and Wales; and whether he is satisfied that this impressment was well spread over the countryside?

Horses have been impressed in England, Scotland and Wales. Should it be necessary to obtain further horses for the Army, areas not yet visited will be the first to be drawn on.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory conditions under which men of the Warwickshire Yeomanry are living in the camp allotted to them; and whether he will take steps to see that both rations and facilities for sleeping and recreation are immediately brought up to the standard prevailing elsewhere?

I have called for a report, and have received the following reply from the Command:

"Allegations unsatisfactory living conditions Warwickshire Yeomanry have no foundation in fact. No troops are under canvas and all have been quartered in permanent buildings both for sleeping and feeding since September except line guards who have huts. Only tentage in use is that of Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes for which huts are now being provided. Every man in possession palliasse and bolster. Standard of messing is high. Standard of discipline is high. Regimental Sports Board meets regularly and rugby and Association matches take place on half holidays. Free cinemas and concerts have been and will continue to be provided. No complaints against either living conditions or food have been made to either commanding officer or squadron commanders. Regiment deeply resents allegations contained in your message under reference. I wish to add that much valuable time has now been wasted examining a charge which I am satisfied is entirely baseless."

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I made no reference whatever to canvas in my question? Is he aware that this information came to me from what I thought was an unimpeachable source?

I would only say that it does not matter to me personally or TO the hon. Member personally, but every one of these statements is broadcast in Germany.

If I put down a question along similar lines, well authenticated, and not coming from Germany, will the right hon. Gentleman promise to give me an answer without being bad tempered about it?

Yes, Sir. I should be equally as good tempered in answering a question of the hon. Member for Bridgeton (Mr. Maxton) as I have been in answering this question.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I live within five miles of where the Warwickshire Yeomanry are stationed, and that I have seen a great deal of the officers and men, and I can assure him that there is nothing in the allegations put forward?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the present Army is a citizen Army by conscription embracing all male Parliamentary voters, he will amend the regulation prohibiting serving soldiers from writing to their Member of Parliament about grievances so as to preserve the right of any citizen to appeal to his Member of Parliament?

No, Sir. It is not proposed to undermine the responsibility of commanding officers for dealing with complaints themselves or acting as the channels for their conveyance to higher authority, and it will be appreciated that any other system would make the position of those with responsibility impossible of discharge.

Has the Department drafted this regulation to prevent soldiers from communicating with their Members of Parliament when their wives are not getting allowances?

Judging from my experience, wives do not hesitate to exercise their ordinary rights as citizens.

Is it not a fact that many letters that Members of Parliament are receiving from their constituents are prefaced with the statement, "I am advised by my commanding officer to write to my Member of Parliament"? Will the right hon. Gentleman look into that?

I have never seen such a case in the whole of my experience.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a large amount of clerical and typing work is being done in the outstations of his Department by members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service; whether it is with his authority that women applicants for employment at Ministry of Labour Employment Exchanges are being informed that there is no possibility of their being placed in clerical posts in the Government service unless they are prepared to join the Auxiliary Territorial Service; and whether he will take steps to bring an end to this undue pressure, and also help to solve the present unemployment problem by allowing clerical and typing posts in his Department to be filled by the appointment of suitable civilian applicants registered at the Employment Exchanges?

The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes, Sir." The Auxiliary Territorial Service has a definite place in our military organisation and has a patriotic appeal which is of the utmost value. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour informs me that there is no warranty for the suggestion contained in the second part of the question, and while Ministry of Labour offices doubtless inform all applicants of vacancies, there is no pressure put upon them to join the Auxiliary Territorial Service. Those who do so are uniformly inspired by the same motives of service as impel men to undertake military duties. The last part of the question does not, therefore, arise except that the Auxiliary Territorial Service is a mobile service and its members can perform work of the utmost value in all areas, including those where civilians are not available. No woman employé of the War Department has been displaced by a member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service, but many men have been released for service.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration any facts that we can give him in regard to the pressure that is being brought to bear on these women?

At the Employment Exchanges? I will certainly take into consideration any facts which the hon. Lady lays before me.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the War Office refused a gift of £50,000 for blankets or canteens?

I cannot trace that the War Office has received this offer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I sent him this statement published in a reputable paper by a reputable journalist? Are we to understand that it is the Minister's opinion that there is no foundation for this offer?

The copy that the hon. Member sent me was from a very reputable journalist, Mr. Hannen Swaffer, and the statement says:

"I chanced to overhear a conversation which has resulted in a munificent gift to the Polish cause. A woman friend of mine was at a tea party in London and she heard someone in a corner talking."

Will the Minister answer the last part of the question? Is he satisfied that there is any foundation for this statement?

Does the hon. Member ask whether I hope it had foundation? If anybody offers £50,000 to the Army I will accept it forthwith.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now able to announce the conditions under which the winter herring fishing will be permitted to carry on in the Firth of Forth?

This matter is being discussed with the naval authorities, and I am not yet in a position to make any announcement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman remind the First Lord of the Admiralty of his pledge given to the House last week when he said:

"I feel absolutely bound to do everything possible to prevent the needs of the Admiralty and the Navy from ill-using or unduly uupsetting this invaluable industry."— [OFFICIAL REPORT, 1st November, 1939; col. 1908, Vol. 352.]

I am sure that my right hon. Friend is fully aware of these considerations. I would point out that the main part of this fishing does not begin until about the new year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements have been made in Glasgow to meet the request of 300 citizens for allotments?

I am informed that the allotments sub-committee of Glasgow Corporation have had this matter under consideration; and that the Corporation have already acquired enough land to provide allotments for more than 600 holders.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the request of the South Queens-ferry Town Council that, in addition to school children, those of pre-school age, and their mothers, should also be evacuated; and whether he has agreed to this?

As the hon. Member knows, difficulties have arisen in connection with the evacuation of mothers with their children and no further evacuation of this class from the original sending areas is contemplated at present. I have, however, arranged that the Department of Health should discuss with the town council and the receiving authorities the question of how far the pre-school children in South Queensferry could be evacuated either with their mothers or as unaccompanied children.

Did the right hon. Gentleman receive a letter from me enclosing a telegram from the commanding officer of the area of North Queens-ferry urging that this evacuation should take place?

I did receive the letter from the hon. Member, and I should explain that I did arrange for the authorities in that area also to be consulted on the same question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the complaint of the Scottish licensed grocers regarding the effect of the Order-in-Council for the early closing of shops for the sale of beer, wines and spirits; and whether he proposes any variation of the reduction of the hours of sale during the Christmas and New Year period from 48, as allowed by the Licensing Act, to 28½ under the new Regulations?

I am unable to trace the representation referred to in the question, but I would point out that the recent Order-in-Council fixing earlier closing hours for shops does not apply to the sale of intoxicating liquor, which is governed by the Licensing Acts.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the duties and terms of reference of the staffs committee set up in the last war to supervise and report on the staffing of Government Departments; and whether it is intended to follow this precedent which was favour-abry reported on by the Haldane Commission?

I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the terms of reference of the committee referred to. Effect was given to the main recommendations of the committee in the matter of staff control and the resulting changes have become a permanent feature of the organisation of the public service. Establishment branches now exist in all the larger Departments and in consultation with the Establishments Department of the Treasury they keep staffs under constant review, as was also advocated by the Haldane Committee. I would also remind my hon. Friend of my statement in the House on 28th September last, when I mentioned my intention to institute special inquiries in particular Departments where necessary, calling in the help of experienced men of business to act in conjunction with officials of the Treasury and representatives of the Department concerned.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the delay in fixing the salaries of several persons upon their appointment to positions in new Ministries; whether he can state the reasons for such delay; and whether, in the public interest, an order can be issued that no such appointments should be made without the emoluments being fixed at the time of appointment?

My hon. and learned Friend will appreciate that in the extreme pressure of the early days of the war it was at times necessary to invite persons to accept appointments in new Departments before the precise emoluments attaching thereto had been fixed, although the broad basis of payment had been agreed between the Treasury and the Department concerned. Cases also arose in which, although the salary of the post had been fixed, it was not, for similar reasons, always possible to communicate it to a person who had agreed in peace time to hold himself available for a post of such character in the event of war. I have no reason to think that any serious difficulties will arise in future in regard to this matter.

Can the Financial Secretary say whether in relation to the appointments which are now taking place they will be at a fixed salary, and whether in the case of those persons who have been appointed not at a fixed salary, fixing will take place forthwith?

As regards the future, as I have said, I have no reason to think that there will be any serious difficulty. I think the fixing has been done.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that, under the Civil Defence Act, notice is being given to householders that they must have rooms ready for the accommodation of civil servants without any consideration for the future personal or family arrangements of the householder, and without any guarantee that the accommodation will in fact be occupied or, in the event of non-occupation, that compensation will be paid; and what action he is taking in the matter?

Billets which might in certain circumstances be required in various towns for the accommodation of civil servants have been surveyed, and in the course of the present week a warning notice is being handed to householders explaining their position in the matter. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the notice in question. The requirements are in my view reasonable and should not impose hardship upon individual householders.

Will my right hon. and gallent Friend consider whether a little readjustment would make this demand, which is very unfair from the point of view of the householder, much easier of fulfilment, because, after all, these demands are problematical, and people do not know where they are, or how long they may be under notice?

The object of the warning is to give people notice that in certain circumstances they might have to put up with people being billeted upon them.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman put the notice in the OFFICIAL REPORT, so that other hon. Members who are interested may see it?

Yes, Sir; I have no objection.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that financial hardship is being experienced by many lower-paid grades in the Civil Service who have been evacuated and are now being stopped, in some cases, 21s. per week for billeting costs, leaving them to pay for a number of meals in addition; and as many of these civil servants, particularly girls whose salaries range from 30s. to 50s. per week, have to meet the cost of fares, and have normally made certain contributions weekly to the home, he will consider some reduction in the stoppage from wages of the present billeting payments?

The payment of 21s. a week to the billetor covers lodging, breakfast and either a mid-day or evening meal. After an initial period of a fortnight non-householders, that is in general single persons, are required to repay this sum to their Department. It has, however, been agreed with the staff side of the National Whitley Council that there are certain categories of persons who, though technically non-householders, can properly be treated more on the lines laid down for householders. In addition it has been provided that the repayment to the Department by persons, whose wages do not exceed 35s. a week, shall be 14s. a week or less and proposals for a further reduction in the amount of this repayment in the case of civil servants in receipt of less than 35s. a week are at present under discussion with the staff side.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that in certain Departments working under high pressure there is an abnormal amount of overtime being worked by all grades in the Civil Service, regular and temporary, and that break downs in health are becoming frequent; how many heads of Departments have reported these circumstances; and what steps does he propose to take to redress this state of affairs?

The amount of overtime worked in certain Departments has been abnormal, although it has fortunately not so far occasioned frequent breakdowns in health. Departments are fully alive to the desirability of reducing regular overtime to reasonable limits and the Treasury has never encouraged excessive overtime as an alternative to the engagement of additional staff. It will, however, be appreciated that there is a definite limit to the rate at which new staff can be absorbed and that in certain cases accommodation problems may prevent as rapid an increase as would be desired.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the growing tendency among Government Departments to issue public notices of importance under the guise of news matter; and will he take steps to check a tendency which is detrimental to the Press at a time when general trade restrictions have reduced advertising to a minimum?

No, Sir; but if the hon. Member has any particular case in mind, perhaps he will be good enough to communicate with the Department concerned.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will give an assurance that, when entry into the Customs and Excise service by competitive examination is recommenced, the qualifications of those who worked for and satisfied the examiners in the written examination of July, 1939, will not be overlooked?

I am afraid that I cannot anticipate the post-war conditions of entry into this or any other branch of the Civil Service.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware of the keen feelings of these young men who have been working for two years for an examination which is vital to them, and who had completed five-sixths of the whole examination before war broke out?

Yes, Sir, representations have been made to me.

Are you going to do nothing?