asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that great discomfort has been caused to air-raid wardens in the recent severe weather owing to the inadequate heating of posts built to the specification of his Department; and whether he will take steps to remedy this, situation?

I have no reason to suppose that in general the heating of wardens' posts is inadequate, although it well may be that wardens experienced some discomfort during the recent exceptionally hard weather

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered a communication from the borough of Jarrow regarding the wages of Civil Defence personnel; and whether he has any statement to make on the matter?

:I have carefully considered the representations that have been made to me, but I am not prepared at this juncture to authorise any general increase in the existing standard rates of remuneration of whole-time personnel in the Civil Defence services

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the resolution passed by the city of Lincoln Education Committee in regard to the payment of grants in respect of air-raid precautions work for schools; and whether he will consider the appointment of a committee to inquire into and report on the understandings reached and the undertakings given in the negotiations between local authorities and the Home Office, the extent to which those understandings and the undertakings have been varied, by what authority and to what extent, and to report on the justification for such variation?

:I have considered the resolution to which my hon. Friend refers. I have examined very carefully the records of all the correspondence and consultations relating to the negotiations which took place in 1937 regarding the apportionment between the Exchequer and local rates of expenditure incurred by local authorities in carrying out the new duties laid upon them by the Air-Raid Precautions Act of that year, and I am fully satisfied that there is no foundation for the suggestion that the present rate of Exchequer grant for air-raid precautions in schools involves any variation or breach of any undertaking given, or understanding arrived at, during the course of those negotiations. I see no reason to hold any further inquiry of the kind now suggested

asked the Minister of Health whether it is intended to prepare any scheme whereby children of preschool age can, in the event of air raids, be evacuated?

:In the light of the experience gained, the Government do not propose to make further plans for the evacuation of young children with their mothers. The transfer and accommodation of groups of young children unaccompanied by their mothers is limited by the factors of suitable accommodation and skilled staff. Where, however, in the evacuation areas young children are without parental care and where room can be found for them in reception areas in existing residential nurseries or near to day nursery centres, arrangements will be made, so far as possible, to transfer them and to find foster parents for them

asked the Postmaster-General the number of male telephonists who have been recruited, and the number it is intended to recruit in the near future, in order to meet the increased work arising from the restoration of the 1s. trunk call service?

:During the course of the discussions with the staff representatives, which began in December last, assurances were given to them that women telephonists would not be employed after 8 p.m. unless suitable men were not available. Since then 1,150 male telephonists have been recruited, and a further 600 will be recruited in the near future. These figures include some provision for the replacement of male telephonists recently called up, and to be called up, for service with the Forces. The newly recruited men will, of course, have to be trained before they can take the place of women telephonists

asked the Postmaster-General the reason for the delays in repairing the telephone wires resulting from the damage done by the recent severe weather which cut off some districts for over three weeks; and whether his Department sought the help of local Army units in removing obstructions and effecting repairs?

:Repairs were put in hand immediately the damage occurred, but they have been badly hampered by the persistent severity of the weather. The difficulties of repair have also been increased by the widespread nature of the damage. Full advantage has been taken of the assistance offered by the military authorities who were in a position to provide the services of parties ready organised and equipped with transport. In some cases these included signallers with valuable previous experience and the military authorities welcomed the opportunity of affording them training and practice in effecting repairs in circumstances of exceptional difficulty. I should like to take this opportunity of thanking them for their valuable help.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the machinery at his disposal provides for any penalty other than dismissal for Post Office telephonists who deliberately fail to pass on air-raid warnings?

:Yes, Sir. A person in the employment of the Post Office who wilfully or negligently omits or delays to transmit a telephone message is liable to prosecution and on conviction to a penalty not exceeding £20

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the postal charges on small packets addressed to members of His Majesty's Forces in France are, in some cases, approximately three times as great as those on similar packets addressed to the Forces at home; and whether he will consider making a reduction in these charges in order that relatives and friends of the men and women serving with the British Expeditionary Force may not be compelled to pay charges on parcels out of all proportion to the value of the contents?

:The rate of postage for letters and letter packets for members of His Majesty's Forces in France is the Imperial rate applicable to correspondence for the British Empire generally, and is appreciably less than the international rate applicable to correspondence for civilian addresses in France. It is true that for letter packets over 1 oz. to members of His Majesty's Forces in France, the postage is higher than that payable on similar packets addressed to the Forces at home, but packets over 8 oz. can be sent more cheaply by parcel post than by letter post. I have already afforded a low rate of 9d. for parcels up to 3 lb.; and I regret that I cannot see my way to make any further concession

asked the Postmaster-General whether, with a view to promoting economy in the use of paper, he will consider revising the conditions applicable to the printed paper rate for postage?

:Under the printed paper regulations as much as 2 oz. can be sent for a halfpenny. I will consider whether in present circumstances some modification is desirable

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is his present intention that the television service shall remain suspended for the duration of the war and, if not, can he state how long the suspension is to continue?

On the basis of information at present available and after consultation with the Television Advisory Committee, I can see little prospect of the provision of a television service during the war. The Committee will, however, shortly meet representatives of the radio manufacturing industry to discuss the probable lines of development of television in the more distant future

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Soviet aeroplanes are carrying on a campaign of bombing of civil populations; and whether His Majesty's Government have despatched protests on the subject similar to those despatched during the civil war in Spain in similar circumstances?

Yes, Sir. The Soviet air forces have pursued a policy of indiscriminate bombing which cannot be too strongly condemned. His Majesty's Government have not, however, lodged any protest, since there are unfortunately no grounds for supposing that such action would achieve the result desired

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider an approach to the League of Nations, or President Roosevelt, or any other means open to him, with a view to offering mediation in the present dispute between Finland and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics?

:The mediation of the Assembly of the League of Nations was offered on 12th December in the circumstances described in Command Paper 6160. It was accepted by Finland but rejected by the Soviet Government. It is, of course, open to the Finnish and the Soviet Governments at any time to invite or to accept the mediation of any third party, if they see fit to do so. His Majesty's Government, however, have no authority to intervene between a third party and the two belligerent Governments

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the approximate annual saving to the Treasury under the Widows', Orphans and Old Age Contributory Pensions Acts in respect that pension between the ages of 65 and 70 years is payable each Thursday in advance, with payment only commencing on the first Thursday following the date on which the pensioner attains the age of 65 years?

:Under the terms of the Pensions Acts, a full week's pension is payable on the first weekly payday after the date on which the pensioner becomes entitled to pension and on every subsequent pay-day whilst he or she is alive and entitled to pension, including the week in which the pensioner dies. In some cases there will be a few days for which pension is not received at the beginning; in others, there will be a few days for which pension is paid after death. On balance there is no saving to the Treasury from this method of payment

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that many firms, businesses and professional partnerships which have been hard hit by the war will not benefit by the Income Tax concession given in the Finance Act of 1939, because the loss of revenue which they have suffered, and will suffer, will not become apparent in their accounts for the current financial year either because their accounts are made up to December, 1939, or because their income may be mainly dependent upon the payment of accounts rendered for services many months previously; and whether he will consider extending the concession given in that Act to cover serious diminution of income suffered by such firms in the year 1940–41, as compared with the immediate pre-war period?

:As regards the first part of the Question, my hon. Friend seems to be under some misapprehension as to the application of Section 11 of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1939, which provides for relief from Income Tax for 1939–40 in cases of diminution of earned income owing to circumstances connected with the war. Where the period of the taxpayer's accounts is not identical with the Income Tax year ending 5th April, 1940, his actual earned income for 1939–40 can be computed by apportionment of the profits shown by the accounts which commence before, and the accounts which end after, that year. As regards the second part of the Question, while I appreciate that there may be a case for extending the provisions of Section 11 to the year 1940–41, my hon. Friend will not expect me to anticipate my Budget Statement

asked the Minister of Food whether he will give instructions to food control committees to give an extra ration of butter to patients certified by a doctor to be suffering from a serious illness where it is essential that the diet should be palatable?

:I am advised that the committee of the Medical Research Council, which was specially appointed to consider the needs of invalids and persons upon a special diet in relation to the rationing of certain foodstuffs, were unanimously of the opinion that there is no evidence to show that certain individuals are unable satisfactorily to digest margarine replacing butter in their diets. In view of this authoritative pronouncement, I cannot accept the suggestion in the hon. Member's Question

asked the Minister of Food whether he will publish, as a White Paper, the findings of the medical committee which he set up, with reference to diet for invalids, and the names of the committee?

:No, Sir. Following, however, are the names of the members of the Committee and their finding in regard to the provision of extra rations for invalids.The following form the committee of the Medical Research Council appointed to advise from time to time whether it is necessary on medical grounds to modify or supplement rations in the case of invalids and other persons on special diets:

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the need for increasing the supply of nutritive foods, he will forbid the use of milk for the manufacture of any non-edible articles?

I understand that whole milk is not used for the manufacture of non-edible articles. Skim milk, of which a very small proportion is used in peace-time for producing certain manufactured articles, is not at present being used for non-edible products

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the latest Milk (Retail Maximum Prices) Order permits an increase of 4d. per gallon in the retail price of milk in many rural districts and small towns; and whether before making this order the Milk Marketing Board was consulted?

:The Order in question does not permit of any increase in price over the January prices, whilst reductions in prices for February are not precluded by the Order, which fixed maximum and not minimum prices. Previous to the Order being issued, the Ministry's Advisory Committee, which includes representatives of all branches of the industry, including the Milk Marketing Board for England and Wales, was consulted on a proposal for modifying the previous Order, but opinion on the committee was divided

asked the Minister of Food what representations he has received from food councils or committees regarding allocations of meat to traders which, when proved to be diseased, were still held to exhaust the traders' quota and fresh supplies refused; and what machinery exists to inspect meat suspected as being diseased?

:I have not received any representations of the kind referred to in the first part of the hon. Member's Question. Any such representations if made by the trader to the deputy or area meat agent or to the local food control committee will be immediately investigated. As for the second part of the Question, the usual peace-time machinery is available. In a memorandum which was recently issued by the Ministry of Health to local authorities in England and Wales emphasis is laid on the fact that I desire to have the benefit of the meat inspection services already provided by local authorities under the ordinary law. A similar memorandum is in preparation for issue by the Department of Health for Scotland to the Scottish local authorities

asked the Minister of Food the amount being paid in salaries in the County of Devon, including Exeter and Plymouth, to officials and employés under his Livestock and Meat Rationing Scheme, and the total estimated annual expenditure in this area under this scheme?

:The officers and staff employed by the Ministry of Food in the County of Devon in connection with the Meat and Livestock Scheme will cost about £10,168 per annum, and some £5,500 will be paid in fees, etc., for the services of professional men. I am afraid that it is not possible to allocate any other expenses on a county basis

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that sausages and similar alternatives to rationed meats are extremely variable in their proportion of offal to bread and that there is considerable resentment by working-class purchasers at the apparent increased percentage of bread in sausages since rationing began; that some butchers take advantage of the incidence of rationing by preserving an apparently fair price but decreasing the quality of sausages; and whether he will take steps to secure a guarantee of quality and a statement by butchers of the proportion of offal and meat in sausages and similar foodstuffs offered for sale?

:I am aware of the variable meat content of sausages at the present time and that since the introduction of meat and livestock control some decrease has occurred in their meat content. The question of the best means of controlling the price and meat content of sausages and similar meat products is one of some complexity, and is engaging the close attention of my Department. I am very hopeful that a satisfactory solution may shortly be found.

asked the Minister of Food whether he has considered the provision of kitchens, conducted under public authority, where cooked food may be produced in large quantities, and sold at prices covering cost of production, as was done in the last war?

:Yes, Sir. I have had this matter continuously under consideration with a view to action should it become necessary

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that in many Scottish areas wheat and maize, which normally approximate 40 per cent. of poultry rations, have been unobtainable for weeks past, with the result that many poultry keepers are refraining from hatching chicks; and what steps he is prepared to take to meet the position?

:If the hon. Member will let me have particulars of the cases to which he refers, I will have investigation made. I would remind him, however, that in view of the general shortage of purchased feeding-stuffs and the necessity of giving preference to cattle and sheep, the quantities available for pigs and poultry are much below normal

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that much discontent and distress exists in certain quarters in Greenock at the large percentage of dismissals of employés from one sugar refinery in Greenock while other refineries are working to capacity, and working overtime in addition; and whether he can arrange contracts so as to secure the full use of these refineries, and the full and, at the same time, uniform employment of employés?

:The curtailment of raw sugar supplies has involved a reduction in the throughput of sugar refineries, and this is reflected in employment. The reduction in supplies has been applied to all refineries pro rata, and the consequent reorganisation is a matter for the industry. I understand that it has been found most economical to close the smallest refinery at Greenock

:l am asked the Minister of Food what grounds there are for charging a fee of 10s. 6d. for a fresh certificate of re-registration of a retailer when a new ration book, a much more elaborate and costly document, only costs 1s. to replace?

asked the Minister of Food whether he will consider reducing the fee of 10s. 6d. at present charged to retailers for the renewal of their licence?

:A licence to sell by retail or a certificate of registration of an establishment is issued free of charge to business firms, and is valid for the duration of the war. A ration document is issued to an individual and is valid for six months at the most. In my view, the differentiation in the charge for replacement is, having regard to all the circumstances, justified

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that mixed meals are now being sold for pig feeding, the ingredients of which cannot be ascertained by the purchasers; and, as they are giving unsatisfactory results, will he cause careful inquiries to be made by his Department?

:Certain safeguards in the interests of the purchaser of a mixed meal are contained in the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act and in the Feeding Stuffs (Maximum Prices) Order, 1940. If the hon. Member will let me have particulars of the cases he refers to I will have inquiries made

asked the Minister of Food whether his attention has been called to the statement made at East Ham police court on behalf of the firm of David Greig, Limited, that the firm had in one week 59,000 pounds of bacon left on their hands; and whether he intends to alter the regulations which prevent food being sold to unregistered customers or what other steps he proposes to take to stop the wastage of bacon?

:My attention has been drawn to the report in the Press referred to by the hon. Member. The report was, however, based on a misconception. At the relevant time, the firm had only two cwts. left on their hands at the branch concerned. It was suggested in the court that, if all the branches of the firm had a similar stock, the total would amount to 59,000 lbs., but there was no evidence that this quantity was, in fact, carried over. As regards the second part of the Question, the present regulations enable retailers to obtain licences to sell bacon without a coupon on their satisfying the local food control committee that, in the alternative, there is a risk of the bacon becoming unfit for human consumption. The regulations are working satisfactorily, and I see no reason to alter them

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that many small country towns in Wales are receiving supplies of bacon which are, in part, far too dear for their particular trade, so that their customers are not buying their ration; and whether he will arrange for a cheaper class of bacon to be supplied to these districts?

I have received no specific complaints from any country towns in Wales regarding the type of bacon with which they are being supplied, but I am making inquiries into the possibility of providing additional supplies of cheaper cuts

asked the Minister of Food the reasons for the issue by the Government to slaughter-house managers and others of their officials, instructions that farmers must not be told what their cattle actually weigh; and whether, in cases where a farmer is dissatisfied with the ruling of the graders, he can be permitted to attend the slaughter-house to see the animals weighed, as he is permitted to do in the case of pigs?

Slaughter-house managers have been warned that all information obtained in the course of their official duties must be treated as confidential and must not be disclosed except in accordance with instructions given by the Ministry.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that owing to the scarcity and high price of feeding-stuffs, together with the plentiful supply of imported eggs purchased by his Department, British poultry farmers are only obtaining prices for their eggs far below the cost of production; and whether he proposes to take any further steps to prevent the wholesale bankruptcy of British poultry farmers?

:Both home-produced and imported eggs are in short supply at the present time owing to the recent cold weather. The prices of English eggs on the London market are double the average prices for the same date during the previous three years; the corresponding increase for Continental eggs is about 70 per cent

asked the Minister of Food whether he will, at the earliest possible moment, make an authoritative statement as to the extent of the rationing of cereals, which are to-day so essential to the life and well-being of the nation, to distillers and brewers?

:Perhaps my hon. Friend will be good enough to repeat his Question in a week's tame, when I hope to be able to give him a reply.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that there is much discontent among Clyde fishermen owing to delay in receiving payments in respect of the requisitioning of their fishing boats, and what action he is taking in connection therewith; and whether, in further requisitioning, he will, as far as possible, take only one of two boats that are accustomed to fish in pairs?

:I am assured that there has been no avoidable delay in making payments for the hire of Clyde fishing boats, but I have given instructions that punctuality must be maintained. Payments on account are being made in all cases, although some of the owners concerned have failed to submit claims. When it is possible to leave behind one of two boats that are accustomed to fishing in pairs, this will always be done.

asked the Minister of Shipping the amount to be paid to Ayrshire owners of fishing craft requisitioned by the Admiralty; and when a definite settlement is to be made with the owners?

:I hope to be able to reach a definite settlement before long. I am ready to pursue negotiations with the representatives of owners of fishing craft requisitioned for Admiralty service, and meanwhile I am making monthly payments on account of hire.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has conducted an investigation into the statement forwarded to him by the hon. Member for Stoke, dealing with conditions in the camp, His Majesty's Ship "Royal Arthur"; with what results; and can he make a statement on the matter?

:A thorough examination into the conditions existing in His Majesty's Ship "Royal Arthur" has recently been made. It must, of course, be understood that the rigours of this winter have been extreme and have necessarily inflicted discomfort on very large numbers serving in camp or billets. Everything possible has been done to improve these conditions.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that at least one shipping company is deliberately evading the regulation by which a merchant ship should have on board a second wireless operator; and will he take steps to enforce the strict observance of this regulation?

:I am not aware of any shipping company having deliberately evaded this regulation.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has made inquiry into the causes of the present inadequate output of merchant ships and the relatively high volume of unemployment in the shipbuilding industry; and whether he is satisfied that the necessary steps are now being taken to utilise all available shipyards, with a view to achieving capacity production at the earliest possible moment?

Inquiry is now being made into the requirements both of material and labour, to secure the maximum possible output of merchant ship construction, and I can assure my hon. Friend that all steps are being taken to achieve this end.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what has been the response of the fishermen to the latest appeal for their services; and whether the Admiralty has now revised the opinion expressed by successive boards, prior to the war, that no use could be found either for fishermen or for their craft in time of war?

The response of the fishermen to our latest appeal has been more than satisfactory, and we are greatly indebted to them.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that at least one shipping company is sending its ships to sea without their being fitted with anti-aircraft or anti-submarine guns, because they are unwilling to bear their share of the cost; and will he take steps to see that all merchant ships are provided with these necessary weapons of defence against enemy action?

Action is being taken in conjunction with the Ministry of Shipping to see that all ships are armed as rapidly as circumstances permit.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what are the welfare arrangements for ensuring the comfort, recreation and rest of the crews of destroyers and small craft, other than submarines, at the various bases to which such ships are attached?

:The welfare arrangements for the crews of destroyers and small craft vary according to the base to which the ships are attached. In the established naval ports, there are the usual facilities, such as canteens, reading rooms and recreation grounds. The majority of bases which have come into being since the war have clubs or institutes and rest and reading rooms which have been opened by various bodies. Outdoor recreational facilities are being developed wherever possible. In this matter the Admiralty has been considerably helped by the generosity of members of the public who have subscribed and are still subscribing to funds established for the purpose of providing amenities for men of the Royal Navy.The question of the amenities available to the men in small ships during their off duty periods is constantly studied. Wherever possible arrangements are made to relieve the crews as soon as they come into harbour by strong bodies of shore workmen who help in refitting and repair processes and by naval personnel who assist with boiler cleaning.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that many officers on the retired list of the Royal Navy who have been recalled for service during the present war were not, prior to recall, in receipt of any retired pay; and for what reason such officers receive substantially more pay than officers of the emergency list of similar seniority who have equally been recalled?

:Officers on the retired list who were not in receipt of retired pay prior to recall and who have been recalled for service during the present war receive the same rate of pay as officers on the emergency list of similar seniority. My hon. Friend must have in mind officers who were re-employed voluntarily before any question of recall arose and who are still serving on their pre-war contract which provided for the payment of a bonus of 15 per cent. in addition to full pay.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can now give the latest complete information regarding the results of action against enemy submarines?

The House is aware from my previous statements on this subject that our successes against the U-boats have been greater than had been foreseen. Results must, of course, vary from week to week as the enemy intensifies his campaign against the merchant fleets of the world or withdraws his U-boats for reflection, recuperation or repair. The successes of recent weeks have, however, shown that the rate of weekly sinkings which I gave the House in December last was in no way exaggerated.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many of the officers who, during the last 18 years have held the appointments of captain of the "Vernon," captain of the "Excellent," director of torpedoes and mining, director of naval ordnance have, in each category, been promoted to flag rank and have been, respectively, employed on the active list in that rank or retired on promotion, but employed or retired on promotion and not subsequently employed?

:The following is the information asked for by the hon. and gallant Member:

—	Number promoted to Flag Rank and employed on active list in that rank.	Number retired on promotion to Rear-Admiral.
Captain, His Majesty's Ship "Vernon".	3	7*
Captain, His Majesty's Ship "Excellent".	8	1
Director, Torpedoes and Mining.	3	6*
Director of Naval Ordnance.	5	2
* Four of these officers have been re-employed on the active list since the outbreak of war.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the number of staff and patients, respectively, now accommodated at the Royal Naval Hospital, Barrow Gurney, near Bristol; and whether a dental officer is employed?

:The daily average number of patients under treatment at the Royal Naval Auxiliary Hospital at Barrow Gurney is at present 356. The medical and nursing staff numbers 215; a dental officer is included in the staff

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what measures are in contemplation for ensuring the maintenance of trawl-fishing operations, which are becoming more hazardous from East Coast fishing ports in England and Scotland?

:All possible measures to protect the fishing fleets against barbarous attacks from the air are being taken. These include the arming of all these vessels and strong air patrols. No effort will be spared to enable our fishermen to continue their work

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will give consideration to the geographical situation of North Staffordshire and Southern Cheshire, with a view to making Stoke-on-Trent an administrative regional centre or sub-office and also make Stoke the headquarters of the War Pensions Committee for this geographical area?Sir W. Womersley If the volume of work in the localities in question should necessitate any modification of the existing administrative arrangements, the situation and other circumstances of Stoke-on-Trent will be borne in mind

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that three of the largest hotels in Hereford were requisitioned by the Government in September, and that they have remained unoccupied; and will he take early steps to return the hotels to their owners?

:Yes, Sir, I am aware of the position, but I regret that I am not yet able to surrender any of these hotels.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that bricks have been transported from England to Scotland, to complete work, from Accrington to Bishopton, from Middlesbrough and Manchester to Lanark, and from Peterborough to Wick, and will he have the matter investigated?

:Two and a quarter million bricks, mainly special bricks for use in chemical building construction, have been sent from Accrington to the Royal Ordnance Factory at Bishopton. Twenty-four million general building bricks have, however, been obtained from Scottish brickworks. There are no large works under construction by my Department at Lanark or Wick, but I will see that inquiries are made into these cases if the hon. Member will inform me of the nature of the works.

asked the Minister of Information the present position with regard to the formation of regional committees; the names and salaries of the staff engaged upon this work; the number of committees which it is proposed to form; the names of those already formed; and the nature of their work?

It is intended to set up a Regional Advisory Committee for each region if the demand arises. There is only one such advisory committee, that in the North Western Region. Local information committees will also be set up in response to local demand; it is not possible to say how many will ultimately be needed. Twenty-two are already functioning as under:Aylesbury.Bath.Birmingham.Bournemouth.Cheltenham.Dewsbury.East Grinstead.Exeter.Maidstone.Oxford (City).Oxford (County).Reading (Town).Reading (County).Rotherham.Sheffield.Southampton.Stoke and Newcastle-under-Lyme.Tenterden (Town).Tenterden (County).Tunbridge Wells.Worcester.The formation of committees is part of the general duties of each regional office; and it is not possible to name any officers specially engaged thereon. The function of a Regional Advisory Committee is to advise the Regional Information Officer on any matter of regional information and publicity.

asked the Minister of Information who is the regional officer of his Department for the West Riding of Yorkshire; what is his connection with the various local authorities; and whether any information is being given to them and in what manner?

:The Regional Information Officer for the North Eastern Defence Region (which consists of the East and West Ridings of Yorkshire) is Mr. R. K. Bacon. He is in frequent contact with mayors, town clerks, and librarians in the region. There are representatives of local authorities on most of the local information committees. Copies of Ministry publications are regularly furnished to these committees; but not direct to local authorities.

asked the Minister of Food the names of persons engaged in the administration of his Department in Wales, their salaries, and specific duties?

Following is the statement:

Divisional Food Offices.	Number.	Salary.
Divisional Food Officers.	2	£1,000 p.a. Sir Thomas Jones, K.B.E.
		Major W. Lloyd-Griffith, M.B.E., J.P.
Deputy Divisional Food Officers.	2	£700 p.a.
Assistants to above.{	10*	£500 p.a.
	1	£350 p.a.
	1	£200 p.a.
Clerical, etc.	22	Standard rates.
* There are also two civil servants seconded from other Government Departments.
Local Food Committees.	Number.	Salary.
Food Executive Officers	85†	£100–£600 p.a. according to population.
Chief Assistants and Assistants.	65	Up to £500 p.a. according to population.
Clerical, etc.	760	Standard rates.
†There are also 73 receiving honoraria of £50–£150 p.a.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mrs. Norah Choluton, widow of an acting lieutenant, Royal Naval Reserve, who was murdered by the Germans while serving as navigating officer on steamship "Rawalpindi, "has only been awarded a pension of £100 per annum for herself and £24 per annum for one child; and why she is not entitled to an additional pension, as laid down in the Appendix to the Navy List, of £200 per annum for the death of her husband in action?

It has not been possible in the time available to obtain the papers regarding this case. I will, however, look into it and write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the hon. Member for Swansea, West, as representing the Charity Commissioners, the total amount of money distributed from the Drury Lane Fund in the form of annuities, the number of annuitants, and also the amount of any payments, if such be made, to the different persons responsible in any capacity for the management of the Drury Lane Fund?

The last accounts for the Drury Lane Fund which the Charity Commissioners have are those for the year 1939. These accounts show that £2,758 10s. was distributed in annuities, donations, honorariums and compassionate grants: the number of annuitants is not shown in the accounts and is not known to the commissioners. The accounts show a payment of £500 for the then secretary's salary: the present secretary receives a salary of £200 a year. The commissioners are informed by the present secretary of the fund that no person responsible for the management of the fund is in receipt of an annuity from the fund and except as regards the former secretary's salary no payment to any such person is shown in the accounts.

asked the hon. Member for Swansea West, as representing the Charity Commissioners, whether he will lay before the House the full procedure originally decreed and since followed in respect of the Drury Lane Fund, with a detailed list of beneficiaries?

The Drury Lane Fund is regulated by an Act of Parliament and rules made there under, and the procedure followed in respect of the fund has been in accordance with the Act and rules. As regards the latter part of the Question may I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by me on 16th January, 1940, to the first of the Questions asked by him on that day.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the representations made to him by the following organisations urging the appointment of women special constables to undertake the police and patrol duties so urgently needed at the present time: the National Council of Girls' Clubs, the Church of England Moral Welfare Council, the National Juvenile Organisations, the National Vigilance Association and the Salvation Army; and what action he proposes to take in this matter?

My right hon. Friend fully recognises that police authorities may, as a result of war conditions, find it desirable to make increased use of the services of women for police duties, and it has been made clear to all such authorities that it is open to them to make provision for these duties, either by the appointment of police women on a permanent basis, or by the appointment of women with full police powers in a temporary capacity. If it is desired to make temporary appointments, the proper course is to enrol women either as mem- bers of the First Police Reserve or as members of the Women's Auxiliary Police Corps and to attest them as constables.

asked the First Commissioner of Works the annual cost of providing food for the tame water-fowl in public parks?

The cost of providing food for water-fowl in the Royal Parks is about £100 per annum, half of the expenditure being for fish for the pelicans in St. James's Park.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether any schemes are being considered for the growing of vegetables and other food in public parks during the war?

Applications by local authorities for a total of 63 acres for land for allotments in those Royal Parks which are administered by my Department have been sanctioned; 80 acres are under cultivation for oats and root-crops; a proportion of the greenhouse space is being used for cultivating tomatoes, lettuce and french beans; potatoes and other vegetables are to be grown in some of the flower beds.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the expressed intention of the Government to spread their contracts for building work, he will give the builders and contractors in the City of Lincoln opportunities of tendering for any work for his Department?

Firms which have applied to be placed on the Air Ministry list and have been approved are always invited to tender for any work of which they are capable and which is to be carried out in the area within which they are prepared to tender.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the expressed intention of the Government to spread their contracts for building work, he has been able to give the builders and contractors in Exeter and the South-West of England opportunities of tendering for any work for his Department?

It is the Air Ministry practice to invite suitable local firms to tender wherever possible, and opportunities have recently been given to a considerable number of firms in the South-West of England to tender for works services in that area.

asked the Secretary of State for Air to what extent architects are employed in connection with plans for the erection of camps and hutments for the Royal Air Force men in various parts of the country; and whether, with a view to improving the quality of the planning and ensuring the maximum efficiency and economy, he will arrange for the increased employment of architectural consultative services?

Qualified architects conversant with the special requirements of the Royal Air Force are employed in my Department. These officers have the advantage of close and continuous consultation with the Service authorities both at headquarters and in Commands, and I do not consider that greater efficiency or economy would be achieved by the adoption of my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will assure the inhabitants of the Bristol Channel ports and towns that there are an adequate number of fighter-planes stationed for patrol purposes and the protection of the region?

The air defences of the country, which are continuously being strengthened, are deployed in such a way as to give the greatest degree of protection to vital targets wherever they may be situated and to the country as a whole; and I can assure the hon. Member that the importance of the Bristol Channel ports is well understood.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will take steps to prohibit aircraft flying excessively low over coastal towns of the Bristol Channel?

Except in the vicinity of landing grounds, low flying by either Royal Air Force or civil machines is prohibited, unless authorised for special reasons or necessitated by emergency or weather conditions. If the hon. Member is aware of any contraventions of this rule and would be good enough to furnish me with particulars, I will have inquiries made.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the name of the official of his Department who, prior to serving requisition notices, consulted the owner of the recently requisitioned land at Golden Manor Farm, Watlington, together with the date and place of meeting?

I understand that the owner of the property was approached before service of the requisition by Mr. W. J. H. Blake, F.S.I., Lands Officer of the Air Ministry. The interview took place at the owner's residence on 30th December last.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether any consultation took place with the owners and occupiers concerned prior to the serving of the recent requisitioning notices in respect of the allotments at Cowley; and, if so, will he give the names of the officials of his Department present, the place and date of meeting and whom they consulted?

The site referred to was the only one which adequately met an urgent requirement. I understand that consultation did not take place in this instance with the owners and occupiers before requisitioning as there was no possible alternative available, and valuable time would have been lost.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can set out in tabular form the scales of relief and guiding rules for the public assistance committees or officials of the London County Council, and the cities of Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham, Liverpool and Stoke-on-Trent?

I regret that owing to the elaborate and complex nature of the scales and guiding principles adopted by the local authorities, it is impossible to set out the informaton desired by the hon. eMmber in a tabular form which would be of any value for purposes of comparison. I will, however, communicate to the hon. Member the information which I have received from the authorities concerned.

asked the Minister of Labour what measure of Government control is applied to the sack and bag industry; and whether he will give the respective figures of unemployment, male and female, in the industry for the months ended January, 1938, and January, 1940?

I am not aware of any control over this industry beyond what is involved in the fact that supplies of jute for spinning and jute yarn for weaving are controlled by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply. I regret that the figures asked for in the second part of the Question are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that recipients of unemployment assistance in the Seaham area are being asked to produce industrial assurance policies; and will he give an explanation for this action?

I am informed by the Unemployment Assistance Board that applicants for unemployment assistance in the Seaham area are not asked to produce industrial assurance policies. Information about life assurances is, however, frequently required in connection with applications to the War Service Grants Advisory Committee for special allowances by members of the Forces, or their dependants, and officers of the board investigate these cases on behalf of the committee. It is the practice of the board's officers to explain that the investigation is being made on behalf of the War Service Grants Advisory Committee and not of the board.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can supply particulars of the decisions of the tribunal for South Wales and Monmouthshire dealing with conscientious objectors?

Up to 3rd February the South Wales tribunal registered 60 men (11 per cent.) as conscientious objectors unconditionally, 259 men (50 per cent.) on condition that they undertook civilian employment, 127 men (24 per cent.) for non-combatant duties in the Forces, and removed 76 men (15 per cent.) from the conscientious objectors register.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state in terms of percentage increase or decrease, as compared to 1st July, 1938, the present prices of those articles whose price is controlled by Government order, including foodstuffs, textiles, paper, finished iron and steel products, iron and steel scrap?

Owing to the large number and range of commodities whose price is controlled by Government Orders it is impracticable to furnish the precise information desired. The records maintained in connection with the Board of Trade Index Number of Wholesale Prices show, for the following groups of commodities which consist very largely of articles subject to price control under Government Orders, increases in the average monthly wholesale prices between July, 1938, and January, 1940, as follow:

Group	Increase in January, 1940, compared with July, 1938.
	Per cent.
Cereals	28
Meat, fish and eggs	31
Coal	13
Iron and steel	3
Non-ferrous metals	30

The textile groups in the wholesale prices index number comprise, in the main, products whose prices are not controlled. Paper is not included as an item in the index number, but a comparison of the prices set out in the schedules to the Control of Paper (No. 1) Order, 1939, and the Control of Paper (No. 5) Order, 1939, will show the changes which have taken place in prices of paper during the war.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered the communication from the Islington fuel officer as to the scarcity of coal in that area; and what action he proposes to take to remedy the serious shortage of coal in that populous area?

I am aware of the correspondence with the Local Fuel Overseer for Islington on this subject, and I can

Particulars of Coal-Cutters and Conveyors and the average annual output of coal per wage-earner.
Year.			Number of Coal-cutting Machines in use.	Proportion of total output of Saleable Coal cut by Machinery.	Number of Conveyors in use.		Average Annual Output of Saleable Coal per wage-earner.*
					At the Coal Face.	Elsewhere below-ground.
Great Britain.
				Per cent.			Tons
1927	…	…	7,116	23	2,078	Not available	251
1928	…	…	7,131	26	2,203	653	261
1929	…	…	7,361	28	2,598	620	278
1930	…	…	7,637	31	2,991	756	265
1931	…	…	7,371	35	3,137	816	262
1932	…	…	7,137	38	3,265	855	262
1933	…	…	7,149	42	3,717	1,039	271
1934	…	…	7,406	47	4,090	1,279	290
1935	…	…	7,472	51	4,613	1,527	298
1936	…	…	7,600	55	4,966	1,761	308
1937	…	…	7,781	57	5,287	2,013	315
1938	…	…	7,729	59	5,623	2,203	297
(January 1939 to June).				Not available			155†
South Wales and Monmouthshire.
1927	…	…	425	7	697	Not available	240
1928	…	…	401	8	581	191	267
1929	…	…	430	9	681	229	278
1930	…	…	460	10	745	228	247
1931	…	…	484	12	699	233	250
1932	…	…	437	12	653	222	245
1933	…	…	454	13	712	225	249
1934	…	…	472	15	727	239	261
1935	…	…	476	18	789	263	269
1936	…	…	482	21	785	278	271
1937	…	…	519	24	878	329	283
1938	…	…	535	26	968	338	264
1939	…	…	—	—	—	—	137†
(February to July).					Not available
* Particulars for South Wales and Monmouthshire relate to the year ended January.
† It is not in the public interest to publish war time figures.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) the output per person employed in the South Wales and Monmouthshire coalfields for 1927 and each year to date;(2) the number of coal-cutting machines and conveyors, and the percentage of output cut by technique for 1927, and each year to date?

The following is the information:

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware that from information collated by the Museums Association over 20 per cent. of all museums and art galleries have closed their doors since the outbreak of war; and whether, in view of the necessity for continuing cultural services at the present time, he will consider issuing an appeal to local authorities and other governing bodies urging that wherever possible these institutions should be reopened?

I gather from the information published in "The Museums Journal" that the number of museums and art galleries which have been closed since the outbreak of war is over 20 per cent. of the total. The powers of the Board of Education in regard to museums and art galleries are very limited, but I am entirely in sympathy with the desire of my hon. and gallant Friend that these institutions should be reopened wherever possible, and I should be glad to discuss with him the best means of effecting this. The Board of Education have given a leadin the matter by the reopening of the Victoria and Albert and Science Museums.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when it is proposed to reopen the Royal Scottish Museum in Edinburgh?

In present circumstances I can give no definite date for the reopening of the museum to the general public. Special arrangements are, however, made where possible to allow facilities for the study of the available collections by scientific workers, students and small parties of school children under supervision.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the pay of sergeant-majors on recruiting work during the last war and what is the pay of sergeant-majors on recruiting work as Army recruiters during this war?

The present rates of pay of Army recruiters, drawn in addition to any pension earned, vary from 52s. to 58s. 6d. a week according to locality, as against 28s. to 32s. in 1916. These posts are not held by serving soldiers and do not carry military rank.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that discontent has been caused by the exclusion of Dagenham, Barking and other parts of East London from the extra allowances granted to soldiers' dependants living in the London postal area; and whether he will consider giving this to all those living in the London transport area, in view of the high rents, fares, etc., which have to be met by residents in outer London?

The restriction of the extra allowance to the London postal area applied also in the last war, and any extension would present difficulties. In cases where, owing to exceptional circumstances, serious hardship to wives or other dependants is caused by the calling-up of a soldier for service during the war, which cannot be met by the normal allowances, applications for the grant of special assistance can be considered by the War Service Grants Advisory Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many men have been sent home on sick-leave without any pay or ration money and that their wives are unable to maintain them properly out of their ordinary allowances; and whether arrangements can be made to provide promptly for men so invalided?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Birkenhead, East (Mr. White).

asked the Minister of Agriculture the terms of the agreement with Denmark relative to the supply of British milled offals to that country?

As there is no agreement relating to the supply of British milled offals to Denmark, the question does not arise.