asked the Home Secretary (1) whether he is aware that the gates giving access to public parks and other enclosures containing public air-raid shelter trenches are locked at night; and what provision has been made to enable the public to gain immediate access to those trenches in the event of a night air raid;(2) whether he is aware that in many cases members of the public, who live within a few yards of public air-raid precautions trenches which are situated behind iron railings, would, owing to lack of gates, be required to cover several hundred yards in order to reach those trenches; and whether he will take the necessary steps to provide more direct access to the trenches in such cases?

I am aware that in the interests of safety and in order to prevent misuse, most local authorities have adopted the practice of fencing off public shelters. Where this has been done arrangements have necessarily had to be made for rapid opening of the gates in the event of an air-raid warning. Such arrangements in general rely upon the use of keys by the police, wardens or specially appointed shelter marshals. Public trench shelters have been sited with a view to supplying cover primarily to those of the public who would be caught in the open in the event of a raid, and householders living nearby should ordinarily be able to rely on domestic shelter in their own homes. I have no reason to believe that local authorities are not fully alive to the necessity of providing proper access to these shelters, but if the hon. Member will send me particulars of the case he has in mind I will make inquiries.

asked the Home Secretary how many local authorities have taken advantage of the permission given to them to erect one Anderson shelter to be shared by two or more households; and whether he will draw the attention of local authorities again to the economy which may be effected under this permission?

It would not be possible without elaborate inquiries to give the information for which the hon. Member asks. As I informed him in reply to his Question of 22nd February, a considerable number of local authorities are known to be carrying out the recommendation. It will be appreciated that the scope for its effective application is restricted to those cases where, in adjoining households, there are less than six persons in all; and that, if a strong preference were shown by the householders for shelters which would be immediately accessible and at their exclusive disposal, the local authority might feel justified in respecting that preference. I doubt whether there is need for a further communication to local authorities generally, but if the hon. Member is aware of any case where the recommendation is being ignored, I shall be glad to pursue the matter.

asked the Home Secretary what provision is made for leave or holidays for whole-time air-raid precautions workers; and whether such leave is given with or without pay?

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the circular showing the conditions on which civil defence volunteers may be granted annual leave with pay up to a maximum of 12 days per annum.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in the event of further evacuation of children from London becoming necessary, it is his intention to abstain from sending them to villages near the East and South-East coast?

As indicated in my reply to the hon. Member on 16th November it is not possible, having regard to the limitations of accommodation, to dispense with these districts for the reception of evacuated children, but all areas selected for reception are believed to offer a far greater degree of safety in the event of aerial attack than the areas from which children are to be transferred.

asked the Home Secretary when he expects to receive the report of the chief inspector of factories?

I cannot yet say when the next annual report of the chief inspector is likely to be issued. The special Home Office report on hours of women and young persons in factories has now been issued as a Command Paper (Cmd. 6182).

asked the Home Secretary how many boys and how many girls were released from Borstal at the outbreak of war; how many of these are still on licence; how many have obtained employment; how many are now back on revoked licence; how many boys have joined the Forces; whether the authorities still release almost automatically at the end of six months; and, if so, whether steps are being taken to revise the system of training and place it upon a six months' basis?

One thousand six hundred and seventy-seven youths and 118 girls were released on licence from Borstal institutions on or shortly after the outbreak of war. Of these, 221 males and 23 females are again in custody on reconviction or on revocation of their licenses. The remainder are still on licence. Of the males who are still on licence, 481 are known to have joined His Majesty's Forces. Precise figures as to the number of the remainder who have obtained employment since their discharge are not available, but the number is estimated at 95 per cent. Of the 95 females who are still on licence, 66 are known to be in employment, while eight others are living at home and are not in need of work. As stated in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for West houghton (Mr. Rhys Davies) on 7th March, these discharges were authorised purely as an emergency measure, and there is no intention of applying a similar policy to persons who are at present, or may be in the future, undergoing sentences of Borstal detention.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the names of the members of the committee managing the nursery centre at Dorking, Surrey, with the names of the authorities or organisations appointing them?

I understand that the committee directly responsible for the management of the nursery centre at Dorking consists of Councillor Miss F. M. Douglas, J.P., who is a member of the Urban District Council, Chairman of the Dorking School Attendance Committee, a governor of the local county school and a member of the local Infant Welfare Committee; Mrs. A. E. Sykes, who is a member of Women's Voluntary Services, a governor of the county school and Correspondent for the Powell-Corderoy School; Mrs. M. B. Lindsay, who is centre leader of the local branch of Women's Voluntary Services; Miss G. E. Short of the Stanway School, Dorking; with Mr. Leslie J. V. Piper, Clerk to the Urban District Council, as Secretary. This committee is under the general direction and control of the Evacuation Committee of the Dorking Urban District Council. I am also informed that the Surrey County Council has been invited to nominate a representative of their Education and Welfare Committees to serve on the committee.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what action he has taken to carry out the agreement entered into between Cardiff University College and the Glamorgan Education Committee in connection with the Treforest School of Mines; will he give the dates when it was accepted by the Board of Education and the Miners' Welfare Committee; what was the grant promised to Glamorgan; and will he now honour the agreement and allow Glamorgan Education Committee to proceed to make the alterations and adequately equip the School of Mines?

The agreement was between the Glamorgan County Council and the University College, Cardiff, and was made in 1933. A grant of £42,000 was promised to Glamorgan by the Miners' Welfare Committee in 1934 on the basis of this agreement. The Board at that time concurred in the arrangement so far as it affected the work of the Technical Institute at Treforest. The Board considered plans submitted in 1936 and 1937, during the course of which a new situation developed locally through an offer made by the South Wales coal-owners. The answer to the last part of the Question is that the Board are not a party to the agreement. The question of honour, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what steps he will take to get the 20 black-listed schools in Wales demolished forthwith, as a source of danger to the health of the children and teachers?

Some improvements have been made in the premises of some of these black-listed schools, and in others conditions have been rendered less difficult by reorganisation or by a substantial decline in the numbers of children in attendance. Having regard to war-time difficulties, I do not think that it would be practicable to take drastic steps at the present time to secure the closure of these schools or the replacement of the old buildings by new modern premises. The Board will, however, give careful consideration to cases where improvements will remove defects prejudicial to the health of children and teachers.

asked the Secretary for Mines what progress is being made in the change-over from petrol-driven vehicles to that of low-pressure, high pressure, or producer-gas consumption?

The number of vehicles now running on gas as an alternative fuel, though small, is steadily increasing. As I stated in reply to the hon. Members for Houghton-le-Spring (Mr. W. Joseph Stewart), and Stoke (Mr. E. Smith) on Tuesday of this week, I intend to make a statement next week on the measures being taken to deal with this and connected subjects.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the present approximate weekly amount being paid in pensions to the dependants of men who have lost their lives through enemy action against merchant vessels, fishing vessels and lightships during the present war?

Approximately £500 a week is being paid in pensions and allowances to the widows and other dependants of the men referred to.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the pre-war practice of supplying private firms or individuals with foreign trade statistics more detailed than those contained in the published returns, against payment of a fee, has been maintained during the war; and whether it is possible to obtain by such means the figures concerning the quantities of imports and exports or their countries of origin and destination?

The practice of supplying bill of entry returns to private firms and individuals concerning commodities in which they are interested has not been discontinued, but the supply of information relating to periods since the outbreak of war is restricted with a view to preventing disclosure of any information likely to be of value to the enemy.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare the value of cotton exported by the United States of America to Russia, Germany and the European neutral countries since the beginning of the war, compared with the figures for the corresponding pre-war period?

The official United States figures are only available up to the end of November, 1939. In the following table, for comparison with the corresponding period in 1938, figures are given for

Country.				Quantity (lbs.).		Value (dollars).
				September—November, 1938.	September—November, 1939.	September—November, 1938.	September—November, 1939.
U.S.S.R.		…	…	—	—	—	—
Germany		…	…	64,208,707	2,917,772	6,270,333	295,712
Czecho-Slovakia			…	45,255,474	—	4,469,836	—
Poland	…	…	…	27,643,530	—	2,714,347	—
Total		…	…	137,107,711	2,917,772	13,454,516	295,712
Belgium	…	…	…	21,050,041	39,073,177	2,036,545	3,916,604
Bulgaria	…	…	…	136,321	105,858	12,701	11,625
Denmark		…	…	6,268,539	7,560,985	607,062	763,204
Finland	…	…	…	10,680,527	5,297,913	916,722	554,443
Hungary		…	…	240,808	4,201,789	21,888	421,673
Italy	…	…	…	53,164,393	72,888,271	5,134,723	7,363,608
Latvia	…	…	…	1,983,623	1,427,199	192,528	146,241
Lithuania		…	…	26,662	—	2,666	—
Netherlands		…	…	15,804,987	48,144,812	1,544,996	4,785,494
Norway	…	…	…	4,067,801	9,207,332	384,593	916,553
Portugal		…	…	3,208,434	11,066,255	313,847	1,112,330
Rumania		…	…	1,582,908	164,455	157,433	16,572
Spain	…	…	…	279,333	52,535,439	30,728	5,376,244
Sweden	…	…	…	20,579,284	73,765,956	1,942,445	7,565,000
Switzerland		…	…	78,933	11,047,349	7,887	1,114,084
Yugoslavia		…	…	5,313,936	7,932,517	517,517	801,004
Total		…	…	144,466,530	344,419,307	13,824,281	34,864,679

asked the President of the Board of Trade what course should be adopted by British importers who owe money to German suppliers for goods supplied to them before the war, in order to discharge such liabilities; and to what extent they have complied with statutory requirements regarding such liabilities?

I am grateful to the hon. Member for giving me the opportunity of calling attention to the provisions of the Trading with the Enemy (Custodian) Order, S.R. & O., 1939, No. 1198, which requires any money, which, but for the existence of a state of war, would be payable to or for the benefit of the enemy, to be paid to the custodian of enemy property and further requires notices of such liabilities to be given to the custodian in writing. I have reason to believe that there may be a number of cases of non-compliance with the Order and I would call attention to the substantial penalties imposed by the Trading with the Enemy Act for failure to furnish information to the custodian.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the nature of the liaison between the war agricultural committees and borough and other local authorities, with a view to their using waste products suitable for livestock feeding and manure?

I have been asked to reply. The organisation of the collection and disposal of waste materials from civilian sources for use in agriculture is a matter for local authorities, who have been urged by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply to take all possible steps to salvage suitable material, particularly waste foodstuffs, of which there is a very pressing need for stock feeding. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture has asked county war agricultural executive committees to co-operate with local authorities in their areas in the disposal of waste foodstuffs. Local authorities have also been requested to bring waste materials suitable for manurial purposes to the notice of farmers through the medium of the county agricultural education authorities.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will initiate now preparations for a large extension of the intensive cultivation of early vegetables and salads, and soft fruit and cider orchards, both in the South-western counties and in the East Midlands, so as to avoid having to organise in a hurry and at the last moment, on the cessation of hostilities, open-air employment suitable for unfit demobilised men?

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend thinks it would be unwise to stimulate the artificial extension of an industry, in advance of an assured increase in demand. As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, there has in recent years been a considerable increase in the intensive cultivation of early vegetables and salads both in open land and under glass. There have also been extensive plantings of cider apple trees in the South-western counties. Any further expansion would need to be very carefully made, lest supplies exceeded demand and the cultivators suffered.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the quantity of milk or milk products imported into this country since 1st September, 1939; and what proportion this was to the total supply of milk and milk products purchased by manufacturers in Britain during this period?

The information which would enable me to answer my hon. and gallant Friend's question is, I am afraid, not now available for the purpose of a public statement

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Mobberley and District Shire Horse Society estimate that, following the withdrawal of the heavy-horse breeding grants, the services in their area will be substantially reduced during the current year; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that those farmers who have been able in the past to make use of stallions through assisted nominations will continue their applications in the future?

The reply to the first part of the Question is in the negative. With regard to the second part, I see no reason to suppose that farmers who have been granted assisted nominations for the use of stallions in the past will in present circumstances cease breeding operations.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the grant in aid of heavy-horse breeding was withdrawn in 1922, but subsequently re-introduced in 1924 because the then Minister of Agriculture was satisfied that the withdrawal of the grants had discouraged co-operation among farmers in the hiring of stallions and had otherwise proved detrimental to the heavy-horse breeding industry; whether he is aware that the withdrawal of the grants this year can only have the same effect; and whether, if it is not possible to restore the grants in the same form as hitherto, he can make some alternative arrangements to ensure the active maintenance of heavy-horse breeding in Great Britain?

I am aware that grants in aid of heavy-horse breeding were withdrawn in 1922 and were restored in 1924. I have given very careful consideration to representations that the present suspension of the grants will have a detrimental effect upon the heavy-horse breeding industry, but I regret that I cannot see my way to withdraw the suspension or to provide financial assistance to the industry on any alternative basis. I would add that the satisfactory prices ruling for heavy horses should provide an inducement to farmers to continue breeding operations.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will give details of the loans granted and postponed by the Special Areas Reconstruction Association during the last 12 months?

I have again considered this question but I fear that I must maintain the view, which has been expressed on a number of past occasions, that the disclosure of the details of individual transactions would be undesirable in the interests of those who seek the association's assistance.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of friendly societies who make provision for paying sickness benefit to their members after attaining the age of 60 years; the total membership covered by such societies; and the number of friendly societies who fail to make such provision?

No, Sir, I regret that the information is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is satisfied that the annual report of the Industrial Assurance Commissioner for 1938, recently presented to Parliament in abbreviated form, is in conformity with the intention of Section 44 of the Industrial Assurance Act, 1923; and whether he will consider the desirability, in view of the growing importance of the subject, of requesting the Industrial Assurance Commissioner to make a report upon the year 1939 in the fuller form hitherto customary?

In the interests of economy it has been arranged that, during the continuance of the present emergency, reports and other similar publications shall be reduced to the minimum essential dimensions. I think that the Industrial Assurance Commissioner has conformed with this general ruling in a commendable manner.

asked the Minister of Food what is the reason for the great delay in payment for pigs sent to collecting centres in the North and East Riding of Yorkshire; and whether he is aware that it is generally over a month before vendors of pigs receive any payment?

Owing to the fact that payment for pigs is on the dead weight basis, it is not possible for payment to be made as promptly as in the case of cattle and sheep. I am aware that there has been delay in effecting payments in the area referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend. This delay is being gradually reduced and payments in this area in respect of pigs are being made at the present time approximately three weeks from the date of purchase. Every effort will be made to reduce this interval in the near future.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will take steps to have an inquiry made into the method and manner in which people are nominated and appointed as magistrates in the County of Cumberland?

My Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor has referred certain questions in connection with the appointment of justices of the peace to His Majesty's lieutenant of the county, and my Noble Friend will inquire what, if any, changes in the method of appointment of magistrates are desirable.

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of the value of waste products to the nation at the moment, he will issue details to the public of the waste materials to be saved and have depots established at convenient centres over the country for the reception of these itemised products which would otherwise be lost?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given to the hon. Member for East Birkenhead (Mr. G. White) on 24th January and to the hon. Member for Dudley (Mr. Joel) on 22nd February. In addition to the general publicity given through the Press and broadcasting, a large number of local authorities have informed the public in their districts by handbills and local Press publicity of the materials to be saved. The establishment of depots for the reception of salvage in places where there is no house-to-house collection has been recommended to local councils and is being carried out in an increasing number of centres.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that some Royal Air Force reservists who, on re-engagement, although classed grade 2, home service, were sent to France in September last; and, in view of the announcement that the British Expeditionary Force men are to have a second 10 days' leave three months after the first leave, will he take steps then to fill their places with younger and more fit Royal Air Force men and retain the lower grade men for home service?

Men who are classified as "Fit, Grade II, home service only" are not eligible for service oversea. If my hon. Friend has in mind any instance in which this rule appears to have been contravened and will be good enough to send me particulars, I will have inquiries made about it.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he has considered the safety of the personnel who are to be housed in the Prudential building in Holborn in premises which have been evacuated by that company in order to ensure the safety of their staff?

Yes, Sir. Refuge accommodation, constructed in accordance with the requirements of the code issued under the Civil Defence Act, 1939, will be available for the whole of the staff to be accommodated in the premises.

asked the First Commissioner of Works to what extent the Government is taking over the Prudential building in Holborn for use as offices; and whether there is any differentiation in the matter of terms as compared with hotels and other premises which have been compulsorily commandeered?

Arrangements have been made to hire on a tenancy, determinable by my Department at short notice, three buildings fronting on Brooke Street and Greville Street at the rear of Prudential buildings, Holborn. I am advised that the terms negotiated are such as would not have been improved upon if compulsory powers had been exercised.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, why, of the three technical sections of the Department of Agriculture for Scotland dealing with surveying, inspection and estate management and land settlement, the latter alone is without a technical head; and whether, in view of the importance of the section dealing with estate management and land settlement, particularly in these days of intensified agriculture, he will reconsider the decision not to appoint a technical head?

The three technical sections to which the hon. Member refers are not strictly comparable. As regards the second part of the Question I am satisfied that the existing arrangement under which three divisional land officers, each responsible for a separate area, work in conjunction with an assistant secretary and a chief settlement officer continues to work well in practice. Land settlement does not form part of the Government's scheme for increased food production and my hon. Friend will appreciate that it is not being extended in war time.

asked the Minister of Labour what number of unemployed people were registered at Pontardawe and Ystalyfera in June, September, December, 1939, and January and February, 1940, giving tin workers, steel workers, miners and other trades separately; what steps are being taken to find employment for these skilled workers; is he considering any new plans for the future of this area; if so, what action is he taking?

As the reply to the first part of the Question contains a considerable number of figures, I append a statement. As to the second part of the Question, the hon. Member may be assured that every effort will be made to find alternative employment for the workers at present unemployed.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that courts of referees are disallowing benefit to large numbers of married women although it is recognised by the courts that these women will continue to seek their livelihood by means of insurable employment, on the grounds that there is a prejudice against the employment of married women in the trades they follow; and will he take steps to ensure that married women normally engaged in insurable employment are not discriminated against in this way?

I am not aware of what is suggested. If the hon. Member will let me have particulars of any specific cases which he has in mind, I will have inquiry made.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons registered for employment in the hosiery and underwear trades who were unemployed, wholly or in part, in the whole country and in the city of Leicester, respectively, at the latest convenient date, and the percentage these figures represent, respectively, of the industry's employment at that time?

The following table shows the numbers of insured persons, aged 16x2013;64, in the hosiery (including hosiery underwear) industry, recorded as unemployed (a) in Great Britain and (b) at Leicester, at 12th February, 1940, and the percentages those numbers represent of the estimated numbers insured at July, 1939:

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give the figures of unemployment in the boot and shoe industry for the whole country, and for the city of Leicester, respectively, at the latest convenient date, and the numbers registered for employment in that industry in each instance at that time?

The following table shows, for Great Britain and for Leicester, (a) the estimated numbers of insured persons, aged 14–64, in the boot and shoe industry at July, 1939, and (b) the numbers of such persons recorded as unemployed at 12th February, 1940. Particulars of the total numbers of insured persons in the industry are not available for any date later than July, 1939.

—	Great Britain.	Leicester.
Estimated number insured at July, 1939.	147,410	20,640
Insured persons recorded as unemployed at 12th February, 1940.	6,814	527

The figures cover boot, shoe, slipper and clog manufacture and repairing; separate figures are not available for boot and shoe manufacture.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has yet received the information as to how many permits have been applied for and granted to natives of Northern and Southern Rhodesia for permission to buy and sell the gold found on lands in native occupation?

I assume the hon. Member is referring to the Question which he asked on the 10th November, 1938, though this had not been understood to refer to the question of the grant of permission to buy gold. The Governor of Southern Rhodesia subsequently reported that according to such information as was available 37 applications had been made by natives for prospecting licences within the previous 10 years and that five such licences had been issued. The Governor of Northern Rhodesia reported that no permits for searching for or for selling gold had been applied for or issued to natives in Northern Rhodesia during the same period.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any further variation is to be made in the list of reserved occupations as it relates to persons employed in the publishing departments of newspaper offices?

As the hon. Member is aware, I have this matter under consideration at the present time and I am awaiting further information from the Joint Industrial Council of the Printing and Allied Trades of Great Britain and Ireland.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, while agricultural labourers are exempt from military service at the age of 21 years; men employed in food processing factories handling the raw product of the farms and manufacturing milk into various products, such as cheese, butter, condensed milk, milk powder, etc., are not exempt until they reach the age of 30 years; and whether, in view of the serious effect of the refusal of exemption to all such employers, he will reconsider the whole matter?

I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the services of the American Express Company are available for British prisoners of war in Germany, both for the purposes of cashing cheques and for the sending to them of parcels of books, clothing or foodstuff over 11 lb. in weight, as was the case in the last war?

It has not up to the present been necessary to call upon the American Express Company for any assistance in these matters and I cannot foresee whether it may be necessary to do so in the future.

asked the Secretary of State for War when such essential publications as the Army List, King's Regulations, Manual of Military Law and Royal Warrant for Pay and Promotion will be made available to all officers commanding units in the British Expeditionary Force?

A supply of the monthly Army List is sent regularly to the British Expeditionary Force for distribution as required. Units previously in possession of The King's Regulations, the Manual of Military Law and the Pay Warrant should have taken these books with them on proceeding to France. Reprints have been ordered, and supplies will, it is hoped, become available to make good deficiencies in the course of the next two months.

asked the Secretary of State for War what rate of command pay is drawn by officers commanding a military pioneer group which has a minimum strength of over 2,000 other ranks and also carries the responsibilities for the control and employment of all civilian labour within the group area?

The rate is 6s. a day.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it has now been decided to transfer to the Military Pioneer Corps all officers of the Regular Army and Territorial Army Reserve of Officers who are at present serving with that corps; whether officers of the Regular Army Reserve of Officers who have held their commissions for a period exceeding 15 years will continue to draw the pay of their original regiment or corps if that rate is higher than the pay of the Military Pioneer Corps; and, if such officers cease to be employed with the Military Pioneer Corps on account of staff or other appointments, whether they will automatically be re-transferred to the Regular Army Reserve of Officers or the Territorial Army Reserve of Officers of their original regiment or corps?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative, and to the last part in the negative. As the rates of regimental pay are the same for officers of all combatant arms, no question of loss of pay should arise. The reference to 15 years is not understood, but officers transferred to the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps would continue to be entitled to any higher rate of pay for which they are eligible by virtue of previous service and to retain any reserved right to pay current before 1st September, 1938, which they had before transfer to the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps by virtue of their commission having been granted before 1st September, 1938.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange for soldiers encamped in Britain, with a great deal of spare time, to be allowed to offer their services to local farmers near their camping grounds for a few hours daily while the shortage of labour exists?

I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture in regard to this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men are stationed at Gibraltar Barracks, Bury-St.-Edmunds; what is the number of medical officers and nursing staff, respectively, employed at the medical reception station; and whether every patient admitted to the reception station has a bed and a mattress?

It would not be desirable to publish the numbers asked for. The normal number of beds at the reception station are equipped with mattresses. A temporary increase of beds has been necessary, for which mattresses are not immediately available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state in comparative form the normal scale of rations of French and British infantry soldiers on field service, and the respective scales of pay in shillings and pence per day of private soldiers and of commissioned officers of the lowest rank after deducting Income Tax leviable in each case?

I regret that I am not in possession of the necessary information regarding rations and rates of pay in the case of the French Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the establishment in officers of an infantry battalion in 1937, and what it is to-day; and how many platoons in a battalion are commanded by platoon-sergeants or sergeant-majors?

In 1937, the establishment of an infantry battalion provided for 28 officers. It would not be desirable to publish details of current establishments.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he can now indicate the result of his consultations with the Secretary of State for War on the subject of arrears of rent accruing in municipally-owned houses occupied by the dependants of service men; and whether he has considered the suggestion of the Scottish municipal authorities that a definite rent allowance should be granted to all serving men who are householders, based on the rent of the houses occupied, as an alternative to approaches by the men concerned to the Special Allowance Advisory Committee?

I have been asked to reply. It has already been explained that the allowances granted to wives and dependants of serving men are intended to assist them in meeting liability for rent among other expenses, and that the allowances can be supplemented by grants paid by the Ministry of Pensions on the recommendation of the War Service Grants Advisory Committee in particular cases where the normal allowances are not sufficient to enable liabilities to be met without serious hardship. These arrangements were the result of the fullest consideration, and I am satisfied that they are the most suitable means of providing for the various circumstances which arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is fully satisfied with the present policy of limiting the age range in each type of military unit; and whether he has given full consideration to the view held in the French and German armies that the best fighting forces contain a mixture of all military ages?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made on this subject in introducing Army Estimates on Tuesday last.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the troops serving in Palestine have to pay additional duty on cigarettes and tobacco received by them from home; that the price of beer is almost prohibitive; that the postage on letters is 2½d.; and that prices generally are more expensive than for the men serving in France; and can he do something to alleviate the hardships which these conditions create?

I am aware that prices in Palestine are, in general, higher than in France, but the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes are able to import goods practically free of duty and to sell cigarettes to the troops at prices very much less than those charged in this country and English draught beer at six-pence a pint. In Palestine, as in certain other foreign stations, the higher cost of living is met by the issue of Colonial allowance.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that men of E Company, 13th Durham Light Infantry, stationed at Billingham, County Durham, all of whom are old soldiers, complain of excessive guard duty; that for periods of three to four days these duties prevent them from obtaining adequate rest; and will he make inquiries into these complaints;(2) whether he is aware that men of C Company, Durham Light Infantry, stationed at Church Schools, Birtley, County Durham, all of whom are old soldiers, complain that after undertaking guard duties they are required to engage in elementary drills, which for men of 50 years of age are burdensome; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made into these complaints?

I have called for a report in each case and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will place in the Library a copy of the Charter of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institute, and of its annual reports from the date of inception up to the present time?

A copy of the Articles of Association of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes is already in the Library, as are copies of some of the annual reports. Copies of the annual reports for other years, so far as they are available, will be placed in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any estimate has been made of the number of large empty houses which might be used to house evacuated children, under proper supervision, in reception areas; whether he is aware that local authorities and voluntary helpers are anxious to assist in providing such accommodation, and that the official neglect to use such accommodation is causing serious dissatisfaction among small householders already burdened with families and likely to be obliged to take in further evacuees; and what steps he proposes to take in this matter?

I am not clear as to what my hon. Friend means by official neglect. Local authorities were asked to include large empty houses in the survey of accommodation which they carried out at the beginning of 1939, and since the evacuation plans were put into operation I have approved a number of proposals made by local authorities for the establishment of hospitals and sick bays in such houses. Further encouragement to local authorities to put forward proposals for the use of large houses has been given in the Memorandum dealing with the evacuation arrangements in 1940, which was sent to local authorities on 15th February. It should however be realised that even the greatest possible use of those large houses which are suitable and for which staff is available would provide a relatively small part of the total accommodation needed.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will take into account the protests against the revocation of the order providing for the early closing of shops which have been sent to him from Scotland; and take steps to ensure that shopworkers' hours will not exceed 48 per week?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 13th March to a Question on this subject by the hon. and learned Member for Greenock (Mr. R. Gibson) and to the reply given to-day by the Home Secretary to Questions by the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy (Mr. Kennedy) and the hon. Member for Springburn (Mrs. Hardie).

asked the Home Secretary why German Jews, classed as friendly aliens, or Czech Jews are being expelled from all Government work or munition factories, shipyards, etc.; whether this expulsion applies also to citizens of Eire; whether it extends to all the fighting services; and whether British subjects whose parents were aliens are included in the order?

I am not aware of any foundation for the suggestion that action is being taken on the lines indicated in the Question. The employment of aliens is regulated by an order made on the 17th November last which provides, inter alia, that an alien, irrespective of nationality, shall not enter into or continue in any of the employments specified in the schedule to the order unless he obtains the permission of the Secretary of State. In administering this order, no discrimination is made against Jews of any nationality, the only question for consideration being whether the employment of any individual alien in one of the specified occupations can be allowed without detriment to the national interests.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider amending the Local Elections and Register of Electors (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1939, to provide for the resumption of the annual publication of the register of electors, in view of the serious condition of the printing industry and the high percentage of unemployed?

While I sympathise with the hon. Member's concern about unemployment among printers, he will, I am sure, agree that the right remedy is not to be found in preparing and printing at the public cost a register of which—so far as can be foreseen—no use is likely to be made.

asked the Minister of Health whether he realises the serious plight of building operatives on the suspension of building and housing schemes in Mid-Glamorgan and other parts of South Wales; and whether he is taking steps to review local government schemes with a view to their prosecution and the alleviation of unemployment in the building trades?

I can assure the hon. Member that I have the position of the building industry in these areas, as elsewhere, very much in mind. I am anxious that local authorities' housing schemes shall continue in as large a measure as circumstances permit and, with this object in view, I am keeping constant watch on the position in the light of the demand on building materials for other purposes and of the financial situation. I have already taken steps to enable local authorities in the counties of Brecon, Carmarthen, Glamorgan and Monmouth to proceed with nearly 1,700 houses on which they were engaged on the outbreak of war and have approved fresh housing proposals from certain of the rural districts.

asked the Minister of Health which local authorities have so far adopted the Hyganic process of converting town refuse into organic manure for use in agriculture; and whether, in view of the favourable results obtained, he will consult with the Minister of Agriculture with a view to extending the scheme?

I am informed that Kensington Borough Council entered into a contract with Hyganic, Limited, under which this firm have built and operate a refuse disposal plant at Kensington. I understand that the firm is erecting a similar plant at Harrow. I am not aware of the firm's arrangements for the disposal of their product or of the results obtained by its use. It is open to any commercial firm providing machinery or services based on a particular process to bring its claims to the notice of prospective users at any time.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that certain borough councils, such as Reading, are endeavouring to enforce, even during the war, the construction of separate water communication pipes instead of the joint existing pipes, so that, after the war, when the anticipated water undertakings legislation takes effect, they will secure a quantity of new pipes instead of taking over the old ones, and being responsible for them; and whether he will consider the effect, on both landlords and tenants, of such unnecessary outlay at the present moment when economy and saving are advised to all, and take steps to prevent the resulting hardship?

I think my hon. Friend is under some misapprehension in this matter. The right of Reading Corporation to require the laying of separate communication pipes is derived from their special Act of 1930, and is subject to the proviso that it shall not apply in the case of an existing communication pipe which is used for the supply of water to more than one house or part of a house unless and until that pipe becomes defective or requires renewal.

asked the Minister of Health whether, as the Ministry's Circular No. 1840 provides that the quality of milk supplied for young children and infants shall be approved by the medical officer of health, he can give an assurance that medical officers will not approve any milk supplied under this scheme for young children that cannot be certified to be entirely free of tubercle and other harmful bacilli?

I am confident that medical officers of health, who have had much experience in this matter, are fully aware of the desirability of ensuring that milk supplied to infants and young children shall be safe.

asked the Minister of Health what is the present policy of his Department with regard to the discretion given to local authorities under Section 2 (3) of the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, with regard to the giving of financial assistance for reconditioning agricultural workers' cottages; and whether he has made it clear that such work must continue during the war?

As I have already stated in reply to an earlier question on the subject, I have given, and shall certainly continue to give, even during the war, the most sympathetic consideration to proposals under the Housing (Rural Workers) Acts, especially where the proposals include the provision of additional accommodation.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that existing statutes sufficiently carry out the policy of the Government aimed at preventing mortgagors being coerced by mortgagees into agreeing to increase the rate of interest under the threat of the mortgage being called in; if he has considered the action of the Bradford Permanent Building Society in issuing calling-in notices, subject to withdrawal if the mortgagors consent to pay a higher rate of interest; and whether he proposes to amend the law in order to prevent mortgages being called in or mortgage interest rates increased during the period of the war without reasonable justification?

The provisions of the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restriction Act, 1939, which restrict rates of mortgage interest and prevent calling in of mortgages in the case of dwelling-houses are similar to those in earlier Rent Restriction Acts, and I have no reason to suppose that they are not adequate for their purpose. These provisions have never applied to mortgages repayable by instalments like those of a building society. I am aware of the action taken by the society referred to which would have the effect of leaving the periodical payments unchanged but of extending the time over which those payments were to be made, and I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a Question on this subject addressed to my right hon. and gallant Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on 27th February last.

asked the Minister of Health how many beds are occupied at the White Lodge Emergency Hospital, New market, Suffolk; what medical staff is employed; what is the salary of the medical superintendent; whether the medical superintendent has a whole-time secretary; and what salary does the secretary receive?

This institution has a normal bed complement of 315, which has been increased under the Emergency Hospital Scheme to just over 400, of which some 100 are at present occupied, the remainder being kept available for service patients or air-raid casualties. Five medical officers are at present employed at the hospital. The medical superintendent is enrolled in the Emergency Medical Service at a salary of £800 a year, plus an allowance of £100 a year for board and lodging. The question whether he has a whole-time secretary is one for the West Suffolk County Council, who administer this hospital, but I am informed that a secretary has recently been appointed at a salary of £80 a year.

asked the Minister of Health for what reason he refuses to invite the Medical Practitioners' Union to send representatives to the Central Medical War Committee?

I cannot add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on this subject on 15th February.

asked the Minister of Health how many children inoculated against diphtheria subsequently contracted that disease since immunisation was introduced, in Croydon, Manchester, South Shields, Birmingham, Liverpool, Cardiff, Bristol, Leyton, Hackney, and Birkenhead; and whether any of the cases and, if so, how many in each town proved fatal?

I am taking steps to obtain the desired information and will inform the hon. Member of the result.

asked the Minister of Health the number of children under five years of age who have died as a result of smallpox for the past 10 years; and, for the corresponding period, the number of children at such age who have died as a result of vaccination?

The numbers are:

—	Children under five.
	Died from Smallpox.	Died from Vaccination.
1930	7	2
1931	4	12
1932	1	1
1933	1	4
1934	Nil.	Nil.
1935	Nil.	6
1936	Nil.	2
1937	Nil.	6
1938	Nil.	5
1939	Nil.	1
	13	39

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make regulations, under the Old Age and Widows' Pensions Bill, to supplement war widows' pensions of 10s. per week or under, in cases where such widows have no entitlement under the Contributory Pensions Act?

There is no provision in the Old Age and Widows' Pensions Bill which would enable me to make regulations to the effect suggested by my hon. Friend.