asked the Minister of Supply whether he proposes to take compulsory powers to ensure that local authorities do collect and utilise waste of every kind which would be of national service at the present time?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to-day to the hon. and learned Member for East Leicester (Mr. Lyons), from which it will be seen that there has been a great improvement in the collection of waste materials by local authorities. I have, however, under active consideration the question of what further powers or steps might appropriately be taken, in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is prepared to agree that, in the event of the newspaper industry undertaking the collection of old newspapers through the machinery of the trade, the waste collected should be earmarked and diverted to the mills making newsprint to augment supplies for newspapers?

A proposal of this kind has been discussed with representatives of a section of the newspaper industry. Subject to any discussion with the other sections concerned, I see no objection to the waste so collected being used for the production of newsprint, so far as the other necessary materials for that production are available and provided the interests of other users of paper are not unduly prejudiced.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will take action to secure for members of His Majesty's Forces in Egypt supplies of tobacco and cigarettes duty free, as is the case with the Forces in Palestine?

No, Sir. The Egyptian Government have already made substantial concessions in the matter of import duties, as a result of which members of His Majesty's Forces in Egypt can purchase supplies of tobacco and cigarettes at roughly the same prices as in the United Kingdom.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the present state of our relations with Italy, he has any statement to make?

Yes, Sir. I welcome the opportunity of saying something on the subject of the discussions on which His Majesty's Government are now engaged with the Italian Government in regard to contraband control. As has already been indicated in the Press, the Master of the Rolls arrived in Rome on 22nd May with authority to discuss this question with the Italian Government. The Master of the Rolls has now returned to London, bringing with him proposals by the Italian authorities which are regarded as affording a satisfactory basis for agreement. British and Italian representatives are now working out details in Rome, and the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will appreciate that while these discussions are proceeding I cannot make any further statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether patents are still being granted to German subjects; and, if so, upon what grounds?

Patents are being granted on applications made by enemies only in cases where the grant is necessary to enable "a licence to work the invention in this country" to be granted, under emergency powers, to suitable persons who are not enemies or enemy subjects. The Letters Patent themselves are retained in the Patent Office, and the rights conferred by the registration are subject to the regulations relating to the property of an enemy.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty will conform with the action already taken by the Army and Royal Air Force by abolishing uniform distinctions between officers of the Royal Navy, Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, which at present causes considerable confusion to the rank and file of His Majesty's Forces in general?

No, Sir. I am satisfied that among the officers of the Naval Reserves there is no widespread desire for a change in pattern of the uniforms which they and their predecessors have worn with such distinction.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the motor-lifeboats now being provided in new vessels are of a standardised type, thereby securing economy in construction and in the matter of replacement and repairs?

It is not possible to standardise the type of lifeboat provided, as allowance must be made for different types of ships and different numbers of crew to be carried. Requirements are best satisfied by fitting suitable motors into ordinary lifeboats. The considerations put forward by the hon. Member are fully met thereby.

asked the Home Secretary whether in view of the necessity for economy in the consumption of petrol and for releasing all available able-bodied men for vital national work, he will consider the advisability of disbanding a large part of the mobile traffic police, whose functions are no longer of such importance since petrol rationing reduced the number of private motor-cars on the road?

The reduction in road traffic, and the need for conserving petrol, are factors which chief constables have taken into account in deciding the number of motor patrols to be employed. Road accidents are, however, still numerous, and the patrols serve important purposes not directly concerned with traffic. In these circumstances it would not be desirable to make any great reduction in the number of patrols.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will favourably consider imposing a condition in respect of those alien doctors of enemy nationality, including refugees, who have been and may be permitted to practise in Great Britain, that, when within the age-groups of British subjects compulsory called up for service, the continuance of their permit is contingent upon their undertaking some form of national service and upon their not practising to the prejudice of the absentee British doctors?

I have no doubt that the majority, if not all, of the foreign doctors would be willing to undertake some form of national service in their own profession, but my information is that the medical profession would not look with favour upon this proposal. In pursuance of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act, 1940, these foreign doctors, like other people, may be required to place their services at the disposal of His Majesty, and there will be power to utilise their services in any way which may be found appropriate in the national interest.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider, as a matter of grave urgency, the control or curtailment of Oral Questions, in view of the other calls upon the attention of Ministers, especially those in the War Cabinet and Defence Departments?

I am obliged to my Noble Friend for his suggestion. The rights of Parliament must not be in any way impaired; nevertheless it would undoubtedly ease the burden of Ministers and Departments, especially at this time, if hon. Members would consider limiting their Questions to those which are of real public importance. The present limitation in the number of Oral Questions which an hon. Member can put on any one day was proposed by the Speaker in 1920. It would be for the House to decide if any change is to be made in the present practice.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the serious hardship caused by the absence of shops in housing schemes; and whether he will take the necessary steps to permit of such shops being provided especially in the Strone Farm scheme, Greenock?

I am aware that hardship is occasionally caused by the absence of shops in housing schemes, and I have arranged for shops under construction in such schemes at the outbreak of war to be proceeded with as materials permit. I am having inquiry made into the circumstances at the Strone Farm Scheme, Greenock.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the suggestions made by the National Farmers' Union and the Chamber of Agriculture of Scotland for the grading and pricing of sheep with a view to increasing and improving the yield from Scottish sheep farms; and what steps he proposes to take to carry out these suggestions?

Yes, Sir. I have been in consultation within the last few days with the bodies representative of the sheep industry in Scotland, and I have taken careful note of their views, which I shall consider in consultation with the other Government Departments concerned.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in raising the duty on whisky, attention was paid to the retail price which is now being made to yield 25 to 30 per cent. gross profit to the retailer?

The retail prices at which spirits are sold are not within my control.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the resolution from the Lochore branch of the British Legion asking for duty-free cigarettes and tobacco and reduced rates of postage for men in the Forces serving at home; and what concession he is prepared to make in this respect?

With regard to duty-free cigarettes and tobacco, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Blackburn (Captain Elliston) on 23rd May. As regards rates of postage, I regret that the grant of the desired concession would involve considerable administrative difficulties coupled with the sacrifice of a material and increasing proportion of the additional revenue which the new postage rates were designed to secure.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the amount of each class of hydro-carbon oils retained for home consumption during the year ended 31st March, 1940, and the net amount received in respect of duty thereon?

I regret that it would not be desirable in the national interest to publish information of this kind in present circumstances.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that, under a recent circular sent to bankers, paying agents and secretaries of companies, it was laid down that, in the case of dividends payable in, say, July, 1939, from which tax was deducted at 5s. 6d. in the £, the shareholder should be deemed to have received income amounting to the figure obtained by grossing the amount up to allow for Income Tax at 7s. in the £; and, as this arrangement appears to make certain taxpayers liable for Surtax on a larger gross income than is fair, what steps are to be taken to deal with this matter, and to ensure that all Surtax payers or taxpayers bordering on the Surtax limit return their dividends on a similar and proper basis?

The position, when the standard rate of Income Tax changes and tax is deducted on payment of a dividend (other than a fixed-rate preference dividend) at a rate greater or less than the ultimate standard rate for the year, is governed by Sub-section (3) of Section 12 of the Finance Act, 1930, which provides that the net amount received shall be deemed to represent income of such an amount as would, after deduction of tax by reference to the standard rate for the year, be equal to the net amount received. The circular referred to is based on the provisions of this Section, and the position for the year 1939–40 is explained in the instructions accompanying the forms of return requiring statements of total income for that year.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is prepared to grant the Royal Scottish Academy artists the same facilities as have been arranged in England with regard to records of war epics?

In the arrangements made by the Ministry of Information for securing facilities for artists to paint pictures of war subjects, no attempt has been made to distinguish between the claims of British artists, according to their residence or to the fact that they are members of any particular body. There is, therefore, no question of any facilities granted to artists in England being withheld from artists who are members of the Royal Scottish Academy.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is prepared to advise Government Departments that those officers who have been denied establishment on grounds of age should be retained in the Civil Service under war conditions after reaching 65 years of age, provided that their health and efficiency remain unimpaired?

Departments have discretion to retain unestablished staff beyond the age of 65 subject to the maintenance of health and efficiency. The decision in an individual case depends on whether retention is in the public interest and rests with the Department concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War in how many districts would the Sunday opening of cinemas be welcomed in the interests of the troops, but in which the local authorities are adverse to this step; and whether, in those cases, further representations will be made?

No such cases have been brought to the notice of the War Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider, in the interests of efficiency of the medical ser- vices, making it possible for medical men with the Forces who have little or no experience of military medical work either to make visits to the Forces overseas in order to learn at first-hand precisely the conditions prevailing or to receive courses of instruction from medical men with overseas military experience?

It is a principle in the medical services of the Army that all medical officers receive the maximum amount of military medical instruction compatible with the rate of supply of these officers from civil sources and the military demands for their services with military units. A number of medical officers from home commands have visited overseas units in order to see the conditions in which these units are working.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the present system of reducing the State allowance to the mother when her soldier son obtains proficiency pay is strongly resented by serving soldiers; and whether, seeing that if such a son had been married a portion of the increase in the proficiency pay would have been added to the wife's pay yet cannot be added to his widowed mother's allowance, he will investigate the whole practice, with a view to making a change?

The dependants' allowance scheme is a war-time measure designed with reference to the family circumstances to avoid hardship by providing for the dependant a fixed amount related to the net amount which the man contributed towards the support of the dependant before he joined up, but which he is unable to continue on joining the Service. Towards this amount the soldier is required to contribute a sum appropriate to his rate of pay, and it is in accordance with the principles underlying the scheme that, when his rate of pay increases, the soldier should contribute a greater proportion of the amount provided for the dependant. The payment of family allowance in respect of a soldier's wife is governed by different considerations. It is primarily a peace time emolument of the soldier in the nature of an addition to his pay, and family circumstances or the amount of the man's previous contribution do not enter into the question.

asked the Secretary of State for War how often the War Establishments Committee meets; and what length of time usually elapses from the date of application for review of any establishment until a decision is given?

The War Establishments Committee meets daily except Sundays. As regards the last part of the Question, the time varies according to the circumstances of the individual cases. Urgent cases are dealt with in a few hours.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange for some members of the Volunteer Defence Corps to be stationed, where thought desirable, at all outlying farms to prevent parachute troops from installing temporary defence posts in such places and destroying food supplies?

Local military commanders are responsible that Local Defence Volunteers are raised in such a way that all places of importance are safeguarded.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider arming postmen in country districts, as persons of responsibility, whose duty already necessitates patrolling isolated country districts?

It is not the intention to arm postmen while they are on duty as such, but they have been given permission to enrol as Local Defence Volunteers for service outside their hours of duty as postmen. It is not desirable that these volunteers should act as individuals roving at large.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an assurance that the Local Defence Volunteers will not be used in any other service or employment than that for which they were originally recruited?

There is no present intention of using Local Defence Volunteers in any other service than that for which they were originally recruited.

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to recommend to local authorities the adoption of regulations similar to those issued to civil servants affecting their enrolment in Local Defence Volunteer Forces; and, if not, what other action he proopses to take?

Yes, Sir. I have informed local authorities of the arrangements made for the enrolment of civil servants in Local Defence Volunteer Forces and recommending them to adopt similar arrangements so far as the circumstances are comparable.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the danger to the working population from splintered glass, in the event of air raids, he will make compulsory the reinforcing of glass windows in large buildings, factories, etc., by the use either of tape or cellophane; and whether he will make this provision also apply to all forms of motor vehicles which are not fitted with safety glass?

Advice has been issued on this matter, and I am anxious to secure that in all appropriate cases the measures recommended should be put into practice in so far as this has not already been done. It has to be remembered, however, that the majority of workers will go to shelter on a warning, and I do not think that an immediate and general obligation with its consequent demands on labour and material would be warranted at the present time. As regards the last part of the Question, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport is considering how far it may be practicable to adopt the hon. Member's suggestions.

asked the Home Secretary whether any papers have yet been warned under Defence Regulation 2 (c) as having persistently endeavoured to foment opposition to the war effort in this country; and whether he proposes to take any action in this direction in the near future?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. As regards the second part, it would not be possible for me to announce in advance what action it may be necessary for me to take.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that it would not be difficult for the enemy to forge a number of identity cards, he will make it compulsory for all such cards to bear the photograph of the owner stamped by a competent authority?

Arrangements have been in force for a considerable time under which, for certain special purposes, persons may be required to exchange the ordinary identity card for a special card bearing photograph and signature and issued under very strict safeguards. This arrangement is being extended wherever special needs arise; but it does not seem to be possible to apply it to the whole population.

asked the Minister of Health by whom, and when, was the proposal made to, and approved by, him for the payment of 15s. an hour for the services of doctors conducting medical examinations at the time of evacuation; whether the time is calculated from arrival at the place of examination or from the time the practitioner leaves his house or surgery to attend at such place; and what procedure is adopted to ensure that the appointment of doctors willing to undertake such work is not limited to members of the British Medical Association?

The doctors in question have been obtained at the request of the London County Council through the Central Medical War Committee. The rate of payment was recently approved by my Department after discussion with the London County Council. The payment made is in respect of time spent at the school or assembly point. I understand that every general practitioner in London over the age of 35 without another national commitment was given an opportunity of applying. The applications were forwarded to the London County Council, and membership or otherwise of the British Medical Association was not a consideration.

asked the Minister of Health whether there has been any test of air-raid precautions services in London involving the reception at any hospital of as many as 200 casualties; and whether any report on such tests can be made available?

A test of the kind described by the hon. Member has been made in the London area. The results were satisfactory, but for obvious reasons the report must be treated as confidential.

asked the Minister of Health whether, as the cost of the maintenance of sick bays is a charge on the responsible local authorities, he will cause local medical war committees in the County of Kent to recover such sums as have been paid in respect of treatment in sick bays?

The position is that the general cost of maintenance of sick bays is a charge on the responsible local authorities, but the remuneration of medical practitioners for attendance, within the scope of medical benefit under the National Health Insurance Act, 1936, on unaccompanied evacuated children in sick bays is a proper charge on the funds disbursed by local medical war committees. I do not, therefore, see any grounds for the action suggested by the hon. Member, but if there is any particular case which he wishes to bring to my notice, I shall be glad to inquire into it.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that at its last meeting the local medical and panel committees for the County of Kent unanimously approved a resolution declaring that a sufficient domiciliary medical service could not possibly be given to persons injured in air raids for the sum of 16s. a year; and whether action will be taken to meet this point?

This resolution has not been reported to me, but in any case I see no reason for departing from the scheme which was accepted on behalf of the profession as a whole.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the danger to this country by enemy air action of various kinds, he proposes to arm the Observer Corps or to increase its number?

Observer posts have been armed. There is no intention to increase the numbers of personnel at present.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that some insurance committees are proposing to discontinue sending out continuation cards; and whether, as such cessation may cause difficulty, he will notify insurance committees that such proposals do not meet with approval and should not be carried into effect?

I have no knowledge of any proposals on the part of insurance committees to discontinue the supply of the cards, but if the hon. Member will send me particulars of any cases he has in mind, I will look into them.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he intends to issue a White Paper, showing the agreements entered into with the holders of various classes of tonnage, as to requisitioning and other terms of service; and also his proposals for replacement of lost or obsolete tonnage now and at the end of the war?

A White Paper dealing with these subjects is in preparation and will be issued at an early date.

asked the Minister of Shipping what has been the approximate loss of life in the British, Allied and neutral Mercantile Navies as a result of enemy action since the commencement of the war?

The number of deaths in the British Merchant Navy clue to enemy action returned to the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen up to 22nd May was 1,082 officers and men and 116 passengers. For the same period, the number of deaths of members of the fishing fleets due to enemy action was 144. I am not in a position to supply corresponding figures in respect of Allied and neutral vessels.