asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether, in the present emergency, there has been any relaxation of previous orders under which an Employment Exchange manager would refuse to send an applicant for work for which there were vacancies other than the particular class of employment for which the applicant was registered?

There has never been any such practice as that suggested by my hon. Friend. The Employment Exchanges have always recorded subsidiary or alternative occupations of applicants in order to submit them for such work where suitable applicants primarily registered for the occupation concerned are not available. Steps are also taken, in consultation with the appropriate employers and trade union representatives, to facilitate the rapid transfer of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers to occupations in accordance with the needs of the war effort.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he is aware that the British Aluminium Company, Warrington, appears to have been the only firm in that area which did not pay more than bare-time wages to their employés who worked on Whit Monday; whether he can state the reason for the employers' action, seeing they are on Government work; and whether, to prevent discontent among workpeople, the firm will be instructed to comply with trade-union conditions covering holiday periods?

I understand that the company wished to keep in line with the arrangements made in industry generally and, now that the position in this respect is clear, they have arranged to pay, on the next pay day, overtime rates at time and a half to those who worked on Whit Monday at these rolling mills.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he has considered the complaints of the Earlestown Industrial Co-operative Society regarding some of their employés leaving without notice, and the interference with adequate coal supplies to its members; and, seeing that the people complained of have been engaged by a neighbouring factory, and that this factory is regarded by many employers of labour as a place where many men seek employment to escape military service, and that in some cases skilled men are employed in an unskilled or semi-skilled capacity at greatly enhanced wages, whether he will say what has been done to remedy this state of affairs?

I understand that the complaint refers to engagement of workers for building and constructional work on a new Government factory. In future, engagement of labour on this contract, as in building work generally, will be regulated under the Undertakings (Restriction on Engagement) Order made on Monday last.

Have any investigations been made into this particular place as to the employment of skilled and semiskilled men under certain conditions?

I think that is another question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether the jurisdiction of the welfare committee, appointed by him to look after the interests of munition workers, extends to Scotland; and, if so, how many Scottish representatives are members of the central committee?

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes." As regards the second part, appointments were not made on a territorial basis.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this continual centralisation is arousing feeling that will be detrimental to the schemes of the Ministry?

I am sure that the Scottish trade unionists are doing all they can to assist my right hon. Friend.

Yes, but they do not like to be trampled on.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether the welfare committee recently set up is expected to concern itself with the welfare of young people outside factory hours?

Yes, Sir, the scope of the Factory and Welfare Advisory Board covers the question of welfare arrangements both inside and outside the factories. In so far as young people are concerned, the Board will maintain close contact with the Board of Education and the National Youth Committee to ensure co-ordination of policy and action.

Will the Ministry also keep in close touch with the Ministries of Supply and of Aircraft Production who are interested in this problem?

Yes, Sir.

Can the hon. Gentleman say, in order to carry out this welfare work what contacts have been made in the North of England and Scotland by this Welfare Board?

That is another question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he is now in a position to make a further statement with regard to the arrangement of holidays?

The Government have asked for a general cancellation or postponement of holidays during this period of crisis in order that there may be no interference with the production of munitions and that transport should be left free as far as possible for the needs of evacuation and Civil Defence. The response has been magnificent and production has been greatly accelerated. But we must beware of any slackening of momentum. As far as is humanly possible we must for some time to come continue at the same high pressure the output of urgent war requirements of every kind. It must be recognised that seven day working without adequate periods of rest for individuals is not an efficient method of production if continued for any length of time. Periodical rest periods for individuals are necessary even on urgent priority work, if output is to be maintained at the highest level. Arrangements should be made to provide such rest periods and they should include the building up as quickly as possible of a staff which will allow one day's rest periodically for the personnel. The details of the arrangements that may be practicable will vary from industry to industry; the managements of the various plants and the associations of employers and workers should set themselves at once to the immediate solution of this problem.

As regards holidays, the cancellation or suspension of complete stoppages must hold good. This will apply not only to holidays extending over several days but also to day holidays such as the August Bank Holiday, which it is proposed to cancel by Defence Regulation, and other one-day holidays. When it is the practice for holidays to be taken in rotation by individuals and thus to be spread over a period of months, it should be considered whether they would interfere in any way with urgent war requirements or with other urgent requirements for transport or other essential services. If they would so interfere, they should not be taken now. When this is not so, however, it will in most cases be better that they should be taken as arranged. Those spending holidays in the country who are able to help in work on the land are urged to make inquiries locally whether their services can be used in this way.

In trades covered by the Trade Boards Acts, agriculture and the road haulage industry there is a legal obligation to give an annual holiday in certain cases within specified months of the year. Steps will be taken so far as necessary to extend the period within which such holidays must be given or otherwise to adjust the legal obligation to the needs of the situation. Questions will arise as to the rate of wages for work done on days that would ordinarily be holidays. It is the view of the Government that such questions should be settled in accordance with any provisions in agreements relating to this matter.

Are the hon. Gentleman and his right hon. Friend taking careful note of reports of the Health of Munition Workers Committees and other committees as to the adverse effect on output of excessive overtime, and will the utmost care be taken to ensure that abnormal overtime does not lead to a reduction in output instead of an increase?

The maximum output is that which the Government seek to obtain.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer a plain question, as to whether his Department are considering the well-established fact that excessive overtime produces a reduction instead of an increase?

The hon. Gentleman has had his answer.

(for Mr. Levy) asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour, in cases where employment of youths and girls on war work is being impeded by any continuing regulations concerning overtime and night work, what is being done to relax such restrictions?

In order to meet the special circumstances existing in industry during the last few weeks, relaxations of the Factory Act restrictions on the hours of women and young persons have been allowed in a considerable number of cases. Relaxations are only granted upon application by a firm to the local factory inspector, who, in considering the needs of the case, is required to take into account the safety and health of the workpeople concerned.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he can state the number of persons unemployed on the latest available date in the county of Durham, and the number of such persons classified as miners?

At 20th May, 1940, the total number of unemployed persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in the county of Durham was 49,600. Among insured persons classified as belonging to the coal-mining industry, the number recorded as unemployed in the county at that date was 5,799.

Does the hon. Gentleman not recognise that 49,000 unemployed today is an enormous number? Is any special effort being made to reduce this number?

I think the House has already been informed that arrangements are now being made by which the register is being carefully examined with the assistance of employers and representatives of the trade unions in each area.

If work cannot be found in the mines for these 5,700 miners who are unemployed, is it not possible to find alternative work of national importance, such as digging trenches or other work?

All those who are without work in the mines are certainly needed, and I hope that arrangements will be made to transfer them to places where there is work for them.

Are we to understand that these 5,700 men are not fit to work in the mines and that that is the reason why they are not there?

No, I did not say that.

The Parliamentary Secretary said that he hoped work would be found, but can he give us some assurance that work will be found?

We are doing it as fast as we can.

And that is not very fast.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether British citizens of military age, such as Mr. W. H. Auden and Mr. Christopher Isherwood, who have gone to the United States and expressed their determination not to return to this country until war is over, will be summoned back for registration and calling up, in view of the fact that they are seeking refuge abroad?

I have no information with regard to Mr. Isherwood. Mr. Austin gave an undertaking before leaving the country that he would return if called upon to do so; he is outside the age groups so far required to register under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act.

On a point of Order. There is no mention of Mr. Austin in this Question.

Is my hon. Friend aware of the indignation caused by young men leaving the country and saying that they will not fight? If they are not registered as conscientious objectors will he see that they lose their citizenship?

No exit permits would be issued by the Home Office now.

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to deprive these people of British nationality?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he is aware that a conscientious objector before the Bristol Tribunal stated that he was employed at a military camp for nine weeks, during which time he did not do any work; whether the foreman at the camp referred to will be penalised and the employing firm will be surcharged the amounts paid to this man, seeing that these camps are built under contract to the War Office; and whether he will cause an inquiry to be made to find out how many other workers were employed and paid in the same way?

I am taking steps to ascertain what statement was made to the tribunal and will bring it to the notice of the Department which appears to be concerned.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that this is an instance typical of many cases?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he will make a statement on the relations between the new area control boards and the area advisory committees set up under the Ministry of Supply by the previous Government, and now taken over by his Department?

The functions of these committees under the new arrangements are being discussed urgently with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply and the industrial organisations concerned.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the old area committees were extremely unsatisfactory, being very largely window-dressing, and will he give an assurance that the new boards will work more vigorously?

There is every intention that they shall work as vigorously as possible.

Will the hon. Gentleman say what will be the duties of the new boards?

That is another question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he has any statement to make in respect of the reorganisation of the Central Register?

Certain changes in the organisation of the Central Register have recently been made; other changes are under consideration consequent on the passing of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act and Orders made there-under, but I am not yet in a position to state their nature.

When will the Minister be in a position to state their nature?

I cannot say.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether steel helmets have been issued to all air-raid precautions wardens?

Issues have been made to local authorities sufficient for their full authorised establishments of wardens.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in addition to the control now being exercised over the traffic between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, steps will be taken to impose a strict supervision and control of the frontier between Northern Ireland and Eire?

Any control which can be exercised over the land boundary would not dispense with the need for a control over the traffic from Northern Ireland to Great Britain: and it is by means of such a control that safeguards can be most effectively maintained.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that people can pass freely over the country roads between Eire and Northern Ireland; and, in view of the importance of certain centres of Northern Ireland in our scheme of national Defence, will he introduce control over the whole border?

There is control over the whole border. The House must realise that control over a land frontier must always present more difficulty in practice than control upon the sea.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the only control which at present exists is a Customs control? There is no control over aliens.

I should hesitate to express any view in conflict with that of my right hon. Friend. If he will communicate with me, I will see whether, in consultation with the Government of Northern Ireland, any further measures can be adopted.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that papers found on German parachutists in Holland contained lists of people who were to be shot on sight; and whether, seeing that in the event of an invasion, Members of Parliament falling into enemy hands would probably be the first to be killed, he will consider issuing revolvers or other weapons to Members in order that they may be in a position to sell their lives as dearly as possible?

While I appreciate my hon. Friend's point of view, I am afraid there would be many objections to such a proposal, including the objection that a distinction could not properly be drawn in this respect between Members of Parliament and many other civilians.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in such circumstances Ministers would be protected by an armed guard, whereas back-benchers would be shot? Will he not, therefore, consider either doing what I suggest or releasing arms to those Members willing to pay for them?

Might not the explanation of the difference in the position between Ministers and back-benchers be that Ministers might require further protection?

I do not think that these matters can, with advantage, be discussed further on this occasion.

May we carry revolvers if we possess them?

If a Member of Parliament meets a parachutist, is he not entitled to a Supplementary Question?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the resolution adopted by the emergency committee of the Birmingham City Council deploring the waste of time and labour in repeated appeals for recruits for Civil Defence organisation, and urging that measures for compulsory service for Civil Defence duties should be introduced immediately for all suitable persons of both sexes; and whether action is contemplated in response to this suggestion?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statements made yesterday in the course of the Debate on Civil Defence.

Would it not be better to tackle this question seriously instead of adopting this piecemeal method of getting volunteers? Would it not be better to do what really ought to be done to get the whole country organised?

I cannot think that my hon. Friend read what I said last night on that subject.

Yes, I did.

Is the Home Secretary aware that the appeal made for recruits last Saturday and Sunday has not been by any means satisfactory?

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether he is aware that his instruction to local authorities to dismiss French, in common with other aliens engaged on air-raid precautions duties, has caused indignation; and whether he will withdraw it;

(2) whether he is aware that the application of curfew and other orders, regarding aliens, to Frenchmen living in this country has caused indignation; and whether he has any statement to make?

I have recently made Orders the effect of which is to exempt French citizens from the "curfew," the restrictions on the possession and use of bicycles, motor cars, cameras, field-glasses, etc., and the restrictions relating to the entry and residence of aliens in areas declared to be aliens' protected areas. In view of these Orders, I am giving immediate consideration to the position of French subjects in relation to the Civil Defence Services.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that it is extremely regrettable that Frenchmen were ever put upon the same footing as other aliens in this matter; and can he say when he expects to deal with the question of their dismissal from air-raid precautions duties?

It is being dealt with now.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman extend these facilities to Americans, many of whom are in the country and want to help in agriculture and in other ways?

The restrictions that were placed upon aliens in certain areas of the country were placed upon those aliens at the urgent request of the military authorities, and it is not possible to differentiate nicely between one category of aliens and another. In regard to French citizens, the action recently taken was taken in consideration of the reciprocal action on the part of the French Government.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has seen the advertisements, appealing specially to women, of Benin products, claiming that they are a protection against mustard and other liquid gases if applied beforehand and an antidote if applied after contamination and that leading authorities are agreed as to their vital importance; and whether these products have been examined with a view to prohibiting advertisements making false claims?

Yes, Sir; and the matter has already been receiving the careful attention of my Department. A sample of the cream mentioned in the advertisement has been tested by my expert advisers and it was found that the claims made for it could not be substantiated. The claims made in the advertisement are unwarranted, and in fact tests show that this product is not so good as bleach paste for treating the human skin after contamination with liquid mustard gas. I am considering what is the best method of keeping a check on the publication of advertisements making claims in respect of A.R.P. devices or methods of treatment

Has my right hon. Friend anything to say on the specific criticisms of bleach in the advertisement?

Yes, Sir. The use of bleach in the manner officially recommended has proved completely safe and efficient in every way. The test carried out by my advisers proved that bleach paste is a more effective method of dealing with human skin after contamination with liquid mustard gas than this specific which is advertised.

How long does the right hon. Gentleman anticipate it will take for him to put a stop to these statements depreciating the use of officially recommended material and extolling the use of material that is of no use; and will he put an effective stop to it?

I am consulting my legal advisers upon it now.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also take into account some of the products, supposed to be paint, which it is said will prevent glass being broken, and which, I think, comes in the same category?

asked the Home Secretary whether German refugees living in this country, pending immigration to the United States of America, and who have now been interned, will be released as soon as their place on the immigration register has been reached?

I propose to continue the present policy of releasing interned refugees when all arrangements for their emigration to the United States or elsewhere have been completed.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is his intention to transfer all London children from districts where many of them are now staying and whence the local children are being evacuated?

Save in a very few cases where parents have urged that their children should not be moved, there are no evacuated London children of school age left in areas from which the local children are being evacuated under Government schemes.

(for Mr. Levy) asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that local authorities are providing public shelters where they are necessary; and whether he proposes to take further power to compel local authorities to carry out their obligations in this respect if necessary?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which I made yesterday in the course of the Debate on Civil Defence.

asked the Home Secretary whether he considers that horse racing and similar sports which employ a large number of people directly and indirectly should be allowed to continue during the present critical times; and is he prepared to stop these meetings?

The Government's views regarding the continuance of race meetings and other forms of recreation were indicated in the reply which I gave on 30th May to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Colne Valley (Mr. Glenvil Hall). I stated then that the Government would not hesitate to impose on public entertainments such further restrictions as circumstances might warrant; and arrangements have recently been made for a further curtailment of the horse racing programme, which had already been greatly reduced, and also for the restriction of greyhound racing meetings, so that they will not be held at times which interfere with working hours.

Is not the Minister aware that his reply of 30th May referred specifically to dog racing and that the only part of the Question to which he replied was the suggestion that racing news should not be broadcast? Is he aware of the growing indignation among industrial workers at this type of sport being allowed to continue in the present strenuous times?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this afternoon 30,000 or 40,000 people are attending dog race meetings, at a time when Paris is fighting for its very life?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Oxford Street yesterday there were boards chalked with details of Derby betting, and alongside of them another saying, "Paris a besieged city"? Does not that offend against decency?

Did not the racing correspondents say about the Derby yesterday that thousands and thousands of motor cars were parked at New market?

I quite recognise the strength of the feeling on this matter. On the other hand, as I indicated in my previous reply of 30th May, it is necessary to give consideration to the forms of relaxation available to the workers. In this matter I have been acting in very close consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour, and I propose to continue to do so.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make inquiries with regard to the January Club, founded in London in 1934, with pro-Nazi objects, and having as its foundation members several British subjects now interned?

I understand that this body ceased to exist several years ago.

Will the Home Secretary allow me to pass to him a list of the 142 foundation members of this Fascist body, which contains the names of Members of both Houses of Parliament, including one Member of the late Government? Will he keep careful watch on these people?

I am well aware of the facts.

asked the Home Secretary what action he proposes to take with reference to a body calling itself The British Council against European Commitments, formed in 1938, having amongst its listed speakers persons who are now interned, and of which the secretary was John Beckett?

The only answer which I can give to questions about particular organisations of this character is that it would not be right for me to make statements in advance as to what action it may be my duty to take.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to bear in mind that one of the principal speakers for this organisation was Lord Haw-Haw?

asked the Home Secretary if he can now say when he will be in a position to make his report on the result of the appeal by the hon. and gallant Member for Midlothian and Peebles (Captain Ramsay) to the Advisory Committee?

No, Sir. This matter will be dealt with as early as possible, but I am not at present in a position to indicate a date.

Will my right hon. Friend tell us the names of the people who serve on this Advisory Committee; and will he explain the delay in the hearing of this appeal, seeing that he has been able to deal with tens of thousands of enemy aliens? Does he recognise that while the hon. and gallant Member is in prison, a great Scottish constituency is unrepresented in this House?

The Advisory Committee, which is presided over by Mr. Norman Birkett, is an entirely different body from the regional committees set up all over the country. The composition of this Advisory Committee was made public some time ago. As regards the substance of the Question, I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the delay has not been due to any fault or negligence on the part of the Committee. It has been due to the fact that there is a vast mass of documentary material which has to be very carefully examined.

Has any charge been preferred against the hon. and gallant Member, and, if so, will the particulars of such charge be given to him?

If he had not done wrong, he would not have got "pinched."

No specific charge has been preferred against the hon. and gallant Member. I have explained, on more than one occasion in this House, that in the case of a person detained under Regulation 18B, the obligation rests upon the chairman of the Advisory Committee to see that the person is furnished with full information, to enable him to put whatever case he desires to put for consideration properly before the Committee.

Has the hon. and gallant Member been furnished with any particulars?

Does the vast mass of documentary evidence referred to by the Home Secretary deal specifically with the case of the hon. and gallant Member for Midlothian and Peebles?

It all relates to that case.

Is that examination being done by the Advisory Committee or by the Home Office?

It is being done, in the first instance, by the security services; and the material will be placed before the Advisory Committee.

Would it not have been the correct thing to have examined the evidence of the security services before the arrest was made?

Such arrests are made as a matter of precaution. Any questions which may be put with regard to the propriety of the action taken, would, I think, be better put after the event.

asked the President of the Board of Education what steps are taken by his Department to prevent the employment of elementary school children, especially in agricultural areas?

I assume that local education authorities are aware of and observe the statutory provisions relating to the employment of school children. In a few cases authorities have asked whether children could be released from attendance at school before they attain the school-leaving age in order that they may assist in agricultural work. They have been informed that this would be contrary to the provisions of Section 18 of the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933, and the Authorities' School Attendance By-laws.

Is it not advisable that they should make hay while the sun shines?

Can the Minister say what provision is being made for labour other than this in certain areas where it does not exist at the present time?

That is quite another question.

Is it not the fact that there is a war on at the moment?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that tubercle bacilli and other pathogenic organisms found in untreated, non-designated milk render it unsafe for human consumption; and what remedial measures does he propose?

I am aware of the problems presented by the liability of milk to infection, and, recognising the value of pasteurisation as a protection against such risks, I am considering what action I can take to secure the best results from its use. The hon. Member will appreciate the practical difficulties, particularly those of securing further pasteurising plant, involved in present circumstances, but I can assure him that when conditions permit, I should not hesitate to seek any powers that might be necessary and capable of general application to secure the adequate protection of the public health.

Does the right hon. Gentleman contemplate getting these powers so that they will coincide with the provision of free milk for the public?

I have indicated that the main difficulty is in getting additional plant in present circumstances.

asked the Minister of Health the amount of supplementary old age pension that will be paid where a wife 66 years of age has been refused a pension, but her husband is in receipt of 10s. old age pension and 24s. from the public assistance committee?

It is not possible, in the absence of full details, to say what the amount of a supplementary pension would be in a particular case, but, as I stated in the course of the Debate on the Regulations, no pensioner who was in receipt of outdoor relief immediately before 3rd August will receive less by way of a supplementary pension, unless his circumstances have changed or there is something quite exceptional about the case.

Do I understand the Minister to say that they will receive not less than they are now receiving?

Not less, except in the cases I have mentioned.

asked the Minister of Health what authority is responsible for the immediate provision of clothes and amenities for shipwrecked crews either of the Navy or the Mercantile Marine; and, in particular, who should have secured these for shipwrecked sailors landed at an East Coast port on 18th May?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 29th February to my hon. Friend the Member for the Sutton Division of Plymouth (Viscountess Astor). As regards naval crews, I understand that in practice the local naval officer in charge makes the necessary provision, and I am informed by those responsible that in the particular case to which the hon. Member refers the naval officer in charge took immediate and effective steps to care for the survivors.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the issue of a badge which could be worn by all blood donors at the present time, to indicate this form of public service?

I fully recognise the value of the public service rendered by blood donors, but I do not consider that the issue of a badge is required in this case. My hon. Friend will appreciate that there are many forms of national service for which badges are not issued.

To ask the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Mr. G. J. Broadhead, 5, St. Giles Road, Wolverhampton, is being evicted from his house by the Wolverhampton Borough Council for keeping fowls in breach of a term of the tenancy agreement; that Mr. Broadhead has resided there 14 years and recently responded to the Government's appeal to produce more food by making arrangements to keep fowls; that he only desires to do so for the emergency period of the war; that other tenants are in exactly the same position; and whether he will take steps, by issuing a regulation under the Defence of the Realm Act or otherwise, to suspend for the period of the war tenancy agreements which hinder the production of food and are contrary to the national war effort?

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. Before this Question about fowls in Wolverhampton is answered by the right hon. Gentleman, will you say whether it could not have been more effectively settled by correspondence with the Minister instead of it being put down and so wasting the time of the House?

The hon. Gentleman is always trying to interfere without success, and it would be well if he kept quiet, I think. As to the merits of this Question—

The hon. Member had better put the Question.

I beg to ask Question No. 41.

I am making inquiries into the facts of the case referred to. With regard to the last part of the Question, I am already considering in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture the possibility of action on the lines suggested.

Did not my right hon. Friend give me exactly the same reply last week; and does he not think that the time has now come when it is an urgent matter, seeing that there should be no hindrance to food production, and will he give me the opportunity of discussing this matter with him after Questions?

indicated assent.

Has not the Minister of Agriculture proposed that a lot of fowls should be killed because there is not enough foodstuffs for them?

This is a Question dealing with fowls that can be fed upon household waste.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any information as to the amount of free sterling transactions; and, further, whether there is any estimate of the amount of sterling lost by the sale of foreign-held United Kingdom securities in this country?

Transactions in free sterling take place outside this country and I have, therefore, no precise information of them. The market has always been a thin one, and the measures already taken, together with those recently announced, will reduce such transactions to a very small volume. It would not be in the public interest to give any estimate of the kind asked for in the second part of the Question; the restriction on the sale of securities owned by non-residents will effectively put an end to the possibility of losses from this source.

As regards the second part of the Question does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that panic selling of foreign securities may have a serious effect on our financial position?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he intends that profits made from land sales shall be made subject to 100 per cent. Excess Profits Tax?

Any profit arising from sales of land may be a revenue profit or a capital gain according to the circumstances of the particular case. In the former case it would be taken into account in computing profits for the purposes of Excess Profits Tax.

Will the Chancellor bear in mind that much of this land sold since the war had little or no value before the war and that its enhanced value is entirely due to the incidence of war? Will he see that owners derive no benefit at the expense of the people who are fighting?

Will the Chancellor, at the same time, consider giving compensation to people whose property has depreciated in value?

asked the Prime Minister whether the functions of the Production Council and the Economic Policy Committee are planning and directing, or co-ordinating and advisory?

I have been asked to reply. As was explained by the Leader of the House on 4th June, the function of the Production Council is to give general direction as to the organisation and priority of production for war purposes, and of the Economic Policy Committee to concert and direct general economic policy.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the broadcast on Italy's entry into the war by the Minister of Information on Monday, 10th June, he will make arrangements to secure that some competent authority, either in the Cabinet or the Foreign Office, shall examine all broadcasts on international affairs before they are delivered?

The speech must be read as a whole, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Information, who is discharging his difficult duties with a remarkable measure of success, can be relied on to interpret himself the views of the War Cabinet in the present emergency.

May I ask my right hon. Friend if he is not aware that this address caused very great pain and distress—[An Hon. Member: "In Italy."]—to a large number of people in this country?

Will the Lord Privy Seal bear in mind that in the opinion of many competent listeners a speech of that kind is more of a liability than an asset to our cause?

Is it not better to be insolent than grovelling in war time? We have been grovelling enough.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in connection with the proposed new recruiting drive for the Women's Land Army, adequate steps are being taken for a close co-ordination between the headquarters at Balcombe and his Department?

Yes, Sir.

Will my right hon. Friend go into this matter very fully and consider all the relevant facts, as a great deal which has happened during the last few months wants careful inquiry and it might not be in the public interest for me to tell him here all I know.

If the hon. Member will come and see me I shall be very glad.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to ensure an adequate increase in the number of girls who are required by the Women's Land Army for permanent work, as distinct from those who are engaged for seasonal work only?

Recruiting campaigns for volunteers for regular work as well as for volunteers for seasonal work are being conducted in all parts of the country by Women's Land Army County Committees with encouraging results. The most urgent need now is that farmers, and dairy farmers in particular, should come forward with offers to train and subsequently to employ these volunteers. All farmers should give as long notice in advance of their employment requirements as is possible, so that full advantage may be taken of the results of these recruiting campaigns.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that while the Shropshire Agricultural Wages Committee have agreed to the 48s. per week minimum for male adult workers, they have increased the cost of board-lodging by 4s. per week and laid it down that, on application, labourers' cottage rents can be increased by 100 per cent.; and what action he proposes to take to prevent these encroachments on the national minimum wage?

I understand that the Shropshire Committee proposes that the value of the provision of board and lodging for a seven-day week in the case of men be increased from 16s. to £1 and to make provision that the general value of 3s. at which a cottage has hitherto been reckoned in part payment of minimum wages may be increased on application, in individual cases up to 6s. per week, less any rates which may be payable. Before the committee's proposals can be made effective a period of seven days is allowed during which any objections may be lodged for the committee's consideration.

The question of cottages was raised at the discussions I had with representatives of agricultural landowners, farmers and farm workers. I stated that I had no doubt that the question of cottage values would arise in connection with the consideration by the committees of the proposed increase in the minimum rates, and that in my view and that of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour a reasonable arrangement would be for the committees to fix a suitable low general allowance and to make provision in their orders to enable employers to make application for the allowance to be increased up to a maximum of 12½ per cent. of the minimum wage in cases where it could be shown that the standard of the cottage justified an increase.

In view of the need for more workers on the land will the right hon. Gentleman take great care that this 48s. minimum wage is not filched away by increases in other directions? Is he also aware that in Shropshire this particular agreement is causing grave dissatisfaction among landowners?

In the opinion of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and myself one of the advantages, and one of the most important advantages, to be drawn from increasing the wage to 48s., is the prospect of enabling housing in rural areas to be improved. Obviously, it cannot be improved if you are to keep the rents at 3s.

Is the Minister aware that the 48s. a week minimum is not much more than the increase in the cost of living upon wages that were in operation when the war broke out?

I cannot accept that.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to the increase in the price of agricultural products?

No, Sir, but as was stated in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Tonbridge (Sir A. Baillie) on the 11th June I hope to be able to make a statement at an early date.

Will the Minister expedite this statement in view of the fact that some wages boards are refusing to agree to adequate rates for overtime until they know the Minister's decision?

I think the new wage rates will come into operation on 1st July.

Is the Minister aware that the fact that these prices are not known by farmers is a deterrent to their seeing what labour is required because they are not sure they will be able to pay for it when they get it?

I am sure my hon. Friend realises that the question of giving out a long schedule of prices is a complicated matter. We are pushing on as fast as we can.

I agree, but seasonal work not done at the time when men should be on the land cannot be done afterwards?

But seasonal work is paid for at existing rates.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether farmers are making known their labour demands; and what number of boys from universities, public, secondary and elementary schools are being enrolled for employment this summer?

My Department is taking every opportunity of urging farmers to give early notification of their labour requirements so that the fullest possible use can be made of all regular, casual and volunteer labour available. But it is essential that farmers' precise needs should be notified in good time to the Employment Exchange or to the County War Agricultural Executive Committees. About 1,100 University students have been enrolled. I cannot give any figure for schoolboys as they are being organised locally and generally by their own schools.

Will the right hon. Gentleman discourage, so far as he can, the employment of elementary schoolchildren in this way?

It would be employment only during the holidays.

The right hon. Gentleman says he is taking every step. Is he aware that no specific step has been taken to request farmers to make known their requirements and that in view of the changes in arable cultivation there will be a great deal of confusion if farmers are not asked to make specific returns?

I do not know what the hon. Member means by "no specific step." Every possible publicity in the way of advice has been given by broadcasts and notices issued to the local Press and farmers have been circularised through the National Farmers' Union.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of farmers are not members of the National Farmers' Union and have not received any such circular?

They cannot fail to have seen the notices in the local Press or to have heard the broadcasts.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Bank of England assesses its own profits for Income Tax; and whether he will take such steps as may be necessary to have them assessed by an independent authority?

I would refer the hon. Member to Section 68 of the Income Tax Act, 1918. Though the assessments are made by the Commissioners named in Section 68, the actual computation of liability is subject to examination and check by the officers of the Board of Inland Revenue.

How can they make an assessment if they do not issue a balance sheet?

That is another matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the 100 per cent. Excess Profits Tax, he will consider instructing the purchase departments of other Ministries to give up their technical costs branch, so far as it operates for the assessment of profits on contracts, thereby setting a large amount of man power free for other purposes, and immediately causing a speed-up in production by avoiding the delays caused by such cost investigation, together with an actual reduction in cost to the taxpayer?

Instructions have already been issued which will obviate delays which might otherwise be caused by cost investigations at munition works. I cannot, however, agree with the hon. Member when he suggests that the operation of a 100 per cent. Excess Profits Tax removes the necessity for ordinary price fixing.

While accepting the right hon. Gentleman's expression of opinion that 100 per cent. Excess Profits Tax docs not necessarily remove the necessity for price fixing—though it appears to have done so in the case of the limitation of dividends—is he aware of the real difficulties of these cost investigations and how unnecessary they are in the majority of cases? When will his instructions become effective?

They have already been issued and they will, I hope, obviate the difficulties to which the hon. Member refers.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give attention to the fact that the main cost of munitions is not profits but other costs, and will he continue cost investigations in order to prevent the exploitation of other sections of the community?

I agree with the hon. Member from that point of view.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he intends to introduce the system of day-to-day borrowing by means of war bonds which was so successful during the Great War?

I am now considering the form of our future War Loans.