asked the Minister of Health whether, with a view to encouraging highly-trained nurses who emanate from the recognised teaching medical schools, he will take steps to eliminate, as far as possible, the unqualified but titled people who are hampering the development of this work in many parts of the country, since highly-trained women will follow best an equally highly-trained matron from a teaching school of known repute?

I am not aware of any hospital, whether in the emergency scheme or not, where trained nurses do not work under the control of a matron who is herself a trained nurse. Perhaps my hon. Friend will send me further particulars of the difficulty which he has in mind.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that there are many cases where they have neither the ability nor the mind to organise properly and that the same thing is happening in this war as in the last war? Perhaps he will kindly go into this matter with me afterwards.

If the hon. Member has any information which he thinks I Ought to have, I shall be glad to receive it, but the position, I am advised, is as stated in the answer to the Question.

May I ask that nurses do not remain grossly underpaid?

Is it not a case that the supply of highly-trained nurses and matrons is running short, and that it is highly desirable to bring in capable women, whether they are titled or not, to help in the administrative work?

That does not arise out of the Question.

asked the Minister of Health whether, as the chief reason for not evacuating children from vulnerable areas is the unwillingness of parents to acquiesce in this operation whilst it remains on a voluntary basis, he will consider increasing the ability of the air-raid precautions services successfully to deal with damage by putting the evacuation scheme on a compulsory basis before an air attack takes place?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is prepared to give immediate and favourable consideration to requests from local authorities that they should be empowered compulsorily to evacuate all schoolchildren, invalids and aged persons under their jurisdiction, whenever it is decided that such action is necessary?

Apart from other considerations, arising both in evacuation and reception areas, my information from all parts of the country is that a considerable proportion of parents would not co-operate in any scheme for their compulsory separation from their children. The Government's policy therefore is to encourage to the maximum extent possible the registration of schoolchildren for voluntary evacuation, and steps are being taken to achieve this. With regard to the evacuation of invalids and aged persons I have nothing to add to previous answers on the subject.

What actual steps are being taken to persuade parents to co-operate in a matter which is, clearly, in the Government's view, essential, having regard to the orders which have been given; and has it not now gone beyond the time when we ought to have compulsion?

Is the Minister not fully aware of the fact that the refusal of parents to agree to the children being evacuated, may mean, in the event of air raids, the destruction of a great deal of child life?

We have taken all considerations into account and as a result of that, we have, quite deliberately, come to the conclusion—with which I think the vast majority of the local authorities concerned agree—that we should continue this as a voluntary scheme. With regard to my hon. and gallant Friend's Question, certain further steps are being taken this evening which will be announced in due course.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it will be impossible under a voluntary system to secure the evacuation of all these children; and as it is in the interest of the children themselves and the country that they should be evacuated, is it not necessary for the Government to make it compulsory?

asked the Minister of Health whether he will arrange an evacuation plan for old people?

Plans for the evacuation of school children are already taxing accommodation in the reception areas very severely, and I am afraid that it is not practicable to include within the Government's evacuation scheme special arrangements for the removal of large numbers of old people.

Will my right hon. Friend acquaint himself with the proposal which was made by the Government in September, 1938, during the Munich crisis, to pay the fares of old people who could get accommodation with friends or relatives in the country; and is he aware that if an offer were made, to provide free transport for such old people, thousands who have friends and relatives in the country would take advantage of it?

In view of the very acute shortage of accommodation in the country, not only for children, but for land workers—[Interruption].

asked the Minister of Health whether powers will immediately be taken to enable local authorities to take over large houses and other buildings in relatively safe areas for purposes of housing evacuees from dangerous areas, recognising that the unpopularity of private billeting is a principal reason for large numbers of schoolchildren and others now being in danger areas?

In dealing with the large-scale evacuation of schoolchildren, billeting in private houses must continue to be the main method on which we depend, since there is no other form of accommodation which could be made available on the necessary scale. I have, however, informed local authorities in a memorandum, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy, that I am ready to entertain proposals for the establishment of hostels in suitable cases where the difficulties of finding suitable accommodation for children cannot otherwise be solved.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider publishing in the Official Report the circular referred to, so that the information contained therein may be available for all?

I will consider it.

May I ask whether at the same time there will be an extension of the camp school movement and a provision of additional camps?

In so far as camps are available, for this purpose certainly, but it is impossible at this stage, owing to other requirements, to expect any large extension of that accommodation in the near future.

Are the Government prepared to provide equipment and furniture for these houses should the local authorities take them over?

Certainly, in one way or another, the Government will have to be satisfied with the accommodation.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will issue an instruction that, in the event of air raids on this country, the civil population shall remain quietly at home, and not attempt to evacuate in mass unless a definite order is received from the local authorities?

Yes, Sir. Action is being taken in the sense indicated in the Question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the case of Christopher Newbold, recently sentenced for keeping homing pigeons without a licence?

I have already communicated my decision to my hon. Friend.

While the Minister's action in this particular instance will be very much appreciated, is there any means of testing the capacity of these men who repeatedly commit these vicious acts?

That is not primarily a matter for me.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will issue instructions to the public immediately as to how delayed action bombs are to be dealt with?

It is not necessary nor do I think it desirable to instruct the general public in this matter. The Civil Defence authorities will take prompt action for the safety of the public; and any bombs, whether unexploded or delayed action, will be dealt with by skilled parties.

Is the Minister aware of the difficulties which arise in some areas in getting hold of people capable of handling these bombs?

A special organisation has been set up for the purpose.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the growing feeling amongst senior air-raid wardens that service should be made compulsory; and is he prepared to consider introducing legislation to compel men in reserved occupations to serve eight or 12 hours a week on National Service?

In view of the powers conferred by the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act, 1940, special legislation would not now be necessary for the purpose indicated by the hon. Member.

Is the Minister aware that there are 250,000 wardens needed throughout the country, and that the £3 a week paid to wardens for 12 hours work a day is unsatisfactory?

That matter has already been reviewed.

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether he is aware that the proposed dismissal of 1,300 trained women members of the Auxiliary Fire Service is causing grave concern, in view of the present crisis; and whether he will make an announcement on the subject;

(2) whether he will consult with the proper authorities with a view to seeing that any competent women members of the Auxiliary Fire Service who may be dismissed from motives of economy will be given an opportunity of transferring to the Auxiliary Territorial Service or other suitable body, in view of the fact that the vast majority of those affected joined from motives of patriotism, and not for financial reasons?

As part of the normal reorganisation of the London Auxiliary Fire Service it will shortly be necessary to reduce the number of the women telephonists, and some 500 of these will probably be released during the next few weeks. This action will not impair the efficiency of the organisation, and steps will be taken to allow any women affected to be given the opportunity of transferring to the Auxiliary Territorial Service or other similar services. The number given in my hon. Friend's Question apparently includes about 630 cooks. There is no question of reducing the total number of cooks employed, but their position in the organisation is to be altered.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is proposed to supply the fire brigades and certain air-raid precautions services, as well as the police force, with appropriate weapons, including machine-guns?

The provision of armed protection in appropriate cases is receiving attention, but it would not be expedient to give details.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the air-raid precautions report submitted to him by the Association of Architects, Surveyors and Technical Assistants; and, if so, can he make a statement on the report and indicate what action he proposes to take?

I have studied this report with interest. It may be said, speaking broadly, to assemble the conclusions of a number of schools of thought which favour large, centralised, and so far as possible strongly protected, shelters. It would be quite impracticable at the present time to initiate a new shelter policy, whatever its merits, which deviated so sharply from the general scheme by which shelter has been, and continues to be, provided by the local authorities and by the Government.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a report on the progress made with air-raid shelters since the issue of his circular, H.S.C. 38/40/O; whether he is satisfied that the advice and requests contained in the circular have been acted upon; what action is being taken to see that adequate air-raid shelter accommodation is provided for the lower income grades; whether he is satisfied that the authorities responsible have acted, or are taking immediate steps to act, upon circulars H.S.C. 68/40/O.I. and H.S.C. 77/40/O.I; whether he was consulted by the Board of Education before circular Administrative Memorandum No. 212, 17th February, 1940, was issued; and whether he will make a statement on the whole position?

It would be impossible within the limits of an answer to a Parliamentary Question to deal fully with all the matters raised in this Question. I receive monthly reports on the progress of shelter construction in the specified areas, and examination of these shows that as a whole local authorities are acting upon the recommendations made in the circulars mentioned and are pressing forward with the use of brick and concrete shelters, including communal shelters, upon which it has now become necessary to concentrate in view of urgent demands for steel for other purposes. It is, however, true that in many parts of the country suitable labour is at a premium and work is thereby delayed, and that some authorities have fallen below the general standard of effective work. The Government will continue to press upon all concerned the vital importance of concerted and vigorous efforts in this matter. I should add that the memorandum by the Board of Education was issued after consultation with my Department.

If it is true that the Government have pressed for this matter to be dealt with in districts where labour is available, what is the right hon. Gentleman doing to see that the local authorities carry out the suggestions made in the circular?

We are doing everything possible by personal calls and by correspondence, and immense progress has been made, especially in some of the worst areas.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any powers to deal with areas that may be termed backward where labour and other things are not available?

Yes, every assistance is given in the way of lending staff from my organisation to local authorities and I have additional powers under the Act recently passed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the utilisation of voluntary labour for this purpose?

I have encouraged in every way possible the use of voluntary labour in increasing protection in the homes of the people, but for work which has to be carried out on a large scale it is necessary to resort to the ordinary method.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider issuing a special lapel badge in white enamel to deaf persons to indicate to sentries on duty at certain strategic points that approaching people are deaf and will not halt when ordered to do so, thus avoiding confusion?

I do not think that it would be practicable to give effect to my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Home Secretary what steps are being taken to guard reservoirs throughout the country against destruction or pollution by parachutists or sympathisers with the enemy?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the resolutions passed at a meeting at Manchester, on 22nd May, of 20 northern waterworks authorities representing almost every waterworks authority in the North of England; whether he has since then taken any additional steps; and whether military protection is now afforded to waterworks undertakings?

It would not be in the public interest to give details of the protection arrangements for waterworks, but I can assure my hon. Friends that this matter is receiving full consideration. I may add that the undertakings would be well advised to arrange for the enrolment of their own personnel in the Local Defence Volunteers for service at their own works.

asked the Home Secretary whether further steps are in progress, or contemplation, against notorious sympathisers with Nazi Ger many?

It would not be in the public interest to announce in advance what further measures are in contemplation.

Is it wise to lock up a man and leave his wife free when the wife is more notorious than the man?

And probably under 60?

asked the Minister of Health whether, having regard to the need for extending the production of food and the delay in the construction of new dwellings, he will recommend local authorities to authorise the reoccupation by agricultural workers of dwelling houses subject to demolition orders, in cases where it is shown that suitable alternative accommodation is not available in the area?

I am considering, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, whether present circumstances are such that there is a case for permitting, under restrictions, the temporary reoccupation of the least unfit of the houses referred to by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Health how many disabled ex-service men receive free treatment under the National Health Insurance Act from the Army and Navy Fund?

The number of disabled uninsured ex-service men in receipt of free medical benefit under the National Health Insurance Acts at the cost of the Navy, Army and Air Force Insurance Fund on the 31st March, 1940, was 11,153.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps to give power to local registration officers to remit, in exceptional cases, the charge of 1s. for replacement of an identity card?

Local national registration officers have been authorised in many individual cases of an exceptional nature to waive the charge referred to; and general instructions on this subject are already in preparation.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the danger of unauthorised persons demanding from civilians and, in particular, from the younger generation the production of their identity cards and then appropriating them to their own use; whether he will enumerate the classes of persons who are entitled to the production of an identity card; and whether he will give clear and definite instructions by broadcast as to who are the responsible authorities who have this power?

I appreciate the importance of the point raised by my hon. Friend, which received very full consideration in Parliament during the passage of the National Registration Act. No persons have authority to demand the production of identity cards except a police constable in uniform, a member of His Majesty's Naval, Military or Air Forces in uniform on duty, and a local national registration officer. In the last mentioned case the power would be exercised in the local national registration office. The answer to the last part of the Question is in the affirmative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of these cards have been misplaced or lost; and will he not consider having on the cards further identification particulars such as the photograph, or at any rate the age of the owner of the card?

With regard to the photograph, I cannot add to the answers which have been given previously. I very much hope that this whole difficulty will be greatly eased by the broadcast of information which we propose to make.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of putting the age on the card?

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the approximate weekly amount now being paid to the dependants of men who lost their lives as a result of the sinking of merchant vessels since the outbreak of war?

Approximately £850 a week is being paid in pensions and allowances to the widows and other dependants of members of the Mercantile Marine who have lost their lives as a result of enemy action since the outbreak of war.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether it is the practice to inform applicants for assistance that, under the War Assistance Allowance Committee, Form 21, in cases of rejection of claim in the first instance they have a right of appeal against such decision, and if such information is not given to them, will he consider giving the applicants such information when the decision of rejection is conveyed to them?

Any person whose application to the War Service Grants Advisory Committee is rejected, may at any time renew his or her application, and the case is then reconsidered in the light of the information supplied. The committee has no reason to doubt that this is appreciated, but any general invitation to appeal would not only heavily increase administrative difficulties but would be likely in the majority of cases to give rise to false hopes. My hon. Friend, however, fully appreciates the point and will consider what he can do to meet it.

Will the hon. Lady see that the Government get a move on in this matter?

I am glad to say that my hon. Friend and I are doing that now.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the basis of assessment taken into consideration when a claim is made for assistance for dependants of the Armed Forces owing to hardship when the member of the Forces has been unemployed previous to being called to the Service, or where the man in the Service has been an apprentice in industry and would have finished his apprenticeship in the ordinary course shortly after the time of his being called up for Service?

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the principle has yet been settled of pay to the families of men nearly out of their apprenticeship time, on the date of enlistment, with the grants taxed on their journeyman's wages in stead of apprentice pay?

Each case is judged on its merits but I may say, generally, that in the case of a man who was normally employed but happened to be unemployed when called up, the basis of assessment of any grant on account of hardship for the benefit of his family would be the wage he would have been expected to earn if he had been employed. As regards the second part of the Question the basis of assessment would normally be the wage the man would have been earning if the apprentice hip had terminated before the calling up.

Will the hon. Lady explain why enlistment in the Army previous to calling-up is looked upon as a disadvantage from the applicant's point of view?

Perhaps I may answer that question by asking my hon. Friend whether he means the regular Service man?

The question which I wish to ask is why an unemployed man who joins the Army before being called up, is, because of having joined, denied this dependant's pension?

Those are regulations which are concerned with another Department.

Would the hon. Lady have been satisfied with that reply if she had been sitting on the other side of the House?

Certainly.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in consideration that both men and women are now working long hours on munitions, including Saturday afternoons and Sundays up to 4 and 5 p.m., he will take steps to relax the restrictions due to the Sunday Trading Act, 1936, and so enable these people to make their necessary purchases?

The provisions of the Sunday Trading Act allowed of a number of exemptions and I have no evidence that further relaxation is necessary at the present time.

In dealing with any problems of this kind will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that shop assistants are now working longer hours than munition workers?

Yes, Sir, I recognise that that must be taken into consideration.

Undoubtedly there is evidence in industrial areas that some provision is seriously needed in order that workers can have the opportunity of purchasing necessities.

Perhaps the hon. Member will let me have any evidence he has on the subject.

Is the Minister aware that there is no occupation in this country which has contributed more men to the Army and Navy than the distributive trades, and that girls are now filling the men's places?

asked the Home Secretary whether any arms and/or ammunition have been found upon the person or premises or under the control of any aliens in this country?

While I could not, without prolonged inquiry, say whether in recent years cases have occurred in which aliens were found to be in unlawful possession of firearms or ammunition, I have no information to suggest that failure to comply with the law relating to the possession of firearms is prevalent among aliens.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will have all aliens in category B interned forthwith?

As has been announced in the Press, I have ordered the internment of all category B Germans and Austrians, male and female, between the ages of 16 and 60, with the exception of the infirm and invalid, and the internment of these persons has already been carried out.

Is the Minister aware that the age limit of 60 does not automatically prohibit anybody above that age from doing harm to this country if he wishes to do so? Would it not be very much better to have the age limit raised to make sure that those people over 60 cannot do any harm?

I have already said that action taken so far does not represent finality.

Is the Minister aware that those under 60—

rose—

This is a very important subject, and, therefore, may I not ask my right hon. Friend another Supplementary Question?

The hon. and gallant Member does not emphasise it more by repetition.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider reviewing the number of foreign waiters employed in restaurants and road houses in the vicinity of important aerodromes and aircraft factories and take action in the matter?

I know of no reason to discriminate between foreign waiters and aliens engaged in other occupations, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that I shall not hesitate to take appropriate action in the case of any alien whose activities give rise to suspicion.

Will the Minister, in the interest of public safety, have an inquiry made into the Savoy Hotel, which is staffed with anti-British Italians, seeing that highly placed officers frequently dine there?

All these matters are constantly under review.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state the number of enemy aliens in this country, as to males and females, and the number of each which have been interned?

asked the Home Secretary how many male and female enemy aliens between the ages of 16 and 60 are still uninterned in this country?

The numbers of persons of German or Austrian nationality in this country are approximately 31,000 males and 42,000 females, of whom about 5,600 and 3,200 respectively are interned.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has now come to a decision on the question of interning all enemy aliens, irrespective of sex, including those over 60 years of age?

It would not be in the public interest to announce any decision which may be taken on this subject before it is put into effect.

Is not the Minister's opinion that a man over 60 might be a danger to England, seeing what a great danger to Germany is the Prime Minister, who is 65?

asked the Home Secretary the composition of the Home Office Advisory Medical Committee dealing with the admission to Great Britain of foreign medical practitioners; the secretary of this committee; the total number of foreign medical practitioners entering this country since the German invasion of Austria in March, 1938, who have been placed on the medical register and allowed to remain in this country without such registration, respectively; how many of these are of German, Austrian or Czecho-Slovakian nationality, respectively; and whether any precautions were adopted, or are now in operation, to prevent enemy agents from being included in these admissions and allowed to remain at liberty?

As the answer is necessarily detailed, I will with permission arrange for it to be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has satisfied himself that the large number of alien students and others in the different universities should not in extreme cases come within the scope of the internment regulations; and whether all the chief constables concerned are satisfied with the position in their respective districts?

In the measures taken for the internment of certain classes of persons of enemy alien nationality, no differentiation has been made in favour of students or persons working in universities. If my hon. Friend has in mind the internment of individuals as distinct from the internment of classes of persons, all chief constables are aware that in any case where the character or conduct of an individual gives ground for suspicion, appropriate action can be taken.

Have chief constables been informed that any students or others of whose loyalty to the country they have any doubt, whoever they may be, are to be interned immediately?

They have been informed that they should send particulars of any individual cases to the appropriate quarter and immediate consideration will be given to the question of internment.

Will any alien professors over 60 be dealt with?

asked the Home Secretary what action he proposes to take with reference to the National Freedom League, an organisation engaged in pro-Nazi and anti-Semitic propaganda, and illegally publishing leaflets without an address or publishing office?

No organisation of this name has so far come under notice.

If I can give the right hon. Gentleman details of this organisation will he be good enough to look into them?

I may find that it is only a well-known organisation masquerading under another name.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has yet received the report on the police raid on the London office of the National and Provincial Anti-Vivisection Society; and, if so, what action he has taken on it?

Yes, Sir. One of the people connected with this Anti-Vivisection Society was an adherent of the British Union of Fascists and was using the office of the society for British Union business. The searching of this office was one of a number of steps taken for the purpose of investigating the activities of the British Union.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has taken cognisance of the anti-British activities of an organisation calling itself Information and Policy, which holds weekly meetings under the guise of discussing the relation between agriculture and industry, but which are really held for German propaganda purposes; and whether he will take immediate steps to dissolve this organisation, bring its meetings to a close, and inquire into the antecedents and activities of its members?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to a meeting, held on the 23rd May last, at the Alliance Hall, Palmer Street, Westminster, of an organisation calling itself Information and Policy, at which anti-British and pro-Nazi speeches were made; and what action he proposes to take against this organisation?

I have information about this body, which has been under observation for some time. It would not be right for me to announce beforehand what action it may be necessary for me to take.

But the right hon. Gentleman will take action?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will now declare illegal all organisations and societies whose purpose is calculated to undermine the spirit of our people or their determination to win the war?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given on 23rd May to a Question by the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander).

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is a matter of great pain to relatives of men fighting overseas now to hear members of these organisations declaring that the men have been fooled and betrayed?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the threats from Germany regarding the independence of Northern Ireland, he will give the assurance that, in conjunction with the Government of that State, nothing will be left undone to maintain the safety and security of Northern Ireland against every enemy?

I can assure my hon. Friend that His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, in co-operation with the Government of Northern Ireland, will see that nothing is left undone for the defence of Northern Ireland.

Will my right hon. Friend definitely give the people of Northern Ireland the assurance, to-day, that they have the strength of Britain behind them in defending their land against all attacks?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in respect of ramblers and others who frequent the countryside, he will take steps to draw their attention to, and urge on them, the necessity for special care in not damaging the crops and farmland through thought lessness?

Since the outbreak of war wireless and Press appeals have from time to time been made to ramblers and others to take special care not to cause damage to farm crops and livestock. I will gladly arrange for further appeals to be made periodically.

May I thank my right hon. Friend for his reply?

Is the Minister aware that ramblers protect the crops?

asked the Minister of Agriculture what capital sums have been made available for agricultural development work, since the outbreak of war, through the various schemes for supplying capital to farmers at low rates of interest?

I am not sure what my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind in speaking of agricultural development work, but if he is thinking of permanent or semi-permanent land improvements the answer is that State assistance has been given by way of grants for ploughing up, drainage, and lime and slag, and not by way of capital loans. I have no information as to the total capital which may have been provided from private sources since the outbreak of war. If my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind the supply of requisites under the Agricultural Requisites Assistance Scheme, I would refer him to the reply given on 23rd May to the hon. Member for North Cumberland (Mr. W. Roberts).

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the local agricultural war committees throughout the country have made an estimate of the derelict land in their respective areas; what is the total area of such land; and has any scheme been prepared to cultivate same with a view of increasing food production?