asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the difficulty of obtaining wagons when they are wanted is in some cases impeding the work of the collieries, putting a brake on coal exports, and involving collieries in loss; and what steps it is proposed to take to ensure that the wagon control is efficiently applied and that wagons are made available for essential transport?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for the Wentworth Division (Mr. Paling) on 15th November. I am advised that any difficulties experienced in the export of coal are due rather to shipping delays than to shortage of wagons.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the large number of persons who now crowd into partially-lighted carriages at Liverpool Street, he will arrange for a greater proportion of the accommodation to be retained for ladies only?

I am advised that up to the present the railway company have had no reason to suppose that the number of compartments reserved for ladies is insufficient. I have drawn their attention to my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the facili- ties recently granted by the Home Office for the later opening of places of entertainment, in the interests of employment and public morale, he will now give permission to public road transport undertakings to provide transport at later hours so as to enable the public to take advantage of these facilities?

The need for the rationing of fuel has inevitably involved some reductions in public road transport facilities, but every effort has been made to maintain adequate essential services. If my hon. Friend knows of any case where, in his view, permission to run a late service has been unwarrantably refused, I will gladly look into the matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will consider unrestricting the import of Tunis dates, in view of their high nutritional value and their exportation from French territory?

The matter referred to is under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether his attention has been called to the simultaneous advocacy by both milk producers and large distributors in favour of an increase in the price of milk; and whether, before any such increase is approved by the Milk Marketing Board, the question of cost will be thoroughly investigated and the interests of the public duly considered?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that during the last war, owing to the shortage of milk, the price rose to as high as 3s. 3d. a gallon; and whether he is now in a position to state what steps he is prepared to take during the present emergency to prevent a similar shortage and undesirable price increase of this essential foodstuff?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the reply which I gave to the question put by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Accrington (Major Procter) on 22nd November.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, before agreeing to any proposal further to amalgamate milk rounds in different cities, he will safeguard the interests of the producer-retailers and the small distributors?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps have been taken to rationalise milk distribution outside London; and what has been the saving in man-power, petrol consumption and other forms of transport?

I would refer to the reply, which I gave to questions put by the hon. Members for Moseley (Sir P. Hannon) and Northern Cumberland (Mr. W. Roberts) on 16th November. Any such amalgamations as have been effected have been made voluntarily by the distributors concerned.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is prepared to consider the licensing of small dairies that sell privately to a limited local circle the milk products of high-class dairy cattle, in view of the fact that these dairies supply special customers who are willing to pay a price that permits the dairy to meet expenses; and if, in collaboration with the local control, special licences will be issued to such dairies as the contribution of this quality milk to the pool would be of no great importance and the continuance of the present practice would enable persons in rural areas to receive the milk to which they are accustomed?

I presume that by "licensing of small dairies" my hon. and gallant Friend means exemption from the provisions of the Milk Marketing Scheme. That scheme provides the Milk Marketing Board with powers to grant exemptions by resolution and no producers are at present granted such exemption. Under the scheme producers of "quality" milk are registered with the board and receive in addition to the pool price the "quality" premia payable. I understand that discontinuance of the present practice, under which persons in rural areas are able to receive the milk to which they are accustomed, is not contemplated.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can give an undertaking that rationing will not be introduced before Christmas so as not to damage seasonal trade; and whether he will consider increasing the margin of butter and bacon set aside for distribution in the country?

I am giving close consideration to both points mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster why, in view of the premature sale of store pigs, which are being killed for pork, and the wholesale slaughter of young cattle and milking cows, the Ministry have not taken full control over the slaughter and sale of this livestock; and, in view of the danger of reducing our breeding stock, when will full control of sales and prices be exercised?

The plan for the full control of meat and livestock was originally linked with the rationing of meat. It has been decided that meat rationing is not at present necessary, and the plan of control is being revised accordingly. I hope to be in a position to make a further announcement on the matter at an early date.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that some retailers object to request 19 in Circular R.G.M.6, demanding that they must place in alphabetical order all the counterfoils of ration books before they are handed in to the local food office; and will he consider relieving them of this task?

The sentence in the circular to which the hon. Member refers contains a request. Compliance with it will, I hope, make for the convenience both of the retailer and the Local Food Office. I have no evidence that the request has been considered unreasonable.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware of the widespread dissatisfaction amongst agriculturists in Scotland regarding the prices obtainable for high class home-bred fat cattle; and whether he will consider setting up a Scottish costing tribunal to determine the prices which Scottish farmers should get for their produce, as at present Scotland is tacked on to the English tribunal with results that are detrimental to Scottish agriculturists?

I am fully informed of the views of Scottish agriculturists with regard to the price of high class fat cattle, and as stated in the announcement recently made regarding the prices to be paid to the farmer for fat stock when Government purchase of fat stock is commenced, consideration is being given to the extent to which it may be possible to deal with the special case of quality cattle which kill out at a high percentage. I am not aware of what ray hon. Friend has in mind in referring to an English costing tribunal. I may say that the question of prices for fat stock has been the subject of discussions between my Department and the Agricultural Departments and also with the National Farmers' Unions of England and Scotland.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that merchants have been stopped from buying any corn from shippers, and that, consequently, those requiring wheat offal and barley meal to feed pigs and other animals are finding it impossible to get their requirements; and whether he will consider taking immediate steps to alter the position so that pig-keepers may be able to get the requisite supplies?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware of the serious shortage in certain areas, such as West Wales, of animal feeding-stuffs, particularly maize and barley products; whether this is due to actual shortage of stocks in the country, or to unequal distribution, or both; and what steps he is taking to deal with the situation so as to reassure farmers who are gravely concerned owing to the fear of shortage of food for their livestock during the coming winter?

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware of the shortage of feeding-stuffs, especially those suitable for pig production, in Kent, where many breeding pigs are now being slaughtered to the detriment of further increases of valuable human food; and can he say when further supplies will be available?

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply which I gave yesterday to questions on this subject by the hon. Members for Sudbury (Colonel Burton) and Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths).

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he has considered the representations from the meat traders of Tamworth seeking authority to withdraw from the Coventry scheme, and permission to slaughter their own stock at Tamworth; and whether he is prepared to concede their request?

I have considered the representations from the meat traders of Tamworth, together with reports from my local officers. I am unable to accede to this request that under full control of meat and livestock, livestock should be slaughtered in Tamworth, but I am arranging that the supply of meat should be drawn from Birmingham instead of Coventry.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he has any statement to make with regard to the use and maintenance of slaughterhouses under the proposed control scheme.

The plan for the full control of meat and livestock provides for the use of a number of selected slaughter-houses under the direction of the Ministry, for the slaughter of livestock purchased by the Ministry. The exact number and location of these slaughterhouses are at present under review.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster why it is proposed to refuse licences to, and thus close down, all small bacon-curing establishments; and whether he will reconsider his decision?

Consideration is being given to the conditions which will be applicable under control to the bacon-curing establishments to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that Messrs. R. Griffiths and Sons, of Bank House, Ruabon, are registered curers under the Bacon Marketing Scheme; that during the year 1936 their production of bacon amounted to 884 cwt., an average of 17 cwt. per week; that in 1937 and 1938 their production quota was cut down by the board to 540 cwt. per annum, approximately 10½ cwt. per week; and that now the director of bacon production intimates that licences to produce bacon are restricted to premises which for 1938 produced on an average 15 cwt. of bacon per week; and whether it is proposed to compensate Messrs. Griffiths and Sons for the expenditure incurred by them with the approval of the Bacon Development Board in rebuilding and remodelling their bacon factory in 1936 and 1937, or to permit them to produce bacon on those premises?

I am having inquiries made into the circumstances referred to by my hon. Friend and will circulate a reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the total number of female staff in the divisional food office of the North-East of Scotland, and in the food control committees in the counties of Aberdeen, Banff, and Kincardine; and how many of these were employed through the labour exchanges?

The particulars required are as follow:

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware of the serious inconvenience caused to tea merchants by the delay in payment for tea stocks requisitioned by the Government in September last; and how soon the completion of these payments may be expected?

Claims for payment in respect of requisitioned stocks are dealt with as expeditiously as possible. Up to 21st November claims for requisitioned tea amounted to approximately £4,500,000, and payments amounting to £3,500,000 had been made in respect of claims amounting to approximately £3,750,000. It is estimated that claims amounting ',to some £4,000,000 have not yet been lodged, and it is, therefore, not possible to say how soon payment will be completed in all cases.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what persons and organisations were consulted before he decided not to make available supplementary supplies of rationed foods to workpeople engaged in the heavy industries and adolescents?

Consultations of an informal and confidential character were held in connection with the formulation of proposals for general rationing. No supplementary allowances have been considered necessary in connection with the present rationing scheme, which is limited to bacon and butter, having regard especially to the range of un-rationed foods available.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that the stocks of Lancashire and Cheshire cheeses in this country have become depleted, and that there is a danger that these cheeses will shortly no longer be available to the public; and whether, in view of the desirability of stimulating the production of essential foodstuffs in war-time, he will take early steps to ensure the revival of this branch of the cheese-making industry of the country?

My information indicates that stocks of Cheshire and Lancashire cheese are fully up to the normal for this period of the year and I do hot see any danger of these cheeses being no longer available to the public.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, although the first instruction issued by the air-raid precautions controller of Rochdale to airraid precautions pickets and rescue parties has been withdrawn, a further instruction has been issued to the effect that pickets should salute the mayor, magistrates, officers of the Army, Navy, or Air Force, and senior officers of the air-raid precautions service and the police; and whether he will take steps to have this order cancelled?

I have not seen the text of the new notice referred to, but my information is that it is in the nature of advice and not an order, and in general is willingly followed by the personnel concerned. The matter is not one in which I should feel justified in intervening.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will recommend to local authorities the advisability of abstaining from issuing orders for later closing of shops beyond the time laid down in the recent general order issued from the Home Office before calling a conference of all traders, and the unions representing the workers, so as to ascertain the views of all parties concerned?

The Order-in-Council gives discretion to local authorities to vary, within certain limits, the general closing hours; and it must be left to the local authorities to decide what steps they will take to inform themselves as to local circumstances and the views of local traders before exercising that discretion. I propose, however, shortly to review the working of the Order as I promised, and I shall not do so without consulting representatives of the principal associations concerned.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the following particulars relating to the air-raid precautions personnel in Oxford: the number of paid air-raid wardens, the number of paid ambulance drivers, and the number of paid auxiliary firemen, together with a statement showing the total monthly cost of this staff, and the proportion of the expense falling on the National Exchequer and the local funds, respectively?

The number of paid air-raid wardens, paid ambulance drivers, and paid auxiliary firemen in the City of Oxford are 137, 70, and 88 respectively. The total monthly cost of this personnel is estimated at £1,530, £570 and £1,070 respectively and is being reimbursed in full by the Exchequer. The authorised establishment of paid whole-time volunteers is under review.

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether he is aware that instructions have been issued to Hendon to the effect that 10s. should be the weekly sum paid for rooms used as wardens' posts, whereas in Southgate instructions have been received that this sum should be 5s.; and, in view of the discontent that has arisen, due to this inconsistent advice, he will state by whom these instructions were issued;(2) Whether he is aware that the county valuer of the Middlesex County Council has stated in correspondence that he has received instructions that an amount of 5s. weekly should cover all expenses in regard to rooms used as airraid wardens' posts; and whether such instructions were issued on his authority?

The posts referred to are temporary posts in use pending the completion of permanent posts. When the question of payment was first raised it related only to out-of-pocket expenses, and approval was given on 28th September to a payment of 5s. per week to cover out-of-pocket expenses such as lighting and heating. Subsequently authority was given for an additional payment by way of rental up to 5s., and a letter to this effect was addressed to the Middlesex County Council on nth November.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider issuing official instructions, or suggestions, as to what should be the weekly charge paid for the use of rooms as wardens' posts; and whether he is aware that the uncertainty that exists at present on this matter is causing a great deal of friction?

In view of the differences between various rooms used as wardens' posts, I should hesitate to attempt to standardise the rates of payment for such use. I have not hitherto had brought to my notice any evidence that any widespread difficulty is arising.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in order to discourage any dangerous return of evacuees during the Christmas season, he is making any arrangements for the issue of cheap railway tickets or cheap motor-coach facilities to enable the evacuated mothers and children to be visited by relatives and friends; whether he will also get reception area authorities to provide suitable accommodation during Christmas to enable the evacuees to meet relatives and friends under the best conditions possible; and whether he has given special attention to the problems of evacuation, particularly related to the Christmas season?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Transport on 15th November to my hon. Friend the Member for Oldham (Mr. H. Kerr). I am also sending the hon. Member a copy of a circular which I have addressed to the local authorities. The circular deals fully with the arrangements which it is recommended should be made at Christmas and the New Year.

asked the Minister of Health on what calculations were the billeting allowances for evacuated children based; and whether allowance was made in this for extra expenditure on heating, lighting, cleaning and laundry, and whether it was expected that any part of the allowance should go towards rent?

The billeting allowances were fixed after careful consideration of the amount necessary for care, board, and lodging and should include heat, lighting, cleaning and laundry. In the circumstances of different households the extent to which the latter items would involve any appreciable additional cost to the householder, must vary and cannot be computed. The element of rent would not enter into an allowance for boarding a child.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the hardship caused in many cases of children who were staying with relatives in reception areas at the outbreak of war and have continued to stay there, by the refusal of his Department to pay the usual billeting allowances; and whether he will reconsider this question with a view to making the usual payment in these cases?

I am not yet in a position at present to add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for the Forest of Dean (Mr. Price) on 19th October.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give details of the estimated cost for providing hutments or camps for educational purposes of evacuated children?

Approximate figures are now available in respect of 29 of the camps being provided under the Camps Act, 1939. These camps were designed to accommodate 350 children under summer conditions, but if they are used for educational purposes throughout the whole year, the number accommodated will probably be somewhat less. They consist of dormitories, dining room, kitchen, assembly hall, classrooms, staff accommodation, and all the necessary services.Details of the average cost per camp are as follow:

asked the Minister of Health whether the war-time organisation of hospitals in the London sectors is of such a character as to enable medical officers to be liberated from financial and general administration and free to concentrate on arrangements for treatment of patients?

Yes, Sir, so far as may be, but it is not of course possible to separate medical officers entirely from general administration.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will inquire into the case of Marie Riley, who was kept in custody by the Solihull police from 15th October to 17th October, and whose application for bail was refused?

I have made inquiries and find that this woman was arrested at 10.45 p.m. on Saturday, 14th October, on a charge of assaulting a constable and was brought before the court in the morning of Monday, 16th October. On her appearance on 16th October, the justices ordered her to be remanded in custody, but upon a subsequent application, made by her solicitor on 18th October, bail was granted.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a body of enemy aliens recently established in London under the name of "Austrian Information," which professes to be working in conjunction with the French Government; whether it is engaged in Austrian monarchist propaganda; and of whom this body consists?

If the hon. and learned Member will send me some particulars about the society which he has in mind, [will cause inquiries to be made. It is well understood amongst foreigners who have been admitted as refugees to this country that they are expected to refrain from political activities.

asked the Home Secretary how appeals from the decisions of the enemy aliens tribunals are being dealt with; especially whether an appeal tribunal has yet been appointed; of whom it consists; whether it has begun functioning; how many appeals have been lodged and how many decided; whether appeals are being dealt with directly by the Home Office; and whether aliens who were placed in category B by the tribunals before the issue of the Home Office circular discouraging the use of that category can ask to have their cases reconsidered by the original tribunal or by the Home Office, in view of the enforced idleness and continued burden on the funds of refugee organisations which any unnecessary continuation of the restrictions imposed by category B involves?

Although all enemy aliens are liable to be interned, the great majority have hitherto been exempted from internment. Of about 35,000 cases which have already been reviewed by the tribunals, internment has been ordered in 348 cases only. If representations are made to me by or on behalf of any enemy alien who has been interned, the question whether there is any ground for reviewing the tribunal's decision is carefully considered, and arrangements have been made to refer doubtful cases to the advisory committees, of which the chairmen are, in England, Sir Walter Monckton and Mr. Norman Birkett, and, in Scotland, Lord Alness. The committees have already dealt with a number of cases of enemy aliens who were interned on the outbreak of war and will deal in future with such cases of persons interned by the tribunals as are referred to them by the Home Office. As regards Germans and Austrians who, though exempted from internment, have not been exempted from the special restrictions applicable to enemy aliens, I know of no grounds for reconsidering the decisions which have been reached by the tribunals after interviewing the aliens and hearing all that is known about them. If any alien in this category has an opportunity of being employed in some suitable occupation where his employment will not be detrimental to the interests of British workers, the Home Office will not refuse him permission to take such employment because he is subject to the special restrictions.

asked the Home Secretary whether Mr. Alexander Siegel and Miss E. M. Liesegang were detained on 1st September under Regulation 18B of the Defence Regulations or by the exercise of the Royal Prerogative?

These persons are enemy aliens and were interned in the exercise of the Royal Prerogative.

asked the Home Secretary whether aliens are interned under Regulation 18B of the Defence Regulations or by exercise of the Royal Prerogative; and, if the latter, what opportunity is given to them to state their objections to an advisory committee?

Enemy aliens are interned under the Royal Prerogative. If representations are made to me by or on behalf of such aliens, they are carefully considered, and in cases where there is some doubt whether internment is necessary for security purposes it is my practice to refer the case to the advisory committee, in order that I may have the benefit of a report from them. The enemy aliens interned fall into various categories. Some were interned on the outbreak of war; some are persons taken off enemy ships or arrested on arrival at ports since the outbreak of war; some are persons whose cases have been examined by the local tribunals. As regards the latter class, it is contemplated that in most of these cases further examination by the advisory committee will not be required.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education to state the total number of schools that have been closed in Hull since the outbreak of war; what efforts are being made to build air-raid shelters in schools; and what arrangements are being made for some schools to be opened and the education of children, remaining in Hull, being proceeded with?

The total number of schools closed in Hull since the outbreak of war is 86, consisting of 71 elementary, five special and six secondary schools, and four technical institutions. This is the total public educational provision in the city. The Board have approved the immediate erection of shelters for schools in the neutral area of Hull at a cost of £32,800. The protective measures necessary before schools in the evacuable area of the city can be reopened are under review by the authority. Four schools in the neutral area, accommodating on the double-shift system 16 departments, reopened last Monday, and the remaining schools will be brought into use as soon as the necessary protective measures are complete. It is hoped that most of the schools in the neutral area will be open by the beginning of December. This will enable provision to be made for about 20,000 children.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware of the anxiety amongst university students as to whether grants or scholarships which they are now receiving will be renewed when they are released from military service; whether he will issue a statement making the position clear; and whether it is proposed that grants will be available for other students at the close of the war under similar conditions to those under which existing grants have been made?

I am aware that there has been some anxiety about this matter, but I can assure the hon. Member that when university students in receipt of a grant or a scholarship from the Board have made inquiries the Board have made it clear that it is their intention to offer a renewal of awards to those whose approved courses of study have been interrupted by military service. It must be understood that the Board can give no undertaking on behalf of other bodies which award grants or scholarships. It is not possible, in the absence of any knowledge how long the war will continue, to make any statement about the conditions under which grants will be made after the war.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the uncertainty prevailing among university students as to the conditions under which, in certain cases, military service may be postponed or exemption granted; whether these conditions are the same for all universities; and whether he will issue a statement clarifying the position for the benefit of students now at different stages of their university course?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy (Mr. Kennedy) to-day.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT an analysis of the decisions of local tribunals for the registration of conscientious objectors up to the latest date, such decisions being also expressed in percentages of those registered so as to facilitate comparison?

The information asked for by the hon. Member is being compiled, and I will arrange for it to be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT in due course.

asked the Minister of Labour how many applicants have appeared, up to the latest date for which in- formation is available, before each of the local tribunals hearing the claims of conscientious objectors to military service; and, in each case, the number of applicants given unconditional exemption, the number exempted conditionally, with an indication of the general nature of the conditions, the number registered for non-combatant service only, and the number whose claims have been totally rejected by the tribunals?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to-day to the hon. and gallant Member for South-East Leeds (Major Milner). Persons registered conditionally as conscientious objectors under Section 5 (6) (b)of the National Service (Armed Forces) Act are generally directed by tribunals to take up some work of national importance, or, if they are already engaged in such work, to remain in their present occupation.

asked the Minister of Supply whether repairs to damaged optical instruments used by the Defence Services are being completed rapidly, or whether there is delay owing to a shortage of skilled instrument makers; and whether there is an adequate supply of lenses or prisms or unwrought optical glass?

Since the outbreak of war no delay has occurred in the repair of optical instruments damaged in use by the Defence Services. With regard to the last part of the question, an adequate supply of lenses, prisms and optical glass is available for present use.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that there is no representation of large users of timber in the timber control section of his Department; and will he make arrangements for adequate representation of these interests?

The Timber Control Department is assisted by an Advisory Committee, which includes representation of the coal-mining industry. This committee have agreed to consult with representatives of other timber-using industries and to co-opt such representatives as and when necessary.

asked the Minister of Supply whether the fixed prices for the landed stock of timber set out in the Control of Timber Order No. 1, dated 1st September, 1939, will be applied to the national stock which is being created, and, in view of rising costs, how will the loss be borne?

The maximum prices scheduled in the Control of Timber (No. 1) Order, 1939, represent prices for sales from existing stocks. They will, of course, require to be revised in due course in the light of the cost of the further supplies now being imported for the national stock.

asked the Minister of Supply what are the names and the firms of the Timber Controller, of his committee, and of any other assistants he may have drawn from the timber trade; and what remuneration do they individually receive?

As regards the Timber Controller and the staff of the Control, I would refer the hon. Member to the information which, pursuant to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Sal-ford, North (Mr. J. Morris) on 19th October, was circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT on 16th November. With regard to the committee advising the Control, I have had prepared a list of the gentlemen serving at a recent date and the names of their firms; they do not receive salary from public funds. As the list is somewhat lengthy, I am proposing in the interest of economy of printing not to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT, but to place a copy of it in the Library of the House.

asked the Minister of Supply when the drawings and specification of the Bofors gun-mountings, for which one contractor quoted £220 and another £72, will be made available for inspection by the hon. Member for Middlesbrough and the hon. Member for Ipswich?

I find on inquiry that the specification referred to consist's of a: list of a large number of detailed drawings which the hon. Member will appreciate cannot be made readily available. I must ask him to be content that the matter is receiving my right hon. Friend's personal attention.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered complaints regarding the billeting and other conditions of the field regiment of the Royal Artillery at Montrose, Angus, Scotland; and whether steps have been taken to secure the necessary improvements?

No such complaints have been received. I am informed that this unit has good accommodation and is entirely happy.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is a widely prevailing belief among serving soldiers that they are exempt from liability for payment of rent; and whether he will make it clear that there is no foundation for such belief, but that soldiers may apply to the Military Service Advisory Committee for a special allowance in this regard?

I have no evidence that such a belief is widely prevalent. Soldiers, like other members of the community, are entitled to the protection afforded by the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, 1939, if, owing to the war they are unable to pay their rent when it is due, but this does not relieve them of the liability for eventual payment. Soldiers can make an application for special financial assistance, which will be considered by the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee, if, owing to special circumstances, such as high rents, they are unable to met their liabilities out of their pay and the ordinary regulated allowances.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether an application for an allowance for the parents of a soldier is decided on the basis of a family means test, or on the basis of the amount contributed to the parents by the soldier before being called up, without reference to the family income?

The grant of dependants' allowance to the parent of a soldier is governed primarily by the amount which he was contributing towards the support of the parent before being called to the colours, but such a grant can only be made where the income of the dependant's household is within certain limits, which are set out in the regulations (Army Order 170 of 1939), of which I will send the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for War when he expects to be able to publish, for general information, the complete scheme governing allowances to families of serving soldiers?

It is hoped to issue a White Paper on this subject in the course of next week.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that, contrary to the orders given by his Department, birth certificates are still being asked for by regimental paymasters in certain cases before dependants' allowances are issued, he will give instructions for full publicity to be given over the wireless, in the Press and in Army orders to the effect that payment of dependants' allowances is not to be held up pending the production of birth certificates by parents and that regimental paymasters are not to ask for these certificates but to get verification of births from the Registrar-General's Department?

It has already been made clear to regimental paymasters that soldiers and their dependants are not to be put to the expense of purchasing certificates, but that alternative evidence of age can be accepted, and, where no evidence is produced, the facts should be verified through the General Registry Office. A further instruction on the subject was issued yesterday. I think direct instructions to paymasters are more suitable channels of communication than the other methods of publicity suggested. I would, however, point out that, where a dependant already has a certificate, or can produce other evidence of age, time will be saved if the certificate or evidence is produced, and reference to the General Registry Office thus rendered unnecessary.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the public uncertainty as to what procedure is authorised as regards serving soldiers in the case of wives who have, under orders of court, secured maintenance orders against them; and how, and to what extent, these orders can be enforced?

This matter is governed by the provisions of Section 145 of the Army Act. Cases in which it is desired that these provisions should be enforced should be referred by the parties concerned either to the War Office or directly to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief the Army Command in which the soldier's unit is serving. Where a soldier who has been called up for service in connection with the present war was contributing under a maintenance order an amount appreciably greater than that which can be made available from his pay under the provisions of the above quoted Section of the Army Act, it may sometimes be supplemented by the grant either of a dependants' allowance or of special financial assistance, according to circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the grave apprehension felt by members of the Jewish community regarding the fate of members of that community serving in His Majesty's Forces who may be captured by the enemy; and will he see to it that the existing regulations will be altered so that it may be permissive for members of the Jewish community serving in His Majesty's Forces to have embossed on identification discs the description of their religion?

This question has been carefully considered, and it has been decided not to depart from the present practice.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the position of a serving soldier who has a court order against him for maintenance of an illegitimate child and who makes the whole of his allotment to his wife and family; and in what way can payment be claimed for the illegitimate child?

The amount which can be made available from a soldier's pay towards the support of the parties concerned in circumstances of this character is (as it would be were he a civilian) limited by the amount of that pay and the necessity for leaving him a certain minimum for other purposes.The first claim in respect of the support of dependants against the pay of a soldier is for the qualifying allotment required as a condition of the issue of family allowance to his wife and any legitimate children. After satisfying this claim, there is usually some margin left before reaching the point at which further stoppages from pay are impracticable, and he can be placed under stoppages in respect of the affiliation order so far as this margin is available. Where such stoppages are imposed, he cannot supplement the qualifying allotment to his wife and family by any voluntary allotment in their favour, except out of any balance of pay which may remain after the stoppage in respect of the affiliation order has been met.Where a soldier who has been called to the Colours for service in connection, with the present war was, before being called up, making payments towards the maintenance of persons of the categories indicated of an appreciably greater amount than is possible from his resources whilst in the Army, these persons may, under appropriate conditions, be given some supplementary payment from Army funds if this course is recommended by the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee after investigation of the circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for War how letters for troops serving abroad, other than in France, but whose country of service is not known, should be addressed?

Correspondence for troops serving abroad, other than in France, but whose country of service is not known, should be addressed as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the object of the purchases which his Department is making of second-hand motor-cars; and whether there is any maximum price fixed for each motor-car in question?

These cars are being bought for instructional purposes at a maximum price of £50 each.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that ex-Private Gordon Henry Sands, No. 52748, Durham Light Infantry, also Army Cyclist Corps, in 1919, whose 50 per cent, disability pension was stopped in 1923, was, in May last, refused employment in Woolwich Arsenal on the ground that he was unfit owing to his leg wound; and whether, in view of the fact that the man's pension has been stopped, he will take special steps to find him employment?

Inquiries are being made, and I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many male members of the staff at the accounts office of the 2nd Anti-Aircraft Division at York were dismissed on 16th November; how many married women, whose husbands are employed elsewhere, have been retained; how much notice was given before dismissal; and why married men have been dismissed and married women retained?

I am having inquiries made, and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Polish nationals in this country who left their native land during childaood, who know nothing of that country nor understand the Polish language, are informed by his Department that they must secure the consent of the Polish authorities before they can enlist in His Majesty's Forces; and whether he will take steps to allow these men to join either of the Forces in accordance with the principle adopted during 1914–18 in relation to Russian nationals then in this country?

As was stated by my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in the answer given to the hon. Member on 8th November last, Polish nationals are liable, under Polish law, to the withdrawal of consular protection, and possibly also of Polish citizenship, if it is considered that they have attempted to evade conscription. It is, therefore, in the interests of Polish nationals to refer to the Polish Consular Authorities before applying to enlist in His Majesty's Forces.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information what steps were taken, in view of the large Dutch population of South Africa, to publish the details of the sinking of the steamship "Simon Bolivar" in that country?

My Noble Friend is satisfied that the details of the sinking of the steamship "Simon Bolivar" have been given adequate publicity in South Africa by means of the usual channels. In particular the B.B.C. Empire Service gave increasingly full news throughout the day, culminating in a detailed account in the Afrikans news bulletin on Sunday evening, which included items of special interest to a South African audience, such as the assistance given by a South African doctor and an Afrikans-speaking hospital nurse who helped to identify survivors.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has reconsidered the reduction of the tax on higher powered motor cars, in view of the great number being laid up on the 31st December, 1939, owing to petrol restrictions; and, in view of the inevitable loss of revenue, will he examine all relevant considerations and make an announcement shortly on this matter which concerns many auxiliary services of the industry?

I regret that I am not able to add anything to the reply which I gave on 31st October to my hon. Friend the Member for Balham and Tooting (Mr. Doland).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any estimate of loss in revenue from the petrol duty and horse-power tax has been made by his Department for the year 1940, resulting from the present petrol-rationing scheme?

No, Sir. The factors are too uncertain and too numerous for any reliable estimate to be possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the loss in petrol duty to the Treasury during the month of October as the result of the petrol rationing scheme, comparing October, 1938, with October, 1939?

An estimate of the nature referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give an assurance that Income Tax and Surtax will not be charged on sums of money received in the United Kingdom by persons ordinarily resident here if such sums are the proceeds of the compulsory sale under the Defence (Finance) Regulations of securities bought out of income which was not liable to Income Tax under the law in force in the year in which that income accrued to the present owner; and whether he will include provisions in the next Finance Bill to ensure that the Defence (Finance) Regulations do not operate to levy retrospective taxation?

As I informed my hon. Friend on 16th November, I am giving consideration to the operation of the Regulations in their relation to the taxation position in certain cases. I regret I am not yet able to make a further statement on the matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the present approximate sterling value of Czech assets blocked in this country; and the aggregate amount of the claims which have been lodged against them in respect of cash and of bonds guaranteed by the late Government of Czecho-Slovakia?

In reply to the first part of the question, I would refer to the answer given to the hon. Member for North Lambeth (Mr. G. R. Strauss) on 15th June, and (as regards the sterling value of the gold included in the assets) to the reply which I gave my hon. Friend on Tuesday last. In reply to the second part of the question, it would be misleading to give any figure as to the amount of claims lodged in respect of cash and of bonds guaranteed by the late Government of Czecho-Slovakia until the claims which have been received have been completely analysed.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can make a statement on the operations of the Lancashire Sites Company?

In response to my inquiries the company inform me that so far they have not undertaken any factory projects. Nevertheless a number of inquirers have been accommodated in existing vacant factories through the instrumentality of the Lancashire Industrial Development Council, with which body the Sites Company maintains close touch; and in fact, up to 30th June, 1939, the council record the establishment in the Lancashire area of factories (apart from armament and aircraft factories) representing an invested capital of over £2½millions and giving employment to over 11,000 workers which it is hoped will ultimately increase to 34,000.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education how many of His Majesty's inspectors of the Board have been seconded to act as regional officers of the Ministry of Information?

Two, Sir.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many new personnel have been appointed to Government Departments since the beginning of the war; and how many have been recruited from the Women's Employment Federation?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 14th November to my hon. Friend the Member for Chislehurst (Sir W. Smithers). As regards the second part, no precise figures are available. I understand, however, that the Women's Employment Federation has co-operated with the Central Register of the Ministry of Labour and National Service in supplying particulars of persons possessing special qualifications.

asked the Home Secretary the names of persons appointed by the regional commissioner for Northumberland, Durham and North Yorkshire in receipt of a salary of not less than £500 per annum, giving the nature of each such appointment?

Regional commissioners are not empowered to make appointments, and I am not clear, therefore, to what my hon. Friend refers. If he will let me know what he has in mind, I will go into the matter and will communicate with him.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will now consider the conditions under which civil servants are being billeted on private households, since senior officials in receipt of large salaries, under the Government's present ruling have to be housed and fed at rates which entail a loss to the householders concerned?

After further experience I remain satisfied, as I informed my hon. Friend on 12th October, that the rate which has been fixed for the billeting of civil servants is fair and reasonable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the trade negotiations which he is conducting with the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, he will bear in mind the desirability of increasing our export of cured herring to the Soviet Union?

The question of increasing exports of cured herring to the Soviet Union will be borne in mind in any trade negotiations which may take place with that country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the dumping of large cargoes of sprats back into the sea owing to the inability of those concerned to obtain licences to export the fish; and for what reasons the export of fish is still forbidden to certain countries?

I cannot accept the implication contained in the first part of the question. Licences have been freely granted for the export of sprats ever since the early days of export control. The export of fish is not forbidden to any country, but a system of control by licence is necessary in order to ensure home supplies and to prevent supplies reaching the enemy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, following the recent adoption of pooling the resources of France and Great Britain for the purpose of strengthening our efforts to defeat Germany, he will consider the question of the removal of tariff barriers between France and ourselves for the duration of the war, with the purpose of still further strengthening the friendship which unites our two countries?

As I stated on 21st November in reply to questions by the hon. Members for the Isle of Ely (Mr. de Rothschild) and the Forest of Dean (Mr. Price), the question of the trade relations between France and this country is receiving consideration with a view to solving any difficulties in a spirit of mutual comprehension. I can assure my hon. Friend that all factors affecting trade between the two countries will be borne in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that it is impossible to purchase batteries for hand torches, which are so necessary in these black-out conditions; and whether he will now arrange to take over the manufacture and control of supply of them?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer to the answer given yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing (Sir F. Sanderson). As regards the second part, I am not at present satisfied that action in the direction suggested by the hon. Member would result in any immediate increase in the rate of production.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether Spanish oranges are now coming in through the Spanish Government representative who is paying the dock dues in this country, and is merely giving the receivers delivery orders instead of bills of lading in the customary manner; and whether his Departmental officials are studying this procedure in view of the prejudicial effect on the trade of other importing countries?

I have received no representations on the point raised in this question; but if the hon. and gallant Member will send me full particulars I will look into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he proposes to appoint the Advisory Council under the Restriction of Advertisement (War Risks Insurance)Act; and to bring this Measure into force?

I have invited certain gentlemen to serve on the Advisory Committee and I hope at a very early date to be able to announce their names. The date on which it will be possible to bring the Act into force will depend on the work of the committee, but I do not expect it to be long delayed.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of mines that have come ashore on the British coasts during the last fortnight and the country of origin of such mines?

Fifteen mines, all German, have come ashore on the British coast during the last fortnight.

asked the Home Secretary what definitions are used in determining whether foreign nationals are described as refugees, or are not so described, for the purpose of the periodical returns and statements made to the House of Commons; and how many unnatural-ised persons of German, Austrian, Czech or Polish origin who have entered this country since 1931, other than those classified as refugees and so described in the returns made, were there in this country on the date when the National Register was made?

The persons enumerated in the periodical returns of refugees made by the Home Office have included all persons who have been obliged to leave the territory of the German Reich by reason of political, racial or religious persecutions or have ceased to enjoy the protection of the Reich.I regret that it is not possible to supply the information asked for in the second part of the question. The total number of aliens registered by the police in the United Kingdom as of German, Austrian, Czech, or Polish nationality at the end of October was as follows:

asked the Home Secretary what policy he proposes to follow during the war in dealing with applications for naturalisation?

I am anxious to continue, despite war conditions, the policy of granting naturalisation after careful examination to suitable applicants who have settled here and thrown in their lot with this country; but detailed police inquiries are necessary before a decision can be reached, and the amount of time which the police can properly give to such inquiries is limited. The number of applications received in the last 12 months is abnormally large, and at the present time there are over 5,000 cases outstanding, 4,000 of which were received before the outbreak of war. In these circumstances, I have decided that such time as is available shall be devoted to dealing with applications received before the outbreak of war. Moreover, in order that the number of cases which the police are asked to take up in any one week or month may be limited, the process of dealing with these outstanding applications must be spread over a lengthy period; and until the expiration of that period it will not be possible to take up applications made after the outbreak of war. Applications made before the outbreak of war will be dealt with in rotation according to the dates on which they were received, and I hope that hon. Members will refrain from asking for priority for any cases in which they are specially interested. Unfairness and further delay are liable to be caused unless there is close adherence to the practice of referring cases to the police for inquiry in an orderly rotation according to the dates of the applications.

asked the Home Secretary whether a friendly alien, placed in category B by the aliens tribunal, is at liberty to seek employment; and, if not, will he state the reason?

When a German or Austrian is placed by the tribunal in category B—i.e., the category of persons who are exempted from internment but not exempted from the special restrictions in the Aliens Order applicable to enemy aliens—this decision is taken because in the view of the tribunal his friendliness to this country is not so clearly demonstrated that he can properly be exempted from these security requirements. If such an alien has an opportunity of employment in an occupation where his employment will not be detrimental to the interests of British workers, the Home Office will not refuse to allow him to take such employment merely because he is subject to the special restrictions.

asked the Home Secretary whether there has been an increase in crime in the Metropolitan Police district since the lighting restrictions were imposed?

No, Sir. I am glad to say that up to the end of October there had been a substantial decrease. The figures of indictable offences known to the Metropolitan Police in the two months September and October, 1939, and in the two months September and October, 1938, show that the total number of crimes.— most of which were small thefts—was 12,283 in 1939 as against 16,023 in 1938. Cases of breaking and entering fell from 2,171 in 1938 to 1,503 in 1939. Robberies or attempted robberies with violence numbered 28 in 1938 and nine in 1939. Cases of bag snatching numbered 66 in 1938 and 53 in 1939. The only crimes in which there was a marked increase are thefts of bicycles, which rose from 2,001 in 1938 to 2,621 in 1939.

asked the Home Secretary on what grounds the Commissioner of Police has refused the borough council of Dagenham the right to hold a flag day in aid of the welfare schemes for the evacuees of that area, in view particularly of the fact that the Ministry of Health have put a large part of the responsibility for the welfare of these people in the hands for the local authorities?

As the hon. Member knows, the applications for leave to hold flag days in the Metropolitan district are so numerous that it has been found necessary to adopt certain general principles for the purpose of limiting their number. The Commissioner of Police, after consulting the Advisory Committee, felt it difficult to bring this case within those general principles: but I am informed that the Commissioner now has under consideration certain further representations which the Dagenham Borough Council has made to him.

asked the Minister of Labour what opportunities there are for unemployed ex-service men of 50 years of age to serve their country in any capacity; and where information regarding this may be obtained?

It is impossible within the; limits of a Parliamentary answer to deal with the first part of the question, but the men should be advised to register at their nearest Employment Exchanges through which any available opportunities known to my Department will be brought to their notice. There are, I understand, a certain number of vacancies in the armed forces for specialists such as cooks, wireless operators and instructors for which men over 50 years of age are eligible. Full particulars of these vacancies may be obtained at any recruiting office.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that many unemployed dock labourers who have been out of work for six weeks owing to shipping being diverted, have been refused employment in other occupations owing to their being in a reserved occupation; and whether, in such cases, he will give authority to such men to be allowed to accept any employment that may be available to them?

The men to which the hon. Member refers are free to accept any employment in any civil occupation that may be available to them. The Schedule of Reserved Occupations merely limits the extent to which dock labourers may become members of the Defence Services.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons who are in receipt of unemployment assistance in each area in South Wales and Monmouthshire and the number in receipt of winter allowances?

I am having such information as is available extracted and will send it to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to unemployment amongst Merseyside pool girls; and whether he will arrange war-work employment for them?

I am aware that there has been a very considerable increase in unemployment amongst women clerical workers previously employed in connection with football pools. All possible steps are being taken to find suitable alternative employment for those who are registered at the Employment Exchanges, and employment has already been found for a number.

asked the Minister of Labour the numbers of disabled ex-service men registered as unemployed at any convenient date since the outbreak of hostilities?

I regret that statistics giving the information asked for are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider, in conjunction with the three Defence Ministers, the establishment of a special corps to include architects, surveyors, mechanical and civil engineers who have lost their business, with a view to assisting in the national effort, and to provide these men with employment?

Persons with suitable-qualifications in the professional categories mentioned by the hon. Member, are eligible for inclusion in the Central Register, from which candidates are submitted for vacancies created by additional wartime requirements in the Government service and elsewhere. In addition, I am at the moment considering what supplementary machinery is necessary to record the qualifications and experience of persons not normally in touch with the Employment Exchange servicie and to bring to their notice vacancies as they occur. Pending experience of the results of this new measure action such as suggested by the hon. Member does not appear desirable, but I shall continue to watch the situation with close attention.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information the names and salaries, with particulars of previous political positions held, of the staff of the film department of the Ministry?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered a case in which a police officer in Barnstaple called upon an individual whom he would have had no reasonable ground for suspecting of being connected with the enemy, and demanded, under the Emergency Powers Act, to see copies of a letter sent by this individual to his parents, his brother and one friend, on the grounds that he suspected them of containing matter prejudicial to the defence of the realm; and whether, as the whole of the regulations are under reconsideration, he will issue instructions to all police forces to refrain from any such actions?

I am informed by the Chief Constable of Devonshire that, following a complaint made to the police on 14th November, it was ascertained that a member of the Devonshire Special Constabulary had received from the individual mentioned in the question certain documents which suggested that he might be engaged in activities contravening the Defence Regulations. A police officer visited him, and he showed the .officer a number of typewritten docu-

The following table gives the names and salaries of the staff of the Film Publicity Division of the Ministry:ments covering 18 sheets. In view of their length, the officer asked if he might take them away for examination, and assent was given to this request. Examination of the documents showed there were no grounds for any action under the Regulations and that the complaint made to the police was unfounded. I am in full agreement with the hon. Member's view that the police should avoid interference with documents such as these turned out to be, but when complaints are made to the police it is often impracticable for the police to dismiss them as baseless until after they have made some inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the calling up of young ploughmen, and particularly the sons of widows and infirm farmers, has caused serious dislocation in farm work; that, in consequence, large numbers of horses are about to stand idle, and the cultivation of land and care of livestock to be impaired; that if these men leave the farms many undertakings to plough up fresh land will have to be cancelled, since no other suitable labour is available; and what steps he proposes to take?

I would remind by hon. Friend that the Government have taken considerable steps to help farmers by including in the Schedule of Reserved Occupations agricultural workers of 21 years and over and by making substitute labour available. With regard to cases where personal hardship may be involved, I understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that the Hardship Tribunals are now in operation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to make a statement about the Marriage (Scotland) Act, 1939?

Yes, Sir. The Government have had under consideration the question whether the coming into operation of the Marriage (Scotland) Act, 1939, should be postponed. They have come to the conclusion that under present conditions it would be inexpedient to bring

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a tabulated statement showing the position of the different counties, cities and burghs of Scotland, and the position regarding percentages of evacuated children and adults, respectively, together with such information as he has regarding the percentages of children and parents, respectively, who have remained in, or returned from, the areas in question?

I regret that I cannot give the hon. and learned Member the precise information for which he asks, but the following statement will give him certain particulars of the kind that he has in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the decision and representations of Scottish local authorities in support of a demand that a refund should be allowed in respect of expenditure on poor relief, as in the fields of health, education, police and other services; and whether any action will be taken by the Government on the line suggested?

As the right hon. Gentleman will be aware, the expenditure of local authorities on public assistance is part of the rate-borne expenditure towards which the block grant is paid, and any proposal that the State should make a direct contribution.in respect of expenditure on poor relief would necessitate a review of the existing grant arrangements. Certain local authorities made representations to me on this subject earlier in the year and were informed on 20th April last that I was unable at present to agree to an alteration in the arrangements governing the State's contributions towards local expenditure.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether, in view of the importance of its work, he will arrange to give periodical reports on the progress of the Ministry, similar to those now given on behalf of the fighting Services?

Yes, Sir. I am certainly prepared to make a statement on the work of my Department on some appropriate occasion.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he is aware that Germany is exporting freely through neutral ports and, in view of the fact that such exports enable her to increase her imports from Continental countries, is he prepared to extend the blockade to cover German exports?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made on 21st November by my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether, in connection with the figures recently published by the British contraband control, giving the number and nationality of ships detained, he can indicate how many of these were detained and dealt with at contraband bases in the Mediterranean; and whether he is satisfied with the present arrangements for British contraband control over ships destined for Mediterranean ports, where they could unload their cargoes for eventual transportation to Germany?

The number of ships detained at British contraband control bases in the Mediterranean during the week ending 13th November, was 22. Of these 12 were of Italian, 4 of Norwegian, 3 of United States, and I each of Greek, Yugoslav, and Rumanian nationality. The number for the week ending 20th November was 23. Of these, 14 were of Italian, 3 of Panamanian, 2 of United States, and I each of Greek, Netherland, Norwegian, and Yugoslav nationality. Considering the difficulties involved in setting up a contraband control system out of home waters, the answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Postmaster-General when he will be in a position to restore cheaper rates at certain hours for trunk and toll calls?

The withdrawal of the cheaper rates at certain hours for trunk and toll calls was necessary in order to ensure that urgent calls on Defence matters should not be delayed by congestion due to the volume of public traffic. I am not losing sight of the possibility of reintroducing differential tariffs for trunk and toll calls. The requirements of the Defence Services, however, continue to be very heavy, and I regret that it is not possible at present to say when conditions will permit of any alteration to the existing tariffs.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that great difficulty is being experienced by many telephone subscribers in Edinburgh in obtaining a rapid response from the exchange, especially in connection with trunk calls; and whether he will investigate the position in order to secure an improvement?

I am having inquiries made and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that certain correspondence sent from this country to Switzerland has been examined by a German censor who obtained possession of such correspondence in Basle; and will he communicate to the Swiss authorities his desire that a stricter control be exercised at Basle, in order that British mail-bags will not in future get into the hands of the enemy?

I am aware that some letters recently sent from this country to Switzerland were opened by the German censor. 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 Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a mail river service has been inaugurated between Lagos, in Nigeria, and Porto Novo, in Dahomey; and whether the launch is run by a British or French interest?

I have no detailed information as to existing arrangements for a mail service between Lagos, in Nigeria, and Porto Novo, in Dahomey, but I will ask the Governor of Nigeria for particulars.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will now remove the deportation restriction in respect to the ex-Awujale of Jebu Ode, in view of the long operation of the order, and the fact that his chiefship and residence in Jebu Ode are no longer involved?

The Governor of Nigeria reported in May of this year that he considered that it would be unwise to modify the existing Order banishing the ex-Awujale of Ijebu Ode from the Province of Ijebu and the parts of Nigeria adjacent thereto. I am not aware of any fresh circumstances which would alter the position.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of congestion of industry and population in certain areas of the country, it is the intention of the Government in town and country-planning schemes to pursue a general policy of decentralisation of industry and population in future?

Under present circumstances I do not think it is possible to make a statement in the terms suggested by the hon. Member.