asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that large numbers of German-made Christmas cards are likely to be sold shortly in competition with English makes; and what steps he will take to stop this?

I have been informed that Christmas cards made in Germany were imported before the outbreak of the war and may shortly be on sale. I have no power to prohibit their sale, and any such prohibition would in no way prejudice the enemy but would inflict loss and injustice on the importers in this country.

May I ask whether in future, and indeed even now, the country of origin could not be marked on them?

I have no power to require that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the views jointly expressed by the presidents of the British and French Chambers of Commerce with regard to the restrictions on Franco-British trade; and what steps he proposes to take towards securing an expansion of such trade and collaboration between the two countries in the economic field such as exists with regard to political and military activities?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the joint statement issued by the presidents of the British Chamber of Commerce in Paris and the French Chamber of Commerce in London, to the effect that economic relations between the United Kingdom and the French Republic are being seriously compromised by certain regulations restricting commerce between the two countries; and whether he will inquire into this matter with a view to promoting the closest possible economic relations in the future?

The answer to the first part of each question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the question of trade relations between France and this country was one of the subjects discussed with M. Reynaud on the occasion of his visit to London, and it is receiving further consideration with a view to solving any difficulties in a spirit of mutual comprehension.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the arrangements for financial and economic co-operation between France and Great Britain include provisions for jointly stimulating the export trades of the two countries?

Advantage will continue to be taken of any opportunities that may arise for useful collaboration between the two countries in the direction suggested by the hon. Member.

Would not the best beginning be to remove some of the restrictions on trade between the two countries?

I think I answered that question before the hon. Baronet came into the Chamber.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is contemplating freedom of trade between this country and France as a means of increasing exports?

Again, I think the right hon. and gallant Gentleman was not in the House when, in answer to a question, I said that we have had discussions on this subject with M. Reynaud, and that we hope to solve the problem to our mutual satisfaction.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he was consulted prior to the decision of the gas companies operating in London to increase considerably the cost per therm of gas to domestic consumers; whether he is satisfied that these increases are justified; and, in view of the serious burden this increase will cause to many of the poorer sections of the community, does he propose to take any further action?

Although no sanction by my Department is required preliminary to increasing gas prices in London, the Board of Trade were informed of the intention to increase prices shortly before the published announcement was made. I have no reason to believe that the increases are not justified.

Is the Minister aware that the gas companies have not given the proper legal notice to the consumers before putting the increase into operation, and in his inquiries, has he satisfied himself that the increased prices obtained for the by-products of gas making have been taken into account?

The first part of the Supplementary Question raises another point, and if the hon. Member will put a question on that on the Paper, I will look into it. As to the second part of the Supplementary Question, the House will appreciate that the greatest factor in the increase in prices is the fall in consumption, and there are well-recognised tables which show the increase in costs as the consumption decreases.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of the Supplementary Question, as to whether the increased prices obtained for the byproduct's have been taken into account in calculating the increase?

Yes, Sir.

As this is a matter of increasing the cost of living spread over the community, has the right hon. Gentleman satisfied himself in his investigation that the increased charges are justified, and if it is a question of the interests of the shareholders and the interests of the community, ought not the interests of the community to come first?

The position of the gas companies is regulated by Act of Parlia- ment. Although I have no statutory obligation to inquire into this, I am quite satisfied that the increase is not only justified, but that it would have been possible to justify an even greater increase.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that storekeepers in Switzerland are finding it impossible to secure the British goods to which they have become accustomed, and that German traders are pushing in; and will he take steps to remedy this unsatisfactory state of affairs?

Disturbance to our export trade is, I fear, inevitable in the changeover from peace to war conditions. Discussions on this and other commercial matters are now proceeding with a trade delegation which the Swiss Government recently sent to this country.

Are not the Government getting rather worried about our export trade?

That is one of the reasons I am discussing the position with the trade delegation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking under the Prices of Goods Act to prevent profiteering in the sale of batteries for hand-torches?

The question of applying the Prices of Goods Act to electric torches and refill batteries is under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the issue of the Coal Prices (Inland Supply) Order, 1939, which gives power to coal-owners to raise the price of coal irrespective of contract prices, he intends to take similar action with regard to other industries?

No, Sir. There were special considerations affecting the price of coal.

May I have an assurance that in future the Government will not embark on a policy which involves prejudicing the sanctity of contracts without giving the House a statement on it?

The Order was made publicly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Germany is undertaking a trade drive in the Balkans, and, especially, is interested in getting monopoly control of Rumanian oil; and whether any steps have been taken by His Majesty's Government to counteract this move?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative, but it is clearly not in the national interest to make public statements about these matters.

Have we purchased any Rumanian oil?

I cannot add anything to what I have said.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether this is a matter that falls wholly within the sphere of his Department, and whether he is able to give decisions on it?

It does not come wholly within the sphere of my Department, but there is very close co-operation between the Departments concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, before any arrangements are made in connection with the Import of Goods Prohibition Orders Nos. 6, 7 and 8 for the limitation of shipments of apples from Canada to the United Kingdom, he will discuss the most appropriate measures with the National Federation of Fruit and Potato Trades, Limited, which is vitally interested?

An open general licence has been issued authorising the importation of apples from Empire countries, including Canada, without the need of obtaining specific licences from the Board of Trade. As has been announced, it has been arranged with the Canadian Government that they will impose a limitation on exports. I understand it is probable that the arrangements will allow of the shipment of most, if not all, of the apples contracted for or paid for before 15th November for the current season.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an answer to the suggestion that he should discuss appropriate measures with the trading interests concerned?

There is no limitation on imports from Canada imposed by order in this country, but the Canadians have agreed themselves to regulate the exports from Canada.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in the apple and pear industry it is the essential practice for importers to make arrangements and commitments well in advance; and whether he can give an undertaking that no restriction will be put into force without previous consultation with the trade and or without due consideration being given to these factors?

Yes, Sir. As regards the second part of the question, my hon. Friend will understand that consultation in advance of restrictions made necessary by urgent national needs may not always be possible; but I can assure him that consideration was given to the special circumstances of the fruit trade before the order imposing restrictions on apples and pears was issued, and that as long notice as was considered possible in the circumstances was .given.

Does my right hon. Friend intend to institute consultations with the trade in future?

It is not always possible, when considering the question of imposing restrictions, just as when it is a question of imposing taxation, to take the trade concerned fully into one's confidence, because to do so would be to run the risk of a very considerable amount of forestalling. I am prepared to have close contact with the trade, but I cannot give any pledge which would make it necessary for me to consult it.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that with Christ- mas coming, these apples will be required without restriction?

asked the President of the Board of Trade (i) whether he is aware that the Import Licensing Department is refusing to grant permits to import raw materials required to complete contracts in the United Kingdom entered into before the war started; that these raw materials have been purchased in the British Dominions; that this refusal will throw men out of employment; and whether he will give instructions that all United Kingdom contractors and manufacturers who purchased materials and supplies before the war started from any part of the Empire shall be granted permits to import;

(2) whether he is aware that the Import Licensing Department is refusing to grant permits to import the raw materials required by manufacturers in the United Kingdom to manufacture goods for export to Empire and foreign countries, and that such raw materials cannot be obtained in this country; and will he give instructions that all raw materials required to carry on the export trade of the country shall be granted permits to enable them to be imported?

The importation of most raw materials is free from restrictions. Certain Import Prohibition Orders, relating to raw materials, have been made at the request of the Ministry of Supply; but the object of these Orders is not to reduce the quantity of imports but rather to enable the competent controller to arrange purchases of these materials in the most advantageous manner and to put such materials as are available to the best use.

; Is it the policy of the Government to give every possible opportunity for the importation of raw materials when, they are necessary for completing contracts and, in many cases, carrying out export orders?

Yes, Sir, I have been trying to impress upon all applicants for import licences that if they require the material for the purposes of export they should state so, and that I will then do all I can to help them.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether, in view of the shortage of shipping, he has now considered the requisitioning by the Govern ment of the Caird shipyard, Greenock; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

Is the right hon. Gentleman keeping in mind that this site has been examined by other Government Departments, which have pointed out that it is ideally situated for ship building?

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he has yet come to a decision as to the order of 30 ships at a total cost of over £7,000,000 from Canadian shipyards; and can he state the conditions under which the vessels will be operated when they are built?

While the whole question is receiving urgent attention, no orders have yet been placed and there is no foundation for the figures given in the question.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare what financial powers and executive authority he possesses to take immediate action, in appropriate cases, to prevent supplies reaching or the services of neutral shipping being made available to Germany?

I have no executive authority to take immediate action in the cases which the hon. Member seems to have in mind. The measures for the organisation of which the Ministry of Economic Warfare is responsible extend over the fields covered by many other Departments; but there are arrangements by which the competent authorities of other Departments act on the advice of the Ministry, or of bodies connected with it, in suitable cases. Expenditure necessitated by these measures is met by the executive Departments concerned from funds made available by the Vote of Credit in so far as it is not covered by Departmental Votes.

Can the Minister say whether this particular matter, shipping, is one for his Department or for the Ministry of Shipping?

In the ordinary course of events, all chartering is done by the Ministry of Shipping, but, of course, it could occur in exceptional circumstances that I might wish to advise the Ministry of Shipping that certain chartering was desirable, and in that case, it would be open to me to take that action.

Is the Minister aware that the other night, when this question was put to the Minister of Shipping, he said it was a matter for the Minister of Economic Warfare, and is it not possible to come to some definite understanding as to which Minister is responsible?

Is the Minister aware that this is only one of the matters on which there is great confusion between his Department and other Departments as to on whom the responsibility for taking the initiative lies, and does he recognise that in this particular case the initiative rests upon him?

I cannot agree that there is any confusion whatever. The circumstances in which the initiative rests with my Department are quite exceptional, and in the ordinary way, the initiative rests with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Shipping.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether, in order to prevent the diversion to Germany of normal butter and bacon supplies from the Baltic States to this country, because of the increased cost of transporting to this country, he will consider purchasing such supplies on Government account?

His Majesty's Government are giving close attention to the question of possible purchases of food supplies from the Baltic States. My hon. Friend will recall that at the present time all essential food supplies are purchased by His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is prepared to institute some efficient and secure method for families desiring to send re mittances to their relatives serving in the Forces, in view of the general instruction not to send money through the post, the decision to regard postal orders as legal tender, and the reluctance of people to include remittances in soldiers' parcels of which the contents must be detailed on the outside covering?

Remittances not exceeding £22s. on any one day may be sent to a member of the British Expeditionary Force by means of postal orders. So long as these are legal tender, they must be sent by registered post if senders desire to claim compensation in the event of loss. Postal orders should not be enclosed in parcels.

Could not some arrangement be made for transmission by telegram?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, because of widespread uncertainty, he will restate the conditions which qualify a woman to receive an allowance as if she were the wife of a soldier though unmarried to him; and what steps he takes to prevent abuse of this regulation before or after the allowance is made?

A special dependants' allowance, at the same rates and under the same other conditions as would be applicable if the parties were married and eligible for family allowance, is issuable to a woman who has lived with a soldier as his wife and who was wholly or substantially maintained by him on a permanent domestic basis for a continuous period of not less than six months immediately before the date of his joining the colours, and for any children of the soldier who are in her care. Awards under this provision are made only after special local investigation on behalf of the War Office, to verify that the woman concerned fulfils the conditions indicated, and, as a condition of the allowance, the soldier has to contribute from his pay to the same extent as if he were married to the woman. An allowance is liable to be withdrawn at any time if facts subsequently come to the knowledge of the Department which show that its continuance is not warranted.

Does that arrangement take into account the position of a woman who has been deserted by her husband, against whom a separation order has been made but who makes an allotment to the woman with whom he is living? What is the position of the woman and children left under the separation order?

I think that all those circumstances are covered. If a woman has been deserted by her husband and is living with the soldier—[Interruption.] If two women claimed an allowance for the same soldier it could not be sustained because the soldier has to make an allotment from his pay.

What is the position of the soldier who wishes to make an allotment to the woman with whom he is living and has deserted his wife and family for whom a separation order and allowance have been made? What pressure is brought upon the man to do his duty to his wife and children?

In each case the War Office satisfies itself that the claim is a good one having regard to the circumstances which the hon. Gentleman has mentioned.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of instituting a system of children's allowances for officers?

In peace time, no special allowance is given to married officers under 30. But, in order to assist an officer in war time in the maintenance of his family, provision has been made for the issue of a family lodging allowance which includes supplements for children up to two. In the case of an officer over 30, the peace-time rules provide for family lodging allowance at higher rates varying according to rank, but not according to the size of the family. Married officers over 30 during the war, whether serving on regular or other commissions, have been given the benefit of the peace-time scales.

Will my right hon. Friend consider that there is in the Army a large number of junior officers who have four or five young children, and who find it impossible to maintain their families on their present pay; and will he give the same sympathetic consideration to their case as he gave last week to the case of the soldiers?

If my hon. and gallant Friend looks at the rate of allowance, he will see that those facts have been taken into account.

When the right hon. Gentleman says "up to two," does that refer to number or age?

To number.

Will the Minister consider making an allowance for families of more than two children, or does he desire that officers should limit their families to two?

The hon. Gentleman will see that this is a new concession, and it has been very much welcomed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will grant a compassionate allowance of 5s. per week to widows whose sons are serving with the Forces?

Under the present scheme of dependants' allowances, a widowed mother is already eligible for an allowance of 12s., 17s. or 20s. 6d. a week, including the soldier's allotment, according to circumstances, if by reason of the inability of her son to continue to contribute to her support, as before, hardship is caused, and family allowance for a wife or family is not already in issue. .In special circumstances, where the ordinary regulations do not meet such a case, application can be made for a grant of special assistance which would be dealt with on the advice of the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee.

Are we to understand that the woman will get the allowance even if she cannot prove past dependency?

She can go to this tribunal. She cannot get a dependant's allowance unless she was dependent.

That is the point. The question is will the Minister consider granting a compassionate allowance even where dependency cannot be proved and where it is anticipated rather than past?

That is why a special tribunal has been established. It deals with allowances outside the ordinary allowances.

Is it not the case that every widow who has a son who is a recruit has to apply for any allowance at all?

Yes, everybody has to apply.

In view of the discontent prevailing in connection with the working of the scheme, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the whole scheme of partial dependency allowances?

I shall always be ready, as I have shown the House, to consider any scheme, but I have not yet any facts brought to my notice to show that that description of the scheme is justified.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether lieutenants called up for duty from reserve commence their duties at the same rate of daily pay as those of similar rank who have been commissioned for some time; and what the daily rate of pay is?

The rates of pay for a lieutenant in a combatant arm of the Service are 13s. a day on appointment to that rank and 14s. 6d. a day after six years' full pay reckonable service. A lieutenant called up from the reserve would receive one or the other of these rates according as he had or had not six years' full pay reckonable service to his credit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is his intention either to withdraw Army Form D. 406 or to make it inoperative to men in receipt of a pension governed by such regulation during the period of the war?

Army Form D. 406 related to civil employment, and was cancelled many years ago. I do not know what Regulation the hon. Member has in mind.

If I submit the Regulation to the Minister will he confer with me on the matter?

Yes, Sir; I shall look forward with deep pleasure to doing so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is any age limit in regard to the application of rankers for the necessary leave to make application to qualify for a commission in His Majesty's Forces?

Soldiers between 18 years, 8 months and 40 years of age are eligible for selection either for immediate emergency commissions or for training at an officer cadet training unit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make arrangements with the Postmaster-General for parcels containing the civilian suits of men who have been reservists and called to the Colours for service during the war, to be returned to their homes free of cost, as, in many instances, it constitutes a great hardship for wives or parents to make such payments?

Yes, Sir, I have arranged that a reservist who has not already done so may send home, when necessary, a parcel containing his civil clothes at the public expense.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a motor car belonging to Mr. R. G. J. Crump was severely damaged at 8.55 a.m., on 13th September, 1939, and Mr. Crump himself injured by a lorry forming part of a convoy of the 901st Company, Royal Army Service Corps; that the lorry driver and the officer commanding the company have both admitted that the lorry driver was to blame; that a motor vehicle is essential to Mr. Crump's livelihood; and when will compensation be paid him for the damage to his motor car and for his personal injuries?

Authority has been given for payment of the cost of repairs to the car, and the War Office is in communication with Mr. Crump regarding his other claims.

When will Mr. Crump get written confirmation of the telegram which the right hon. Gentleman's Department sent him last night?

I do not know, but it shows how quickly the War Office act.

After a question gets on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that several sections of the Royal Army Service Corps have been billeted in large empty houses in Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea, for 11 weeks; and whether he is satisfied with the sleeping accommodation provided for the men?

As I have already informed the right hon. Member, part of this unit, instead of indenting for fresh paillasses, which were available, made an attempt to recover some of those which had been taken away by the other part of the unit which had moved, taking all the bedding with them. Paillasses were subsequently issued from store.

Am I to understand that no complaint was received?

The right hon. Gentleman kindly visited me and called my attention to this matter, when I discovered the facts as set out in the question, and, as he has heard, the paillasses were provided as soon as they were asked for.

asked the Secretary of State for War when he anticipates that all soldiers will be supplied with the regulation two pairs of Army boots?

Instructions were issued a month ago for the issue of a second pair of boots to all soldiers at home, and issue should be nearly completed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether before the execution of any death penalty inflicted by a military court on a soldier at home or abroad, the facts and evidence will be submitted to him, and his endorsement of the sentence obtained?

As regards home, the answer is "Yes, Sir." In the case of troops on active service abroad, the approval of the officer in chief command of the forces is necessary.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give serious consideration to the proposal in the question, because of the extreme gravity of the sentence that may be inflicted?

Yes, Sir. The sentence is confined to extremely grave offences. The number of these offences has been reduced, and it is necessary for the Commander-in-Chief to have discretion in that very limited number of cases.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an assurance that while advantage is taken of the knowledge of paying rent allow ance acquired by the Unemployment Assistance Board, the investigation carried out into circumstances of applicants applying to the Military Hardships Tribunal will not be made by the officials of the Board?

The officials of the Board have special qualifications and are widely distributed over the country. So far as my Department can judge, their work has been fairly and efficiently done, and no reason is seen for any change in this arrangement. It would be extremely wasteful to set up a parallel organisation of new officials throughout the country.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that I am not asking for new officials, but that the officials should be under the control of the War Office and not connected with the Unemployment Assistance Board, not that I am casting any reflection on the officials of the Board, because everyone recognises their efficiency?

As I endeavoured to make plain, they must either be the existing officials or new ones.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the War Office is establishing a register of owners of horses who are desirous of selling to the Government at a reasonable figure, should they be required, he will now state to whom horse-owners should write enclosing details; and whether, to save needless correspondence, he will make known the type or types of horses likely to be required?

Information as to the types of horses which may be needed will shortly be published. Owners wishing to be registered should then write to the War Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information with regard to the position of officers in the various officer reserves?

The desire of officers of the various reserves to know their position and prospects is well understood by the War Office, and to meet this desire a new scheme has been prepared. Interviewing boards will be established at various centres. Officers will appear before these boards, who will report upon their qualifications. The War Office will then inform the officers whether they are likely to be required within three months or six months, or whether their prospects of employment are remote. It is hoped that this arrangement will enable the officers in question to make their plans with greater certainty. Details of the scheme and the classes of officers to which it is applicable will be published.

All other things being equal, will my right hon. Friend give preference to men who are unemployed at the time of their appearance before the board?

In war, I am afraid, we can give preference only to merit.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the cases of civil servants employed in the fighting Services Departments who have declared themselves to be conscientious objectors to military service, and whose objection has been sustained by the tribunals; and whether he is satisfied that the continued employment of these men in the fighting Services Departments is not injurious to the interests of the State or to the moral character of the individuals concerned?

Where a civil servant employed in a fighting Services Department has declared himself to be a conscientious objector to military service and where the objection has been sustained by a tribunal, no automatic action would be taken against the individual concerned in the matter of his civil employment. If, however, such an individual refuses, or asks to be relieved of the necessity, to perform any Departmental duty appropriately allotted to him as a civil servant, he cannot be retained in the Civil Service.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is against all reason and commonsense that these fighting Departments should have on their staff persons who are conscientious objectors to all the work the Departments are doing?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that those men have got to live, the same as the hon. Member who put this question?

Could I have a reply to my question?

Can those who are conscientious objectors possibly remain in the service? If so, are they not acting contrary to the opinions expressed before tribunals by such conscientious objectors?

I do not think that it is necessarily right to dispense with the services of a man who is working in a Department in London and who is not being asked to do anything but work in a Department in London if he finds it possible to do it.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that it may be part of the duty of these persons to send orders to other young men to be called up and do a share of the fighting?

Have not these men to earn a livelihood as well as the hon. Member for Shoreditch (Mr. Thurtle)?

The hon. Member for Shoreditch (Mr. Thurtle) seems to be developing a Hitler mentality.

asked the First Commissioner of Works how many hotels and similar establishments which were commandeered, pending occupation by Government Departments, have now been relinquished; and what is the estimated cost of temporarily taking over those places which were not required?

The number of hotels released by my Department is two. The question of compensation is under consideration, and, pending discussion, I am not in a position to furnish an estimate.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that Government tractors and ploughs are now being held in store in various agricultural districts in Scotland; and whether he will give instructions for their immediate release to farmers who wish to purchase them?

It is necessary to have a reserve of tractors and implements in connection with the Government's scheme for increased cultivation, but arrangements are made, whenever possible, to release machines for private purchase, and a number have already been released. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the circular issued on 3rd November to agricultural executive committees giving details of the Government's scheme.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in certain districts in Scotland, farmers have been prevented from ploughing during the last few critical weeks by their inability to obtain tractors or ploughs, which were, in fact, stored in those districts; and will he do all in his power to release such implements, where practicable, in order that farmers may put them to good use?

Is my right hon. friend aware that, in certain cases, farmers have purchased their tractors, but are unable to obtain ploughs to use with them, although these ploughs are stored by the Government?

Does that not apply to England as well as to Scotland?

I cannot answer for England. I know that implements in considerable number are available, and if my hon. Friends like to discuss the matter with me I will see what I can do to help.

While these implements are held by the Government will they be available for hire?

That is not part of the scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the protest by the Church of Scotland Presbytery of Greenock against the proposal to open theatres and cinemas on Sunday; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

I have received the representations referred to in the question and have duly noted the views expressed.

Will the Minister keep in view the desirability of the employes of these places having a weekly day of rest and the fact that opening for an extra day does not necessarily mean an increase in the weekly attendance?

I will keep those points in mind, if the question arises.

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember that there are places in Scotland other than Greenock where the same views are held?

Will my right hon. Friend note that a part of the representation put before him spoke of the spiritual resources of Scotland, and will he impress upon the churches the need for providing some alternative interest in the evening so that young people are not compelled to stay out in the streets in the dark?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction that is felt about the prospect of a staff drinking bar being established in St. Andrew's House, Edinburgh; and whether he has given this his approval or will he take steps to prevent this development?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what precedents he can quote for civil servants in Scotland applying for a licence for Government premises?

It is not intended to establish a" staff drinking bar" but to provide for the sale of drinks with meals at the staff luncheon club at St. Andrew's House. I am not aware of any dissatisfaction with the proposal. There has not hitherto been a combined luncheon club for the staffs of the Scottish Departments, and the present proposal is in accordance with practice in comparable cases in the Civil Service.

When the right hon. Gentleman says "comparable cases," does he mean in Scotland; and is not this an innovation in Scotland which will be looked upon with very great suspicion?

St. Andrew's House is itself a big innovation. There is a big concentration of staffs.

Do I understand from the right hon. Gentleman that there are no. precedents for such a licence?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make arrangements for agricultural workers between the ages of 18 and 20, who are indispensable for the efficient working of farms, to be released at the earliest opportunity?

All requests submitted to me for release from the Forces of workers, irrespective of age, on the grounds that they are indispensable for agriculture are carefully investigated. In appropriate cases, recommendations for permanent or temporary release are made to the Service Department concerned, with whom, as my hon. Friend will appreciate, the final decision in each case must rest.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of local authorities which have agreed to waive restrictions on the keeping of poultry by tenants of council houses, and the number which have not done so?

I regret that I am unable to supply the information requested by my hon. Friend, but I am considering the issue of a circular to local authorities upon the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, during the war, in view of the extreme shortage of accommodation, all restrictions imposed by Scottish local authorities on the housing of lodgers in council houses are being suspended?

Restrictions on the keeping of lodgers by tenants of council houses are imposed at the discretion of the local authority, and I understand that it is a usual condition of the letting of council houses that the consent of the local authority is required to the keeping of lodgers. I have no reason to believe that under present conditions consent will be unreasonably withheld where the local circumstances are such that any restrictions imposed in the past ought to be relaxed.

Would my right hon. Friend consider notifying the local authorities who are in charge of reception areas that this restriction should be minimised as far as possible?

I am anxious not to interfere with the discretion of local authorities, who are aware of the conditions in their areas, but I will bear in mind the point.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the dependants of men serving in the Army in France who are unable to pay arrears of rent out of the allowance granted have been ordered to leave their homes in Kirkcaldy within three weeks; and whether any means are available for the protection of tenants whose arrears are due to circumstances attributable directly or indirectly to the war?

I am informed that no tenants of council houses in Kirkcaldy have in the last two months been ordered by the town council to leave their homes. I have no information about the position of tenants of privately-owned houses in the burgh. As regards the second part of the question, I would point out that it is open to members of the Armed Forces in cases of hardship to apply to the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee for assistance in meeting their financial obligations, including rent.

If I send information to the right hon. Gentleman will he look into it?

I will certainly look into any information, if the right hon. Gentleman brings it to my notice.

Are not the tenants entitled to legal protection under the emergency legislation?

I will look into that point also, but I have no information, except with regard to tenants of council houses.

asked the Secretary for Mines what proportion of the officially authorised increase in the price of coal to the consumer is due to the increase in the cost of timber, pit-props, repairs, oil and stores, respectively?