asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that on occasions certain railway carriages are labelled reserved and are not fully occupied; and whether he will consult with railway companies to secure that when other parts of the train are overcrowded and seats cannot be found, all unoccupied seats should be made available even though they are in so-called reserved compartments?

Save in very exceptional circumstances, the reservation of seats or compartments on railway trains has been discontinued since the outbreak of war. I am not aware of the occasions to which the hon. Member refers, but if he will let me have particulars, I shall be glad to make inquiries.

I am glad to have had that answer; just at the time when we want equality we find the whole place is packed up. That was why I wanted to draw the attention of the Minister to the matter.

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will be good enough to see me after Questions.

Are compartments reserved from time to time for Government officials?

I should like notice of that question.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend make sure that sleepers can still be reserved, because it would be inconvenient if too many people were sleeping?

My answer was about seats in compartments.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared to increase the transport facilities for the mines in Northumberland to enable long hauls to take place and thereby improve the working time at the mines?

As the hon. Member will be aware, the bulk of the Northumberland coal is normally carried by sea, and the rail facilities for its transport to other parts of the country are limited. The possibility of increasing the distribution of this coal by rail is, however, being closely examined in relation to other requirements.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that unless we get these facilities there will be a continuation of the present serious position; and is he also aware that men are kept working only by the number of empty wagons that are available?

Because it would be very desirable to provide more railway facilities in order to get coal from Northumberland we are examining the position very carefully at the moment.

Is the Minister aware that this examination has been proceeding for several weeks and that it was reported on by the Secretary for Mines several weeks ago? When will it be completed? Is the Minister also aware that a large number of miners are idle?

The hon. Member will realise that there is a limit to the number of wagons which can be passed over the Tyne at Newcastle.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what steps he is taking to ensure that there is an adequate emergency water supply in Dumbartonshire, in view of the work being carried on there by his Department; and whether he will immediately confer with the joint water committee to ensure such a supply being available?

I am not aware of any likelihood of shortage of water Supply in Dumbartonshire, but I would certainly consult with the local authorities should this appear necessary so far as the Air Ministry is concerned.

asked the Minister of Information whether verbatim reports of other Parliaments, foreign, Dominion and Colonial, are received regularly, and are studied by the Ministry?

Verbatim reports of proceedings in Empire and Foreign Parliaments are in most cases available, but it is not considered practicable or necessary for the Ministry to study them regularly. Summaries of proceedings of Dominion and Colonial legislatures, prepared by the Empire Parliamentary Association and issued in their Journal, are regularly read. Attention is drawn to important debates in foreign Parliaments through the Chatham House summary of the foreign Press and in cables from His Majesty's Missions.

Is it not very important that people in this country should have some means of knowing what is happening in those Parliaments? We are not getting that information, and we have been very much handicapped?

Is not the Empire Parliamentary Association publication, to which the right hon. Gentleman referred, very admirable, and does it not give us a very great deal of information?

Who passes on to Haw-Haw the answers given to Questions here every day?

A great many Members besides the hon. Member would be glad to know.

I hope you will find out.

asked the Minister of Information, why stenographers at the Ministry of Information are paid 15s. a week less than those doing the same class of work at the War Office?

I cannot find any difference in the rates of pay of stenographers employed in similar grades in my Department and in the War Office. If my hon. Friend has any specific case in mind, and will communicate with me, I shall be glad to look into it.

asked the Minister of Information whether the regional officers of his Department are still in existence; and, if so, what are their exact functions?

Yes, Sir. The regional information officers work in close association with the Regional Defence Commissioners, and in co-operation with the local Press, voluntary societies and such committees as may be desirable. One of their duties was and is to help to promote locally an understanding of the national war effort and to reflect the state of public opinion in their region. I have recently conferred with the regional officers and the matter of further regional activity is under consideration.

Why was it necessary to utilise the services of these officers recently in regard to certain branches of the Navy?

I have not heard of that, but I will inquire, if my hon. Friend will give some further information on the point.

How many of these regional officers are there at the present time?

The same number as there are regional defence areas, 11.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the decision of the Treasury that an officer on pension of the service re-employed in his old grade will be paid the current minimum if his former salary was less than that minimum; and whether he will take steps to implement this decision in the case of re-employed Edinburgh postal servants formerly on pension who are at present being paid 5s. 6d. below the current minimum for their grade?

The hon. Member is under some misapprehension. The figure of 5s. 6d. which he quotes is the difference between the present pay of certain re-employed pensioners who are getting their former maximum of 88s. 6d., and the current maximum for their grade of 94s. The pensioners in question are receiving 30s. 6d. more, and not 5s. 6d. less, than the current minimum for their grade.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the individuals in question are under no misapprehension and that they consider they are getting 5s. 6d. less than people doing the same work alongside them?

I am sure that they are not under any misapprehension. The hon. Gentleman is wrong in saying that we are not implementing the decision of the Treasury. The difficulty about answering his Question is that he unfortunately used the word "minimum" while the word appropriate to his argument and the context was "maximum"—which is different.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether local bricks are being used in the building of hutments on the outskirts of Cheltenham?

Local bricks are being used for the foundations.

In view of the fact that, in Cheltenham, there is a long-established firm which makes bricks, and of the necessity for restricting the use of petrol for unnecessary transport, would my right hon. Friend say why local bricks are not used?

The erection of these hutments is being carried out on the basis of lump-sum contracts. The contractor has to provide bricks, and he provides those which are the cheapest and most satisfactory to meet the case. I understand that local bricks were dearer and that delivery could not be guaranteed.

Did the right hon. Gentleman or anybody in his Department verify those facts, and if not, has he any written evidence that local bricks were dearer?

I have no reason to doubt the accuracy of my information.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what were his reasons for requisitioning the fishing boats of Loch Fyne in the midst of their fishing season; and what steps he is taking to prevent ruin falling upon the fishermen in that area from the loss of the boats in which their life's savings have been invested?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary gave to the hon. Member for Maryhill (Mr. J. J. Davidson) yesterday. Only one Loch Fyne boat has so far been requisitioned. Full compensation will be paid.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the murdering of unarmed seamen by German airmen, he will consider ceasing to send ships out to pick up these German airmen when their planes are brought down in the sea?

The ordinary instincts of humanity require the rescue from the sea of drowning men or castaways, should they be observed by His Majesty's ships in the course of their duties.

Is not saving people from drowning a very different thing from sending out a British ship with British men on board in dangerous waters to pick up people who may or may not be there?

I think my answer covers that point as well as the other point of the right hon. and gallant Gentleman.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that it is repugnant to every seaman not to do his utmost to rescue anyone from the water?

If the answer of the right hon. Gentleman is the view of the Admiralty, why was it not put into operation with regard to drowning Spanish refugees?

I did not have the opportunity of answering Questions at that time.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the continued machine-gunning of the crews of British trawlers and fishing-boats by enemy aircraft, he has taken adequate steps for their defence; and whether the question of reprisals or counter-measures has been considered?

We are ceaselessly engaged in planning and putting into execution defensive measures and counter-measures; and these can only be judged by their results.

Would it be accurate to say that, whilst many vessels are at present manned with guns for their protection, the right hon. Gentleman hopes that within a month or six weeks every merchant vessel trading in the North Sea will be similarly protected?

Yes, Sir. I have every hope that a very great measure of protection will be afforded to our men in this dangerous area, and I trust that it will be accomplished in a comparatively short time. Already a great deal has been done. Naturally, one could not have expected that kind of attack on unarmed and small vessels, but now it appears that every vessel must be effectively armed to resist murderous attacks.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, on Friday, 2nd February, two inmates of the Royal Naval Hospital at Haslar died as a result of carbon dioxide being erroneously placed in an anaesthetic machine and administered during operations; whether adequate steps have now been taken to prevent a recurrence; and whether pecuniary compensation will be given to the relatives or dependants?

I am aware of the very regrettable accident to which my hon. Friend refers. The fullest investigation is being made into all the circumstances, but in the meantime immediate steps are being taken to prevent the recurrence of such a case. For the purpose of payment of pension these men's deaths will be regarded as attributable to Naval service. The question of further compensation will be considered when the inquiries have been completed. I would like to take this opportunity of expressing my sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of sublieutenants, Royal Naval Volunteer Supplementary Reserve, promoted to the rank of lieutenant after attending a course in a shore establishment since the out-break of hostilities, giving the length of service and qualifications in each case?

The number of former members of the Royal Naval Volunteer Supplementary Reserve who have been promoted to the rank of temporary lieutenant, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, after a period of preliminary training, is about 400. The length of the training course has varied according to the qualifications which the officer already possessed and the appointment for which he was required.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of temporary lieutenants over 35 years of age at present serving in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve; how many of these officers served in the Great War, 1914–18; and whether they can now be prompted to temporary lieutenant-commanders when recommended by their commanding officers and performing duties commensurate with that rank?

I regret that the information asked for by my hon. Friend in the first part of his Question is not available. Certain temporary officers are already serving in the rank of lieutenant-commander where their duties merit this rank, and such promotions will continue to be made in suitable cases.

In considering promotions, will service rendered by these officers in the last war be taken into account? Is it not rather embarrassing for these officers, in view of their services in the last war, to have young officers, with a comparatively short period of training, over them?

Yes, Sir. That problem is not confined to this class of officers or to the Admiralty, but certainly those, and other, aspects have to be taken into account in connection with promotions which are made in the emergency of war.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any statement to make as to how the five enemy merchant vessels now loading cargoes in the port of Rotterdam managed to escape detection when proceeding to that port?

The hon. Member's statement is not in accordance with the information I have received; but, in any case, he will be aware that the coast lines of Holland and Germany are contiguous. It is not from any lack of zeal or thought that any enemy vessels have so far escaped capture or destruction.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that five German vessels have been in the port of Rotterdam since the beginning of January, but that during the last three days only one vessel, the "Schleswig-Holstein," remains in that port; and that these vessels are carrying German coal to Norwegian and Swedish ports, and returning with iron ore?

I am not certain of the actual facts which the hon. Gentleman has mentioned; but, naturally, the whole of this subject is under constant examination by the naval authorities, and our wishes in the matter conform exactly to his own.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that my information is gained from Rotterdam sources which are reliable?

We try to acquire information from various sources; but at any time when the hon. Gentleman has any additional information to give, he has only to mention it.

Is my right hon. Friend quite satisfied that the naval patrol is being efficiently carried out in this matter?

No one would expect us to be able to maintain a close patrol or close blockade off the German coast, having regard to the enormous development of shore-based aircraft since the last war.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether some steps can be taken in the case of death casualties to make available a death certificate to the nearest relative free of charge, or, otherwise, whether arrangements can be made for some suitable certificate from the Admiralty to be accepted by the authorities and insurance companies instead?

Statements giving the date of death of naval officers or men who lose their lives on war service are issued on application by the Admiralty; these statements are usually accepted by insurance companies and other similar organisations as evidence of death.

If I draw my right hon. Friend's attention to correspondence that I have received on the subject, will he consider making some greater facilities available?

Certainly, I shall be much obliged if my hon. Friend will write to me, or otherwise state his case to me.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he contemplates using Palmer's site, Jarrow, for one of the proposed shipbuilding yards?

The whole question of the capacity required for merchant shipbuilding is under investigation. The first task will be, of course, to see that the fullest possible use is made of all yards which are immediately available to undertake new construction. I am afraid that I can, at present, hold out no hope of the re-opening of yards which are now totally dismantled.

Am I to understand from that that the policy of National Shipbuilders Security, Limited, which has put dangerous limitations on our shipbuilding capacity, is now being reversed by the Admiralty?

Certainly we are opening up every facility for building merchant ships of which our labour and materials enable us to take advantage.

In the circumstances, does the First Lord not think it strange that the man responsible for reducing our shipbuilding capacity should be put in charge of our shipbuilding capacity?

Circumstances alter cases.

Can the First Lord assure the House that there will be no limitation placed on his activities with regard to shipbuilding by National Shipbuilders Security, Limited?

Everything will be done to produce the greatest possible volume.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether merchant ships built under the Government scheme and transferred to the control of his Ministry will be managed by him as regards conditions of service of officers and men employed in the ships?

The ships will be managed by shipowners on behalf of my right hon. Friend, and the managers will be required to pay the rates of wages and to comply with the conditions established by the National Maritime Board.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether it does not follow from that reply that the Ministry of Shipping may not only be in control of such ships, but that it will have no power to alter unsatisfactory conditions of officers and men serving in these ships.

Most of the ships that we requisition are chartered on conditions which leave the owners responsible for obtaining and paying the crew, but we are, of course, in constant consultation with owners and with the unions as to the conditions of employment and any difficulties that there may be in regard to the supply of men.

In view of the importance of this Question, I beg to give notice that I shall raise it on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether, in order to secure the greater safety of crews under present conditions, he will insist on a motor life-boat being included in the equipment of ships at present being built?

It is proposed to include a motor-boat in the equipment of ships now being built on Government account in all suitable cases, and owners of ships building on private account are being recommended to make similar provision.

May I ask if the word "suitable" indicates a certain level of tonnage or are motor-boats included with smaller boats?

In general it means they are being included in all ships of a fairly large type and not, as a general rule, in small coastal craft.

But the Minister no doubt realises how much hardship and suffering as well as loss of life are caused by men drifting about the North Sea in boats which have only oars. Small motors could be included in small life-boats and small ships. Can the hon. Gentleman press that the word "suitable" shall include the small ships?

I said it was in small craft in coastwise work that they were not being included. I did not say the North Sea. I will discuss with the technical people as to the inclusion of these boats in all reasonably suitable classes of vessels.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is now possible to say when legislation is likely to be introduced which would enable residence in certain British Protectorates, including the Nigerian Protectorate, to be counted as a qualification for naturalisation as British subjects?

No, Sir. I regret that, in the present circumstances, it is not possible to say when legislation of this kind is likely to be introduced.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is some time since I first raised this matter, which is of considerable importance, particularly in view of the present state of the world, and will he consider approaching the matter with a little more energy?

The matter was under consideration when my hon. Friend asked me questions about it earlier, but, naturally, the whole circumstances have changed since the declaration of war.

Do not the circumstances make it more necessary now that legislation should be introduced?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has anything to report about conditions in Palestine; whether he has fully realised the universal Jewish adherence to the Allied cause; and whether he is relaxing the severe restrictions on Jewish immigration in order to foster good will?

The steady improvement in the internal situation in Palestine has been fully maintained. I am fully aware of the whole-hearted support which is being given by Jews throughout the world to the Allied cause, one of the purposes of which is the freeing of the Jews from their cruel persecutors in Central Europe. As regards the third part of the Question, His Majesty's Government's policy allows for a very considerable immigration of Jews into Palestine over the next few years, and there is no question of departing from that policy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the term "very considerable degree of immigration," which I understood him to use, is not accepted on this side of the House, and will he consult with his right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty, who has a wiser view of this matter than he has?

The legal quota allowed something over 10,000 Jews to settle in Palestine in six months, which I think is a very considerable figure of immigration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure us that there will be no restrictions on the sale of land to Jews?

That is another question.

:asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds Mr. P. F. Trade well has been transferred from pilot age duties at Colombo to Galle; whether he has suffered any diminution of income thereby; and whether the appointment to Galle is in consonance with the seniority of Mr. Tradewell in the pilot service?

It was necessary that on the outbreak of war the Pilot and Examination Service at Colombo should be combined, which made the pilots concerned combatants. Of the 11 pilots all except the officer mentioned in the Question volunteered to carry out the duties of examining officers in war-time. Mr. Tradewell had conscientious objections to combatant work, and he was transferred to pilot duties at Galle where combatant duties would not be involved. Though the salary is in each case the same, the average earnings in night fees of pilots at Colombo are somewhat higher than those of the pilot at Galle, but any pilot in the Ceylon service irrespective of seniority is liable to be posted for duty at Galle in the interests of the Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the right of public meeting and the publication of newspapers can still be exercised in all British Colonies; how many publications have been suppressed; and whether native, political and industrial organisations can function freely?

Apart from Defence Regulations, which follow in the main those brought into operation in this country, there has, so far as I am aware, been no change since the outbreak of war in Colonial legislation affecting the matters referred to in the first and third parts of the Question. Nor am I aware of any instance of the suppression of a publication since the war.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of making adequate arrangements in advance for the summer season, he will free householders whose livelihood consists in the letting of apartments and rooms, from any compulsion to accept billeted persons who should be housed otherwise in the locality?

Billeting authorities in reception areas will no doubt give proper consideration to householders whose livelihood consists in the letting of apartments, but my right hon. Friend does not think that it would be desirable or practicable to give a special exemption from the obligation to accept billeted persons.

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is very considerable public disquiet in regard to the Jack of a clear policy upon this whole question of evacuation, and will the Government issue precise instructions to the country so that we shall know exactly what every individual has to do and his duty in connection with it?

In this answer I have pointed out that it is not desirable or practicable to give a general instruction on the subject of billeting in this matter, but my right hon. Friend will shortly be making a statement on the subject.

Will the hon. Lady keep in mind the fact that there is a possibility that householders in certain areas may desire to get rid of evacuees in order to extract extortionate holiday payments from holidaymakers?

Why not?

I think that all these questions are being borne in mind.

I hope so.

Mr. Speaker, before asking this Question, I would like your Ruling on the following point. Last Wednesday I handed in at the Table a Question addressed to the Prime Minister, and it appeared on the Order Paper the following day in that form. On Friday I got a reply from the Prime Minister saying that it would be answered by the Minister of Health. Obviously this is a question which can only be answered by the Prime Minister, and I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether it is in keeping with the dignity and authority of the Prime Minister that he should avoid answering a Question which obviously is a Question for him to answer? I ask your Ruling on the matter?

This is a question upon which I am very often asked to give a Ruling, and I have stated that, with regard to a Question to a certain Minister, if it appears that it is a matter for which a Minister of another Department is responsible, it will be transferred to that Minister and the Member who has put down the Question will be notified.

I hope the Prime Minister will take note of my remarks.

The attention of my right hon. Friend has been called to the resolution to which the hon. Member refers, but the Government's policy on old age pensions is embodied in the Bill now before the House.

Before framing this Question, did the hon. Lady consult with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health?

I certainly consulted with my right hon. Friend.

As no doubt the Prime Minister has read the Question on the Order Paper, what does he think about it?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that farmers are being refused any supplies of sugar-beet pulp unless they guarantee to grow a certain acreage of sugar-beet for 1940; and whether this is in accordance with instructions issued by his Department?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend is informed that farmers who grew sugar-beet in 1939 have, in every case, received the full amount of sugar-beet pulp to which they were entitled under their contracts, and that in disposing of surplus supplies the British Sugar Corporation is, for the time being, giving a preference to farmers who have contracted to grow sugar-beet for 1940. No instructions on this subject have been issued by the Ministry but the arrangements referred to meet with my right hon. Friend's approval.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are many areas that are unsuitable for growing sugar-beet where sugar-beet pulp is required for feeding purposes?

In dealing with this surplus, I understand that the corporation has confined the offer for the moment to farmers under contract far 1940, and has allocated the limited supplies among farmers who are clearly making sugar-beet growing part of their farming programme for 1940–41.

As I presume the Government are anxious that more sugar-beet should be grown in this country, does my right hon. Friend think they are likely to get it if they do not encourage farmers?

This is a question of distributing a surplus.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that fox and stag-hunting damages agriculture, handicaps the food supply, discourages the allotment industry, takes away fit men and women from productive work, and so is detrimental to the national interests; and will he take steps to procure its prohibition?

Careful consideration has been given to the effects of hunting upon the national economy in war time, but my right hon. Friend, as at present advised, sees no sufficient reason for adopting the hon. Member's suggestion.

Am I to take it that the right hon. Gentleman is somewhat indifferent about the food supply?

I suppose the hon. Gentleman refers to damage done by foxes to poultry, and I would point out that it is the foxes that do the damage and not the hunting.

Will the Department of Agriculture find any objection if farmers take this matter in hand themselves and destroy the foxes?

I gather that the Master of Foxhounds Association is fully alive to the importance of damage to poultry, and measures have in fact been taken with a view to reducing the fox population well below the normal.

asked the Minister of Agriculture on what grounds he has decided to give preference in feeding-stuff supplies to cattle and sheep before pigs and poultry; whether the decision is connected with the greater economy in consumption of imported feeding-stuffs in the case of the former over the latter; and if he can give any figures in support of the case?

The grounds on which the Government decided to give preference in feeding-stuffs supplies to cattle and sheep before pigs and poultry were set out in the announcement made by my right hon. Friends the Minister of Agriculture and the Secretary of State for Scotland on 22nd November, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member. He will observe that the consideration to which he refers in the Question is not among the main factors on which the Government's decision was based. The last part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the hon. Member for Central Leeds, as representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners (1) what arrangements are made in the case of vacant livings for placing at least a proportion of the income to reserve, and/or improving the amenities of the different rectories so as to enable them to be supplied with water and electric light;

(2) how many vacant livings in the rural areas are due to the rectories being unsuitable and too large, and what pro portion of the total this represents;

(3) how many livings in the Church of England there are at the present time; and how many have been vacant for at least six months and a year respectively?

The surplus revenues of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners are assigned by Statute towards making additional provision for the cure of souls; the Commissioners have no authority relating to the incomes of vacant benefices or to the filling of them.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the serious shortage of coal in the Borough of Reigate; and what steps he is taking to relieve the situation?

:Yes, Sir. I am aware that Reigate was one of the places to which the supply of coal was affected by the exceptionally severe weather of last month. I am informed that the railways are now working coal through to destination as quickly as possible.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is also a severe shortage in the Borough of Hackney and will he look into it?

And in the boroughs of Poplar and Westminster.

Can the hon. Gentleman say that the position generally is easier than it was last week?

I can say that the railways are working more smoothly. I am in touch with my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Transport.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is any amount of coal if it can be carried?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether lie can give an assurance that steps have been taken to provide immediately for any deficiency that may arise in the supply of woollen comforts for the troops, especially in view of the impression that may be created by certain broadcast and other appeals that the supply of these articles may not be adequate?

The troops are supplied with all necessary clothing officially, but the provision of additional comforts, such as mittens, mufflers, socks and stockings, is always welcome, and very large numbers of these and other gifts have already been distributed, and are being collected and forwarded. The activities of voluntary workers and donors, whose industry and generosity are widely appreciated, are helped and directed by the Comforts Committees of each of the three Services, and by the Director-General of Voluntary Organisations who has been appointed as a co-ordinating authority to ensure the equitable distribution of gifts not specifically earmarked or dealt with by one or other of the Service organisations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has considered resolutions from a number of organisations in Leyton protesting against defence regulations affecting the restriction of democratic liberties and trade union rights, the power of censorship, the detention of British subjects without trial, the prohibition of meetings on grounds of disaffection, entry and search without warrant, and other matters; and what action he proposes to take?

My right hon. Friend has received such resolutions from two organisations in Leyton. The matters referred to were debated in the House in October, and subsequently a number of amendments were made and a revised code of defence regulations was introduced. My right hon. Friend does not think any further revision of the regulations is called for.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will reconsider his refusal to allow Mr. Ivor Montagu to go to Russia as a representative of a British newspaper seeing that we are not at war with Russia, considering further the importance of having a friendly Englishman in touch with the Russian leaders and in a position to report on the Russian armed forces?

My right hon. Friend has given the most careful consideration to this application but he regrets that he is not prepared to modify his view that it would not be in the public interest to grant an exit permit in this case.

Arising out of the reply, is the Minister satisfied that Mr. Montagu is correctly described in this Question as a friendly Englishman?

It is a printer's error.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether this refusal is personal to Mr. Montagu, whether I should be allowed to go, or whether it indicates hostility to Russia?

My right hon. and gallant Friend must understand that restrictions are placed upon foreign travel in time of war. Generally speaking the onus is on the applicant to show that his proposed journey is in the public interest. In this case my right hon. Friend cannot see that that burden of proof has been discharged.

Does the Minister mean that it is not in the public interest that people in this country should get information other than that which they get from the Goebbelised Press?

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed that the Minister of Information shall, in future, be responsible for all forms of propaganda both in neutral and enemy countries, including the Department now controlled by the Foreign Office and the work done by the Royal Institute of International Affairs; and whether there will be any change in the News and Press Bureau under Sir Walter Monckton, as regards his association with the Ministry?

The exact scope and functions of the Ministry of Information are under consideration.

Can the Prime Minister say how soon he expects it to be possible for him to make a statement?

I cannot say.

Will the Prime Minister bear in mind the desirability of at least co-ordinating the propaganda in neutral and enemy countries and not having the direction of it in two completely separate organisations?

indicated assent.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will publish a White Paper on the conduct of the war at sea by Germany against British and neutral merchant shipping, and against lightships and their crews, in order that the world may be fully informed of the inhumanity which is being practised?

I have carefully considered the suggestion made by the hon. and gallant Member but have come to the conclusion that a White Paper would be less effective in reaching the general public abroad than the methods at present in use.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the proposed transfer of staff from the Pigs and Bacon Marketing Boards to the bacon and ham branch of the Ministry of Food, he can now state what it is proposed to do with the accumulated funds of the Pigs and Bacon Marketing Boards?

In accordance with Orders made by my right hon. Friends the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Secretary of State for Scotland, under the Defence Regulations, 1939, the funds of the boards will be under the control of Emergency Committees appointed by the board.

Can we have some proper explanation as it seems to be rather free from clarity? What is to be the outcome of this? Is it going to be utilised for some purpose or is it to be sterilised?

No, Sir. It is being looked after by an emergency committee in the interests of producers and distrbutors.

With a view to finally dispersing, breaking up or restoring the organisation?

If necessary and proper, restoring the organisation.

asked the Minister of Food the prices of pig feeding-stuffs for the months of July, August, September, October, November and December, 1939; and the price of pigs for the same periods?

With the permission of my hon. and gallant Friend, I will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in connection with the investigation of the costs of the baking industry and the proposed modification of the scale by the Ministry of Food, the Government will take steps to ensure that the fullest possible information is made available to the costings branch of the Finance Department of the Ministry of Food?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in connection with the relation of the price of bread to the price of flour, upon which the maximum price of bread is fixed, he will give an assurance that he will not accede to the representations of the baking industry in favour of a modification of the scale in their favour?

As my hon. Friend is aware, representations for a modification of the bread price scale have been made and an investigation into baking costs is being conducted by my Department. Pending the completion of this inquiry I can give no such assurance as is suggested.

Can my right hon. Friend tell me whether flour has been fixed at a standard price for the war, and the quality is the same, why it has been possible to grade it so that it is cheaper in some districts than others? Does not the whole matter want looking into and can the Minister say how many of these bakeries are owned by milling combines?

asked the Minister of Food whether he has found it possible to meet the Argentine Government's wishes concerning the allocation of the meat quota increase from that country; and whether the producer co-operative concerns have been allocated a reasonable share of the British Government's additional orders for meat?

I am at present discussing this matter with His Excellency the Argentine Ambassador.

May we take it that the Minister will have full regard to the pro- ducer co-operative interests in the Argentine as against the British and American packing houses?

I will endeavour to have regard to all relevant considerations.

May I ask whether the Minister did not, in fact, first award this contract to packing houses and ignore the co-operative interests?

That is a complete misstatement of the facts.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that Market Drayton and district had no meat whatever in the week ended 3rd February; and whether he can explain the causes producing this result?

I have had inquiries made into the allegation contained in the Question and I am assured that the Market Drayton butchers had their full allocation of the available supplies of meat from the Whitchurch depot during the week ended 3rd February. Unfortunately owing to the condition of the roads, supplies could not be delivered to Market Drayton and allocated to butchers on the Tuesday as in the previous weeks, but supplies were allocated on the Thursday.

Is it not the case that butchers made journeys through the snow in order to collect their meat and found that there was none?

I am not aware of that.

asked the Minister of Food whether, as the distribution of meat system is not answering satisfactorily in Shropshire, he proposes to reinvestigate it with the object of establishing additional slaughter-houses in the county and avoiding the unnecessary transport charges which must now be incurred?

I cannot accept the suggestion contained in my hon. and Gallant Friend's question that the control scheme for meat and livestock is not operating reasonably well in Shropshire, having regard to the short period in which the scheme has been in operation and the weather conditions during part of this time. I am watching the situation, however, in all areas, and any adjustments which appear necessary in the national interests will be made.

Will my right hon. Friend endeavour to see that butchers and consumers receive their meat whether it is foreign meat or fresh meat as the case might be, as this policy of switching over from foreign to fresh meat is causing a great deal of discontent?

The answer to that condition of affairs is that during this period, owing to the condition of the roads, very little home-killed meat was in fact offered, and had it not been for the control, enabling imported meat to be brought in, they would have gone without.

Can my right hon. Friend examine what is happening in the county of Worcestershire, especially as regards Droitwich?

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that on 6th February a meeting, attended by 400 Sheffield butchers, was held to discuss the serious shortage of meat in the city; that a resolution was passed at the meeting protesting at the control of Sheffield's meat supplies being directed from Leeds; and whether, in view of the discontent this arrangement is causing, he is now prepared to give to Sheffield its own controlling office?

I am aware that a meeting of butchers was held in Sheffield to discuss the meat supplies of the city, and that dissatisfaction was expressed at Leeds being the headquarters of the Area Meat and Livestock Organisation for the North Eastern Area. Sheffield, however, has two deputy meat agents who are responsible for the efficient and equitable distribution of meat in the Sheffield district and I am not satisfied that any change in this organisation is necessary. Should experience indicate that an alteration is desirable, the question will be further considered.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at this meeting the butchers protested bitterly against this arrangement, and does he not think that a city of this importance is entitled to have a meat controller of its own, and not have to go 40 miles to Leeds?

We have to choose some place in which to have the meat controller for the area, and in Leeds there are other organisations with which it is very desirable that the meat controller should be associated in the regional organisation. I think the present arrangement does have regard to Sheffield's importance.

Does not my right hon. Friend think it would be better if there were no meat controllers?