asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are vacant factories in any appreciable numbers, and in what localities, suitable for manufacturing goods for export; and whether, in the event of them being employed, the necessary raw materials would be quickly and adequately released by the controls?

There are a number of vacant factories in different parts of the country. I cannot say how many would be suitable for manufacturing goods for export, nor would it be possible in the space of a reply to give a list of the localities. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service informs me that his Department would gladly discuss with any prospective manufacturer a suitable locality for siting a new undertaking where vacant factory buildings and suitable unemployed labour might be found. The question of facilities in regard to raw materials would have to be considered in the light of all the circumstances existing at the time when they are required.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity and value of the miners' electric handlamps exported from this country to India, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand; and whether these States import such lamps from countries other than Great Britain?

I regret that the desired information is not available; such lamps are not separately recorded in the trade returns of either this country or the Dominions mentioned.

asked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the reduction in income suffered as a result of the war and of increased taxation by the lessees of houses and flats held on long leases at high rents entered into prior to the war, and as such cases are not covered by the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, 1939, so long as such lessees have any means to pay, he will introduce legislation enabling such leases to be terminated by persons able to satisfy the courts that they have suffered a reduction of not less than 20 per cent. in their income from the above causes if the lessors will not grant a corresponding reduction in the rent?

As my hon. Friend will be aware, from other answers I have given in connection with similar matters, the whole question of the effect of war conditions on persons interested in premises is being fully investigated. In this connection, the position of landlords must, of course, be considered along with that of lessees. Pending a decision being made as a result of these investigations I am unable to say what, if any, steps are necessary or practicable with a view to assisting persons in the position of those mentioned in the Question.

asked the Attorney-General whether he has seen that at Hampshire assizes, on 6th March, another solicitor was sentenced to penal servitude for fraudulent conversion alleged to relate to £74,000 belonging to 253 clients of his firm; and will he insert, in postage-stamp books and other suitable Government publications and the Press, advertisements drawing the attention of the public to the protection afforded by the use of the Public Trustee when wills and family settlements are made?

I think the powers of the Public Trustee are generally known. I would also point out that the Public Trustee does not act as a solicitor and many of these cases arise where there is no question of trusteeship. It is, therefore, not proposed to adopt the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion.

asked the Attorney-General when the Law Society intend to introduce their Bill for the better protection of the public against the occasional malpractices of their members; and whether the Bill will be introduced in this House or another place?

I understand that the Law Society have made considerable progress with the preparation of the Bill to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. I am not in a position to state whether it will be possible to deal with it this Session.

asked the Home Secretary with reference to the use of luminous articles as an aid to visibility during the black-out, whether he is aware that a joint committee of the Illuminating Engineering Society and the air-raid precautions Home Office Department have prepared a specification dealing with luminous and fluorescent paints; that such pigments can be produced to give as much as 10-foot candles of light; and whether he will reconsider his attitude, and either utilise the information gathered by his own Department, or avoid the waste of public money by preventing the publication of the findings of his own joint committee regarding luminous paints?

It was indicated in the specification to which the hon. Member refers that, while the uses of luminous paint for A.R.P. purposes are limited, there are a number of applications for which it may be useful, and that the purpose of the specification was to enable progress to be made in exploring these possibilities. Work on the subject is continuing, and the matter will be reviewed in the light of further results. My right hon. Friend is advised that it is not practicable in ordinary conditions of use to achieve the degree of brightness quoted by the hon. Member.

asked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to take immediate action to prevent the holding of meetings at the instance of certain organisations the object of which is to obstruct and embarrass the defence Departments in the provision of man-power for the safety of the realm and effectual prosecution of the war?

There is, I believe, no ground for apprehension that such meetings have any appreciable effect on the mobilisation of man-power or on the determination of the people of this country to throw all their strength into the effectual prosecution of the war. As my right hon. Friend has already stated, the activities to which my hon. Friend refers are being closely watched, but if any special measures should be called for I am sure the House would desire to avoid so far as possible interference with the liberty of public meetings.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make it a penal offence to sell Red Biddy, or similar concoctions, to any embodied troops; and whether he will introduce such further legislation as would be needed for the purpose?

I should deprecate any suggestion that the licensing laws should differentiate against members of His Majesty's Forces and should prohibit the sale to soldiers of drinks which it is lawful for a civilian to purchase. But if by the term "Red Biddy" is meant wine adulterated with methylated spirit the sale of such a concoction is already illegal.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give figures showing what increase there has been during the first six months of war in crimes of violence in the streets of our larger cities; and the increase, if any, in cases of burglary without violence as compared with the same period last year?

Figures for the whole of the country are not available. Figures for the Metropolitan Police District are not available under the heads given in the Question, but the following are the figures for certain offences recorded in the Metropolitan Police District during the periods referred to:

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the resentment of county councils that they have no power to control police expenditure through standing joint committees; and whether, in view of the anachronism of the public authorities having to meet this expenditure without direct control, he will consider the desirability of introducing amending legislation in the future?

The answer to both parts of the Question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the undesirability of serving officers in the Royal Air Force employing enemy aliens as servants, he will issue an order to the effect that such practice must cease?

The employment of aliens in Royal Air Force quarters or establishments in this country without the prior approval of the Air Ministry is forbidden by King's Regulations.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has any statement to make as to the payment of the dispossessed tenants of the Cowley allotments recently requisitioned?

These claims have now been settled and payment made.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the time occupied by Royal Air Force ships and planes in searching for and finding the German airmen who came down in the North Sea on Friday or Saturday last; what was the cost of the search; from what duties were ships and planes taken; how many men were employed; and how much petrol consumed?

The rescue was undertaken as part of the routine duties of the Royal Air Force, and I regret that I cannot give the information asked for.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether men over the age for registration who have voluntarily joined the Air Force or Auxiliary Air Force before or after the outbeak of war for home defence only, are compelled to accompany their units if they go overseas; and what steps they should take if they desire to secure transfer to other units?

Members of the Auxiliary Air Force who volunteered before the war for home service only are liable to be sent overseas under the provisions of the Armed Forces (Conditions of Service) Act, 1939. All entries into the Royal Air Force during the war are for general service at home or abroad. Any member of the Auxiliary Air Force who wishes to transfer to another unit should apply to his Commanding Officer. Such applications are considered on their merits in the light of service requirements.

asked the Minister of Labour the latest figures of unemployment in the shipbuilding and engineering industries?

I am having these figures extracted and will forward them to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can hold out any hope of employment at Government factories of men between the ages of 52 and 65 years, or are they to assume that when they pass the age of 52 the Government cannot utilise their services?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 4th March by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply to a Question by the hon. Member for Ince (Mr. G. Macdonald).

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will satisfy himself that the staff of Tottenham telephone exchange is adequate for the work, or what other reason there is for the unsatisfactory service?

The operating staff at the Tottenham telephone exchange is well up to standard, both in number and efficiency. I have no evidence that the service at this exchange is unsatisfactory but if the hon. Member will let me have particulars of any difficulties that have come to his knowledge I will gladly inquire into them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give facilities for boys in accredited cadet corps to join their parent units voluntarily at the age of 19 years?

It is not considered desirable to make an exception to the normal rule in these cases.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether, in view of the importance of maintaining the exporting capacity of the cotton trade, he will favourably consider the classification of cotton spinning and weaving operatives as a reserved occupation over the age of 25;(2) whether he is aware that the existing calling-up notices are gravely affecting the production of the cotton spinning trade; and whether he will take appropriate steps to ameliorate the position?

I am now able to inform my hon. and gallant Friend that it has been decided to reduce from 30 to 25 the age of reservation, under the Schedule of Reserved Occupations, of the following occupations in cotton spinning and weaving, including rayon weaving:

• Blowing room major.
• Comber overlooker.
• Under carder.
• Stripper and grinder.
• Mule overlooker.
• Ring frame overlooker.
• Spinner (minder).
• Joiner minder.
• Big or side piecer.
• Little piecer.
• Ring jobber.
• Winding overlooker.
• Chain bramer.
• Drawer.
• Twister.
• Warp-tying machine man.
• Tape sizer, slasher, dry-taper.
• Warp dresser.
• Loom overlooker (tackler).
• Cloth looker (foreman).

asked the Minister of Information whether, in view of the Government policy regarding economy in paper, arrangements can be made in the publication of "Noteworthy" in future to print on both sides of the paper and reduce the present amount allowed for margin?

Yes, Sir. This is being done.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that British newspapers are being sold in Switzerland seven days old, and in Paris and Boulogne three days old; and what steps he is taking to secure a prompt and effective distribution in neutral countries, particularly in Europe and America?

I am not aware that under normal conditions the delays are so great as reported by the hon. Member. In the ordinary course London newspapers are now on sale in Geneva on the day after publication and in other parts of Western Switzerland two days after publication. In Boulogne they are on sale on the afternoon of publication and in Paris on the same evening. These schedules are, of course, apt to be upset by bad weather and changes in the transport services. In answer to the second part of the Question, this matter is under constant consideration by the Ministry and energetic steps have already been taken. An air service has been organised for newspapers to the Low Countries and Scandinavia, and an air service between London and Paris for destinations beyond France. These arrangements were made on the initiative of the Ministry, which contributes a substantial proportion of the cost in each case. Further steps are being taken which will enable newsagents to reduce the price and increase the supply of British newspapers in all neutral countries in Europe. The supply to areas outside Europe is dependent on the exigencies of sea transport.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the considerable reduction in road transport owing to the limited ration of petrol and the consequent impossibility of speedy emptying of railway wagons, he will reconsider the question of increasing the demurrage rates?

I have no reason to suppose that adequate fuel is not being made available for road transport for the speedy clearance of goods from railheads.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can indicate the major causes of road accidents during 1939, and the number that can be reasonably related to such major causes?

A general investigation into the causes of road accidents has not been held since that for the year ended 31st March, 1937, and I regret, therefore, that the information for which my hon. and learned Friend asks is not available.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of road accidents in the city and county of Leicester, respectively, for the year 1939?

The numbers of persons reported to have died during the year 1939 as a result of road accidents in the city and county of Leicester were 39 and 60, respectively. I regret that particulars of the number of persons injured in non-fatal road accidents during that year are not available.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can give a tabular statement showing which electricity undertakings, companies and municipal, separately, have increased their charges since September, 1939, giving the amount and percentage increase in each case?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary has to-day given to the hon. and learned Member for East Leicester (Mr. Lyons).

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received information upon the number of African mine-owners in the Gold Coast and Nigeria, and those who hold mining prospecting rights and licences?

Yes, Sir. With the exception of one case where a mine-owner has installed a portable diamond-washing plant, there are no African mine-owners in the Gold Coast who carry on mining by the use of modern machinery and modern methods. There are, however, a number of chiefs who exploit crude surface diggings on their own land, or permit other Africans to do so on tribute, in accordance with native custom. Up to 10th August, 1939, prospecting licences had been issued to 36 Africans in the Gold Coast. In Nigeria six prospecting rights and seven mining leases were held by Africans or African-owned syndicates on the 14th July, 1939. No mining rights or exclusive prospecting licences were then so held. These are the latest dates up to which full information is available.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that in spite of recent assurances the coal shortage in the Reigate, Dorking and Horley districts is still very acute and that recent deliveries have been quite inadequate; and whether he can take steps to improve the position?

Yes, Sir, I am aware of the difficulties but I am informed that the position has improved in the last two days with the arrival of additional supplies.

asked the Minister of Shipping the total number of Scottish claims for compensation for the requisitioning of fishing boats up to date; and the number of claims settled?

While records of claims are not kept on a geographical basis and could not be so kept without disproportionate labour, the number of claims for hire from Scottish owners now under examination is 48. They will be dealt with in the course of the next few days. Unless questions arise, accounts for hire are now paid within 10 days of receipt.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how often meetings of county agricultural committees are convened; whether such meetings are prescribed by regulation or left to the discretion of the committees; whether full-time technically experienced officials are attached to each county committee; and whether he is receiving regular reports from the committees of the work they are doing?

I am not sure whether the hon. Member is referring to the agricultural committees of county councils or to the county war agricultural executive committees appointed by me. County agricultural committees are statutory bodies, over whose proceedings I have no jurisdiction. The constitution schemes of these committees provide that their proceedings shall be in accordance with such regulations as may be made from time to time by the county council, and subject thereto will be such as the committee may direct. The frequency of meetings of these committees probably varies in accordance with local requirements. Full-time technical officials are employed by the county councils and their services are doubtless available to the committees. Committees are not required to supply my Department with reports of their proceedings, but, in practice, many of them do so. The county war agricultural executive committees have, of course, largely superseded county agricultural committees under emergency conditions. The meetings of county war agricultural executive committees are not prescribed by regulation and arrangements are made by the committees to meet as often as is considered necessary. As a general rule, committees meet at least once a week and sometimes more often, in addition to meetings of subcommittees dealing with particular aspects of the committees' work. Full-time technical officials are attached to war executive committees and I receive regular reports from the committees of their work.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of acres of land actually ploughed up at the end of December, 1939, under the scheme for the compulsory ploughing-up of grassland?

I regret that information is not available in regard to the area of grassland actually ploughed up at the end of last year under directions served by the county war agricultural executive committees.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the owner of a farm which will shortly become vacant may be unable to let it unless he can recover the farmhouse, and that there is therefore a danger that such a farm will not be cultivated; and can he therefore give an assurance that a county war agricultural executive committee has power to obtain for the owner of a farm possession of a farmhouse which has previously been let apart from the farm?

My hon. and gallant Friend has supplied me with certain particulars of the case to which he refers. Under the Cultivation of Lands Order, 1939, a county war agricultural executive committee has power, with my consent, to take possession of any land for the purpose of maintaining supplies, and services essential to the life of the community; the term "land" includes a farmhouse. After possession is taken, no person is entitled to remain on the land without the authority of the committee, who may, if necessary, take steps to remove any unauthorised person. The foregoing is a statement of the general position, but the question whether the powers referred to should properly be exercised in such a case as the one described could only be decided after a careful examination of all the relevant circumstances, in the first instance by the executive committee and subsequently by me if an application for my consent were made by the committee.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now give any further details as to the number and activities of steam ploughing sets in the country; and whether he can give an assurance that they are being used to the greatest advantage of the State?

I am informed that the number of steam ploughing sets in serviceable condition in England and Wales at the present time does not exceed 100. For general purposes this type of machinery is at a disadvantage compared with the more modern tractor, but I understand that most of the available sets are expected to be engaged on agricultural work during the present ploughing campaign.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any statement to make on the arrangements made by local authorities for the salvage of waste products, especially in regard to packing materials, corrugated and fibre-board containers, cardboard boxes and cartons, stiff paper wrappings and metal containers generally; and whether he will take steps, by the issue of definite directions, to secure regular and systematic collection of this material by the responsible local authorities?

asked the Minister of Health whether, with a view to the better conservation of the resources of the nation during the war, he will take steps to make obligatory upon all local authorities the collection, salvaging, and proper disposal of all refuse in their respective areas?

All local authorities have received a circular and memorandum pointing out the importance of salving the waste products referred to. Further, many conferences with local authorities have been held throughout the country under the auspices of the Ministry of Supply. As there has already been a substantial response to this appeal and I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply that most of the larger authorities now have salvage schemes in operation or in course of preparation, I should prefer to review the matter again shortly in the light of experience of the effect of the measures already taken.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the unanimous resolution of the Greenock branch of the National Amalgamated Union of Shop Assistants Warehousemen and Clerks, passed on 4th March, 1940, regarding his intention to revoke the Order in Council providing for the earlier closing of shops, a copy of which has been communicated to him by the hon. Member for Greenock; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

I have considered the resolution referred to in the Question. It would be out with the powers of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act, 1939, to continue the existing Order during the summer months when the conditions, in particular relating to the black-out, on which it was based will no longer be operative. The Order has accordingly been revoked with effect from the 17th March.