asked the Minister of Supply whether he is taking any steps to utilise the large amount of household rubbish being dumped at present on the Thames marshes at Mucking and Canvey Island, which could be incinerated in such a way as to produce fertilising ash with by-products of potash, lime and a mineral residue of great value to farmers?

There is at present little or no demand for fertiliser purposes for the residues, such as fertilising ash, arising at the numerous incinerating plants already in existence throughout the country. Having regard to this fact and the considerable expenditure entailed in the installation of additional plant, my right hon. Friend sees no sufficient reason for taking steps to secure the incineration of the London refuse now being deposited on the Essex marshes. I may add that I understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries has under consideration the whole question of the better utilisation for agricultural purposes of the available residues from existing incinerating plants.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is satisfied that adequate attention has been paid by the Paper Control to the practical and economic differences between the trade in newsprint and the trade in book-papers?

Yes, Sir. Both these trades are represented upon the appropriate advisory committees to the controller.

asked the Minister of Supply what is the purpose and justification of paragraph 2, Section 1, Part I, Second Schedule of the Paper (No. 5) Order, 1939, raising agents' commission on the biggest quantities from 5 per cent. to 6¼ per cent., which, taken on paper prices increased by 40 per cent. by the same Order, allows an agent who does not handle the paper a money increase of about 50 per cent. on any given quantity?

The commission of 5 per cent. fixed by the Control of Paper (No. 1) Order for quantities of one ton and upwards is a merchants' commission and was found to be inadequate in the light of experience. The increase to 6¼ per cent. referred to by my hon. Friend is in closer relation with merchants' expenses. The matter, including the point made by my hon. Friend of the effect on the commission of a rise in price, will, however, be closely watched.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he can give the names, former occupations and qualifications of the directing staff of the Paper Control?

The following is a list of the directing staff of the Paper Control, with their former occupations:

asked the Minister of Transport when was the temporary bridge over the Great Western Railway at Penrhiwfer, Rhondda, erected; for how long a period was it authorised; why

The temporary bridge was erected II years ago at the joint expense of the Railway Company and the local authority when the Golden Age Bridge at Williamstown, Rhondda, was damaged by landslide and subsidence. Its proposed life of five years was extended to 10 years to allow for settlement of the ground.I understand that subsidence has now ceased and that negotiations are proceeding between the Rhondda Urban District Council, as highway authority, and the Railway Company with a view to reconstructing the old bridge. There is also an alternative proposal under consideration for reconstructing the old bridge to a smaller width while retaining the temporary bridge for pedestrians.On receipt of the highway authority's proposals I shall be prepared to consider whether the reconstruction should proceed forthwith in the interests of public safety.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can state the number of accidents and deaths, respectively, in which London omnibuses or trolley-buses were involved during each of the months August, September and October of this year?

I am informed by the London Passenger Transport Board that the number of accidents in which their central omnibuses and trolley vehicles were involved during the months of August, September and October, 1939, and the number of persons who died as the result of such accidents were respectively as follow:and in October, 16 and five respectively, occurred during black-out periods.

asked the Minister of Transport why the Electricity Commissioners have ceased to publish monthly figures showing the amount of electricity generated; and will he request the Commissioners to resume these publications as from August last?

The publication of these monthly figures in present circumstances is not considered to be in the public interest and, as at present advised, I do not see my way to ask the Electricity Commissioners to resume publication.

asked the Minister of Labour how many unemployed juveniles have

The following table shows the numbers of unemployed boys and girls, aged 14–17 years, on the registers of the South Shields Employment Exchange at one date in each month from November, 1938, to November, 1939:

asked the Minister of Labour what was the course of employment in the Greenock area in trades, numbers and percentages as at the last available date; and what' were the corresponding figures for the previous year?

The information required is as follows:

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the latest estimate of the number of pensioners who were in registered employment as on the last convenient date?

Statistics of the number of pensioners who are in employment at a particular date are not available. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health that in England and Wales the approximate number of men and women, aged 65 and upwards, who obtained some insurable employment during: he first half of the year 1939, as sown by the receipt of contribution cards bearing one or more contributions for the period was 356,000. The corresponding figure for Scotland during the second half of the year 1938 was about 41,000. The numbers of such persons in employment at any particular date are substantially less than those figures.

asked the Minister of I. Labour how many trade unions are now operating the special arrangement provision of Section 68 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1935, and the total membership of such unions?

There are 137 associations having arrangements under Section 68 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1935. The number of members covered by these arrangements is about 864,000.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, having regard to the reply he gave to the hon. Member for Hitchin on 24th October, he can now state the result of his personal inquiries into the cases of the instructors at Government training centres who were discharged as a result of their services becoming redundant; and how many of these instructors have found alternative work, and how many are still unemployed?

My inquiries are not yet complete owing largely to dispersal of the office staff at a centre which has been closed down. I understand that in 22 cases out of 38 which have been examined the men have secured employment, and as regards the other 14, special efforts are being made to find employment for them. So soon as my inquiries are complete, I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any statement to make with reference to the proposed amendment of the House of Commons Fair Wages Resolution?

The committee appointed by me to consider the working of the Fair Wages Resolution and to advise whether any changes are desirable and practicable has not yet completed its inquiries or presented a report.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is prepared to give direct representation of the trade union movement on the local food committees?

The membership of food control committees, as laid down in Article 2 of the Food Control Committees (Constitution) Order, 1939, is intended to provide for the representation of all classes of persons within the area of the committee. My right hon. Friend is now considering the working of the system in the light of experience, including the point to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what arrangements have been made to provide invalids with supplementary rations; and when they will come into force?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Aberdare (Mr. George Hall) on the 30th November.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can make some statement regarding the agreement between the National Association of British and Irish Millers and the Government regarding the Government pro- posals for paying the millers for the services and use of their mills, staff and organisation since the outbreak of hostilities?

Proposals for providing for the remuneration of the milling industry in time of war are under consideration, and I cannot yet make any statement in the matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will have published in the OFFICIAL REPORT the prices of foodstuffs fixed by the Cereals Control Board?

pursuant to his reply (OFFICIAL REPORT, 7th November, 1939, column 89), supplied the following information:

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is now able to make any further statement as t0, the price to the consumer and the producer, respectively, of liquid milk in the new year?

The whole question of milk prices and increased costs of milk production is under consideration by the Ministry of Food, in consultation with the Agricultural Departments and other Departments concerned.

asked the Minister of Labour what fees and expenses are paid to the chairman and members, respectively, of tribunals dealing with conscientious object ors?

The fees payable to chairmen of local tribunals are three guineas a meeting (half-day), subject to a maximum of six guineas a day and 24 guineas a week, together with subsistence allowances, when necessarily absent from home, of 25s.a night (to cover a period of 24 hours) or 8s. 4d.a day. No fees are paid where chairmen are full-time salaried officers of the Crown, e.g., county court judges or, in Scotland, sheriffs-substitute.As regards other members of the tribunals, the fees payable are three guineas per day for a meeting of five hours or more, or 9s. an hour for less than five hours, subject to a maximum of 12 guineas a week. These fees are inclusive of subsistence allowance.Both chairmen and members are paid any travelling expenses necessarily incurred.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aw are that retired officers re-employed under Article 520 (b) of the Royal Warrant for Pay and Promotion are less well treated for Income Tax purposes than the same type of retired officer re-employed to do similar jobs but under Article 518; and whether he will arrange to adjust Article 520 (b) so that no hardship shall be suffered by officers in this category?

I understand that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the fact that a retired officer in receipt of a disability award, which is not subject to tax, if re-employed under Article 520 (b) of the Pay Warrant, drops this award during his period of full pay employment, and therefore does not receive the benefit of the tax concession on the disability pay to which he has ceased to be entitled, whereas, if re-employed under Article 518, he would retain his disability award, which would he free of tax.Article 518 refers to officers recalled for service or specially taken into employment during a national emergency, Article 520 to officers re-employed in peace-time who may continue to serve during the emergency. The Royal Warrant provides that the Army Council may, during a period of national emergency, give notice to an officer to terminate his employment under the conditions of Article 52o and sanction his re-employment under the conditions of Article 518.All cases of employment under Article 520 (

asked the Secretary of State for War (r) why officers have been forbidden to wear blue serge with the exception of officers in the Brigade of Guards; why the latter have been specially exempted; and what objection there is to officers who were in possession of blue serge prior to mobilisation wearing it in the evening should they so desire, provided officers not possessing it are not pressed or expected to buy it;(2) whether he is aware that all warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the Regular and Territorial Armies have, during the last three years, been encouraged to buy blue walking-out dress; and whether they may either continue wearing this dress when not on duty or be given compensation for the money they have been officially encouraged to spend on it?

Further consideration is being given to the matters to which my lion. Friend refers, and I will communicate with him when a decision has been reached.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that certain men serving in the home defence forces have had an order read out forbidding them to communicate with their parliamentary representatives; and will he quote the authority for this proceeding?

The hon. Member has informed my right hon. Friend that this has occurred in one unit, but the War Office has no knowledge of it otherwise. The authorised methods by which officers and soldiers may make representations as such are laid down in the Army Act and in The King's Regulations, and other methods are forbidden.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the possiblity of an issue of gum boots to men in France, as in some units as many as 50 per cent. Of the men have been forced to purchase them out of their own pocket?

I do not know of any such units. Some scores of thousands of pairs of gum boots have been despatched to France, and should, I am informed, be sufficient to meet all requirements for the present.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he intends to grant to the dependant mothers of sons serving in the Army the recently announced increased allowance of 6d. per day granted to wives; and whether he is aware that many mothers are as much in need of this extra allowance as the wives?

Family allowance and dependants' allowance are based on different principles. In the latter case, rent is already taken into account in assessing net income for the purpose of determining the admissibility of a dependant's allowance at one of the standard rates. In cases of hardship due to high rents, where the normal allowance does not meet the case, application can be made to the Ministry of Pensions for a special allowance, which will be dealt with on the recommendation of the War Service Grants Advisory Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether all artillery units are equipped with dial sights?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will agree that it would not be appropriate to answer questions of this kind during the war.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the beating-up of the 40 Polish Jews who have joined the Polish Army in France, he will consider allowing Polish Jews in this country to join the British Army instead of compelling them to go to France to join the Polish Army raised in that country?

As was stated by my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in reply to a question on 8th November last, the Polish Government have no powers of compulsion over their nationals resident in this country, but Polish law provides for the withdrawal of consular protection and possibly also of Polish citizenship in cases where Polish nationals attempt to evade conscription.Subject to the risk of these penalties, Polish nationals are eligible, equally with other aliens, for enlistment in the British Army. The statement made in the question has been authoritatively denied.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider extending the present concession of sending parcels duty free to troops of the British Expeditionary Forces in France to other troops stationed in overseas territories during the Christmas period?

If, as I assume, my hon. Friend refers to the arrangements; whereby reduced quantities of cigars, cigarettes and tobacco may be sent by post free of United Kingdom Customs Duty to members of the British Expeditionary Forces in France and to certain Naval personnel, I should explain that exemption of French Customs Duty and import restrictions is granted by courtesy of the French Government. Any extension of such a concession to troops serving elsewhere would involve questions affecting the tariff arrangements of other Governments, and is not free from difficulty in other respects. I regret, therefore, that I cannot undertake to proceed as my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the Secretary of State for War, in view of the fact that members of the Officer' Cadet Training Units are not allowed to enter canteens used by non-commissioned officers and men, nor are they ready to be accepted in officers' clubs, what facilities are being made available for them in their leisure hours?

I am not aware of any order forbidding cadets to enter canteens used by non-commissioned officers and men. Institute facilities have been provided for all Officer Cadet Training Units.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the condition of horses stationed with the Scottish Horse at Dunkeld Camp, Perthshire; and what opportunities for shelter will be available to horses now out in the open?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Yardley (Mr. Salt) on Thursday last, and to the answer given to-day to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, West (Mr. Higgs).

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has prescribed any rule by which liquor shall not be supplied in the canteens and other institutions connected with the services outside the permitted hours of licensed premises in the same area?

Under the provisions of the Licensing Act, 1921, the ordinary permitted hours do not apply to Service canteens. The times at which intoxicating liquor may be sold in these places are fixed by commanding officers. The hours usually prescribed by commanding officers are less than the average permitted hours in civilian licensed premises.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the independent report into the extravagances in the construction of the Militia camps at Devizes will be sent as promised to the hon. Member for Ipswich?

I have received this report and I am satisfied that the allegations which were the subject of the inquiry have riot been substantiated. I shall be glad to show the report to the hon. Member in confidence.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that his Department is only prepared to place contracts for biscuits with large suppliers; and whether he will give directions that small firms, such as Messrs. R. M. Scott (Ipswich), Limited, capable of delivering up to five tons per week, should be given fair consideration?

The War Office places contracts for biscuits with any firm, large or small, which can produce a satisfactory biscuit to the specification, at a competitive price, in a factory declared suitable by the Department's inspector. The firm of Messrs. R. M. Scott (Ipswich) is one of 104 firms which have been invited to tender for Army biscuits since the war began. A tender was issued to this firm in September and again in October, but on neither occasion was the tender returned by the firm.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists amongst the military members of the cable censorship staff with regard to the non-settlement of their travelling expenses incurred when they were called up at the end of August; that some of these officers came from the North of Scotland and, in consequence, expenses in some cases were heavy; that the non-settlement of these claims is causing hardship; and will he take appropriate action to remedy this grievance?

There are no serving military personnel in the cable censorship staff. The normal Civil Service rule, which applies also to the retired officers employed on the cable censorship staff, is that individuals pay their own fares when travelling to take up duty on first appointment. In certain cases, however, letters of appointment included an undertaking to pay travelling expenses, and all admissible claims rendered in respect of this staff have been met. The majority of the individuals had claimed on an incorrect basis, and this caused delay.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any official information respecting the transport or sale of military equipment by Germany and Italy to Finland?

I have no official confirmation of reports which have appeared to this effect.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government is considering, in collaboration with other Governments or otherwise, what action could be taken respecting possible refugees from Finland; and whether facilities would be granted to British charitable organisations to assist if necessary in social and medical services to the Finnish people?

No, Sir. But if unhappily the need of affording assistance to Finnish refugees should arise, His Majesty's Government would be prepared to give sympathetic consideration to any proposal which British charitable organisations might wish to make.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the declaration by M. Molotov that the failure to effect an agreement with Great Britain and France was due to the Polish Government's decision, encouraged by Great Britain and France, not to accept military assistance from Russia, whether the failure to effect an agreement was because Russia desired the acquiescence in a policy of depriving or restricting the liberties of any small nations engaged in the defence of those liberties; and whether he will reconsider the decision to issue a White Paper dealing with the negotiations between Great Britain and France and Russia?

The question of issuing a White Paper is still under consideration, but I hope to be in a position to make a statement before the House rises.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the changed situation created by the recent legal decision that dividends are not liable to grossing for Surtax purposes if declared without deduction for Income Tax, he will introduce legislation to clear away the confusion arising out of the Cull case?

My hon. Friend will not expect me to anticipate my Budget statement, but I may say that the matter to which he refers is receiving consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now reconstitute the economic committee so as to develop export trade and select those with life-long experience of processing goods and finding buyers for them in export markets in place of statistical or economic experts or university professors without merchant training or personal experience in manufacturing goods for sale in the overseas markets, where personal knowledge of local conditions and contact with the buyers are essential?

The object of His Majesty's Government is to create the conditions in which the export trade may, in the greatest degree attainable in the midst of war, be developed by those whose business it is, and, as my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has stated, the figures for November show a rapid recovery from the initial dislocation. The co-ordinating organisation created to deal with this and other economic problems includes the Ministerial Committee of which I am Chairman, the survey conducted by Lord Stamp and the economists assisting him, and the official Committee of Permanent Heads of Departments under Lord Stamp's Presidency.The Board of Trade maintains constant liaison with other Departments concerned in this matter and close contact with representative business organisations. My right hon. Friend the President is always ready to receive representations from trade interests and a special section of the Department of Overseas Trade has been established to enable exporters to obtain, so far as possible through one channel, information on the problems which arise under war conditions. I do not think these arrangements would be improved by the adoption of my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will consider setting up officially organised groups of selling agencies overseas, one for each industry, in place of the existing Government Department or consular office information, which at present is the only source available?

No, Sir. The services of Commercial Diplomatic and Consular Officers in foreign countries and of Trade Commissioners in the Empire provide information in respect of overseas markets and it is not practicable to replace them by official groups of selling agencies.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will reconsider the arrangements relating to medical services whereby the remuneration of medical practitioners is dependent upon a local emergency medical committee disbursing Government funds on such basis, whether capitation or attendance, as may be found convenient to the committee; and whether his Department, as responsible for the provision of the medical services, will deal with the expenditure and have it properly certified by the Exchequer and Audit Department?

I see no reason for varying the arrangements made for the medical treatment of unaccompanied children evacuated under the Government scheme. The total amount payable for this service is determined by my Department on the basis of the number of unaccompanied billeted school children as indicated in returns received from local authorities, and the payment by the Department is subject to audit by the Exchequer and Audit Department. The distribution of the amount for each area amongst the doctors is dealt with by the local emergency medical committees, who will be required to send in periodical accounts which will be available for inspection by the Exchequer and Audit Department.

asked the Minister of Health, how, by whom, and when the Central Medical War Committee was formed; who determined the precise constitution and who invited the various bodies represented upon it to appoint representatives; and what the precise functions are of the committee?

The Central Medical War Committee was formed in pursuance of the plans of the Committee of Imperial Defence and was convened immediately after the outbreak of war. Its constitution, including the bodies to be represented, was based on recommendations of the Central Emergency Committee which I approved. Its function is to advise on the allocation of doctors to His Majesty's Forces and to any civilian services for which they are required in connection with the war, and generally to represent the profession in any negotiations with Government Departments affecting questions of medical personnel.

asked the Minister of Health whether his scheme for dealing with war injuries sustained by civilians includes treatment for shell-shock, gas-poisoning and all forms of suffering not being actual wounds; and will he state the extent of any scheme for compensation to such cases?

The Emergency Hospital Scheme provides for giving hospital treatment to all civilians who require such treatment as a result of enemy action and includes treatment for all forms of neurasthenia and for gas poisoning. The second part of the question is for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions, who will, I understand, write to my hon. Friend on the point.

asked the Minister of Health what precise agreement he has made with the British Medical Association, in respect of the temporary domiciliary medical service which he proposes to establish for civilians who sustain war injuries in this country; and why no other medical organisation like the Medical Practitioners' Union has been asked to co-operate?

I have arranged, in co-operation with the British Medical Association, that free domiciliary treatment shall be available to war casualties in cases where further treatment is required after attendance at hospital, a fee of 16s. a year being paid to medical practitioners who give this treatment in respect of any casualty not entitled to medical benefit under the National Health Insurance Acts. In accordance with established practice, I consulted the British Medical Association as representing the general body of the medical profession.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give details of the temporary domiciliary medical service for civilians, other than insured persons, who sustain war injuries when hospital treatment is not necessary or is impracticable; whether the scheme is to apply to the whole of Great Britain; and how the scheme is to be administered?

Details of the service referred to will appear in a forthcoming memorandum, a copy of which I will send to my hon. Friend. The scheme will apply to the whole of Great Britain, although there may be differences of detail in Scotland. It will be administered by my Department in England and Wales and by the Department of Health in Scotland.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that out of 44,608 medical practitioners on the medical register, 43,650 are included on the committee's register and many are obviously unavailable; and what steps he is taking to secure a larger percentage being effectively on the list?

The number of practitioners on the Central Medical War Committee's register is 98 per cent. of the total number of practitioners resident in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Their availability for emergency work naturally varies with their individual circumstances, which are recorded in the register held by the local medical war committees and it is the function of those committees to advise on the most effective use of the practitioners in their areas, as and when demands for their services arise.

asked the Minister of Health on what grounds he bases his objection to the acquisition of motor-trailer ambulances by local authorities; and whether he has invited any practical demonstration of the utility of these vehicles?

I have not refused to sanction the purchase of motor-trailer ambulances, as suggested in the first part of the question. On the contrary I have sanctioned the purchase of some hundreds of these vehicles. Although local authorities have been recommended to provide ambulances by buying and converting suitable second-hand cars, which I am satisfied, after the fullest consideration, is in general the better method of meeting the requirements of the emergency service, they have also been informed that application for approval of expenditure on trailer ambulances will be entertained where they are satisfied that this type of vehicle would best meet the needs of a particular area without involving greater expense.Officers of my Department have inspected trailer vehicles, and their use has been demonstrated in air-raid precautions exercises.

asked the Home Secretary how many women have been interned under the Defence Regulations; where they have been imprisoned; and how many of those interned have been released?

Four women have been detained under Regulation 18B of the Defence Regulations. They have been detained in Holloway Prison in a wing specially set apart for them. One of the four has been released subject to a restriction order requiring her to notify the police of her movements.

asked the Home Secretary under what powers regional commissioners and air-raid wardens are constituted; and what are their powers and duties?

Regional commissioners are appointed by Royal Warrant. Under present conditions they are not invested with specific powers, but they have a general responsibility for ensuring that the Civil Defence plans of Government Departments and local authorities are properly co-ordinated. If communications should break down regional commissioners would, in consultation with the regional representatives of Government Departments, exercise the powers vested in the Government.Air-raid wardens are appointed by local authorities under the provisions of the Air-Raid Precautions Act, 1937, and the regulations made thereunder. They have no specific powers. Their duties include the giving of advice and help to fellow citizens in the event of air attack, reporting air-raid damage to the authorities and calling aid when required.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that sergeants and officers in the special constabulary are likely to be employed permanently for the duration of the war, many of them having voluntarily given up their peacetime occupations, and that they are in many instances engaged on duties almost as onerous as those of the regular officers, he will consider adjusting their rate of pay to bring them more in line with the pay of regular officers?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to his question of the 26th October.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the name of the commandant of the special constabulary, his age, and the amount he is paid; and whether he will take steps to fill the position more efficiently and economically by a regular officer?

The Commandant-in-Chief of the Metropolitan Special Constabulary, whom the hon. Member no doubt has in mind, is Sir Walter Allen; his age is 69 and he is paid at the rate of £650 a year. Sir Walter Allen has been associated with the Metropolitan Special Constabulary for many years, and his work has contributed in no small degree to the growth and efficiency of the organisation. No economy would be secured by appointing a regular police officer as Commandant-in-Chief, as the pay of a regular officer of appropriate rank would exceed that of the present Commandant-in-Chief; and, having regard to the basis on which the Special Constabulary are recruited and organised, I do not consider that such an alteration would be desirable.

asked the Home Secretary when the hon. Member for Ipswich may expect to receive a reply to his letter of 13th November with regard to the illegal suppression of a public meeting by the Chief Constable of Ipswich on Saturday, 4th November?

A reply to this letter was sent to the hon. Member on the 9th December.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has dealt with the information supplied to him by the hon. Member for North Southwark relating to the insufficiency of the air-raid wardens' equipment in the borough of Southwark; and whether any steps have yet been taken to remedy the deficiency?

A letter dealing with this matter was sent to the hon. Member on the 8th December last.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the necessity for munition workers and others to have reasonable recreation to fit them for their arduous work, he will consider the advisability of relaxing the regulations so as to allow football matches, with spectators, to be played on Saturday afternoons in Birmingham and elsewhere, even if the attendance at the matches has to be limited?

There is no restriction on the holding of football matches, except that a limitation is placed on the number of spectators when matches are played in evacuation areas, and that chief constables are empowered to prohibit the use of any ground, if they consider that any undue risk is involved. As regards football matches in Birmingham, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Yardley (Mr. Salt) on the 15th November, to which I cannot add at present.

asked the First Commissioner of Works why work: has not been put in hand to provide the staff of His Majesty's Inspector of Taxes at 30, Derby Road, Grays, Essex, with adequate air-raid shelters, in view of the fact that the office is in an exceptionally vulnerable area and that his Department indicated to the staff over a month ago their intention of proceeding with the work; whether he has considered the report of the architect of the building to the effect that the proposed work to be carried out by his Department does not give sufficient overhead protection; and whether he is prepared to amend the present plans to conform with the Government's intention of providing blast- and splinter-proof protection for the staff?

The Government staffs in this building, including those of the Inland Revenue Office, number 33. I have considered the report of the architect of the building, but I am advised that the scheme of protection proposed is fully equal to the requirements of the Civil Defence Code, and the work will be put in hand as soon as the lessor's consent has been obtained.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the suggestion from the Medical Practitioners' Union for the extension on a noncontributory basis of medical benefit under the National Health Insurance Acts to dependants of men with the armed Forces; if he is favourably disposed to it; and whether he proposes to receive a deputation from the union on the subject?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave on the 23rd and 30th November to the hon. Members for Greenock (Mr. R. Gibson) and St. Rollox (Mr. Leonard) respectively.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered complaints from the residents of the Sandy district of Llanelly as to the damage caused to house property and gardens by the frequent flooding of the area and that the damage caused this autumn has been worse than in previous years; and what steps he is taking to investigate and remedy their grievance?

I have received a complaint. Action rests with the Llanelly Rural District Council from whom I have had a report which satisfies me that the problem is in hand. I shall keep myself informed of the progress of measures for dealing with the matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a considerable number of tenants in the Roe Green Garden Village, Wembley, are withholding their rents because of the bad state of repair of the houses, and the excessive rents charged; and if he will take steps to secure that the landlords, Roe Green Garden Village, Limited, shall meet the reasonable demands of the tenants?

I understand that the Wembley Town Council has recently received representations regarding defects in two houses on the estate to which the hon. Member refers. These have been investigated by the local authority and steps are being taken with a view to their being remedied by the owners. The estate is privately owned, and the amount of the rents and the question of the action stated to have been taken by the tenants in regard to them are not matters within my jurisdiction.

asked the Home Secretary whether there is any rule in the public Departments by which private firms are allowed the use of the letters O.H.M.S. on their documents; and whether any steps will be taken to prevent the prominent use of these letters at the head of public advertisements of a Perth distillery?

The letters O.H.M.S. which appear on the correspondence of public Departments would clearly be inappropriate for that of a private firm, but the advertisement to which the hon. Member has drawn attention does not appear to suggest that the business advertised has any official standing. My right hon. Friend can find no ground for any action on his part.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give the number of firms in each industry where he has authorised modifications of any Section of the Factory Act; the reasons for the modifications and the number of work-people affected at the latest possible date; the number and names of the trade unions that have been consulted by the factory inspectors; and will he issue a monthly report showing the modification, and containing the information asked for in this question, and the question asked on 21st November last?

As previously stated, Orders modifying the provisions of the Factories Act have been made in respect of about 1,400 factories. The reasons for making these Orders were indicated in the statement circulated in reply to the questions asked by the hon. Member last Thursday. I am not in a position to state the number of workpeople affected, as these Orders apply to particular factories or to particular departments or classes of work therein, and not to specified numbers of workpeople. When I come to publish the report to which I referred in my previous statement, I will bear in mind the hon. Member's request that information shall be given showing in each industry the number of factories for which Orders have been made.As regards consultation with the trade unions I may say that lists have been obtained through the Trades Union Congress Office and forwarded to factory inspectors or local union officials whom the inspectors should consult regarding any applications which may affect such unions.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the total number of on-licences in England and Wales, respectively, on the 31st December, 1938, distinguishing between publicans' licences, beer-houses, and sweets on-licences in petty sessional divisions and non-county boroughs, and in county boroughs, respectively?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give the number of new licences, on and off, granted in England and Wales in 1938?

In England and Wales in 1938, 299 on-licences (includ

The following table gives the desired information:—

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the total number of off-licences in England and Wales, respectively, on 31st December, 1938, distinguishing between shops where other goods are sold and other off-licences; also the number of registered clubs, retailers without justices' licence, and theatres, in each class distinguishing between county boroughs and other areas?

The following table gives the desired information:—ing 157 in respect of premises previously licensed) and 322 off-licences (including 91 to existing licensed premises and 57 restricted to the sale of medicated wine) were granted; 282 and 304 respectively were confirmed.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether the advances on account to owners of chartered yachts are at the rate of 10s. per ton per week; and how soon may a drastic reduction of this rate be expected?

Pending settlement of final rates of hire, the advances being made on account of requisitioned yachts do not exceed the rate of l0s per ton per month.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give an estimate, or the exact figures, of the consumption of petrol for motor cars during the last three months, and the comparative figures for 1938?

In present circumstances I do not consider that it would be in the national interest to publish this information.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has decided to agree to the request for an additional petrel allowance for taximeter-cabs and private-hire vehicles to meet the increased demands of the Christmas season?

I have carefully considered the hon. Member's suggestion, but I regret I should not feel justified in providing an extra allowance of petrol for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will give the names, rank and branch of service of Members of this House who are serving in the Royal Air Force, other than those holding honorary positions?

So far as can be readily ascertained, the following is the list of Members at present serving with the Royal Air Force:

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why the rates of pay and allowances, including dependants' allowances, for a second lieutenant in the Royal Marines are less than those for the corresponding rank in the Army; and whether he is aware that the pay of 6s. 10d. per day, allowing for the minimum expenditure by an officer, makes it impossible to hold this commission without a private income; and whether this matter will be reconsidered?

The pay of Royal Marine officers is based on that of Royal Naval officers according to age, service and relative rank. The emoluments of a junior Royal Marine officer on the permanent list are not comparable with those of a junior officer in the Army; the former is given a commission and pay immediately on entry, whereas the latter joins as a cadet. I cannot agree that the rate of pay given to probationary sub-lieutenants necessitates a private income.