asked the Home Secretary how many regional commissioners and assistants are in existence at the moment; what are the areas covered by them; what are their respective salaries; are the salaries drawn by all of them; and, if not, in what areas are the salaries not drawn?

Following is a list showing the names of regional commissioners, deputy regional commissioners, and Scottish district commissioners and deputy district commissioners. As regards the salaries payable to the various commissioners, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 7th March to a Question by the hon. Member for the Shettleston Division (Mr. McGovern).

asked the Home Secretary how many of the 60,000 Germans and Austrians in this country have now been interned?

According to the latest available statistics 10,869 Germans and Austrians have been interned.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is intended to require interned aliens who have adequate means to make suitable contributions towards their own maintenance?

When persons are detained and thereby deprived of the means of earning their livelihood, the general principle must, I think, be accepted that provision should be made from public funds for their maintenance. To depart from that principle in the case of any persons who can be proved to have resources of their own would involve inquiries into the individual means of each of very many thousands of persons, and I doubt whether the financial return would be commensurate with the time and trouble involved in the making of inquiries and the exaction of payments. For any provision above the minimum necessary for maintenance, it is right that those who are able and willing to pay should do so, and arrangements are made to give effect to this principle.

asked the Home Secretary what complaints he has had from local authorities in respect of the cost of training men for the Auxiliary Fire Service and to the effect that, after such training has been completed, the men have been offered, and accepted, employment from local private firms; and whether it is his intention to issue regulations preventing this method of recruitment of labour by private firms?

I am aware of the difficulties experienced by certain local authorities in this matter, and I am considering what measures are necessary in the national interest to prevent the loss of trained personnel.

asked the Home Secretary whether precautions are being taken to extinguish fires caused by incendiary bombs in cornfields and other standing crops; whether these measures include the provision of fire-brooms and a register of cars to rush fire-fighters to the conflagration; and whether he has considered utilising the services of lord-lieutenants and deputy-lieutenants in organising the protection of crops against fire?

As stated by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, in reply to a Question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Howdenshire (Major Carver) on 6th June, the question of precautions against damage to crops from incendiary bombs is under active consideration. A leaflet containing advice to farmers as to the precautions to be adopted, suitable fire fighting appliances and their use, is being issued very shortly by my right hon. Friend through the County War Agricultural Executive Committees. Apart from measures which can be taken by farmers themselves, arrangements are in hand for the loan of additional light trailer pumps and stirrup hand pumps to fire authorities in the main corn-growing districts, specifically for use in fighting fires in crops during the danger period.

asked the Home Secretary whether the taking possession of land by local authorities as sites for air-raid shelters is being governed by the provisions of the Civil Defence Act, 1939, or by Defence Regulation No. 51?

Possession of land for the purpose of public air-raid shelters is usually taken by agreement with the owner or tenant. Where it is necessary to have recourse to compulsory powers, use is made of the powers conferred by Defence Regulation No. 51 and not of powers under the Civil Defence Act, 1939.

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether in any further evacuation of school children he will allow parents to register children of three to five years of age, or any category of such children to accompany elder brothers or sisters who are already going with school parties;

(2) whether he will encourage the establishment of a child-care service to provide various classes of workers to look after evacuated children under five years of age in nursery centres in reception areas, and the children of munition workers in day nurseries?

The evacuation of younger children raises a number of problems, particularly in regard to their reception. In my consideration of this matter I will have regard to the points raised in these two Questions.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the increased pressure on accommodation in rural districts, he will instruct all medical officers of health to watch carefully the question of the provision of adequate sanitary arrangements, especially since those existing are only intended for the use and accommodation of the population in peace-time?

Local authorities have already been asked to bear these matters in mind in connection with their billeting arrangements.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a prominent factory on the eastern side of Doncaster, formerly owned and controlled by German interests, constitutes the most prominent landmark in the area and still carries the former owner's trading name, Bemberg, in lettering so large as to be easily discernible from the air; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with this matter?

My attention had not previously been called to this factory, but I am having inquiry made.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in order to assist the police in checking aliens and enforcing the curfew and in the national interest generally, he will issue an instruction that all holders of national registration identity cards shall write their nationality thereon?

Proposals having this object in view are already under discussion between my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health and myself.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give the number of aliens at the present time holding national registration identity cards; and whether he will give instructions that all such aliens who report regularly to police stations shall have their cards stamped with the designation of their nationality, and in that case for each visitor staying at a hotel to produce his identity card showing whether he is British or foreign?

I would refer to the reply which I gave to-day to a similar question by my hon. Friend the Member for Stretford (Mr. Etherton).

asked the Home Secretary whether he will request or require enemy aliens in possession of field glasses and telescopes to hand these over so that they may be issued to the Army, at the same time removing from the aliens any temptation to misuse these articles?

In a large number of areas which I have declared to be aliens' protected areas, no alien, other than a French national, is allowed to have in his possession or to use certain prohibited articles, including telescopes, field glasses or similar optical instruments, without the written permission of the police. So far as additional telescopes and field glasses are required for the Army, this is a matter for the War Office, and I have brought my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion to the notice of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that large numbers of elementary and secondary schoolchildren will still be left in the evacuable areas of Greater London after the fresh evacuation scheme is complete; and whether he will arrange that schools in those areas shall still remain open rather than allow those children to be idle and without education?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Consett (Mr. David Adams) last Thursday, a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Home Secretary the number of actions commenced under the Truck Acts since the decision of the House of Lords in Pratt versus Cook, Son, and Company (St. Paul's), Limited; and when promised legislation to amend the Truck Acts will be forthcoming?

I have no information as to the number of actions of this kind, and I am not at present in a position to make any statement as to the date of introduction of the proposed Bill.

asked the Home Secretary whether, with a view to curtailing frivolous candidatures, he will consider introducing legislation to increase the amount to be deposited by a candidate at Parliamentary elections to £500 for the duration of the war?

I fully share the view of my hon. Friend that candidates who can only hope for an insignificant number of votes ought not to impose on constituencies the trouble and expense of a contested election at a time when everyone's available time and energy ought to be devoted to other objects. I should hope that realisation of the need for national concentration on the war effort will check such candidatures, but if further measures should be needed, my hon. Friend's suggestion will be borne in mind.

asked the Home Secretary the result of his investigations to see whether any further steps can be taken to lighten the calls of jury service at the present time?

As I stated in the reply which I gave on 6th June to my hon. Friend the Member for Tamworth (Sir J. Mellor) this matter is being considered, but I am not yet in a position to make a further statement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the present number of the Women's Land Army members in employment and training, respectively?

At the end of May about 7,400 members of the Women's Land Army were in regular agricultural employment. About 950 volunteers are now in training, of whom 500 are new members placed in training since the beginning of June.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps have been taken to increase the feeding-stuffs available by the introduction of grass or other crop-drying processes?

This matter received careful consideration in the early days of the war, when it was decided that the stage of development of the grass-drying process was not sufficiently advanced to justify the Government in giving priority to materials for the manufacture of grass-driers in competition with other agricultural machinery. Encouragement was, however, given to the continuance of existing grass-drying centres; the fuel supplies for those plants was safeguarded, and steps were taken in appropriate cases to avoid any encroachment, due to the ploughing-up campaign, on the pastures from which the grass supplies were drawn.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the same minimum wage which is being fixed by the Central Wages Board for Agricultural Labour will apply also to forest workers?

Generally speaking, Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the expected yield of the newly ploughed-up land providing feeding-stuffs for livestock containing, in the main, carbohydrates, he will bear in mind the importance in the coming winter of securing for the farmer, as far as possible, cakes and meals of a high protein content, so as to afford thereby balanced rations for livestock?

Yes, Sir. The need for the largest possible supply of high protein cakes and meals next winter is fully recognised.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps are being taken to obtain reliable figures showing the rise in costs of production of agricultural products in recent months?

I receive through the usual statistical channels a great deal of information about prices paid by farmers for their raw materials. In addition the agricultural economists attached to the provincial advisory centres in England and Wales send me monthly reports.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state by counties the estimated amount of derelict land which can be usefully employed for the production of food?

The County War Agricultural Executive Committees in England and Wales have already taken possession for the purpose of increased food production of some 32,000 acres of land, the majority of which comes within the description of derelict or semi-derelict land. Additional cases are being dealt with daily. I am, however, unable to supply figures by counties of the derelict land in the country.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any information as to the number of swift torpedo speed-boats possessed by Germany; and of their speed?

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

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the reports submitted by the Gravesend and Milton Water Works Company, showing the danger of pollution to the water supply arising out of sewerage disposal of the military camp at Northumberland Bottom; and, in view of the urgency of this matter, what action is being taken?

I have had under consideration the representations made by the company. Representatives of the War Office and of the company are about to confer as to the action required, and I have arranged for my officers to take part in the discussion.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered representations made to him concerning the danger to the water supply in the Gravesend district, arising from the sewerage disposal at the military camp at Northumberland Bottom; whether he is aware that the present arrangements are inadequate and constitute a danger to the health of the camp; and what action is being taken?

Consideration has been given to the representations made, and the matter is shortly to be discussed at a conference in which representatives of the Water Works Company, the Ministry of Health and the War Office will participate.

asked the Minister of Health what is the total price to be paid for the Mosley Hurst Golf Course estate, in or near Esher, for the purposes of a recreation ground; what is its area and what was its rateable value previous to purchase; and what are the respective contributions being made toward the purchase by the various local authorities interested in this acquisition, including Esher?

The purchase price was £11,009 1s 5d The area is 15·7 acres. I am informed that the land was not rated. I understand that the purchasers, the Esher Urban District Council, are bearing the cost with the help of a grant from the National Playing Fields Association amounting to one quarter of the total.

asked the Minister of Health what was the price paid by the Essex County Council for the 50 acres of the Reeds Hill estate, recently purchased for addition to the Langdon Hills open spaces; and what was the rateable value of this land previous to purchase?

The price paid was £2,987. The land was agricultural land, not rated prior to purchase.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Leicester City Council has obtained his sanction to pay £338 for 427 square yards of land fronting Sawday Street for the extension of Hazel Street school playground and to make possible the construction of covered concrete trenches to protect 160 infant pupils; what was the price; and what was the rateable value of this land previous to purchase?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. The price was £320 5s. This piece of land formed part of a larger area and was not separately rated.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the serious problem arising owing to the inability of wives and dependants of members of the Armed Forces obtaining adequate medical attention in time of need without recourse to the public assistance authorities; and whether, in the circumstances, he will reconsider the provision of free medical service to all the dependants of men serving with the Forces?

I am not aware that the persons referred to are generally unable to obtain adequate medical attention, but I should be glad if the hon. Member would let me have any information at his disposal.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether damage to property caused by barrage balloons or their cables will fall within the terms of reference of the Compensation Board?

Yes, Sir. The term "aircraft" in the reference to the Compensation Board includes balloons and their cables.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the requisitioning of foreign balances and securities by the Treasury under the Defence (Finance) Regulations may, in certain cases, give rise to liability to Estate Duty which would not otherwise have arisen; and what steps it is proposed to take in the matter?

I am aware that, as a result of the operation of the Regulations, assets situate in Great Britain may pass on death representing consideration moneys received in respect of foreign balances and securities which, if situate abroad, would not have been liable to Estate Duty. In such a case, where the death takes place not later than six months after the expiry of the Regulations, such part of the assets passing on the death as is shown, to the satisfaction of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, to represent consideration moneys received in respect of balances and securities which, at the date of requisition, were situate out of Great Britain will, for Estate Duty purposes, be treated as so situate.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the concession announced by his predecessor with regard to the liability to United Kingdom Income Tax of persons who were resident only in Eire and who joined the Armed Forces of the Crown, will apply to such a person if his wife becomes resident in the United Kingdom and liability to United Kingdom Income Tax arises in respect of her income?

Yes, Sir. In such a case the wife's income has to be taken into account, but the only income of the husband that will be taxed will be his Service pay from the United Kingdom funds.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the provisions of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act, 1940, the Government have in any way modified their attitude towards the overseas operations of British insurance companies, as announced by his predecessor on 8th February last?

As my predecessor stated on 8th February, the fullest arrangements have been made to enable the British insurance companies to carry on their overseas business without impediment and to meet claims by Allied, neutral or British claimants under any policy in accordance with the terms of the policy whether it be expressed in sterling or in foreign currency. The Emergency Powers (Defence) Act, 1940, in no way modifies the arrangements as set out above.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he proposes to improve and enlarge the existing scale of pensions, particularly in relation to the need and claim of widows who lose their sons?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Deritend (Sir Smedley Crooke) on 18th March, in which I intimated that the provisions for parents' pensions had been materially improved, the changes including an increase of the minimum pension from 2s. to 5s. and of the maximum of 10s. for one parent or 12s. 6d. for two to 15s. or 17s. 6d. in exceptional cases. Certain other improvements will be embodied in the revised Royal Warrant, which I hope to issue at an early date.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any arrangements are being made with the Governments of the several Dominions in order that special steps may be taken to encourage the migration of persons, and especially widows with children, of British subjects killed on active service, as well as suitable persons now refugees in this country, in order that the flow of migration, notably for such schemes as that of the Fair bridge Farm Colony, may not be unduly interfered with?

As regards schemes for the transfer of persons oversea in view of the present emergency, I would refer to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Romford (Mr. Parker) and the hon. and learned Member for Greenock (Mr. R. Gibson). So far as migration is concerned, the hon. Member is no doubt aware that schemes of assisted migration in general have been suspended since the outbreak of war, and the occasion is not regarded as suitable for reviewing this decision. I am glad to say, however, that the Fairbridge Farm Schools Society are authorised to continue to transfer certain selected children to their schools in Canada and Australia, and an application from the Society to continue this movement when the quota of selected children has been exhausted is now receiving consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether a record has been kept of all those granted exemption from military service on the ground of conscience; whether steps are taken to see that they perform the work which was allotted to them; and whether his Department is reconsidering the whole position in the light of recent military events?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. Steps are taken to see that conscientious objectors fulfil the condition on which they are registered, subject, of course, to the practicability on their part of obtaining the work which they are required to undertake. As regards the third part of the Question, the whole matter is kept constantly under review.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour what steps have been taken to ensure useful employment at the earliest opportunity for able-bodied refugees from Holland, Belgium, and Norway?

Arrangements have been made whereby war refugees from Holland, Belgium and Norway, after registering with the police, may register for employment at the local offices of the Ministry. Subject to security considerations, they will be submitted for any employment for which no suitable British subjects are available.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour the number of able-bodied men engaged in the ice-cream industry and in distribution of foodstuffs in general; and whether he will arrange for some of these non-essential distributive organisations to be shut down in war-time?

The statistics asked for are not available. The organisation which has been set up for the control of labour supply will address itself to the transfer of workers from non-essential industries to essential industries as and when they are required.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he will arrange for those engaged in agriculture and drainage to be given options upon the services of prisoners of war, interned aliens or refugees who are available for this work?

Special considerations arise with regard to the employment of prisoners of war and interned aliens, but the possibility of making the services of these persons available for agriculture will not be overlooked. Arrangements are being made by my Department in consultation with the Agricultural Departments to place alien refugees in employment so far as restrictions permit.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many young men are at present employed as metalwork instructors in the schools of this country, and how many as woodwork masters; and will he consider releasing these men with a view to employing them on war production?

The number of specialist teachers of all ages of woodwork or metalwork employed full-time in public elementary schools is estimated at some 2,400. A number of these teachers are already engaged in the instruction of Army or industrial trainees, or in the production work which is rapidly being developed in the technical colleges. I have recently issued to all local education authorities an administrative memorandum, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend, urging them to review their staffs of handicraft instructors in order to make as many as possible available for war work, whether in the technical colleges or elsewhere.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that freight charges exercise a crippling effect upon Scottish industry generally, and particularly in the light casting trade in Stirlingshire, making it impossible for industrialists to compete favourably with firms situated south of the border; and is he prepared, in the present state of national emergency, in conjunction with the Minister of Supply, to consider receiving representations from all sides of the industries affected with a view to granting concessions in so far as the said freight charges are concerned?

The effect on Scottish industry of freight charges raises general issues with which it would not be possible to deal within the limits of a Parliamentary reply. As to the light casting trade, the railway companies have in operation reduced exceptional rates from Scotland to practically all parts of England and Wales. The reductions to London and Birmingham from the Stirlingshire area are 46 and 39 per cent. respectively from the standard charge. A general increase in railway charges has been authorised in accordance with the financial arrangements between the Government and the railway companies, but representations by representative bodies of traders as to the application of this increase will be considered. There has been no interference with the power of the railway companies to grant, or the jurisdiction of the Railway Rates Tribunal to order, new or reduced exceptional rates without application to the Ministry of Transport.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that the Crown Office in many cases of serious crime, such as under the Criminal Law Amendment Act, refuse to furnish the accused with the names and addresses of the Crown witnesses, thereby causing great prejudice to the accused person in the preparation of his defence; and whether he is prepared in such cases in future to afford every facility on the lines indicated to the accused or his appointed agent?

Cases of serious crime are not prosecuted on summary complaint but on indictment. The case which the hon. Member has in mind was a border-line case involving alleged contravention of a statutory provision which authorises prosecution either summarily or on indictment. In view of the hon. and learned Member's representations, I have had the case re-examined and have instructed proceedings on indictment in which particulars of Crown witnesses and productions are given.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the present policy of His Majesty's Government in relation to the evacuation of Falkirk and Grange-mouth districts in the event of air raids occurring there?

This matter is at present under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, to effect a considerable saving in material and to reduce costs in the national interest as well as to increase the comfort of the troops, he will examine the advantages of reducing the length of greatcoats for the Forces to a length proximate to that of the coat known as the British warm?

The existing dismounted pattern greatcoat was adopted last year after very full investigation; it was decided that a longer coat was necessary in order to give adequate protection to troops on such occasions as when travelling in open vehicles or when at rest during night marches. Certain modifications in the pattern have been recommended in the light of experience since the new coat was introduced, and a number of garments incorporating these improvements have been made up and are being submitted to trial by the troops. One of these alterations is a reduction of two inches in the length of the coat.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the desirability of instructing Army paymasters that, in cases where there has been the overpayment of a few shillings to a soldier's dependant through no fault of her own, the overpaid money shall not be deducted from the allowance, but shall remain a State charge, thus avoiding what is often a real hardship to the family concerned?

Instructions have been issued to paymasters which provide for any such case to be dealt with on its merits, whether the over issue is a few shillings or a considerable sum. I do not think there can be any hard and fast rule. Where there is hardship, recovery can be spread over a period, or, if the circumstances warrant it, a part or the whole may be written off.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, when a soldier's dependant benefiting by the receipt of the extra 2s. 6d. for residence in the London area moves temporarily to the country but is still compelled to pay the London rent, he will approve the continuance to her of the 2s. 6d. payment in question?

The extra 3s. 6d. a week is strictly payable only while the family is living in the London postal area, but there is discretion to allow it to continue during temporary absences for a limited period. Where it ceases to be payable, there may be a case for a special grant, a claim for which would be considered by the War Service Grants Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Pensions.

asked the Secretary of State for War the amount of financial assistance given to wives and other members of the family who desire to visit soldiers who have been wounded in the war?

Free travelling is admissible for two persons to visit a soldier who is dangerously ill in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Eire or France. Visits to France have necessarily been discontinued in present circumstances, but will be resumed when conditions permit. If the wounded soldier is not dangerously ill, half-fare concessions are available for visits in this country by his wife and children under 16 years of age if he is married, or by his parents, brothers and sisters if he is unmarried. The British Red Cross Society have been good enough to provide guides and accommodation free of charge for relatives who visit France, and are considering the provision of similar facilities at home.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether ex-servicemen who are trained rifle users and members of the National Defence Corps will receive preferential treatment in regard to the distribution of rifles and ammunition, over those who have no experience in the handling of a rifle?

The distribution of rifles and ammunition among members of the Local Defence Volunteers is a matter for platoon and company commanders, who will naturally give preferential treatment to those who have experience in handling rifles.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider closing down isolated filling-stations and converting the remainder into strongly defended supply centres with repair garages attached?

Instructions have already been issued in regard to this matter, but it is not desirable to disclose the details.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether steps are being taken to fortify munition factories and other important buildings, and to supply the workmen with weapons of defence?

It is one of the objects of the Local Defence Volunteer scheme to afford protection to important buildings. In many cases, those employed in the buildings are enrolled in the force for the defence of their own establishments, and arms are being issued.

asked the Secretary for Petroleum the principles upon which petrol allowances for different categories of commercial travellers are calculated; and whether he will supply figures to indicate the basic allowances to travellers in the more prominent classes of merchandise?

Allowances of petrol are made to commercial travellers at rates which were settled in consultation with representatives of their chief organisations a few months ago. They vary according to the horse-power of the cars, but otherwise they are uniform for all travellers, without discrimination as to the type of merchandise concerned. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the scale.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will consider the advisability of arranging for the broadcasting in the English news of the British Broadcasting Corporation, lists of British prisoners in Germany given in the German broadcasts?

I do not think that broadcasting is the most suitable way of giving such information to the public; but I am glad to say that arrangements have been made to supply regularly to the Press for publication lists of names of British prisoners broadcast by the Germans.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether allotment holders and others will be allowed to sell their surplus produce without possessing a trader's licence, which involves elaborate book-keeping?

A general licence has been issued authorising the sale by retail of produce from gardens and allotments which are not carried on primarily for the purpose of gaining a livelihood. In those cases no trader's licence will be required. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of this general licence.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what are the names and amounts of salary of the staff of the Sugar Commissions earning more than £200 per annum?

The names and salary scales of the staff of the Sugar Commission earning more than £200 per annum and now serving in the Ministry of Food are:

Grade.	Salary Scale.
G. G. Barnes, Assistant Secretary	£1,150–1,500
L. G. Lewis, Staff Officer	£550–650
B. I. Felton, Technical Officer	£515–634

In addition, Lieut.-Colonel F. C. C. Balfour, C.I.E., C.B.E., M.C., who was the Chairman of the Sugar Commission, is the Director of Sugar Distribution, salary £1,500 per annum.