asked the Secretary of State for War the names and rank of Members of Parliament now serving in the Army with the British Expeditionary Force in France and those serving with the Army at home respectively?

A list is in preparation and I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT at an early date. In the case of any inaccuracies or omissions in the list which I circulated on 17th January last, I should be grateful if the hon. Members concerned, who have not already done so, would let me know at once.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the usual allowances are paid by the War Office to wives and children of men serving from whose pay deductions are made and forwarded to the dependants on account of court separation orders?

Where the amount stopped from a soldier's pay in respect of a court Order for the maintenance of his wife or children falls short of the amount prescribed in the Order, no allowance from Army funds is paid; but, if the stoppage is appreciably less than the amount which the man was in fact contributing towards the support of the parties concerned before being called up, it may be supplemented by the grant of a special allowance from the Ministry of Pensions if this course is recommended by the War Service Grants Advisory Committee.

Does not the Minister admit that these women are still the wives of the serving men? Therefore, why are they discriminated against, seeing that other wives are given a supplementary allowance?

This is a very difficult subject and a deputation is coming to see me on the subject at an early date, of which deputation I know the hon. Gentleman will be one.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the difficulty and hardship caused to dependants of the armed Forces of the Crown by the increase in the cost of living, he will consider the possibility of granting an additional allowance on a sliding scale, based on the increase in the cost of living since the date the present rates of allowances came into operation?

No provision is made in Army dependants' allowance regulations for a review of the scale of payments on the ground of a change in the cost of living, and such a review could only be undertaken as part of a general reconsideration of similar fixed payments.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that under A.F.0700–1 paragraph c, a widow is unable to get dependants' allowance on account of her son if he has been unemployed for six months prior to enlistment, as the unemployment payment being low, the mother is presumed not to be dependent upon the son; and whether, in view of the hardship caused by this rule he will consider its amendment?

The dependants' allowance scheme referred to is designed to provide for cases in which men who have been called to the colours are unable to continue to contribute towards the support of dependants at the same rate as they were doing before being called up. Where, for whatever reason, this situation does not obtain, awards cannot be made under the scheme; but, in such circumstances as are referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend, it is possible for the Ministry of Pensions to grant a special allowance if this course is recommended by the War Service Grants Advisory Committee after investigation of the circumstances.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this rule causes great hardship to the poorer families in the areas where unemployment is rife. Will he consider that?

I do not know whether, in the cases which my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind, application has in fact been made to the War Service Grants Advisory Committee set up to deal with these cases.

Where application has been made for special grants in view of very special circumstances, would any grant date back to the time of enlistment?

I must ask the hon. Gentleman to give notice of that Question.

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. The Resolution referred to in this Question was sent to the Prime Minister and I accordingly put the Question down to him. He was good enough to do me the courtesy to tell me that he had transferred it to the Secretary of State for War. With all respect to the Secretary of State for War, this Council would like to have a reply from the head of the Government, and may I ask you, Sir, what remedy an ordinary member has in this matter?

The same ruling which I always give that the Minister responsible is the proper Minister to answer a Question.

With all respect, this Question was addressed to the Prime Minister and not to the Secretary of State.

As the Prime Minister is not primarily responsible he transferred the Question to the Secretary of State for War.

I have received the resolution. Every effort is being made to expedite the investigation and payment of dependants' allowances, and men can now prepare a claim when they report for medical examination. This should enable payment of the allowance, if admissible, to begin as soon as the man has joined for duty.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that in fact there are still a very large number of delays, and most of us are still getting a very large post-bag almost daily making complaints of this kind, and will he look into the matter again?

We discussed this matter in the House last week, although I do not think the hon. Member was present, and I explained then that everything was being done to expedite it, and also that in a number of cases the delay was not due to the fault of the War Office but in part to the soldier or the dependant in not sending in the form.

Will not the reply of the right hon. Gentleman have the same weight as if it were from the Prime Minister?

I hope so.

asked the Secretary of State for War the present position of the controversy over the withdrawal of the kilt from its use by Scottish regiments?

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) upon what information he has decided that it is impossible to maintain a supply of kilts sufficient to meet the requirements of the number of Highland units which now exist;

(2) the present available stock of kilts not already issued to soldiers?

The present position is that, for technical reasons largely connected with the possible use of gas by the enemy, kilts will not be worn in a theatre of war or for training, but will be replaced by battle dress. For walking out, however, all ranks in possession of kilts may wear them until worn out, but no further issues will be made during the war except to pipers and drummers. It has been decided not to maintain a supply of kilts because the raw materials and necessary manufacturing capacity must be devoted to the supply of dress actually to be used in war in present conditions. The stock of kilts in hand is 12,229, and 12,684 remain to be delivered by manufacturers under existing contracts. This stock would be quite inadequate to meet further issues for walking-out purposes on the scale anticipated. Moreover, the dissipation of this stock during war-time would make it impossible to fulfil the pledge that has been given that kilts will be available for ceremonial and walking out purposes after the war. Should the supply position alter at any time in the future, I should be prepared to look into the matter again.

Can we have an assurance from the right hon. Gentleman that the kilt will be reintroduced as an article of dress after the war?

Yes, Sir, an assurance has already been given and it is in order that that assurance can be implemented that this stock is being retained.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I hold in my hand written statements from nearly all the kilt makers in Scotland and from many of the leading manufacturers of the raw material—tartan—and that those statements indicate that there is no shortage either of the raw material or of manufacturing facilities? In view of those statements will my right hon. Friend be so good as to reconsider this matter?

If there is any alteration in the supply position I will look into it, but that is not my information. The raw material used and the manufacturing capacity for making up these kilts can be used for making the battle dress required in warfare.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the statements to which I refer are made by firms who are not now making any other kind of garment, and therefore they are quite free as regards material and manufacturing facilities to make kilts?

I shall be glad if the hon. Gentleman will send me any information which he has but I must make it quite clear I am not prepared to subordinate the demands for actual fighting dress to the making of kilts.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many searchlight units are still living under canvas?

According to the latest information I have, the answer is none.

asked the Secretary of State for War the proper channels through which complaints or representations intended for the attention of His Majesty's Government should be transmitted by officers of the Army Council or General Staff?

Complaints or representations of the kind indicated in the Question should be laid before the Army Council, of which the Secretary of State for War is the President. It would be for him to decide whether the matter should be brought to the notice of the Cabinet or, in time of war, the War Cabinet.

Would it be in the discretion of the Secretary of State for the time being not to have the matter brought forward?

It would be in his discretion, but I cannot believe that any responsible Secretary of State for War, knowing that members of the Army Council desire matters to be brought to the notice of the Cabinet, would not grant facilities for doing so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that billeted members of His Majesty's Forces have in many cases to pay exorbitant fares, involving grave hardship; and whether he will take steps to enable soldiers in uniform not to pay omnibus fares as in the last war?

Soldiers billeted over two miles from their place of duty are allowed a refund of their travelling expenses by the cheapest means for one return journey a day. I cannot find that the practice in the last war went beyond this.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will issue instructions to the responsible authorities that in future every member of the armed Forces should be provided with his ration allowance at the time he goes on leave, as in many homes hardship is experienced where the soldier arrives home on leave and has not been paid the ration allowance?

The issue of advances for periods of leave less than 72 hours raises practical difficulties. The matter needs further investigation, and I will communicate with the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of officers serving in antiaircraft units, who had been promoted and gazetted with acting rank of captains, and who had served for more than two months on war sites, have, without any notice or reason being given, been demoted to second lieutenants; and whether any regulation has been passed which authorises the demoting of an officer while he continues to serve in the same unit other than the sentence of court martial?

The establishments of the units concerned were reduced by one captain on 31st December last, and acting captains had, therefore, to revert to their substantive rank. The regulations governing the promotion of officers in war provide that higher acting rank may be given within units to fill vacancies in approved establishments; but that such acting ranks shall only be tenable whilst the holders are actually performing the duties of the higher ranks. Officers holding acting ranks are, therefore, always liable to revert to their substantive ranks if there is a change in the circumstances which led to the grant of their acting ranks. The matter is, however, being further investigated, and I will let my hon. and gallant Friend know the result in due course.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is derogatory that either officers or N.C.O.'s should be reduced in rank while still serving in the same unit in which they have been promoted?

As I said, I am looking into this matter, but as the same sort of thing happended to me in the last war, although not in the same unit, I cannot agree that it is derogatory.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now prepared to grant freedom of enlistment into the British Army to friendly Czech citizens as well as to Germans and Austrians now in this country?

Under the Order-in-Council issued on 28th September last, any alien may hold a commission or may be entered or enlisted in any of His Majesty's Forces as if he were a British subject. Czecho-Slovakian nationals applying for enlistment are, however, being encouraged to enlist for service in the Czecho-Slovak Legion in France.

I understand there is no order to that effect and it is entirely voluntary. Is that right?

That is right.

If one of these Czechs were known to be a Cornmunist—

Or a Fascist.

Or a Fascist, would he be allowed to enlist?

Does the reply which the right hon. Gentleman gave also refer to Poles who happen to be in this country and who are willing to fight against Germany?

The Question was specifically asked about Czechs.

Would the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to form a foreign legion in this country?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Government is considering utilising the services of the existing qualified staffs to be found in the Territorial Army and Air Force Associations of the different counties with a view to relieving the congestion in the central command pay offices?

Territorial Associations have been asked to give Commands particulars of any of their staffs who were surplus to requirements with a view to their employment in military offices. The number available from this source would, however, be comparatively small.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the increasing number of fatal accidents in camps due to the thoughtless handling of weapons; and whether he proposes to issue any general instructions on the subject?

Instructions regarding the custody of ammunition are contained in The King's Regulations. All fatal accidents are investigated by a Court of Inquiry, and such action is taken as the investigation shows to be necessary. It is not considered at this stage that the issue of further general instructions is required.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many soldiers serving in the ranks have received commissions since 3rd September, 1939; and how many commissions have been granted to other persons?

The number of commissions other than as quartermasters granted to men after enlistment in the ranks is 3,472, and the number granted to other persons is 8,142. Of the latter, 5,258 were given through the Army Officers Emergency Reserve, and 1,828 were in the Royal Army Medical Corps and Royal Army Chaplains Department.

asked the Secretary of State for War what specific subjects form the basis of the recommendations on which soldiers serving in the ranks are considered for commissions?

Apart from the technical arms, for which appropriate technical qualifications are required, no specific subjects are prescribed. Selection is based on personality, power of leadership and intelligence.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the firm of Considere Constructions, Limited, have intimated to their clients that Major Graham T. Lyall, V.C., M.Inst. B.E., who is in command of the 3rd Anti-Aircraft Divisional Royal Army Ordnance Corps in Scotland, is still available for appointments in connection with the furtherance of this firm's commercial interests; and whether he is satisfied that this is in the public interest?

I have called for a report on this matter, and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in any future arrangements made for children to visit the war zone in France for any purpose, he will require satisfactory assurances which will prevent subsequent publication of matters of opinion and viewpoints reached by these children?

It is not likely that children will visit the war zone in future, but any civilian who is permitted to pay a visit will be warned of the necessity of guarding against any disclosure of information on the subject.

Does that mean that in the case of any honour bestowed upon any member of the British Expeditionary Force of any rank, the same facilities will be afforded to the children of that serving soldier as were afforded in this case?

I am glad to have the opportunity of dispelling some misconceptions which my hon. and learned Friend has. The visit to which he referred was paid on the direct invitation of General Gamelin, who was conducting the investiture.

In the case of any other serving soldier in the British Expeditionary Force, would the same facilities be afforded to his children?

As my hon. and learned Friend knows, investitures are usually performed not in the field but in London.

May we take it that in future any such visits will be strongly discouraged?

This was a very exceptional circumstance, as it was at the invitation of General Gamelin.

asked the Secretary of State for War who ordered the military precautions which were taken at the port at which Miss Unity Mitford arrived from Germany; what was the reason for the military guard; how many troops were engaged on this special duty; whether they were brought to the port by omnibuses; whether street traffic was partially restricted; and why people who had gone to the port to meet friends and relatives were ordered away from the dockside and told that they must meet these friends and relatives at Victoria Station, London?

asked the Secretary of State for War who was responsible for military escort being given to Miss Unity Mitford when she recently arrived in this country from Germany; and what was the reason for this course being taken, with the consequent waste of public money?

No special military precautions were taken on this occasion. Folkestone Harbour is a "protected place," and as such has been guarded since the outbreak of war. Entry to the dockside is at all times prohibited except to those in possession of a special permit, and no persons with regular permits were refused.

Are we to understand that no special precautions were taken, and that no expense of any description was entered into by the Government with regard to the arrival of this young lady?

So far as the military authorities are concerned, I understand that there was none. The only difference was that, although the normal guard was there, two extra sentries were posted for a short time.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that ex-service men, aged up to 50, who were invited to re-enlist and were told that it would be for home service only, but who, on joining, were sent with the British Expeditionary Force to France on the outbreak of war, are now complaining of being misled; that some of these old soldiers have now been sent back owing to illness and are in hospitals waiting medical boards, and how and when are they to be compensated for the non-fulfilment of the War Office undertaking?

If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any such cases, I will have them investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Supplementary Reservists in the Royal Army Pay Corps who were called up at the outbreak of war are being sent overseas, irrespective of their age or whether they are married or single, whilst regular members of the unit, many of whom are young and single, are remaining at home; whether he is also aware that many of the men who enlisted in the Supplementary Reserve did so on the understanding that they would not be called upon to serve overseas; and whether he will have inquiries made into this complaint?

Supplementary Reservists of the Royal Army Pay Corps are liable on mobilisation to serve in any part of the world, and this liability is made clear in the declaration signed on enlistment. I am not aware of any enlistments on a contrary understanding. The regular soldiers of the corps who remain at home are mainly either experienced clerks on whom the expansion of pay offices is being built up, or inexperienced clerks and learners.

asked the Secretary of State for War under what conditions serving officers and other ranks may wear civilian dress when on leave?

Officers and other ranks from the British Expeditionary Force, when on leave in the United Kingdom, may wear civilian dress if they wish; and all ranks, whether on leave or not, may wear plain clothes for athletic exercise for which a special dress is necessary.

Would my right hon. Friend pay special regard to the soldier in this country who is getting his week's privilege leave and has been issued with only one uniform, and wishes to have that cleaned? He cannot spend the whole leave in bed.

I will certainly look into any circumstances which compel any soldier to spend the whole of his leave in bed, but I doubt whether in fact such circumstances do arise.

Are any members of the Forces allowed to come to this House in civilian clothes without a special order?

The rule depends on whether soldiers are on leave from the British Expeditionary Force or not.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his predecessor has given authority to Members of this House to attend the House in civilian clothes, although he has no authority whatever over them in this House?

asked the Secretary of State for War the cost to the State, respectively, of employing an Auxiliary Territorial Service girl on clerical work and a temporary clerk, allowance being made for the unemployment pay which the clerk would otherwise receive; and how many of the Auxiliary Territorial Service are employed on typing duties?

The cost of a member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service of the rank of volunteer engaged on clerical duties may be taken as from 40s. to 45s. a week in respect of pay, rations and accommodation. In addition, she receives free uniform and medical and dental treatment. She has opportunities of promotion involving increased pay up to 33s. 3d. a week extra. The rates of pay of temporary women clerks aged 18 and upwards vary from 31s. to 57s. a week. I am unable to say how many members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service are employed on typing duties. I do not agree that the employment of a woman as a member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service necessarily involves an additional issue of unemployment pay.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the terrible unemployment that there is among clerks, and does he not think it would be advisable to find them employment instead of calling upon the Auxiliary Territorial Service?

I think the hon. Member overlooks the fact that most of the girls who are doing this work as members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service are professional clerks and typists, and that they themselves would be unemployed if, instead of engaging them, we engaged somebody else.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in order to provide non-commissioned officers old enough to command respect, he will consider the formation of schools to train volunteers for the position of sergeant?

It is considered that the existing system of promotion by merit: gives the best results.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that in the units now under training the lack of senior non-commissioned officers of standing is very much felt?

I cannot agree that it would be a good thing to have people enlisting specially as non-commissioned officers. They should, I think, do what they have always had to do in the past —prove their merits, and get promotion in that way.

Are there at present any training schools for non-commissioned officers recommended in their units? Is there a shortage of such training establishments in this country?

I will certainly look into that.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the announcement made by the Government that young men under 20 years of age would not be sent abroad applies to all sections of the Army; and, if so, whether he will take steps to arrange for this being carried out in the case of Territorials?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension as to the terms of the announcement, and I would refer him to the answer given by my predecessor to the hon. Member for Dumbarton Burghs (Mr. Kirkwood) on 17th October last.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to reply to the representations, made on behalf of the Parkwood Methodist Church, Golcar, for the return to them of their Sunday school and institute, now being only partially used by the military authorities?

I much regret that, owing to the lack of any suitable alternative accommodation in the neighbourhood, it is not possible to release these buildings.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that the drill hall is not being fully used, and that the loss of both these buildings means a great financial hardship to the church concerned? Could he not see his way to allow them to have at least one of the buildings?

I have looked into the question of whether full use is being made of the local drill hall, and I am informed that it is. I very much regret the inconvenience, but this is a particularly difficult area for billeting, and at the moment there is no alternative accommodation.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men called up under the Military Service Act from Wales are now serving with non-Welsh regiments and units; and whether they were or are now being given a choice of serving in Welsh regiments or other Welsh military units?

I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available, but men who are registered in Wales are, as far as possible, posted to Welsh units.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his predecessor in office gave a specific promise to Wales on this matter, and is the promise being implemented?

Perhaps my hon. Friend would bring details of any particular case to my notice. Wherever possible the desired choice is met, but it is not always Practicable to post men as suggested.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that there is some justifiable feeling in Wales on this question, and has he not received representations from public bodies? Will he look into the matter?

I remember seeing some resolutions. If my hon. Friend will bring to my notice any specific cases, I will inquire into them, and see whether these men cannot be posted to Welsh units.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether preference in promotion is being granted to sports professionals commissioned or enlisted in the Army; and on what grounds are they given special facilities in regard to leave?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative; and to the second that I am not aware of any special facilities.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable public dissatisfaction at certain promotions, and of the promotion of at least one young cricketer, and that professional footballers are promoted to sergeant instructors and given week-end leave regularly in order to play in matches?

My information is that these coaches and boxers have been enlisted in the ordinary way as privates and have been sent to Army schools for physical training and trained as instructors, and, if they qualify at the school as instructors, they rank as sergeants, just as anybody else does who qualifies.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into one or two specific cases if I send him particulars?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War for what reason the Army Education Corps has been abandoned; what steps are being taken to pursue the recommendations of the Gore11 scheme made in the last great war; whether any consultations have taken place with the Board of Education with respect to education facilities for militiamen; and what encouragement is being given to the voluntary bodies in adult education to arrange informal or group study among the soldiers?

The Army Educational Corps has not been abandoned. Although a proportion of its personnel were called on to perform other duties on mobilization, the remainder are still employed on educational work. A scheme was drawn up before the war, in consultation with the Board of Education, for the provision of educational facilities for militiamen. This was interrupted by the outbreak of war, but preparations are now being made to put into operation a scheme on similar lines, and voluntary bodies are co-operating. The scheme is on the lines of the Gorell scheme.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether some generous financial grant can be made available for the spread of this work, and also do his utmost to obtain encouragement from military authorities all over the country in order that this work can be done efficiently?

Certainly. I regard work of this kind, whether it takes the form of direct lectures or, as in some instances during the last war, education by correspondence, as being of the utmost importance, and I certainly will do everything myself, and press upon everybody the necessity of helping on this work.

Does the right hon. Gentleman suggest that the number of members of the Army Educational Corps who are still left to deal with this work will be enough properly to conduct this scheme?

I am not quite certain that a scheme of this kind is necessarily best conducted merely by the personnel of the Army Educational service. It is, of course, a quite different type of education from that which they were giving in peace time.

Would the Minister agree to give the same facilities to all such educational bodies in the country to carry on such educational work in the Army?

Facilities cannot be given to people indiscriminately. They must form part of the co-ordinated scheme, but we shall welcome the co-operation of anybody in it.

But postal courses would not interfere with your whole scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the grant of the General Service Medal with Palestine clasp to officers and men of Royal Air Force units who served in Palestine and Trans-Jordan between April, 1936, and 3rd September, 1939, is applicable to members of the Army who served in Palestine in that period?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is intended that each soldier should have two sets of uniform; what instructions have been issued to this effect to commanding officers; and what steps are being taken to supply the necessary uniforms?

Except in a theatre of war, every soldier is entitled to two suits of uniform. This is laid down in the authorised scale of clothing. The second suits are being issued as rapidly as supplies permit.

Assuming that the supply position warranted it, would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the second walking-out dress issued to Highland regiments should invariably be the kilt? [Interruption.] Why not?

The battle dress, in whatever form it is issued or for whatever purpose it is made, does, in fact, form a reserve for the extra uniform which is to be used in fighting.

Why does not the hon. Member himself try the kilt on to-day?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many commanding officers have threatened to place hotels and public-houses out of bounds to their troops if the proprietors do not restrict entry to the whole or part of their premises to officers; and, as this is contrary to the spirit of the democratisation of the Army, what action he proposes to take to see that commanding officers carry out the Government's policy on this matter?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the objections that have been made to private soldiers dining in the same hotel or restaurant as an officer; whether the objection is supported by the War Office in any form, or by any military authority, national or local; and will he make an explicit statement on this matter?

asked the Secretary of State for War what action he is taking in cases reported to him of military authorities issuing instructions forbidding the serving of meals to privates in the same restaurants or hotel rooms used by officers?

I am not aware of any cases of the kind referred to. Instructions have been issued making it clear that officers and soldiers are not prohibited from taking meals or refreshments together in clubs, hotels or restaurants, and that there is no objection to soldiers in uniform attending such places. If any case is brought to notice of the issue of orders inconsistent with these instructions, the matter will be investigated and appropriate action taken.

Does the answer also cover public houses?

I think that the term used, "hotels and restaurants" is a generic term.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not only wait until specific cases are brought to his notice but issue a notice to officers commanding that they should not approach local restaurants or hotels in order to have exclusive facilities for officers?

The instruction has been issued and I referred to it in my answer, and if specific cases of neglect or difficulties arise I will investigate them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say, therefore, that any licensee who is approached by a commanding or other officer may ignore such approach and feel quite sure that no action will be taken against him?

I would like to know the circumstances. It may be a question of misconduct and, if so, the commanding officer would be entitled to put the place out of bounds, but if any case were brought to my notice on the lines I have mentioned, as I say, I will investigate it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the impossibility of voluntary hospitals being able to maintain and extend their services in such a way as to meet the urgent needs of the sick and injured, he is prepared, in view of the national emergency, to organise the whole hospital system on a sound economic basis, coordinated and planned to meet the needs of the population?

The Scottish Hospital Service is being expanded and in many respects co-ordinated to meet emergency conditions, and it will be my aim to secure that the most effective use possible in present circumstances will be made of all available beds.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and the municipality and other similar institutions are evidently finding great difficulty in coming to any agreement as to the co-ordination of hospital services; and does not he agree that in the present emergency there is a suitable opportunity for bringing all these bodies together in such a way as to establish a proper hospital service throughout the country?

I am closely in touch with the representatives of the institution to which the hon. Member referred, and of the voluntary hospitals in general. I am very anxious to go as fully into the matter as I can.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the measure of response to his campaign for the creation of war gardens in Scotland giving the numbers of such gardens or allotments by counties?

I have been in communication with the 394 town and district councils in Scotland who are responsible for the provision of allotments. Information furnished by the majority of these authorities indicates that they are actively engaged in stimulating and meeting local demands. Precise figures which would show the response to the campaign are not available at this stage.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the discontent in Glasgow, owing to the fact that there is no provision for the elementary education of children in the city; that one hour per week at school is of no practical educational importance; and whether he will consider reopening all the schools and keeping them in session until it is shown that danger is involved in such a step, as cinemas have now been reopened and children are no safer in such places than in the city's schools?

I am aware that provision is not yet available for all the primary school children in Glasgow. I am informed, however, that 45,000 primary school children are at present attending school in Glasgow for about one-third of the normal school time and that an additional 8,000 are receiving group instruction. Shelter accommodation is being provided as rapidly as possible and further children will be admitted as soon as this is available. While I am not prepared to take the risk of authorising schools to reopen without some form of shelter accommodation, I have informed the Glasgow Education Authority that reopening need not be delayed until the whole of that accommodation is provided, so long as the number in attendance at any one time does not exceed the number for whom shelter is available.

Would the right hon. Gentleman give us a list of the schools where these 45,000 children are obtaining their education, because I do not believe it?

I have not a list of the schools. The information I have is from the local authority.

I do not believe them.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses have been completed in the Borrowfield housing scheme in the Camlachie Division of Glasgow; and whether the provision of houses in this overcrowded area will be pressed forward in spite of war conditions, in view of the great housing hardship of the workers in this area?

I regret to say that no houses have yet been completed at Barrowfield owing to shortage of timber. Should further supplies become available, I shall keep the position of Barrowfield in mind. In the meantime, I am having active consideration given to the general question of completing houses by alternative methods of construction.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the discontent among parents of evacuated children who have been evacuated to places hundreds of miles from their homes, owing to the fact that no provision is made for payment of rail fares of parents who wish to visit their children from time to time, or of cheap excursions for more than one day; and whether he will consider taking steps to assist parents to have the opportunity of visiting their children who are evacuated to places at such long distances from their own homes?

Day trips at reduced fares have already been run from Edinburgh and Dundee and I hope that with the cooperation of Glasgow Corporation it will shortly be possible to provide similar facilities for Glasgow parents. Only a relatively small number of children have been evacuated to areas outside the range of day trips but the Minister of Transport and I are considering the question of arranging trips at reduced fares to the remoter Scottish areas to which the return journey cannot be made in one day.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider that where the children are hundreds of miles away the parents should get some financial assistance in order to visit them?

I am looking into the matter with my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Transport to see what can be done in those cases where the parents are living long distances away from their children.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many families have been away for more than three months and have never had an opportunity of seeing their parents during that time? Does he realise the importance of this matter?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will arrange for another Secret Session?

No, Sir. I am not aware of any general demand for another Secret Session.

Are there not several important topics, such as export trade, air strength, and even Supply again, which can be most usefully debated?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied with the economic direction of the war; and whether he will now reconsider the creation of a central directing organisation for the economic war?

This is not a subject which can be dealt with by Question and answer. I understand that the Opposition propose to raise this matter shortly, and perhaps my hon. Friend would be good enough to await the statement which will be made on behalf of the Government.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the comprehensive economic agreement which has now been arrived at between France and Great Britain, he will consider relaxing the restrictions at present imposed upon the export of currency from one country to the other?

These and cognate questions are kept under constant review by the two Treasuries in accordance with the spirit of the Anglo-French Financial Agreement.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether any real relaxation of the present stringent rules may possibly be expected in the near future?

I cannot give any pledge about that. As my hon. Friend knows there are special considerations involved.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider exempting from Customs and Excise Duty tobacco, beer, wines, minerals, etc., supplied to British and Imperial Forces?

If my hon. Friend is referring to Forces in this country, I regret that I could not contemplate any general exemption such as my hon. Friend suggests. I would, however, remind him that under Customs Regulations the commodities referred to may be sent free of United Kingdom Duty to His Majesty's Forces serving abroad and to His Majesty's sea-going ships in commission.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in view of the fact that the acceptance of the Government grant towards the breaking up of land, and any further increased expenditure by the owner will lead to an increased assessment to Schedule B, and therefore an increase in tithe annuity where remission has previously been allowed, will he allow the tithe remission to remain on the basis of April, 1939, in order to encourage war production?

It is not to be assumed that the ploughing-up of land in respect of which a grant is paid would of itself normally involve an increased assessment for the purposes of Income Tax Schedule B, but in any event my hon. Friend's proposal, which incidentally would require legislation to implement it, is not one which I am prepared to accept.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the Treasury Bill rate is 100 per cent, higher than the pre-war rate; and will the Government exercise the powers they now possess over the country's financial system and so reduce this rate?

The average rate from 1st April, 1939, to 24th August, when the Bank rate was raised, was 17s. 5d. The present rate is 21s. 9d. for a considerably larger offering of Bills. The rate is fixed by competitive public tender.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as the level of the Bank rate is now at the unfettered discretion of the Treasury, he will reduce the rate to 1½per cent.?

I am not prepared to forecast the future course of Bank rate. As I stated in reply to the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) on 7th November and the 21st November last, while I am in constant communication with the Bank of England, the decision as to changing or maintaining the Bank rate is made by the Court of the Bank of England.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Treasury Bill rate, to which he referred in the previous Question, is maintained at its high level because of the high Bank rate; and in justice to the joint stock banks is it not imperative that this should be reduced so we may have a lower Treasury Bill rate? At the present time the cost to the taxpayer is over £17,000,000 per annum.

The whole of my hon. Friend's Supplementary Question was rather addressed to his last Question and not to the present one.

The right hon. Gentleman asks us to spend wisely. May I suggest to him that the Treasury should set an example?

Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when speaking anywhere in future, get his speech over to these people and not to the workers all the time?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures are in contemplation to prevent the evil of inflation?

It is hardly possible to deal with so large a topic within the limits of a Parliamentary Answer, but I would refer my hon. Friend to the restrictions on consumption which are represented by war taxation, to the strict control of imports and the rationing of certain supplies, to the promotion of savings, and to the declarations recently made by the Prime Minister and myself on the subject of the relation of war conditions to prices and increases of income.

Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer assure me that he will remain aware of the dangers?

I am much obliged to my hon. Friend for jogging my memory.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Excess Profits Tax in its present form bears inequitably upon the cotton industry which has had to carry the full effect of prolonged economic depression and been forced to liquidate its reserves, and that by contrast sheltered industries have built up strong reserves and their standard is sufficiently high to guarantee a satisfactory return to shareholders before a penny is paid to the Exchequer in Excess Profits Tax; and what steps does he propose to take to amend the present anomalous position?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on the 16th of November last to a Question put by my hon. and learned Friend, the Member for Ashford (Mr. Spens). I am sending him a copy of that reply.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that every encouragement should be given to the cotton trade at the present time as one of the great exporting industries?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that in seaside and other resorts large sums for local authority rate purposes are ordinarily collected from hotels and other buildings now commandeered by Government which are payable before the end of March; and whether any payments will be made to the owners of such properties so as to enable them to meet their dues in rates in good time?

Appropriate grants in lieu of rates have been made and will continue to be made to local authorities in respect of hotels and other buildings which have been requisitioned for Government use. Such grants, however, are made directly to the local authorities and not to the owners, who cease to be rateable when they vacate the premises.

Is that being done all over the country or only in certain cases?

I cannot answer off-hand, but what I have said is what should happen. If there has been any delay anywhere perhaps the hon. Member will let me know.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now make a statement on the question of an increase to old age pensions?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the inquiry now being made regarding old age pensions includes consideration of pensions for spinsters at 55 years of age, and whether he can now make a statement?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to improved financial payments to old age pensioners, and if not, can he inform the House when such a statement may be made?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now make a statement on the subject of an increase in old age and widows' pensions?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the Government's policy in respect of old age pensions?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now able to make a statement on an increase in the old age pension?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to say what the Government have decided to do regarding the matter of old age pensions?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now able to make a statement with reference to old age pensions; and whether it is proposed at the same time to deal with widows' and spinsters' pensions?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now make his statement on the question of an increase in old age pensions?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to make any statement on the Government inquiry into old age pensions?

I would ask these hon. Members to await the statement I propose to make at the end of Questions to-day.

Is my hon. Friend aware that while strongly supporting an increase in old age pensions spinsters consider that their claims should also be considered at the same time? Can he say whether that will be so?

Will the hon. Member be good enough to await my statement at the end of Questions?

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that many of these aged spinsters are in just as tragic circumstances?

I propose to ask the permission of the House to make a rather longer statement than is usual at the end of Questions. All Members are greatly interested in the subject of old age pensions, and it would be misleading to give a summary of the Government's intentions without briefly giving some of the reasons which have weighed with us. The House will remember that when we last debated this question—on 1st November last—I indicated the Government's intention to resume the investigation which had been promised by the Prime Minister on 27th July but had to be postponed on the outbreak of war. I promised to get in touch at once with representatives of employers and workers as the contributing parties under the contributory scheme and discuss with them the possibility of improvements. Those discussions have now taken place and the whole problem has been explored with a view to seeing what improvements are most needed and how the cost could be met. It was agreed at the outset of the discussions that they should be regarded as confidential and I am not in a position to indicate the views expressed by either party.

The scheme which I am about to outline is the Government's own scheme, but in framing it we have paid close attention to the considerations urged upon us by the representatives of the two contributing parties. There are nearly 3,000,000 old age pensioners over the age of 65 in this country. Most of them, of course, are drawing contributory pensions, but included in the total are 550,000 who are over 70 and whose pension is subject to a test of means. It is natural, when considering the need for improving the pensions system, to concentrate on the case of the pensioner who has no additional resources other than public assistance. But investigation shows that this class of case, which certainly calls for our special consideration and with which I intend to deal, is exceptional. For instance, the latest available figures show that there are at least 375,000 pensioners earning wages in employment—under war conditions the number must be growing. Some may well be earning salaries. Some are Income Tax payers. Large numbers receive supplementary pensions under works' superannuation schemes. A large proportion, no doubt, live with sons or daughters and share the family roof and the family table. It is the minority who have not these additional means of support whose case needs especially to be considered, and the Government propose to deal with the matter by supplementing pensions, where necessary, from central funds, rather than by a flat rate addition all round which, while it is really not needed in many cases, might well prove insufficient where help is most required.

There is a further objection to adopting the method of flat rate addition which I must state plainly to the House. Although pensions under the 1925 Act are called "contributory," the greater part of the money needed to pay them is being provided, not by contributions from employer and workman, but by the general taxpayer. The State contribution to contributory pensions is at present no less than 60 per cent. of the whole; in addition, the State, of course, pays the whole of the non-contributory pensions. I have seen no scheme for increasing, by means of a flat rate addition, the scale of old age pensions all round which would not involve heavy further burdens on public funds, which we ought not to incur in present circumstances without being satisfied of their necessity. If the existing contributory pension was to be brought up to a substantially higher figure—say by adding 5s. a week—by an increase of weekly contributions alone, the weekly contribution for men would have to be raised from 11d. to 1s. 9d. at once and to 2s. 1d. in five years' time, with corresponding increases in the case of women's contributions. Without questioning the willingness of both parties to industry to make some contribution towards an improvement in the existing scheme, an addition of this magnitude is plainly not practicable in present circumstances.

Our latest information is that about 275,000 pensioners get additional relief from public assistance authorities and the annual cost of such relief is in the region of £5,250,000. We propose to take away altogether from the local authorities their present liability to supplement old age pensions, including the pensions of widows over 60 and to place this obligation upon central funds with some appropriate adjustment of finances under the block grant. It will be discharged by a central organisation analogous to the Unemployment Assistance Board under the supervision of the Minister of Health in England and Wales and of the Secretary of State for Scotland in Scotland. Further, we propose that the present family needs test as administered by public assistance committees, which has regard to the income of all liable relatives wherever they reside, should be replaced by the household needs test as now applied in the case of applicants for unemployment assistance. We should not be justified in relieving from all obligation sons and daughters who live in the same house as their aged parents and can make some reasonable contribution to their parents' maintenance. This has been the practice in this country from time immemorial, and it is based on sound social instincts. In considering the need of an old age pensioner we should not, however, take into account the resources of sons and daughters who do not live with their parents but have establishments of their own. The supplementary grant, when fixed, will in most cases not call for constant revision and will really be of the nature of a supplementary pension. It will be paid through the Post Office as is the practice at present with the 10s. pensions.

There are two other changes in the present system of contributory pensions which we see our way to introduce. The first has to do with the wife who is younger than her husband when the latter becomes entitled at the age of 65 to his pension of 10s. The hardship in this case is accentuated where a couple has been in receipt of unemployment benefit or assistance before the husband was 65, since he was previously receiving an allowance for his wife as well as for himself but this ceases when he reaches the age of 65. We have therefore decided to recommend Parliament to lower the age for wives under the contributory scheme to 60, provided their husbands are 65 or over. This involves also considering the admission to pension at 60 of women who are insured in their own right and we have decided to provide for these women also in our proposals. The cost of these two concessions is slightly over £8,000,000 a year at the present time, rising to £10,000,000 in 10 years' time. We propose to meet this cost in the immediate future by appropriate additions to contributions—namely, 2d. per week in respect of men and 3d. per week in respect of women—though, as the years pass, the change will involve an added burden on the Exchequer unless the whole contributory basis of the pension scheme is revised.

The above proposals will require legislation which will be introduced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. The Bill is being prepared and will be presented to the House without delay. We hope to obtain a Second Reading as soon as possible and to make substantial progress with the measure before the Easter Adjournment.

To sum up, the plan I have outlined will, in effect, establish supplementary pensions payable through the Post Office for those who, from the absence of other resources, need them; it will remove from local authorities the burden to which they have frequently drawn attention, of providing relief for old age pensioners by supplementary assist- ance; it will place this obligation upon central funds under more acceptable conditions; and it will enlarge the benefits of the contributory scheme so as to include within it wives and insured women over 60. These are the general intentions of the Government and I hope the House will await the Bill for more precise details.

May I ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can say what is the basis on which these supplementary pensions are to be paid, or the amount?

There will not be any limit. I regard that as an advantage as compared with fixing a figure like 5s. because I have no doubt that in some cases it will be more than that. There will not be a limit; there will be a scale and the supplement will be fixed having regard to the need of the pensioner.

Does it amount to anything more than a subvention to local authorities for relief?

It amounts to a great deal more. It amounts first of all to providing for regular payments through the Post Office for those people who feel, and I think naturally feel, a considerable sense of humiliation because they have to apply weekly for relief from local authorities.