asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many farms in Scotland provision has not been made in terms of the Government scheme request to produce as much food as possible; what is the number of holders of such farms; how many of these are the proprietors thereof; whether he will take steps to secure that these farms are either cultivated or let to some person or persons who will cultivate them in order to produce more food in accordance with the Government's scheme; and whether steps can now be taken to ensure that fair rents be asked for farms for letting in these days of national emergency?

The detailed information requested by the hon. and learned Member is not available, but I cm assure him that the Agricultural Executive Committees to whom is entrusted the duty of securing increased food production are making good progress and, in co-operation with farmers, are taking energetic and successful measures to ensure that increased cultivation is carried out wherever possible.With regard to the last part of the Question, the rent at present obtained for a farm is that agreed upon between landlord and tenant; and both parties have rights, subject to the conditions of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Acts, to require arbitration as to a revision of the rent. As regards farms let to new tenants, the rent is also a matter of bargain between the parties concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many camps have been completed in Scotland under the Camps Act, 1939; how many are in course of construction; how many more are to be proceeded with; and what use the finished camps are being put to?

Five camps are being built in Scotland. The first of these will be ready for occupation next month. It is anticipated that three will be ready by the end of March and the other by the end of May. The intention is to use these camps in connection with the Government evacuation scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of appointments to recruiting medical boards, emergency hospital, and first-aid posts in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, and Glasgow, respectively; and how many of the said appointments are held by doctors who are not members of or directly or indirectly connected with the British Medical Association?

The numbers appointed or enrolled for duty in emergency are as follow:

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the resolution regarding legislation relating to football pools passed at the quarterly meeting of the Methodist Churches in Greenock, a copy of which was communicated to him by the hon. Member for Greenock; and whether he has any statement to make?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. As the hon. and learned Member is no doubt aware, the Postmaster-General, under powers conferred by a Defence Regulation made on the 20th December, is refusing to accept coupons or circulars for use by any person entering football or racing pool competitions. No modification of the Regulation in question is at present under consideration.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has now received the bills of the different local authorities for operating the Fuel Regulations Order; and what is the amount of money involved?

Local authorities have been informed that their first claims for refund of expenses should cover the period ended 31st December, 1939. The forms on which these claims are to be submitted will be circulated to local authorities within a few days. It is not, therefore, possible at present to estimate the expenditure involved.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will take steps to institute an inquiry into the failure of the Low Temperature Carbonisation Company at Warntarw Pencoed, South Wales, and particularly, in view of the large expenditure of public money which has been wasted by the company?

I am informed by the Low Temperature Carbonisation, Limited, that for some weeks past the company have been engaged in heating up the retorts at this plant to the operating temperature, and that it is intended this week to carbonise the first charges of coal in 72 retorts. Carbonisation in a further 72 retorts will follow in a short time. I cannot accept the suggestion contained in the concluding part of the hon. Member's Question.

asked the Secretary for Mines what arrangements have been made by the Government for inspecting and testing the pool petrol now supplied to the public, to secure that it is of adequate quality and refinement?

I am informed by the Petroleum Board that they have laid down comprehensive specifications for petrol supplies purchased by them and that every cargo is fully tested by experienced chemists on arrival, not only by analyses but by engine tests. Similar testing procedure is followed in connection with any blends which may have to be made. In addition, all despatches are subject to examination, and constant care is taken to avoid any risk of contamination in transit. Some 25 laboratories are engaged on petrol testing work.

asked the Secretary for Mines what is the number of persons employed in connection with rationing petrol, and the estimated annual cost?

The total staff employed by my Department in connection with petrol rationing is 1,938, and the estimated annual cost in salaries and wages is £334,750.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether all practical steps are being taken to prevent supplies of oil from reaching the enemy; and, in particular, whether he is satisfied that no part of the recent increased shipments of oil to the port of Trieste has been forwarded to Germany?

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether his attention has been directed to the increase of oil shipments to the port of Trieste since the beginning of the war; and whether he is satisfied that no part of the oil shipped to that port is forwarded to Germany?

As regards steps to prevent supplies of oil from reaching the enemy, the matter is under continual review, and all practical measures are being taken to prevent the enemy from replenishing his supplies of this vital commodity from neutral sources.As regards Trieste, it would be of assistance if my hon. Friends would furnish me with any information they may have on this subject. In the meanwhile, I would observe that, although Italian imports of petroleum have shown an increase in volume, some part of this increase is due to an increase in refining facilities, which has resulted in the importation of greater quantities of crude oil without increasing the total amount of refined products made available.In so far as the increase is not accounted for in this way and by the increase of stocks, I have no information to suggest any significant leakage to Germany since the beginning of the war.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether his attention has been drawn to the increase of soya bean purchases by Holland and certain Scandinavian countries since the war; and whether, in view of the fact that Germany is in great need of soya beans, he will take steps to ration the supplies that reach contiguous neutral countries?

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare what is the increase, since the war, of the import of soya beans by the Scandinavian countries?

Owing to the fact that certain contiguous neutral countries have suppressed their trade statistics, it is not possible to give a complete answer to these Questions. Statistical evidence available shows, however, that from the outbreak of war up to the end of November no excessive importation had taken place. The general situation can be regarded as sufficiently satisfactory, and there seems to be no immediate need for rationing, though, of course, that possibility is not being overlooked.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare what exemptions have been granted to any neutral countries from the Order-in-Council, of 4th December, concerning the extension of the blockade over German exports?

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether the United States Government have been informed that German exports to the United States will be exempt from the blockade only in very exceptional circumstances; and will he state what these circumstances may be?

When the Reprisals Order-in-Council was introduced His Majesty's Government announced that it was their intention to apply it with due regard to the initial disturbance to the interests of neutrals. A communication in the same sense was made to the United States Embassy, who were at the same time informed that exemptions would only be considered in very exceptional circumstances. A certain number of applications for exemption from the provisions of the Order-in-Council have been granted, but I regret that it would not be in the public interest to give any details.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare what measures are being taken to prevent imports reaching Germany through the Balkan and Mediterranean Powers?

All ships entering the Mediterranean from the Atlantic or from the Red Sea are examined at the appropriate contraband control bases. Ships plying between ports in the Mediterranean are visited at sea and, if necessary, diverted to a British or French base for examination. Where evidence of enemy destination is available, goods are, of course, seized; in other cases goods are only allowed to proceed, or to be released to the consignee, on receipt of satisfactory guarantees that they will not be re-exported in any form to the enemy.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare the approximate value of the contraband impounded by His Majesty's Government?

If by impounding the hon. Member means seizure by the Contraband Control, I fear that I must say that owing to the very wide range of goods and commodities and the number of ships involved, it would be a great labour to produce even an approximate figure. Moreover, I would remind the hon. Member that suspected contraband can only be definitely condemned by the Prize Court, which has so far pronounced in only a relatively small number of cases.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that a high proportion of appointments to the food office of the city of Aberdeen were not made in accordance with the normal and proper procedure from lists at the Employment Exchange; and whether he can give an assurance that any future appointments of this class, in any area, will be made from the unemployed register?

Last September, owing to a breakdown of certain arrangements for employing volunteers, paid staff had to be recruited at short notice for urgent work in the City of Aberdeen Food Office, and the procedure for obtaining candidates through the Employment Exchange was, in many instances, not followed. For future appointments the normal procedure will be observed.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will give favourable consideration to requests from catering houses to permit them to deal with more than one butcher where they can prove that it has been their practice to deal with two butchers in the past, in order to avoid inflicting hardship on one of the butchers who would have to be omitted?

The arrangement which my hon. Friend desires has already been made.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will make some statement regarding the intention of the Government to fix the selling price of seed potatoes, in order to clarify the position of both buyers and sellers before the more open weather commences?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the Question put by my hon. Friend the Member for Holland-with-Boston (Mr. Butcher) on 17th January.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in view of the urgent needs of the poultry industry, shipowners can be asked to reserve cargo space for poultry feeding stuffs rather than for the importation of eggs?

The greater part of the supply of imported poultry feeding stuffs comes from distant countries. In so far as eggs are imported from these countries, they come in cold storage space which is not suitable for the importation of feeding stuffs.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he has considered the protest by the Gourock Branch of the Greenock Central Cooperative Women's Guild against the rise in the price of butcher meat and the proposed rise in the price of milk, which was communicated to him by the hon. Member for Greenock; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

Yes, Sir. As to the trend of retail meat prices since decontrol of home-killed meat prices on 4th December, the decision to lift control of the price of home-killed meat was taken, as I stated in the House, only after full examination of the position and in view of the difficulties which were being experienced in marketing fat stock. There is under normal conditions a seasonal advance in the price of home-killed meat during the weeks immediately preceding Christmas, and I am advised that the increases which in fact did occur in the Gourock area were not greater than were to be expected at that time of the year. The price of imported meat remained controlled, and additional supplies of imported meat were made available for those parts of the country where there is a larger demand for cheaper cuts. With the introduction of full control of meat and livestock on 15th January, maximum retail prices for both home-killed and imported meat were prescribed by Order.The concern felt at the possibility of an increase in the price of milk was shared by His Majesty's Government, and it was with the object of preventing increased prices that it was decided, as I announced in the House on 14th December, to make a grant to the Milk Marketing Boards on the condition that the retail prices of milk were maintained at their existing level.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether his attention has been called to the report to the Maidstone Food Committee on the waste of bread; and whether it is proposed that any action should be taken to minimise the waste of foodstuffs?

Inquiries are being made, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in view of the seasonal difference in price between white and coloured cheese, facilities are still granted in war-time for public preferences in this direction?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend's Question has reference to home-produced cheese. Trade in this commodity is still being carried on through normal channels, and no official action has been taken affecting local preferences.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster why his representative at the Midland slaughtering centre at Birmingham has rejected a clause guaranteeing to the Ludlow, Craven Arms, and District Butchers' Association a minimum allocation of cattle and sheep each week, which clause the association wished to Insert in a contract with his Department for slaughtering cattle and sheep at the Craven Arms slaughtering centre; and whether such rejection is the invariable practice or whether any contracts have been accepted by his Department containing a similar clause?

The slaughtering of fatstock at slaughterhouses operated under the plan for the control of meat and livestock is carried out by contractors. The number of fatstock to be slaughtered at any slaughterhouse each week will depend upon the supplies which are from time to time available. It is not possible therefore to guarantee to any slaughtering contractor a minimum allocation each week. No slaughtering contracts have been accepted by my Department containing a clause guaranteeing to the contractor a minimum allocation of cattle and sheep each week.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that the pre-war price of oatmeal was 1s. 10d. per stone by retail in Aberdeenshire; what are the retail prices in various localities to-day; and whether he is aware that the price to-day per boll is similar to the price in 1840 before the repeal of the Corn Laws?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative; the retail prices of oatmeal of average quality varies to-day between 3s. 4d. and 4s. 4d. per stone, and the position is being watched. I am informed that the average prices for oatmeal, wholesale, at Aberdeen, Montrose, Perth, and Edinburgh markets is 28s. 9d. per cwt.; and that in 1840 the average Teinds price at Aberdeen, Forfar, Perth, and Midlothian was 16s. 6d. per boll of 140 lbs.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the death of a full-time auxiliary fireman, occurring as the result of an illness con-traded in the course of and arising out of his occupation, does not entitle the widow to a service pension under the Civilians (Personal Injuries) Scheme; and will he take steps to amend the scheme in order to make such provision?

I take it that the hon. Member has in mind a case on which we have recently been corresponding. I have called for a further report on this case and will communicate with him again as soon as possible.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the time rate for making mailbags in Maidstone Prison has recently been shortened from 25 minutes to 16, and subsequently raised to 20; that this is equivalent to a cut of 2½d. per week, or 31 per cent. of the maximum weekly wage; that the prisoners on this work have thereby been largely deprived of the money to buy tobacco; arid as this caused, or contributed to, discontent will he restore the time rates?

The earnings scheme is based on the principle that payment is made only if the amount of work done reaches a certain minimum standard. Separate standards have to be fixed for each type of work, and care has to be taken in each case not to make the standard so low that the reward can be earned without effort or so high as to leave industrious workers unrewarded. Sometimes it is necessary to revise the standard in the light of experience, and the inquiry which I made recently into the particular case to which the hon. and learned Gentleman refers showed that there had been no lack of care or consideration in fixing the standard for the particular job in question.

asked the Home Secretary what precautions were taken for the safety of Miss Unity Mitford on her return to this country; what was the reason for this action; and what was the total cost?

As was shown by the reply given by the Secretary of State for War, no special precautions were taken for the safety of this passenger. The only precautions were the ordinary precautions to, prevent the entry of unauthorised persons to a place to which access has been controlled under the Defence Regulations, since the outbreak of war. So far as my Department was concerned, Miss Mitford was examined in the same way as other passengers entering the country, but as is frequently done in the case of an invalid, the examination took place in her cabin.

asked the Home Secretary the nature of the communication received from the chairman of the Royal Commission on Workmen's Compensation?

As promised by the Chancellor of the Exchequer at the end of November, the Royal Commission, whose proceedings had been suspended since the outbreak of war, were consulted as to resuming their inquiry; and the chairman has informed my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary that they have made preparations to resume their sittings and complete their report as speedily as possible. At the same time he makes it clear that their task is a lengthy one and that they should not be expected to present any report for some considerable time.

asked the Home Secretary whether, taking the 20 largest towns in the country, he will state the amount in each case needed to cover the existing air-raid precautions services?

On the basis of the present monthly rate of expenditure as shown in recent claims from the local authorities named below, the estimated expenditure for a full year on the pay of whole-time volunteers for the Air-Raid Precautionary Services, including the Auxiliaruy Fire Service, of these authorities is as shown in column 2 of the following table. This expenditure is reimbursed by the Exchequer. As regards expenditure on Air-Raid Precautionary Services, including the Auxiliary Fire Service, which is met partly by the Exchequer and partly by the local authorities, particulars are not yet available of the estimated expenditure of all these authorities for the full financial year, but column 3 of the table shows, on the basis of returns received form these authorities, the expenditure, actual or estimated, in the first half of the year:

asked the Home Secretary whether he will arrange that, in view of continuing war risks, whole-time trained auxiliaries of the fire military service as engaged in a reserved occupation?

The conditions of enrolment for the Auxiliary Fire Service are such that very few auxiliary firemen are below the age of 25, and I do not anticipate that the withdrawal of those below that age who are medically fit for military service will cause serious difficulty. As regards men in the higher age groups affected by the recent Royal Proclamation, I am obtaining particulars of the numbers affected, and the whole question will be carefully reviewed in the light of this information.

asked the Home Secretary why the rates of pay authorised for officers of the Auxiliary Fire Service, London, in November last are not yet in operation; and whether the increases indicated will be retrospective as from the date of the order?

The establishment and rates of pay for officers in the London Auxiliary Fire Service were approved on 3rd November last. I understand that the application of these rates by the London County Council has been held up pending a full review of existing appointments, but that they will be applied retrospectively in the case of officers whose appointments are confirmed.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the special difficulties of mental hospitals, these institutions may receive direct warning of aid raids, especially in districts where the general warning siren may not be heard?

Under existing arrangements, mental hospitals not within earshot of public warning signals are among the services eligible for inclusion in the list of those to receive the action warning by telephone.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the many hard cases resulting from fatalities prim- arily due to the black-out; and whether he is prepared to formulate proposals for financial compensation or palliation in such cases either by Government grant or by Government initiation and assistance to a scheme of insurance against such risks?

The Government are seriously concerned at the increase in the number of fatal road accidents during the hours of darkness, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and I are anxious that every practicable step shall be taken to reduce the number of such accidents. I do not consider, however, that deaths due to road accidents at night could properly be regarded as a matter for compensation by the Government. In many such cases where motor vehicles are involved the scheme of compulsory insurance against third-party claims will be available.

asked the Minister of Health what instructions have been issued to enable first-aid squads to differentiate between those injuries which are suitable for treatment at first-aid posts and those winch ought to be sent direct to hospital; and where copies of these instructions may be obtained?

General advice on this matter is contained in Air-Raid Precautions Handbook No. Do on the Training and Work of First-Aid Parties, which is on sale and can be obtained from His Majesty's Stationery Office or through the usual sale agents. It is for the scheme-making authorities in each area to give the appropriate instructions to first-aid parties under their control.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that the Inland Revenue Offices at 7 and 8, Park Street, Croydon, are still without an air-raid shelter; that no work has yet been commenced on it despite promises that it was hoped to put the work in hand shortly; and whether he can give a date on which the work will be commenced?

Since I stated on 6th December that it was hoped to put work in hand shortly on an air-raid shelter for the staff of 82 occupying these offices, modifications have been proposed in the plan which will considerably improve the protection afforded. It has been decided to adopt the amended scheme, and, while I cannot, at this moment, give a specific date on which the work will begin, I can assure the hon. Member that there will be no avoidable delay.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has any information as to the way in which Germany fostered her export trade from 1933 onwards by regulating the relationship between exporter and importer; and whether, in view of the tremendous opportunities now open through the curtailment of Germany's overseas commerce, he will consider introducing some similar scheme for this country?

Yes, Sir, but I doubt whether the methods adopted by Germany would be suited to our own case.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade whether his Department has issued any licences for the export of farm animal feeding-stuffs since 1st November, and, if so, what were the amounts involved, and their destination?

The hon. Member will find particulars of the value of total exports and re-exports of feeding stuffs for animals on pages 5–7 of the published trade accounts. Publication of particulars of our trade with individual countries has been suspended since the outbreak of war.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will expedite the case of E. G. Walton, Private, Royal Army Service Corps, supplemental reserve, who was called up on 2nd September, joined his unit, then returned home as unfit owing to wounds received during the last war, and since September has received no instructions, as this man is married with three children and has only received two payments on account, and is unable to obtain employment as he has not been discharged?

I have called for a report in this case, and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I have the necessary information.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that members of the Army Officers Emergency Reserve who held temporary commissions during the last war and have been called up for service are gazetted as second lieutenants irrespective of the rank held at the end of the last war, and are only entitled to second lieutenants' allowances; that many of these officers are married men with families who have given up professional or other work to serve the country in the present emergency; and whether he will take steps to secure to these officers the allowances appropriate to the rank in which they are actually serving?

Officers who held temporary commissions during the last war and are now given emergency commissions from the Army Officers Emergency Reserve, are gazetted in the rank of second lieutenant unless they have previously rendered three years' qualifying service, in which case they may be appointed direct to the rank of lieutenant. Promotion to higher acting rank to fill vacancies within approved war establishments is by merit. After a period of acting rank carrying the pay of the rank, temporary rank may be given which entitles the officer to the married allowances of the rank.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mrs. Fraser, 132, South Portland Street, Glasgow, received a pay order book from the War Office in which the first 15 pay orders were torn in halves; that no explanation was given to the woman as to the reason; and whether he intends to take any steps to stop this practice?

Pay order books are prepared to cover a given period, usually 26 weeks. Where an allowance is to start from a date later than that from which the book begins, the forms relating to the weeks before the former date are cancelled by being torn in half. In the case to which the hon. Members refers, Mrs. Fraser was notified of the period of payment covered by the drafts in the book.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give an assurance that the men who are being appointed as honorary welfare officers to the home commands are all men with previous practical experience of this specialised form of social welfare work; and whether they will be prepared to devote their full energies and time to such work?

Welfare officers appointed to commands at home have been selected in view of their previous practical military and civil experience of the problems involved. I am pleased to be able to say they are devoting much time and energy to their work, and already considerable results have been obtained from their labours.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to protests from the Civil Service Clerical Association against the employment of Auxiliary Territorial Service girls on work proper to clerical agents in the War Office; and what action he proposes to take?

I am aware of these protests, but I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my predecessor to the hon. Member for Dartford (Mrs. Adamson) on 7th November last.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the terms of the order communicated to commanding officers announcing that no further kilts are to be issued to other ranks?

The orders were contained in War Office Letters to Commands, which it is not the practice to publish.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a statement at the earliest possible opportunity to allay the anxiety of Scottish soldiers everywhere that the appointment of English regimental officers, reservists and Army-class intakes to Scottish regiments, and the decision not to issue the kilt in war-time, are indications of the intention to pool man-power on a non-territorial basis without consideration for the national characteristics, historical derivation, and magnificent fighting records of Scottish regiments and the Highland and Lowland divisions?

Every effort is made to post men territorially, but it has been found to he inevitable that some Englishmen should be posted to Scottish units, if these units are to be maintained at the necessary strength with the normal calling up of age groups.As regards the kilt, I would refer to the answer I gave this afternoon to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ayr Burghs (Sir T. Moore) and to my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, East (Mr. Henderson Stewart).

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will instruct Records to devise some method of accounting for men who have been released from military service instead of requiring these to be returned as still on the strength of their former units, who may be precluded thereby from training a sufficiency of war effectives?

Instructions on the subject are shortly to be issued, but men who have been released do not count as part of the effective strength of units, and do not prevent the intake of personnel in replacement.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the suspension of meetings of local employment committees is causing a great deal of dissatisfaction; what is the reason for the suspension, and will he consider altering it?

I am not aware of any general dissatisfaction with the present arrangement not to hold meetings of these committees, unless special business arises. Some meetings have, in fact, been held since the war started, but, in order to remove any misunderstanding, instructions are being given that meetings should be held if, in the chairman's opinion, an appreciable number of members desire it.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons registered at Bridgend, Aberkenfig, Ogmore Vale, and Pontycymmer Employment Exchanges in receipt of benefits and allowances, separately, for 1934, and each year to date?

I am having the available figures extracted and will send them to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will indicate the course of employment in the city of Leicester by numbers, industries, and percentages, respectively, for the month of December, 1939?

The following table shows, for the area served by the Leicester Employment Exchange and Juvenile Employment Bureau, the numbers of insured persons, aged 16–64 years, recorded as unemployed in the principal industries at nth December, 1939, and these numbers expressed as percentages of the estimated numbers insured at July, 1939:

asked the Minister of Labour the present funded debt of the Unemployment Fund, and also the surplus of the fund on current account?

At 20th January, 1940, the debt of the Unemployment Fund on the general account was about £77,000,000 and the balance of the fund, including investments at cost, was about £58,600,000 on the general account and £3,400,000 on the agricultural account.

asked the Minister of Labour how many points it is estimated were added to the cost-of-living index by the food taxes imposed by the supplementary Budget, and, in particular, by the increased Sugar Duties?

The effect of the additional duty of id. per lb. on sugar, provided for in the supplementary Budget, was to raise the cost-of-living index figure by approximately 1⅔ points.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the great disparity in the decisions for and against conscientious objectors in the several parts of the country; whether he has issued any regulations to guide those tribunals; and, if not, will he do so?

I am aware that in the early days of their work the proportions of applicants placed in the different categories showed some disparity as between the various local tribunals. This disparity has now diminished considerably. I have no power to make regulations interpreting the provisions of the Act as to conscientious objectors, but local tribunals will no doubt be guided by the decisions of the Appellate Tribunal, to which there is an unrestricted right of appeal.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the appellate tribunal dealing with conscientious objectors meets in London; that most of those who appear before the tribunal come from a distance and are almost invariably from working-class homes without much means; and will he ask the tribunal to arrange to meet in several parts of the country instead of always in the Metropolis, with a view to saving the money now paid to meet expenses in these cases?

The place of sitting is a matter for the tribunal, which, I understand, takes the view that the most satisfactory arrangement is for them to meet in London. I would inform the hon. Member that third-class travelling and subsistence allowances on the usual Treasury scale are payable to applicants and to any witnesses whose attendance is certified by the tribunal to have been necessary.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of appeals so far lodged for consideration by the Conscientious Objectors Appellate Tribunal against decisions of local tribunals centred at Manchester, Carlisle, Leeds, and Newcastle, respectively?

The figures asked for are as follow:

asked the Minister of Labour what decision he has arrived at regarding the position of arts-divinity students in relation to the Schedule of Reserved Occupations?

The entry in the Schedule of Reserved Occupations relating to theological students now reads as follows:"Theological student—a man who was, before September, 1939, regarded by any religious denomination as a candidate for Holy Orders or for appointment as a regular Minister of, that denomination—while he remains such a candidate and continues without interruption in a course of preparation for Holy Orders or for appointment as a regular Minister."The hon. and learned Member will see that a student reading for an Arts Degree may be covered by this definition.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many wives whose husbands are serving with the Forces and who, through drop in income, cannot pay rent, have received a Government grant; and what is the limit of the grant?

The grants made by me on the advice of the War Service Grants Advisory Committee are based on serious hardship resulting from the inability of members of the Forces to meet their financial obligations in consequence of their war service. In arriving at their recommendations, the committee take rent into account along with other commitments, and it is not possible to give the number of cases in which inability to pay rent is the sole reason for a grant. The maximum which the committee can recommend in any one case is £2 per week.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of general medical practitioners employed on medical boards for the examination of recruits; the number of these medical men who are members of the British Medical Association, and the number who have acted in an honorary capacity as officials of local branches or divisions of that Association; and whether he is aware of the widespread feeling prevailing amongst practitioners that Government funds are being used to provide recompense for past services?

The number of medical practitioners at present serving either as chairman or as members of the panels of medical boards, appointed under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act, 1939, is 2,692. I have no information about the number of these practitioners who are members of the British Medical Association or who have acted as officials of that Association. I have received no expressions of dissatisfaction at the appointments.

asked the Minister of Labour why appointments to medical boards for the examination of recruits made by his Department are not given effect to; whether he will make inquiries into the appointment, dated 1st June, 1939, under the Military Training Act, 1939, as a member of the medical board to be assembled at Hounslow; the notification by the chairman of such board, dated 16th idem, that the sittings of the boards were suspended; the eventual transfer, owing to urgency, of the appointment under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act, 1939, by the letter from his Department, dated 6th September, 1939; the purported confirmation by the British Medical Association (West Middlesex Local Emergency Committee) in September of the appointment already made by his Department, and later the removal of the doctor's name from the board to which he was appointed by his Department; and the receipt by the doctor of Form III from the British Medical Association, head office, dated 28th September, 1939, to the effect that the doctor's name was placed in the reserve list for whole time public health work in outside areas subject to the approval of the local emergency committee?

I am making inquiries, and these would be facilitated if the hon. Member would be good enough to furnish me with the name of the medical practitioner to whom he refers.

asked the Minister of Labour when the Government expect a report of their investigator on the condition of the building industry in relation to Government and other needs; and whether, if this document has not yet been handed in, he can expedite delivery?

Sir Connop Guthrie, who is giving his services voluntarily to the Government, was appointed to undertake a continuous review of the position in the building industry, including civil and industrial needs, for the information of the Government. He is in constant touch with the Works and Building Priority Sub-Committee, which is an integral part of the general priority organisation of the Government and which deals with matters within his terms of appointment. In these circumstances it is not contemplated that any formal report will be published.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information about the increase of Japanese armed forces along the borders of Hong Kong; whether any Japanese aeroplanes have landed on, or adjoining, British territory; and whether any protests have been made to the Japanese authorities?

All Japanese troops were withdrawn from the border between Hong Kong and Kwangtung on 31st December last. My Noble Friend has received no report of any landing of Japanese aeroplanes on British territory.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to allow Sir William Seeds, on account of his services in the Russian climate, as extended a holiday as possible?

The hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that, in determining the duration of Sir W. Seeds' leave of absence, full account will be taken of the considerations which he has mentioned.

asked the Attorney-General whether the advisory committee for the County of Middlesex has now been reconstituted; and whether he will give the names of the members?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. The names of the members are as follow:

• The Lord Rochdale.
• Sir William Barber.
• Sir Gilfrid G. Craig.
• Colonel Forrester Clayton.
• Colonel E. J. King, C.B., C.M.G.
• Lieut.-Colonel R. W. Roylance.
• S. A. Kyffin, Esq.
• Mrs. Gertrude Barnes.
• Sir Howard Button.
• Lieut.-Colonel J. W. Abraham, O.B.E.
• James Sydney Hogg, Esq.
• Rowland R. Robbins, Esq.
• W. Garrod, Esq.
• Mrs. E. Tudor Rhys.
• G. F. Cutting, Esq. Albert John Lynch, Esq.
• F. Kershaw, Esq.
• St. John G. Micklethwaite, Esq., K.C.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, as it is open for the inhabitants of British mandated territory South-West Africa to become British subjects of the Union of South Africa, he will make representations to the Government of New Zealand on behalf of the inhabitants of Samoa, mandated to New Zealand?

Provision already exists in the British Nationality and Status of Aliens (in New Zealand) Act, 1928, passed by the New Zealand Parliament, whereby persons resident in Western Samoa may be granted certificates of naturalisation by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister for External Affairs. According to the Annual Report of the Department of Internal Affairs of the New Zealand Government, two certificates of naturalisation were issued in Western Samoa during the year ended 31st March, 1939.

asked the Minister of Health the names of hospitals, and the towns in which they are situated, which are equipped and staffed with modern psycho-therapy, and in which there are consultant appointments to supervise this type of work?

Psycho-therapy is a form of treatment which is freely employed in mental hospitals. It is given by the resident medical officers, who are supplemented, in some cases, by visiting medical staff. The resident medical officers are generally regarded locally as consultants for psychiatric purposes. I am sending the hon. Member a list of mental hospitals showing the towns in which they are situated.

asked the Minister of Health whether any of the eight persons in 1938, whose deaths were attributed wholly or in part to vaccination or vaccinia suffered from post-vaccinal encephalitis; and how were the four deaths classified which were not classified to vaccinia?

Of the four deaths to which the hon. Member refers as not classified to vaccinia, three were classified to "other sequelae of vaccination." The remaining death was classified to measles. Of the remaining four deaths to which the hon. Member refers as having been classified to vaccinia, three were attributed to either "post-vaccinal encephalitis" or post-vaccinal encephalo-myelitis." In addition to the eight deaths above-mentioned a case which was originally certified as due to "encephalitis" alone was afterwards discovered to have followed vaccination, and was therefore classified under vaccinia and will so appear in the published report of the Registrar-General.

asked the Minister of Health whether the circular letter issued by the British Medical Association and bearing the date 30th November, 1939, has been issued with his knowledge and approval; and how the statement contained therein that the Central Medical War Committee and the local medical war committees are committees of the Association can be reconciled with the statements made by him in reply to Questions raised in this House?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative, and I must, therefore, refer the hon. Member to the Association if he considers that any statement made in the circular is in-accurate.

asked the Minister of Supply how many new factories or extensions to present factories it is proposed to open to meet requirements for war supplies; and how many are arranged for in the North-Eastern area?

In reply to the first part of the Question, decision has been taken to open 27 new Royal ordnance factories and 48 new factories to be built at Government expense and managed on "agency terms"; in addition, 374 factory extensions to accommodate new plant or additions to plant have been approved, building to be at Government expense. In reply to the second part of the Question, it would not be in the public interest that I should give separate figures for particular districts.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of parcels carried on the cash-on-delivery service, and the number returned as undeliverable, respectively, in 1939?

The number of cash on delivery parcels carried during 1939 was approximately 2,724,500, and the number returned as undeliverable, including those refused, 66,700.

asked the Postmaster-General on what date he intends to reintroduce the evening is. telephone charge which operated before September last year; and whether or not the same regulations will be applied to all subscribers as at that time?

My right hon. and gallant Friend has fixed 12th February as the date for the reintroduction of the cheap night trunk rates which were in force before the war. The cheap rates will be available to all subscribers from 7 o'clock each night. I hope that the restoration of these rates will prove to be of material assistance to men and women serving with the Forces at home and to many who have been evacuated to distant parts of the country. It seems probable that many of the calls in these cases will be made from public call offices; such calls are difficult to handle and, as a means of helping to avoid serious congestion at 7 o'clock, it is proposed to advance the time at which cheap calls will come into operation in the case of calls originated from call offices to 6.30 p.m.On the other hand, there is still continued heavy pressure of urgent defence traffic throughout the day time, and my right hon. and gallant Friend regrets that it is impracticable under these conditions to restore the reduced day rates which were in force before the war.

asked the Postmaster-General the total amount of moneys paid out from the post offices in the city of Leicester for the year 1939 in respect of war pensions, contributory widows', orphans' and old age pensions, and other issues under his Department, including payments to blind persons?

The following amounts (approximately) were paid out in the year ended 31st December, 1939. from post offices in the city of Leicester in respect of:

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many new factories, or extensions to present factories, it is proposed to open to meet requirements arising out of the war; and how many are arranged for in the North-Eastern area?

Under the rearmament programme quite a large number of extensions to factories and new factories have been put in hand; some of these are now complete. It would not be in the public interest to reveal the location of such factories, but my hon. Friend can rest assured that every consideration will continue to be given to the North-Eastern area, having regard to all relevant factors.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of sublieutenants and lieutenants, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and Royal Naval Volunteer Supplementary Reserve, recommended for promotion by their respective commanding officers since the outbreak of the present hostilities, and in how many cases these promotions have been refused?

Information concerning the number of junior officers of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve who have been recommended by their commanding officers for promotion since the outbreak of war is not readily available, but in all cases where the officer was properly qualified in accordance with the regulations, such recommendations have been approved. New regulations enabling junior Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve officers to be promoted at an earlier stage have recently been brought into force. With regard to the Royal Naval Volunteer Supplementary Reserve, members on being called into service become temporary officers of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made with the organisation of pig clubs to encourage pig keeping by cottagers and smallholders?

The small Pig Keepers' Council, which, as my hon. Friend will be aware, was set up as an independent body in November last to encourage cottagers, smallholders, allotment holders, and others to keep pigs and to form pig clubs for insurance and other purposes, is now completing arrangements for a general campaign in pursuit of these objectives, and I understand that the formation of pig clubs is already under discussion in a number of districts.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the guaranteed price per cwt. for oats, barley, wheat and bacon per score prior to the outbreak of hostilities and at the latest date; and the total money increase in guarantees based upon a normal year's output?

The standard price for oats under the price insurance provisions of the Agricultural Development Act, 1939, has been increased from 8s. to 9s. per cwt. by an Order made under Part I of that Act, for which the affirmative approval of Parliament will be sought at an early date. It is also proposed to seek the authority of the House to an increase from 10s.to 11s per cwt. in the standard price of wheat under the Wheat Acts. Under the Barley Scheme made under Part II of the Agricultural Development Act on 28th July, 1939. payments would be made to barley growers if the ascertained average price of barley fell short of 10s. per cwt. No alteration has been made in these provisions.In the case of oats and barley it seems unlikely that any payments will fall to be made to growers in respect of the 1939 crops under the provisions of the Agricultural Development Act. The increase in the gross financial returns to farmers resulting from the higher price for wheat may be estimated roughly at £1,400,000 per annum on the basis of the average acreage of recent years. The hon. Member will, of course, appreciate that the bulk of this gross increase in returns will be absorbed by increased costs.As regards pigs, the position has radically changed as a result of the institution of a schedule of fixed prices for pigs whether they go for pork or bacon, and of the effect of the shortage of feeding stuffs on the rate of fattening. In these circumstances it is not possible to frame any useful estimate of the money increase to farmers suggested in the Question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many farmers in England, Wales and Scotland produced oats, barley, wheat or sugar beet during 1939; and how many farmers produced two or more of these commodities?

The approximate numbers of farmers in Great Britain producing oats, barley, wheat and sugar beet in 1939 were 169,000; 57,000; 104,000; and 39,000 respectively. I regret that the information asked for in the latter part of the Question is not available.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he is aware of the serious situation that may arise in Palestine unless adequate shipping accommodation is provided for the removal of the citrus crop; and whether, in view of the importance to every section of the community of this crop, he will provide the means of transport and ensure economic stability in Palestine?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the importance of this crop to growers and to Palestine generally, and arrangements have been made for freighting a substantial portion of it. My right hon. Friend will consider sympathetically the possibility of making some further tonnage available.

asked the Minister of Shipping what proportion of the total number of British coasting vessels is fitted with wireless apparatus; and whether, in view of the repeated attacks by enemy aircraft on small fishing and other vessels off the British coast, he will give immediate attention to the paramount necessity of providing such non-convoyed ships with efficient signalling installations, not excluding wireless telegraphy, so that defensive forces will be informed at the commencement of attacks?

Exact statistics could not be given without a good deal of investigation, but a very considerable proportion of coasting ships are fitted with wireless telegraph or telephone apparatus. My Department is in communication with the Admiralty with regard to the second part of the Question, and the hon. Member may rest assured that everything practicable will be done to ensure that these small vessels will be given assistance when attacked.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether any oversea supplies of commodities carried in ships convoyed by the British Navy are sent to, or transferred from Great Britain to Eire?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Shipping how many shipbuilding yards had been closed down or diverted to other purposes up to the date of the outbreak of war; and how many of these it is proposed to reopen for shipbuilding?

The total number of yards involved is 38. As I have stated in reply to Questions by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ayr Burghs (Sir T. Moore) to-day, the possibility of reopening some is under constant review, having regard to the amount of labour available.

asked the Minister of Shipping the difference between the rates paid to shipowners for the requisitioning of vessels and the rate paid to the Ministry by other Government Departments using the vessels; and what amounts have accrued to the Ministry of Shipping as a result of these transactions?

No payment is made to the Ministry of Shipping by other Government Departments in respect of the use of requisitioned vessels; appropriate rates of freight will be taken in order that those Departments may complete their trading accounts. The rates quoted are compiled on the basis of the running costs of the vessels, due regard being had to the rates of hire and war risks insurance.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he is aware of the deplorable state of the ship-painting industry on the Merseyside; and will he take steps to ensure the starting of such work?

I am aware that there is unemployment in the ship-painting industry, which is partly a seasonal trade, and I have no doubt that so far as painting is necessary for proper maintenance of shipping, owners and managers of ships will bear this in mind.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the number of schoolchildren medically examined in the city of Leicester at the latest convenient date; the number of medical examiners there employed; and the number of children found to need treatment?

The latest figures available are those for the year 1938, which were given in my reply of 7th February, 1939. When the figures for 1939 are received from the local education authority, I will send them to my hon. Friend.