asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children in Scotland are receiving education on the same basis as prior to the outbreak of war; how many are receiving some modified form of education; how many of school age are not receiving education at all; and what steps are being taken to ensure that all children of school age shall receive full and normal education?

In the sending and neutral areas under the Government evacuation scheme 104,000 children are receiving full-time education, 234,900 a modified form, and 75,700 are not attending school. This last figure is being steadily reduced. In the remaining areas, out of 2,960 schools all but 109 are working full-time. In all these 109 schools a half-time system at least is in operation. As regards the last part of the Question, constant attention is being given to making provision for children who are not presently attending school, and in a circular issued on 6th February, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member, I have made suggestions to this end to the education authorities concerned.

Could not the Minister bring forward special measures so as to get the schools which are operating on half time to operate on full time? In Fife the schools are closed in the forenoon; is it not possible to get these schools operating on full time?

:I am anxious to get them operating on full time wherever it is possible; I know the difficulty in certain areas. With co-operation from the authorities, it may be possible.

When does the Minister intend to have compulsory education in Scotland as in England?

We have it already.

What does the Secretary of State propose to do with regard to schools which have been taken over by the Army—

Or the A.R.P.

and are still occupied by them?

I am now in consultation with the authorities concerned about the release of several of these schools, and I am obtaining the release of those which can possibly be given up.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some infant schools in Scotland have been taken over, and will he make a special effort in those cases to get them returned?

I know of those cases, and I am looking into them.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many housing schemes are being proceeded with in the city of Glasgow, the names of such schemes, and the number of houses to be provided this year and in subsequent years?

All housing schemes in the city of Glasgow which had been started at the outbreak of war are being proceeded with, and 691 houses have been completed in the first six months of the war. In present circumstances, however, progress depends largely on the availability of material, and it is difficult to estimate the rate of output in the immediate future. I am in close touch with the corporation with a view to securing the completion of the largest number of houses as rapidly as practicable. There are 19 schemes comprising 2,780 houses at various stages of construction. I am circulating the names of the schemes in the Official Report.

In view of the shortage of material, is any of the timber which is necessary for these schemes available from Scottish sources, or will it be available in the near future from Scottish sources?

I am anxious to make it available from these sources wherever possible. As the hon. Gentleman knows, imported timber has been used up to now. There are technical difficulties, but I am trying to surmount them.

May I take it that this question is being kept in mind?

Yes, Sir, that is so.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are being taken to carry on and complete the Barrowfield housing scheme in the Camlachie parliamentary division of Glasgow, in view of the housing conditions in this part of Glasgow?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his Question on this subject yesterday.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great hardship which people in this part of Glasgow are suffering, and will he press on with this scheme, in view of the fact that so many houses were to have been finished last year and were not?

Yes, Sir. Of course, this is one of a number of schemes. I am aware that the circumstances, as the hon. Gentleman says, are very pressing, and I will do what I can in the matter.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many coal dealers in Newcastle-on-Tyne ran short of coal during the recent hard weather?

Most dealers were affected to some degree by the interruption of supplies caused by the weather, and some of the smaller retailers may have run temporarily out of stock, but I understand that there was no general shortage of coal in the district.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we have in the centre of Newcastle two coal mines which are not working, and will he in future send a little coal to us when we run short up there?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in order to minimise the chances of a coal shortage next winter, he will consider the advisability of encouraging those householders, firms and institutions which have storage facilities, to lay down a stock, within prescribed limits, during the summer months, and thus lessen the demand for supplies and transport during the next peak-load period?

Yes, Sir. This is the policy which will certainly be pursued as soon as circumstances permit.

Why was that policy not persisted in when the hon. Gentleman was advised to follow it some months ago?

The circumstances of the time were wholly different.

Will the encouragement take the form of lower prices?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will state the number of pits working, the number of men employed in and about the pits, and the output of coal in the county of Fife on the last convenient date and the corresponding figures for a comparable date in 1939?

It is not in the public interest to publish this information.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether it is proposed to make use of the plant at Seaham formerly owned by "Modern Fuels,'' which is capable of producing oil and other by-products?

A Receiver has recently been appointed to safeguard the interests of the Treasury in this plant, and the question of what use can be made of it is at present under active consideration.

Does the hon. Gentleman not realise that this plant employs 1,500 men and that it can produce a very large quantity of oil and other residuals? Is it not desirable to come to an early decision as to whether the Government are to produce oil from coal?

I think the hon. Member is aware that this plant has had a chequered history, that it has not been in repair, and that a good deal of money is required to put it into operation. Everything possible will be done.

But how long will it take? Can the hon. Gentleman make up his mind?

Can the hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that it will be done before the war ends?

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) how many safety officers at collieries have been transferred to other work as a result of war-time conditions; and whether he will take steps to see that the number of these officers is increased rather than decreased during the war;

(2) how he accounts for the fact that, as reported in his Annual Report, 1938, there has been little fresh progress in the organisation of safety committees and the appointment of safety officers at collieries during the year; and whether, in view of the undoubted benefits obtained through these committees and officers, and the disappointments resulting from a failure to develop these methods of promoting safety, he will take immediate steps in the matter?

I have no information as to the transfer of safety officers to other duties. I am in agreement with the hon. Member as to the benefits likely to accrue from the appointment of these officers, the organisation of safety committees and other forms of safety activity at collieries. Some progress is being made, but I should be glad to see this form of safety work more widely adopted. At the same time, I accept the view expressed by the Royal Commission on Safety in Coal Mines that safety committees and safety officers are most likely to function successfully and achieve useful results if their appointment rests upon a voluntary basis.

Arising out of the answer, which is to a certain extent unsatisfactory, inasmuch as the hon. Gentleman appears to be washing his hands of the appointment of these officers and committees, will he personally take an interest in this matter, which has much to do with the high rate of mortality in our Northern coalfields?

Yes, Sir. I am very much interested in this question, and I have instructed the officers of the Department to do everything they can to encourage the formation of these committees.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that a lot of education in these committees will be wasted if these young people are working overtime day after day every week? For instance, I know of a young lad who did a double shift one day, and the company asked him to go back again—

That is on a different question.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many collieries in the country as a whole, and in county Durham, respectively, have special schemes, in addition to safety classes, for giving boys surface employment and training in haulage operations and in the use of safety appliances before they go to work underground; and whether, in view of a possible increase in pit accidents when pits begin to work at full war-time pressure, he will take active steps to increase the number of these safety training schemes?

The arrangements to train boys for work underground vary a great deal and no statistical analysis is available. The importance of effective training has been repeatedly stressed and I feel sure that the influence of my Department and the important recommendations of the Royal Commission will continue to be a stimulus to further improvements so far as present circumstances permit.

In view of the great importance of this question from the point of view of the preservation of health and welfare and training, does the hon. Gentleman not consider it very desirable to have some statistical figures in this matter, and will he give further consideration to it?

I will look into it and see what figures can be collected.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether any arrangements have yet been made with a view to the opening of mines now standing idle in the county of Durham, and to making them ready for the production of coal?

The question of increasing the production of coal, including the possible re-opening of closed pits, is constantly under review, but the first step is to secure that the mines now in production shall be assured of outlets for their full productive capacity.

Is it the intention of the hon. Gentleman's Department to open those collieries in the immediate future, or is it proposed to wait until the war is over before they are dealt with?

It is important to bear in mind also the question of securing the full-time working of the pits.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are over 14,000,000 tons of coal lying waterlogged in Durham and that no effort is being made by his Department to get it?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the scheme for de-watering the coal in South-West Durham was practically settled, but the Special Areas Commissioner would not grant the amount of their share of the money necessary completely to pump out this area? A vast amount of coal will be wasted and men will be unemployed in an area in which men should be employed.

I am looking into this question, with a view to action being taken when the coal is being worked at the Durham pits. The hon. Member will agree that the question is not so urgent at present, when short time is being worked.

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that this question has been urgent for some time.

asked the Secretary for Mines why the balloon barrage and other units on Tyneside are receiving their coal supplies from Birmingham?

I can find no evidence that coal for these units is drawn from other than local sources.

Is the hon. Member aware that responsible constituents of mine have given me information to the contrary—that these units are receiving their supplies from Birmingham?

I have made inquiries of the divisional officer, and also I have asked the Air Ministry to make inquiries of their balloon barrage units. That is all I have been able to do; but if the hon. Lady will give me further particulars, I will look into them.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will consider so modifying the necessary formalities that soldiers on leave will be able promptly to get the petrol rations to which they are entitled, instead of having to fill in forms and wait in queues?

An applicant for the special allowance to Service personnel on leave from overseas has to produce only the registration book of his car or motor cycle and his leave warrant, and no forms have to be filled up. I am informed that there has been no such pressure at recruiting centres, where these allowances are issued, as would have involved any waiting in queues, but if my hon. Friend will furnish me with particulars of any case, I shall be glad to make further inquiries.

Is it not a fact that some soldiers have got their rations after they have returned to France?

If my hon. Friend will give me particulars, I will look into them with a view to putting a stop to that undesirable state of affairs. These arrangements, however, were made in consultation with the Service Departments; and recruiting centres were considered to be the most convenient stations.

Will the hon. Gentleman make it clear that it is not necessary for the car for which a ration is asked to be the soldier's personal property, and that it is quite possible to get a ration for the soldier's wife's car while the soldier is on leave?

That is a matter which I am investigating at present, in consultation with the Service Departments.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in connection with the supply of oil by the Burma Oil Company, he can state what supplies of oil, after meeting priorities required by Burma and India, are available for shipment to the Chinese theatre of war; and whether the additional supplies that are being purchased from American sources are beneficial, or otherwise, to our foreign exchange position of dollars and sterling?

I am informed that no oil products have been sold by the Burma Oil Company to China, and that no such sales are at present contemplated. The Burma Oil Company has, however, on behalf of other oil companies (not producers of oil in Burma or India) made available certain supplies for China, on the understanding that equivalent supplies are simultaneously repaid at a port in Burma or India. No question has, therefore, arisen of supplying China at the expense of Burma or India, and the effect on exchange is exactly the same as if the imported supplies were sent direct to China.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what arrangements are being made in Newfoundland for the recruitment of men for the Army?

As the result of an exchange of views with His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, the Government of Newfoundland has recently called for volunteers for upwards of 1,300 men for service with the Royal Artillery. These recruits will receive their training in the United Kingdom, and will be posted to the same unit or units as far as possible. I am glad to be able to inform the House that a report has been received from the Government of Newfoundland that this call for recruits has met with a most enthusiastic response.

Before bringing these recruits out of Newfoundland, has the Minister any intention of restoring democracy in Newfoundland?

I am glad to be able to say that the economic condition of Newfoundland is steadily improving; and we shall do all we can to foster that improvement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will suggest to the Export Council that they should now take the initiative, in collaboration with the British insurance companies, to stimulate the extension of British insurance business as an invisible export to those neutral countries which have in the past given business to German insurance concerns, and by that means avoid hurried efforts to capture this business at the last moment on the termination of hostilities?

I understand that the British insurance interests already have under consideration the question of stimulating British insurance business abroad as an invisible export, and, in that connection, the suggestion made by my hon. Friend will be borne in mind.

Is it not a complete departure in policy to suggest that this board should take the initiative?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity of Italian vegetables the import of which has been agreed upon by His Majesty's Government; and whether, in practice, these vegetables are paid for through the Anglo-Italian Clearing by exports of coal?

No agreement has been entered into for the importation of Italian vegetables. The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

Can I have the right hon. Gentleman's assurance that no such agreement will be entered into?

Why should we refuse to accept Italian exports, whatever form they take, as long as we have an opportunity of providing them with coal, instead of allowing them to purchase German coal?

In view of pressure that is being brought upon private individuals and market gardeners to increase their production of vegetables, is it not imperative that the country should know what supplies are to be imported and what supplies are to be grown at home?

That is a different question from the one on the Paper, to which I have given an answer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the balance standing to the credit of the insurance fund; and whether he will agree to suspend for a limited period the collection of premiums for the compulsory insurance of stocks against war risks, in view of the cash resources of many industries being seriously depleted by taxation and other demands?

:The balance to the credit of the War Risks (Commodities) Insurance Fund on 4th March, 1940, was £18,620,014. The Board of Trade have made an Order maintaining the premium for the period from 3rd March to 2nd June, 1940, at the rate of 5s. per cent. per month, the rate to which it was reduced for the period which has just passed. In view of the increased risk of serious air raids during the period on which we are now entering, I do not consider that any further reduction would be advisable at present; but I can assure the hon. Member that the matter will be considered afresh in the light of the experience gained in the next two or three months.

Does not my right hon. Friend consider that the total premiums which have accrued will be sufficient to meet present requirements; and will he not consider altering the period of collection, and providing that no fresh premiums shall be demanded until 1st September?

The balance in hand and the risk which is likely are both questions which must, of course, be taken into account, as well as the incidence on industry. All those questions will be kept under review?

Have any claims been made yet?

No substantial claims have been paid yet.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will notify the Brazilian Government that when annual figures disclose that Brazil has bought less of the United Kingdom than the United Kingdom has bought of Brazil, the difference will in future be paid only by Britain with Brazilian Government defaulted bonds, issued in London, valued at the net price received by Brazil from British investors, or, alternatively, that the Brazilian Government should arrange to take forthwith more United Kingdom manufactured exports to balance the annual account?

As regards the first part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to a similar Question on 20th February. As regards the second part, there are considerable invisible items in the balance of payments between Brazil and this country; but my hon. Friend may rest assured that this matter will be closely watched.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that certain miners in the County of Durham have to use candles for their work; that the cost of these has risen between 1st August and 12th February from 4d. to 1s. 6d. per lb.; and what steps he proposes to deal with this abnormal rise in the cost of a commodity, the burden of which falls upon the miners?

If the hon. Member will be good enough to let me have particulars of the cases he has in mind, I will ask the local price regulation committee to examine and report upon them forthwith, in order that I may be in a position to decide whether the Prices of Goods Act should be applied to candles.

I thank the right hon. Gentleman, and I propose to send him particulars of prices that are paid.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the chairman of the Export Council or of the Economic Council will proceed abroad to study in the overseas markets the steps required, and in what countries and with whom, to extend export business, so that British industrialists, when they visit overseas markets, may be guided as to how to organise and extend export trade?

No, Sir. We already have our commercial representatives in all the important overseas markets in the person of trade commissioners within the Empire, and commercial, diplomatic and consular officers in foreign countries. It is their duty to report on ways and means of stimulating United Kingdom exports, and their advice and local knowledge are available to any British industrialist or trader travelling abroad.

Does not the Minister think it extremely important that the chairman of this Export Council should himself be au fait with the matter?

Is full use being made of this Council, and is it keeping in touch with the right hon. Gentleman, besides answering queries that industrialists make?

Certainly, full reports are being made.

Have any arrangements been made for the transfer of the necessary currency from overseas to this country, with a view to extending the export trade?

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the White Paper relating to the plans of the Export Council will be available to Members?

The White Paper will be available in the Vote Office at about six o'clock this evening.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he is aware that shipping companies claim that they are unable to fulfil the regulation that ships should carry two wireless operators because the men are not available; and what steps he is taking to overcome the shortage of qualified wireless operators?

In some cases it has been reported that it has not been possible to obtain an additional wireless operator, but the situation is rapidly improving. All former sea-going wireless operators have been invited to take up employment again in the merchant navy; and the time taken to train wireless operators has been reduced by the introduction of more intensive courses of training. These measures have contributed largely to the much improved position.

Does that mean that the position is now that there is no excuse for a British ship sailing without two wireless operators?

I do not think that I could go quite as far as that, but the situation, as I see it, has improved, and between the 6th November last and the 16th February, 518 ships have had a second wireless operator.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether instructions have been issued to mercantile marine employers concerning the proportion of rafts to the number of crew which they are required to supply for each vessel; and whether it will be made compulsory for boats, rafts and lifebelts or waistcoats to be fitted with sea-proof electric torches?

My intention is that the supply of rafts shall be sufficient to accommodate all on board. Boats are already required to carry lights, and this requirement will be extended to rafts for the dual purpose of enabling them to be found by rescuing craft and to be identified by men in the water.

Will these lights be supplied to individual men, so that a man struggling in the water will be able to show a light?

That is an aspect which is being considered at the present time. There is some doubt as to whether it would be wise, because a man might be left to go to the light of another man instead of to the raft, and it might lead to the loss rather than to the saving of life.

Will the Minister be good enough to inquire into the suitability of what is known as the Collins lifesaving jacket, which I have mentioned many times in this House?

:Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he received information in January or February about the impending deal securing for Germany control over the Rumanian oil company Petrolul Romanesc; and whether he took any steps to prevent the deal while it was still possible to do so?

At the end of January, His Majesty's Government received a report that German agents were attempting to secure control over this Rumanian company. I understand, however, that arrangements have been made by which the company remains under Rumanian control.

Is the Minister entirely satisfied that the Germans have not succeeded in obtaining control of this important petrol corporation?

I do not think this is at all an important petrol corporation, but I am entirely satisfied that it is not under German control.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he is aware that as a result of the Government's recent refusal to buy Bulgarian tobacco, the Bulgarian Government decided to increase considerably the volume of trade between Bulgaria and the Soviet Union; and whether, in view of the far-reaching political implications of that decision, he will, in future, reconsider his attitude towards the purchase of Bulgarian tobacco?

I do not accept the implication in the first part of the Question. As regards the second part, I am unable to undertake any commitment.

Is it not the case that the Government have been unwilling to purchase Bulgarian tobacco and that Bulgaria has to some extent been thrown into the arms of Russia?

I have already said that I do not accept the implication in the first part of the hon. Member's Question. In view of the fact that the Soviet purchase amounted to only 2,000 tons of tobacco, or 7 per cent. of the normal Bulgarian tobacco crop, I think it is clear that it has not the importance that the hon. Member is attributing to it.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare (1) whether the British-Norwegian contraband agreement permits fish caught by the Norwegian fishing fleet in the North Sea and the Arctic to be delivered to Germany;

(2) whether the Government has taken any steps to prevent fish caught by Belgian and Dutch fishing vessels outside their territorial waters from reaching Germany?

I regret that for the reasons explained in my reply to the hon. Member for Romford (Mr. Parker) on 20th February, I am not in a position to reveal the terms of war trade agreements concluded or being negotiated with neutral Powers. The point to which the hon. Member has drawn attention has, of course, been borne in mind during the discussions with the Norwegian, Belgian and Netherlands Governments.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether at the present time we permit fish caught by these neutral boats to be delivered to Germany?

I think that, if I were to make known details of that kind, I should be revealing to the Germans the arrangements we have made with neutral countries.

The right hon. Gèntleman will appreciate that it is important that the House should know what holes there are in the blockade, and what is happening in connection with these matters?

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare (1) whether he is in a position to assure the House that none of the agreements concluded with neutral Governments authorise the latter to import from overseas for the purpose of re-exporting to Germany;

(2) whether the recently concluded Anglo-Belgian Trade Agreement authorises Belgium to re-export to Germany to the limit of her pre-war re-exports to that country or to any considerable extent?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my answer to the hon. Member for Romford (Mr. Parker) on 20th February, and to the statement which I made on 27th February, to which I have nothing to add.

In view of the unfavourable reply, I beg to give notice that I propose to raise the matter at the first opportunity.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he will give information about the value of goods imported from Germany by European neutral countries during the last four months of 1939 and during the last four months of 1938?

The German trade figures have not been published either for 1938 or 1939, while a number of European neutral countries have stopped the publication of their trade statistics since the beginning of the war. In other cases the figures for the period in question in 1939 have not yet appeared. I regret therefore that it is not possible for me to give the information for which the hon. Member asks.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether German coal is still being exported from the port of Rotterdam on neutral vessels for foreign ports?

Any German coal which may be exported from Rotterdam for any foreign port is now liable to be placed in Prize.

Although it may be liable to be intercepted under the export arrangement is it not the case that a considerable quantity of German coal has been shipped from Rotterdam to neutral ports and when is the hon. Gentleman going to be in a position to stop this leakage?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. Any ships as I have already indicated in my answer, which now sail carrying German coal from Rotterdam are detained, and already to-day two vessels have been detained in the Downs.

Is not German coal being exported in Italian vessels from Rotterdam to Italy? Is not that so?

That has now ceased.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he will give information about the value of the exports of the United States to Soviet Russia and Germany during the last four months of 1939 and during the last four months of 1938?

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he has any information whether the Rio Tinto Company is at liberty to dispose freely of its copper ore output, or whether it has to sell its output to Spanish buying organisations; and if the latter is the case, whether he has any definite information about the ultimate destination of the copper ore?

I am informed that the Rio Tinto Company is not obliged to sell copper ore to any Spanish buying organisation, and is not in fact doing so. All exports from Spain are subject to export licences being granted by the Spanish Government, and I understand that that Government are at present discouraging the export of copper ore. According to my information no copper ore is being exported from Spain, and the ore produced by the Rio Tinto Company is being used for ordinary industrial purposes in that country.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether seaborne trade between Spain and Italy is subject to any contraband control, and, if so, how far the control is effective?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. The waters between Spain and Italy are patrolled by the French Navy which maintains effective control there.

As the answer contains a table of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many complaints he has received from private persons of the wastage of food, petrol or other materials; how many of them have been investigated, and with what results; and what steps he is taking to ensure that no kind of waste is allowed to occur in his Department?

Since 1st January, 13 complaints of waste of food have been received from private persons. Nine have been investigated, and four are still in process of investigation. No evidence of wanton waste has yet come to light. There has been one complaint of waste of petrol which, on investigation, proved to be groundless. I regard any avoidable waste of food, petrol or other materials in the most serious light and I hope to deal fully in my statement on the introduction of Army Estimates with the measures which are being adopted to prevent it.

asked the Secretary of State for War why leave from the British Expeditionary Force is no longer taken in alphabetical order; and whether he is aware of the grave discontent among the Forces because of alleged discrimination and selection instead of the earlier system?

I am informed that the order in which men are given ordinary leave from the British Expeditionary Force is determined, not alphabetically, but by drawing names out of a hat. There has not been any change of system.

Are we to understand from the reply of the right hon. Gentleman that there is a new system now of selection as distinct from the previous days?

I am given to understand that it is done entirely by drawing lots.

Is any account taken of the length of service of these men?

Yes, Sir. A unit gets a leave allotment according to the length of service of its men.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that this is the best method of selecting men, and is he aware that a good many men who have been out since October are complaining of the unfair way in which leave is granted?

I think that, after the experience of the last war, this method is the best way of doing it. Whatever method is adopted, there always will be complaints.

Is it possible for one man to obtain two leaves?

indicated dissent.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information in connection with the death of William Black Ritchie, a gunner in an anti-aircraft battery; and was there an inquest about the matter?

Gunner Ritchie died from injuries received in an accidental blow on the head from the draw bar of a gun. In the course of drill on 22nd February, the draw bar of the gun was found to be jammed, and, on being released, it escaped the grasp of three men who were holding it and struck Gunner Ritchie on the head. He was taken to hospital and died on the morning of 23rd February. An inquest was held at Carlisle on 24th February.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information in connection with the death of a soldier at Warley Barracks, Brentwood, named Private Robert Mills; and what was the cause of his death?

Private Mills died on 7th February last as the result of taking hold of a door knob which had been connected to an electric plug by another soldier as a practical joke. The verdict at the inquest was "Accidental death.''

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will invite the French army association football team to visit Britain in order that a series of games can be played with representative teams in several parts of the country during the months of April and May; and what other arrangements does he intend to make in order that the interest shown in France can be reciprocated here?

It has been the practice for many years for the British, French and Belgian Armies to play association football matches annually, alternately in London, Paris and Brussels. This tournament is suspended for the duration of the war. The match recently played in Paris between the French and British Armies was specially arranged in response to an invitation from the French authorities. Owing to the lateness of the season and possible military exigencies, the French military authorities do not desire the arrangement of an immediate return match, but it is hoped that the French Army will be able to play a return game next season in London if circumstances permit.

Have any arrangements been made for an international match to take place in Berlin?

Can the right hon. Gentleman arrange for a football match between the two Cabinets?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will remove the prohibition upon officers travelling in public tramcars in Scottish towns, which compels them to use taximeter-cabs; and make clear that there is no more danger in officers coming into contact with the ranks in public vehicles than there is in the new freedom extended to all ranks in the use of public houses and hotels?

I am informed that no order prohibiting officers from travelling in public tramcars has been issued by any unit in the Scottish Command.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries in Glasgow, where men promoted from the ranks and who have no independent means of their own are not allowed to travel in a tramcar from the barracks and are required to take a taxicab?

I have just said that no such orders have been made. If the hon. Member has any information to the contrary, perhaps he will let me have it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in his designation of a part of Scotland as a prohibited area, he has considered the repercussions of this decision on the Scottish tourist industry; and whether he will make such modifications as may be necessary to allow the fullest use of Scotland as a holiday centre for legitimate holiday makers consistent with safety?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. There is no reason why the new Order should discourage visits to the Highlands and Islands, either for holiday or for business purposes, by persons with satisfactory credentials. As already intimated in the Press, arrangements have been made by which such persons can obtain permits to visit the protected area; and offices to which application for such permits can be made have been established in Edinburgh, Glasgow and London. These arrangements will be kept under careful review, with the object of ensuring that the public are not subjected to any greater inconvenience than defence considerations require.

Has the right hon. Gentleman made inquiry, in view of this regulation, whether it is safe to allow a friend of Hitler, Miss Unity Mitford, to take up her residence on one of these islands?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that officers employed as assistant officers in charge of records are paid on an average £330 per annum without allowances, while officers employed in the Royal Army Pay Corps, carrying out similar duties are in receipt of £540 per annum plus allowances; and what steps does he propose to take to alter this anomaly?

The assistant officers in charge of records are employed under special conditions laid down for retired officers and the salary of £330 per annum is payable in addition to any retired pay. The officers of the Royal Army Pay Corps referred to in the Question are serving officers. These two sets of officers are not carrying out similar duties and the conditions of their service are quite different. The officers of the Royal Army Pay Corps are subject to all the liabilities of serving Army officers, including the liability for duty at any station at home or abroad, whilst there tired officers employed as assistant officers in charge of records are liable for service only at the offices at which they are engaged. As regards the rate quoted in the latter part of the Question, the reference is presumably to the initial rate for a married paymaster, which is about £540 inclusive of allowances.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the discontent among members of the British Expeditionary Force because of the multiplicity of minor offences for which punishment can and is being inflicted; that large numbers of young men with insufficient training are suffering punishments and indignities in consequence; and will he call for a special report from the commander-in-chief and thereby allay the anxiety of the troops and their relations?

The answer to the first two parts of the Question is in the negative, and, in the absence of any particulars, I do not think it would be appropriate to ask for a special report.

Is the right hon Gentleman aware that there is great discontent among these young men, who are anxious to do their duty faithfully and well, and who, because of lack of training, have been guilty of minor indiscretions for which they have been punished, and which they would not have committed if they had known the rules and regulations?

That is exactly the question the hon. Member has put on the Order Paper, which I have already answered in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an assurance that no member of the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service shall be sent for service overseas under the age of 20 years?

The minimum age for overseas service for the Auxiliary Territorial Service is 21.

May I ask whether that age limit applies to male members of this Army?

This is the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service, in which there are no male members.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the conditions prevailing in certain military camps in Scotland, the names of which have been given to him; that the sleeping accommodation is of the most primitive condition, and that serious complaints are being made against both the quantity and quality of food; and will he inquire into the complaints with a view to remedying them?

I called for a report regarding the camps referred to, and am informed that the sleeping accommodation and messing conditions are satisfactory, that full rations are being issued and that there is no record of any complaints.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries in the particular district, the name of which I have given him, as to the conditions in the camp?

The hon. Member gave me the names of the camps and I have made the most careful investigation. I have given him the result of that investigation.

Has he made inquiry from the officer in charge?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that soldiers stationed at certain Scottish camps only receive 12s. per week pay instead of 14s., and soldiers stationed at another Scottish camp only receive 10s. per week; that the soldiers can get no satisfaction or explanation from their superior officers; and will he take steps to have these stoppages returned to the men?

The balance of pay in these cases, less stoppages for sports and barrack damages amounting to about 5d. a head a month, is credited to the soldiers' accounts, and is available when they go on leave or require it for any particular purpose. I am informed that this has been explained to the men, and instructions have been given that it is to be explained to them again, and a notice is to be posted on the company notice boards making plain the purpose of this scheme and the fact that any soldier who does not wish to join it is entitled to his ordinary pay, less, of course, compulsory stoppages.

Is there any reason why a soldier, like other classes of workers, cannot receive his pay and then be allowed to make what deductions he wants?

If the hon. Member will look at my reply, he will see that a notice is to be posted explaining that if a soldier does not wish to join this scheme he is entitled to his ordinary pay less the usual stoppages.

A particular camp has been mentioned where the men are receiving only 10s. a week. Am I not in order in referring to that?

The Question has been answered.

:The right hon. Gentleman has said that the amount is about 5d. per week. In one of these camps the men are only receiving 10s. Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give me an answer to the Question?

The Secretary of State for War has given the answer twice.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the conditions prevailing at a military camp in Scotland of which he has been informed that 700 men sleep in a barrack building with cement floors where the beds are laid out four feet apart; that the atmosphere is bad and the rate of sickness high; that only four sinks are provided for 700 men; and that there are neither water-closets nor hot water; and will he institute an immediate inquiry into the conditions prevailing at this camp?

I have obtained a report to the following effect. This camp has ample floor space and good ventilation. There are no water-closets, but bucket latrines with good accommodation. Hot water is not laid on, but there are facilities for boiling water. Ablution arrangements are adequate, and shower baths are being provided. The cook-house and dining room are satisfactory and all meals are good. The rate of sickness is not above the average.

Am I to understand that the right hon. Gentleman considers that four sinks are sufficient for the ablutions of 700 men?

I do not think that is a correct statement. I have made inquiries the result of which I have stated.

I have a letter in my pocket from the men.

May I ask whether, in order to prove the truth or otherwise of many of these complaints, the right hon. Gentleman will appoint a Committee of the House of Commons to go into the matter?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case of camps on the outskirts of Glasgow they have not had their blankets washed for over four months?

I think the hon. Member should give me some notice before he makes a statement of that kind. In regard to the Question of the hon. Member for North Aberdeen (Mr. Garro Jones), I do not think that method of inquiry is the correct one. I am responsible for these matters, and I am only too glad to take up questions which are raised by hon. Members. There will be an oppor- tunity on the Estimates for any hon. Member to raise any point he has in mind.

Am I to understand that the Minister considers that this building, which has a cement floor—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!''] There are 700 people there—

The hon. Member must not address arguments to the House at Question Time.

This is not an argument. There are 700 people there—

Order!

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in respect of former officers and other ranks who wish to rejoin the Army and who, in their youth, overstated their ages in order to facilitate voluntary enlistment, the official records may be amended to show their correct ages on production of their birth certificates?

The rule that, with certain specified exceptions, the age declared on first attestation of a voluntarily enlisted man is taken as his official age throughout his Army service was adopted as the only practicable course to follow, and any departure from it would give rise to many difficulties.

Is not the Minister aware that there is a number of very distinguished and gallant soldiers who want to rejoin the Army now but are handicapped because formerly they overstated their age in order to be able to enlist voluntarily at a time when the country needed their services? Could not something be done about this matter?

asked the Secretary of State for War what provision is made at main line railway stations in London and the chief provincial centres for canteen services for the use of home, Dominion, and Colonial service men who may be passing through them; and whether such services are capable of rapid expansion in case of need?

Various voluntary organisations whose work in this respect is co-ordinated by the Council of Voluntary War Work on which they are represented, are operating 40 canteens at railway stations in London and the provinces, and 26 more will be opened shortly. I am informed that these canteens are, in most cases, capable of fairly rapid expansion. There is also a considerable number of other canteens run by private enterprise at railway stations throughout the country.

Will the Minister see that these troops get better tea at the stations than is served in the ordinary station bars?