asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that extra petrol coupons have been reaching applicants weeks after application and in many cases too late for use; that many vehicles on essential service have thereby been demobilised with consequent loss to private business and indirectly to the Exchequer; and what steps he proposes to take, or is taking, to prevent this?

When after supplementary coupons are issued the applicant asks for a review of his case and further allowances are granted, obviously some time may elapse between the original application and the final instalment. This would be so especially when the applicant defers his second request or correspondence is necessary.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will state the position regarding the supply of petrol to Northern Ireland; whether that supply is governed by his Department, and whether any Department of the Government of Northern Ireland have any control over the bulk supply, or the rationing of such supply, and whether the petrol rationing officer for Northern Ireland is responsible to the Mines Department or to the Government of Northern Ireland?

I am looking into the points raised by my hon. and gallant Friend and I will write to him as soon as my inquiries are completed.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can state the price at which pit-wood is being bought for the South Wales and Forest of Dean coalmines now and on the eve of the outbreak of war; what is the cause of the rise; and whether any steps can be taken to reduce the cost to the collieries?

I am consulting with the Minister of Supply and the information obtained shall be communicated to the hon. Member.

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?

pursuant to his reply (OFFICIAL REPORT, 22nd November; col. 1230) supplied the following information:The total number of persons appointed to paid positions by the Ministry of Food is approximately 11,700. Of these about 9,000 are employed (full-time or part- time) in the offices of local food control committees. The following table gives the numbers of staff of each of the commodity controls at the beginning of November and the approximate annual cost in salaries and wages, excluding staff whose pay had not then been fixed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the only mail communication between Lagos and Porto Novo was a German motor-barge running weekly through the 6o-mile lagoon parallel with the sea; whether this motor-barge has now ceased running; and whether in that case any mail service has been organised in a French or British launch?

I have no detailed information regarding existing arrangements for a mail service between Lagos and Porto Novo, but am asking the Governor of Nigeria for particulars.

asked the Attorney General whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding provision to meet the case of assurance policy-holders who find themselves unable, owing to war conditions, to maintain regular payments of premiums?

The negotiations to which I have previously referred on this matter are at an advanced stage. I hope to be able to make a statement early in this Session.