asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether, with a view to preventing the increase of unemployment in the building industry which has arisen as a result of the war, the Government will consider creating a central co-ordinating authority or committee to direct generally, the entire building situation?

:I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement on this subject made yesterday by the Lord Privy Seal.

Is my hon. Friend aware that in France some such procedure has already been adopted?

We have some information of what is going on in France in this matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he has arranged or proposes to take the necessary steps to abolish the means test, and, if so, at what date will the change take place?

No, Sir.

:Has this question been discussed by the new Government, and, if not, is it to be discussed in the near future, with a view to abolishing this means test, which is causing such tremendous tragedies throughout the working classes?

That question is not on the Paper.

:Will the hon. Gentleman draw the attention of the Minister of Labour to the fact that all Labour conferences have decided to end this means test and that we expect that he will take steps to end it at the earliest possible moment?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he is taking steps to give a substantial increase in allowance to the unemployed, and at what date the increase will come into force?

:With regard to unemployment benefit, the hon. Member will be aware that rates of benefit are dependent on the resources of the Unemployment Fund. As regards Unemployment Assistance, my right hon. Friend is devoting all his energies to finding work for as many unemployed persons as possible.

But that is not the question I asked. I asked whether the Min- ister is taking action substantially to increase the rates of benefit because of the fact that increased prices are going on all the time and the standard of existence of these people is being reduced accordingly; and has he discussed the matter with the Minister?

I need hardly say that I should not have given this answer without consulting my right hon. Friend.

Do I take it then, that the Minister does not intend to increase the rates of benefit?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he is aware that increased wages received on account of the rise in the cost of living is being taken into account in households where an applicant for unemployment assistance resides, and that, in consequence, the assistance is proportionately reduced; and whether, in view of the circumstances of the present time, he will consider the modification of the present regulations?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to a Question on the same subject put by the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent (Mr. E. Smith) on 25th January.

Will the Minister keep in mind that here is a problem that is well worth looking into, in view of the fact that we are urging both men and women to do as much as ever they can in the various industries in which they are engaged?

Will the Minister consider that these men are being asked to work overtime, and that if they work any overtime the fact is brought to the attention of the Board and a reduction is made in the unemployment assistance? This is a serious matter.

I think I made it clear in the reply to the Question to which I referred the hon. Member that that is not in fact the full position. In the case of an increase of wages of the kind to which the hon. Member refers some advantage does accrue to the household under the present regulation.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the Question I admit that it is reduced proportionately, and will he give the House an assurance that this matter will not be lost sight of?

It is always under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he is aware that Messrs. Robertson and Sons, bakers, of Cardenden, have dismissed an employé of nine years' service, on the grounds that he is shortly to be called up for military service; that as a consequence this man is likely to be unemployed for several weeks prior to starting on his military service; and will he take steps to prevent this treatment of men immediately prior to their Army time falling due?

:The hon. Member has supplied particulars of this case, which has been under inquiry. I am informed that after the termination of his employment the employé in question found other work and has not made a claim to unemployment benefit. My right hon. Friend is considering what further action can be taken in the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he has now made arrangements with the medical boards to avoid passing into His Majesty's Forces persons who are physically fit but of unsound mind?

As my hon. Friend has been informed in reply to previous Questions, the instructions issued to medical boards, provide for inquiry to be made into a man's personal and family history of nervous and mental illness and for a specialist's opinion to be obtained in cases of doubt. The attention of medical boards has recently been drawn to the importance of their examination of this condition, and the possibility of taking further steps with a view to the identification of mentally unfit men is also being explored. The matter will no doubt receive consideration by the committee under the chairmanship of Lord Horder which has been appointed to advise on medical questions arising in connection with the examination of men by medical boards.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that mental welfare associations operating under local authorities will have almost complete lists of these young men, and is it possible for the medical boards to work in co-operation with these associations?

I hope very much that that can be done.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour to what extent the schedule of reserved occupations prevents unemployed men, who usually follow a reserved occupation, from volunteering for the Services?

It has been decided that in general, any man who has been unemployed for two months shall be at liberty to volunteer as a member of any of the Services of National Defence notwithstanding any restrictions in the Schedule of Reserved Occupations.

Will my hon. Friend say when it was decided?

I am announcing the decision now.

Can my hon. Friend say whether that statement which he has just made has been communicated to his representatives who are at the recruiting offices?

Any decision that is definitely come to is naturally communicated to our officers immediately.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he will consider placing qualified solicitors, who are carrying on business as such, in the same category in relation to reserved occupation as accountants and qualified solicitors employed as managing clerks?

The question of the reservation of solicitors under the Schedule of Reserved Occupations is at present under consideration.

Do I take it that there is no real reason in substance why solicitors in business themselves should not be in the same category as qualified solicitors who are acting as managing clerks?

The Minister is to-day receiving a deputation from the Law Society, and I would rather not add anything to my answer at this stage.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he has considered the extreme hardship to a widow whose only son, or the last of several sons, is about to be called up; and whether he will take steps to secure the indefinite postponement of the calling up of such sons?

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the replies given to the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 8th February and to the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths) on 25th April.

Will the Minister keep in view the position after the last war of French women particularly who lost an only son in the war?

:I think that the reply to which I referred the hon. and learned Member clearly shows that military service hardship committees are empowered to grant postponement in cases that they consider appropriate.

Is the Minister aware that they cannot give postponement of service indefinitely?

There is no power, as the hon. Member is aware, to exempt under the Act. There is only power to postpone.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he will, in consultation with the President of the Board of Education, arrange for the much fuller use of polytechnics and other educational institutions having suitable equipment for the training of engineering operatives in the more highly skilled branches of their trades; and whether he will take steps to see that the men so trained shall not at the conclusion of their training be enticed away from the employers for whom they are working?

The Board of Education recently issued a Circular, of which I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend, calling the attention of local education authorities to the importance of training for war-time industry and to the fact that technical institutions are particularly well adapted to provide courses of a higher grade in engineering and related subjects. This Circular was prepared in consultation with the Ministry of Labour and National Service and my Department will co-operate closely with the Board in ensuring that the fullest and best use is made of the institutions in war-time. As regards the second part of the Question, my right hon. Friend is giving urgent consideration to ways and means securing the distribution of skilled engineering labour to the best possible advantage.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour when he intends to issue the Order referred to in Section 1 of the Control of Employment Act, 1939?

:The powers contained in the Control of Employment Act have now been superseded by the Act passed yesterday.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can indicate the attitude of His Majesty's present Government towards the problems facing them in India?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the recent encouraging pronouncements of Mr. Gandhi and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, he is able to make any statement about the political situation in India; and whether any measures have yet been taken to promote a small conference of representative India leaders of all parties to agree upon the next steps towards a solution of the constitutional deadlock?

I am glad to have this opportunity of explaining, so far as I can within the limits of an answer to a Question, the attitude of the Government to the present regrettable political deadlock in India. The attainment by India of free and equal partnership in the British Commonwealth is the goal of our policy as it was that of the late Government. We recognise, as my predecessor made clear in his speech of 18th April, that it is for Indians themselves to play a vital part in devising the form of constitution best adapted to India's conditions and to India's outlook. The promise already given that the present scheme of the Act of 1935 and the policy and plans on which it is based are to be open to re-examination at the end of the war, necessarily implies discussion and negotiation and not dictation. We have no desire to delay any of the steps that may pave the way towards an agreed settlement that will take account of the legitimate claims of all communities and interests. On the contrary we have been and are only too anxious to make bur contribution towards such a settlement. The difficulty at this moment lies in the acute cleavage of opinion which has developed in India itself effecting issues fundamental to the character of her future Constitution and even to the approach to the problem.

I refuse to regard that cleavage as unbridgable. Even if no final agreement on the major issue is immediately in sight I cannot think that it is beyond the resources of Indian statesmanship to find at any rate such a provisional accommodation as would admit of the resumption of office with general consent by Ministers in the Provinces and the appointment to the Governor-General's Executive Council of representative public men on the basis already offered. I believe that such a solution of the present deadlock, provisional no doubt, but still easing the way to eventual agreement, would be eagerly welcomed by the overwhelming body of Indian public opinion. India has from the outset of the war made manifest her sympathy and support for the Allied cause and her anxiety to lend to that cause all the aid in her power. It is the sincere and earnest hope of His Majesty's Government that in the situation which faces the whole civilised world to-day, existing differences may be put aside and that the leaders of the great political parties in India will come together in agreement in support of the common effort.

The Viceroy, with the approval of His Majesty's Government, has spared no effort to bring the parties together and to endeavour to find a basis for progress which would be generally acceptable. His own readiness to help in any way he can remains unabated.

May I ask the Minister whether he will confirm the report that Mr. Nehru has declared that under the existing circumstances in Europe civil disobedience is to be suspended, and whether he will take steps to confirm it and, if it is true, express appreciation of his action? May I also ask whether the right hon. Gentleman intends to make at an early date a personal visit to India to see those who are responsible?

The latter question can only be considered when circumstances make it feasible. As to the first part of the question I do not understand that civil disobedience has been suspended by Mr. Nehru, but he has declared that he would not take advantage of our difficulties in order to change the rate at which he is proposing to deal with this particular question, and we appreciate that.

In thanking the Secretary of State for his reply may I ask whether any further step has been taken to call together a small informal conference representing Indian leaders?

I think that is covered by the full answer I have given.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has yet come to a decision regarding the weekly publication entitled "Voice of Spain," whose object is to upset existing good relations between Great Britain and Spain?

:I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply given on the 1st May to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Wirral (Captain Graham).

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking steps to find out particulars of this publication?

Certainly, Sir.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any evidence of the source of its funds?

That is a separate question.

:Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is nothing in this publication which justifies the statement in the Question, and that it contains much valuable information as to actual trade, given by quotations from the Spanish official Press, and is, therefore, very valuable because it enables one to know the real situation?

:I think the hon. Lady made a similar statement when the matter came up on 1st May, and I can assure her that notice has been taken of what she said.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any information to show if the legal provisions regarding the hours of labour of young persons in shops are being enforced by local authorities?

Yes, Sir. The information before me indicates that the provisions referred to are being generally observed. Only a few complaints have reached me and where necessary local authorities have taken proceedings to enforce the law.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any further information to give the House respecting the value and use of fluorescent and phosphorescent articles and paint in connection with air-raid precautions; and whether the special committee investigating the matter has yet issued any report or made proposals?

:As I have previously informed the hon. Member, a committee has been set up to investigate the question of luminescent materials, and the possibilities of their application for air-raid precautions purposes. This committee is actively pursuing its inquiries, but the committee is not yet in a position to issue a report, or to formulate proposals.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the number of salaried posts connected with camouflage work, and their scale of salaries; how many of those appointed to such posts are professional artists; and what provisions are made for their undergoing a course of instruction in the science of camouflage?

As the answer is long and contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, arrange for it to be circulated in the Official Report.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the establishment of the scientific principles which determine the effectiveness of camouflage is the work of biological specialists in this subject; that one of the leading authorities in this specialised branch of science is a British subject; and whether steps have been or will be taken to ensure that his full-time services shall be available to the country during the present emergency?

I am aware that biological science has made an important contribution to the study of camouflage, and I have invited a British biologist to serve on the Camouflage Committee. He has accepted my invitation and will, I have no doubt, be ready to give to the matter as much of his time as may be required.

asked the Home Secretary whether in view of the danger to the State which may arise from persons assisting Germans arriving in our country by parachutes, he will have a systematic search made of all households which the police consider contain individuals whose loyalty is uncertain?

The police do not hesitate to use the powers of search conferred on them by the Defence Regulations and statutory provisions and they do not require any further instructions.

asked the Home Secretary whether the police can be supplied with firearms?

asked the Home Secretary whether any decision has yet been reached as to whether it is desirable to arm all or any part of the police force of this country in view of the parachutist menace?

Special steps have been taken to increase the arms available for the use of the police. While there is no intention of turning the police into a combatant force, it is desirable that many of them should be armed for their own protection and for purposes connected with the duties they have to perform in guarding certain places.

:Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the Royal Ulster Constabulary have been armed since the outbreak of the war and that they have never used those arms?

I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that I am well aware of that.

asked the Home Secretary whether, for the purposes of home security and having regard to what has happened in certain neutral countries, it has now been decided to ban all Communist and Fascist societies and, if necessary, to intern their members?

asked the Home Secretary (1) what action he proposes to take with reference to the Fascist organisation known before the war as the Imperial Fascist League, its members giving the Nazi salute and wearing the swastika badge, now replaced by the St. George's Cross; and whether he is aware that this organisation is circulating pamphlets and a weekly news sheet entitled "Weekly Angles" from the Angles News Service, 56, Crogsland Road, N.W.1, occupies the same headquarters as did the Imperial Fascist League and that its activities are contrary to the national war effort;

(2) what action he proposes to take with reference to the British Council for Christian Settlement in Europe and the British Peoples Party, of which Lord Tavistock is chairman, to which are attached former members of the Nordic League and the Link; and whether he is aware that these bodies conduct propaganda of a defeatist and pro-Nazi character and are working contrary to the national war effort?

All these matters are receiving the attention due to them in present circumstances, but it would be contrary to the public interest to announce beforehand the steps which are being taken to deal with any persons whose activities are calculated at the present time to impede the national war effort.

Is the Home Secretary aware, and will he bear in mind, that the British Council for Christian Settlement in Europe has as its secretary Mr. John Beckett, who was associated before the war with Mr. William Joyce, better known as "Lord Haw Haw?"

I will bear that in mind.

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to suppress the publications for which these particular societies are responsible, and which are now being sold or given away in various parts of the country?

The question of publication is rather a different one, and I should like to see it on the Order Paper. The House knows that new regulations were made last week.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take special steps to find out whether any of these organisations are receiving funds from abroad, and when he has the information will he publish the sums and the sources?

:I have been giving close attention to that matter for some time and I shall certainly consider how I can best make available the information I have.

asked the Home Secretary (1) what steps have yet been taken to intern pro-German British or Irish subjects in Great Britain, especially members of the British Union of Fascists and Irish Republican Army;

(2) whether, as the Irish Republican Army are suspected by the police of putting a bomb in a British transport, he proposes to take steps to eliminate citizens of Eire and other Irish suspects from this country?

As regards members of the I.R.A., in addition to a large number who have been convicted and are serving long sentences, Orders have been made under the Prevention of Violence (Temporary Provisions) Act for the expulsion of 167 persons. Full use will continue to be made of the provisions of that Act. I should add, however, that the police have no information to confirm the suggestion made in the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's later Question. As regards other British subjects, Regulation 18B of the Defence Regulations was last night amended by the addition of a provision enabling me to order the detention of members of organisations which have had associations with the enemy or are subject to foreign influence or control and may be used for purposes prejudicial to the national security.

Copies of the amending Regulation are available in the Vote Office. Under these new powers I gave instructions last night for the detention of a number of persons whose names will be made known as soon as the orders have been carried out. This action has been taken because of the danger that the organisations of which the persons concerned were leading members might be used in the execution of acts prejudicial to the security of the State, and not on account of any opinions held or expressed by them or on account of their propagandist activities. It is not to be assumed that the action taken this morning under these new powers represents finality. Further action must and will be taken as circumstances may require.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask him whether, in view of the fact that 167 people have been deported, he is taking steps to prevent them and others coming back?

That is very carefully watched, and I am satisfied that the watch that is kept is sufficient.

Did I hear the right hon. Gentleman use the word "detention" in connection with these Orders? Do I take it that this means that these men will not be brought for trial at any time? May I ask further whether the hon. and gallant Member of this House has been arrested as one of this particular group?

:No, Sir. The hon. and gallant Member for Peebles (Captain Ramsay) was taken into detention under Regulation 18B in the form in which it stood before last night's amendment. The other persons concerned are being taken into detention under the amended Regulation. The Orders direct that these persons should be detained in the circumstances that are set out quite clearly in Regulation 18B, and all the supplementary provisions of the original Regulation 18B will apply to action taken under the amended Regulation

Does this mean that the hon. and gallant Member will not be tried or charged with any specific action?

This is a precautionary measure. The hon. and gallant Member, like others who have been taken into detention under Regulation 18B, will have his right to make representations to the Advisory Committee?

May I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether any question affecting the Privileges of this House is involved in this matter?

If the hon. Member had any question of Privilege which he wanted to raise, it should have been raised immediately after I read the announcement from the Home Secretary. If anybody wishes to raise any question of Privilege at some other time, it would be necessary for a Member to put down a Motion on the Paper and for the Government to afford time for it.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the House whether he does not think this is a matter of sufficient importance to allow some time when the implications of it may be discussed here?

Could not this matter be raised on the Adjournment?

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that the House as a whole is completely satisfied that he is doing his work properly?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that individuals holding Communist opinions are serving at air-raid precautions posts and expressing views hostile to this country; and whether he will investigate all such cases submitted to him?

:I am prepared to examine any reports that may be submitted to me supporting the suggestion in the first part of the Question. I may add that in present circumstances there is a particular duty resting on local authorities to satisfy themselves as to the reliability in an emergency of individual members of their A.R.P. services.

asked the Home Secretary why a member of the Auxiliary Fire Service does not get full pay while sick or injured on the same terms as a regular fireman and members of the Fighting Forces; and whether this will now be altered?

Members of the Auxiliary Fire Service receive sick pay on the same terms as Civil Defence volunteers generally and their conditions of service in this respect must be related to those of other Civil Defence volunteers rather than to those of the established services, such as professional firemen or the Fighting Forces.

asked the Home Secreteary whether members of the Auxiliary Fire Service who are in full-time employment can now be given a second suit of clothing, in view of the fact that professional firemen are provided with three suits and that when righting fires the men nearly always get soaked with water and have nothing to change into when they get back?

Fire authorities, who were originally authorised to supply one complete suit of uniform, have already been authorised to purchase, during the next 10 months, additional uniforms which should enable brigades to hold a reserve of garments available for use when occasion arises. In addition, each auxiliary fireman may be supplied with a suit of overalls and a waterproof coat and leggings.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will prepare a scheme for the evacuation of adult invalids such as those who are bedridden and therefore not able to make private arrangements for their own evacuation?

I am afraid that it is not practicable to include within the Government's evacuation scheme arrangements for the removal of adult invalids such as those who are bedridden.

:In view of the fact that most voluntary societies which have many of these cases brought to their notice are unable to do anything about them and to get them away, could not the right hon. Gentleman do something to assist the local bodies carrying on this work?

:If we can do anything to assist these bodies we shall be glad to do so, but the whole position must be governed by the prospect of accommodation in the reception areas.

asked the Home Secretary whether the order for internment of enemy aliens applies to females as well as males?

Hitherto I have not felt it necessary to order the wholesale internment of female enemy aliens or of any class of them, although I have not hesitated to order the internment of individual German or Austrian women where there were grounds for suspecting their attitude and disposition to this country. The whole question whether any and, if so, what further measures are required in present circumstances is receiving close attention.

Is not the female of any species generally more dangerous than the male?

Can my right hon. Friend tell us how many women have been interned and how many are still at large?

I cannot give numbers without notice.

asked the Home Secretary what arrangements have been made for the internment of enemy aliens; whether it is proposed to release any of them in the near future; and, if so, on what conditions?

asked the Home Secretary whether, and how soon he hopes to review the cases of those aliens who have been recently interned, not on individual grounds, but under a general order; and whether particular attention will be given to the cases of men employed by employers urgently needing their labour and to the cases of youths undergoing training or education?

I have ordered the internment as a measure of precaution, of all male enemy aliens aged 16 to 60 (except invalids and the infirm), throughout Great Britain, who are classified as "B," and of all male Germans and Austrians of the same age group in the coastal counties from Nairn to Hampshire. In taking this action I had contemplated that the general position would be reviewed as soon as circumstances permit; but I am afraid that, having regard to the paramount considerations of national security, there can be no question at present of individual review except possibly in the type of case referred to by the hon. Lady the Member for the English Universities (Miss Rathbone) or where release can be shown to be definitely and directly in the national interest.

Can arrangements be made to allow men who are interned to communicate with their wives?

Certainly.

In view of the fact that letters now take such a long time to get through and that many of these people are anxious, may I ask whether the censorship of letters of internees can be hastened?

I will certainly look into that matter.

:Is it possible to allow these internees to have work to do which may be helpful to the country, in order to show that they are on our side? Also, will it be possible to allow the wives of these internees to go with their husbands?

:These are matters of detail which involve problems of organisation, and the action taken in the last few days will have to be allowed to work itself out before these ideals can be approached.

Why has the age limit of 60 been fixed? Is it really supposed that people over 60 years of age cannot be harmful or helpful?

No, Sir, but some age limit must be fixed. I would like the House to realise that the purpose of this action is not only to ensure that there shall be no way in which anyone shall have a chance of doing harm, but also to break up any organisation which may be in existence. The action is directed to that end.

Does that mean that if it is proved that someone over 60 years of age is better locked up he will be kept in internment?

I think the House will realise that from the outbreak of war the policy of the Government has been to take no risks and to put under restraint and, if necessary, intern, any person with regard to whom there is reasonable cause to think that he may be a public danger.

Is consideration being given to scientists who hold key positions and Class C certificates?

:If the hon. Member will look at my answer he will see that I refer to the possibility of releasing people whose release can be shown to be definitely and directly in the national interests.

How many people in category B are interned?

They have all been interned.

Will the Home Secretary give special consideration to Class C certificates in the case of those people who have been living on the coast and who would not have been interned if they had been living elsewhere?

Will the Home Secretary consider the possibility of sending some of these internees to the Dominions if the Dominions are willing to take them, and thus avoid congestion in this country?

I must be allowed to deal with one problem at a time and I am dealing with the most urgent aspect of this problem.

asked the Home Secretary how many male enemy aliens between the ages of 16 and 60 have been interned and whether any exceptions have been made in the categories already affected; whether it is his intention to intern all enemy aliens, men and women alike; and whether the women in the categories, where males have already been interned, have had any restrictions put upon them in respect of the use of cameras?

I presume that my hon. Friend refers to the male aliens interned in pursuance of my recent directions. According to the latest returns available, these number some 5,000. The only persons in the categories referred to who were exempted from internment were the invalids and the infirm. As regards other categories of aliens, certain further measures are being taken but I cannot make details known in advance. As regards the third part of the Question, all women in Category B are subject to the special restrictions which inter aliaprohibit the use of cameras.

How many enemy aliens are there in this country who are unaffected by the Orders already made?

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put a Question on the Paper so that I can give him an exact reply.

Does not my right hon. Friend consider that if all enemy aliens and many aliens who have been naturalised were interned, it would increase the feeling of security among the British people and so tend to increase their output?

That is a question of opinion.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the present number of the permanent staff of His Majesty's inspectors of factories; and how many extra inspectors have been added to deal with the regulations dealing with hours for women and young persons which have been brought into force since the outbreak of war?

:It would not be satisfactory to appoint temporary inspectors to deal with particular questions such as the hours of work of women and young persons. The only satisfactory method is to recruit inspectors to deal with all the matters arising under the Factories Act. The number of recruits who can be added is limited by the rate at which newcomers can be trained by the existing staff. Recruiting has been proceeding as rapidly as possible; and, despite the withdrawal of inspectors to serve with the Forces and to assist other departments, the number of inspectors is slightly higher than at the outbreak of war. The number now is 297, and it is hoped to add another 10 or 12 inspectors at an early date.

In consequence of so much work being done by the permanent inspectors will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of giving more power to local inspectors so that they can inspect under the Factory Acts?

I am not quite sure that I understand what the right hon. Gentleman means by local inspectors. There has been a considerable delegation of power.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that sanitary inspectors, for instance, have no right to enter factories and operate under the name of a factory inspector?

:These people have their own work to perform, and as I have pointed out it is not satisfactory to entrust technical work to those not properly trained and instructed.

asked the Home Secretary whether the position of Dutch and Belgian refugees is being properly investigated to safeguard against the entry of Nazi sympathisers?

asked the Home Secretary whether it is practicable adequately to check the bona fides of refugees now reaching this country; whether any restrictions are placed on their movements; and what steps are taken to ensure that they do not include persons who have been acting as enemy agents or fifth columnists in Holland, Belgium, Denmark or Norway?

:I am fully alive to the dangers referred to, and these refugees are being carefully examined at the ports of arrival. As an additional safeguard I have made an Order, under Article 11 of the Aliens Order, 1920, the effect of which is to require war refugees from Belgium and Holland who are aliens to comply with restrictions similar to those imposed upon enemy aliens by Articles 6A and 9A of the Aliens Order. I can assure the House that every practicable step is being, and will be, taken to safeguard this country against the entry of enemy agents.

asked the Home Secretary why the recent tribunal at Birmingham for refugees was presided over by Mr. Wallington, K.C., who had the task of reviewing a number of his own decisions; whether a similar practice has been carried out elsewhere; and whether he is aware that permission was refused for the liaison officers between the tribunal and the local refugee committee appointed by the Home Office to take any part in the proceedings in spite of their willingness to do so, and their experience of the problem?

I presume the hon. Member refers to the Regional Advisory Committee appointed for the Midland Civil Defence Region, of which Mr. Wallington is Chairman. In selecting the Chairmen of these Regional Advisory Committees, every effort was made to avoid appointing as Chairmen persons who had presided over local tribunals which had dealt with cases in the same area. The fact that the areas of the tribunals were much smaller than those of the Advisory Committees was held to justify such an appointment as that of Mr. Wallington as an exceptional measure where no other arrangement could conveniently be made. As regards the last part of the Question, I have no information at present, but I am causing inquiries to be made and will communicate with the hon. Member.

May I ask whether this was the only case where an appointment of this kind was made for a man to review his own decisions?

I would point out that he does not sit alone for that purpose. I think the number of cases is exceedingly small. I am not sure whether this is the only case, but I know there are very few.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it is in principle desirable that the liaison officer should, if possible, be heard?

I agree.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will reconsider the billeting of Dutch and Belgian refugees in London and other large cities as this influx is discrediting the Government's own evacuation scheme and persuading parents to bring back their children from reception areas?

It would not be possible to receive war refugees from Holland and Belgium in the numbers for which it may be necessary to provide without making use of the accommodation in large towns. This course does not imply that the areas to which it is proposed to send refugees are considered safe from air attack. The purpose is to provide what shelter we can in this country, if necessary, for allies who have been rendered homeless.

:Will my right hon. Friend consider discussing with the Dutch and Belgian Governments the possibility of getting these refugees evacuated in due course to the Belgian and Dutch Colonies?

We are in touch with the Belgian and Dutch authorities on all relevant matters.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the great possibility of many of these refugees, especially female refugees, being used in domestic service, and therefore killing two birds with one stone?

:The question of making the best possible use of these refugees, both male and female, from the point of view of employment, is receiving very active consideration.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, on the night of 22nd September last, Mr. F. Chambers, a quasi-permanent officer at Feltham Borstal Institution, was brutally attacked by a prisoner and suffered injuries, with the result that he has had to undergo a long period of sick absence; that, as a consequence of the injuries sustained, this officer has lost pay amounting to approximately £45 up to date; and whether he is prepared to authorise an ex-gratiapayment to the officer so as to ensure that he does not suffer this financial loss solely as a result of an injury sustained in the performance of his duty?

In the early hours of 23rd September, 1939, this officer, who is a re-engaged pensioner serving in a temporary capacity, was attacked by an inmate at Feltham, as a result of which he sustained certain injuries to his head. These were not of a serious character and Mr. Chambers made a good recovery; but as he was found to be suffering from high blood pressure he was unable to resume duty, and his case was dealt with under the Workmen's Compensation Acts. I regret that it is not possible to make an ex-gratia payment in addition to the compensation which is being paid to Mr. Chambers under those Acts.

asked the Home Secretary when he proposes to introduce the Truck Acts Bill?

I hope to be in a position to make an early announcement.

Before the right hon. Gentleman makes an announcement as to the amendment of the Truck Acts, will he consult the Trades Union Congress?

Certainly, I will consider what consultations would be advisable.

Will the legislation be retrospective in its effect?

:I can only refer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to what I said before, but the possibility of including some provision for retrospective effect will have to be taken into consideration.

:Is the Home Secretary aware that there are more important questions than this to be brought before the House, and will he not be too hasty about this matter?

asked the President of the Board of Education what proposals he has received from the Westmorland County Education Committee relating to the employment of schoolchildren in agriculture; and what is his attitude towards these proposals?

:The Westmorland local education authority have not submitted any proposals relating to this matter.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at the last meeting of this education authority, it was suggested that children of all ages attending school should be allowed to work in agriculture?

:The hon. Member asked me what proposals had been received from this education committee and I have told him that I have not had any proposals.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is now satisfied that all children in evacuable areas, including London, are now receiving education; what progress is being made towards full-time instruction; whether there have been or are likely to be secondary schools recently re-opened in the London and extra-Metropolitan areas; and what arrangements he is making respecting the possible diminution in the number of scholars attending evacuated schools and the corresponding increase of secondary school scholars requiring education next autumn in evacuable areas?

:Information regarding the progress made in the resumption of educational facilities in evacuation areas since 15th April, for which date figures were supplied to the hon. Member on 2nd May will not be available until returns showing the position to-morrow have been received by the Board. As regards the last part of the Question it is contemplated that evacuated children who gain admission to secondary schools should take up their places in schools in the reception areas since it would be contrary to the Government's policy to bring them back to the area from which they were evacuated in the interests of their safety.

Does the Minister realise that next autumn we shall find a considerable diminution in the number of scholars attending secondary schools in reception areas and an increasing number wishing to use the secondary schools in their own home areas; and has he taken that matter into consideration?

I think we had better wait and see what happens next autumn.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the serious shortage of paper, he will consider asking local education authorities throughout the country to arrange for the provision at every school in the country of sacks for the collection of waste paper, and by competitions, prizes or otherwise to encourage schoolchildren to bring waste paper from their homes to these points for collection by the local authority?

:The Board have already sent to local education authorities for circulation to the schools copies of a memorandum calling attention to the help schools can give to the organised collection of paper and other materials. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of this memorandum. The methods of collection will vary with the local conditions, and schools have been asked to consult the local authority or local voluntary organisation to ascertain how best to co-operate.

Will the Minister give a lead to local authorities in this matter, in view of the great importance of saving every ounce of paper?

The Board's memorandum has given a lead.

asked the Minister of Health whether a person having attained 70 years of age will be entitled to apply for a supplementary pension under the Old Age Pensions Acts?

Provided that he has an old age pension any person, other than a blind person, will be entitled to apply to the Assistance Board to have his pension supplemented under Part II of the Old Age and Widows' Pensions Act.

:Does that mean that the means test at present operating in the case of persons over 70 years of age will be disregarded, and that they will then have to come under whatever new means test is applied?

Persons qualified for old age pensions will come under the Regulations, which will be published shortly.

:May I repeat the point? Will the present means test operating in respect of people over 70 years of age receiving the present old age pensions, be disregarded, and will the new Regulations have effect as regards those people?

The new Regulations will apply to all those who apply for supplementary pensions.

Can the Minister give us something more precise than "shortly" as to when this begins?

There is another Question on the Order Paper on that point.

Is a widow who is not yet 60 and is drawing a pension for herself and children, to be given supplementation?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make any statement as to how much of the proposed legislation now on the Order Paper the Government intends to take over, and how much it proposes to abandon or modify?

There has been no opportunity of considering this matter to the extent which would enable me to give my hon. and gallant Friend the detailed information for which he asks.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will indicate to the House the steps which are being taken in this country to accelerate rapidly the production of aircraft, guns, tanks and other munitions?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which I made yesterday on the Second Reading of the Emergency Powers(Defence) Bill. My Noble Friend the Minister for Aircraft Production and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply have already given instructions to the firms concerned for full overtime and week-end working. The House will be aware of the appeal broadcast on Tuesday last by my Noble Friend, urging workers engaged on the production of aircraft and aircraft equipment to work day and night and also through the two forthcoming week-ends. Numerous other steps are being taken to accelerate programmes of production and I can assure my hon. Friend that all our energies will be directed to that end. Co-ordination will be effected by the Production Council under the chairmanship of my right hon. Friend the Minister without Portfolio, the establishment of which was announced yesterday. The House may be assured that the measures we have taken, with full and enthusiastic co-operation of all engaged in the industries, will result in a redoubled concentration of national effort to secure the maximum output of aircraft and munitions of all kinds.

May I ask whether the measures which are being taken include the provision of adequate material for those engaged in munition production?

My hon. Friend will realise that obviously one cannot get the production without the material.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider giving instructions that, in future, all Government appointments be made solely on the grounds of efficiency and merit alone and without regard to seniority or any other system of privilege appointments?

:I presume my hon. Friend has in mind appointments in Government Departments. I can assure him that full regard is always had to the considerations to which he refers.

Does my right hon. Friend not realise the urgency of overhauling some of the existing appointments with a view to winning the war?

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend on the urgency of winning the war and all the necessary overhauling will, of course, be done.

Perhaps my right hon. Friend will have a word with me about it afterwards.

May I ask the Lord Privy Seal whether his reply also covers Army Staff appointments?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has any information as to the number of allotments provided by the Urban District Council of Esher, on the Ditton Lodge Estate, Thames Ditton; how many of these are still available; how many have been let to persons of the artisan or working classes; whether any of the users of the allotments have gardens available for growing vegetables; and what rent is being paid to the Milk Marketing Board for such allotments?

As the reply contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission circulate it in the Official Report.

Is the Minister aware that in October last the Metropolitan Water Board offered land to the council for this purpose in the immediate vicinity of the Ditton Lodge Estate and also at East Molesey, and that the council did not take advantage of such offers?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will send me particulars, I will look into them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now make any further statement concerning the employment of young men on the land, prior to their military service?