asked the Secretary for Mines whether the permitted increase in the price of coal of 2d. per cwt. in two cwt. lots and less, as set out in L.F.O. Circular No. 49, dated 20th February, is additional to similar increases operating prior to that date; if so, is he aware that such increase means a total extra charge to the small consumer of 5s. to 6s. per ton; and on what grounds is such increase justified?

The circular to which the hon. Member refers authorised local fuel overseers to increase retail coal prices by 2d. per cwt. as a temporary measure. The increase is to operate only in areas where deliveries are restricted to 2 cwts. per week, and only while this restriction continues. The present increase was authorised after careful examination in my Department, and represents the increased costs of distribution under present conditions arising out of the shortage of supplies and the necessity for restricting deliveries to small quantities.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that this means that coal is costing as much as 3s. 5d. a cwt. in very poor districts and that deliveries are being delayed in order that the coal may be delivered in small quantities?

It has not been a question of delaying but of delivering so as to secure a fair and equitable distribution.

Why should the extra cost always be put on those people who are least able to bear it? If it is necessary that there should be any extra cost, why is it not properly distributed?

The men who distribute coal in these small quantities are paid on piece rates, and unless this arrangement had been made, supplies could not have been maintained.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of collieries that have been closed since the outbreak of war, their location, particulars of numbers employed and the output of those mines; whether owners of collieries are obliged to notify him of the intention to close down collieries; and whether, in any instances, he intervenes to prevent collieries being closed at the present time?

As regards the first part of the Question, it is not desirable that this information should be published in wartime; but I can assure the hon. Member that my Department looks most carefully into all cases of the threatened closing of pits of substantial size with a view to preventing it if possible.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that 14-pound bags of coalite are being retailed at 10d. per bag in certain districts in London; and if he intends to take action to stop this profiteering?

I am aware that in London the current retail price of coalite is 10d. per bag of 14 pounds. The corresponding pre-war price was 9½d., the difference having been authorised by my Department in respect of increased costs of production and distribution. I would remind the hon. Member that the costs incidental to the retail distribution of this product in small quantities in bags are out of all proportion to those incurred in handling larger quantities.

Is the Minister aware of the high additional profit on the fixed price of coalite when it is retailed at these prices to the very poorest section of the community?

I shall be very glad to examine any figures with which the hon. Lady would care to furnish me.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many schemes are in operation in collieries in Yorkshire where mine owners and mine workers provide old age pensioners with a supplementary allowance; and the average weekly deduction from miners' wages to provide the funds?

This information is not at present available but I am making inquiries and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Will the hon. Gentleman at the same time supply his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer with this information?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, seeing that a period of two years will soon have elapsed during which the Swaziland chief Fakisandhla has been under sentence of death, awaiting either acquittal or execution, he is now able to say what steps will be taken to expedite the appeal which His Majesty's Privy Council has agreed should take place?

The appellant's case has not yet been lodged with the Privy Council, but I understand that every effort is being made to have this done with the least possible delay. I may add that as it appeared that the delay was to some extent due to the difficulties of the appellant in providing funds for the prosecution of the appeal, I have undertaken on behalf of the Swaziland Administration to guarantee payment of part of the costs if the appellant's case is ready for hearing during the present law term.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that, prior to the introduction of the Natives Registration Act of Southern Rhodesia, the House was informed that this Act had been passed with the object of reducing convictions in the Pass Laws and because the Southern Rhodesian Government was seriously perturbed at the growing number of alleged offences in Southern Rhodesia; is he aware also that the view was widely expressed that, so far from obtaining a substantial reduction in the number of convictions for Pass Law offences, this Act would almost certainly increase the convictions; and whether, seeing that the latest figures do not show the anticipated decrease, he will urge upon the Government of Southern Rhodesia some modifications of the Natives Registration Act?

The last part of the Question appears to be due to a misapprehension, since the number of convictions in 1938, which I gave in my reply to the hon. Member on 20th February, indicates a decrease as compared with the corresponding figures for the two previous years. The number of convictions for contraventions of the Southern Rhodesian Pass Laws, including offences under the Natives Registration legislation, fell from 16,568 in 1936 to 13,273 in 1938, which was the first full year in which the Natives Registration Act of 1936 was in force.

Is the right hon. Gentleman sure that the figures for 1938 show no increase over the previous year?

The fact is that there are two laws and it is a very complicated business. Perhaps if I had a word with the hon. Gentleman afterwards, I could explain the matter to him.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he will give the names of those members of the Export Council who have had personal experience of processing raw materials into finished goods for export, personal experience of local overseas conditions, and personal knowledge of selling methods required for competitive overseas markets;

(2) whether those members of the Export Council who have had no personal experience of selling in competitive overseas markets will, as economic experts co-ordinated with the Economic Council, advise British exporters how to increase export trade while the foreign markets are only sellers' markets and non-competitive or afterwards when they become buyers' markets and competitive?

The members of the Export Council were chosen, not because of their knowledge of particular trades, but because they were persons of wide knowledge and experience in the various aspects of commercial and industrial life. They are, in my judgment, well qualified to deal with the considerations that arise in relation to export trade, whether the markets are sellers' markets or buyers' markets.

Is not the Minister aware that the majority of these theoretical gentlemen are quite unfit for these jobs?

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to be in a position to make a full statement to hon. Members on his policy for stimulating exports?

Since their appointment, the Export Council have been giving their urgent consideration to the need for making a public statement of their plans and I expect to present a White Paper very shortly.

Apart from any views held by the Export Council, has the right hon. Gentleman no views of his own, and is he aware that there is considerable anxiety about this and will he not make a personal statement very soon?

I would remind the hon. Member that I am chairman of the Export Council.

Then would the right hon. Gentleman, as chairman of the Export Council, impart his views to the House?

I have just stated that a White Paper will be presented very shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the reluctance of many traders to under take the export of goods owing to the risks involved; that many prefer to engage in internal trade free from risk; and whether he has any proposals for dealing with this situation?

The matters to which the hon. Member refers are prominently in the minds of the members of the Export Council and I hope that with their assistance methods will be found for dealing with the situation in individual trades. The methods will, of course, vary from trade to trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether members of the Export Council will visit various overseas countries to develop ex port trade by personal contact, or depute such duties to individuals or groups of British firms in relevant trades while directing export trade expansion from here in an advisory capacity rather than by contacts in the overseas markets?

The immediate task of the Export Council is to assist in the organisation of industry with a view to maintaining and increasing the export trade as a vital part of our war effort. It must clearly be the task of individual industries and groups to undertake the personal contacts to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that thousands of consignments of material for export are being held up because of the shortage of freights? Can he do anything to assist in the matter?

It is our duty to give all the assistance we can, and if the hon. Member would give me particulars I should be happy to look into them.

I have done so and also to the shipping controllers, without result.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether purchases of American tobacco have been resumed on a substantial scale; whether the resumption of purchases has been agreed upon by His Majesty's Government; and whether he will state the reasons for which dollar resources are used for such purchases?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative and the second part, therefore, does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can inform the House about the arrangement, recently made with the Japanese Government, providing for the import of 350,000 dozen pairs of stockings and a large quantity of other textiles from Japan?

There has for some years past been an agreement between the British and Japanese hosiery manufacturers for the limitation of exports of Japanese hosiery to the United Kingdom. This agreement was renewed last month and, with the agreement of the British hosiery industry, the import licensing restrictions have since been relaxed so as to allow a limited import of cheap Japanese hosiery of a kind not made here in quantities sufficient to meet the demand.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the need for conserving foreign currency and the position in regard to food supplies, he thinks it necessary to arrange for these imports into this country during a time of war?

There is, likewise, of course, the need for export trade and it has been made clear to the Japanese Government that the continuance of this concession must depend upon their attitude towards the admission of British wool hosiery into Japan.

Surely the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the more trade we do with Japan, the more they will be able to hammer away at China?

Would the right hon. Gentleman not agree that the purpose of stimulating exports is to purchase war materials abroad and not stockings?

Does the Minister agree with that? Could we have a Ministerial pronouncement on that subject?

In general, I do agree.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any animal feeding-stuffs have been ex-ported since the commencement of the war?

During the five months ended January, 1940, exports of feeding-stuffs for animals, of United Kingdom production, were valued at £135,000, while re-exports amounted to £39,000. By far the greater proportion of these exports; were to Empire countries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many of his officials possess personal up-to-date experience, apart from theoretical know ledge, of applying differential rates of exchange that have been operated by other countries in markets outside the now neutral sterling area; will he say in which markets; and, in cases where his staff have not the essential personal non-theoretical knowledge, will he secure the necessary skilled assistance from outside sources?

I am satisfied that sufficient technical experience would be available to His Majesty's Government for the operation of any arrangement which it might be decided to adopt.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the considerable inconvenience caused to British nationals throughout the Empire, as well as in Great Britain, by their identification with enemy nationals on the directorates and in the shareholding of limited liability companies; and how far his regulations safeguard the interests of such British directors and shareholders in the implementation of the strict terms of the Enemy Property Act?

The position of the Board of Trade in this matter is governed by the provisions of Section 7 of the Trading with the Enemy Act. Shares held by or on behalf of enemies in companies registered in the United Kingdom are normally vested in the Custodian of Enemy Property if such shareholding constitutes a controlling interest. The beneficial enemy ownership of the shares is thus in abeyance and the enemy directors are prevented from functioning. The interests of British directors and shareholders are thus fully safeguarded and it is open to the British shareholders, if they so desire, to remove the enemy directors from office. The question of action in other parts of the Empire is a matter for their respective Governments.

If I bring to the right hon. Gentleman's notice a case in which British directors and shareholders have not had their interests protected, will he look into it?

I shall be very happy to do so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Amsterdam banking firm, Rhodins Kolnig and Company, is controlled by German interests and is managed and staffed by Germans; and whether, in view of this fact, he will take steps to place the firm's name on the statutory list?

It is not in the national interest to publish information of this kind relating to the exercise of the powers conferred on the Board of Trade by Subsection (2) of Section 2 of the Trading with the Enemy Act.

Is it not in the national interest that British subjects should be given all the information possible so that they will know whether they are trading through firms under German control?

I cannot add to my answer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any figures that will indicate whether the production of woollen cloth and of boots has increased, decreased, or remained stationary since the outbreak of war?

I regret I have no precise information relating to the output of woollen cloth and boots since the outbreak of war.

Has the Minister in his Department any estimates of the exportable surplus?

The Department is busily engaged in trying to make an estimate of that kind, but I have no precise information.

Of course, I am aware that it has not been the practice of his Department to know these things, but would it not be desirable, in view of the present circumstances, to try and know what this country is capable of producing in an essential industry?

It is very desirable, and the Department is proceeding to get that knowledge.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he will give an assurance that before His Majesty's Government agree to any plan whereby American ships should take over the services in certain areas now performed by British ships in order to release those ships for service in areas barred to American vessels, a condition of any such arrangement shall be that any services so taken over by American vessels will be restored intact to British shipping at the conclusion of hostilities?

This matter is one for discussion between the British and United States lines concerned, but I can assure my hon. Friend that I am fully aware of the importance of safeguarding the position of British shipping after the war and I will not overlook the considerations set out in his Question.

Is the Minister in a position to make a statement as to whether discussions are now proceeding?

Yes, Sir. I understand that some such discussions are proceeding.

The right hon. Gentleman says he "understands" that some such discussions are proceeding. Has he actual knowledge of these discussions?

Yes, Sir. I have.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether, in view of the national services rendered by seamen of the Mercantile Marine, he will be prepared to grant two free railway vouchers a year to merchant seamen when on leave?

Representations on this subject have recently been received from the National Maritime Board and are now under consideration.

asked the Minister of Shipping what proportion of British mercantile vessels, including fishing craft, working in areas under risk from enemy attack or mines are fitted with rafts, kapoc waistcoats and steel helmets; whether this is done at the expense of the Government or of the employers; and whether, in view of the recent heavy casualties, these forms of provision will be made compulsory?

I recognise that lifeboats alone are not sufficient under present conditions and I have been in communication with shipowners with a view to securing the provision of rafts of a suitable type and buoyant waistcoats or belts as rapidly as possible. Shipowners responded immediately and inquiries show that with few exceptions rafts are now provided, and that good progress has been made in the manufacture and supply of waistcoats and belts. I have decided to make compulsory the provision of rafts on all ships operating in dangerous waters. I have advised the shipowners' organisations that steel helmets also should be provided for ships' personnel, and the Admiralty have taken power, in the Protection of Exposed Personnel (Merchant Shipping) Order, 1940, to require protective equipment to be provided for personnel exposed to machine-gun attack by enemy aircraft.

Are we to understand that from now on the provision of rafts is compulsory; also, I am not quite sure whether the provision of the other items is compulsory?

Yes, Sir.

Is the Minister aware that if a man or woman wears a life-saving jacket it is impossible to sink.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare what steps are being taken to prevent large quantities of copper ore from the British-owned Rio Tinto mines in Spain, being delivered to Germany?

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he is aware that Germany has been receiving from a British-controlled company operating in Spain 35,000 tons of copper ore per month; and what steps he is taking to put an end to this?

Goods cannot be shipped from Spain to Germany without passing through the area of the British or French contraband control. According to my information, no copper ore shipped from Spain since the outbreak of the war has reached Germany.

Is the Minister in a position to say that there is no foundation for the widely circulated statement that the Spanish Government is forcing the Rio Tinto mines to export about 35,000 tons a month of copper-ore, which is finding its. way to Germany?

I believe there is no foundation whatever for that story. Indeed, I understand from the Rio Tinto Company that at the present time no copper-ore whatever is being exported from Spain, where it is all needed.

Will the Minister convey that answer to the Minister of Information with the request that it be circulated in America, where this rumour has been given wide currency?

I am sure that the hon. Member's Supplementary Question has already called the attention of the Minister to it.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare what are the arrangements under which Italian ships are exempted from contraband control at Gibraltar?

Italian ships are not exempted from contraband control at Gibraltar. They can, however, in common with other neutral ships, avail themselves of facilities enabling them on certain terms to proceed after a brief examination. These terms are that their cargo is to be held at their port of destination pending a decision by the Contraband Committee. Any goods then ordered to be seized are re-shipped to a suitable allied port at the expense of the shipping company.

Is the Minister quite sure that there is no evasion by ships going to small ports, or anything of that sort?

I cannot say that there is never any evasion because, obviously, the sea is a large place and a number of vessels may escape contraband control. I have, however, no information which indicates that there is evasion of any importance.

Is it not indicated by the large increase of products obtained by Russia from the United States as compared with last year?

This question concerns Italy.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he is aware that there is widespread uneasiness about the extent of the circumvention of the blockade through the United States, Russia, Norway, Italy, Holland, and Belgium; and that in view of the vital importance of the full enforcement of the blockade, he will make a statement to the House on this matter?

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether, in view of the existence of a number of loopholes in the blockade, he will make an early statement reviewing the position and progress of economic warfare?

I have not at present anything that I can usefully add to my statement to the House on 17th January. I can, however, assure my hon. Friends that the possibilities of evasion of our contraband control are constantly under review, but such information as I have does not lead me to suspect that there is serious leakage so far as the European countries referred to are concerned. If my hon. Friends have any evidence in a contrary sense, I shall be glad to receive and consider it. There is more evidence of efforts to ship contraband via Vladivostock and the possibilities of checking such shipments is being considered, but the extent to which this route can be used for bulky commodities is obviously limited. I will, of course, be prepared, should the occasion arise, to make a further statement on the subject.

Will my hon. Friend see any information that I and other Members have?

indicated assent

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare what knowledge he has of imports of war material consigned to Russia; by what routes such imports proceed; from what countries and in whose ships it is carried; and why the British contraband control lets it through, in view of its possible ultimate destination?

Russian imports of war material, except from Germany, appear to have been considerably reduced in recent months. Imports of certain raw materials including rubber, copper and molybdenum during the period September to January were, however, larger than during the same period in 1937–38. These imports have entered the Soviet Union at Vladivostock, and come from the United States of America, either direct or through Mexico, from the Philippines and from the Netherlands East Indies. The ships employed appear mainly to be Soviet, Dutch, Japanese and Norwegian. These ships do not pass through the British contraband control.

Is the Minister aware that there is an apparent looseness which inflicts a great injury on the interests of this country and also makes very grave difficulties for the Navy?

My hon. Friend must appreciate that there is no contraband control in the Pacific.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he has any information about large shipments of tin from the United States to Vladivostock during the last few months; and whether, in view of the fact that no such shipments were made before the war, he is in a position to assure the House that the metal is not re-exported to Germany?

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he has any information about the increase of shipments of oil, tin and rubber by the United States to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and whether he is satisfied that part of these raw materials will not be re-sold to Germany?

I am aware that shipments of tin and rubber from the United States of America to the Soviet Union have increased during the last few months; shipments of petroleum appear, however, to have decreased. I have no information to show whether part of these raw materials is being re-sold to Germany.

Are not conversations being conducted with the United States Government with a view to obtaining the assurance which we ought to have that this is not being re-exported to Germany?

It will be remembered that the United States is a neutral country. They are, I believe, well aware of all the circumstances, and I do not feel it would be perhaps our best course to make any such direct approach as the hon. Member suggests.

Is it not the case that we are conducting negotiations with a large number of neutral countries at the present time for the very purpose of preventing this kind of thing? Why then should the United States be excluded?

For the simple reason that the countries with whom we are conducting these negotiations are subject to our contraband control and there is no such sanction where the United States are concerned.

Can the Minister say whether these goods go via Vladivostock or via Murmansk and the White Sea?

I have no information of materials coming in at Murmansk and the White Sea, but I can say that material is going in at Vladivostock and via the Kobe-Darien route.

Does it not indicate that America prefers Mammon to democracy?

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he is aware that in the last four months of 1939, as compared with the corresponding period in 1938, American exports to the 13 countries, Italy, Russia, four Balkan and three Scandinavian countries, Belgium, Holland, Hungary and Switzerland rose in value from £35,000,000 to £52,000,000, while in the same periods American values to Britain and France only increased from £60.000,000 to £67,000,000; and what steps he proposes to take?

The figures given by my hon. and gallant Friend as regards American exports to the United Kingdom and France are approximately accurate; I have not been able to check the figures as regards the 13 neutral countries referred to. But even if the figures are as stated, it does not follow that any action on the part of His Majesty's Government is necessarily required. I have no reason to suspect any serious leakage, as far as European countries are concerned. It must be remembered that a number of factors affect these figures including increases in prices and the desire of neutral countries to strengthen their stocks of foodstuffs and raw materials. Nor have we any reason to object if a neutral country should obtain its requirements from the United States rather than from Germany. I would add that the American exports to the 13 neutral countries mentioned, with the exception of exports to Russia via Vladivostock, pass through our controls and are most carefully watched.

Is the hon. Member quite sure that the neutral countries are not being treated too leniently, and is he aware that his Ministry is a Ministry of Economic Warfare and not of economic appeasement?

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend most definitely that we do use our bargaining and other powers to the full.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether His Majesty's Government have consented, in any of the agreements concluded or under negotiation with neutral Governments, to the continuation of re-export to Germany by the neutral countries concerned?

With the permission of the House, Mr. Speaker, I will make a short statement on this subject at the end of Questions: perhaps the hon. Lady will be good enough to await this statement.

As I explained in my reply to the hon. Member for Romford (Mr. Parker) on 20th February, it would not be in the public interest to disclose the details of the various war trade agreements which we have concluded. But it may be useful if I take this opportunity to summarise very broadly the main features which, with some difference of detail, are embodied in these agreements.

These war trade agreements cover the whole trade of the countries concerned. In the first place, of course, we had to deal with their overseas imports. These imports fall within our contraband control and we are entitled to seize any contraband goods in respect of which we have some evidence or at least suspicion of enemy destination. But we cannot detain imports consigned to neutral countries except to the extent necessary to assure ourselves that they are genuinely required for the domestic consumption of those countries and are not going to Germany. Our first objective, therefore, has been to obtain appropriate guarantees from the Governments concerned that their overseas imports and especially imports of foodstuffs and raw materials will be used exclusively for their domestic requirements, including in some cases reasonable provision for stocks, and that they will not be re-exported to Germany. The neutral countries concerned have the machinery for preventing such re-exports through prohibitions of export or licensing systems, and one of the essential points of our agreements is to secure that these measures should be operated in a manner satisfactory to us. There has been no substantial difficulty in securing this.

I come next to the goods which these countries produce themselves. As regards such produce, the countries concerned usually stipulate that goods of purely domestic origin may be exported to both belligerents on the peace-time level, and, as these are goods which have not passed through our patrols, we have not the same control as we have of their overseas imports. Moreover, it must be remembered that the maintenance of such exports is vital to the economic life of the neutral countries concerned; and in many cases we ourselves benefit from such exports to at least as great, if not a greater degree than Germany. Even in this class of goods, however, we aim at reducing the exports to Germany as far as practicable.

There remains a group of intermediate cases where the neutral country has a manufacturing industry dependent on imports of raw materials. These are the most difficult cases to deal with; and our aim in the case of important commodities has been by agreement either to prevent entirely or to restrict to trifling quantities the exports to Germany of such manufactures. But the degree of restriction naturally depends on the circumstances and particularly on the importance of the commodity concerned.

In general, the war trade agreements aim at securing guarantees against the re-export of contraband goods to Germany, with the machinery for their enforcement, and thus facilitating the operation of our contraband control and, at the same time, enabling the neutral countries concerned to maintain their own domestic economy. But I should make it clear that there is nothing in these war trade agreements which prevents us from exercising our full belligerent rights in respect of any consignments in regard to which we have evidence of enemy destination.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he can state the amount of iron-ore exported from Sweden to Germany since the outbreak of war?

In the absence of published statistics I regret that I am not in a position to give authoritative information on the amount of iron-ore exported from Sweden to Germany during the war.

Is there not an agreement in force whereby the Swedish Government stipulate that with the export of iron-ore to this country they shall be entitled to export iron-ore to Germany? Why is it not possible for the British Government to state the figures of exports?

There is no such agreement.

Does the hon. Gentleman say that no such stipulation has been made by the Swedish Government?

None whatever as I understand the hon. Member.

Has the Minister any information about this question, and, if so, does it lead him to believe that the amount of iron-ore exported from Sweden to Germany has increased?

I have information, of course, but it is that information which I indicated I thought I had better not give to the House. The only information I could give is that which could be derived from public records, and there are no such records.

Is any attempt being made to blockade Swedish iron-ore exports to Germany, for if Germany is able to obtain it half the battle is won for her?

No one realises better than I do the importance of Swedish iron-ore to Germany, and if the hon. Member can indicate any means whereby we can blockade Swedish iron-ore going across the Baltic I shall be obliged.

Will the Government consider purchasing the Swedish iron-ore?

First we have to persuade the Swedish Government to sell it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will issue to all messing officers attached to the home Forces a general order that food must be served to the men either in a hot or a cold condition, and not tepid; and will he repeat the order every month during the duration of the war so as to avoid tepid food being rejected by the men and so wasted?

:I do not think such an order is required.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has had under consideration the position of owners of single lorries whose vehicles were requisitioned in the first month of the war and when, though the then market price was paid, the owner could not replace his vehicle and so continue to earn his livelihood without an expenditure much greater and in many cases altogether beyond his means; and whether he will consider the granting of compensation in such cases?

The sum payable in respect of an impressed vehicle is limited by Statute to the amount which represents its fair market value. In these circumstances, the War Office has no power to pay additional compensation on the lines suggested.

Is it not possible to get powers to give these men compensation, as several have lost all their means of livelihood?

The powers are laid down by Statute, but were only exercised occasionally in the first months of war and instructions have been given that no further impressments are to be made in cases such as my hon. and gallant Friend refers to.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the wrong still remains and that these unfortunate men have lost their livelihood?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether children of members of His Majesty's Forces who are over the age of 14 years and in full-time attendance at school are eligible for allowances on the same scale and under similar conditions to children under the age of 14 years?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is any set principle in operation which recognises the payment of an allowance to a foster-mother to a family where the eldest of the family is in the Army and has been the breadwinner and is making an allotment to the foster-mother to help maintain the younger children; and, if so, is it on the basis of a soldier's wife's allowance and the children's allowance?

The foster-mother of a man who has joined the Army in connection with the present war is eligible for an award of dependants' allowance under the conditions prescribed in the relevant regulations, provided she has acted in the place of a parent to the soldier and has wholly or mainly supported him during his minority for not less than five years. Details as to the rates and conditions of allowances are contained in the White Paper (Cmd. 6138) recently issued. The rates and conditions are not the same as those applicable to soldiers' wives and children. In cases of hardship due to the withdrawal of the soldier's contribution to the household which are not covered by the ordinary regulations, application can be made to the War Service Grants Advisory Committee for consideration of a special allowance.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what are the relevant regulations referred to?

They are those governing the issue of dependant's allowance.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) how many married women separated from their husbands now in the Armed Forces, have been refused the usual Army allowances, notwithstanding the fact that such women have obtained separation orders for their maintenance;

(2) how many married women whose husbands have deserted them and joined the Armed Forces before a court order for their maintenance could be obtained, have been refused the Army allowances?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a soldier's wife who has a magistrate's order for maintenance allowance against her husband is paid by the Government the full amount of such order, or, if not, what amount is paid in such cases?

I regret that the information asked for by the hon. Member for Morpeth (Mr. R. J. Taylor) is not available. I would, however, explain that the ordinary Army family allowance is granted to assist soldiers, who fulfil the prescribed conditions, in the maintenance of their homes, and it is not issuable in cases where, owing to domestic disagreement, these homes have been broken up. In such circumstances, the men concerned can be placed under compulsory stoppages of pay in respect of the maintenance of their wives, under the conditions prescribed in Section 145 (2) of the Army Act; and where, in the case of men who have joined the colours for service in connection with the war, the amount which can be so stopped is insufficient to prevent serious hardship arising to the wives through the calling up of their husbands, these amounts can be supplemented by a grant of special assistance. The administrative arrangements in connection with these cases are at present under review.

Will my right hon. Friend carry out his promise and look into this matter? Does he know that there is a growing feeling throughout the country, and in this House, that some decision ought to be given in this matter? Perhaps the Prime Minister will look into it, as he does into most other matters?

It may be possible for us to spare the Prime Minister trouble. As I have told the Noble Lady on several occasions, particularly when she came on a deputation to me, I am inquiring into the matter. I have already informed the House about the discussion on the question of allowances.

It may be a question for discussion, but my right hon. Friend said that he would look into it and give us a reply. We do not want to discuss it. We want a decision.

Is it the position now that a man may turn his wife out of his house and then draw an allowance for another woman?

No, Sir.

It is the position.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether arrangements are made in all home establishments occupied by the Army, Royal Air Force, and Women's Auxiliary Forces for responsible officers to prevent the use of damp bedding; and whether adequate facilities are available in all such establishments for drying bedding and wet clothes, in order to reduce avoidable liability to sick ness?

In all permanent barracks and camps properly equipped drying rooms are provided, where bedding can be aired and clothes dried. In the case of other accommodation, commanding officers are responsible for making suitable arrangements. Special officers are not appointed for this purpose. It is the duty of every officer to care for the health and comfort of the men or women under his or her command.

Why are not the same facilities provided for the men troops, because there is just as great a danger from damp bedding?

I said that in all permanent barracks and camps, whether used by men or women, these facilities are provided.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that weekly deductions are being made from the pay of men in the 43rd Wessex Divisional Signals in many cases against their wishes; and whether this scheme of compulsory saving has the approval of the War Office?

I am informed that no such scheme exists in this unit and that no deductions from pay for such a purpose have been made.

If I provide the right hon. Gentleman with information will he look into it?

I will, but I have seen a categorical denial that there is any such scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the allowance per day paid to privates, lance-corporals, corporals and Serjeants in the British Army; and whether he has any knowledge of the corresponding allowances paid to each similar rank in the New Zealand, Australian and Canadian armies, respectively?

The rates of pay in the British Army vary according to length of service, proficiency and trade qualification as well as rank. I will circulate in the Official Report the range of rates for the ranks mentioned in the Question. In addition, the soldier is provided with accommodation and rations and other benefits in cash or kind, such as clothing, medical attendance, allowances for families and dependants and non-effective benefits. I regret that I have no authoritative comparable information regarding the emoluments of Dominion troops.

I have communicated with these Dominions regarding the allowances paid in the Australian, New Zealand and Canadian Armies, and I will place the information in the Library when I get it.

I have no comparable information because, in addition to the actual rates of pay, the soldiers here have other allowances.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the large amount of materials and valuable refuse still being wasted in Army camps in this country, and what steps he is taking to deal with it?

I am not aware that a large amount of materials and valuable refuse is being wasted in Army camps or barracks. Instructions regarding the prevention of waste have been issued, and there is daily evidence of active and continuous efforts to conserve and economise.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men over the age for registration, who have voluntarily joined up before or after the outbreak of war for home defence only, are compelled to accompany their units if they go overseas; and, if not, what steps they should take if they desire to secure transfer to other units?

If a man who has not enlisted, or subsequently accepted a liability, for general service, is ordered overseas, he should report the facts to his commanding officer. He will not then be sent overseas, and will, if necessary, be transferred to another unit at home.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many men are unconscious that they can object and have failed to do so; and will he make it generally known to commanding officers that men need not accompany their units overseas if they joined for home defence only? Will he give men an opportunity of saying whether they consent or do not consent?

I will certainly inquire to see whether that is fully understood.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men have been passed A1 for service and discharged or reduced to a lower category on medical grounds within three months of being called up; and whether he is satisfied that the medical examination is being carried out efficiently?

I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available. I know of no reason to question the efficiency of the medical examinations which are being carried out.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Members of Parliament have received particulars of a considerable number of cases of men who have been accepted for service and in a few weeks have been turned down on medical grounds, proving that the examinations must have been rather superficial?

There certainly are some cases, although, as I have no doubt the hon. Member will agree, they are all immediately investigated and the matter is put right. I cannot say that the number of cases is such as to call into question the efficiency, in general, of the examinations.

Will Tommy Farr get a pension?

asked the Secretary of State for War what proportion of officers in the Women's Auxiliary Services are promoted from the ranks?

Nearly 90 per cent. of the present officers of the Auxiliary Territorial Service were appointed while the Service was being formed. The remainder, with the exception of a few who served as officers in the last war, were appointed after service in the ranks, and this will continue to be the practice.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that due provision is made for the health and medical needs of the young men in training for commissions in the Army?

The same provision is made for the health of men in officer cadet training units as for all ranks. It is the constant endeavour to bring the medical services to the highest pitch of efficiency.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 127 small military hospitals and reception stations are staffed by voluntary aid detachments with no trained nurses; that these arrangements, intended only for brief detention, are frequently obliged to accommodate cases of pneumonia, cerebro-spinal fever and other serious diseases; and whether he will appoint at least one trained nurse to each such hospital or station?

Certificated nurses are not normally employed in small military hospitals and reception stations, which are not intended for the treatment of serious cases. Such nurses are, however, called in when their services are needed. I should be grateful if my hon. Friend would send me particulars of any case of cerebro-spinal fever being treated at one of these establishments.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, whereas this was the normal practice as understood, entirely different conditions have prevailed since the outbreak of the war and that the V.A.Ds. are absolutely untrained to look after cases that have had to be accommodated in these hospitals—127 of them?

In view of the alarmingly high proportion of deaths from sickness in the first casualties, will the Minister give this matter his personal attention?

I am giving it my personal attention and I hope to make a statement about it on the Estimates; but I could not agree that there was an alarming high death rate in the first casualty list. As I explained, having regard to accidents caused by the blackout, the death rate from disease was not unduly high.

Surely the Parliamentary Secretary's Answer to a previous Question of mine on this subject was an admission that about 90 per cent. of the deaths in the first casualty list were due to sickness?

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) to state the number of soldiers certified as sick and ailing who are billeted in private houses in Scotland because of the absence of hospital accommodation; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure the provision of adequate hospital accommodation for soldiers in Scotland;

(2) whether the numbers of sick soldiers billeted in private houses in Scotland is increasing; and how many deaths have been due to the absence of hospital accommodation;

(3) to furnish a list of the certified diseases from which soldiers billeted in private houses in Scotland are suffering?

I have called for a report, and will communicate with the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any steps are being taken to provide a competent authority in each military training camp in order to assist the men called to the Colours in such private questions as life assurance, house purchase, hire purchase, etc.?

It is the duty of every officer to look after the welfare of his men, but in many units and camps one officer is deputed specially to deal with inquiries regarding such matters as life assurance, house purchase and hire purchase. In addition, social welfare officers have been appointed throughout the country and an important part of their duties is to advise on personal matters of this nature. In many cases, they have the assistance of local solicitors and others who are able to give expert advice on special matters. Cases which cannot be dealt with locally may be referred to command social welfare officers, who in turn are assisted by specialist advisers.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of non-commissioned officers promoted to the rank of commissioned officers since September, 1939; what number have so been promoted from the Regular Army; and the total from the Territorial units during this period?

I regret that the information asked for is not available.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the discrimination exercised in regard to these promotions is arousing deep resentment among non-commissioned officers of the Regular Army and that, despite the boast of its democratisation, the Army is as full of the old school tie as ever?

I am not aware that this is causing resentment, and the hon. Gentleman's statement is quite untrue. [Hon. Members: "Oh!"] I apologise—is wholly inaccurate. The pledge given by my predecessor is being fully carried out.

What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by "fully"?

Wholly.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many commissions have been granted to civilians since the outbreak of war on the recommendation, or at the request, of the Ministry of Supply; and what will be the military status of such persons if, for any reason, their services are no longer required by, or in connection with, the Ministry of Supply?

The number of emergency commissions which have been granted at the request of the Ministry of Supply is 25. If no longer required by the Ministry, these officers would be available for employment as such elsewhere, or, if they were not so required, their commissions could be terminated.

What happens in the case of a man granted a captain's commission when he has no military experience? When his services are no longer required will he go straight over to the command of a battery or a company?

His services will be available for employment elsewhere if required; if not, they will be dispensed with.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the nurses of the general hospitals of the Territorial Army, abolished last summer, were called up at the beginning of the war, and are waiting and available for any service required?

The Territorial Army Nursing Service personnel attached to the Territorial Army general hospitals, which were abolished in September, 1938, were not called up at the beginning of the war. Their services were not then required and they had been individually notified that it was unlikely they would be needed for some months. A certain number volunteered for service during the first few weeks, and as many as possible of these were absorbed in the units then being formed. Others are being called up as required. The remainder are waiting and available. Meanwhile, they continue in their civil posts.

Would my right hon. Friend look again into the question of the large number of nurses called up who have not been of use, and who would be of a great deal more use in the small military hospitals?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the General Council and Register of Osteopaths have offered their services to his Department; and whether men serving in the Army will be entitled to the advantages of osteopathic treatment during the emergency?

An offer of services was received last November from the General Council and Register of Osteopaths, and they were informed that the offer was appreciated and that, if those osteopaths who hold a legal qualification to practise medicine in this country would register for military service with the Central Emergency Committee of the British Medical Association, they would be considered for commissions in the Royal Army Medical Corps where they would have opportunities of exercising their special skill.

Will the services of bonesetters be utilised also, as very useful services can be performed by them?

I do not know whether we have received any communication from bonesetters as such, but their services would certainly be considered, on the same terms as those of osteopaths.

If the condition is that they have to be registered, there may be no chance of using them.

Does that mean that a man like Sir Ernest Barker is ineligible, in view of his work in the last war?

It is impossible in connection with matters of this kind for the Army to alter the whole of the medical system.