asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that, owing to the suspension of house-building programmes large stores of bricks are being accumulated, and that unless they can be used many employés in the brick-making industry will become unemployed; and whether it is his intention, in view of the shortage of timber supplies, to see that this building material is used in the national interest, thereby ensuring the continuance of a home industry?

I understand that stocks of bricks are accumulating owing to the reduction in building activity arising partly from the shortage of timber supplies. I am informed, however, that steps are being taken by the Departments primarily responsible for building programmes to ensure the use of bricks and other alternative materials in place of timber wherever possible.

asked the Minister of Supply the reasons why the control of Ministry of Supply work, and consultations for the West Riding, has been placed at Leeds instead of Sheffield; and will he reconsider this arrangement which has caused considerable resentment among Sheffield manufacturers?

Officers representing the Ministry of Supply in the West Riding already have headquarters at Sheffield. It is further the intention of the Ministry to establish an Area Committee at Sheffield as well as at Leeds. This has been stated in a recent announcement on the subject of Area Organisation in order to remove any misapprehension which may have resulted from an earlier announcement on the subject, in which Sheffield was not expressly mentioned.

asked the Minister of Supply why the price of aluminium has recently been increased from £94 to £110 a ton?

In order to ensure our essential requirements of aluminium I have entered into arrangements to purchase supplies from various countries at various prices and to take over the output in the United Kingdom. The Ministry of Supply are now the only sellers of virgin metal in the United Kingdom and the new price is calculated to ensure that no loss is involved in the transaction as a whole.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will state the personnel of the Paper Control Board, the salaries paid, and the previous occupation of each member of the board; the total number of the persons in the employ of the board and any directions or instructions under which the Control is operated; and will he supply copies of any regulations issued to the purchasers of the paper?

With regard to the names and previous occupations of the senior staff of the Paper Control, I would refer to the answer which was given yesterday to the hon. Member for Oxford University (Mr. A. Herbert). The salaries attached to the posts of Controller, Deputy Controller and Assistant Controller are £1,500, £1,200 and £1,000 respectively. Up to the present the Controller and the Deputy Controller have not accepted any remuneration. The number of persons in the employment of the Paper Control is 64. As regards the last part of the question, the Paper Controller is entrusted with the administration of Orders made by me from time to time under the Defence Regulations. No special regulations are issued to purchasers of paper other than the relevant provisions of the Orders referred to, which are published as Statutory Rules and Orders and are obtainable from the Stationery Office or through any bookseller.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Iraq Government contribute to the support of the British troops in that country, or whether the whole cost falls upon the British taxpayer; and what that estimated cost is per month?

All expenditure connected with the British Forces in Iraq is borne by His Majesty's Government, but I do not think that it would be in the public interest at present to reveal what the cost is.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing amongst soldiers' wives at the charges on parcels sent to Egypt before they can receive them; whether Customs Duties are imposed on the contents of parcels; and whether he proposes to take steps to seek relief from such duties and, if not, will he state the articles subject to duties?

As the hon. Member will appreciate, the question of levying Customs Duty on parcels sent from this country to British troops in Egypt is a matter for the Egyptian authorities; but I am glad to state that, as in other recent years, the Egyptian Customs Administration has consented to waive the payment of Customs Duty on presents, except tobacco, cigars and cigarettes, sent during this Christmas season to personnel of the British Army and Royal Air Force serving in Egypt.

asked the Postmaster-General between what hours the radio-telephone to Copenhagen is now available for journalists; how many times the service has been interrupted since 15th November; and for how long on each occasion?

The normal hours of working of the radio-telephone service to Copenhagen are from 7 to 10.30 a.m. and from 4.30 to 10.30 p.m. These hours are extended when necessary to meet requirements. Owing mainly to unfavourable atmospheric conditions, the service has recently been subject to frequent interruptions. During the period from the 15th November to the 7th December the total number of interruptions was 60 and their average duration was about an hour.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can make any further statement with reference to the enemy aircraft which crashed off the coast of Norfolk on Wednesday morning, the 6th instant?

As announced in the Press, the wreckage of a German aircraft and the body of a German airman were discovered on the Norfolk coast early on the morning of the 6th December. The aircraft is presumed to have been engaged on minelaying operations. I am not in a position to make any further statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Air when he expects to be able to inform the owner of the land comprised in an aerodrome, about which the hon. Member for Barnstaple has communicated with him, whether his land is to be leased or purchased; and when he can make a payment on account?

It has been decided to purchase the land referred to and negotiations will be opened immediately between the Air Ministry valuers and the owner and tenants concerned. Subject to satisfactory evidence as to title, a payment on account would be made if there is likely to be undue delay in the completion of the conveyance.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in respect of those who had a bona fide intention of presenting themselves for entry into Cranwell College this autumn, he can make any arrangements analogous to those announced on the 5th of this month by the Secretary of State for War?

The case of boys who intended to present themselves for entry into Cranwell is different from that of boys who were working for the Army entrance examination, since it is open to them to seek enlistment as aircrew members in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve any time after reaching the age of 18. I have arranged, however, for special consideration to be given to applications received from boys who can show that they have been reading for the Cranwell entrance examination.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether free passes are granted and are as readily available to members of the Royal Air Force as in the case of the Army; and whether the recent increase of 6d. per day for soldiers' wives living in the London postal area will also be made applicable to members of the Royal Air Force whose wives live in the London postal area?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for Air (1) whether he can make a short staťement defining the relative responsibility of the chief members of the controlling and executive personnel in civil aviation; and which of these comes directly under the conťrol of the Government;(2) whether, in view of the duplication of staff duties that was involved when civil aviation was adminisťered by a Government Department and by two large public companies, and in view of the diminution of civil flying in recent months, he can state ťhe approximate amount of saving in the cost of administration, and the approximate reduction in ťhe number of personnel of all grades concerned in the civil aviation in Great Britain?

Apart from the Department of Civil Aviation itself, the organisaťion for the business direction and management of civil aviation is the primary responsibility, as regards external air routes, of the boards of Imperial Airways and British Airways until the British Overseas Airways Corporaťion takes over, and as regards internal air routes, of the boards of the internal operating companies. These companies have been required, by virtue of an Order made under Section 7 of the Air Navigation Act, 1920, ťo place their aircraft and aerodromes at my disposal for such services as may be demanded of them.While the amount of civil flying has been reduced since the war began, it is still substanťial, particularly on the regular overseas routes. In regard to savings in administrative costs, although the Civil Aviation Departmenť has now additional functions arising out of the war, it has been possible to reduce by over 70 the personnel of the Departmenť, representing a saving of about £15,000 a year. I am informed that Imperial Airways and British Airways have found it possible to reduce their sťaffs, other than flying and engineering personnel, by nearly.40 per cent., representing a saving of about £,80,000 a year. Their flying and engineering staffs have also been reduced.In the case of the internal operating companies, the hon. Genťleman may assume that staff reductions have been made but the future position of these companies is under consideration and if ťhe hon. Gentleman would care to put a further question to me after the Recess, I shall hope to be in a position to give him more information.

asked the Secretary of State for War how far the recommendations of the War Office Committee of 1922, based on the experience of the last war, regarding the prevention and treatment of nervous disorders have been adopted by the Army Medical Service for our Forces in the field?

Officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps have for some years received and given instruction based on the recommendations of the committee referred to in the question. Two eminent consultants in psychological medicine have been appointed to the Army, one at Home end one in the Field, and have given advice as to the lines of treatment which they consider should be adopted in cases of nervous disorders in the Field.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any further statement to make upon the taking of horses by the War Office in the early days of the war?

My hon. and gallant Friend has brought to notice that there has been misapprehension as to the basis on which horses were acquired by the War Department. I am obtaining advice on this matter, and I regret I am not yet in a position to make any further statement.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of the Preston Parish Church, Brighton, where the military authorities are taking over two halls for the feeding of recruits, and are thereby displacing over 600 persons attending meetings in connection with church social clubs, Church Lads' Brigade, rangers, women's associations, youth fellowship, Mothers' Union, brownies and guides, day and other schools; and, as this means handicapping spiritual work amongst local residents and evacuees for the duration of the war, will he prevent this vital work being suspended by erecting temporary huts in the appropriate parts of the many vacant acres available at Preston?

I have called for a report, but I understand that the arrangements were made in consultation with the parochial authorities, who were satisfied that their needs could be met.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his Department have now completed their investigations into the question of the utilisation of a number of motor garages in the provinces for instructional purposes in motor transport, etc.; and whether he will give special consideration to the county of Denbigh, in view of its geographical position, the many facilities which are there available, and the present increased unemployment in that industry?

The selection of civilian garages for instructional purposes is still proceeding, due regard being paid to geographical situation, but my hon. Friend will, I am sure, appreciate that I cannot promise special consideration to any particular locality.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in order to relieve acute anxiety on the part of those concerned, it is proposed to make any State provision for medical treatment and benefit for the wives and children of men serving with the Forces?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health to the hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr. Dobbie) on Tuesday, 3rd October last.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the inquiry into the exorbitant cost of militia camp at Cove will be completed; and whether he will make it available for Members of this House?

The inquiry is proceeding, but the camp at Cove is not yet completed and until then it would be premature to make any statement as to the cost of the camp. As I promised on 7th November, I shall be ready to answer any questions when I have had the report.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will state the number of schools taken over for war purposes by his Department in Willesden; and, in view of the return of such a large number of school children to the area, can he promise to release a number of these schools for educational purposes at an early date?

The number of evacuated schools in Willesden earmarked by my Department was 11. All of them are now completely available for educational purposes, subject to a possible resumption in circumstances which it is hoped will not arise; and the question of re-opening some of them shortly is, I understand, under consideration by the local authority.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is satisfied that no atheistic and anti-Christian teaching takes place in undenominational schools?

I have no grounds for suspecting that any such teaching is given even surreptitiously in schools under the Board's jurisdiction, and I am satisfied that local education authorities and governing bodies would not permit it.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that negotiations for the rehousing of the Richmond tax office at 27–28, George Street, Richmond, Surrey, have been in progress for a year; and whether, in view of the serious loss of efficiency owing to the present conditions of overcrowding in the office, he will either take steps to see that these negotiations are brought to a satisfactory conclusion or find alternative accommodation?

Every effort has been made to bring the negotiations for new premises to a conclusion, but so far without success. I am reviewing the position with the object of deciding what further steps can be taken.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the great shortage of No. 8 torch batteries; that these batteries, formerly sold at 3½d., which includes a rise in price, are being retailed in many places at 6d. and 8d.; and whether he will take steps to prevent this unwarrantable rise in price?

I have received complaints that high prices are frequently charged for torch batteries. The question' of applying the Prices of Goods Act to electric torches and refill batteries is under consideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the best of our younger scientists are being employed to counter new weapons like -the latest magnetic mine with speed and imagination?

Yes, Sir. As my hon. Friend stated on the 6th December in reply to a question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Stockport (Sir A. Gridley), not only is there a Department of Scientific Research at the Admiralty but in addition the advice of outside scientists and engineers is freely and frequently obtained on any particular problems.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that where men in the Royal Naval Reserve on completing 20 years rejoin for a further period of five years it is specifically ruled that such period of service should be utilised for shore or harbour service, and that, in consequence of the above rule, men on rejoining have the£2 per quarter retaining fee reduced to £1 per quarter; and, in view of the fact that many such reservists are now being utilised on active sea service, will he take steps to implement their conditions of service?

The restriction to shore and harbour service applies only to men who enrolled for their fifth period of service in the Reserve before the 15th March, 1935. Very few such men are now members of the Royal Naval Reserve. Drafting authorities were reminded on mobilisation of the restriction, but further instructions are being issued to ensure that in any cases where men have been incorrectly drafted, they are transferred to suitable service as soon as possible.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why there exists against Royal Naval Reserve ratings a differentiation from other reserve ratings in that the former get no pay for good conduct badges and no continuation of retainers in war-time?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 6th December to the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne) and the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher).

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the superintendents, chief officers and first and second officers of the Women's Royal Naval Service, indicating how many of these are the wives or daughters of naval officers?

From the following detailed particulars it will be seen that 48 per cent. of the officers of the W.R.N.S. are the wives, widows or daughters of naval officers. The Admiralty welcome the strong element in the Women's Royal Naval Service of those who have close associations with Royal Navy, both as evidence of the wish of these ladies to serve the State in the capacity which it seems natural for them to adopt, and because there is undoubted advantage to be gained to the Service from the especial ease with which they can assimilate its requirements.Director—Mrs. V. Laughton Mathews, M.B.E. Wife of civilian and daughter of naval officer.Deputy Director—Miss E. M. Goodenough. Unmarried daughter of Indian Army officer.5 Superintendents:Devonport: Mrs. E. V. Welby. Widow and daughter of naval officer.Chatham: Miss J. Carpenter. Not wife or daughter of naval officer.Rosyth: Miss E. Mackenzie-Grieve. Not wife or daughter of naval officer.Portsmouth: Miss A. Curtis, M.B.E. Not wife or daughter of naval officer.Officers' Training Course: Mrs. D. Chappé Hall. Not wife or daughter of naval officer.

9 Chief Officers.
Wives or widows of naval officers	2
Daughters of naval officers	1
26 First Officers.
Wives or widows of naval officers	7
Daughters of naval officers	2
191 Second Officers.
Wives or widows of naval officers	67
Daughters of naval officers	31

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the cost per month of food rationing; how much of the work is voluntary and unpaid; and whether any estimate was agreed with the Treasury before rationing was decided on?

The cost of rationing cannot readily be separated from the other administrative expenses of the Ministry of Food, and I am not in a position at the present time to put forward a reliable estimate. In some areas, much work in this connection has been done on a voluntary basis. I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of these services.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, in view of the fact that the Ministry, by proposing to purchase fat stock and slaughter them for food, will be the owners of meat intended for human consumption and responsible, under the Public Health Acts and the Food and Drugs Act, 1938, that such food is fit for human consumption, what steps he is taking to ensure that animals sent for slaughter are submitted to ante-mortem inspection to control disease and that meat prepared for sale for human consumption is efficiently inspected to safeguard public health; and what steps he is taking to conserve in the national interest carcase by-products and meat judged unfit for human consumption?

As regards ante-mortem inspection to control disease of animals sent for slaughter, the intention is to utilise the existing inspection services. As regards the inspection of meat that will be prepared for sale at the wholesale meat distribution depots provided for under the control scheme, I am in communication with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, with a view to the services of the meat inspectorate of the local authorities continuing to be available for this purpose. Steps are also being taken to ensure the prompt disposal of all carcase by-products (other than those sold by retail butchers) and meat judged unfit for human consumption, to the various trades at present handling such products; the latter will be disposed of under guarantees against the meat being used for human consumption.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can state the number killed and injured by motor transport on the roads during each of the last three months after dark, and give similar figures for the same months in 1938, or, if he has not the after-dark figures, the total figures for the months in question?

The precise information desired by the right hon. and gallant Member is not available. No figures have been compiled of the numbers of persons injured in road accidents in Great Britain during the past three months or of the numbers of casualties in which motor vehicles were concerned.The total numbers of persons reported to have died as a result of road accidents during each of the last three months, with comparative figures for the corresponding periods in 1938, were:

		1939.	1938.
September	…	1,130	554
October	…	919	641
November	…	926	613

Of these, 564 persons were reported to have died in October, 1939, and 674 in November, 1939, as a result of accidents which occurred during the hours of darkness. Similar information is not available for the corresponding months in 1938, or for the month of September in either year.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been directed to certain observations of the Hull city coroner regarding the number of road fatalities due to the black-out; and whether he has any statement to make on this subject?

I have read the Press reports of the Hull city coroner's observations which the hon. Member was good enough to send me. The attention of pedestrians has already been drawn by broadcast and in other ways to the advisability of wearing or carrying something white and to the fact that they may use a torch directed downwards to indicate their presence when crossing a road.It is the intention of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Home Security to provide that the approved headlamp mask or one of equivalent performance must be fitted to all vehicles used during the black-out as soon as it is available in the necessary quantities. On the question of street lighting to which the city coroner also referred, my right hon. Friend hopes to make a statement to-morrow.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now been able to review the arrangements for providing cheap rail facilities to enable parents to visit their children in reception areas with a view to extending the facilities to those areas to which a return journey cannot he made in one day?

My right hon. Friend, the Minister of Health, and I are anxious that the parents of children at schools which have been evacuated under the Government scheme to more remote districts should be given facilities for visiting their children if at all possible. As stated by the Minister of Health on the 30th November in reply to the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Rhys Davies), one factor which must be considered in cases where the return journey cannot be made in one day is the possibility of accommodation for the night in the reception area.I have, in agreement with my right hon. Friend, arranged for special facilities to be available before Christmas for Rediuth and Camborne, a district to which a considerable number of London school children were evacuated. A train will, under this arrangement, leave Paddington at mid-day on Saturday, 16th December. Visitors will have a choice of returning at mid-day on Sunday, the 17th, or of staying till the evening, in which case they will travel by a night train arriving at Paddington early on the morning of the 18th. If the experiment proves to be a success I will, in consultation with my right hon. Friend, consider the extension of similar facilities to other areas after Christmas.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether, in yew of the increased traffic in the ports on the Welsh side of the Bristol Channel, it is intended to increase the dry-dock accommodation?

This question of improving present conditions in this respect is being closely examined.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that at the Central Criminal Court, on 6th December, another solicitor was convicted for fraudulently converting £6,733 received by him on account of a client; and whether, in view of the difficulties of private legislation, the Government will take legislative steps itself to prevent these continually-recurring cases of criminal fraud by solicitors?

I am aware of the case referred to in the first part of the question. In answer to the second part of the question, my Noble Friend and I are of the opinion that the best course for preventing the practices referred to is for the Law Society to submit further proposals for legislation. I would also refer my hon. Friend to the reply given yesterday in answer to a supplementary question by the hon. Member for Colne Valley (Mr. Glenvil Hall).

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) whether as owing ťo the large amount of petrol in the country there is considerable delay in discharging the cargoes of tankers, necessitating the paymenť of heavy demurrage charges, he will consider increasing, at least temporarily, the rationing unit;(2) to what extent congestion exisťs at the docks in regard to the discharging of oil tankers; and whether he can puť into operation a satisfactory system of efficient movable forces of dockers to relieve any such congestion which may occur?

No congestion exisťs at the docks affecting the discharge of oil tankers and arrangements already exist for securing their rapid discharge. My hon. Friend's suggestions therefore do not arise.

asked the Secreťary for Mines (1) whether his attention has been called to the serious decline in the past three years in the number of boys enrolled in coal-mining safety classes in Durham County; and whether, particularly in view of the intensification of work in coal mines likely to result from the war effort, he will take immediaťe steps to put into operation the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Safeťy in Coal Mines, to the effect that employers should be required to provide safety classes for boys before they are allowed to work underground;(2) whether he is aware that the number of safety badges awarded to boys working at coal-mines has declined conťinuously since 1934 and that the number of second-year certificates has declined even more seriously in the last year, so that only about a tenth of boys awarded safety badges proceed to take their second-year certificate; and will he take immediate steps to ensure that the many collieries not providing safety classes shall be effectively stimulated into doing so?

For the country as a whole, more safety badges were awarded during 1938–39 than in any previous year, although to my regret there was a falling off in ťhe North of England. During the present autumn these classes, like some other educational activities, have been seriously interfered with by the war, but mosť praiseworthy efforts to overcome the difficulties have been made by local education authorities, under whose auspices most of the classes are held, and in the county of Durham classes have already been started ať 46 centres.Attendances at these classes, which is voluntary, is, however, still much below normal and I appeal to all those who are able to influence boys ťo attend to use that influence to the full.As regards the recommendations of the Royal Commission, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 5ťh December to a question by the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths).

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in sanctioning Departmental appointments, the Treasury approves the principle of appointees selecting relatives to assist them, their salaries being paid by the State; and, if not, whether he will investigate all such appointments to ascertain their desirability?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 5th December to the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Creech Jones).

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will give the salary of the wife of the Under-Secretary of the Admiralty who has been appointed to act in a secretarial capacity to her husband, both in the last war and in the present war, and the date of her recent appointment; and whether he can now state the result of his review of the propriety of continuing this appointment?

I am informed that the lady in question worked at the Admiralty in a similar capacity for two years during the late war at salaries ranging between 42s. and 72s. 6d. per week, and has considerable experience of secretarial work, including five years established service under a Colonial Government. She entered Admiralty service unofficially and unpaid before the present war broke out and she has carried out her duties in an extremely efficient manner. She was officially appointed on the 17th September, 1939, and is receiving a salary of 52s. a week.I do not think that the employment of wives of Admiralty officials, as their secretaries, would be desirable as a general practice, and I have given directions accordingly. Having, however, examined the merits of this particular case, to which my hon. Friend has drawn attention, I do not propose to cancel the appointment.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will give the names of the personnel engaged in the North-western food control office in Manchester and the salaries being paid to them?

The information is as follows:

North Western Divisional Food Office, Manchester.
Post.	Name.	Salary.
		£
Divisional Food Officer.	H. G. Houghton	1,000
Deputy Divisional Food Officer.	A. Chadwick	700
Assistant Divisional Food Officers.	E. K. Agnew	500
	P. Barker
	D. Halliwell
	R. J. Walker
	C. M. Crombie	*
	W.O.Wood	*
	F. Grundy	†
Liaison Officer	T. R. Worthington	400
Assistants	E. K. Wenlock	350
	E. Lucas	335
In addition, there are two clerks and eight shorthand-typists and typists on weekly wages at Treasury rates.
*Established Civil Servant on loan from National Insurance Audit Department.
† On loan from London Midland and Scottish Railway Company.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will state the principles governing awards of disability pensions and the scales thereof; and the reason for the reduction of approximately 30 per cent. in the scales for women members of the Forces by comparison with those laid down for men?

Disability pensions are awarded under the terms of the Royal Warrant with reference to the degree of disablement sustained in consequence of a wound, injury or disease attributable to scar service. The degree is measured in percentages within a maximum of 100 per cent. for total disablement which is represented in the case of a private by a pension of 32s. 6d. a week together, of course, with family allowances.The rates of disablement pensions payable by my Department are broadly related to the rates of pay of the various classes and ranks, and the proportionate rates for men and women follow this general rule.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the fact that a case has arisen of an ex-service man, Mr. Collins, of 45, Eustace Road, Chad-well Heath, losing his small business of garden masonry owing to the war and being unable, therefore, to live on his disablement pension, assessed on his former earning capacity, he can consider altering the ruling which does not allow such a man to be granted a revision of his pension owing to alteration in earning capacity?

In the absence of the necessary particulars I am unable to identify the particular case. I may say, however, that under the terms of the Royal Warrant I can only take into account the extent of disablement which has been caused by war service, not by circumstances affecting the population at large.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the fact that a Government allowance of 5s. for each adult and 3s. for each child was being paid to the owner of a house in Shotley for two evacuee mothers and their young children although the roof was leaking, the house uninhabitable, and the allowance paid by the Government several times the value of the rent of the cottage even if it had been in good repair; and what steps he is taking to prevent such cases in future?

I was not previously aware of the case to which the hon. Member refers, but I will certainly have inquiries made forthwith.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in any review of Civil Defence arrangements, he will suggest to local authorities the desirability of re-modelling their schemes for air-raid precautions first-aid post workers with the object of freeing to a far greater extent than at present all voluntary workers who are now working six days or nights a week without any immediate need for their services; and of establishing a telephone service, enabling them to be called up when any emergency arises?

I have been asked to reply. The arrangements for personnel at first-aid posts are at present being reviewed by the local authorities in consultation with my officers and with the regional commissioners, with a view to adjusting the numbers of voluntary workers, and the actual hours of duty, more closely to the needs of the situation. The procedure for securing their attendance, in the event of an air raid, is also being reviewed.