asked the Minister of Labour whether it is intended to increase unemployment insurance benefits, and, if so, the nature of the increase?

I cannot at the moment add to the statement on this subject made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 29th November last.

May we have an assurance that this matter will not be lost sight of and that the Unemployment Statutory Committee is giving it consideration?

The committee has already considered the finance of it, and, as a matter of fact, another meeting is being held to-day.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons who have registered for employment on the Central Registry; the number of professional workers who are registered at his Department; and how many of the persons who have so registered have been placed in employment by his Department?

The number of persons included in the Central Register at 13th January was 86,388. The number placed up to that date was 2,775. I would point out that only a small proportion of the persons on the register are unemployed; the object of the register is to maintain a record of persons with special qualifications so that their services may be called on as and when required.

As regards the second and third parts of the Question, I assume the hon. Member is referring to the supplementary register which is being created and to the temporary machinery set up at the outbreak of war for dealing with applications for employment from persons with professional, technical and business attainments. The number of applications received up to 16th January was 9,265 and the number placed was 130.

In view of the very small number of people offering their services is it not evident that there is great dissatisfaction in the country and that it is due to the feeling that the Government are not making the best use of the services that are being offered?

We are putting all the energy we can into this matter. The largest proportion of applications, in London, accounts for roughly about 5,000 of them. We are setting up a separate office in London for this purpose and the matter is receiving the attention of the Office of Works.

Can my right hon. Friend assure the House that the names taken are not just entered upon a list and forgotten, but that real action is taken to find employment for the people concerned?

I can give my hon. Friend that assurance.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the advisability of introducing provisions whereby all savings invested during the war in Defence Loans and War Savings Certificates will in the future not be taken into account under any means test for unemployment allowances?

As my hon. Friend will be aware, the existing provisions make substantial allowance for savings. The question whether savings of the two classes referred to should be accorded further allowance is receiving consideration.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that at the termination of this war the workers of this country will demand the abolition of the means test?

Is the Minister not aware that directly a man who is now buying War Savings Certificates becomes unem- ployed that investment will be taken into account, and that the man will either have to sell at a poor rate of interest or will have to go short of benefit?

I will consider that qualification. I cannot read to the House the list of allowances, but if hon. Members desire to have their minds refreshed upon it I shall be very pleased to print it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Does my right hon. Friend recognise that now is the moment to encourage savings?

That applies particularly to the point which is receiving consideration. The allowance now, as a matter of fact, is limited to £300.

Would it not be a fine gesture to abolish the means test now?

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons in the coal industry who are unemployed; and whether there is any prospect of their early employment?

At 11th December, 1939, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 71,683 insured persons in the coal-mining industry classification recorded as unemployed in Great Britain. Of this number 23,499 were only temporarily suspended from work. Employment has been temporarily affected by certain difficulties, but these are receiving attention and there is reason to hope for further improvement in the industry.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance to the House that these men will be employed very soon; and is it not startling that so many men should be out of work at the present time?

As I have said on many occasions, and as the hon. Member knows, many of these registrations are of elderly men in areas where pits have closed down. As long as those men remain in their local villages where pits are closed the prospects are not very bright for their reoccupation in their industry.

Why does the right hon. Gentleman not be frank with the House and say that the Government cannot find employment for these men?

I might as well ask the hon. Member to help me to secure that, where these men can be transferred elsewhere to get work, they should do it.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is the practice, pending the institution of more efficient protection for trawlers fishing in the North Sea, to disqualify from unemployment benefit all men of whatever age with large family responsibilities who decline seagoing employment; and whether he has considered the possibility of removing such a disqualification until some arrangements are made for the payment of adequate compensation to the families of any men injured or killed?

In the time available I have not been able to make the requisite inquiries, and to facilitate such inquiries I should be obliged if the hon. Member would send me particulars of any specific cases which he has in mind. I would remind him that the question whether a claim for benefit should be allowed is a matter, not for me, but for independent statutory authorities, whose duty and practice it is to take into account the relevant considerations in each individual case.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this question is based upon a long answer which he gave to me by correspondence and in which he invited me to put this question as a supplementary question?

I shall be very glad to look further into the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a number of unemployed persons drawing unemployment assistance benefit have been refused the extra grants recently made on the ground that, with these grants, the amounts paid would be above their normal earnings; and whether he will take into consideration the increased cost of living, which has led to higher wage rates which these unemployed persons would be receiving in their usual occupations?

The Board assure me that it is their normal practice, in determining the wage to be taken in applying the wage-stop provision, to have regard to the wage which the applicant would for the time being be likely to earn if employed, and that their officers are fully aware of the necessity of taking into consideration alterations in wage rates.

Can the Minister explain how it is that a number of cases in Burnley have been refused the special allowance, if the old wage rates are not taken into account?

I cannot do that, because that is not the question which was asked. If the hon. Member will put his question on the Paper I shall be very glad to answer the question.

Is it not obvious that the regulations were made when the cost of living was different and that they are out of date, now that the cost of living has gone up?

I am informed that the normal practice is not what the hon. Gentleman is suggesting, but I will call the attention of the Board to the suggestions which he makes.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the amount of the concession in the cost of omnibus fares granted to men engaged at St. Athans Royal Air Force station; to what area it is applicable; and why it is not granted to men living in Rhondda?

I am having inquiries made into the matter and will communicate with the hon. Member in due course.

In making that inquiry will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that Rhondda men who are sent there have less advantageous conditions than are otherwise obtainable?

I have some difficulty in tracking this thing down at the moment, and I hope that the hon. Member, with his particular knowledge, will be able to help me.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the percentage of con scientious objectors before and after the outbreak of war, respectively?

1.8 per cent. of the persons registered under the Military Training Act up to the outbreak of war were provisionally registered as conscientious objectors. The corresponding figures since the outbreak of war for the registrations under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act are 2.2 per cent. for the October registration and 2.1 per cent. for the December registration.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is possible for an arrangement to be made, whereby, in a family with four or more sons eligible for service in the Army, at least one of these may be granted exemption?

I have no power to grant exemption in the circumstances mentioned, but, where exceptional hardship would ensue, application may be made for postponement of the liability to be called up for service.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, apart from cases of exceptional hardship, there is a very strong case for exemption on compassionate grounds of at least one member of a family of four; and will he give this matter his consideration?

I have no doubt whatever that the tribunal will take the facts into very serious consideration if application is made.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the employers in the engineering trades have insisted upon reducing the wages of juveniles in proportion to the reduction in working hours from 47 to 44 per week as prescribed by the Factories Act; whether he is aware that, in the absence of agreement, the only normal way in which this question can be pursued between the trade unions and the employers is by a stoppage of work, a course which the unions are reluctant to take in the present circumstances; and whether he will make representations to the employers with a view to reaching a satisfactory settlement;

(2) whether he is aware that, in accordance with Section 71 of the Factories Act, the hours of juveniles in the engineering trades have been reduced to 44 per week, but the employers have insisted upon reducing the wages in proportion, on the ground that the reduction in hours was not secured through negotiations between the parties, but through legislation; and whether, in view of these circumstances, he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation to ensure that the juveniles shall not suffer in wages through legislative reduction in working hours?

I understand that it is the case that the employers in the engineering industry have not seen their way to increase the hourly rates of pay of juveniles in order to compensate for the limitation of weekly hours of work imposed by the Factories Act. This would appear to be a matter for negotiation and settlement through the agreed procedure established within the industry for dealing with questions arising in connection with juvenile workers, and I would suggest that any further consideration of it should be by way of discussions between the parties concerned under that procedure.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that it is impossible for the agreement to operate, and is he prepared to use his influence in order to avoid what might arise out of this difference of view?

We have this particular section in mind. Perhaps the hon. Member will let me know whether he has any definite suggestion to make. He will be well aware that it is very dangerous for the Ministry of Labour to intervene in such matters until asked to do so.

Would my right hon. Friend remind the employers that during the last war many firms discovered that long hours meant less production, particularly for young people?

This is not a question of more hours, but of fewer hours.

Very long hours are worked by young people in this industry.

asked the Minister of Pensions what are the arrangements now in force for the payment of compensation to men or their families in cases of injury or death by enemy action against the fishing fleet or the mercantile marine?

I have, from the outset, made special arrangements for dealing with the Mercantile Marine and the fishing fleets. All port authority officials and shipping companies are placed in direct touch with my local officers, and immediately, on report of either injury or death, my officers get in touch at once with the men concerned or their dependants, and all necessary action as regards either treatment or pension is taken. I am glad to say that I have testimony from all the port authorities to the efficiency and promptitude of the staff of my Department who have to carry out these arrangements.

Full particulars of the scheme of compensation are given in Ministry of Pensions leaflet No. 2, which has been distributed to all bodies and persons officially concerned with the Mercantile Marine and fishing fleets, and of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

While appreciating the merits of the leaflets to which the hon. Gentleman has referred, may I ask whether he will consider publishing them in plain and popular language for members of the Mercantile Marine and the fishing fleet, who are unacquainted with these matters and have not the facilities of ordinary members of the community for obtaining information?

That has not been my experience. All my people in Grimsby know about these regulations and have no difficulty in interpreting them. My view is that it is far better for my officers to go direct to the men and their dependants rather than to leave them in doubt about any regulation.

Is the Minister aware of the dissatisfaction which exists in the Mercantile Marine with regard to the inadequacy of the compensation paid?

That is not the Question which was put on the Order Paper. If the hon. Member will put the Question down I will be glad to go into it.

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) whether some form of temporary rent allowance can be granted to widows of sailors killed in action, as their financial position renders life impossible for them and their children, and causes acute distress; and whether he is aware that this treatment is having a deleterious effect on the morale of all concerned;

(2) whether he will take action to relieve the anxiety caused to all ranks serving in the Royal Navy at the inadequacy of the pensions granted to their widows or dependants in the event of their being killed in action, and by the feeling that they will not be properly provided for, and that the sudden stoppage of pay and allowances together with demands for refunds of any amount overpaid owing to delays in announcing deaths make conditions unnecessarily hard and add to their sufferings?

After the death of a man serving in the Royal Navy not only are marriage allowance and children's allowance paid to the widow for a period of 13 weeks, but also an amount equal to the qualifying allotment which the man must have declared in order to obtain such allowances. Similarly, if dependant's allowance has been awarded to a dependant other than a wife or child, such allowance with the qualifying allotment continues for 13 weeks. There are no allotments in the case of officers, but if a marriage allowance is paid in respect of an officer, it is continued for 13 weeks after the announcement of his death together with an amount equivalent to two-sevenths of his pay.

These payments following death are interim allowances paid while the widow's or dependant's entitlement to pension is being investigated. Should the pension awarded exceed the payments already made by the Admiralty arrears are paid, but if the converse is the case, the difference is not recovered from pension. The provision thus made for meeting the needs of the period immediately following death is considered reasonable and I can find no justification for adopting the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion that some form of temporary rent allowance be added to the pension payable by my Department in these cases.

Does the Minister not think that the reduction of £2 17s. a week to £1 a week is one of the hardships, and is he aware of the intense feeling in Portsmouth on the matter?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to one of the skilled artificer classes who make an allotment in excess of the usual allotment. In that case the amount paid to the widow is the usual allotment and not the extra one.

Will the hon. Gentleman say what is done in a case where there has been a hardship allowance by the Hardships Committee? Is that also continued or does that stop?

The hardship allowance is not payable for the 13 weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will inquire into the case where a coloured boy was sentenced to six months' imprisonment on 10th December, his fourteenth birthday, at the Old Bailey, with a view to remitting the sentence and providing for this boy some sort of remedial treatment?

I am in full agreement with the general objections to sentences of imprisonment for young offenders, but the inquiries which I have made show that this is a wholly exceptional case. The youth concerned is in character, build and appearance more like a young man of 18 than a boy of 14. In view of this and of all the other circumstances of the case, the court came to the conclusion that he was not suitable for admission to an approved school and that the case was one which ought to be dealt with under the special provisions of Section 52 (3) of the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933. The importance of remedial treatment is fully recognised and after consultation with the judge and the prison authorities, including the medical officer, I have come to the conclusion that the best course in the youth's own interest is to let the sentence stand and to arrange that he shall receive certain special training during his term of imprisonment with a view to giving him a fresh start on his release.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that this method of dealing with this boy was not adopted because he is a coloured boy?

There is no question of that at all and I am glad to make that point perfectly clear. The case is wholly exceptional.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that had the Bill that was promised been passed into law this would not have been possible, and would it not be well to accept the spirit of the Bill?

That raises quite another matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will now issue a report showing the action which has been taken in issuing Orders under the provisions of the Factories Act, 1937?

I am arranging to have a report prepared for issue, I hope, early next month.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now able to announce any further relaxation of the black-out restrictions in view of the hardships and loss they inflict on the entertainment industry and the many appeals made to him on behalf of that industry?

The representations received from the entertainment industry have been directed mainly towards the relaxation of restrictions on the opening of places of entertainment, and they have, as my hon. Friend will be aware, been substantially met by the grant of general permission to remain open until 11 p.m. except in Central London, where special arrangements which allow of evening performances are in force. If my hon. Friend has the lighting restrictions in mind, he will appreciate that the entertainment industry will share in the benefit of the new type of street lighting now permissible.

Do I understand from that that Herr Hitler has given an undertaking that no air raids will take place before 11 p.m.?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the increase in the number of deaths at harbours, especially Greenock Harbour, during the period of black-out; whether he has considered the modification of the regulations dealing with lifebuoys to meet such a situation and the general changed conditions of war-time; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

I am making inquiries into this matter, and if the information obtained as a result of these inquiries suggests that there should be some modification of the regulations regarding life-buoys I will bring the matter to the notice of the Departments concerned.

I am obliged for the information. This matter is creating very great difficulties in Greenock and much satisfaction will be felt there at the answer given.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at some of the coast towns, towns which are completely blacked out, ships out in the bays are lit up in a way which defeats the object of the black-out—Rothesay, in Scotland, for instance?

That is a separate question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make with regard to the resignations from the Auxiliary Fire Service, London; and whether he has made any inquiry into the grievances that have led to these resignations?

I am informed by the London County Council that the statements which have appeared in the Press regarding the number of these resignations are incorrect; and in any event resignations do not necessarily arise from grievances, as suggested in the Question. I understand, however, that the London County Council are conducting a comprehensive inquiry into the organisation of the Auxiliary Fire Service and the other Civil Defence services of the Council.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain what he means when he says that resignations do not necessarily arise from grievances? In this case not only did the resignation arise from grievances but a schedule of those grievances was put in. The question I asked was whether those grievances have been considered.

The hon. Lady must realise that her Question referred to resignations in general and not to any particular resignation. As I pointed out in my reply, the matter is one primarily for the London County Council.

Is it not a fact that a large number of women concerned have found it impossible to get on with the man at the head of affairs?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the protest from the West Bromwich Town Council against the decision to enforce a working week of 72 hours in the air-raid precautions services; and whether he has any statement to make?

The conditions of service in the Civil Defence organisation cannot be determined by analogy with industrial conditions, and, as I have already informed the council, I cannot see my way to agree to any departure from standard conditions for whole-time personnel in these services.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will adopt a different air-raid warning equal in volume to the present warning but less depressing in tone?

No, Sir. The present arrangements were settled after much experiment, and to alter them now would be neither practicable nor, I think, desirable.

Does my right hon. Friend not think that if the only thing that depresses the people who stay at home is the air-raid warning they are doing very well?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that many local authorities are refusing to instal the restricted street lighting now authorised owing to the heavy cost involved; and will he regard such expenditure as eligible for air-raid precautions expenditure grant?

The installation of the new type of lighting will not impose an unduly heavy charge on local authorities, particularly if account is taken of the considerable savings which many authorities will have made during the period when no street lighting was allowed and also of the substantial reduction in the cost of the gas or electricity required for the new lighting as compared with that required for normal street lighting. I regret that I cannot regard expenditure incurred by local authorities in providing street lighting as eligible to rank for air-raid precautions grant.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, in point of fact, local authorities are deciding that they cannot afford this expenditure, and that many districts are deprived of this lighting as a result; and in view of the danger involved in being on the roads at night will he consider trying to meet that position?

Would my right hon. Friend consider publishing a message to those authorities, if any, who have refused to adopt this improved lighting?

I have not had brought to my notice so far any considerable number of cases of local authorities having taken up the attitude suggested by my hon. Friend the Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson). I will bear in mind the suggestion.

Have not local authorities saved a great deal in lighting expenditure owing to the reduction of general street lighting? Does not that compensate them for this expenditure?

That is what I said in my answer.

asked the Home Secretary why local authorities who are desirous of instituting a modified form of street lighting, and who have purchased lamp fittings made according to the Government standards, are prevented from using these lamps; and when can makers of such lamps expect to receive British standards institute certification marks?

I have not heard of any such difficulty. The British Standards Institution inform me that every maker who has applied to them for a licence to mark fittings for the new form of street lighting has already been granted a licence.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Burnley authority ordered some of these lamps from a particular firm in London, to be made according to requirements, and they cannot get them because the firm say that they cannot get the Standards Institution to give certificates?

That is not my information.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter if I send him particulars?

Certainly.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a number of local authorities have heavy bank overdrafts due mainly to the non-payment of Government grants in respect of Civil Defence; and will he take steps to expedite payment?

No, Sir. I cannot accept the hon. Member's suggestion. Arrangements are in force to make interim grant payments when local authorities apply for them. Applications are dealt with expeditiously, but there has been delay on the part of authorities in rendering claims.

Why does the right hon. Gentleman say that he cannot accept this statement? Is he not aware that in the Press it has been announced that local authorities are out of pocket by as much as £100,000 in one case and £50,000 and £20,000 in other cases?

That is absolutely not the case. For example, out of 700 claims which might have been made by local authorities for the quarter ended 31st December only 241 claims have been received. Special arrangements have been made for dealing with claims promptly. The figures are practically the same for the fire service.

How is it that it is stated in the Press that Wandsworth are £100,000 down, Lambeth £20,000 down, and Camberwell £50,000 down?

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the increased traffic fatalities, he will reconsider his decision not to permit the use of two shaded headlamps so as to improve the vision of drivers; and whether he will take steps to impress upon pedestrians, by broadcast and otherwise, the necessity of exercising the utmost care in crossing the road in view of the gravely reduced range of observation for motorists?

I am anxious to take all practicable steps to lessen the number of traffic fatalities, but as I explained to my hon. Friend on a previous occasion, the simultaneous use of two headlamps would very greatly increase the amount of light upon the road as affecting visibility from the air. I am not satisfied that the advantage to the driver would be such as to justify this additional risk; and I think it will be desirable first to see what improvement in driving conditions is produced by the decision to make the use of the new type of headlamp mask compulsory, as from Monday next. Opportunities are frequently taken to impress upon all road users the need for the exercise of the utmost care in present conditions, but I will certainly consider with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport what further action can be taken on these lines.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the motorists find it exceedingly difficult to see pedestrians and all that is going on in the black-out, and that this experimental lighting gives the pedestrians a false sense of security and therefore is likely to add to the casualties on the road?

I think these are matters of opinion, but I do not agree with the view expressed by my hon. Friend.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that pedestrians shall not be prohibited from using the roads?

Does my right hon. Friend realise that pedestrians still absolutely refuse to understand that they are not visible; and, in view of the terrible casualties that are taking place, will he arrange with the B.B.C. to make a short announcement at least every night for a fortnight, pointing out to the people that they cannot be seen, and that it is incumbent upon all pedestrians to take every step possible to realise that fact?

I certainly think that some share of responsibility does rest upon pedestrians, and I will consider with my right hon. Friend whether anything can be done.

Would my right hon. Friend ask the Secretary of State for Air to have some tests made from the air?

asked the Home Secretary whether the new order applying the Various Industries Silicosis Scheme to workers in slate mines will provide for compensation to be paid to workers in mines disabled by silicosis, and who had ceased work prior to the date on which the order became operative?

The amending scheme made on the 1st December does not, and I am advised could not, apply to workmen employed in underground operations before but not after that date. Some at any rate of those men may, however, be covered by the Various Industries Scheme as it stood prior to the amendment.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take this matter up again with the employers in the industry? Does he realise that the hardship is caused because these men are suffering from something which is dealt with by the very order. Will he reconsider the matter?

As I have explained, I am advised that I have no power under the Statute to apply this scheme retrospectively.

While I appreciate that, is it not possible outside the Statute for the right hon. Gentleman to take it up with the employers? Will the right hon. Gentleman take it up with the employers?

Certainly; if there is a precedent I will see if it can be applied.

asked the Home Secretary when he expects to introduce a War Charities Bill?

This matter is under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make any further statement.

Will my right hon. Friend agree that it is urgently necessary to check the activities of bogus charities which are taking advantage of members of the public?

I do not know that there is any considerable evil, but the matter has been under close consideration for some time past and I hope to be able to say something at a very early date.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the copy of the resolution unanimously passed on 12th December, 1939, by the chapter of the rural deanery of Wolverhampton and sent to him about night baking; and what action does he propose to take?

I have considered this resolution, which urges the abolition of night baking. This proposal, which has been fully considered on numerous occasions, could not be put into effect without legislation which would, I am advised, be highly controversial; and I do not think that such new factors have arisen as would justify the introduction of such legislation at the present time.

Cannot anything be done about it, because it seems to be a very live issue in Wolverhampton?

Would the Home Secretary be good enough to bear in mind that Wolverhampton is entirely united on this matter?

There is some evidence of disunity, even in Wolverhampton.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had any information from his inspectors about the recent inquiries which he promised should be made concerning the heat of bakehouses?

Instructions were issued immediately after the promise was made, but I have not yet had any report.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the lack of uniformity as between public authorities in making up the pay of police Reservists recalled to the colours; and what steps he proposes to take to secure similarity of treatment?

This is a matter which Parliament has left to the discretion of the individual police authorities. I am aware that a few police authorities have decided not to make up the pay of Reservists recalled to the colours, but there is no action which I could take to secure uniformity of treatment.

Will my right hon. Friend publish a list of the authorities and inform those who are not making up the pay that the great majority of other authorities are much more generous in their treatment of the reservists?

No, Sir. When Parliament leaves discretion to local authorities it must be assumed that that discretion shall be real.

Has the failure of the Government to make the appropriate grant in these cases brought about this lack of uniformity?

No, Sir. The Home Office makes the appropriate grant in all cases.

If the local authorities against whom complaint is made knew what others were doing perhaps they would change their minds. In the in- terests of uniformity could not the authorities be informed?

Perhaps the authorities will take note of these questions.

asked the Home Secretary whether all pacifist propaganda is considered suspicious by his Department; and, if not, what section of the movement demanding peace is so considered?

No, Sir. A clear distinction can, and I think should, be drawn between a philosophy of pacifism which may be inspired by the highest motives, and certain forms of pacifist propaganda the origins and motives of which are open to suspicion. It is obviously the duty of my Department to keep a watch on the propaganda of organisations which, for their own ends, advocate a policy diametrically opposed to the declared policy of His Majesty's Government.

Can the right hon. Gentleman be a little more specific, in view of the very general statement that he made in public only a few days ago?

I think hon. Members who, from all quarters of the House, have brought to my notice peace propaganda leaflets of various kinds will have no difficulty in understanding what I have in mind.

Would it not be a good idea if there was some generally accepted meaning of the word "pacifist" agreed upon by all sections?

asked the Home Secretary the nature of any previous police experience of Commander the Honourable R. D. Coleridge, R.N., retired, who was recently appointed chief constable of Bedfordshire; the date and circumstances under which he was retired from the Navy; whether the appointment is in accordance with the statutory regulations made under the Police Act, 1919; and whether he has approved of such appointment?

I understand that Commander Coleridge, who has not had previous police experience, served in the Royal Navy from 1919 to 1939, when he retired on medical grounds. I have already informed the standing joint committee that, on the information before me, I am unable to regard the appointment as satisfying the terms of Regulation 9 of the Police Regulations, and that I am, therefore, unable to approve it.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the public desire to ascertain the earlier date at which summer-time will be introduced, he can now announce the date; and whether, during June and July he will advance the clock two hours instead of one?

As I stated on Tuesday, an announcement as to the date for the introduction of summer-time will be made as soon as possible. As regards the second part of the Question, on the information at present before me, I do not know of any reason for modifying the view which has hitherto been accepted that the inconveniences of a second change in the clock would outweigh any advantages.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that we are not living in normal circumstances, and is he further aware that by adopting my second suggestion we could for two months of the year eliminate the black-out from the daily lives of 80 per cent. of our fellow citizens?

I think that during the two months in question the sun goes a long way towards doing that. The advantages of summer-time are most marked in the spring and autumn.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that as early as 11th February the sun will rise as early as it did when we stopped summer-time in November last?

Not all over the country.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the exceptional conditions now prevailing, which make it difficult for the members of the public to get their shopping done, he will consider the abolition of the afternoon break period of three hours when sales by wine merchants over the counter of wines, beers and spirits for home consumption are prohibited?

This proposal would involve legislation amending the Licensing Act so as to allow sales of intoxicating liquor for consumption off the premises to take place outside the permitted hours, which under the existing law apply to "off" sales as well as to sales for consumption on the premises. I can hold out no prospect of legislation on this subject at the present time.

Is there any reason why wine merchants should be more unfairly treated than any other merchants in the community?

Is the reason not that theirs is the only commodity of which the Government have to restrict the sale because it is dangerous?

asked the Home Secretary how many raids have been made on clubs in London since the 1st September; how many people were arrested; what was the result of the courts' decisions; and whether any of the clubs were named workmen's clubs?

Since 1st September, 1939, 20 registered clubs in the Metropolitan Police District have been entered by the police in pursuance of warrants under either the Licensing (Consolidation) Act, 1910, or the Gaming Act, 1845, or both. In seven of these cases where there were contraventions of the Gaming Act arrests were made and the total number of persons arrested was 91–83 being in one club. In seven of the 20 cases convictions have been obtained and penalties amounting in all to £675 were imposed: proceedings are still pending in the other 13 cases. None of these clubs was specifically described as a workmen's club.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what steps have been taken to find employment for the staffs of the area committees of the National Fitness Council, who were dismissed on the discontinuance of the work of the council; and how many of the staffs are still unemployed?

I have been asked to reply. The names and qualifications of all the secretaries and assistant secretaries of the area committees who wished to be considered for Government employment were submitted to the Treasury and to the Ministry of Labour, and the Board of Education have continually taken steps to bring to the notice of other Departments the names of individuals among them who seemed suitable for particular vacancies that have arisen. Five of the 22 secretaries and 16 of the 42 assistant secretaries are still, so far as is known to the Board, without employment. I have no information about the numbers of the subordinate staff of the area committees who may be unemployed, though I understand that a number of them have been placed through the instrumentality of the Board.

Will the hon. Gentleman draw the attention of his hon. Friend to the long delay which has taken place in the employment of these people, and especially of the very large number of subordinates?

Yes, Sir.

Will the Government promise us that they will never again set up such a sham thing as the National Fitness Council?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will take all steps within his power to prevent children of school age not attending school owing to the emergency from entering employment?

The situation to which the hon. Member refers would be remedied if the law of school attendance were operative in the evacuation areas. This is a matter which the Government have under active consideration.

Will the hon. Gentleman be good enough to call the attention of his hon. Friend to the fact that, in evacuation areas, where boys and girls have not attended school for four or five months, it is quite possible for a number of them to be in employment by this time; and also, is it possible for the Board to issue a circular to local authorities calling attention to this possibility?

I will explain to my hon. Friend what the hon. Gentleman says.

Would my hon. Friend represent to his hon. Friend the importance of opening the schools at the earliest possible moment in order to bring to an end the present scandal of boys running adrift in the streets?

Will the hon. Member draw the attention of his hon. Friend to the fact that it is not only in evacuation areas where the problem is acute, and that in some of the neutral areas affairs are almost as bad?

What about the position in the reception areas?

asked the Prime Minister whether the report of the Royal Commission on the Geographical Distribution of Industry has been received; and whether it is intended to publish the report?

The signed report has been received and is now being printed off. It will be published as soon as copies are available.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an early day for a debate on the general scheme of food rationing before the introduction of any further compulsory rationing of commodities?

Any decision to extend the range of the foodstuffs included in the present rationing scheme would be communicated to the House at the earliest possible date, when no doubt an opportunity could be found for debate on the matter if the House so desired.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in addition to the Press censorship now obtaining, there is any censorship of public statements or broadcasts by Ministers so far as reference is made to troop movements of the Home or Empire forces?

No, Sir; such matters are left to the discretion of Ministers.

Is there a Cabinet row when one gives a certain amount of information before the other man expected it to be announced?

asked the Prime Minister when he expects the President of the Board of Trade will be available to answer Questions in this House?

I am not yet in a position to name a date when my right hon. Friend will be available to answer Questions in this House.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that it is very desirable that so important a Minister should be present in the House to answer Questions?

Yes, Sir. I think I may say I do appreciate that.

Will the right hon. Gentleman expedite the arrangement?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now state what steps have been taken to ensure sufficient short-term credits at low rates of interest to farmers to enable them to meet war-time expenditure for extra cultivation?

I hope to be able to amplify the statement which I made on the 14th December at an early date.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that it is decision and not delay that is wanted; and further, how can he expect the farmers to double the output of the land if they do not have the necessary credit facilities, why should they be worse treated than any other industry in this country, and will be look into the matter at the earliest possible moment?

I think that the hon. Member will agree that we have really made some progress.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now make some statement of the Government's intentions regarding schemes for the rationing of animals foodstuffs?

The examination of various proposals for the rationing of animal feeding stuffs is still proceeding, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement of the Government's intentions in this matter.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that this matter is an absolute disgrace, that poultry farmers and pig farmers are unable to keep their stocks, and that something must be done for them? Day after day I keep at this and nothing is done.

In view of the tremendous slaughtering of poultry and pigs which is now taking place, can the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that, until we can have animal rationing, there shall be some control of slaughtering county by county, so as not to have a complete slaughtering now and a complete dearth later on?

The hon. Lady should not exaggerate the situation. So far as the other question is concerned, if the hon. Member himself will really sit down and examine this problem, he will realise how complex it is, and then I do not think that he will be quite so vehement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the shortage of barley for animal feeding he will ration the amount of barley for breweries?

I have been asked to reply. The matter is under discussion with representatives of the brewing industry and I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Might I ask the Prime Minister, who has said he does not care what unpopular thing he does in order to win the war, whether he will do another unpopular thing and have a good supply of food instead of a good supply of drink?

asked the Minister of Agriculture what arrangements he proposes to make to ensure that existing supplies of animal feeding-stuffs are equitably distributed to farmers, and are used for the maintenance of those classes of livestock to which he wishes to give preference?

Available supplies of imported feeding stuffs are being allocated to distributors in proportion to their pre-war trade and they have been asked to distribute them to their farmer customers as equitably as possible. The statement of Government policy with regard to livestock and feeding stuffs issued on 22nd November—a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member—was communicated to the distributive trade by the Ministry of Food and they were asked to follow the principles enunciated in that announcement in the distribution of the limited supplies available to them. I am advised that this request has been generally observed. Further proposals are under consideration with a view to improving the efficiency of the machinery of distribution and, in particular, to overcome the difficulties caused by diversion of cargoes.

Does not the Minister think that farmers who have dealt with several merchants for their feeding stuffs have a great advantage without any rationing scheme, as they are able to get a certain amount from each firm with which they are dealing? Is he not aware of the great injustice there is in the supply of feeding stuffs to individual farmers, an injustice which cannot be met without some scheme of rationing?

Obviously we cannot get complete equality without some scheme of rationing.

Should not some system have been brought in a long time ago?

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to ensure that adequate supplies of seed oats for spring planting are available in all counties?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the grave danger of a shortage of seed oats to sow the increased acreage of land, he will immediately purchase supplies so that their equitable distribution may be assured?

The situation has been, and is being, kept under close review by the Ministry's Seeds Advisory Committee and it was after consultation with that body that the decision was taken and announced on 12th January to leave the market for seed oats free as regards price. The National Association of Corn and Agricultural Merchants and the Agricultural Seed Trade Association have given an assurance that they will use their good offices generally to ensure a free flow and an adequate supply of seed oats at a reasonable price and, in particular, that they will co-operate with the agricultural departments and the National Farmers' Unions of England and Wales and of Scotland in taking steps to relieve the situation in any area where prices are found to be disproportionately high. Owing to delays in threshing, large quantities of oats suitable for seed are in stacks on farms. County war agricultural executive committees have been asked to take steps to expedite the threshing of oats in their areas and I have no reason to anticipate that sufficient quantities of oats to meet all requirements for seed will not now be forthcoming. At the same time, as a measure of insurance, arrangements have been made for the purchase from overseas of a moderate quantity of oats suitable for seed which will be held in reserve.

Is not that the sort of way that the feeding-stuffs positron was handled until it became very acute? Is there not some way of securing adequate supplies of oats so that the Government can purchase the supplies and have them available? Otherwise they are going to be used up for feeding purposes before seeding time.

I would not agree with that. I think a great deal of harm might be done if the Government now tried to enter the seed market.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many agricultural wages committees have increased wages since August last; and how many awards are up to £2 per week minimum for a male adult worker?

Since August last, 41 of the 47 agricultural wages committees in England and Wales have increased the minimum rates of wages in force in their areas, and five others have given notice of proposals to make increases. A minimum weekly wage of 40s. or more is applicable to ordinary adult male workers in three areas.

Can the Minister say what excuse these agricultural workers committees have given for not increasing wages in those areas and does he not think, now there is such a small number drawing 40s. a week, that it is rather a sad reflection on the Government's agricultural policy?

I am afraid the fixing of wages is in the hands of the county committees. One county committee which has not increased wages since August was Gloucestershire, which, however, in July issued a proposal to increase the minimum rates and on 9th September finally decided on the proposed increases which became effective as from 24th September. The Committee are meeting to consider again the minimum rates in its area on 6th February.

When is the National Farmers' Union likely to agree to the establishment of a central wages board?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that in the parish of Albrighton, Shropshire, a farm is half derelict because its chief worker is in camp; that discontent is growing in agricultural communities over the conscription of farm workers; and will he consider, in the interests of food production and in order to facilitate complying with Government orders about ploughing, the advisability of making agriculture a reserved occupation, irrespective of age?

The question of the appropriate age of reservation for men engaged in agriculture has already received the Government's careful consideration and has been the subject of consultation with representatives of employers and employés in the industry. As my hon. Friend will be aware the age of reservation for farmers and most classes of farm workers is 21, so that in existing circumstances the only men in agricultural occupations who will be called up for compulsory military service are those of the 20-year-old group. In addition, there are arrangements whereby the calling up of men for military service can be postponed in cases of special difficulty in order to prevent the dislocation of farming operations. The Government does not consider it to be desirable that, by a further reduction in the age of reservation, agriculture should be placed in a position in which it would make no contribution in man power to the needs of the Armed Forces even though in existing circumstances its contribution must be a relatively small one. I am not aware of the particular case referred to in the Question, but if my hon. Friend will send me details, I will have inquiries made.

Can the Minister tell me whether in the few cases where an owner farmer does happen to be called up it is possible for representations to be made to have him released from the Army?

Cases have to be treated on their merits.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now make any further statement on the provision of foodstuffs for poultry keepers and pig producers; and what percentage of normal crops it is intended such producers shall receive?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now give any definite information as to what the poultry industry may hope to obtain in the matter of feeding-stuffs up to the end of April next?