asked the Secretary of State for War whether, owing to the urgency of the situation and the necessity for placing soldiers at strategic centres in Northern Ireland, he will take immediate steps to have military assigned to convenient centres whose claims have been placed before him and where proper accommodation can be provided for their comfort?

The military garrison of Northern Ireland is already distributed so as best to accord with present strategic requirements. I am much obliged, however, to my hon. Friend for the suggestions which he has made to me, and I will bear them in mind.

Will my right hon. Friend attend to this matter, as it is most pressing and urgent?

My hon. Friend is asking me to make certain changes in the strategic dispositions in Northern Ireland, and I am not prepared to discuss that in public.

Is it not possible to include the whole lot?

There is nothing I would like better.

Are the War Office in touch with Southern Ireland?

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to provide the Local Defence Volunteers with the grenades known as Molotoff cocktails; alternatively, are they encouraged to provide their own, and how can they get the petrol required?

I am not prepared to make any public statement on this subject.

Will the Minister circulate to hon. Members the recipe of this cocktail?

Yes, if they will promise to handle it all right.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that all Local Defence Volunteers get the same instructions, because there are all sorts of instructions about these things?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider making use of ex-service men who have been trained as machine-gunners by forming them into mobile machine-gun columns, with machine-guns mounted on side-car combinations for service with the Local Defence Volunteers?

I hope that my hon. Friend will agree that it would not be desirable to disclose information on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the permission granted to members of the Local Defence Volunteers to wear the insignia of their rank in the last war makes discipline impossible in the present one and will he give orders that officers in the Local Defence Volunteers should display no insignia of rank other than those to which their immediate work entitles them?

Badges have been prescribed for the various grades of commanders in the Local Defence Volunteer Force, and instructions are being issued that officers and ex-officers, when on duty with that force, should not wear badges of rank held in another capacity.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that quite a number of them are still wearing the uniforms they had in the last war, and that in one company in East Sussex there are six different generals all dressed up as generals; and, although one does not want to impugn their patriotism, is it not a fact that the great mass of people of this country, while they do not mind Corporal Hitler—

Speech.

I have heard something of that kind, and that is why instructions have been given.

Will my right hon. Friend make it clear whether ex-officers are allowed to wear their old uniforms?

This is a question of badges of rank.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the desirability of forming a women's force auxiliary to the Local Defence Volunteers, on lines similar to the women's services auxiliary to the Army, Navy and Air Force?

I am aware of the patriotic desire of many women to serve in this way, and I am considering means of giving expression to it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether this Force can be formed quickly, especially in view of the need for large numbers of additional workers such as observers, motor drivers, cyclists and so on?

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman how we are to fight in the hills, in the streets and in the houses, as envisaged by the Lord President of the Council on Sunday, if women are excluded from the Local Defence Volunteers?

That is a different question from this Question, which is about an auxiliary to the Local Defence Volunteers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the limited number of rifles available for Local Defence Volunteers he will make arrangements for soldiers on leave to reinforce that organisation in the locality where they happen to be at a time of an enemy attack, and, in order to do so effectively, order all soldiers on leave to carry their rifles and an adequate number of cartridges wherever they go?

Except for very special reasons, all leave has been stopped, and, in any event, it is thought best that, in emergency, soldiers should at once report to their own or the nearest military unit.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will take a decision that installation of telephones reasonably required by the Local Defence Volunteers shall take priority over installations required for private and commercial purposes and shall be made without charge; and whether the utmost possible efforts will be made to maintain the telephone service of the Local Defence Volunteers in the most immediate possible contact with main exchanges both day and night?

In common with all other military telephone installations provided by the Post Office, orders for telephones for the Local Defence Volunteer organisation are accepted only from the competent military authorities, normally Chief Signal Officers of Army Commands, and rentals for them are payable by the same military authorities. These telephones are treated in all respects as military installations; consequently, their provision takes priority over installations required for private or commercial purposes and special arrangements are made to maintain efficient telephone service both day and night.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware of the case where the telephone, having been installed, was cut off on the grounds that the Local Defence Volunteers had not paid the quarterly charges for the telephone?

I have seen some reference to that in the Press, and if the hon. Member would like to write to me about it, I will go into it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether facilities are now available for young men of military age who are registered but are still in civilian life to have the opportunity of learning the early stages of military training, so that time is not wasted?

With the exception of a few special categories, all men registered up to the end of May have been called up. In addition, the intake is being accelerated, and this will affect those who are now being registered.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many men who volunteered last September are still waiting for their services to be used?

I am not aware of that. Perhaps my hon. Friend will give me some information.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are some men who have been medically examined, but have not been called up and do not know why?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that considerable inconvenience is being caused to soldiers sent from one part of the country to another, on leave, by the failure to provide them with sufficient food or money for the journey; and whether he will take steps to prevent such occurrences in future?

Instructions have been issued on this subject, but, if my hon. Friend will let me have particulars of the cases he has in mind, I will have them investigated.

I shall be glad to do that, but the complaints are widespread throughout the country.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange that soldiers going on, or returning from, leave whose journey is lengthy shall be permitted to use vacant first-class seats when other seats are not available and whether he will consider the granting of more frequent leave to home-serving soldiers with more than one year's service, if circumstances permit, so as to enable them to spend some days at home each quarter?

I am advised by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport that the railway staff have latitude, if a train is seriously overcrowded, to allow serving members of the Forces to occupy available seats in first-class compartments As regards the second part of the Question, in present circumstances leave can be given only in exceptional circumstances, but the normal rule has been that soldiers serving at home are eligible for seven days' leave every three months.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that information regarding this decision is not generally known, because numbers of soldiers are still left to stand in the corridors of long-distance trains?

I think the publication of this Question and Answer will assist in making the position known.

When did the Minister give this instruction, because only this morning I saw men turned out of a first-class carriage?

The giving of instructions would be a matter for the Minister of Transport. I hope these Questions and Answers will result in the necessary publicity being given to the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a poster, informing Army recruits that vaccination and inoculation are voluntary, exhibited at the London Midland and Scottish Station, Bradford, has been objected to by the military authorities; and will he give instructions that all such efforts to deprive recruits of knowledge of their rights shall cease forthwith?

I have made inquiries and am unable to find that any military authority has objected to the poster in question. If my hon. Friend has any information on the subject, perhaps he will let me have it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the appointment of a woman doctor of senior rank has yet been made to each command?

An appointment is about to be made in the Eastern Command. Similar appointments in other commands are not considered to be necessary at present.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his predecessor said some months ago that at no distant date an appointment would be made in every command, and as that was quite understood, will he reconsider the position?

I am afraid I have not had time to find what my predecessor said about it. We have made this appointment to this area, where, I gather, it is most needed.

What is the reason for granting commissions in the Army to women doctors but excluding them from the higher ranks, although they possess the highest qualifications obtainable?

That is a rather wider question than the one on the Paper.

What rank will this lady have?

I am afraid I cannot say without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the desirability of a reorganisation of the Auxiliary Territorial Service; and when is there a likelihood of any action being taken?

Shortly after the outbreak of war, the organisation of the Auxiliary Territorial Service was adapted to the needs of the Army in war. The very considerable changes involved have been applied gradually to avoid undue dislocation, but I hope that, when the changes are complete, most of the criticisms raised against the Service will have been met.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his predecessor asked his Under-Secretary to carry out an investigation into the organisation of the Auxiliary Territorial Service? When will that investigation be undertaken, in view of the fact that it is the opinion of a great many responsible people that conditions need inquiring into?

As I have said, considerable changes have been carried out, and some are in process of being carried out now.

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I reserve to myself the right to raise the matter on the Adjournment if necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the appointment of the Director of the Auxiliary Territorial Service was made for a specific period?

The director of the Auxiliary Territorial Service was lent by the University of London for a year beginning on 3rd July, 1939 further arrangements being left for later consideration. Since mobilisation, the director, equally with all ranks of the Auxiliary Territorial Service, is held by the terms of her enrolment, under which the Army Council can terminate her service by 15 days' notice in writing.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give the assurance that rest-rooms, together with suitable washing facilities, are to be provided for the use of the men of His Majesty's Forces at the principal railway terminal stations; and also, that opportunities for obtaining refreshments at moderate prices will be assured to them during the course of long railway journeys?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has been able to do anything in the way of improving the accommodation for the troops at the railway termini in London and also for their greater comfort when travelling?

The main line railway termini in London have been inspected by representatives of the War Office and of all the philanthropic bodies who deal with troops at those termini, and details of the additional accommodation and facilities required are being worked out. The object is to provide at each station a rest room, dining room, cooking facilities, information bureau, free washing room and lavatories, and free cloakroom on the same scale as now exists at Victoria Station. As soon as possession of the rooms required is obtained, the work of structural alteration and equipment will be begun. The Ministry of Transport have been informed of the proposals respecting Euston Station, and have arranged with the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company for all the additional accommodation required to be made immediately available. The work of preparing this accommodation has already begun. Reports have been called for from Command Welfare Officers regarding all important main line stations outside London, with the same object in view. As regards refreshments, in addition to the normal facilities available to all travellers, there is a number of stations at which local philanthropic bodies cater for men in uniform free of charge.

Will the railway companies be made to provide the accommodation free of charge, or will they charge rent to these voluntary bodies?

The object is to provide certain facilities, which I have mentioned, free of charge.

But I mean, will the voluntary bodies be charged rents?

Will these facilities be made immediately available for the men, say to-night or to-morrow night, or will it take some weeks?

I have been into this matter personally, and I know that there is a very considerable improvement at Euston.

Are there funds from the War Office to assist these welfare societies which are helping, or is it entirely a voluntary effort?

I should be glad if my hon. Friend would put that question down. The important matter is to get things done quickly, and I am satisfied that that is being done.

Who was responsible for the neglect which allowed the creation of the old state of affairs?

With regard to refreshments, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there are not voluntary societies making these provisions in all the places to which troops go who have to undertake these long journeys, and that continual supervision by the War Office is necessary in order to ensure that adequate arrangements are provided?

In view of the widespread indignation with regard to the lack of consideration for the comfort of the troops in this respect, will the right hon. Gentleman immediately exercise compulsory powers to deal with the railway companies?

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the recommendations in the third report from the Select Committee on National Expenditure, he has taken any steps to secure that the War Department have the advice and help of civilian experts in carrying out their building programme?

Yes, Sir. A committee has been set up to advise the Army Council on building questions, including the placing of works contracts and the supervision of works in progress. The members of the committee are:

• Mr. J. Jameson, C.B.E. (Chairman);
• Mr. M. T. Tudsbery, M.Inst.C.E.;
• Mr. C. E. Elcock, F.R.I.B.A.;
• Mr. Arthur S. Ainsley.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the work of valuation of mining royalties under the Act of 1938?

This matter has been carefully considered in the light of the new war situation, and the Government are satisfied that it is in the national interest that the work of valuation should proceed as rapidly as possible, subject, however, to the overriding condition that it is not allowed to interfere with necessary coal production.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has yet received a report of the inquiry into the Valley-field pit disaster; whether any recommendations have been made; and what steps he proposes to take?

I have been in communication with the Commissioner, and he has informed me that he hopes to complete his report shortly.

When the report is presented will a copy of it be placed in the Library?

I must see the report first.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of police engaged each week in controlling traffic, regulating crowds and protecting officials at dog race meetings in the Metropolitan area; and whether he will prohibit all such meetings to release the officers so engaged for more useful service?

Fifty-six Metropolitan police officers were engaged for between two to three hours each, during the week ended 29th June, in controlling traffic and members of the public outside greyhound race meetings. No police are engaged to protect officials. My right hon. Friend does not consider that he would be justified in prohibiting these meetings on this ground alone.

Would the hon. Gentleman take the sense of the House in this matter?

How many police are engaged in regulating traffic to theatres and cinemas and other forms of amusement?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a large part of the supply of grain is used in feeding greyhounds?

How many police are used to attend Communist party meetings from which they could quite easily be withdrawn?

How many police are wasting their time in timing motor cars over straight roads?

asked the Home Secretary whether steps will be taken to provide ample supplies of concrete shelters through his Department, either free or at a low cost, for those in dangerous areas who have not been able to obtain Anderson steel shelters?

Since the manufacture of standard steel shelters was discontinued, the provision of alternative shelters in brick or concrete has been pressed forward. The cost of the materials used in the construction of these shelters when provided for householders who are entitled to free domestic shelter, is paid in full by the Government. I have no reason to believe that the provision of shelters of this kind is being held up by shortage of supplies of material.

Is authority given to local authorities to build these shelters?

Certainly, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the representations of the burgh of Buckhaven and Methil, Fife, on the subject of the public air-raid shelters in the burgh which is now classified as a neutral area; and whether, in view of these representations, he will take steps to have the burgh reclassified as a dangerous area?

I understand that the burgh authorities have already been informed by the Regional Commissioner that he is prepared to approve the provision of shelter on an increased scale.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that adequate military protection against sabotage and also attacks in force by the enemy is now afforded to all important reservoirs and waterworks of the country?

I have been asked to reply. My hon. Friend will appreciate that it is not possible for me to deal in public with detailed questions of national defence.

May one take it that the protection desired will be afforded promptly?

The hon. Gentleman may take it that we have not overlooked this matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is great anxiety among public utility undertakings in regard to this matter; and if I brought to his notice cases in which undertakings were said to be not adequately protected, would he have them looked into?

I cannot allow this matter to pass without making it clear to the House that the defence of the country is dependent upon such things as mobility, which may not be always apparent.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I, for one, have sent in requests several times in respect to this matter, and am very concerned about it?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that there is a widespread desire among the workers in war industries to be allowed to remain at work during periods of air-raid warning until local danger appears imminent; and whether he will, under proper safeguards, arrange for such continued work to be permitted?

Yes, Sir; and it is the considered view of the Government that, in order to defeat any efforts by the enemy to dislocate production in our war industries, workers engaged in war production should be encouraged, so far as their local conditions allow, to continue at work after a public air-raid warning, until it is clear that an enemy attack is actually imminent in their neighbourhood. I should like to take this opportunity of explaining, in view of misconceptions that seem to have arisen in certain quarters, that the position in regard to the giving of public air-raid warnings remains in substance as stated on 25th October last by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, then Secretary of State for Air. My right hon. Friend then made it clear that the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Fighter Command, must, in practice, exercise a discretion, in order to avoid unnecessary and undue interference with civil life, and that it must therefore happen on occasion, and should be accepted as a matter of course, that attack on a limited scale may develop over an area in which no previous warning has been given. This discretion must continue to be exercised, in the light of conditions as they may develop, by the Commander-in-Chief in whose judgment, as my right hon. Friend said, His Majesty's Government have complete confidence.

Will my right hon. Friend therefore see that an instruction is immediately issued, so that employers of labour may have direct direction from the Government to continue work during a period of air-raid warning, because that is most essential?

I assume that this matter will be taken up by my right hon. Friend who is in charge of the Supply Department.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain arrangements have been made in many cases between employers of labour and workmen's organisations, and will he see that they are now overridden?

I assume that the matter will be handled in that way, because conditions differ in different factories.

Will the right hon. Gentleman constantly bear in mind that loss of hours of sleep is at least as important as loss of hours of work?

Yes, Sir, that fact is taken into account, and is implicit in my reference to undue and unnecessary interference with civil life.

Would it not be wiser to assume that anti-aircraft fire in the vicinity would be a signal?

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will look at my answer.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will instruct local authorities to see that empty houses in their districts are regularly inspected by the local police?

The police pay attention to empty houses, in the normal course of their duties. In view of the heavy calls upon the available police resources at the present time, it would not be possible for them to undertake any additional responsibilities in this respect.

Does my hon. Friend realise that some houses are left empty for a long time and that, in isolated localities, they may be a potential source of danger?

Yes, Sir, that is so, and that is the reason why the police have instructions to pay particular attention to them; but I would remind my hon. Friend that wide powers of search and entry into premises are now enjoyed by the police under the new Defence Regulations.

Have not the local authorities the powers that are necessary?

That is a separate question from that of action by the police.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make plain to the public that evacuation from one part of the country to another or overseas is unnecessary and productive of despondency and alarm except under official control and direction; and whether he will at once put a check on this refugee spirit?

In the leaflet "If the Invader Comes" recently issued to all householders, it has been made clear that in general it is the duty of members of the civilian population to stay where they are and carry on with their work unless orders to the contrary are given to them by a competent authority. Every suitable opportunity is being taken, and will continue to be taken, to repeat and reinforce the general advice already given; and special advice to particular classes of persons will also be given as occasion demands.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the example set by wealthy and leisured classes at the present time in evacuating their children and themselves all over the country, and can he not make it much more plain than has hitherto been the case that such a policy does not meet with the approval of the Government?

I think it has been made plain that the Government are not in favour of panic evacuation. A reasonable evacuation under proper conditions is part of the ordinary policy of defence, but certainly there should be nothing like panic evacuation, whether by wealthy persons or by anyone else.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in many constituencies, certainly in my own, that type of panic evacuation is going forward now?

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it sufficient merely for the Government to say that the Government are not in favour of this evacuation; and does he not think that such an attitude throws on many individuals doubt as to what is the proper course for them to take, and that that very doubt is productive of worry and alarm?

I think that the advice issued in the leaflet shows quitely plainly what the Government consider is the duty of the individual.

Does the Minister not realise that the answer which he has given just now creates very grave doubts? It has been the understanding of all Members that dispersion is the policy of the Government. Now do I understand from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that it is changed, and that people are to remain now in places where they are?

No, Sir. The hon. Member is quite mistaken. What I said was that a proper evacuation under proper conditions from certain places is part of the Government's policy, but that general panic evacuation is not part of the policy.

What is the use of that answer? What is a proper evacuation? We have not any idea what the right hon. Gentleman means.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the decision that the evacuation of schoolchildren is to be upon a voluntary basis, he has arranged that full compulsory education, medical inspection and treatment, school meals and milk shall be available to schoolchildren in all areas of the country?

Compulsory full-time education, medical inspection and treatment and milk are available generally in reception and neutral areas and in evacuation areas, so far as the safety of the children permits. The normal facilities for school meals are also generally available, but these are, as they were also before the war, less extensive than the facilities for the supply of milk.

Do I understand from that answer that full facilities on the lines that I have indicated will shortly be provided throughout the country?

No, Sir. They are available now except in a very limited part of the evacuation areas.

Why should those parts of the country be excluded?

Local authorities in certain evacuation areas have not yet made full provision for the safety of the children who would be compulsorily made to attend the schools if they were opened.

asked the Attorney-General what steps have been taken to give insurance cover for third party and other risks to all those Local Defence Volunteers and air-raid precautions workers who use their motor cars and motor cycles in the course of their duties and whose present policies do not cover war risks?

I have been asked to reply. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary that Civil Defence workers required by local authorities to use their motor cars and motor cycles on duty are covered as regards third party and passenger claims and damage to their cars, except where due to war operations, by the Civil Defence policy. Compensation for loss or damage to their cars due to war operations may be claimed on the footing of requisitioned cars, in accordance with Section 4 (1) of the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939. The position of vehicles used for Local Defence Volunteer purposes is somewhat different. Such use is permissive, and it is understood that the use of private cars for these purposes (except in connection with war operations) is generally accepted by insurance companies, within the cover and subject to any restrictions indicated on individual policies. Damage due to war risks is excluded by all types of policy, and damage coming under this head would normally fall to be dealt with under the Government scheme of compensation. Certain points in connection with Local Defence Volunteer use of cars are under further discussion with the insurers. Personal injuries received by volunteers, if arising out of and in the course of duty or due to war injuries, would fall under the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme, 1939, or under the scheme of compensation for Local Defence Volunteers, as the case may be.

Would my hon. Friend bear in mind the urgency of coming to a decision with the insurance companies in view of the grave doubt that there is among local volunteer corps as to their position, and will he treat the matter as being urgent?

I do not quite understand, but, generally speaking, there is no doubt. Doubt arises only in regard to certain individual and limited policies. In that case the insured people must consult the insurance companies, although the Secretary of the Territorial Association will very gladly help them.

Would not my hon. Friend again consider the point which was dealt with last week of having an unlicensed and laid-up car to each group headquarters of the Local Defence Volunteers?

Consideration is being given to that point, but there are objections to the use of unlicensed cars in an indiscriminate manner.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that there are 24,000 chemists and 12,000 chemists' businesses in England and Wales; and whether he will take steps to include these businesses, together with those in Scotland, under central Government control during these days of emergency, and thereby assist in the great national war effort?

I am not clear as to the grounds on which it is suggested that central control of this particular class of retail business would contribute to the national war effort, and I shall be grateful if my hon. Friend will communicate to me the considerations which he has in mind.

My object in putting the Question to the hon. Gentleman is to ask that chemists' shops in congested areas might be used as first-aid centres.

The only interest of the Home Office in chemists' shops as such is in regard to the requirements of certain Acts of Parliament dealing with the sale of poisons, but I will convey the hon. Member's suggestion to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

I am anxious, not that people should be poisoned, but to keep them alive, and I want this service throughout the country, especially in congested areas, to be used in emergencies for first-aid purposes. Can it be done?

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the continued high level of unemployment in the Metropolitan area; and what steps are being used to bring this reserve of labour into the national war effort?

The number of those unemployed in the London division has fallen considerably since the beginning of the year. It must be recognised, however, that the opportunities for normal employment in that area have been greatly reduced owing to war-time measures, and this process will be intensified in the near future. It will be necessary in a large number of cases for those thrown out of employment to be prepared to take work in other districts, and in appropriate cases the Ministry of Labour will pay lodging allowances. Many of the men will be suitable for engineering training in the Government centres, and I hope that they will take advantage of the opportunities which exist in this direction.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to continue the enrolment and training of men to the limits of our man-power in view of changed circumstances and the fact that sea-borne invasion on a serious scale is a remote contingency?

I cannot accept the view of my hon. and gallant Friend that present circumstances warrant any relaxation in the efforts of His Majesty's Government to utilise to the full the manpower of the nation.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether any representatives of the Dominions operate in conjunction with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research; and what arrangements are made for looking into inventions submitted to that Department by Dominion inventors?

Close contact is maintained directly between the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and the corresponding research departments in the Dominions. Publications and reports are exchanged, and immediate consultation is usual on all matters of common interest. Additional contacts are provided through the High Commissioners representing Dominion Governments in this country. In particular, the Food Investigation Board of the Department, being intimately concerned with certain of the primary products of the Dominions contains representatives of the several High Commissioners. No arrangements other than those normally made in the Department for the consideration of inventions are required for the consideration of the small number of inventions submitted to the Department by Dominion inventors.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he is satisfied that the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has an adequate staff to enable it to investigate quickly, and to sort out, the large number of inventions which are submitted at the present time, some of which might be of the greatest value in connection with the prosecution of the war; and whether he will consider the desirability of adding to the present staff and utilising the services of the large number of persons with scientific qualifications whose names are on the Central Register but who are still without useful employment?

The number of inventions submitted to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research is not large, and the Department's existing staff is adequate to deal quickly with those which it receives. In any event, inventions such as those relating to munitions of war, or other military, naval, air or home defence problems are referred immediately to the appropriate other Department. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.

Does the Lord President of the Council yet realise that this is a war of science and engineering, and that there is no scientist or engineer in the Government; and that it is about time that that was put right?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a strong feeling among a large number of scientific workers that really useful inventions are not being adequately examined; and will he consider whether some wider and better plan can be adopted for the consideration of these inventions?

The Question related to inventions submitted to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. There are not many inventions submitted to that Department. There are, of course, research departments in other Departments of State, to which inventions are submitted. Questions about those should be submitted to the Ministers responsible.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the immediate formation under compulsory powers of a civilian labour corps, as a supplement to the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps, to include, among others, suitable able-bodied unemployed and registered conscientious objectors, engaged at Army rates of pay, to assist the military authorities in the rapid construction of defensive works throughout the country, thus avoiding the expense of contract labour for such purposes?

My right hon. Friend has consulted my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War, with whom rests the responsibility for deciding what defence works are necessary. He understands that defence works are at present being carried out partly by contract, and partly by the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps. Consideration is being given to the question of supplementing by other methods the work done in this way; but, in existing circumstances, where speed and efficiency are of major importance, my right hon. Friend does not think it would be desirable to adopt the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion.

Is the hon. Member aware that this does not entirely represent the view of the military authorities, who have to pay a very high price indeed for contract labour? Why should the Government be so afraid of the word "compulsion," when we have given them compulsory powers?

That question is certainly one for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War, and not for me.

asked the Home Secretary whether or not the hon. and gallant Member for Midlothian and Peebles (Captain Ramsay) has been given an opportunity for consulting his solicitor in private or of instructing counsel to represent him before the Advisory Committee; and, as a person detained in prison for over five weeks, without any charge being brought against him, subjected to 20 hours solitary confinement out of 24 hours and only allowed one visitor and two letters a week, cannot adequately prepare and present his case before the tribunal, whether he will make sure that proper assistance is afforded in this case?

Every application for a visit to the hon, and gallant Member from his solicitor has been granted, and a solicitor has in fact visited him on four occasions between 15th and 29th June. The instructions to prison governors provide for the supervision of all such visits, and it is not possible to make exceptions in individual cases; but I can find no ground for the suggestion that the hon. and gallant Member has been deprived of any necessary facilities for preparing the case he may wish to present to the Advisory Committee.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the Advisory Committee refused the application of the hon. and gallant Member to see a solicitor in private? Does he not consider that the hon. and gallant Member is entitled to normal legal advice?

The prison authorities have instructions to treat people detained under Regulation 18B with every possible consideration. The statement that the hon. and gallant Member is allowed only four hours' association with others in Brixton Prison is, in fact, untrue. He is allowed association and exercise for periods of between seven and eight hours. In regard to the question of seeing his solicitor in private, I think it must be borne in mind that an element of national security is involved in all these cases under Regulation 18B, and I do not think that anybody who has a clear conscience would in the least mind his visits being supervised.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the proceedings will be open to the, public, and can he indicate in what way there is any risk to national security?

I should have thought it was perfectly clear that the proceedings before the Advisory Committee must be held in private.

Why should not the hon. and gallant Member see his solicitor in private? Does my hon. Friend not trust the legal profession, and does he consider that a Cabinet Minister, if charged with endangering the safety of the country, could defend himself properly if subjected to treatment such as the hon. and gallant Member has suffered?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the strong feeling that exists that many of the senior Civil Service posts are occupied by people so trained in peace time Treasury methods as to be unable to give the most efficient service in war-time when quite other methods are required; and whether in such cases he will take steps to replace them by men who are capable of initiative and of giving rapid decisions?

I do not think that experience justifies the reflection upon members of the Civil Service contained in my hon. Friend's Question. I am satisfied that the service in all its ranks is fully capable of discharging quickly and efficiently the duties entrusted to it.

Will the Committee appointed by the Government to look into the Treasury put an end to the unfortunate influence of Sir Horace Wilson?

Will the Lord Privy Seal bear in mind that the country is absolutely fed up with the stagnation in the Civil Service?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that Members of this House who send letters which are answered by civil servants often have to wait a month before they get an answer?

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that many of us are greatly perturbed because Ministers are not aware of some things about which every back bencher knows?

Is it not unfair to the Civil Service? Ought we not to blame the Ministers themselves? Civil servants have to carry out the orders of the Ministers.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that the fact that the Emergency Services Act, passed by this House a month ago, is still not in force is due to some of the causes mentioned by the hon. Member in the Question?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider releasing for military service a large percentage of civil servants in Government offices of military age, and replacing them where necessary by business men above military age?

Large numbers of civil servants are already serving in His Majesty's Forces, and the present ages of reservation have been fixed as representing a fair balance between the needs of the Armed Forces on the one hand, and of the administration of Government on the other. The question of a revision of the existing ages is kept periodically under review, in the light of circumstances.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to the continued refusal of Government Departments to use the services of many competent persons solely because their age exceeds a prescribed limit; and will he authorise the abolition of this limit?

I have no evidence that Government Departments are refusing, on the grounds of age, to use the services of competent persons. The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.