asked the President of the Board of Trade whether our losses at sea are included in the imports and exports Returns?

As the Trade Accounts of the United Kingdom show the goods exported and imported, they include goods sent from this country which may subsequently be lost at sea and they do not include goods despatched to this country which fail to arrive.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether our published import figures are inclusive of arms purchases?

It would not be in the public interest to add details to what is now published in the trade accounts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the chief items in our exports at the present time, and what percentage of the whole does each represent?

As has been stated in reply to previous Questions, the publication of particulars of our trade in individual commodities has been suspended since the outbreak of war, but the hon. Member will find in the published monthly Trade Accounts particulars of the value of the principal groups of commodities concerned in our export trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to push our export trade with the South American Republics; and is there reason to believe that some of the gaps in this market have already been filled by the United States of America and other neutrals?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the export groups have, by reorganising their local selling methods in Brazil, and by improved personal salesmanship in that country, tried to recapture the lost sales to Brazil of coal, caustic soda, tyres, cotton yarns and thread, and china and sanitary ware; and with what results?

Special attention has been given by the Export Council, in consultation with the Export Groups, to the South American markets. Whilst substantial increases have already been obtained in some products, our own and allied Service demands on certain raw materials make it impossible for this country to fill some of the more important gaps which war circumstances have made. Continuous attention, however, is being directed to the possibilities of expanding our trade in these markets.

The Minister will agree that there is wide scope for additional export trade to these particular countries?

Yes, Sir, but the widest scope unhappily is with products needing raw materials which must, in present circumstances, be directed to urgent Service requirements.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is intended to give financial assistance to export groups?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are any export commodities which are quoted at differential rates according to the country to which they are exported?

Yes, Sir.

Are lists published giving those differential rates?

No, Sir, and I think it must be obvious that it would be most injudicious to make a publication of that kind.

But is the Minister aware that a considerable amount of prejudice has been created by those differential rates?

No, Sir, I am not aware of anything of the kind.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, when lower rates are quoted, we are getting value for our money?

I hope that in all cases we shall get value for our money.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government contemplate setting up a State-controlled body which shall undertake the exporting and financing of goods for markets abroad?

Such a step is not at present in contemplation.

Does the right hon. Gentleman expect to introduce a really substantial drive in exports without some effective co-ordination such as is indicated in the Question?

I would suggest that the figures for March and April show that there has been a really substantial drive. We are prepared at all times to consider any expedient which will have the effect of adding to the sum total of our export trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that relying upon goods selling themselves on their merits in foreign markets has failed to secure business in competition with the personal salesmanship of other exporting countries, he will state whether it is his intention to press upon the Export Council the importance of securing increased export trade, based upon a bolder policy than in the past, including, if need be, concessions in prices at the expense of the home trade?

I do not accept the general implication of the first part of the Question. I can assure my hon-Friend that the Export Council are in constant touch with Export Groups in order to concert positive measures for promoting particular exports and that questions of price and representation overseas are prominently kept in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the amount by which we shall need to increase our exports in order to make up the probable deficiency in the balance of trade?

The balance of merchandise trade is published monthly. Information concerning the balance of payments cannot be disclosed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps have been taken to provide a stock of commodities for exports from which orders could be made; and whether any attempt has been made to get firms to work together with this object in view?

The maintenance of stocks ready to meet export orders is necessary at all times in particular trades, and every possible facility and encouragement is being given, particularly through export groups, to enable such trades to continue this practice.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that conscientious objectors, exempted from military service provided they do work of national importance, are being transferred to the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps for training and are wearing their uniform, which is causing unrest amongst the members of the Pioneer Corps, largely composed of ex-servicemen; and what steps he proposes to take to meet this dissatisfaction?

Conscientious objectors who are exempted from military service do not, of course, come to the Army. As regards those who are registered as liable to be called up for service for non-combatant duties only, I think my hon. Friend is confusing the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps with the Non-Combatant Corps. Such men are not posted to the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he is aware of the growing public concern in regard to the large number of able-bodied men of military age from Northern and Southern Ireland who are at present employed in the London area in positions previously occupied by men now serving with His Majesty's Forces; and whether he will state the Government's policy in the matter?

Under the terms of a recent Order the transit of persons from Eire or Northern Ireland to Great Britain is completely controlled.

asked the Secretary of State for War what local authorities in Greater London have approached him and asked for the extra 3s. 6d. a week given to the families of serving men in the London postal area to be given in their districts also; and whether the Government are prepared to reconsider their decision in this matter?

I have received representations from two authorities, Brentford and Chiswick, and Barking. As regards the latter part of the Question, I cannot add anything to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave on 21st May last to a similar Question by the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher).

asked the Secretary of State for War whether part of the delay in dealing with applications for war service grants to soldiers' families is due to the pressure of work at the offices of regimental paymasters; and whether he will, take steps to ensure that such applications are dealt with more expeditiously?

The function of the regimental pay offices in these cases is merely to furnish or to check certain pay particulars for the Ministry of Pensions. I have no reason to think this causes any appreciable delay.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that there is a great deal of dissatisfaction with the fact that these people are kept waiting, frequently for months, in spite of representations made to the War Office by myself and other hon. Members?

I am informed that, in the great majority of cases, these matters are dealt with promptly and immediately, by the regimental paymasters. In cases of special difficulty there may be some delay, but I am afraid that such delay is unavoidable.

They just ignore letters.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered sending German prisoners and Nazi or fifth column internees to St. Helena, where the Boer prisoners thrived in the Boer war, and where they could largely feed themselves?

The question of the disposal of prisoners of war and internees is under consideration.

Will the Department bear in mind the possibilities of St. Helena?

Yes, Sir; all possibilities are being considered.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, on 3rd May, 1918, following the March retreat, powers without limit of immediate award of orders, decorations, and medals, were delegated to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief on the Western front, provided the standard of award was maintained; and, further, whether he will state the nature of the powers which were conferred upon the Commander-in-Chief of the British Expeditionary Force in France last year, and whether any changes have been made in those powers up to the present time?

I have not been able to trace the grant of unlimited powers, but I am aware of the general powers of immediate award given to the Commander-in-Chief of the British Expeditionary Force during the last war. Powers of not less extent were conferred upon Lord Gort last year, and remain unaltered.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the recent surprises in relation to German tanks, he will improve the Intelligence Branch of the War Office; and whether he will form a committee of Members of Parliament with knowledge of tank warfare to co-operate with the Government?

I do not accept the implication that my Department was ill-informed or surprised in relation to German tanks. As regards the latter part of the Question my hon. and gallant Friend will be aware of the recent constitution of a Tank Board.

Might not the services be used of the best expert in this House on the subject of tanks—my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Hertford (Sir M. Sueter)?

If the War Office were not surprised about the German tanks, why were they not prepared to meet them?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the inability of ground defences to deal adequately with dive-bombing; and whether he will appoint a committee of Members of Parliament acquainted with air fighting in the last war to co-operate with his officials in improving our technique?

My advisers are fully aware of the problems presented by this form of attack, and are taking steps to develop methods of dealing with it in the light of the latest experience. I am doubtful whether experience confined to air fighting in the last war would be of assistance.

Does my hon. Friend not think that Members of Parliament who fought in the last war and have been fighting in this war might help?

I certainly think so, and I am sure that any suggestion put forward by Members of Parliament will have the most careful consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is being done to deal with the shortage of skilled workers in the Scottish agricultural industry; and whether any action is to be taken to provide wage-fixing machinery in the industry?

I would refer my right hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal, on 5th June, on the powers taken by the Government to retain the workers at present engaged in agriculture and to bring back those previously employed in it when they fall out of employment elsewhere. As regards the second part of the Question, machinery for fixing minimum rates of agricultural wages in Scotland already exists, and it will be possible to give effect to the Government's plans for raising the level of agricultural wages within the framework of the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) (Scotland) Act, 1937, as amended by the Bill which is now in its last stages in another place.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there has been a satisfactory influx of agricultural workers to Scottish agriculture during the past three months?

I could not say that, because there has been a shortage of skilled workers.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the chief reasons for the failure of the Scottish scheme of evacuation have now been fully considered; if so, by whom; and whether he has any statement to make regarding future evacuation?

The chief reason for the drift back from the receiving areas has no doubt been the absence of air raids. This immunity cannot be relied upon to continue, however, and the evacuation scheme is being kept under constant review by the Government. Plans have been made for the evacuation of additional school children and the Government will put these plans into operation when they consider it necessary to do so.

Was the dissatisfaction aroused by long-distance evacuation considered and, if so, will the Minister consider having another survey, with a view to establishing short-distance evacuation?

The hon. Member will no doubt realise that the problem is not quite so simple as that. He must know that there are very severe limits upon the powers of reception areas in Scotland.

Will the Minister agree to a fresh survey with regard to short-distance evacuation?

All the factors concerned have been, and still are, under review.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what steps he contemplates taking to secure that milk shall be offered at special rates to families with small incomes, in order to sustain the national effort in war time?

Perhaps the hon. Member would be good enough to await the statement I hope, with permission, to make at the end of Questions.

The Government fully recognises the paramount importance of milk in the diet of the people of this country and regards it as essential to maintain milk production at a level which will ensure a continuance of adequate supplies for those who need it most.

The cost of producing milk, like the cost of producing other foods, has increased under war conditions. To meet these increased costs the producer was guaranteed a price for every gallon of milk sold during the summer months, which substantially exceeds the price he received a year ago. The costs of distribution have also risen since the outbreak of war, but, in spite of these two factors, the consumer to-day, after nine months of war, is paying the same price for milk as he paid in June of last year.

The disparity between revenue and costs was reduced by a Government subsidy during the first three months of this year, and more lately by increasing the price of milk used in manufacture. This expedient, however, will not produce sufficient revenue to bridge the gap which already exists, and my Noble Friend has been forced to find another solution.

The Ministry of Food has recently completed a detailed investigation into the costs of distributing milk, and my Noble Friend is satisfied that these costs have increased since the outbreak of war. The milk distributors have, therefore, been informed that an increased margin will be allowed for the period up to the 30th September next. In the interval, my Noble Friend is arranging for an exhaustive inquiry into the present system of distribution, with a view to bringing about a substantial reduction in the cost.

Pending the result of the inquiry my Noble Friend decided that there was no alternative but to increase the retail price of milk by 4d. per gallon from 1st July next, but he was not prepared to do this until he had made satisfactory arrangements to avoid hardship to those members of the community, namely, expectant and nursing mothers and young children, to whom milk is an indispensable food. A comprehensive national scheme is now in course of preparation which it is hoped to bring into operation on 1st July, or on the earliest possible date thereafter, under which one pint of milk will be available daily at the much reduced price of 2d. per pint for the expectant or nursing mother and to children under school age in every household which desires to take advantage of the scheme.

The scheme will also make provision for the supply of milk free of charge to those households which cannot afford to buy it. For this purpose, a simple criterion of need will be necessary in order to prevent abuse, but there is no intention of instituting a detailed inquiry in the form of a "means test" as that term is commonly understood. The scheme will be administered under the central authority of the Ministry of Food through local officers. The details of the machinery are now being worked out in consultation with the Departments concerned, and with the milk retailers who have agreed to distribute all milk under the scheme at a reduced charge.

The scheme will take the place of the arrangements in force in certain areas under the scheme put forward by the Ministry of Health shortly before the outbreak of war, but will in no way affect the milk-in-schools scheme, which the Government hopes will now be more universally adopted and taken advantage of by a higher proportion of parents for the benefit of their children. The scheme will not affect the power of a local authority to supply an additional quantity of milk under its own arrangements to any person, on the advice of the medical officer of health.

My Noble Friend is certain that the cheap milk scheme will commend itself generally, and that he may rely upon the co-operation of all those engaged in this great national industry in making it a success for the real and lasting benefit of the people of this country.

By whom will the proposed inquiry into the cost of milk distribution be conducted? Will the hon. Gentleman assure the House that this inquiry will not be as tender towards milk distributors as former inquiries into their operations have been?

The inquiry will be conducted by the Ministry of Food. I do not think it will be unduly tender.

The Ministry of Food is a very nebulous body. Can the hon. Gentleman give us any further details?

I thank the hon. Gentleman for describing me as a nebulous body. I can assure him that he may repose absolute confidence in myself.

Who is to share the 4d. increase and what proportion of the 4d. is to be divided up—[Interruption.]

May I ask my hon. Friend how the extra 4d. is to be divided, to meet the extra cost of production on the one hand and of distribution on the other?

The price to be paid to the producer is a separate matter altogether and is now being considered with the Agricultural Department. A statement on this point will be made in due course.

When will the hon. Gentleman adopt a policy whereby people are in receipt of a satisfactory wage so that they may be able to provide milk for themselves?

In the event of the milk supply falling in quantity will the first charge on that supply be the cheap milk scheme?

I think that would be the case, but I would like to look into it. The point will be borne in mind. It is not at present anticipated that there will be a serious fall in the milk supply.

But it is falling.

Has the hon. Gentleman any plans to make cheap milk also clean milk and prohibit the sale of infected milk in this country?

That scarcely arises out of the Question.

The Minister has stated that there will be a simple test regarding cheap milk at 2d. a pint; can he tell us the test?

Final details have not been settled.

Will the opinion of school teachers be taken into consideration?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether London is being treated differently to other parts of the country in regard to. the supplies of home-killed beef and lamb; and whether arrangements could be made to ensure that the three slaughter-houses operated by the Ministry of Food in London could have larger supplies of bullocks and lambs for killing, in order that the London consumers may have a similar supply to that of other parts of the country?

London has always consumed a much lower proportion of home-killed meat in relation to total supplies than the rest of the country. The allocation of such meat in London under the control scheme has been slightly higher, relative to total consumption, than in peace time. As regards the last part of the Question, I am not prepared to increase the allocation of livestock to London slaughterhouses so as to raise the proportion of fresh meat in London to the figure for the rest of the country.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has considered a new process of milling, details of which have been sent to him, which claims to have the effect of improving the nutritive value of the flour so prepared and of reducing the volume of shipping required for the importation of wheat; and whether he will institute an immediate inquiry into these claims?

The matter is under consideration, and I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why the price of unpitted bulk dates to the trade was advanced, on 27th May, from 21s. per cwt. to 25s., seeing that these dates have been held by the Ministry for many months; and that the increased price will make it more difficult for poorer people to buy them?

Owing to the late arrival of the date shipments, a large stock of dates was left on the Ministry's hands after the Christmas trading was finished. In order to clear this stock, the price was reduced to the lowest possible level, with the result that by the end of May very small quantities of dates remained. The price was then advanced from 21s. per cwt. to 25s. per cwt. in order to cover the various costs incurred by carrying large stocks of dates beyond the normal period.

What steps were taken by my hon. Friend's Ministry to prevent dates which were sold to the trade at 21s. being passed on to the public on the basis of 25s.?

I would like to look into that question, but I would remind my hon. Friend that the difference is less than ½d. per pound on the retail price.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is intended to publish regularly the names of all persons, irrespective of their position, who are for the purposes of home security, detained or interned?

There is, of course, no desire to conceal the identity of individuals because they are persons of position. Indeed if a person detained is in any way prominent or notorious, this fact ensures that some publicity will be given to his case. But there would, I think, be no advantage in publishing the names of all those detained under Defence Regulation 18B. Amongst them are persons of hostile origin or association whose cases may be very similar to those of persons of enemy nationality who have been interned under the Prerogative, and it would be impracticable to publish the names of the 10,000 persons interned as enemy aliens.

Why would it be impossible to publish 10,000 names? Would it not be as well to let the public know who these people are, because they may have some friends associated with them and the result might be that they should also be interned?

Of course, persons can communicate with their friends, so that there is no question of anybody being detained without other persons being aware of the circumstances. As for publishing the names of all the internees, waste of paper is a consideration at the present time and it would involve considerable expenditure.

My hon. Friend has missed my point. The point is that if these names are published the friends of these people will be known and it is possible that some others will have to be interned as well.

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the friends of these persons are, of course, known to the authorities.

But are they?

If publication is made, can steps be taken to differentiate between those who are detained under Defence Regulation 18B and those who are interned under the Prerogative? The difference is vital.

The differentiation is not so easy to draw, because we have interned under Regulation 18B many people who are of hostile origin or association, but happened to possess either British or neutral nationality.

Are their letters censored?

Yes, certainly.

Where a man can afford to pay for his maintenance will he be made to do so? There is a strong feeling in the country that he should do so.

I do not think that arises on this Question.

Are visits censored?

So far as 18B cases are concerned, that certainly is the rule.

Is it possible for a Member to find out who has been detained in his constituency?

I expect a Member would hear about that in the ordinary course.

asked the Home Secretary whether constant, supervision is being maintained on the arrival and departure of trains at London termini for the prevention of aliens and undesirable persons travelling with members of His Majesty's Forces to and from the provinces?

A watch is kept for individuals who are under suspicion, but it would not be practicable to prevent aliens, including persons of French nationality and others who are assisting this country, from travelling in the same trains as members of His Majesty's Forces. The steps taken by the police to deal with suspected persons do not, of course, lessen the need for the greatest discretion in conversation by all travellers.

Would my hon. Friend assure the House that every provision possible is exercised in regard to people travelling by train?

I can assure my hon. Friend that every possible step is taken in that direction, but it would obviously not be in the public interest to give details of measures taken in the interests of public security.

What does the hon. Gentleman intend to do in cases where men are dressed in women's clothes?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that every necessary measure has been taken to prevent the employment of aliens in all works of national importance unless he has been assured of the loyalty of such persons to the interests of this country?

Special measures for controlling the employment of aliens in work such as my hon. Friend has in mind have been in operation since November last when an order was made providing that no alien shall be employed in a number of scheduled occupations unless he obtains a permit for this purpose. Permits are granted on my right hon. Friend's behalf by the Auxiliary War Services Department which makes careful inquiries and only grants permits to aliens about whose reliability no doubt is felt.

Could my hon. Friend say whether from time to time any check is exercised on the permits issued?

A very careful check indeed is exercised continuously.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that rigid examination of the character and antecedents of refugees from continental countries has been conducted by the immigration officers at the ports where such people have been received; and whether supervision is being maintained over all such refugees in their disposition throughout this country?

Yes, Sir. War refugees from countries invaded by the enemy are subjected to a close examination at the ports and at the reception centres. As regards the second part of the Question, my right hon. Friend made an order on 21st May imposing on all such alien refugees restrictions on their freedom of movement and on the possession or use of certain articles such as cameras, motor-cars, etc. They are also required to complete a detailed questionnaire about themselves, and appropriate action is taken in respect of any individual about whose reliability there is any doubt.

Is consultation taking place from time to time with the Embassies of the countries from which these people may come, in order to satisfy the Home Office that they are all right?

Yes, Sir. There is a liaison of that kind, but we put our principal regard upon the inquiries which we ourselves undertake.

Can the Hon. Gentleman assure the House that a constant track is maintained on all these refugees, and can he say that the whereabouts of all of them are now known to the police?

Most certainly. They have to register their new addresses and they are subjected to exactly the same restrictions as those to which enemy aliens are subjected.

Is it possible for such refugees as can be vouched for to find employment in the freedom which is given to them?

They are free and they are instructed in suitable cases to register themselves for employment at Employment Exchanges.

Has it ever been found, as a result of the inquiries into who these war refugees are, that an enemy agent has been trying to get through?

I do not think it would be in the public interest to give that information, but I can tell my hon. Friend that quite a considerable number of these refugees have been put into internment.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that seven railway wagons have stood in the sidings at Scunthorpe and Frodingham, one of them since December, 1939, and the remaining six since early in January, awaiting his instructions as to what has to be done with the contents, which are a few parts of air-raid shelters; and will he deal with this matter at an early date?

The air-raid shelter material to which my hon. Friend refers is part of the surplus that remained with the railway company after the main delivery in Scunthorpe was completed in February last. The surplus was due to the fact that a large number of householders refused to accept shelters which they had originally applied for. As further requirements in this district were expected, the removal of the material was postponed. The local authority has now requested further deliveries to householders, and the small remainder is being transferred elsewhere.

Is the hon. Member aware that since this Question was put down, the original tickets, dated last December, have been removed from these wagons, and undated tickets have been put there to replace them; and will the hon. Member make inquiries at Wombwell, Doncaster, Chapeltown, Barnsley, and other places, where this scandal is as great as it is at Scunthorpe?

I will make inquiries into the matter.

Who pays demurrage on these wagons; and why was the material allowed to remain in the trucks, instead of being unloaded on to the ground?

In this case the householders applied for shelters and the shelters were delivered. On their arrival, the householders changed their minds, and 624 people in the Scunthorpe area refused to accept the shelters. There had to be some delay before the shelters could be sent elsewhere.

In the first part of my Supplementary Question I asked who was paying the demurrage on these wagons?

Perhaps the hon. Member will give notice of that Question.

Is the hon. Member aware that, while these wagons were standing in the sidings, here and in other places, they were wanted by the coal trade, and complaints were being made in this House about shortage of wagons? Will he have inquiries made as to why these wagons should now be standing in sidings in South Yorkshire?

What is now being done with the air-raid shelters? They have now been unloaded; I went to have a look at them.

The householders refused to accept them; but now they have apparently changed their minds and have asked for them. The shelters have been re-delivered; but a surplus of 30 remains, and they are being sent to another destination.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this subject in the House at the first opportunity. The facts have not been stated.

asked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to vary the schedule of areas where employers are obliged to provide shelter for their employés?

No general variation of the character suggested by my hon. Friend is proposed. If he has any particular areas in mind, I shall be glad if he will communicate with me.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will schedule for compulsory evacuation districts in which representative bodies of people demand this in the hope of saving their children from bombing; and whether he is aware that large Labour party organisations on Tyneside have unanimously passed resolutions demanding compulsory evacuation for that area?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave him on 30th May on the question of compulsory evacuation. I have seen a copy of a resolution passed by the Executive Committee of the Newcastle City Labour Party, but the registration figures for Tyneside do not indicate that the parents would be likely to co-operate in a compulsory scheme.

Are we to understand that the Minister will accept responsibility for the destruction of any school children?

rose—

On a point of Order. May I not put this Supplementary—

I have called the next Question.