asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the Government were aware that Herr Hitler and his staff were to be present in the Forest of Compiegne on 21st June?

The hon. Member will appreciate that it is impossible for me to give details of the information available to us from intelligence sources.

But was it not the Government's policy to interrupt the harmony of the proceedings?

I cannot add anything to the answer I have given.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can now make a statement as to the Distinguished Flying Cross being awarded for bravery without class distinction, as with the Victoria Cross?

No, Sir.

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware that in March last I was told by the present Chancellor of the Exchequer that this matter had been submitted to the Coordination Committee, and may I press the hon. and gallant Member to urge his right hon. Friend to give this matter further consideration?

As the hon. Member will appreciate, the Air staffs, who will have primarily to consider this matter, have been very hard pressed with matters of greater urgency. Nevertheless, my right hon. Friend received the papers either yesterday or the day before and will give the matter his personal consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is taking steps to ensure that the experience gained by all ranks during the recent fighting is made available at the earliest possible moment to the Air Ministry and also to operational commanders?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has arranged that selected officers and airmen of all ranks, engaged on both flying and ground duties, should have an opportunity of bringing personally to the notice of the Air Ministry and of operational commands the views they have formed as a result of battle experience. A series of meetings is being held for this purpose, over which Air Chief Marshal Sir Robert Brooke-Popham presides, and at which representatives of the Air Staff and of Fighter, Bomber, Coastal and Training Commands are present. My right hon. Friend is confident that valuable information will be obtained and disseminated in this way.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is satisfied that the wireless apparatus at present fitted in the fighter machines is the best al obtainable?

The wireless apparatus referred to by the hon. Member is under constant development and improvement. It is the endeavour at all times to have latest developments incorporated in equipment issued to the Royal Air Force, consistent with the need for continuous production.

Is the Minister aware that a certain fighter squadron in action recently complained that the latest issue is less efficient than the wireless apparatus that was taken out?

No, Sir; I am not aware of that, and if the hon. Member cares to send me any particulars, I will certainly look into the point.

Has the Minister talked to men who have actually flown in these planes and got their view of whether they could really hear?

Yes, Sir, I have actually talked to people who have flown in the planes, and I have actually flown in the planes myself and have been able to form my own opinion.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production whether he has considered the advisability of erecting refineries in Halifax, Nova Scotia, instead of proceeding with the schemes at present in hand; and whether he has considered this from the point of view of vulnerability, economy and available steel supplies?

It would not be in the public interest to give information in regard to the erection of refineries, but if my hon. Friend would care to discuss the matter with me, I should be glad to do so.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that I have discussed this matter with four different Departments, all of whom disclaimed any responsibility?

If the hon. Member wishes to discuss these matters with me, I am quite prepared to see him, as I said in answer to his original Question.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that I have endeavoured to discuss this matter with the Ministers of four Departments for the last month or six weeks, and there has been no encouragement whatever given to me?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production whether his attention has been called to the McLaren under-carriage; and whether he will assure the House that this invention is receiving every consideration for use with existing and future aircraft?

Yes, Sir. This type of under-carriage is being investigated by this Ministry in close collaboration with the inventor, who at our request has been screened from calling up in order that he may continue to work on his invention.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this invention was put forward nearly two years ago but that very little has been done, and is it not now time that those stick-in-the-muds at Farnborough were cleared out?

I do not quite follow that. I have told the hon. Member that we are encouraging this gentleman to continue with his invention and have reserved him from active Air Force service with that end in view, and we shall do our utmost, if he perfects the invention and it is a good one, to see that it is adopted.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production whether he has received any information in regard to the refusal of Mr. Henry Ford to manufacture in the United States of America, Rolls-Royce type aero engines for export to this country; and whether any steps are being taken in Canada or this country to ensure that any works in which Mr. Ford has an interest are rendered independent of his influence?

As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given yesterday to the question put by my hon. Friend the Member for Romford (Mr. Parker). In so far as the second part of the Question refers to the United Kingdom, the answer is in the negative. Any question relating to Canada should be addressed to the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has made a survey of all the superfluous and derelict steel rails throughout the railway systems of the country, with a view to utilising them for the national war effort?

My Department has considered this matter with the Railway Executive Committee. Any superfluous but still serviceable rails are used in the construction of sidings and other emergency works needed for the war. Unserviceable rails are handed over to the Iron and Steel Control.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is a lot of other material on the railway systems which could be used for war purposes?

asked the Minister of Health why able-bodied tramps are now being kept in workhouses at the public expense; and whether he will direct them to useful war work?

It is necessary to make provision in casual wards and other places for the reception of tramps, but the number of able-bodied men so accommodated at any one time is not very large. Arrangements are being made with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service for local officers of his Department to be kept advised of the number of able-bodied men in casual wards so that they can be placed in useful war work whenever possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider a plan by which married women can give their gold wedding rings to the Government, and receive in exchange a ring of some non-rusting metal and a printed certificate of honour, such exchanges to be made at the post offices?

This suggestion has from time to time been made, but my right hon. Friend does not think at the present moment it is necessary to adopt it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that wedding rings are regarded by many women as their most priceless possession? They would be prepared to give them to the Government, but they would like to exchange them for another ring.

I am aware that wedding rings are regarded by women as their most priceless possessions, and it is because of that fact that I want to be quite sure that the sacrifice would be commensurate with the advantages gained.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider letting wedding rings out on hire?

asked the Postmaster-General what steps have been taken to detect and stop the serious pilfering of letters that is taking place all over the London area, involving not only great inconvenience but the loss of considerable sums of money?

I fully recognise the inconvenience occasioned by losses in the post. Such losses are kept constantly under notice by the investigation branch of the Post Office and the police officers attached thereto. Every effort is made to detect offenders, and several, including some postal servants in the London area, have been prosecuted since the beginning of the year. Actually the complaints of losses in the London postal area are less this year than for the corresponding period last year.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of the greatest sufferers by these post office thefts are persons of small means whose hire-purchase payments and similar payments have been stolen; and is he also aware that up to date one society has lost £1,500 and 190 letters?

It is not always correct to assume that when a letter is lost it is lost in the post. It may be lost at either one end or the other. The difficulty of detecting offences of this character is rendered greater by the action of members of the public in putting Treasury notes into ordinary envelopes.

Is the Postmaster-General aware that a member of His Majesty's Government has just received a letter which was posted 20 years ago?

I am not aware of that.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the irritation aroused through the Post Office charging double postage on unstamped letters sent by returned soldiers from Dunkirk to their parents, informing them of their safe return; and whether he will take steps to avoid any repetition of this grievance?

Instructions were issued to all post offices in this country that correspondence posted by British troops in course of evacuation from France should be accepted without stamps and delivered free of charge. If the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of any cases in which surcharges were incorrectly raised, I shall be glad to arrange for the amounts to be refunded.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider granting free postage on home letters from all overseas troops serving in this country?

I am already in communication with the Dominions authorities with a view to enabling them to arrange for their forces in this country to send their letters home free of postage.

asked the Secretary of State for War what new arrangements have been made effective since Wednesday last with regard to the comfort of troops at London and provincial railway termini?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given yesterday to my hon. Friends the Members for Gateshead (Mr. Magnay) and English Universities (Mr. E. Harvey). I can now add that proposals for bringing the canteen and rest room facilities at Liverpool Street and Paddington Stations up to the required standard have been prepared. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport informs me that the two railway companies concerned have willingly agreed that the required additional accommodation shall be made immediately available. Certain necessary structural alterations are being put in hand forthwith.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend see that special attention is given to the London Midland and Scottish Railway's main station at Manchester—London Road—in regard to the continued refusal of the L.M.S. to allow voluntary services to take food for the troops on to the station?

I cannot accept that version of the facts, but I will certainly look into the matter.

Are the War Office or the railway companies responsible for providing these services?

The welfare of the troops is a War Office responsibility.

If there is plenty of room in the termini hotels, why could not provision be made there?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in connection with facilities for troops at London railway termini, he will consider the desirability of placing all arrangements at the different railway termini for the proper reception of troops under the respective general officer commanding-in-chief, particular attention being paid to the London district?

The general arrangements for the welfare of troops at railway stations now being made with the railway companies must necessarily be dealt with centrally by the War Office, in consultation with the Ministry of Transport, but this in no way impairs the responsibility of general officers commanding-in-chief for ensuring the welfare of troops in their commands, in accordance with approved policy.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that it would not be just entirely to blame the rail way companies for the inadequate accommodation? Is not this matter one entirely for the War Office? Cannot we get rid of this nightmare of laissez faire? Can we not put one man in charge and get the whole matter dealt with at once?

I have just replied that the welfare of the troops is a War Office responsibility.

Take immediate action, then. There is no sign of it.

We have taken immediate action.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what methods are adopted by the police when making inquiries into the bona fides and character of people desiring to become members of the Local Defence Volunteers, as, in some districts, the questioning of neighbours is resented?

The nature of the inquiries necessarily varies according to circumstances, but, so far at any rate as the Metropolitan Police are concerned, it is not the practice to make inquiries of neighbours.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that my Question related to outside London rather than to inside? When questions are asked of neighbours, I think it may be necessary to do so; but would the hon. Gentleman see to it that people who are asked about the character of their neighbours can be assured that there is nothing sinister about the neighbours to necessitate the questions being asked?

If the hon. Gentleman has any specific instances in regard to which he would like me to make inquiries, I shall be very pleased to do so; but we ought to bear in mind the very great importance of making sure that no person of doubtful antecedents gets into the L.D.V.

Have not the police been most efficient and tactful in carrying out their duties?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the national minimum wage carries with it uniformity of weekly hours of work?

No, Sir. The fixing of the number of hours to constitute the normal working week in each area is left to the county wages committees. In determining the new wage rates, only one of these committees—that for Durham—has made any substantial increase in the number of hours in relation to which the weekly wage is payable; and in that case my right hon. Friend is considering whether he should exercise his power under Section 6 of the Agricultural Wages Act, 1924, to direct the committee to reconsider their decision.

While thanking the Minister for the latter part of his reply, may I ask him whether there was any substantial reason why Durham should increase hours from 50 to 60 per week? Is it also true that in that county they have fixed wages for women workers at under 6d. an hour?

My reply to the first part of the question is that I know of no special reason why Durham should have acted differently from any other county. I am afraid that the reply to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

What figure was fixed in that county for women's work on the land?

My recollection is that the figure for women workers beyond 18 years of age is round about 5½d.

In view of the fact that 5½d. an hour is not in accordance with the spirit of the Act, what is the hon. Gentleman's Department doing to see that the women are paid fairly?

I certainly do not intend to attempt to justify 5½d. an hour.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will find time for the Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member for Evesham relating to Government fixation of prices for agricultural produce?

No, Sir, I can hold out no hope of time being given for the discussion of this Motion. I would, however, remind my hon. Friend of the recent statement made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and also of the general Debate on agriculture which takes place to-morrow.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the all-important part of this Motion relates to the indebtedness of agriculturists to the banks? Is he not himself the chairman of a Cabinet committee dealing with agricultural matters, and would he inquire into it himself and give us the value of his advice?

I shall be willing to inquire into anything which the hon. Member suggests.

Would the right hon. Gentleman support it then? A stereotyped answer is no good without support.

asked the Home Secretary whether recent happenings have confirmed his opinion that strips of paper on windows reduce accidents from broken glass during air raids; and, if so, whether he will take the necessary steps to prevent the continued insertion in the Press of statements that paper on glass is useless?

As indicated in various publications issued by my Department, certain forms of adhesive treatments on glass provide some protection against distant effects of bombs, but it is clearly indicated that if paper is used, it must be thick and tough, and must be applied with proper adhesives. Thin papers applied in strips are not recommended as an effective means of reducing accidents. While experience up to the present is limited, there is no reason to doubt the advice given on this matter by my Department. A watch is kept on the accuracy of statements in the Press relating to air-raid precautions, and if my hon. Friend has in mind statements in advertisements, arrangements have been made for a voluntary censorship.

Have not the Home Department knowledge of the right kind of paper to be used, and cannot they acquaint manufacturers with their experience and knowledge so that householders may have this means of protection?

There is no need to do so. The right kind of paper is readily available.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that a certain Sunday paper has printed lessons on air raids, and that one of the lessons stated that paper upon glass is useless during air raids?

Statements of that kind are carefully watched. Thin paper is not much good, but tough, thick paper properly applied is of use.

asked the Home Secretary in order to protect the local population from overcrowding, what provision has been made to provide air-raid shelters for those attending greyhound race meetings at Harringay and the White City?

It has not been the practice to require the provision of air-raid shelter for all those attending entertainments. In the case of greyhound race meetings, football matches, and similar outdoor entertainments, the grounds are used only for a matter of hours in each week in the daytime, the attendances have been limited, and the spectators are advised to remain on the ground if there should be an air-raid warning, though some of them would no doubt leave. A concrete stand affords a measure of protection; there is cover of this kind at Harringay for about 6,000 persons. No race meetings are being held at the White City.

Surely the hon. Gentleman is aware that many more than 6,000 are now attending these meetings, and it is grossly unfair to the local population that they should not only have the nuisance of these people coming but that in the event of an air raid they would run a great risk of not getting into the shelters. Can nothing be done to stop this state of affairs?

The Government have adopted this policy in regard to entertainments. This has been the policy ever since the war started.

Yes, but they are legitimate entertainments.

Should not these things now be prohibited?

That is another matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether an early statement can be made as to who is to exercise supreme authority in connection with matters of home defence and internal security, in view of the fact that instructions are now being received from five or six Ministries, often contradictory and involving the recipients in a large amount of paper work?

Yes, Sir. An early statement on this subject will be made. I cannot accept the allegation contained in the Question.

Will consideration also be given at that time to the lack of coincidence between the different areas? Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the regional commissioners' areas do not coincide with any military command, and that the result is that confusion must arise?

I am aware that there is certain overlapping between the different areas. There are many areas in this country which have grown up in time, and they do not in all cases coincide. I think it would be impossible to revise them at the present moment.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that the country desires to give full support to the Government, but that confusion in the orders that are issued does not help?

Does it not become clearer and clearer that there is no real co-ordination? Why not get on with it?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will ration the supply of paper to all Government Departments to 25 per cent. of that used last year, with a view not only to economy, but to releasing for more useful occupations larger numbers of employés, who at present fill in and initial forms?

In view of the increasing activities of Departments directly engaged on the war effort, it would not be practicable to adopt a rationing system on the lines suggested by the hon. Member. He may, however, rest assured that the paper requirements of Departments are being specially scrutinised with a view to the maximum possible reduction in all cases. I am unable to accept the implication contained in the last part of the Question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that a large number of industrialists and manufacturers in this country feel that there is an unnecessarily large number of forms to fill in, and that if these Departments could be deprived of paper, it would increase the war effort enormously?

The hon. Gentleman, in the scheme which he propounds, has forgotten that a great number of Departments were not in existence a year ago, and one cannot therefore ration on a previous basis.

Rationing could be applied on the basis of the number of Departments in existence before a year ago?

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that I can give an instance in which seven sheets of foolscap paper were used for one small contract which could be written on one half of one sheet of paper?

Any question about contracts and the method of arrangement had better be put to the Minister concerned.

Has the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's attention been called to page 193 of today's Order Paper?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what is now the number of the staffs of the Milk Marketing Board in this country; what function is now left for the Board; and whether the employés are in a reserved occupation?

As the answer is rather long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circular it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will consider issuing increased sugar rations to invalids whose need for such increase is certified by doctors?

The question whether certain invalids require an increased sugar ration has been considered by the Food Rationing (Special Diets) Committee of the Medical Research Council, which has advised that extra rations should be allowed to those suffering from spontaneous hypoglycaemia. The committee do not consider that extra sugar rations are required for any other type of invalid.

May I ask what my hon. Friend referred to; and does he think that it will affect me at all?

It is a very rare disease.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what steps are being taken to ensure that the food value of the exceptional crop of strawberries and other soft fruits is not wasted by failure to allow sugar for preserving?

My Noble Friend is making arrangements which he hopes will prove effective for this purpose. Supplies of sugar to commercial jam makers are being increased, and a special allotment o sugar to the extent of 6 lbs. per ration book has already been issued to householders who are growers of their own fruit. A general additional issue of 2 lbs. per ration book will be made during the period beginning 8th July to enable householders, whether growers or purchasers of fruit, to assist further in the domestic preservation of fruit then in season. It is proposed, if the supply situation permits, that a second additional ration shall be made available later for the plum crop.

My Noble Friend has also given attention to the question of the preservation of surplus fruit grown in allotments and private gardens, for which additional sugar supplies may be necessary. Arrangements have been made throughout the rural areas of England and Wales for the co-operative preservation of fruit at the depots of the Women's Institutes and in Scotland through the Women's Rural Institutes and Surplus Fruit Disposal Committees are being set up in towns and suburban areas in England and Wales to make arrangements on similar lines where possible. When this is not possible surplus fruit will be diverted to hospitals, institutions, schools and communal centres or such other arrangements made as may be suitable in particular districts. To facilitate these arrangements a special sugar issue, on the basis of ¾ lb. of sugar per lb. of fruit for jam making, and 1/5th lb. of sugar per lb. of fruit for bottling, will be made where necessary. Similar schemes for urban areas in Scotland with such modifications as are necessary to meet special Scottish conditions are being prepared.

Before the additional supply for plums is forthcoming may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman is aware that the hon. Member for Lincoln has a large quantity of raspberries, loganberries, black and red currants; and what must he do about it?

Have you got all the raspberries we have given you in the last five years?

asked the Minister of Supply the amount of work entrusted by his Department to Sir Alexander Gibb and Partners since 1st July, 1939?

As I disclosed the amount of the fee payable to this firm in response to my hon. Friend's Question on 19th June, I should have liked also to disclose the value of the work being done by them, so that hon. Members could have seen for themselves that the fee is small in relation to the extensive character of the works. I am afraid, however, that it would not be in the national interest to do so, but I shall be prepared, if desired, to communicate the information to my hon. Friend in private.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that it is estimated that between 2,000 and 3,000 tons of non-ferrous scrap metal are lying idle in London; that the scrap-metal merchants concerned, whose yards are full to overflowing, find it impossible to sell this scrap to his Ministry; and why this scrap is not all immediately bought up for use in the national emergency?

I am informed that there is a keen demand for the higher grades of brass scrap, which are passing readily into consumption, but that there has been some increase in stocks of low-grade material. Inquiries are being made of the scrap merchants regarding the quantities and qualities of the scrap in their hands, in order that steps can be taken to see that it passes into use.

Is the Minister not aware that the scrap yards are fuller than they have ever been before—in fact, almost at a standstill? Will he consider whether it is not possible that the present control of non-ferrous metals has something to do with that?

I have examined this matter this morning. My hon. Friend will appreciate that scrap is of varying qualities, and that that has to be considered, but I am getting into touch with the Non-Ferrous Metal Controller on the matter.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that we insist unduly on Rolls-Royce standards for our material; and might not a consideration of less high standards enable us to make use of this useless scrap?

My hon. Friend will appreciate that that is largely a matter for the appropriate Service Departments, but I have made it known that that is an aspect of the matter which is to be given proper and urgent consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that all over the country large quantities of scrap, ferrous and non-ferrous, are awaiting collection, and that nothing is being done about it? Could he expedite the collection?

Something is being done about it. I have made arrangements with the proper people to organise it, particularly in the rural areas. I imagine that some of the heaps to which the hon. and gallant Member refers are in course of accumulation, and will be collected in due course. The situation is not entirely satisfactory, but we have made big changes in the right direction.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the schemes are all right, but that the collection does not occur in the right places?

asked the Minister of Supply whether any of the work of repairing Army lorries, which could be undertaken by garage proprietors, is still being carried out by motor-manufacturing firms, thus taking up space and labour which could be utilised in aircraft production?

The work of repairing Army lorries under the Ministry of Supply scheme is, and always has been, carried out by garage proprietors, not motor manufacturing firms. Some vehicle manufacturers have repair depots in various districts, and use has been made of these facilities, treating the depots as garages in the ordinary way. This work in depots does not take up any space or labour that would otherwise be utilised in aircraft production.

asked the Minister of Supply what steps he has taken to ensure that the steel for which he is responsible is used only on vital war production; and if he can now announce that supplies of steel for ordinary building will be stopped at once?

My hon. Friend may rest assured that adequate steps are taken to ensure that the steel allocated by the Production Council for use by my Department is only used for essential purposes. As regards the second part of the Question, the acquisition of steel for building is already strictly controlled, with the exception of relatively small quantities sold by merchants. I am issuing an Order today prohibiting the use of steel already in contractors' hands for building purposes, except under licence, and restricting still further the sales by merchants for this purpose.

Does that mean that many of the buildings now going up in London, which have no apparent war purpose, will come to an end?

That must depend on the merits of the case and on the progress that has been already made.

asked the Minister of Supply what machinery exists in Scotland to co-ordinate the work of his officials who select contractors as suitable for Government work and the officials responsible for processing and inspection?

The position of Scotland in this matter is no different from that of the rest of the country. The selection of contractors is done in the case of new firms after an assessment of their capacity by representatives of the production departments of the Ministry, in consultation with the area officer. At all times the production and inspection staffs work in close conjunction. With regard to the strengthening of local machinery generally, my right hon. Friend made a full reply on 26th June to a Question by the hon. Member for Stoke (Mr. Ellis Smith).

If I give illustrations to the hon. Gentleman of lack of co-ordination in the matter, will he take them up?

Certainly, Sir.

What steps are taken by the area committee in Glasgow to make known to contractors in that area the requirements of the Minister? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that very few contractors in Glasgow know anything about the area committee?

The answer is that the function of the committee is to advise the area board. With regard to the general question, my information is that a very high percentage, rising to as much as 95 per cent. of the engineering capacity of Glasgow, has already been utilised by Supply Departments.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how often that area committee has met?

asked the Minister of Supply whether contractors, not in possession of all the timber they require for Government contracts when national stocks are released and new prices specified, will be permitted to alter their tenders to the extent that new timber prices exceed present controlled prices?

I assume that my hon. Friend has in mind contracts made with Government Departments before 1st July, the date on which the Control of Timber (No. 13) Order came into force. As regards such contracts which involve the use of home-grown timber, no change is made by the new Order in the maximum prices ruling before 1st July. The prices of imported plywood also remain unchanged for the time being, pending the issue of a separate Order which I propose to make at an early date. With regard to contracts involving the use of imported timber other than plywood, the new Order provides that, subject to the conditions prescribed in the Order, the maxi- mum prices ruling before 1st July continue to apply to timber in respect of which before that date an order has been given and accepted in writing and a licence has been issued to acquire the timber. I am advised that the majority of existing contracts should be safeguarded by this provision. In cases, however, where a Government contractor can produce evidence that for reasons beyond his control he is not so safeguarded, he would normally be in a position, by virtue of the provisions in his contract, to submit a contractual claim for re-imbursement of the extra cost of his timber. If a contractual claim cannot be made, each case will be sympathetically considered by the Department concerned on its merits, with a view to making an ex gratia payment in excess of the contract price. As regards contracts which were still under negotiation on and after 1st July, it is, of course, open to a firm to amend its tender at any time prior to its acceptance by the Department concerned.