asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the pensions of civil servants, which depend on their total emoluments, are calculated to take into account earnings which may be increased as the result of piecework; and, if not, on what grounds it has been decided that emoluments for the purposes of the Superannuation Acts cannot include amounts so earned whilst on piecework?

Under the Superannuation Acts, a civil servant's pension falls to be calculated, not upon his earnings from official sources including casual payments, but upon the salary and emolument's of his office. The latter expression has always been interpreted by the Treasury as meaning the normal salary and emoluments of the officer's grade, disregarding extra amounts earned temporarily by individual officers of that grade. Accordingly, in the case of industrial civil servants who are entitled to regular weekly rates or scales of pay but who may earn larger sums when employed on a piece-work basis, it has been the regular practice to calculate their pensions upon their weekly rates of pay.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will arrange to publish a list of the Government offices which maintain public relations officers or publicity departments; and whether these departments issue their statements direct to the Press and other agencies or through the Ministry of Information or the news section of Sir Walter Monckton's Department?

Information is not immediately available to enable me to reply. I will, however, have inquiry made and will communicate with my hon. Friend in due course.

asked the Financal Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the serious position of those engaged in the hotel industry in some of the reception areas owing to the requisitioning of their buildings by the Government, and that the basis of compensation announced will in some cases involve their financial ruin; and whether His Majesty's Government will review the whole position?

I am well aware of the inconvenience and embarrassment which has been caused by the unfortunate necessity of requisitioning hotels for Government purposes. I hope that it will be possible shortly to discuss the position with representatives of the industry.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider the advisability of securing that the Civil Service be an exempt occupation up to the age at which all Civil Service competitions, including that for the administrative grade, are held; and whether, in view of the necessity for ensuring the recovery and expansion of the social services at the conclusion of the war, he will consider the desirability of the total exemption from war service of civil servants holding important administrative posts directly concerned with the social services?

Civil servants (non-industrial) other than members of the minor and manipulative grades and other than those in certain specific occupations are reserved in the Schedule of Reserved Occupations at age 25.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the total staff and what is the annual cost in salaries of each of the controls set up by the Ministry of Food?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many persons have been appointed to paid positions in connection with the control of food under the authority of his Department?

As the reply to the questions involves a number of figures I will, with permission, circulate a table in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the previous occupations of the directors and assistant directors of the various headquarters sections of the Ministry of Food, together with the salaries paid to each of these officers?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies which I gave to my hon. Friends, the Members for Stourbridge (Mr. R. Morgan) and Abingdon (Sir R. Glyn) on 7th November, and to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for The Wrekin (Colonel Baldwin-Webb) on 14th November. If there is any further information which my hon. Friend requires, I shall be glad to supply it if he will be good enough to communicate with me.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to the increased delays in passing importation of machine tools through the Customs House, and particularly, whether he is aware that the delays have increased from 24 hours to three or four days; and whether he will take whatever steps are necessary to amend the regulations in those cases where the tools are required for national purposes?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, but if the hon. Member will give me details of any of the cases he has in mind, I will have inquiry made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the assurances received from the wholesale fruit trade that, while it is ready to assist in every way restrictive measures on imports, it is already, from past experience in the war, apprehensive that further arbitrary regulations without adequate notice or consultation as to procedure will be announced; and what steps he proposes to allay these apprehensions?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that it is the official opinion of the fruit and vegetable trade that the restriction orders affecting the articles they handle are having, and will have, the effect of causing the maximum inconvenience and loss to the industry as a whole without any corresponding public benefit; and whether before introducing further restrictions, he will consult importers with the object of diminishing such results?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. Friend, the Member for Moss Side (Mr. Duckworth) on 21st November, of which I am sending them copies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether to facilitate the supply of fruit and vegetables for the public, any restrictions are contemplated in regard to the orange trade with Spain and Palestine, the Spanish onion season, and products of the Egyptian season?

I understand that representations have been made to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster suggesting that for the purpose of regulating supplies and of making the largest possible supply available at reasonable prices, oranges should be included among the goods subject to control by import licence and that these representations are under consideration. I am not aware of any suggestion for a restriction on the import of onions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the great inconvenience to importers of children's toys because of the prohibition of such imports; that, in consequence, there is a prospect of a great shortage of children's toys for Christmas: and will he consider a relaxation of the present restrictions so as to enable traders to meet the usual demands at this season of the year?

My right hon. Friend recognises that the prohibition of imports must have led to a substantial reduction of supplies, but, in view of the urgent need of conserving our foreign exchange, I fear that I can hold out no prospect of any relaxation of the restrictions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the German competitors of United Kingdom paper mills are continuing to sell in neutral countries at pre-war prices, with 90 days' credit; that the operations of the paper controller have penalised British supplies in these markets by taking over their cheap pulp and selling it back to them at a dear price; and what steps he proposes to take to assist the export trade in this commodity?

My right hon. Friend has no recent information as to the terms on which paper is being exported from Germany to neutral markets. As regards the second and third parts of the question, the trade have been requested to submit estimates of the raw material required to maintain their export trade. When these are received the question of the extent to which supplies can be made available and the price will be discussed with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the supply of batteries for small torches is entirely inadequate for the needs of the public, it being almost impossible to purchase what is known in the retail trade as the 3d. size:; and whether, in view of the urgent need to reduce road accidents in the black-out by provision of these small torches for pedestrians and in view of the fact that many persons are having to purchase very much larger and brighter torches which tend to contravene the black-out regulations, he will take such steps as are necessary to increase and maintain the production of the required small size batteries immediately?

Manufacturers of the small size battery, the supply of which still falls short of the very heavy demand, have recently taken steps considerably to increase their output of this type. A steady amelioration of the present position should result.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether British trade representatives have been appointed to serve in neutral countries, with a view to fostering trading relations with such countries?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what prohibition is instituted against the importation of chicory from Belgium; and whether he will state the reasons for such prohibition of this important winter vegetable-salad?

I have been asked to reply. Chicory is prohibited except by licence under the Import Prohibition (No. 1) Order, the object of which is to limit expenditure on luxuries and nonessentials. No licences are at present being issued.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the sources of importation of cheap grapes during the season when such products are not obtainable from Empire sources; and to what extent such importation from non-Empire countries is permitted?

I understand that the chief sources of importation of cheap grapes during the autumn are normally Spain, Bulgaria, Portugal and the United States. As regards the last part of the question, no licences are being used at present for the importation of grapes from foreign countries, but imports were permitted in the months of September and October to the value of approximately one-half of the imports of the previous year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is intended to impose any restriction on the importation into this country of oranges from Palestine?

I understand that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has received certain suggestions for the regulation of supplies of oranges with a view to making the largest possible supply available at reasonable prices, and that these suggestions are under consideration. The importance of the United Kingdom market to the Palestine growers of oranges is, of course, fully appreciated.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the name of the full-time referee appointed under the Prices of Goods Act; and the salary to be paid?

No appointment to this office has yet been made; the second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many reports have been received from each county agricultural war executive concerning the operations of district committees; and whether he is satisfied that these committees are functioning as effectively as is desired?

At my request county war agricultural executive committees submit fortnightly progress reports, particularly in regard to the area of grassland scheduled for ploughing-up and the service of directions as to cultivation. This work is, of course, largely based on the operations of district committees, and all the evidence I have received goes to show that the progress made has been satisfactory and that district committees are functioning effectively.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that Shire horse societies in various parts of the country will not be able to continue then-work and may have to go out of existence because of the withdrawal of Government grants; and whether he will reconsider the matter with a view to giving some assistance?

I have received representations in the sense indicated by the hon. Member, but I regret that, after the fullest consideration, I cannot see my way to withdraw the suspension of these grants.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the shortage of threshing tackle in Kent; and whether such machinery can be made available through war agricultural committees, especially the new type which need only five men instead of 13 or 14 men?

I am not aware of any general shortage of threshing tackle in Kent this season, but if my hon. Friend will give me particulars, it may be possible to arrange through the usual trade channels before the end of the threshing season for some measure of relief to be given to any district that is inadequately served. As the ploughing-up campaign will not increase the area of corn crops to be threshed until next season, special facilities for threshing are not being provided by County War Agricultural Executive Committees at the present time, but the arrangements that will be necessary for threshing the corn harvested in 1940 are at present under consideration, and if my hon. Friend will give me particulars of the machine to which he refers, I will have it borne in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many journalists have been given non-combatant commissions in the Royal Air Force; what is the total cost per annum in pay and allowances of these appointments; what are their duties; what has been their output to date; and how many of them are serving at home stations?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I have given to-day to two other questions on this matter by my hon. Friends the Members for Wycombe (Sir A. Knox) and Lincoln (Mr. Liddall).

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many women doctors are serving in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force?

None, Sir, at present, but the appointment of a limited number of women doctors primarily for duty with the Women's Auxiliary Air Force is receiving consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has considered the communication sent to him by the hon. Member for Maryhill regarding the flight of enemy aircraft over Glasgow; and whether he can make a statement to the House about it?

Yes, Sir. The statement referred to is a Press cutting reporting the Lord Provost of Glasgow as having stated that enemy aircraft had been seen over Glasgow. I have since received a telegram from the Lord Provost denying that he ever made such a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will take steps to secure that cigarettes and tobacco sent from this country to British troops in Iraq are admitted free of duty?

The exemption from Customs duties of articles imported into Iraq is regulated by treaty, and it is not considered that representations for special treatment in respect of troops serving in that country could, in present circumstances, be justified.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the White Paper dealing further with special allowances for sailors, soldiers, and airmen will be issued?

It is hoped to issue this White Paper next week.

asked the Secretary of State for War the price the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institute is charging other ranks in France for English beer?

At the present time, only bottled English beer is being supplied to other ranks in France by the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes at the price of 7d. for a reputed pint.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the cost per head, including establishment charges, of maintaining officers and men, respectively, captured from German submarines?

As regard officers, I would refer the hon. Lady to the answer I gave yesterday to the right hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood). As regards men, the rent of the camp is not settled, but, apart from this, the cost is about £75 a day, of which £65 is for staff. There are 94 prisoners at present, but the camp would accommodate 750. The figures cover Air Force as well as naval prisoners.

asked the Secretary of State for War who was responsible for sending upwards of 4,000 men daily by train from London to Reading for the purpose of constructing the three militia camps at Cove; and why such a number was considered necessary in view of the fact that two camps in the vicinity, with almost similar conditions, never required more than 962 men between them?

As my right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member on 7th November last, a full report has been called for, and this is in course of preparation.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many contracts for military hutments include contracts for huts built with breeze slabs; and on what dates the first tenders for such huts were asked for and orders placed?

Over 50 contracts have been let since the outbreak of war, which include provision for construction in timber, brick, concrete or such other economical and suitable alternative as may be found desirable in view of the location of each camp. Other similar contracts are now under negotiation, and it is hoped to place a considerable number for further camps next month. The use of breeze block is permissible at the discretion of the local works officer, where it is as suitable and economical as any other alternative, but I could not say, without considerable inquiry, whether any contract has anywhere been let specifically requiring the use of breeze slabs as the main material.

asked the Minister of Supply what precise steps are to be taken in connection with the national campaign to encourage the recovery of scrap-iron and steel; and whether he will consider adopting the method under which on a stated day all unwanted scrap-iron was collected from householders by road transport?

An appeal has been addressed by the Iron and Steel Controller to certain local authorities and to a large number of industrial concerns urging them to make available to steel works increased supplies of scrap-iron and steel. This appeal, I am glad to say, has met with a most encouraging response. In co-operation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health I hope shortly to send out a comprehensive circular on salvage, dealing not only with iron and steel, but also with other materials, to all local authorities. As regards the last part of the question, I have taken note of my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that the Education Committee of the Gloucestershire County Council have been notified that their paper items are going to cost 60 per cent. more than in the previous year; and whether he can give any reasons for this large increase in price.

The maximum prices of paper were substantially increased on 27th October by the Control of Paper (No. 5) Order on account of the increased cost of production. This is mainly attributable to the higher cost of imported paper-making materials, due to increased charges for freight, war risk, etc. The new maximum prices are, however, substantially less than 60 per cent. above the old, and if in any case it is alleged that the new maximum prices are being exceeded, I shall be glad to have particulars.

asked the Minister of Supply why samples of munition stores, which were to be displayed at many centres on 13th November, are not to be available in London until the end of that month; and can he shorten this waiting period for London?

I very much regret this delay, which has been due to difficulties in the provision of accommodation. The stock room which is being prepared for Ministry of Supply and other Government Department samples should be ready early in December.

asked the Postmaster-General for what reasons the choice of site and the wishes of the general public in Callington concerning the new post office have been disregarded or overruled; how many representations have been received by his Department on this subject from responsible representative bodies; and in how many cases were these representations forwarded as unanimous resolutions?

Contracts have been exchanged for a site in Church Street. Its situation is central and convenient, and after a lengthy search, it was the only suitable site on offer on satisfactory terms. Representations have been received on several occasions from the St. German's Rural District Council for abandonment of this site in favour of an alternative site. It is not known, however, whether or not any of those representations were based on unanimous resolutions. The alternative site suggested was one of those previously under consideration, but the price demanded was prohibitive.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the reason for the long delays and irregularities which at present occur in the mails between this country, France, Italy and Switzerland; and whether he can give an assurance that these delays will be ended as rapidly as possible?

Mails for France, Italy and Switzerland are being despatched twice daily, and the incoming correspondence from these countries, which is also received twice daily, is delivered as soon as practicable after receipt in this country. I am in communication with the French postal authorities as to the possibility of reducing the time occupied in the transit of the mails through France.

asked the Postmaster-General for what reason British mail to Switzerland recently arrived in that country marked as opened by the German censorship; and why this mail was sent to Switzerland via Germany?

It has not been possible to determine the exact circumstances in which these letters were diverted from their proper course, but my inquiries suggest that they were sent in error to a neutral country and reforwarded with the mails of that country to Switzerland by way of Germany. Instructions have been given to the staff that the greatest care must be exercised to avoid a recurrence of this mistake.

asked the Postmaster - General whether postmen operating in the black-out are supplied with and permitted to use torches?

The electric lamps with which postmen are supplied in normal times have been fitted with special hoods to comply with the present lighting restrictions.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps are being taken to lessen the toll of accidents and fatalities occurring throughout the country during the black-out period; and will he take such steps as lie in his power to impress upon the public the wearing of light-coloured garments as suggested, after experiment, by such bodies as the Men's Wear Council?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which I made on 9th November in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Creech Jones). As regards the second part, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Home Security and I have both urged pedestrians to wear or carry something white at night. They may also use a torch to indicate their presence when crossing a road, provided that it is directed downwards.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is proposed to proceed with the much-needed Cromwell Road extension?

Certain of the constructional works on the Cromwell Road extension scheme have reached a stage where the most economical course is to complete them. This applies particularly to the bridge construction work on the section from Warwick Road to North End Road. A report is in preparation on the remaining sections of this scheme, and a decision will be taken as soon as it is available.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of motor car licences which expired on September, 1938, and were not renewed, and give similar information regarding 1939?

To arrive at the exact figure asked for by my hon. and gallant Friend it would be necessary to ask each of the 185 licensing authorities to examine separately the registers relating to over 1,000,000 motor cars for which licences were issued expiring on 30th September, 1938 and 1939, in order to ascertain which licences had not been renewed. The estimated drop in the total number of quarterly licences as between the third and fourth quarters of 1938 was about 159,000, and between the third and fourth quarters of 1939 about 393,000.

asked the Minister of Transport in view of the anxiety of very many parents to visit their evacuated children at Christmas time, and that no special trains will be run for this purpose on 24th or 31st December, whether the special facilities will be available on some other convenient day?

The hon. Member will appreciate that other demands upon the railways, including the conveyance of personnel of the Fighting Services proceeding on leave and returning to duty, are likely to be abnormally heavy about Christmastide and the New Year, and I should not feel justified in providing the special facilities which he suggests at that time. So far as Sunday, 24th December, is concerned, the Government feel that those in the receiving areas, and especially those who are looking after or organising festivities for evacuated children, ought not to be burdened with additional visitors at Christmas time. The same applies to New Year's Eve, particularly in Scotland.It is hoped that the services to be provided on the three Sundays preceding Christmas Eve will cover most of the London reception areas which are not already served by cheap facilities and to which a return journey can be made in one day. The special services will be resumed at the beginning of the New Year.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is intended to extend the free and cheap travelling facilities recently granted to cover all girls who are serving, including those engaged in the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes?

Free and cheap railway facilities are granted to members of the Women's Royal Naval Service, members of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, and female serving military personnel, including Army nurses and general service personnel of the Auxiliary Territorial Service. Free facilities are given to mobile members of Voluntary Aid Detachments, and the question of granting also cheap facilities in their case is under consideration. The staff employed in Service institutes are not serving personnel of the Forces and are not eligible for these concessions.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now in a position to make a statement in regard to the terms arranged between the Government and the British railway companies for compensation for the taking over of the railways by the Ministry of Transport for the period of the war?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he anticipates much further delay in fixing the terms on which the railway companies are to be remunerated; and whether he can indicate the chief difficulties which have prevented earlier settlement of the question?

As I indicated last week, negotiations with the railway companies are progressing. Meanwhile I am not in a position to make any statement as to the terms under discussion.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the large number of road fatalities following the institution of the black-out and the shortening period of daylight, he can make arrangements for a series of short broadcast talks advising all classes of road-users as to how to avoid accidents in the new circumstances; and whether, in particular, he can arrange for one of these talks to be given before the Christmas shopping season?

I have already given a broadcast talk on the use of roads in war-time, and I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend, the Minister for Home Security, as to the desirability of further broadcast talks on this subject. I will certainly consider the suggestion that one of these talks should be given before the Christmas shopping season.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is satisfied that mails for His Majesty's ships are expeditiously despatched and that there is no undue delay in their receipt?

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the expeditious delivery of mails to His Majesty's ships is regarded as a matter of the greatest importance. He will appreciate, however, that delivery to the Fleet in time of war presents unusual difficulties. Units of the Fleet are constantly on the move, and their locations are of necessity frequently altered at short notice. Every endeavour is made to ensure that, subject to the exigencies of the service, His Majesty's ships receive their mails at every available opportunity.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether naval officers placed on the retired list in peace-time are required by regulation to maintain their uniform kits?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what uniform allowance was authorised to be paid to retired officers who had been out of the service from three to five years when called up in September, 1938, and when called up this year, respectively?

Retired officers are expected to exercise ordinary care in the preservation of their uniform, but with the lapse of time articles of uniform and even figures are liable to deteriorate, and consequently uniform allowances are paid. With regard to the hon. Member's question concerning the scales of allowances paid last year and this, I would refer him to the reply which I gave him on 4th October.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, at any future conferences with the fishing industry, he will invite representatives of the herring-fishing industry to attend?

Representation has now been given to the herring fishing industry on the advisory committee which, as my right hon. Friend announced in the reply which he gave on 1st November to my hon. Friend the Member for East Fife (Mr. H. Stewart) has now been constituted.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the numerous cases of ships being sunk off our coasts by colliding with sunken wrecks; and what steps are taken in all cases to destroy this danger to navigation?

Steps are taken to warn shipping as soon as the position of a wreck has been located. While the desirability of dispersing such wrecks is fully appreciated, war conditions render such operations difficult and often impossible.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps he is taking to ensure that corn merchants and dealers are not taking advantage and affecting controlled prices for two tons of feeding-stuffs or more by intimating to their customers that the larger quantities are not available and thus compelling their customers to accept 10 cwts. or 15 cwts. consignments, since on these smaller consignments they are able to add a substantial percentage increase; and whether he will introduce legislation to enable small stock-raising farmers and others who are compelled to purchase feeding-stuffs on these terms to add a corresponding amount to the prices when selling their livestock?

Under the provisions of Article 4 (b)of the Feeding Stuffs (Maximum Prices) Order, merchants are precluded from making extra charges for small lots where delivery in small lots is due to the failure of the seller to deliver in one consignment the whole quantity ordered by the buyer. I am further informed that in very many cases where owing to shortage the merchants have not accepted orders for quantities of two tons and upwards, they have not added the small lot margins permitted them by the Order where the amount delivered has been less than two tons. The reply to the last part of my hon. Friend's question is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what rise in price has taken place in the prices of animal feeding-stuffs actually charged to farmers; and whether he is satisfied that the margins allowed to provender merchants are not in excess of their reasonable costs?

The Feeding Stuffs (Maximum Prices) Order made on 29th September fixed the prices of a wide range of animal feeding-stuffs at the pre-war level. The margins permitted under the Order are now under investigation.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can now state the reason for the shortage of animal feeding-stuffs in Suffolk; and can he give an assurance that this will be permanently remedied at an early date, or is it the policy of the Government that animals shall be killed off?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that there exists a serious shortage of maize and barley meal in West Wales; and whether he will take steps to secure that supplies are provided for the area?

The shortage of feeding-stuffs—especially barley and maize—which is being experienced in most areas of the country at the present time is due to reductions in imports consequent upon the readjustment of shipping programmes to suit war-time conditions, and the heavy demand for cargo space for munitions and other essential war materials. It must be anticipated that these factors will continue to operate in some degree. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance that the greatest economy should be effected in the use of feeding-stuffs and in particular that producers of pigs and poultry should plan their production on the basis that supplies of imported feeding-stuffs will be substantially below normal. Imports of maize and barley are being directed, so far as possible, to those parts of the country where shortages are most acute.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether in view of the discontent in the wholesale fruit trade, he will review the whole question of imported fruit and vegetable supplies on a comprehensive long-term basis?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether in view of the fact that the majority of fruits imported into this country are on a consignment basis, to be sold on commission after arrival, his attention has been called to the effect on prices of reducing these supplies; and whether, to restrict such artificial rise in prices, he proposes to introduce complementary and controlling legislation?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in view of the feeling in the wholesale fruit trade, he will review the whole question of imported fruit and vegetables supplies on a comprehensive long-term basis?

Consideration is being given, in consultation with the other Departments concerned, to the whole question of the restrictions on the import of fruit.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will consider the appointment of an advisory or consultative council representing wholesale fruit and vegetable importers, with the object of holding regular meetings with appropriate Government officials in the interests of general planning to avoid the confusion and uncertainty which at present exists.

The proposal contained in the hon. Member's question is under consideration in consultation with the other Departments concerned.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that, owing to the restrictions on imports of popular food, such as grapes, without any control of prices, the public is being compelled to pay far higher prices for the commodity than are necessary or desirable; and whether he will, in the national interest, take steps to remedy this?

Careful consideration is being given to the question of the effect of import restrictions on the price of fruit.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether taking the latest available date, he can state the prices of average English-produced beef, mutton, and lamb, and the corresponding prices of average imported beef, mutton, and lamb, either cold-storage, or chilled, as the case may be?

Average retail prices of certain articles of meat are given in the Ministry of Labour Gazette for the first of each month. Inquiries which my Department have recently made indicate that the present level of average retail prices of meat is generally in line with those given in the following statement:

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can furnish an estimate of the total value, on the basis of existing prices, of meat and livestock, the sales of which will come under the control of his Department during the 12 months ending 31st August, 1940?

No, Sir, full con trol of livestock is not yet in operation.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the stocks of currants and seedless raisins now in this country; and whether any further part thereof will be liberated for the making of Christmas fare?

I am unable to give the information asked for in the first part of the question, but my Department is not holding back stocks; as regards the second part of the question, releases of these goods are constantly being made, and there is every expectation that the Christmas demand will be satisfied.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can furnish an estimate of the total value, on the basis of existing prices, of bacon and ham, the sales of which will come under the control of his Department during the 12 months ending 31st August, 1940?

No, Sir; I cannot estimate what will be the quantity of home production and imports between now and next August.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether his attention has been called to the price of French walnuts per bag of 4s. 9d. on 5th November, 1938, as compared with the price of 8s. on the same date this year; and to what cause he attributes this large increase in the price of this commodity?

The high price of French walnuts at the beginning of November was due to a temporary shortage of supplies. More recently, however, supplies have been heavier and the present price of French walnuts is from 5s. to 6s. per bag, according to quality, or little more than in November last year.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in view of the shortage of butter, he will consult the Milk Marketing Board with a view to discouraging the manufacture of cream and other products and divert all supplies of milk which are surplus to liquid requirements into production of butter?

The question of the utilisation of milk for manufactured products is receiving attention, but the hon. Member will appreciate that to give effect to the suggestion contained in his question would seriously affect the total supplies of other milk products, such as cheese or condensed milk.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) whether, in view of the fact that there was cold-storage space available for some 250,000 tons of butter in this country before the outbreak of war, he can state why steps were not taken earlier to make use of it; and whether action is now to be taken to remedy the omission;(2) whether he will reconsider the desirability of obtaining and placing in cold storage a large quantity of butter, having regard to the fact that his objection that such cold storage would cost some £10 per ton per annum means an additional cost in the case of the butter concerned of less than 1d. per pound and that large numbers of people in this country would gladly pay such extra price in order to be sure of adequate supplies?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that butter can be stored in bulk for periods up to 12 months and bacon up to three months; and why, in these circumstances, no adequate arrangements for such storage were made before the outbreak of war?

I have already informed the House why a reserve of butter and bacon was not accumulated by the Government before the war and the reasons for accumulating a reserve of the raw material of margarine instead of butter. The Government's policy will be to maintain the movement of butter into consumption at as steady a level as possible and in order to achieve this purpose it is hoped to build up a reserve which will, naturally, vary from time to time in accordance with variation in the situation.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the cost per hundredweight paid to No. 1 suppliers of butter; and whether he will consider discontinuing the expenditure thus incurred?

The commission allowed to No. 1 Suppliers, for butter distributed by them as agents for the Ministry of Food, is at the rate of 2 per cent., or equivalent to approximately 2s. 11d. per hundredweight. With regard to the second part of the question, the answer is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will consider the advisability, while maintaining the present price limits for imported butter, of allowing a higher price for home-produced butter with a view to stimulating its production?

I presume my hon. Friend refers particularly to farmhouse butter, and I am considering whether such action as he suggests would be advisable. I would, however, point out that there are great difficulties of practical administration.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will reconsider the regulations with regard to the rationing of butter in so far as they affect farmhouse butter-makers; and, in particular, whether he will reconsider compelling such persons to sell margarine as well as butter?

I am considering the position of farmhouse butter. There is and has not been any requirement such as that referred to in the latter part of the hon. Member's question.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that in Carmarthenshire when bulls are rejected the owners are informed by the livestock officer that the bulls so rejected cannot be sold at a livestock market, and by the Fat Stock Order, 23rd September, 1939, No. 1130, paragraph 2, such bulls can be sold only through a livestock market; and what steps he proposes to take to enable the farmers of Carmarthenshire to dispose of these rejected bulls to the best national advantage?

Assuming that by "rejected bulls" the hon. Member means bulls in respect of which notices under Section 6 of the Improvement of Livestock (Licensing of Bulls) Act, 1931, have been served, Sub-section (6) of that Section renders illegal the sale of such bulls, as livestock in a market. It is also true that the Fat Stock (Provisional Prices) (No. 2) Order, 1939, prohibits the sale of fat stock except in a market. The Act, however, does not affect bullocks, and the Order does not apply to carcases. The farmers of Carmarthenshire are therefore able to dispose of their rejected bulls either by sale in a market as bullocks or by sale after slaughter.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can make any statement as to the recent destruction of a quantity of rish which was unmarketable; whether he is satisfied that the present system of distribution is adequate to deal with sudden gluts, and if not, will he consult with the trade as to the possibility of improving the arrangements?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that of a catch of 5,000 bushels of sprats recently landed at Brightlingsea, 3,000 bushels were thrown back into the sea or sold as manure; and whether he will give immediate instructions that food of any description is not to be destroyed until everyone has enough?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he has considered the serious waste of food occasioned by the dumping of herring in the Clyde; and whether he will consider, in conjunction with other Government Departments, the utilisation of the catches of the Clyde fishermen in the interest of the community as a whole and also of these fishermen?

I am informed that since I replied to a similar question put to me by the hon. Member for Greenock (Mr. R. Gibson) on 8th November, there have been small quantities of unsaleable herring landed in the Clyde and at Aberdeen. In each of these cases the fish were undersized and of poor quality. The only other recent case of an unmarketable catch which I have been able to ascertain is that referred to in the question of the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes). In that case the reason for the destruction of a large part of the catch is said to have been inadequate transport facilities. I am in consultation with the Departments and trade interests concerned, with a view to ascertaining to what extent such difficulties exist generally and whether any practicable remedies can be devised.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will fix a maximum price of 8s. a cwt. for seed-wheat, since the numerous cases of inflated prices now being charged for seed-wheat are preventing farmers from carrying out their sowing of winter wheat?

In view of the many different kinds and qualities of seed-wheat, it is not practicable to fix a maximum price which would effectively control the price. Other measures are, however, under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in order to obviate any increase in the price of milk to consumers, he will arrange for a rationalisation of milk deliveries among retailers in each district so as to obviate the waste of three or four roundsmen following each other down the same street?

As stated on 16th November last, in reply to questions on this subject by the hon. Members for Moseley (Sir P. Hannon) and Cumberland North (Mr. W. Roberts), my information is that voluntary arrangements for a single daily delivery are now in general operation in the milk distributive trade throughout England and Wales, and that similar arrangements are under consideration by the trade in Scotland.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that the present prices received for milk do not reimburse farmers adequately for the cost of production, and that they are tending to embark on a policy of curtailing production; and whether, in view of the importance of maintaining our milk supplies during war time at the highest possible level, he will arrange to make a statement of policy at an early date which will reverse this tendency?

The matter to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers are at present receiving the active consideration of my Department, and of the other Departments concerned.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the available supplies of milk in this country are likely to decrease rapidly if sales of cows for slaughter are allowed to continue and farmers do not receive an adequate return for their milk sales and that there is a danger of a serious shortage by the end of the year; and whether he will initiate an early and drastic reversal of the present policy with regard to milk?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply to-day to a question on this subject by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Accrington (Major Procter).

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether his attention has been drawn to the activities of certain shops in inviting people to register for commodities in respect of which there is no present proposal to ration; and whether this course has received his approval?

There is no need for anyone to register with his shopkeeper for any food except bacon and ham, butter and sugar. I am asking that registration may be completed for these commodities by to-morrow, 23rd November. I would deprecate action on the part of shopkeepers which may lead people to believe that they have any duty to register now in respect of any other commodity.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he has decided to postpone the rationing of bacon and butter, and to what date?

I shall be in a better position to make a statement on this matter when I have been able to consider the result of the registration which I hope will be completed by to-morrow.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that since the Government took control of cold stores their position has become worse, there having been a steady exodus and practically no replacement of stocks, with the result that approximately only 10 per cent. of storage accommodation is now being used; and what steps are proposed to use the large storage space available and to save the stores from a serious financial difficulty?

While the present average occupation of cold stores is considerably higher than the 10 per cent. suggested by the hon. and gallant Member, I am aware that the volume of cold store traffic since the outbreak of war has been less than in normal times. The needs of war-time distribution, the diversion of shipping and delay in the arrival of steamers have all been contributory factors, but the position has recently shown a distinct improvement, and I expect that the volume of cold store traffic will continue to increase.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he has considered the representations from the committee of the Derby Co-operative Provident Society, Limited, concerning the unequal and unfair distribution of certain essential foodstuffs, such as butter, bacon, sugar, etc.; what reply he has made; and with what steps he proposes to meet the difficulties which have arisen in Derby in this regard?

Yes, Sir, I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the reply sent to the society.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that a circular has been sent from the L. I. Co-operative Society, at Leeds, to its members regretting they are unable to supply them with sufficient butter, bacon, and other commodities, although they have large quantities in cold store which they are not allowed to sell to them because of Government control; that this society, of over 100,000 members, feel they are being unfairly treated by the Government in having to send food to other districts which they have provided and desire to sell to their own members; and what does he propose to do to release this food for this society's own cooperative members?

Yes, Sir. I have had a copy of this circular brought to my notice, and am having the case investigated. I will communicate the results of the inquiries to the hon. Member.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether it is still the intention of His Majesty's Government to encourage the production of good quality beef; whether he is aware that the present system of price control for fat stock operates unfairly against the producer of such beef by depriving him of at least £2 per head for the cattle he is able to offer, and greatly increases the profits of the wholesale butcher; and whether, pending the introduction of full control on a deadweight graded basis, he will consider raising the maximum wholesale price per live cwt. to a figure which will enable the producer of good quality beef at least to cover his costs of production?

As regards the first and second parts of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to similar questions asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeen, Central (Sir R. W. Smith) on 2nd November. As regards the third part of the question, in the joint announcement which was made by the Agricultural Departments and the Ministry of Food on nth November to the effect that as from an early date all home-bred fat stock offered for sale for slaughter will be purchased by the Ministry of Food at prescribed prices, it was stated that consideration is being given as to how far it may be possible to deal with the special case of quality cattle which kill out at a high percentage.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will now give a definite assurance that the cottager who feeds one or two pigs will, under the forthcoming system of food control, be allowed to consume the meat in his own household?

I am glad to be able to give my hon. Friend the assurance he desired. Under the system of control which is to be established for pigs, the production of pigs by private individuals for consumption in their own households will be permitted, though some measure of control will probably be necessary to prevent abuse.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will state the individual salaries paid, or to be paid, to each food executive officer in Glamorgan?

The particulars are as follows:

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on what grounds the local Food Control Committee refused to grant a licence for the re-opening of a shop known as No. 134, Cavendish Street, Ipswich?

I understand that the Ipswich Food Control Committee considered on 6th November an application for the issue of a licence to sell by retail at 134, Cavendish Street, Ipswich, some of the foodstuffs mentioned in the Schedule to the Food Control Committees (Local Distribution) Order, 1939. The committee refused to grant the application on the ground that the applicant was not in business before the outbreak of war as a food retailer and that there were an adequate number of shops already existing in the vicinity.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many outrages have been committed by terrorists in Palestine since the outbreak of war, and the loss of life involved?

I am making the necessary inquiry, and I will communicate with the hon. Member when I have the full information asked for.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is applying the fair wages resolution in connection with the centralised slaughter-houses; and whether he will select the wages and conditions of the appropriate trade union in the industry as the most equitable method of implementing that resolution?

When the full plan for the Government control of meat and livestock is put into operation, the slaughtering of stock will be carried out by contractors who will be required to observe the obligations imposed by the fair wages clause applicable to all Government contracts. In accordance with this clause, where particular wages and working conditions are commonly recognised by employers and trade unions in the trade in the district where the work is carried out, the contractor will be bound by the terms of his contract to observe such wages and conditions. In the absence of recognised wages and conditions in the district concerned, the contractor will be bound to observe wages and conditions not less favourable than those which, in practice, prevail among good employers in that district.

asked the Minister of Labour whether a clearer definition of the parts of the Parliamentary Division of Romford which are to use the offices of the Unemployment Assistance Board in Romford, and in Canning Town, respectively, could be made; and whether, in view of the fact that the new offices are not as central as was originally intended, a further office could be opened to serve the needs of those parts of Dagenham and Barking which are now no nearer to the new offices than they were to the old ones at Canning Town?

I am making inquiries of the Board and will communicate the result to the hon. Member at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give particulars of the number of persons in receipt of allowances from the Unemployment Assistance Board on the last convenient date; the average amount of the allowance per recipient; the weekly cost of the allowances; and corresponding figures for 1938?

In the week ended 3rd November, 1939, the total number of payments of unemployment allowances in Great Britain (exclusive of allowances in supplementation of benefit) was 403,121; the average amount per payment was 22s. 10d.; and the total amount of such payments was approximately £459,400. For the corresponding week in November, 1938, the figures were 554,456, 23s. 3d., and £644,500 respectively. The figures for November, 1939, however, are not strictly comparable with those for November, 1938, since they include payments made under the provisions of the Unemployment Assistance (Prevention and Relief of Distress) Regulations to persons in distress as a result of circumstances caused by the war. Separate figures for such payments are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons unemployed in each division of the Ministry on the last convenient date, and the corresponding figures for 1938 and 1937?

The following table gives the information desired.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is with the approval of the Government that Lord Lloyd is in the Near East; and what results are expected from his mission?

Lord Lloyd is travelling in the Balkans on British Council business with the approval of His Majesty's Government. Such visits are of proved utility.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of conscripts in the age-group 20 to 21 medically examined to date, in the different regional divisions; and the percentage placed in each grade in each division?

The following table shows, in respect of all men examined by medical boards during the period 8th June to nth November, 1939, the percentages placed in the different grades in each division. The figures relate to men summoned for medical examination under the Military Training Act, 1939, and under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act, 1939; it is not possible to give separate figures for men between the ages of 20 and 21. It would not be in

asked the Prime Minister whether consultations are taking place with the British Dominions and with the French and Polish Governments with regard to the subject of war aims, with a view to a further declaration being made?

His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are in continual contact with His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions and with the French and Polish Governments on all questions concerning the prosecution of the war.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will estimate, to the nearest convenient date, the cost entailed by the scheme of coal rationing in the amount of salaries and wages to that date, of paid persons engaged in connection therewith; and the number, including all classifications, who have been, or are, engaged thereon?

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the reply I gave on 10th October to the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey). the public interest to state the actual numbers of men examined.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is prepared to authorise additional petrol rations for commercial travellers up to 100 per cent. increase of the present issue, based upon a statement being entered in support thereof by the applicant's principal or principals?

I regret that I cannot go beyond the concession to commercial travellers which I announced in reply to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for East Leicester (Mr. Lyons) on 17th October.

asked the Attorney-General whether in war time the poor persons legal aid committees are still operating; and at what headquarters can full information be obtained?

Poor Persons Legal Aid Committees are operating during war time. Full information can be obtained from the Secretary of the Poor Persons' Committee, Room 785, Royal Courts of Justice, Strand.

asked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the loss of time and money caused by a debtor having to go separately to the courts to get relief under the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act for each separate debt, he will amend the procedure so that debtors whose inability to pay was clearly due to war circumstances could, by making one appearance at court, get relief on a whole series of debts?

My Noble Friend feels there are practical difficulties about this suggestion, as it would not be possible to deal with all debts without having machinery for enabling those whose rights were being affected to be present. This would involve a quasi-bankruptcy administration which would be outside the scope and intention of this Act. Where clear inability to pay has been proved in one case, this fact may well become known to other creditors, who will therefore not make applications which could not succeed.

asked the Home Secretary whether the grant due on 15th July to the Cornwall County Council for police services has yet been paid; and, if not, what are the reasons for the continued delay?

Payment of an instalment of grant which would ordinarily have been paid in July last was withheld as the Secretary of State was not satisfied that the force was being fully and properly maintained in point of numbers. Now, however, the force has been strengthened by the employmnt of temporary constables, including members of the First Police Reserve and other police auxiliaries, and, having reviewed the situation in the light of present circumstances, I have seen my way to authorise payment of the instalment of grant in question.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he will give an assurance that neutral shipping detained for examination is being released as expeditiously as possible?

Yes, Sir.

James asked the Home Secretary how many of the 1,500 refugees who, on 2nd August, were being trained in this country for emigration to Palestine have now left for that country; and how soon it is anticipated that the remainder will leave.

Since the beginning of August about 40 refugees have left the United Kingdom for Palestine, and a further hundred persons are expected to leave shortly, under the auspices of the voluntary organisations in the United Kingdom. It is not possible in present circumstances to indicate when other refugees who may wish to emigrate to Palestine will be able to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether steps are being taken to make available for National Service the lands of Cammo golf course, near Cramond Bridge, Midlothian, for some years derelict and overgrown?

It is understood that the lands referred to, while at one time used as a golf course, have not been in use for any purpose for a number of years. The attention of the local agricultural executive committee has been drawn to the subject, and I am prepared to consider any recommendation which may be made by them when they have had an opportunity of considering all the circumstances.