asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can state the details of the original proposal to control and fix the price of Tunis dates and the present procedure in regard to the issue of licences for the importation of this fruit; whether he can state the originally intended allocation of importation immediately after 3rd September and the present allocation; and whether, in view of the high dietetic value of dates, which have a natural sugar content of approximately 90 per cent., it is necessary to control importation on the lines now in force?

No attempt has been made to control or fix the price of Tunis dates. Imports have, however, been restricted since 12th October with the object of conserving our resources for the purchase of imported commodities of greater importance and necessity, and the matter is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the curtailment of petrol supplies, and the desirability of rationalising as far as possible the collection of milk from farms, he Will take early steps to introduce a system under which all farmers will receive the same price per gallon according to quantity so that this rationalisation may be made effective?

The matters raised by my hon. Friend are receiving the consideration of my Department.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will investigate the complaint of Messrs. Waller and Hartley, of Blackpool, that their normal supply of best Danish butter, essential to the manufacture of high-class confectionery, was taken over by his Department and in its place they were supplied with a low-grade product which made its use in manufacture impossible if the reputation of the firm was to be maintained with a view to avoiding action of the kind in future?

Yes, Sir, if the firm will communicate to me the necessary particulars.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider introducing some scheme of tax and insurance for motor cars and motor cycles at a nominal rate for the benefit of members of the Forces when on leave provided that such vehicles are laid up in their absence?

The owner of a motor car is at present able to take out a licence to expire at the end of any current quarter or at the end of the calendar year, and on surrender of the licence to obtain repayment in respect of each complete unexpired month of its currency. Thus, in effect, a monthly licence is obtainable. This arrangement, in my view, broadly meets the needs of members of the Forces when on leave in this country. The position of motor cyclists at present differs, but my right hon. and gallant Friend, the Minister of Transport, with my concurrence, proposes to put motor cyclists in the same position as car owners in this respect. The question of insurance is not one in which the Government is prepared to intervene.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of any of the money which stands to the credit of the Treasury Pensions Account up to the latest available date?

Receipts into the Treasury Pensions Account have exceeded payments to 31st October, 1939, by £23.753ooo This sum is invested in Government securities to a nominal amount of £23,919,000 and the present market value of these securities is approximately £24,929,000. This sum is not surplus to the requirements of the Pensions scheme but constitutes a provision towards the excess of the cost of benefits over the income from contributions and Exchequer grant over the next seven years or so.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will cause an inquiry to be made into the general management and system of working of the refreshment department before presenting his Supplementary Estimate in aid of this department?

The House of Commons refreshment department is under the control of a Select Committee appointed by the House. I have received from the Chairman of the Committee all the information necessary to enable me to decide that a grant from public funds to assist the committee in present circumstances is fully justified.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take steps to secure the publication of the accounts of the Bankers' Industrial Development Company, whose authorised capital is £6,000,000?

No, Sir. The Bankers' Industrial Development Company is a private company as defined by Section 26 of the Companies Act, 1929, and as such is exempt from including in its annual return a copy of its balance sheet.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount by which the sterling value of the Czech assets, now blocked in this country, has increased since last March, owing to the rise in the price of gold?

The answer is approximately £1,000,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what machinery exists to compensate British subjects for losses sustained through Nazi action; and whether he will consider giving an early assurance of compensation to those who have suffered loss, in view of the fact that credit facilities are vital to prevent collapse of firms whose assets have been confiscated by the German Government?

It is, I fear, impossible to hold out any hope that the question of compensation being granted to British subjects for losses sustained through enemy action can be dealt with until after the conclusion of the war. I fully recognise the hardship caused to these and to others on whom the outbreak of war has inflicted serious loss, but in the existing circumstances we are bound to conserve our financial resources for the prosecution of the war and are not, therefore, in a position to grant compensation at the expense of the general taxpayer to meet such hardship.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action is contemplated with reference to transactions, not concerned with foodstuffs, where, in relation to the proposed sale of any article, the seller imposes or seeks to impose. a condition entailing the purchase of some other thing?

The practice to which my hon. and learned Friend refers is prohibited in relation to sales of price-regulated goods by Section 12 of the Prices of Goods Act; and it will be open to anyone who considers that he has a grievance in this respect to make a complaint to one of the price-regulation committees. So far as concerns goods which are not price-regulated, I shall be glad to look into any specific cases which may occur and to consider whether any action can usefully be taken.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered permitting the export of at least 40,000 tons of surplus English culinary apples to Belgium where there would be a ready market; and what is his decision in the matter, especially in view of the beneficial effect on our sterling position in relation to that country?

Subject to scrutiny as to possible re-export to the enemy, licences will be issued freely for the export of apples to Belgium.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he consulted with the trade, through the National Federation of Fruit and Potato Trades, Limited, before issuing the Import of Goods prohibition Orders Nos. 6, 7 and 8, which prohibit the import of apples and pears, fresh and raw, which may be despatched after 20th November, 1939, from foreign countries prior to the issue of those orders, with a view to ensuring that the public are provided with adequate minimum requirements?

The aspect of the question to which the hon. Member refers was discussed between my Department and the Ministries of Agriculture and Food, but did not form part of the discussions with the National Federation of Fruit and Potato Trades before the issue of the Import of Goods (Prohibition) (No. 8) Order, which prohibited the import of apples and pears except under licence. According to my information at the time when the Order was made, there was no reason to anticipate any deficiency in the supply of these goods.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from the National Federation of Fruit and Potato Trades, Limited, representing the wholesale trade in fruit, flowers, potatoes, and vegetables, setting out the dislocation of trade due to the method and basis of operating quota and licence allocations; and what reply has been made thereto?

A deputation was received in my Department on 3rd November from the National Federation of Fruit and Potato Trades and the London Chamber of Commerce. The deputation urged that more notice should be given of the imposition of restrictions and that changes should not be made part way through a season for particular products, and asked for closer consultation and co-operation with bodies representing the trade. It was explained in reply that as much notice was and would in future be given as was consistent with the national interest; but that the need, whether for exchange or other purposes, of producing an immediate or early effect, and also the danger in some cases of forestalling, were limiting factors. The desire of the Department to keep in close touch with those representing the trade and to continue their co-operation with officials of the Federation and of the London Chamber of Commerce on problems special to the trade was emphasised.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in connection with the Import of Goods (Prohibition) Orders Nos. 6, 7 and 8, he is aware that the prohibition in respect of despatching apples and pears, fresh and raw, from America as and from 20th November was made known to certain private individuals in the trade in the United States of America prior to the official announcement in this country of the orders from his Department; and whether he can explain this leakage of information?

A notice regarding the prohibition of the importation, except under licence, of apples and pears, fresh or raw, despatched from foreign countries on or after the 20th November, was issued on the evening of the 15th November in time for its publication both in this country and in America in the morning papers on the 16th November. The only case that has come to my knowledge suggesting a possible leakage of information is one in which a firm of importers in this country received, at 6.44 a.m. on 16th November, a telegram from a firm in the United States informing them of the prohibition. I am unable to account for this.

asked the Minister of Health whether arrangements have been made to heat, waterproof, and otherwise service summer camps now occupied by evacuees; and what steps are taken to inspect such buildings?

Instructions were given immediately evacuation had taken place for the inspection by my housing inspectors in the regions concerned of all camps occupied by children, to determine whether they were, or could be made, suitable for winter occupation. Authority was given to the inspectors to agree with representatives of the local authority on the spot what improvements were necessary and to have them put in hand forthwith. Improvements have been carried out, or are in process, at 12 or more of the camps. It has been decided that 12 should be vacated and alternative accommodation found for the children. Three camps remain to be vacated. Two of them will move next Saturday.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that an antiseptic called azochloramid is officially recommended in the Memorandum for the Guidance of Medical Officers and other Personnel at First-Aid Posts (Emergency Medical Services, Memorandum No. 4), he will see that supplies of this antiseptic are made available at these posts?

Supplies of the antiseptic referred to by my hon. Friend have already been distributed so as to be available at first-aid posts.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that at certain aid-posts the access to those parts set aside for the decontamination of gas casualties is so restricted by sandbags that a stretcher case could not be admitted; and whether he will cause this state of affairs to be remedied?

I am not aware that the position is as stated by my hon. Friend, but I will look into any case of which he forwards particulars.

asked the Minister of Health whether first-aid posts are kept open on Sundays; and what arrangements are made to secure that keys to doors and cupboards shall be immediately available in emergency?

The local authorities, through their medical officers of health, are responsible for making arrangements to secure that first-aid posts are available for use at any time when they may be required to function. If my hon. Friend has in mind any case where the arrangements for immediate use are considered inadequate, I shall be glad to look into it.

asked the Minister of Health whether facilities for the evacuation of expectant mothers continue in existence; and, if so, what steps are taken to make known how and where they can register?

I have authorised evacuation authorities, through the Department's senior regional officers, to arrange for the evacuation of further parties of expectant mothers to receiving areas where suitable billeting and maternity accommodation is available. It is for the evacuation authorities to decide in the light of their experience what steps they consider suitable to make known to expectant mothers in their areas the facilities which are available.

asked the Minister of Health what arrangements apply in the case of a mother who has been evacuated in charge of a child under five years of age, when that child reaches the age of five?

So long as a child is accompanied by its mother, no change would be made in the billeting arrangements. As soon as the child attends school after reaching the age of five, it would also be permissible for arrangements to be made to have it billeted as an unaccompanied school child and for the mother to return to her home.

asked the Minister of Health how many hospital supply depots have been created since the beginning of the war; and how many have received supplies of material from the central supply depot; and, in particular, in the counties of Northumberland and Durham?

I regret there are no statistics available in regard to the first and second parts of the question. As regards the third part, I understand from the Central Hospital Supply Service that the counties of Northumberland and Durham have togetheir received 37,550 yards of material of various kinds and 2,000 lbs. of knitting wool.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give a list of those local authorities which provide no supplement to their employes now serving with the Forces?

I regret that the desired information is not available.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that shopkeepers on the Liverpool Corporation estates are not permitted to open their shops on Sundays by reason of the Liverpool Corporation continuing a clause in the tenancy agreements which prohibits such opening although many of the shopkeepers trade in newspapers, tobacco, and confectionery, sales which are permitted under the Sunday Trading Act, 1937; and as this restriction was imposed in the agreements before the passing of the Act, will he take steps to induce the Liverpool Corporation to remove this clause so that the shopkeepers and the ratepayers in the areas may have the benefit conferred by this Act?

I understand that the position is, in general, as stated in the question, and that since the passing of the Shops (Sunday Trading Restriction) Act, 1936, the corporation have considered the matter further but have decided to maintain their policy. The management of their housing estates is expressly left by Statute to the discretion of the local authority, and I have, therefore, no power to intervene.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether the proposed hutments for Government Departments are going to be built with a special brick without a frog, and that the bricks are to be laid on edge instead of on the flat in the usual manner; and whether this new brick and method has the support of brickmakers and the building trade as being the best type of construction?

Varying methods of construction will be adopted to suit local circumstances, and, as the buildings will be of a temporary character, I do not consider that it would be desirable to exclude the use of any form of construction which will serve the purpose even if it may not be appropriate to the best type of permanent construction.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in order to increase the production of food, he will take steps to secure for use as allotments and for ordinary agriculture the valuable tracts of fertile land comprised in the parks surrounding the great mansions in Scotland?

In general, land of the character referred to can best be utilised for ordinary agricultural purposes rather than for allotments, and it comes within the purview of the Agricultural Executive Committees to whom I have delegated powers to issue Cultivation Orders or, if necessary, to take possession of land with my consent.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the peculiar position of blackface and cheviot light-weight ewes which form the mainstay of hill farming both in Scotland and England, in view of the fact that the proposed offer of 1d. to raise the flat-rate price to 7d. a pound will show no profit whatsoever as the resultant price is less than what such ewes were fetching during the pre-war depression; whether he is aware that the financial position of hill farmers is already unsatisfactory, and that there is an urgent need that they should at least receive a reasonable price for wool, otherwise the gravity of the position will be shown in a considerable exodus of tenants of hill farms throughout the country; and whether he is now in a position to make a statement on this matter?

The great majority of fat light-weight ewes from hill farms have already been sold to low ground farmers, who have bought them at current prices to sell fat during the late winter and spring. The price of 7d. per lb. can, therefore, scarcely affect the returns of hill sheep farmers in the current year.With regard to wool, I am fully alive to the importance of this source of income to the hill sheep farmer. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply is responsible for the fixing of wool prices, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and I are in consultation with him in regard to the prices to be paid for wool still in the farmers' hands and also in regard to the principles on which the home clip of 1940 should be dealt with.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that the Kidderminster Chamber of Commerce are urging the necessity of adequate supplies of wool for the carpet industry and pointing out that, unless such are forthcoming, serious unemployment and loss of revenue in the carpet trade will be inevitable; and what action he is taking in the matter?

I have received representations from the Kidderminster Chamber of Commerce in the sense mentioned by my hon. Friend. I understand that at the subsequent sale of carpet wool it was found possible to meet fully the applications of the Kidderminster trade.

asked the Minister of Supply whether, observing the shortage of paper, he will recommend, especially to the Defence Services, that the practice of demanding returns in triplicate, quadruplicate, and even sextuplicate be moderated, and wherever possible, abandoned?

My attention was drawn some little time ago to the need for economy in the use of paper by Government Departments, and in consultation with the Paper Controller and the Treasury I am taking steps to bring the need for economy to the attention of Government Departments. The steps to be taken in each Department to secure economy are, of course, a matter for the Department concerned.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will institute a comprehensive independent inquiry into the vast consumption of timber by all the Departments of the State, for, among other purposes, camps for serving soldiers, civil servants, evacuated children, new factories, huts for public school boys, and for new emergency air-raid precautions structures, with the object of lessening the use of a commodity of which there is urgent need and also saving much ship space which can be better employed?

The utilisation of timber by all Government Departments is already strictly controlled in accordance with decisions given by the Joint Production and Materials Sub-Committee and the Works and Building Priority Sub-Committee of the Ministerial Priority Committee. Both these sub-committees are fully aware of the urgent necessity of restricting the use of timber, and my right hon. Friend sees no necessity for any further inquiry. A branch of the Timber Control is specially engaged in promoting economy in the use of timber.

asked the Minister of Supply whether his Department, either alone or in co-operation with any other Department, has hitherto conducted a census of industrial production with the object of ascertaining whether the fullest possible use is made of all factories capable of any form of contracting or sub-contracting assistance; and, if not, whether this can be at once undertaken to check both the cost of erecting new establishments, which will largely cease to be of value after the war, and of limiting the consumption of imported building material?

Detailed surveys of manufacturing capacity likely to be of use to meet war requirements have been carried out over a period of years under the direction of the Supply Board. The fullest possible use has been made of the information thus obtained, together with any supplementary information brought to notice, in order to avoid setting up new factories for any work which can satisfactorily be undertaken by existing resources.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether printing contracts placed by his Department are made direct with the printers or are placed through advertising agents receiving commission on such contracts?

All printing orders are placed by the Ministry of Information through His Majesty's Stationery Office in accordance with established practice.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether he will give particulars of poster-advertising contracts made since September, and now pending, respectively; the amounts arranged for the same; and by or with whom completed?

No contracts for payment for the rental of poster advertisements have been made since September; and none are now pending. Arrangements are now under consideration for the display of posters on sites allocated voluntarily for the Ministry's use; but I am not yet in a position to give details.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in the county of Durham there are more than 60,000 persons unemployed, 6,000 of whom have been unemployed for more than five years; and what is being done by his Department to place these persons into employment?

I am, of course, aware of the heavy unemployment in the Durham area. In so far as strategic considerations make this possible, I am making every effort to secure that work may be afforded by extending Government productive capacity in the area. I would, in addition, remind the hon. Member that the Team Valley Trading Estate as well as other schemes have been initiated or assisted by the Commissioner for the Special Areas.

asked the Minister of Labour the comparative rises in the cost of living since the outbreak of war in this country and in France; and to what the difference is attributed?

At 1st November, the official cost-of-living index figure for the United Kingdom showed a rise of approximately 9 per cent. since the outbreak of the war. Corresponding figures for France are not available; so far as I am aware, statistics relating to the changes in the cost of living since the beginning of the war have not yet been officially published in that country.

asked the Minister of Labour where the hardship tribunals of West Ham, East Ham and Essex are located; who are their personnel; and when they commenced functioning?

The Military Service (Hardship) Committee covering the West Ham area will sit at the Stratford Employment Exchange, and the East Ham Committee at the East Ham Employment Exchange. Hardship Committees in the county of Essex will sit at the Barking, Chelmsford, Colchester, Dagenham, Grays, Ilford, Ley ton, Romford and Southend Employment Exchanges. Invitations have been sent to all chairmen and members of the panels of courts of referees in these areas to serve on the Hardship Committees, and, in so far as they are willing, they will constitute the personnel of those committees. Sittings of some of the above committees will commence next week.

asked the Home Secretary to how many, and which factories, and in what industries has the power given under Section 59 (1) of the amended Emergency Powers (Defence) Regulations, to dispense with the provisions of the Factory Act, 1937, been applied; how many employés have been affected thereby; in how many, and which, factories and in what industries, with regard to how many employés, has the entire Act been dispensed with; in how many, and which, factories and what industries, with regard to how many employés, have only certain sections of the Act been dispensed with, and which sections; and in how many, and which, of the above cases of dispensation has it been effected after consultation with, and with the consent of, the trade unions concerned?

It is not possible to give a statistical reply, but the general position is as follows. In no case has the entire Act been dispensed with, nor is there any intention of granting exemptions from most of its provisions. For large numbers of factories in a wide variety of industries I have authorised, for limited periods of time, limited modifications, varying according to circumstances, of the provisions regulating hours of employment. The majority of these authorisations have been given under Section 150 of the Factories Act itself, which empowers the Secretary of State, in case of public emergency, to exempt factories in respect of work on behalf of the Crown, to such extent as he may specify. Defence Regulation 59 (1) enlarges the scope of that Section, but the extent to which action taken under the Regulation goes beyond what would have been permissible under Section 150 would often be difficult to determine.The number of employes affected is constantly changing, owing particularly to the widespread movement of workers to Government work. The factory inspectors consult local trade union representatives as to particular cases or classes of case. Cases in the same industry and locality often present similar features; and, when the views of union representatives have been obtained as to how a particular class of case should be dealt with, it often becomes unnecessary to consult them about each instance separately, provided general contact with the unions is maintained. The general policy is to maintain close control over hours of work by authorising emergency arrangements for limited periods only, and reviewing the cases at intervals to see how far they can be curtailed in the fight of the amount of available labour and other circumstances.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that many hospitals and aid-posts lack direction boards for the guidance of incoming or departing casualties; that in several instances no provision is made for one-way traffic, the parking of staff motor-cars where they will not be in the way, and, in general, the regulation of traffic in the neighbourhood of hospitals and first-aid posts during the reception of casualties; and whether he will take action to see that all possible steps are taken to avoid the delay and confusion which lack of forethought in these matters is likely to occasion?

The attention of local authorities has already been drawn to the importance of providing direction boards to first-aid posts, but I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health that it is not generally considered necessary to provide direction boards to hospitals; ambulance drivers learn the routes as part of their training. As regards the second part of the question, the police have already been in consultation with the hospital authorities about traffic arrangements with a view to securing that ambulances shall arrive and depart in the shortest possible time. I will consult my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health on the question whether any further action can be taken by the police to assist.

asked the Home Secretary whether the deportation orders made in the case of the five stowaways who landed off the Dutch ship "Velocitas," on 24th July, have been, or will be, enforced?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Forfar (Captain Shaw) on 4th August. All the men were removed from the United Kingdom to Antwerp on 2nd August.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, excluding two societies who in 1937 drew £15,822, but for which no later figures are available, 31 societies appealing for funds on behalf of animal welfare drew £338,801 from the public during 1938; that except for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which drew £147,476 os. Iod. in that year, few publish full accounts; and whether, in view of the prior needs of human suffering in the time of war, he will not sanction street collections in the Metropolis for this purpose?

I am aware that the public annually subscribe large sums to societies for animal welfare. So far as street collections in the Metropolitan Police District are concerned, the issue of permits rests with the Commissioner of Police, and all applications for permits are referred by him to an Advisory Committee. For the last three years the Commissioner has issued only one permit annually for a combined appeal by Animal Societies. I should not feel justified in recommending to the Commissioner that this permit should be refused.

asked the Home Secretary (1) when he intends to introduce legislation to remedy the inadequate payments now in operation for injured workpeople;(2) whether he has considered the resolutions received from the Trades Union General Council and the Mineworkers' Federation in regard to a new Workmen's Compensation Act; and whether he can state the Government's policy?

This matter is still under consideration, and I am afraid I am not yet in a position to make any further statement.

asked the Secretary of State for War what special steps have been taken by the director of ordnance services and the principal ordnance officer to supervise the present administration of the seven central ordnance depots with their sub-depots, especially in regard to their rapid expansion since the war by the engagement of a large number of civilian employes, male and female, in addition to those who form the normal civilian establishment; how many persons have been thus engaged at each depot; what is the weekly wage bill for each of these seven depots as at the end of the last week of September, compared with the same week a year ago; and whether he is satisfied that the conditions of labour and the supervision of work done, ensure a proper return to the taxpayer for this greatly increased expenditure?

I have now obtained figures, but it would not be desirable to publish them. I will make them available in confidence to my hon. and gallant Friend and to any other Member who may be interested. They show that the increase in personnel is more than accounted for by the increase in work, and, in fact, a large amount of overtime has been necessary. The withdrawal of part of the military supervisory staff for other duties on the outbreak of war naturally tended to increase the difficulties, but these are being overcome as the present staff gain experience. Every effort is being made to increase efficiency, and overtime is being reduced as far as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that officers' lodging allowances are reduced by the omission of fuel and light allowances when the officer goes to the front, although his family's fuel and light requirements may not thereby be reduced; that the reduction in allowances amounts to as much as 17s. 6d. per week in the case of majors; and whether he will take steps to remove this penalty on active service?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to give a final reply. The matter is linked with other questions which are at present under review. I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is considering the withdrawal from overseas at an early date of those militiamen sent abroad with less than four months' training?

No, Sir. The amount of training required depends upon the duty to be discharged.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the annual report on the British Army for the year ended 30th September, 1939, will be available?

It is not proposed to publish this report during the war.

asked the Secretary of State for War the approximate rate of utilisation of the services of members of the Officers Emergency Reserve, so as to enable them to make their plans in advance?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to-day to my hon. Friend the Member for Holland with Boston (Mr. Butcher).

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make the claim forms provided for those who have to apply to the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee for extra allowances, obtainable at Post Offices in addition to where they now can be had, as Post Offices are more convenient to the majority of claimants?

I will consider the question and communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the railways have now been taken under the control of the Government, he will consult with the Minister of Transport as to the possibility of giving a free railway warrant to soldiers on leave at least once in three months?

As I informed the hon. Member last Tuesday, troops at home will be given free railway warrants for travelling on leave twice a year, including embarkation leave. The fact that the railways are now under Government control does not relieve public funds of the cost of such travelling.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the special case of hardship of No. 4917900, Private H. Richardson, Infantry Training Centre, South Staffordshire Regiment, and whether his military training could not be deferred further to enable suitable arrangements to be made for the working of the farm and 20 milking cows, which, owing to an accident to his father resulting in the total loss of his eyesight, will be left with no labour except that of his mother?

This soldier has been released from military service for six months.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many women doctors are serving in the Auxiliary Territorial Service?

Three women doctors have been appointed to the Royal Army Medical Corps for medical duties with the Auxiliary Territorial Service.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will publish the data upon which it has now been decided that the allowances for the children of those serving in the armed forces shall be at the rate of 12s. for three and 27s. for eight, in view of the fact that, when the cost of living was appreciably lower, the allowances for evacuated children were fixed at 27s. 6d. for three and 70s. for eight; and whether the parents of the evacuated child of a serving soldier will be expected to pay the 6s. asked for by the Ministry of Health, irrespective of the fact that only a 3s. allowance has been given in respect of it?

As has already been stated on various occasions, the allowances for evacuated children are not comparable with those provided for children under our family allowance scheme. The latter are not intended to cover the full cost of maintenance of the children concerned, but are in addition to the soldier's pay to assist him in this matter. Parents (whether soldiers or civilians) of evacuated children are required to contribute towards the cost to the Government of the maintenance of their children in the reception areas only so far as their means allow.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make any detailed statement as to the approximate dates when Christmas parcels should be posted to the troops overseas with relative certainty of securing delivery on or before 25th December?

As the conditions which may prevail are uncertain, it is not practicable to fix any definite latest times of posting to ensure delivery by Christmas Day, but it is strongly recommended that posting to France should not be left later than 12th December, and, as regards other stations abroad, that a margin of time should be allowed as compared with previous years.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that those men of His Majesty's Army who have been provided with civilian overcoats cannot use them except when on duty, no matter what the weather conditions may be; whether he can say that all the men now have Army greatcoats, or what number still await them; and what has been the cost to Army expenditure for civilian overcoats?

I am not aware of any instructions to the effect suggested in the first part of the question. Army greatcoats are available for all but about 40,000 men, and it is hoped that they will become available for this number by the end of this month. Issue will then be made as rapidly as possible. The cost of buying civilian overcoats is estimated to be over £100,000. A figure for the allowance issued to personnel for using their own overcoats is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the long delay before soldiers' dependants receive their allowances and the anxiety and hardship this involves; and what action he has taken to expedite payments in the future?

A certain time must necessarily elapse between an application for a dependant's allowance and the issue of the allowance, as the grounds of the claims are not stereotyped but are personal in every case. Further, the consent of the soldier to an allotment from his pay on behalf of the dependant must be obtained. Arrangements will shortly come into force which will enable claims to be made in future at the time a man reports for medical examination, or, in the case of voluntary recruits, at the time of attestation, so that the necessary investigations may be carried out as far as possible before the man actually joins for service or within a very short time after. It is hoped that this improvement in the procedure will bring an easement of the position of claimants. I would remind the hon. Member that where a dependant is in need pending the issue of an allowance, application should be made to the nearest local office of the Ministry of Labour for temporary help under the Government scheme for the prevention and relief of distress due to the war.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the position of a soldier who has a separation order against him for wife maintenance as to whether some part of his allowance can be given to meet the order?

Where a court order exists against a soldier in respect of the maintenance of his wife, he is liable to compulsory stoppages of pay in respect of the order under the provisions of Section 145 of the Army Act. Where the amount made available for the wife's maintenance in this way falls appreciably short of the sum which the man was contributing under the order before joining the Colours, it can be supplemented by an award to the wife under the dependants' allowance scheme (if the requisite conditions are fulfilled) or by a grant of special financial assistance outside that scheme if recommended by the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the present approximate number or proportion of retired Regular Army officers on the various reserves who are under the age of 55 and who have not yet been recalled and allocated to some war appointment?

About five out of eight officers of the Regular Army Reserve of Officers under the age of 55 have been recalled. Many of those who have not been recalled are unavailable for various reasons, such as residence abroad, addresses unknown, reserved and delayed liabilities, temporary unfitness or because they are not suitable. I am unable to give similar figures for the Army Officers Emergency Reserve.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether as late as 29th October a certain cavalry regiment in France had still only a single blanket per man; and whether all troops in France have now received an adequate supply?

; The active service scale of blankets is one a man, but each man in the British Expeditionary Force is to have two. An ample supply has been sent to France, and every man should now have a second blanket.

asked the Secretary of State for War what provision is made for canteens for those men who, having been selected from the ranks to join the officer cadet units, are not allowed any longer to use the canteens available to the ranks from which they have come and are not able to become members of an officers' club until they have got their commissions?

There is no authority to prohibit the use of their regimental institutes or canteens by soldiers selected for officer cadet units. When they join the cadet units, they will use the institutes allotted to these units.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many applications have been made for a commission in the Equipment Branch of the Royal Air Force; what are the qualifications for such work; whether he is aware that interviews have been granted at which questions regarding reasons for wishing to join this branch, medical fitness and languages spoken have been asked and, when answered satisfactorily, promise of an early decision has been given; whether these are the only qualifications necessary; and why no technical questions are asked thereby guaranteeing that fully qualified persons will be chosen?

Many hundreds of applications have been received for commissions in the Equipment Branch of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, for which the principal qualifications are a good education, business or industrial experience, and preferably a knowledge of stores records and the handling of stores. The final assessment of the suitability of an applicant is made by a Selection Board, who ask the candidate questions covering the whole of his career, including his educational record and his business or industrial experience, and I am satisfied that every effort is made to secure the recruitment of fully qualified persons. Questions as to general health may be put at the interview but medical fitness is decided by a medical board.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now state the Government's policy with regard to cheap credit to agriculturists and assure them that such cheap credit will be available?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on Thursday last, 16th November, to my hon. Friend the Member for Devizes (Sir P. Hurd).

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is now in a position to make a statement to the House regarding the ages of reservation of mine workers?

I have been asked to reply. Further consideration has been given to the reservation of colliery workers, and it has been decided to reduce the ages of reservation for a number of occupations.

asked the First Comissioner of Works whether he is aware that it was originally intended that the boys of the Malvern School, now at Blenheim, should be rehoused in hutments newly built for them; and whether, in view of the new plans announced by his Department, Malvern School will be returned at the earliest opportunity for the use of the school?

I am aware that the needs of the school have called for temporary adaptations and additions at Blenheim. As I stated in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson) on nth October, I am most anxious to provide alternative accommo dation to enable schools and other requisitioned premises to be released. But the extent to which and the pace at which this can be accomplished must have relation to many other urgent war claims upon the available resources. As soon as alternative accommodation by way of temporary buildings can be made Malvern College buildings will be relinquished.

asked the Attorney-General whether, having regard to the terms of Section 26 (1) of the Betting and Lotteries Act, 1934, he will advise the Director of Public Prosecutions whether he should take notice of the manner in which the football pools are now being conducted?

The duty of primary investigation of alleged contraventions of the laws relating to betting and lotteries falls on police authorities, and the Director of Public Prosecutions as a prosecuting authority does not himself initiate inquiries into matters of this character. In these circumstances I am not prepared to advise the Director in the manner proposed in the question.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the fact that certain of the provisions of the Coal Prices (Inland Supply) Order, 1939, infringe the principle of sanctity of contract, he will now withdraw or cancel the Order?

The Order was made after full consideration, and I do not propose to alter it. I would point out that the effect of the Order is to apply equitably to all buyers of coal from collieries a flat rate increase in price. Any buyer who, prior to the Order, had a favourable price under a contract with a colliery retains his relative advantage.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that many garages are unable to secure their guaranteed supplies of petrol, and that it is not uncommon for motorists to call at three or four garages before they are able to get their supply of petrol; and will he make provision for a better distribution of petrol supplied to the garages?

I am informed that the distribution of petrol is proceeding satisfactorily, but if my hon. Friend will let me have particulars of any instances of the kind to which he refers, I will make further inquiries.

asked the Secretary for Mines what powers he has to control the price of petrol to the public; whether he approved or was consulted upon the two increases which have taken place since the war; and what justification there is for such increases?

Powers to control the price of petrol are contained in Regulation 55 of the Defence Regulations, to which I would refer the hon. Member. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. The factors which warranted the increases in price included the world price of petrol, changes in rates of exchange, freight rates and war risks insurance.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many of the 32 retired officers and civil servants now employed as divisional or assistant-divisional petroleum officers in connection with petrol rationing are in receipt of pensions; and how many were appointed through the Central Registry of the Ministry of Labour?

All the persons referred to are in receipt of pensions. Thirteen were recruited before the Central Register came into operation, and the remainder were appointed through the register.

asked the Secretary for Mines the respective occupations of the eight divisional or assistant-divisional petroleum officers who are not retired officers or civil servants; by whom they were appointed, and when; and how many were appointed through the medium of the Central Register of the Minister of Labour?

Two of the officers in question were bank officials, two stock brokers, two commercial managers, one an accountant, and one a director of a technical institute. The services of the accountant and one bank official have been loaned to the Department. All were appointed by my Department, in most cases before the Central Register came into effective operation. There have recently been two replacements from non-Civil Service sources, both of which were recruited through the register, and the mechanism of the register will, of course, be regularly employed in the future.

asked the Secretary for Mines what is the constitution of the Petroleum Board; by whom such board was created; and what are its powers?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave on 1st November and 14th November to the hon. Member for Clay Cross (Mr. Ridley), of which I am sending him copies.

asked the Minister of Shipping what are the rates of freight paid, respectively, to British vessels on T. 99 time charters, and to neutral vessels on Baltime time charters; and what are the current rates of freight paid to British and neutral vessels, respectively, for similar voyages from Montreal to the United Kingdom?

The rates of hire for British vessels which have been requisitioned, and are being run on the basis of the T.99 time charter, have not yet been fixed. A number of neutral vessels have recently been taken on time charter at about 12s. 6d. per deadweight ton per month. The controlled rate for British vessels for grain from Montreal or United States of America Atlantic ports to the United Kingdom is at present 4s. 6d. per quarter but is under review. From the United States of America Atlantic ports neutral vessels have been paid 11s. per quarter.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he will arrange that men offering their services as merchant service officers through the Merchant Service War List and needing refresher courses to qualify them for sailing under modern war conditions, should be paid during the refresher course and assisted to meet the expense of purchasing instruments?

There is no present indication that refresher courses of the kind mentioned will be necessary. Any question of assistance in purchasing equipment would be one for settlement between the officer and the shipowner concerned.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he is aware that up to a few days ago there was no boat drill on the Liverpool-Belfast steamships, nor were boat stations communicated to passengers; and whether this inactivity is continuing?

I have ascertained that boat drills for the crew of the vessel referred to are held weekly in port and that, in each of the passenger cabins in the ship, notices are exhibited describing the nature of the signal which would be given in an emergency and the procedure which passengers should then follow. I am writing to the shipowners concerned asking them to draw the attention of all passengers to the terms of these notices.

asked the Secretary for Mines to how many, and what establishments employing how many persons, has the power given under Section 59 (2) of the amended Emergency Powers (Defence) Regulations to dispense with the provisions of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, Metalliferous Mines Regulation Acts, 1872–75, the Quarries Act, 1894, and any orders, regulations or rules under any of these Acts, been applied; in what cases have the entire Acts, orders, regulations or rules, been dispensed with; in what cases have only certain sections been dispensed with and which sections; and in how many and which of the above cases of dispensation has it been effected after consultation with and with the consent of the trade unions concerned?

I propose to effect by Order under this regulation certain temporary modifications rendered necessary by the war in the new general regulations dealing with precautions against coal dust which are to be brought into force on 1st January next. These modifications are being made after consultation and agreement with the national associations representing the mine owners, the managers and the workmen.The only other use made of this power has been to continue under Defence Regulations the practice of granting temporary exemptions which were previously granted under the Winding and Haulage Regulations, 1937. Such grants have been made in respect of six mines employing approximately 4,570 persons underground, postponing for short periods the obligations to provide slow banking equipment, the ground for postponement being in each case unavoidable delay in the delivery of the equipment by the manufacturers.