asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that his instruction to the air-raid precautions committee in Swansea to advertise for tenders for the erection of air-raid shelters is causing some concern, the general opinion being that, with the enemy virtually at our door, a more direct and expeditious method should have been employed; and will he bear this in mind when issuing similar instructions in the future?

I presume that my hon. Friend is referring to the Swansea Borough Council's proposals for the erection of communal surface shelters. As the estimated cost of carrying out this work by direct labour materially exceeded the rates recommended by my Department, it was thought advisable to call for tenders. It is obvious that in present circumstances speed of construction is vitally important, and my Department, while continuing to have regard to the need for economy, will keep this consideration very much in mind.

asked the Home Secretary what price he is now paying for the standard air-raid precautions shelter which, in June, 1939, was costing his Department £7?

In view of the increased demands for steel for more urgent war purposes, production of these steel shelters has now ceased.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that the local authorities have made an adequate provision of air-raid shelters in the Metropolitan and urban districts of the country?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave this afternoon to a Question by the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent (Mr. E. Smith).

asked the Home Secretary whether steps are being taken to impose a strict supervision and control of the frontier between Northern Ireland and Eire?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave yesterday to a Question by the hon. Member for Romford (Mr. Parker).

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take steps to ensure that members of Fascist and Communist organisations are not admitted to the Auxiliary Police Force or to air-raid precautions organisations?

The primary responsibility for satisfying themselves as to the complete reliability of individual members of Auxiliary Police and Civil Defence Services rests with chief officers of police and local authorities respectively. I have no reason to doubt that the responsible authorities are fully aware of the importance, more particularly at the present juncture, of satisfying themselves in this matter, but I am arranging to circulate to them a copy of this Question and answer.

asked the Home Secretary how many Communists have been detained in Brixton Prison or elsewhere in the United Kingdom; and what are their names?

No Communists, as such, have been detained. I cannot say how many persons detained are in fact Communists.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will approach the Government of the United States of America in connection with the evacuation of useless mouths to America if we should be invaded, particularly as to whether the United States of America would see to their keep for the duration of the war?

The carrying out of such a plan would depend on circumstances which His Majesty's Government cannot at present envisage.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the Government will consider the question of the immediate large-scale evacuation of children, mothers and other non-combatants from this country to Canada and other parts of the Empire?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday on this subject to the hon. Member for Romford (Mr. Parker).

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give instructions for the removal of sign-posts and direction indications which would be of value to the enemy in case of invasion?

I have been asked to reply. Instructions to highway authorities have already been given. The work was put in hand on 29th May.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in many important towns no efficient panel of blood donors, grouped according to their blood categories, has been prepared; and whether steps will be taken to ensure that every citizen shall be afforded blood test facilities, so that in the event of he or she becoming a casualty, the blood-group of such person shall be readily ascertainable by reference to particulars entered on his or her identity card or disc, and thus expedite the work of blood transfusion?

The Government has encouraged by financial assistance the grouping of blood donors in large provincial centres, in order to meet additional demands for blood arising from air-raid casualties. If the hon. Member has in mind any particular respect in which the arrangements are not considered satisfactory in any particular important town, I should be glad to have information so that inquiry can be made. I am advised that the grouping suggested in the latter part of the Question is unnecessary, because many donors are of the universal type suitable for giving blood to patients of any group, and these donors alone are used in blood storage schemes.

asked the Minister of Health whether sufficient supplies of blood for transfusion have now been guaranteed; and, if not, whether he can make a detailed statement on the subject to ensure adequate public response?

Special measures have been taken in the London area and a number of large provincial centres to obtain a sufficient supply of blood for transfusion, and I have no reason to think that the general position is unsatisfactory.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in the interests of war economy, it is proposed to prohibit the holding of race meetings and dog-race meetings?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to-day to a Question by the hon. Member for Colne Valley (Mr. Glenvil Hall).

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that members of the Communist Party of Great Britain have sent letters to the chairmen of London aliens tribunals, in which they denounce Czech and German refugees as Nazi spies; and as these letters were sent because these refugees had denounced the actions of Stalin and the said refugees are genuine anti-Nazis, members of social democratic parties, will he have special inquiries made into the letters before action is taken upon them?

No, Sir. I have no such information, but in any event the London tribunals and the London Regional Advisory Committee all have, or had, as presiding officers men eminent in the legal profession who can safely be trusted to assess the value of information supplied to them.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many enemy aliens are now interned, or being interned, on housing estates constructed for the purpose of housing the working-classes of this country; and whether, considering the extra strains to which our own people are gladly subjecting themselves, he will take steps to remedy the anomaly of numbers of them living under continued slum conditions while new housing estates are being devoted to the aforementioned purpose?

There is only one instance in which a housing estate is being used for the accommodation of aliens, and this is only a temporary arrangement pending transfer to a permanent camp. I do not think it would be desirable to state the number of aliens involved.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take steps as early as possible to reduce the hours worked by juveniles in factories to periods suitable to their age, and to replace them wherever possible by adults at present out of employment?

The Government fully recognises the importance of controlling the hours of young workers, but there are various types of work in which it would be undesirable to eliminate young workers or impracticable to substitute quickly older workers, and in present circumstances there must be latitude to enable young people to work longer hours than would be permissible in peace-time.

asked the Home Secretary whether the period of 10 years for which London taximeter-cabs are licensed, subject to inspection, may be temporarily extended, seeing that many 10-years-old taximeter-cabs are still in very fair condition, and having regard to the fact that it is now practically impossible to obtain new taximeter-cabs?

As my hon. Friend is aware, London taxi-cabs which have been in service for more than 10 years are called up for special examination before a new annual licence is granted, but the Commissioner of Police is fully alive to the considerations to which my hon. Friend refers, and if such cabs are still in fair condition and comply with the prescribed conditions of fitness, they continue to be licensed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now consider granting more preferential treatment to those taxpayers serving in His Majesty's Forces in the matter of Income Tax assessments and/or the purchase of cigarettes in messes or Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes establishments at home?

I do not see my way to adopt the proposal made in the first part of my hon. and learned Friend's Question. As regards the second part, I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the statement made on 1st May by my predecessor in the Debate on the Tobacco Duties.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the new powers to conscript labour and wealth now possessed by His Majesty's Government, he will consider the advisability of postponing the consideration of the present Finance Bill and of introducing at an early date a supplementary Budget more in harmony with the present situation?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to my speech of yesterday on the Second Reading of the Finance Bill.

asked the Minister of Supply whether, with a view to conserving paper supplies, he will limit the publication of reports of company meetings to short notices not exceeding a two-inch single column; prevent the publication of sporting editions of evening papers; and consult with the publishing trade, with a view to the limitation both in number and size of the many ephemeral magazines offered to the public?

The quantity of paper available both for newspapers and for periodicals has been drastically reduced, and the proprietors have taken or are taking steps to adjust their publications accordingly. It is, I think, preferable that if possible the precise form of this adjustment should be settled by them.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that in the town of Swansea and district there is a great shortage of timber; that representations have been made to the hon. Member for Swansea, East, by employers and employés in the building and woodworking industries; and whether there is any likelihood of the supply being increased?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer to a similar Question given to him by my predecessor on 21st March. As regards the last part of the Question, I can hold out no hope of the early release of larger quantities of timber than at present.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the reorganisation of Scottish transport is now under active consideration; and has he any statement to make?

I have no proposals before me at the present time for the reorganisation of Scottish transport.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, to expedite the training of young recruits, he will now consider utilising the services of older officers who had war experience during 1914–18 and who are barred such employment owing to their being just over the age of reserve?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Moss Side (Mr. Rostron Duckworth) on 8th May last.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, before appointments in the Intelligence section of his Department are sanctioned, inquiries are made as to the original nationality and family connections of the wife of each appointee?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War the result of the recent court of inquiry into the case of alleged irregularity in connection with Government contracts?

The appeal from the officer referred to in previous answers to my hon. Friend's Questions on this subject is still under consideration, and my right hon. Friend regrets that he is not yet in a position to make a further statement.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the possibility of the landing of parachute troops in prisoners of war camps or alien internment camps; and whether he is taking steps to safeguard against such an occurrence?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the danger of parachute landings of men and arms, he is satisfied with the location of all German prisoners camps in this country; and what steps he is now taking to prevent the dangers that may arise in this connection?

Steps are being taken to guard against the danger referred to in these Questions, but it would clearly be undesirable to publish any details.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider establishing physical training centres with ex-Service men as voluntary instructors, to be available for men who anticipate that they will be serving with His Majesty's Forces in the near future?

It is not considered practicable for the War Department to arrange for the training suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can estimate the cost to date of inoculations and treatment for typhoid fever in the Army?

I regret that it is not practicable to give an estimate of cost.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the total number of persons now employed in the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service, and how many are employed on clerical, typing, and teleprinter duties, respectively?

I do not think it would be desirable to publish the information asked for.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that certain companies of Royal Engineers receiving trade rates of pay have recently been designated Royal Artillery and their pay reduced accordingly, the loss in the case of a corporal amounting to 17s. 6d. weekly; and whether he has any statement to make?

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to certain air defence units which have been, or may be, transferred from the Corps of the Royal Engineers to that of the Royal Artillery. The treatment of soldiers, previously in receipt of tradesmen's rates of pay, who may thereby become surplus to the establishment of tradesmen in the unit of their new Corps, is at present under consideration. I was not aware that pay had in fact been reduced, and, if my hon. Friend will send me particulars, I will make inquiries.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether steps are to be taken forthwith to take over and reopen plants, such as that operated by Sun Coal (Nottingham), Limited, and Modern Fuels (Seaham Harbour), Limited, so that the utilisation of gas-producers for road transport can continue; and, if not, what alternative steps are to be taken?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave on 28th May to the hon. Member for Stoke (Mr. E. Smith). As regards the Seaham Harbour plant, this has not, in the past, been a source of fuel for gas-producers, but the possibilities of using it for this or other purposes are being investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any ad hoc body under his administration is studying the possibility of prompt improvisations of weapons, explosives, and armoured motor-vehicles suitable for use by the new Defence Forces?

The improvisation and provision of additional weapons, explosives and armoured vehicles is being proceeded with energetically.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will encourage the formation of horse and pony patrols with the object of assisting the watchfulness of the community in regard to parachutist attacks?

Offers of assistance from certain pony clubs have been received and have been accepted in those districts in which their help can be of value.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many applications for pensions have been made up to date in respect of casualties incurred during the present war; how many of such applications have been granted; and what provision exists for the reconsideration of those cases in which a grant has not been made?

Some 3,382 claims from widows and orphan children, and 2,119 claims from parents and other dependants have been received in respect of death in the Fighting Services and in the Mercantile Marine, the Fishing Fleets and Pilotage services. Of the former, awards have already been made in 2,439 cases, and 440 are in hand. In the case of dependants, precise figures of the numbers of claims accepted cannot be given, as they include not only those eligible for immediate payment, but those also who will be eligible for payment at a later date as and when the applicants' circumstances justify a grant. With regard to the last part of the Question, a person who is aggrieved with a decision in his case can always apply for further consideration, and I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Chatham (Captain Plugge) on 9th May.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to the decision of the Government on the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on War Pensions?

I am glad to be able to say that a Royal Warrant embodying the decisions of the Government will be issued in the course of a few days.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he intends to make cheap milk available by eliminating the high cost of distribution and introducing the cash-and-carry system advocated by authorities on dietetics?

I have been asked to reply. My Noble Friend has been discussing these questions with the milk distributors, and a statement of Government policy will be made shortly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that in some country districts of Northern Ireland the population rely on bacon and little meat is eaten; and whether, in view of these facts, he will allow bacon to be issued in lieu of meat when desired by the coupon holders?

My Noble Friend regrets that rationing must inevitably interfere with the customary choice of food in certain areas. He does not consider that it is necessary or practicable to adopt my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion, in view of the large proportion of bacon and ham which is unrationed and of the difficulties of supply and distribution which would be involved.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the waste, in effort and mechanical power, now going on in the distribution of bread; and whether he will take steps to avoid this by the registration of customers and deliveries made in closely prescribed areas?

I understand that economies in bread delivery have already been made in certain localities by agreement amongst bakers and because of the limitation of petrol supplies. My Noble Friend has already invited the Bakers' and Confectioners' Advisory Committees for England and Wales and for Scotland to suggest what further economies can be made, and he will see that the hon. Member's proposals are fully considered.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of public schools which have offered to provide schoolboy labour on farms during the months of August and September; whether similar arrangements are being made by county and borough education committees; and whether offers of schoolboy labour for limited periods during afternoons are being accepted by farmers?

As arrangements are still being actively worked out, I am unable to give any precise figures.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has considered the resolution adopted by the Warwickshire branch of the National Farmers' Union, on 1st May, asking that the agricultural policy of the National Government after the war will be so devised as to ensure the cultivation of the land to its full capacity; and whether full consideration will be given to the promotion of a policy which will ensure a sufficient and efficient number of workpeople upon the land?

The answer to both parts of the Question is Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will immediately introduce legislation to make it illegal for the rents of farms in Britain to be raised during the war, and for a period of five years afterwards, so as to prevent the rise in rents which occurred during the last war?

I have no evidence as far as England and Wales are concerned of the existence of the danger which the hon. Member apprehends. In any case the Agricultural Holdings Acts, 1923, contain provisions which should protect a farmer against any immediate and arbitrary increase of rent.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied that adequate supplies of binder twine will be available for farmers in the forthcoming harvest in view of the increased acreage under corn; and whether he will take steps to prevent profiteering in the sale of this article to farmers?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmatime. As regards the second part, my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has placed rope and twine on the schedule of goods falling within the scope of the Prices of Goods Act, 1939, by an Order which comes into force on 10th June.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he is aware of the temptations offered in advertisements to skilled workers to change employers by the offer of excessive wages leading to serious dislocation of production; and will he take steps to prevent this procedure continuing whilst the needs for increased output of munitions and export trade remain so necessary?

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service has obtained under the Emergency Powers (Defence) Regulations new and extensive powers for the control of employment. He considers that the appropriate use of these powers through the machinery which he is now establishing will provide the most effective means of attaining the purpose which my hon. Friend has in mind.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he will introduce immediate legislation to compel employers to take back after the war those of their ex-service employés over the present calling-up age who are now restrained by fear of post-war unemployment from volunteering to rejoin any of the Defence Forces?

The provisions as to reinstatement in civil employment which are contained in Section 14 of the National Service (Armed Forces) Act, 1939, are based on the principle that compulsory reinstatement should apply to men compulsorily called from employment for service in the Forces. I do not think that it would be practicable to impose a similar duty on employers in respect of men who voluntarily leave their employment in order to take up one of the various forms of National Service. I am sure, however, that employers generally will desire to give re-employment in due course in all cases where this is practicable.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to. the Ministry of Labour, having regard to the procedure prescribed by the Minister of Health relative to the liability of medical practitioners for service with His Majesty's Forces in the circular letter to insurance committees, dated 11th May, 1940, in which no reference is made to a doctor's right of appeal on the ground of hardship, he can give an assurance that such right of appeal exists, and that no appeal will be rejected solely on the ground that the Central Medical War Committee has recommended the call-up of the appellant?

Medical practitioners who are called up under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act have the same right as other persons so called up to apply for postponement on the ground of exceptional hardship. The function of the Central Medical War Committee is to advise as to the extent of civilian needs for medical practitioners; and there is no reason to suppose, that the statutory authorities will reject applications for postponement because the Central Medical War Committee has recommended that the services of the applicant need not be retained for civilian needs.

asked the Minister of Health who selects the panel of medical practitioners to examine recruits; and whether all practitioners, within an area and willing to do this work, are considered, irrespective of whether they are members of the British Medical Association?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 11th April by my right hon. Friend the then Minister of Labour and National Service to a Question by the hon. Member for Stratford (Mr. Groves), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consult with the French Government as to the advisability of setting up an inter-Allied board with a view to canalising and distributing to the best advantage the products and raw materials of the Colonial Empires of the Allies?

As my hon. Friend is probably aware, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health visited Paris in March, when he was Secretary of State for the Colonies, to discuss various matters with the French Colonial Minister. As a result of this meeting, concerted arrangements are being made for dealing with the products and raw materials of the British and French Colonial Empires.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production whether the control of aircraft production supplies is part of the general control of other supplies?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production whether, having in view the superiority of our leading types of aircraft and the comparative immunity from attack at night and in conditions of low visibility of bomber types with a lower performance and simpler construction and equipment, he is fully satisfied that our, and world, sources of supply of such aircraft are being promptly and adequately exploited?

The most urgent attention is being given to the supply from all practicable sources of any type of aircraft suitable for and required by the Royal Air Force.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will investigate the circumstances attending the fact that Mr. Edward Davis, 17, Kerrison Road, Stratford, E.15, Case No. 14457513, applied for his pension under the contributory scheme, on 17th March, and has received no satisfactory reply?

Insured persons who claim to be entitled to old age pensions at the age of 65 are allowed and encouraged to submit their claims at any time within four months before attaining that age. Mr. Davis reached the age of 65 on 17th March, 1940, but his claim to pension was not received until 30th April, 1940. The claim received immediate consideration, and, in spite of the exceptional pressure of work at the present time, it is hoped that a decision will be notified within the next few days.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether steps are being taken to search all neutral vessels entering British ports for the presence of concealed troops?

Yes, Sir. All neutral vessels entering, or which have recently entered British ports, are being subjected to thorough search.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the total number of persons now employed in the Women's Royal Naval Service; and how many are employed on clerical, typing, and teleprinter duties, respectively?

I regret that in the national interest it is not desirable to publish figures of this nature.