asked the Minister of Labour the various medical grades that men are placed in when passed for service by the medical board; whether an appeal against the category is permitted; what form it takes; and whether a man's medical history is allowed to be placed before the board and whether it is considered before he is graded?

I would refer the hon. Member to Regulation 9 of the National Service (Armed Forces) (Miscellaneous) Regulations, 1939, which specify the categories in which men medically examined under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act, 1939, are placed by medical boards. The boards are directed to inquire into a man's previous medical history, and any medical certificate or other documents bearing on his case that he may bring with him to the examination receive the full consideration of the board. The Act makes no provision for appeals against decisions of medical boards. If, however, fresh medical evidence is produced which suggests that a man has been wrongly graded, that evidence is placed before the chairman, and where necessary the man is re-examined.

Has the Minister any knowledge that the Government intend to give men an opportunity of appealing against their grades; and is he aware that men have offered to place medical evidence of previous illnesses and diseases before the boards, and that these offers have been rejected?

I have no evidence of that. I shall be very much obliged to the hon. Member if he can bring me evidence to that effect. In fact, I have had a few cases brought to my knowledge in which re-examination has taken place. A number of cases have been brought to the notice of the chairmen of the boards, and in every case full consideration has been given to it.

Would it not be better if the Government were to give the ordinary opportunities, which I think were given in the last war, for a medical board to review, or an appeal board to consider, these cases?

I do not think that is necessary, but I will not close my mind to any suggestion.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has again reviewed the case of Eric Ball, of Tamworth, and his recent medical examination; and, if so, with what result?

As I informed the hon. Member in the reply which I gave him on 19th October last, I have made inquiries into this case. I have nothing further to add to that reply.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that he promised to look further into the case, although, strangely enough, that promise was not recorded in the OFFICIAL REPORT? In view of the fact that the man is obviously backward physically—as is illustrated by the fact that his height is only 4 ft. 8 ins., and as is confirmed by his own doctor and a minister of religion—does the right hon. Gentleman not think that there is a responsibility upon him to look further into the case?

All my inquiries confirm, and the regional medical officer also confirms, my view that, while the man is small, he is also very sturdy.

Are we to understand that—

rose—

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will arrange for Army medical boards to be held in suitable places in Breconshire and Radnorshire, so that men called up in these counties will not have to spend two nights away from home, or arrange that these men arc paid two days' expenses?

I am looking into this matter, and will communicate with the hon. Member when my inquiries have been completed.

asked the Minister of Labour how many cases of only sons or sons of widowed or infirm farmers and market-gardeners, whose calling up for service in the Forces has caused exceptional hardship have been considered by Military Service (Hardship) Committees; in how many cases have such young men been granted postponement of service; and whether, in order to relieve the anxiety of many households, he will take further steps to make known the existence and purpose of and the method of approaching such committees?

I regret that separate statistics for these two categories of applicants are not available. Attention was drawn to the method of obtaining postponement of service, both in posters, displayed in the local offices and elsewhere, and in a leaflet which is handed to each man on registration.

In view of the fact that so many of the fathers and mothers of these boys do not know the facts, would my right hon. Friend not consider some further publication?

I shall be very glad to do what I can, but I cannot see much more that we can do. We have had special posters and leaflets.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that some university students are allowed a postponement of their calling-up for military service to complete their studies in the sciences, but that the same facilities are not granted to art students; and will he take steps to ensure that both categories of students are treated alike?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy (Mr. Kennedy) on 23rd November.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the very severe hardship that this imposes on students, especially those who are in their last year of education at a university?

Would it not be possible to have a general arrangement to postpone the calling up of all students who are in their last year and within a few months of their examinations?

If the hon. Member will look at the answer, he will see what is being done.

I have seen it.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken for the training of new recruits for the less skilled operations in industries of national importance; whether, and to what extent, unemployed men are being trained for work of this nature; and whether he will take steps to see that any training of this nature should, if possible, fit the trainee for permanent employment after the war?

The Ministry of Labour Centres provide training in a number of occupations of special importance, and at present include over 6,000 men. The expansion of industries producing war needs is, however, mainly effected by the up-grading of men already engaged in them and by the training of newcomers in the works. This method is effective, and having regard to the large numbers involved, is the only practicable system for meeting the bulk of the requirements. In so far as training is provided by the Ministry, it has always been the policy to do so in a way which will be a permanent asset to the person trained.

Are the unemployed given preferential treatment as trainees?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that benefit is refused by the Unemployment Assistance Board to Aberdeen employés who decline employment across the seas, at Kirkwall, on Government navvying work; and whether he can take any action to secure that, having regard to the extreme inclemency of the winter weather in that area, payment will be made for time during which it is impossible to work owing to the weather?

I am having inquiry made, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is the intention that the provisions of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1939, relating to the treatment of holidays in connection with unemployment benefit and the consequential change in the continuity rule shall come into operation next January?

I propose shortly to make a regulation deferring the operation of the provisions in question.

On this very important matter, will the Minister give proper notice of these provisions coming into operation?

Surely this regulation will make that certain.

asked the Minister of Labour the reason for the continued existence of over 32,000 unemployed in the various branches of the engineering industry and the existence of over 18,000 in the shipbuilding and shiprepairing industry; and whether it is proposed to absorb them in the repair and replacement of our losses at sea?

The figures quoted by my hon. and gallant Friend cover all unemployed workers belonging to these industries, including office staff; moreover, a proportion are temporarily unemployed between successive jobs, this being so particularly with repair workers. The number of skilled mechanics unemployed in the engineering trades is small; a similar position is approaching in the shipbuilding industry, and my information is that any surplus of skilled mechanics in this industry is likely soon to have opportunities for employment.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons in receipt of unemployment assistance in the area covered by the Pontefract area office at the present time; and the comparative figures in August last?

I am having extracted such information as is available, and will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The Minister promised to have a special inquiry made in these areas where there are large numbers of unemployed. When will that inquiry be started, in view of the fact that some colliery owners state that they want men and cannot get them?

As the hon. Member knows, there have been discussions in the industry as to how many of the elderly unemployed in the industry can be employed.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the provision of huts for child evacuees and their considerable advantages and attractiveness; and as, in many instances, this type of accommodation is superior to that of billeting, what action he is taking to encourage the provision of suitable hutments for evacuation purposes?

I take it that the hon. Member is referring to fully equipped hutted camps. As the hon. Member knows a number of such camps is being constructed under the Camps Act, and it is hoped to bring more of these into use in the near future.

asked the Minister of Health whether an increase could be given of the grant in respect of billeted children and other evacuated persons in reception areas during Christmas week to cover the higher cost of living in that week?

I know that in both the reception and evacuation areas great efforts are being made to ensure that the children and others who have been evacuated will spend a happy Christmas, but I hope that no individual householder will he appreciably out of pocket on this account. I fear that it would be impracticable to increase the grant in respect of billeted children as suggested.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Christmas is an expensive time and that if hosts in reception areas are to do what he wants them to do, it must involve more expense and that many cannot do it without an additional allowance?

Efforts are being made to secure such expenses being met through voluntary and other sources.

Would the right hon. Gentleman act on this occasion as Santa Claus and bring round some presents?

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is the common practice of public authorities, with the sanction of his Department, to permit special allowances to be made in various institutions, for example; and is not it necessary that the Government should for this week add, say, 2s. or a few shillings to the allowance so that a better time may be given to these families?

I hope that it will not be desirable to put this upon any institutional basis or to compare it with an institutional basis. I should hope very much that it would be possible to do it along the lines in which the right hon. Gentleman himself is co-operating, namely, help freely given by the citizens of the country.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that some school-children have been evacuated, approximately 200 miles away from home, and that the parents wishing to visit them have been informed that special fares are granted only in cases where the children are at a distance of not more than 100 miles; and will he reconsider this decision and make arrangements whereby those special fares shall be applicable to cover at least the first 100 miles of the longer journey?

As explained by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Transport, on 15th November, the general aim of the arrangements made by the Government is to provide special train facilities to receiving areas where services at cheap rates are not already available and to which the return journey can be made in one day. This would not be possible in the case of the relatively few areas at the distance mentioned. It must be borne in mind that in these areas there would often be no accommodation available for parents wishing to stay the night and that it would not be fair to expect householders on whom children were billeted to provide overnight accommodation for their parents. The present arrangements will be reviewed when all concerned have had some experience of how they work out in practice.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it is certainly more costly to travel 200 miles in this country than to travel half the distance?

Yes, but when, as I say, we have had some experience of how ťhe present arrangements work out we shall certainly review these conditions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider a policy of free passes for the parents whose children are more than 100 miles away from home?

Is the Minister aware that the Minister of Transporť has fixed a limit of 160 miles, and that this will inflict great hardship upon a good many folks?

The Minister of Transport has not done so. He has begun the scheme with a limit of 160 miles, and, as I say, when we have had experience of how the arrangements work out, we shall see whether they can be modified in any way.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is now in a position to make any statement on the question of the payment of billeting allowances in respect of children evacuated under privaťe arrangements?

Yes, Sir. Under the Government evacuation scheme billeting allowances are in general only available for persons evacuated under that scheme. I recognise, however, that in certain cases where unaccompanied children were evacuated under private arrangements before the operation of the scheme, hardship has arisen in regard to their continued maintenance in the reception areas over a long period of time. It has been decided, therefore, that where hardship is shown to exist in such cases, local authorities should be authorised to issue billeting certificates. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a circular which I am issuing to local authorities in the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make the allowances retrospective in some cases?

Will billeting allowances be payable in the cases where the children are actually staying with relatives?

The answer to the last question is Yes, Sir, if the other conditions are satisfied.

Will this apply to Scotland?

Will the local authorities deťermine whether hardship exists and adjustments may be made?

It will be examined under the same procedure as has been adopted for the other evacuees. The local authorities will be the judges as in the case of persons under the ordinary scheme. In reply to the hon. Member for Camlachie (Mr. Stephen), I understand thať there is a question down to the Secretary of State for Scotland later on.

Will this also apply to children who were away from home and did not return home at the outbreak of war?

Yes, Sir; it applies to any children who were evacuated under private arrangements before the operation of the scale.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that many local authorities, acting upon the instructions of his Department, are preparing to spend large sums of money in constructing new permanent buildings for use as war-time mortuaries; and, in view of the need for economy, will he reconsider this instruction?

It is the statutory duty of local authorities to provide mortuary accommodation for war emergencies. Normally, this provision is made by the use of existing buildings, but suitable buildings are lacking in one or two areas. I am looking into the question of the accommodation at Tottenham in the light of the further information which the hon. Member was good enough to give me yesterday.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the local authorities whether they can suggest that other arrangements should be made in view of the fact that the war has not taken the course that everybody expected; and does he not think that the thousands of pounds which some of the authorities are spending could be spent in a more useful way?

In view of the reasons for which the hon. Member made representations to me yesterday, I am looking into the matter. I understand that at present it is intended that the buildings should be used for other purposes, and, as I say, I am going into the matter, and will communicate with the hon. Gentleman.

Will my right hon. Friend do everything to encourage the practice of cremation, which is obviously the reform that is nowadays often required?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that local government authorities employing people in air-raid precautions services have been instructed not to carry out normal trade union agreements for similar work between themselves and local government employés; on whose authority these instructions were issued; and whether he will make investigations as to the alterations that can be made so that all local government employés, whatever their work, can come under normal trade union standards of employment?

No such instruction has been issued. The rates of pay and conditions of service for whole-time paid volunteers in the air-raid precaution services do not affect the conditions under which employés of the local authority are engaged for their ordinary work.

asked the Home Secretary whether, with a view to increasing agricultural production and the self-maintenance of this country, he will issue a circular letter to all local authorities with a request that they should encourage, and give permission for, paid air-raid precautions wardens in their unoccupied time to dig the gardens and allotments of their neighbours who, as a result of the war, are away from their homes and prevented from carrying out this task?

I hardly think that this would be a suitable matter for a general circular from me.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what these paid A.R.P. wardens do? Is it one-half as important as the production of food?

They are not paid to do that.

May I know what they are paid to do?

asked the Home Secretary the nature of the inquiries made into the recent allegations of insulting conduct by Air Raid Warden Lyle of Renfrew; why no inquiries or statement made by Provost Michie or by Mr. and Mrs. S. Ward were asked for; and who were the parties insulted and threatened by Air Raid Warden Lyle?

The report I received at the time of the hon. Member's previous Question on 17th October led me to conclude that he had been misinformed and that there were no grounds for any further investigation on my part. If the hon. Member has further information and will communicate it to me, I shall be ready to bring it to the notice of the responsible local authority.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that although he stated there was no truth in the allegation of the man and woman that they were very badly insulted, they were not consulted; and is he aware that Provost Michie, as air-raid warden, issued a letter to the Press that there were no grounds of truth in the allegation, and that no investigation had been made?

I have to rely in this matter on the statement made to me with the authority of the local body concerned. As I have said, if there is any other information which the hon. Member has, I will communicate again with the local authority.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to a recent declaration by Provost O. K. Michie, of Renfrew, who is provost, magistrate and air-raid precautions controller for the county of Renfrew, at a monthly meeting of Renfrew Town Council, that, if he was on the bench when any black-out offenders came before him, he would fine them for the first offence and send them to prison for the full term for the second offence; whether his position as air-raid precautions controller has any salary; and, if so, what is the amount paid?

My attention had not been drawn to the statement referred to in the first part of the question. The post of controller does not carry any salary.

Is it not an irregular procedure for any Provost or any other person to declare at an outside meeting the policy he intends to pursue on the bench when people are brought before him, before the case comes to be judged, and is a person of this description capable of being an air-raid controller in any area?

Matters relating to magistrates in Scotland—and I gather that it was in his capacity as a magistrate that these observations were made—are not within my province.

The statement was made at an air-raid control meeting and you are responsible.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider issuing to unpaid special constables who apply for the same either an allowance for wear and repair of clothes and boots or a free issue of boots and overcoats or waterproofs?

Police authorities have been authorised to supply weather-proof clothing and to pay a boot allowance or supply boots to part-time special constables who perform not less than eight hours duty a week.

asked the. Home Secretary whether he will authorise the simultaneous use of two headlamps, properly masked, in order to ease the difficulties of motorists and reduce the risks to pedestrians during the black-out?

The headlamp mask now coming into general use should greatly improve the driving light available to motorists. The use of both headlamps simuĺtaneously would give too great an amount of light on the road surface unless the intensity of each lamp were very greatly reduced. I am advised that it is very doubtful indeed whether on balance this would be an advantage.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the list of casualties on the road is steadily mounting greater and greater, and would it not be wise in the interests of pedestrians and of the general population of the country to allow motorists more light, and would it not be beneficial for pedestrians and motorists?

My hon. Friend will find that he is mistaken in regard to the toll of accidents on the roads. The numbers have, fortunately, shown a decline. On the other matter, the technical matter, I must be guided by the best advice available.

Have any number of these lamps been supplied to motorists?

Not as yet.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now able to make a statement on the modification of the black-out?

As indicated in answers to previous questions, constant research and experiment have been in progress with a view to mitigating the inconveniences of the black-out within the limits of the general policy, which must be maintained. As a result, greatly improved systems of internal lighting for trains and public service vehicles have been devised and are being installed as rapidly as possible. A method of lighting goods in shop windows has also been approved and full particulars of the very simple device required will be made generally available within a few days. A large-scale experiment in street lighting by low intensity lamps has been for some time awaiting favourable conditions for air observation and I will make an announcement on the subject as soon as I have received the report of the Air Staff.

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind the fact that in Glasgow they have a black-out day and night because of the black paper that is pasted on the windows of all the trams and buses, and will he try to make some other arrangements so that the people can see during the day?

As I have explained, there is no necessity if the approved method of lighting is used, for any obscuration of the windows.

Will my right hon. Friend consider, in conjunction with the First Commissioner of Works, the question of the lighting of the precincts of this House? Is there any reason whatsoever why Westminster Hall should be in complete gloom?

That is not a matter in which I have any jurisdiction.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has in contemplation any measures to mitigate the hardship which falls upon open-air workers, such as shipyard workers, who are not able to work full time in the open air owing to black-out restrictions; and whether, in particular, he will devise some scheme for the special warning of such important branches of activity which would enable them to work under partially-screened lights, subject to their being extinguished on such special warnings being given?

Schemes of suitably screened lighting to be extinguished on receipt of an air-raid warning have already been devised for various industries, including shipbuilding, where essential outside work has to be done. If the hon. Member has any particular industry in mind, I will have particulars of the scheme sent to him if it is one of those which has been dealt with.

Has the right hon. Gentleman observed that the particular industry which I have in mind is specified in the question, and will he state whether the measures which he has instigated have been applied in Aberdeen?

A scheme has been drawn up for the shipbuilding industry, and it is open to any shipbuilders in Aberdeen to avail themselves of its provisions.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered that part of my question which deals with the effect upon workers who are not able to take advantage of the scheme, and therefore, lose a large proportion of their wages?

I cannot understand why that should arise, because the scheme, when it is introduced, affects all workers equally.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that Glasgow's air raid precautions are now adequate to provide protection for the majority of Glasgow's population?

The situation certainly shows marked improvement but I am awaiting a detailed report on the present position, and will communicate with the hon. Member when I have received it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take all the steps he can to avoid specious paragraphs appearing in the Press which would lead the people of Glasgow to believe that their air-raid defences are what they are not?

I have no responsibility for these paragraphs.

asked the Home Secretary the total sum expended on air-raid precautions in Glasgow up to date, and the proportion of such sum expended on salaries and wages?

According to returns furnished by the city council, the total expenditure on air-raid general and fire precautions in Glasgow from 1st January, 1937, to the end of the present month is estimated at £563,950. Up to 30th September last it is estimated that expenditure on salaries and wages of staff engaged on the administration of these services amounted to £9,200. These figures do not include the pay of whole-time volunteers in the air-raid precautions and fire services. From the outbreak of war up to 30th November, this is estimated to amount to £206,700.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in the Stirlingshire district of Bothkennar, Skin-flats, the falling of shrapnel has already been experienced; and whether he will provide air-raid shelters for the inhabitants or, alternatively, grant the cost of the materials to those householders who have constructed shelters in accordance with the advice of the Government?

I am informed that shell fragments have fallen in this area. I would deprecate the idea that any place in which this may occur should be regarded as a specially exposed area; but I have under consideration representations, made on other grounds, that the district of Stirlingshire in which these villages lie should be added to the list of areas which are "specified areas" for the purposes of Part III of the Civil Defence Act.

Is the right hon. Gentleman giving consideration to the last part of the question, as to whether he will compensate people who have small incomes?

I am governed by the conditions of the Civil Defence Act. If the area is specified under Part III of that Act, certain consequences will follow automatically.

asked the Minister of Health why the local government authorities have been instructed not to take men and boys between the ages of 18 and 22 years into employment, as this will produce an undesirable age-gap in their personnel in future years?

I am not aware of any such instructions. Perhaps the hon. Member will let me have particulars of any instance within his knowledge.

asked the Minister of Health why he decided upon schemes of additional benefits in the case of certain approved societies whose valuations took place on 31st December, 1937, without giving the committees of management of valuation units the right to submit their own schemes to the Ministry for sanction in accordance with usual practice; whether he is aware that his decision is contrary to the practice which still holds good in the Department of Health for Scotland; and whether his action is to be extended and on what statutory authority it is based?

Some modification of the normal proceedure for dealing with approved societies' schemes of additional benefits has been made in the present exceptional circumstances with the object of saving work on the parts of societies themselves and of the seriously depleted staffs of my Department and of the Government Actuary. Under the new procedure a suitable scheme of benefits, as far as possible identical with that at present in force, is recommended to the society for adoption, but if in any particular case a society desires to submit alternative proposals, consideration is always given to any representations which they may make. This procedure does not differ in any material respect from that adopted by the Department of Health for Scotland.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a difference already between the treatment of one society in particular in Scotland and in England, and will he look at the cases I have given him?

Yes, Sir, certainly.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the proposal sent to him by the Medical Practitioners' Union suggesting that medical benefit under the National Health Insurance Acts be extended, on a non-contributory basis, to the dependants of men serving in the armed Forces; and with what result?

I have considered the proposal to which the hon. Member refers and have sent a reply similar to that which I gave on 23rd November to a question on the same subject by the hon. and learned Member for Greenock (Mr. R. Gibson).

asked the Minister of Health what steps are being taken to ensure that adequate housing provision is being made for workpeople in the neighbourhood of new factories engaged upon the production of war material?

In my recent circular to local authorities on the subject of housing I specifically mentioned certain classes of houses the provision of which was of importance in the national interest, and gave as one example houses which were necessary for the employés of new factories. Some of the 30,000 houses at present being completed by local authorities will no doubt be occupied by these employés, and I can assure the hon. Member that I will give sympathetic consideration to proposals for the provision of new houses for the purpose. He will, I am sure, appreciate that I am bound, in such consideration, to have regard to the availability of building materials.

Is the Minister aware that in many cases long distances are at present being covered?

Yes, Sir. It is for that reason that I have specially instructed the authorities to deal with them in that light.

Has my right hon. Friend arranged that in these schemes proper arrangements are made for planning the houses, so that they shall not be put up haphazard, as was the case in the last war?

I shall do my best to see that proper planning is obtained in such cases.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give sympathetic consideration to facilitate the entrance into this country of a limited number of Jews in Germany, who received their permit visas to come to this country during the week preceding the outbreak of war, who already have some member of their family in England, and who have their permits for proceeding to the United States of America within the next few months?

I am afraid that it would not be practicable to give facilities to persons who are living in enemy territory to proceed to this country at the present time.

If any of these people could get into a neutral country, would my right hon. Friend be prepared to reconsider his decision?

As regards persons in neutral countries, it is only in the most exceptional cases that it has been found possible to give the facilities referred to.

Is there any objection in principle?

There are objections.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what arrangements have been made in consultation with the Red Cross and Order of St. John for the despatch of parcels to Indian seamen interned in Germany?

The Red Cross and St. John War Organisation have made arrangements by which it is hoped to effect the early despatch of a generous supply of warm clothing to the Indian seamen detained in Germany. The question of supplying suitable food is also under consideration.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Dr. Bode had a contract under the emergency scheme to take over the duties of full-time physician of the German Hospital on the outbreak of war; that, in consequence of his arrest this job, carrying £750 a year, has been lost; and whether he will now inform the Ministry of Health that there is no charge against Dr. Bode to disqualify him from resuming the service which he has rendered to the British public for 14 years?

I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health that Dr. Bode's name was included in the list of doctors available for service under the Emergency Medical Service Scheme. As regards the second part of the question, the restrictions to which Dr. Bode is now subject are not such as would prevent him from resuming his services to the ordinary sick.

Does my right hon. Friend mean to say that there is nothing so far as he is concerned against Dr. Bode, and that the charge was quite groundless?

I have not said that. The facts must be left to speak for themselves. The committee recommended the release of Dr. Bode subject to a condition which has been imposed.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the association of the hon. and gallant Member with this case is to the advantage or the disadvantage of the prisoner?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will inquire into the case of Dr. Bode, a British subject but recently head of the German Hospital in London, who was arrested on 1st September and kept for 25 days without trial in a verminous cell; and, in particular, why, after appearing before a tribunal on 26th September he was detained in prison for a further 41 days before being finally released?

Dr. Bode is a British subject of German origin. On the outbreak of war my predecessor in office made an Order under the Defence Regulations for Dr. Bode's detention on security grounds. The case was subsequently reviewed by the Advisory Committee, and, after considering their report, which was submitted on 31st October, I came to the conclusion that Dr. Bode might properly be released subject, however, to compliance with an Order requiring him to notify the police of his movements. He was accordingly released on 6th November. I am assured that the allegation that the cell in which he was detained was verminous is quite unfounded.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why, in the first place, it was necessary to detain this man without trial for three weeks, and that after he had had a sort of trial he was kept for 41 days without being released?

Persons who are detained on security grounds should not be released until adequate inquiries have been made, and, as I have explained, Dr. Bode was released six days after the date of the report to my office from the Advisory Committee.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that unestablished architectural assistants in the surveyor's department of the receiver's office, New Scotland Yard, have been given notice of termination of service; that the duties of these men are on the list of reserved occupations, and that they were especially asked in official memoranda not to join any organisation, either civil or military, which would prevent the carrying on of official duties; and whether, in view of the Government's appeal to private employers not to discharge their staffs, he will follow such advice with respect to those under his own control?

These officers were engaged on a temporary basis for a definite programme of work which has, unfortunately, had to be severely curtailed owing to war conditions. I much regret that there is no justification, therefore, for retaining their services. The officers have been registered on the Central Register kept by the Ministry of Labour and National Service so that they may be considered, along with other candidates, for any suitable vacancies that tray be brought to the notice of that Department; and some of them have already been found other employment.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman accept responsibility inasmuch as under his direction they were prevented from taking other duties?

I think that is a misapprehension. They were informed as a matter of routine that their employment was covered by the schedule of reserved occupations.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will inquire into the circumstances in which the Hendon tribunal decided on the internment of Otto Ehrenzweig, a German, in view of the fact that he would appear to be a person of anti-Nazi sentiments and volunteered for National Service in this country at an early date before the outbreak of hostilities?

I have been informed of the circumstances which influenced the tribunal to order Mr. Ehrenzweig's internment, and I have decided to refer the case to the Advisory Committee.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the difficulties that have arisen in Wolverhampton which have involved a reversion to night-work in bakeries although unanimous agreement had been arrived at to bake bread and confectionery by day; and whether he will take steps to see that better conditions are secured by night, owing to the lack of ventilation and other difficulties that have arisen through blacking-out and sealing up windows in bakeries?

My information is that the arrangement made at Wolverhampton, as at Birmingham, was that night baking would be temporarily discontinued pending the completion or improvement of black-out arrangements, and I am informed that there would be strong objection to the prohibition of night baking in present circumstances. Conditions as regards ventilation and temperature have been improved since September, and the local factory inspector has received no recent complaints on this subject from bakehouses in Wolverhampton. I think master bakers generally are fully alive to the importance of adequate ventilation, and factory inspectors have been instructed to pay special attention to the point.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that all the master bakers in Wolverhampton have agreed to a daytime system of baking, and that a certain number in the area were disloyal and went back on the scheme? Will he take steps to see that the unanimous agreement in Wolverhampton is observed?

I do not think that the hon. Member's statement is a full presentation of the circumstances. I have looked into it.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information from his factory inspectors showing the temperature in these bakehouses under these conditions? Has he any report to the effect that these bakeries show a temperature of at least 100 degrees, and does he think that this can he defended on any grounds of common humanity?

asked the Prime Minister whether any arrangements have been made between the British and French Governments by which propaganda abroad is co-ordinated?

Yes, Sir. A representative of the Ministry of Information is permanently attached to the French Ministry of Information. Similarly a French representative is attached to the Ministry here. Personal contact has also been established between certain experts of the two Ministries and such contacts will be extended as occasion offers.

Will this co-ordination result in a statement of the British Government's peace aims?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in order more frequently and directly to inform the people of the course of the war, and the part played by Parliament in the war effort, and in order to answer more effectively the lying propaganda of the enemy, he will consider taking steps, through an all-party co-operation, to organise a series of public meetings throughout the country during the coming months to be addressed by members of the War Cabinet, other Ministers, and Leaders of the Labour and Liberal Opposition?

I have already made proposals to this effect to the Leaders of the Opposition parties, but although the Liberal Opposition readily agreed to co-operate, I have been informed by the Leader of the Labour Opposition that his party preferred at present to carry on their war propaganda independently. In these circumstances it is not possible to pursue the suggestion of my hon. Friend in the form he has in mind.

Will the Prime Minister consider organising meetings to be addressed by Government supporters and Opposition Liberals at the earliest possible moment?

The matter is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that Fowes Farm, which comprises 262 acres in the parishes of Belchamp Otten and Belchamp Walter, remains derelict because the nominal owner is penniless, the tithe-owner and the Tithe Redemption Commission have orders to distrain for tithe annuities so that no one dare put anything on the land; and what steps he proposes to take to bring this large area of what was once excellent corn-growing land under cultivation?

The facts relating to the property mentioned have been brought to my notice by the Essex War Agricultural Executive Committee and I am considering, in consultation with the committee, what action should be taken in the matter under the powers conferred by the Defence Regulations. I may add that the hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension in suggesting that one of the reasons for the present state of the land is the liability of the owner for tithe redemption annuities so that no one dare put anything on the land on account of this liability. If the owner let the land, the tenant would not be liable to pay any arrears of the tithe rentcharge or tithe redemption annuities, neither would his goods, stock, etc., be liable to be distrained upon in respect thereof.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that for many years now the owner has tried to let the land? Is it not time that the whole tithe system was abolished?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that under the present arrangements for farmers to plough up an additional percentage of land, many individuals are ploughing up valuable pasture land that is essential for the maintenance of the milk supply of this country; and whether he can now revise this scheme to ensure concentration upon the ploughing up of land in the eastern and other counties where the pasture is of less value and a relaxation of the compulsion in those areas where the pasture is of special value for dairy herds?

The required increase in the area of arable land for next season's crops must, of necessity, involve the breaking up of pasture land forming part of farms at present used for the production of milk. The varying needs and conditions of farming in different parts of the country have, however, been borne in mind in fixing the quota of grassland to be ploughed up in each county and will, I am sure, be kept in view by the county war agricultural executive committees who are immediately responsible for the task. I would add that it does not follow that grassland, when ploughed up, will cease to produce food for dairy stock, since it may be used for a fodder crop which may provide a greater bulk of food available, moreover, for winter use. This in conjunction with improvement of the remaining grassland should enable the herd of dairy stock to be maintained if not increased. In these circumstances I see no reason to modify the existing arrangements in the way suggested.

While thanking the right hon. and gallant Gentleman for his reply, may I ask whether in the case of a farmer feeling very strongly that his land is more valuable as pasture land, he is able to obtain exemption for it?

There is an appeal to the county committee, who are composed of reasonable men.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider inviting the leading bankers to confer with representative farming bodies with a view to securing a more effective short-term credit scheme?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on Thursday, 16th November, to my hon. Friend the Member for Devizes (Sir P. Hurd), to which at present I have nothing to add.

Does not my right hon. and gallant Friend realise the perpetual vacillation which has occurred in these matters? Does he not realise the fact that these gaps have existed in the short-term credit system for farmers, and that they must be dealt with now and cannot be put off year after year? It is an absolute scandal.

I think the hon. Member will agree that if you are to have a meeting a certain amount of preparatory work is necessary.

Why cannot the right hon. and gallant Gentleman have the farmers down to the House of Commons and tell them what should be done?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, with a view to filling up the gaps and affording some solution and contribution to a successful agricultural policy, both in war and peace, he will consider creating and supporting an organisation for the express purpose of catering for farmers making small purchases, who are handicapped in their efforts to increase the production of food, and who, by reason of the lack of alternatives, have to pay high interest charges?

I would remind my hon. Friend that a number of existing organisations, including farmers' cooperative societies, are equipped to supply the needs of farmers who make small purchases. Perhaps, however, he will send me further particulars of the type of organisation he has in mind.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that these hire-purchase institutions charge far too high a rate of interest for the facilities they give, and will he look into that matter?

Is the Minister aware that the absence of credit at reasonable rates is impeding the whole process of his ploughing-up campaign; and that farmers have not got sufficient to pay for the implements which are necessary?

One realises that there is a great problem in regard to the giving of credit. It is not a simple one, as anybody who has studied the matter is aware, but we are doing all we can to find a way through.

Was there a credit bank in the Garden of Eden?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in order to prevent the spread of pig disease, he will take steps to secure the closing of open sale yards where pigs of doubtful health are liable to come into contact with and infect sound animals?

Whenever the disease position justifies such action, markets for store pigs are prohibited. In the Eastern Counties where there have been a large number of outbreaks of swine fever, an Order is now in force which, inter alia, prohibits the holding of such markets. I am glad to say that as a result of the imposition of this Order the disease position in those counties has considerably improved.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that large numbers of people are anxious to follow his advice and keep a pig to help the nation's food supply, but that many farmers who already keep pigs are unable to obtain sufficient supplies of food to feed existing litters; and how does he propose to solve this problem?

In an announcement made on 22nd November, pig producers were advised to plan their production programmes for the next 12 months on the basis that the proportion of their supplies of feeding stuffs derived from imports would be reduced by at least one-third. It is in order to provide for the fattening of some of the stock of those pig producers who are unable to obtain sufficient supplies of feeding stuffs that I have given the advice to which my hon. Friend refers to cottagers and others who can keep a pig which would be largely fattened upon household and garden waste.

Does not my right hon. and gallant Friend think that in war time there should be no household waste, and is he aware that at present the prices of poultry and meat in the London market denote that many farmers are killing stock because they have not sufficient food to raise it?

It is partly because of that reason that we are trying to get these herds and flocks dispersed among cottagers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is possible for members of associations representing housing estate tenants to get for their gardens lime, seeds, etc., on the same basis as members of an allotment association are supplied through their association?

Contributions in respect of lime under the Land Fertility Scheme, can only be made where the material has been purchased by an association of persons in the occupation of land, which is certified as an approved association under paragraph 4 (1) (b) of the scheme. There is no official scheme for the supply of seeds or other requirements, but associations of housing estate tenants should be able to secure favourable terms from tradesmen for the bulk supply of garden requisites. It is possible also that in some cases the local authority may make arrangements for such bulk purchase and inquiry should be made of the local authority on the subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the severe increase in infantile mortality during the last war, special observations are being made for the protection of the health of women in industry; and in what circumstances the Government's permission must be sought with regard to the working of overtime by women, and upon what principle this permission is granted?

The War Cabinet Committee on Women in Industry reported in 1919 that the influence of employment upon the infant mortality rate was not alťogether clear, but observed that the rates were low in 1916 and 1917 when a continually increasing number of married women was being employed. Special observation will, however, be kept, in consultation with the Industrial Health Research Board, on the working conditions of women and others in factories during ťhe war. As regards women's hours of work, the hours which are being authorised, while varying according to circumstances, are far shorter than those which were commonly worked in the last war and they are being kept under constant review.

Are we to understand from that answer that the Minister grants permission in certain cases for excessive hours?

Yes, Sir.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that no observations will be worth anything until women are given wages comparable with those given to men, and that, when that is done, the observations will be reliable?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will be in a position to make a report on the inquiry into the question of increased old age pensions before the Christmas Recess?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when ťhe House of Commons may expect an adjustment in the rates of old age pensions consequent upon the current inquiries of His Majesty's Government into a matter which is causing widespread anxiety and distress?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now make a statement on the investigation that has been conducted into the proposal for an increase in old age and widows' pensions?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress is being made by the committee inquiring about old age pensions; and whether a report will be made in the near future?

I explained the present position in regard to the investigation into old age pensions during the course of the Debate yesterday, and have nothing now to add to what I said then.

In view of the fact that the Chancellor stated that the original idea was to take about eight weeks and that two weeks were spent in investigations before the inquiry was dropped, would it not be possible for him in the time at his disposal to make a report before Christmas?

I shall do my best to hasten it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that many people who already hold 500 Savings Certificates find it impossible to buy Defence Bonds; and whether he will consider the issue of further Savings Certificates at a lower rate of interest to such holders?

I take the suggestion in the first part of my hon. Friend's question to be that some people may not be able to provide £5 at one time to purchase a Defence Bond. In that case, their course should be to deposit whatever they can afford from time to time in the Post Office Savings Bank or a Trustee Savings Bank until they have sufficient to purchase a Bond. In view of that possibility I see no need to provide a further issue of National Savings Certificates as suggested in the second part of the question.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that to many people these Savings Certificates have attractions, which are lacking in the Defence Bonds, in that they are a kind of endowment policy?

Like Savings Certificates, the Defence Bonds can be held for a period of years. The Defence Bonds have this further quality that interest on them is payable half-yearly. I think that both instruments are attractive, and I am glad to say that they are both proving to be popular.