asked the Home Secretary whether, with the object of obtaining greater care on the part of motorists during certain times of the day or night in specified circumstances, he will consider instructing the police who find a car inadequately immobilised to remove an essential part of the mechanism and leave a label on the car to the effect that the missing part may be recovered at the police station on personal application?

The police are already empowered to take this action by the provisions of the Motor Vehicles (Control) Order of 26th June. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the Home Secretary whether, with the object of discouraging potential traitors and fifth columnists when a Nazi invasion arrives, he will consider enforcing the death penalty or immediate deportation of any proved participant in a Nazi conspiracy, irrespective of the individual's nationality, military or social standing, as prompt and drastic action now by his Department will save many innocent British lives?

Any person proved to have participated in a Nazi conspiracy against the security of this country would be guilty of an offence under the Treachery Act and liable on conviction to suffer the death penalty. My hon. Friend may rest assured that I, for my part, should not be deterred by any such considerations as he mentions from taking immediate action, under the powers with which I have been entrusted, to defeat any such conspiracy.

asked the Home Secretary why Lady Pearson, who founded the Sandwich, Kent, branch of the British Union of Fascists in 1934, and was announced as the Fascist candidate for Canterbury in 1936, was arrested since the start of the war, and then released?

asked the Home Secretary under what regulation Lady Pearson was detained and for how long; whether she appeared before any advisory tribunal; and what representations were made on her behalf and by whom?

By the Defence Regulations power has been given to the police to detain persons temporarily pending consideration of the question whether there are grounds for a detention order under Regulation 18B: and the fact that an individual so detained may be subsequently released ought not to be regarded as an indication that the temporary detention was unwarranted. On the contrary, there are cases in which it is right in present circumstances that a suspected person should be so detained temporarily, though subsequent inquiries and further consideration of the case may result in a decision not to make an order of detention under Regulation 18B. This is what occurred in the case to which my hon. Friends refer. The lady was detained on 4th June. A report was sent to me by the police, and after consideration of this report I decided on 8th June that the case was not one for an order under Regulation 18B. My decision was based on the facts and circumstances reported to me by the police.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the communication sent to him by the hon. Member for Maryhill, referring to the Fascist activities of Major Davidson Houston; and what action does he intend to take?

This man was arrested by the Kent Police on 4th June and, after consideration of all the information available, I decided that it was not necessary to make a detention order against him, but I made an order under Regulation 18A of the Defence Regulations requiring him to remain out of protected areas and to notify any change of address to the police. I have since received further information in consequence of which I have now made an order for his detention.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the constant disturbances and annoyance occasioned by the action of certain members of the air-raid precautions personnel in the Harley Street area, details of which have been submitted to him; and whether he will take action to control this body?

A depot for air-raid precautions personnel cannot be maintained without some noise, which will be audible to persons living in the neighbourhood; but I understand that in the case to which my hon. Friend refers the local authority are taking steps to alter the present arrangements for the parking of vehicles and the stationing of pickets in such a way as to reduce to a minimum the disturbance caused to residents in the neighbourhood.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the desirability of two types of air-raid warning, one a preliminary which will allow people to make preparations for taking cover and to send children, invalids and old people, etc., into shelters, and a second and more urgent warning, which will render it unnecessary for all persons at work to take to shelter until it is essential?

I think that the object which my hon. Friend has in mind will be secured under the policy which I announced on Tuesday in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Duddeston (Mr. Simmonds).

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has now reached a definite decision as to the sounding of air-raid warnings; and whether this can be done only when the actual anti-aircraft guns are heard with the object of avoiding the waste of time which is now entailed in productive work carried on at night?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department to a Question by the hon. Member for Duddeston (Mr. Simmonds) on 2nd July, 1940.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with the running of omnibuses in air raids?

During the period of an air-raid warning motor vehicles generally are permitted to proceed on their journey if the driver has good reason for doing so; and this rule applies to public service vehicles equally with other classes of vehicle. The issue of special guidance to the drivers of public service vehicles in any particular district is a matter which must be left to the operators of the undertaking.

asked the President of the Board of Education why air-raid shelters have not been provided at the Treeton council schools in the West Riding of Yorkshire; whether he is aware that the parents of the children, the school managers and the local parish council are concerned about the matter; and whether he will take the appropriate action?

The matter is one for the discretion of the local education authority in consultation with the local A.R.P. authority and I see no ground for intervention.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether it is intended to provide for evacuated school children air-raid protection where such is lacking; and, if not, will he state what is intended to secure the safety of such children?

It is contemplated that evacuated school children should have the same protection at school as that provided for the local children in the district to which they are evacuated, but the extent of the protection, if any, required in a particular school is a matter for the discretion of the local education authority in consultation with the local A.R.P. authority. In rural areas, except where aerodromes or other similar objectives are in close proximity to the school, there is rarely any occasion for the provision of formal protection other than simple precautions of the type recommended for private households in the pamphlet issued by the Ministry of Home Security entitled, "Your Home as an Air-Raid Shelter."

asked the Secretary for Petroleum whether simple directions have been given to garage proprietors and petrol stations showing them how to render their petrol useless in case of emergency?

It would not be in the national interest to make any public statement on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether adequate instructions have been issued in regard to the ringing of church bells as a warning that enemy parachutists have been sighted; from whom, in local areas, the instruction will issue to those in control of church bells to have them rung; and what arrangements have been made to have persons available competent to ring the bells?

Adequate arrangements have been made, but it would be contrary to the public interest to disclose any details.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the exodus of the population due to the fear of compul- sory evacuation of east coast towns in the defence area, whether he is aware of the financial plight of many authorities, private traders, and individuals generally; and what proposals he has to make to mitigate hardship in this respect?

Yes, Sir. As local authorities have already been informed, the central Government are prepared to come to the assistance of local government if there should be any danger of a breakdown, and the position is being carefully watched by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. As regards the position of individuals, a scheme has been formulated for applying a moratorium to certain local debts and for the protection of property within the evacuated areas. It is intended to issue the necessary regulations in a day or two. Persons who are in distress as a result of the war are eligible for assistance under the scheme for the prevention and relief of distress. In the event of compulsory evacuation, accommodation will be provided for evacuees without charge by the local authority in the receiving area.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that evacuees are still being billeted in restricted areas; what arrangements have been made to allow relations to see them; and whether they can be moved to other areas?

I presume that the Question refers to the defence areas which have been proclaimed under Regulation 16 (a) of the Defence Regulations. The considerations which lead to an area being made a defence area do not necessarily make it unsuitable for the dispersal of children within it. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Home Security has arranged with the chief constables and regional commissioners that parents may visit their evacuated children in defence areas, though organised parties by road are not encouraged.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the importance of preventing the civil population from crowding the roads and preventing the free movement of military transport in the event of invasion, he will take steps forthwith to make it clear to the public that they will be subject to severe penalties for using the roads without permission after an intimation has been given that the country is to be regarded as in a state of invasion?

As I have already stated, all practicable steps are being taken to ensure that in the event of hostile attack the movement of troops is not impeded by unnecessary traffic on the roads, and suitable measures are being taken to impress the importance of this matter upon the public.

asked the Home Secretary how many aliens in category C are now to be interned; and the cost per year of each to the country?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make a statement as to what are the principles upon which aliens are now being interned?

asked the Home Secretary whether it is his intention to intern gradually all C certificate German refugees?

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the great suffering, injustice and economic dislocation caused by the wholesale internment of aliens under general orders, he will consider modifying these orders, at least, in the case of those who after full investigation by the tribunals have been placed in category C, as refugees from Nazi oppression, and against whom no grounds for suspicion are known to the authorities?

In view of the exigencies of the military situation, certain further categories of Germans and Austrians now at large are being interned as a measure of precaution, but it would not be in the public interest to give details of the scheme at this stage. I realise, and regret, the hardships necessarily involved in any measure of wholesale internment; but in times of crisis considerations of military security must take precedence of all other considerations. I am taking such steps as are possible to mitigate the difficulties and hardships involved, by exempting from internment certain categories of persons whose position can be distinguished by reason of the value of their services to the national war effort.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in order to avoid unnecessary hardship for refugees of established good character, he will make an early statement of the intention of the Government in regard to the internment of Germans and Austrians classified by the tribunals in category C; and whether such persons will be given reasonable notice by the police before removal from their homes?

As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to-day to similar Questions by the hon. and gallant Member for Handsworth (Commander Locker-Lampson) and other Members. As regards the second part, the police have standing instructions to give reasonable facilities to an alien to make any necessary arrangements before effecting his internment.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has satisfied himself that adequate safeguards are now provided for the country's water undertakings against possible enemy action?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War gave to the hon. Member for Consett (Mr. D. Adams) on Tuesday last, and to the answer which I gave on 30th May to Questions by my hon. Friend the Member for Stretford (Mr. R. Etherton) and my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for West Leeds (Captain V. Adams).

asked the Home Secretary what liability rests with the Sunday school authorities in the event of a child being injured during an air-raid while attending a Sunday school?

Section 3 (1) (b) of the Personal Injuries (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1939, affords cover to Sunday school managers from actions arising from "war injuries," as defined in the Act, which have been received by a child while attending the school. With regard to in juries which are not "war injuries," it is impossible to say what the courts may decide as to the liability of the managers. The managers are not under any statutory duty to provide an air-raid shelter for children attending their school.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will now apply a measure of compulsion to the air-raid precautions service?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I have given to-day to a Question by the hon. Member for Moseley (Sir P. Hannon).

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give an assurance that neither Miss Mary Allen nor any other representative of the Women's Auxiliary Service will be permitted to attend future meetings of the Women's Voluntary Services for Civil Defence?

I understand that the Women's Auxiliary Service is no longer represented on the Advisory Council of Women's Voluntary Services for Civil Defence.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a manifesto issued by the Communist Party of Great Britain, dated 22nd June, a copy of which has been sent to him, which embodies proposals and suggestions calculated to frustrate and embarrass His Majesty's forces in the prosecution of the war; and what action he proposes to take to suppress false and subversive propaganda of this character?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered a manifesto, issued on 22nd June, by the Communist Party of Great Britain, a copy of which has been sent to him, which, by its advocacy of the class war, must adversely affect the united efforts of the country to bring the war against Germany to a successful conclusion; and what steps he proposes to take?

There is no difficulty in dealing under the existing law with people who are so misguided as to distribute these leaflets, but the manner and the scale on which they have recently been distributed raise issues of a wider character and these issues are now receiving the consideration which they undoubtedly deserve.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the communication sent to him by the hon. Member for Maryhill referring to the activities of the Link Publishing Company; and what action does he intend to take?

I am informed that this company is a bona fide business concern which has no connection whatever with the political organisation known as the Link. It was originally incorporated in 1908 as "Poultry Press, Ltd," and assumed its present name in 1932.

asked the Home Secretary what Spaniards have recently arrived in this country as refugees from France; whether any have been repatriated to France or Spain since the French armistice; where any remaining are housed; and why responsible refugee organisations are refused admittance to them?

I presume the hon. Member refers to Spaniards who came to this country as civilian refugees. They were treated like all other alien civilian refugees, and were accommodated in institutions in London pending the completion of inquiries about them and until arrangements could be made to accommodate them in billets. None of these civilian refugees have been repatriated either to France or to Spain since the Armistice. Some 63 Spaniards are at present in four institutions in London, namely, the Public Assistance Institutions at Anerley Road and at Camberwell, the Empress Hall, Earl's Court, and the Alexandra Palace. I am not aware that responsible refugee organisations were refused facilities to visit these refugees, but if my hon. Friend will give me particulars, I shall be glad to make inquiries.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that a German statute was promulgated immediately after the war giving German nationality to any foreigners volunteering for the German army, even in the case of persons who have not renounced their own nationality; and whether he will consider this statute as a precedent when considering cases of foreigners serving in or with the British Forces who desire to become British citizens?

It has already been decided in principle to afford special facilities for naturalisation to French citizens who continue to support the Allied cause; but I am not in a position to say anything more explicit at the present moment.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many nursery centres have been set up under Circular 1495; and, in view of the fact that the circular recognises the need for day-time occupation and adequate care for the children under five years of age who are, or may be evacuated, what further action is contemplated to implement this scheme?

The position was stated in my reply of 27th June to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Kilmarnock (Mr. Lindsay), a copy of which I am sending the hon. Member. The number of children under five years of age remaining from the original evacuation or sent out in the recent evacuations is comparatively small, but His Majesty's Inspectors have been asked to endeavour to secure either the establishment of nursery centres, where the number of children in a particular district is sufficient, or the admission of the children to the infants' departments of public elementary schools.

asked the President of the Board of Education what proposals he has received from the local education authority for Herefordshire relating to the employment in agriculture of children of school age; whether the action of the local authority in this matter has received his approval; and, if not, what steps he proposes to take to ensure that the education of these children is safeguarded?

The local education authority proposed that during the months from June to September boys of 12 and over and girls of 13 and over should be released from school for agricultural employment. On representations from the Board that such action was in direct contravention both of Section 18 of the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933, and of the School Attendance Bylaws, the authority withdrew the proposal.

asked the Home Secretary the number of occasions on which Lady Mosley has visited foreign countries since the outbreak of war, and on how many occasions she was granted a diplomatic visa?

I am informed that no exit permit has been granted to Lady Mosley since the outbreak of the war. I have no information about any visas that may have been granted to her by representatives of foreign Governments, but even if she had been granted such a visa this would not have enabled her to travel abroad without an exit permit.

asked the Minister of Supply the fees being paid by Sir Alexander Gibb and Partners, to Oscar Faber for supervising concrete work, roads and railways; to J. M. and D. M. Watson for supervising drainage work and to Professor Halford for architectural work at a royal ordnance factory in course of construction in the North of England; and whether such expenses are being reimbursed to Sir Alexander Gibb and Partners in addition to the £15,000 a year paid to them for their supervision in the construction of this and two other factories?

It would be contrary to established practice to publish the information asked for. The payments in question do not come out of the fee paid to Sir Alexander Gibb and Partners.

asked the Minister of Supply whether, as there are exceptional facilities and abundant labour in Northern Ireland to increase considerably the production of munitions of war, he will give orders to have a war factory erected there and meantime assign much more war work to that area, in order to provide employ- ment for those who are anxious to do their utmost to assure victory to Britain?

The question of erecting a munitions factory in Northern Ireland has recently been examined carefully by the Ministry of Supply. It has been decided, however, that the disadvantages involved in placing a factory in this area outweigh the advantages. My hon. Friend will not expect me to go into explanatory details which might assist the enemy. With regard to the latter portion of my hon. Friend's Question, my right hon. Friend is anxious to make the fullest possible use of the productive capacity of Northern Ireland, and I may mention that during the past four months additional contracts have been placed there by the Ministry aggregating more than £2,500,000.

asked the Minister of Supply what steps have been taken to utilise on the war effort the skilled services of woodworking firms throughout the country?

The Ministry of Supply are using such woodworking capacity as their limited requirements necessitate. This, however, is only a small proportion of the total capacity available. The general question of the utilisation of spare capacity in this and other industries is one of the tasks of a committee, of which I am chairman, of the Production Council.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is satisfied that the suggested bomb to be manufactured in old bottles would prove more satisfactory than the use of machinery which can be obtained from, or used in, the United States of America to produce grenades from 1 to 50 lbs. weight at the rate of from 850,000 to 1,000,000 per week; and will he take steps to secure this machinery?

While I am in a position to reassure my hon. Friend with regard to this matter, it would not be in the national interest that I should give any particulars.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will take steps to put a stop to the large supplies of paper which are at present being exported from this country to Eire where the severe restrictions limiting the use of paper in Great Britain do not obtain, so that books and papers which cannot, owing to the restrictions referred to, be printed in this country are printed in Eire and re-exported to Great Britain, to the detriment of English printers?

While paper, like most other commodities, may be sent to Eire without individual export licence, most kinds of paper, including printing paper generally, may not be made without a production licence from the Paper Control, which in present conditions would only be given for this purpose in exceptional cases.

asked the Minister of Supply the reason for not removing the iron rails around the private squares in the Bloomsbury district?

In the case of many squares there are restrictive covenants or trust deeds and the assent of a number of interested parties, and in some cases legal action, would be necesary before the railings could be removed. The University of London have released the railings round Torrington Square. Consideration is being given to the use of more expeditious methods of acquisition.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that the new premises of the Milk Marketing Board at Thames Ditton include the provision of decorative iron railings 400 feet long and 3 feet high; and whether the salvage controller has approved of this?

My right hon. Friend has now made inquiries into this matter and he finds that the material for these railings was purchased and they were already being made, before the war.

asked the Minister of Supply how many tons of scrap-iron were recovered in the United Kingdom, Scotland and Greenock, respectively, during each of the last four weeks for which returns are available; and whether he has any statement to make on measures to increase such recovery?

The returns received from the local authorities cover in each case the calendar month, and deal not with quantities recovered, but with quantities sold. The latest returns received in the Ministry of Supply relate to the month of May. They are—17,411 tons by local authorities in the United Kingdom, 1,138 tons by local authorities in Scotland and 17 tons by the Greenock authority. In order to increase the recovery of scrap metals my right hon. Friend has issued compulsory directions to all local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales with a population of over 10,000, requiring them to provide efficient schemes for the salvage of certain materials including scrap metals.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what flying services are now being operated by the British Overseas Airways Corporation?

Owing to recent political events, the air services operated by the British Overseas Airways Corporation have been seriously dislocated. The only services at present running regularly are those operated between Durban and Sydney via Egypt once weekly in each direction with flying boats, and between Hong Kong and Bangkok twice weekly in each direction with land planes. It is hoped that it will be possible to operate a number of additional services in the near future.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what designations are being used in connection with the large subscriptions of overseas Britons for the purchase of aeroplanes to indicate the particular aeroplanes they have provided, with the object of giving such subscribers direct personal interest in the achievements of the machines?

My hon. Friend may be assured that we are aware of the importance of demonstrating, by every means in our power, our appreciation of these heartening tokens of loyalty to the Empire in this hour of its history. Instances of such generosity are many and continuous, and although it is difficult to lay down a hard and fast rule we en- deavour, where possible, to associate particular squadrons of aircraft with the names of the donors.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production, to what important position Mr. Peter Bennett, whose removal from a post in the Ministry of Supply was recently announced, has been appointed; the nature of the work Mr. Bennett has been called upon to undertake, his qualifications and the salary he will receive?

Mr. Bennett has been appointed by my Noble Friend as adviser upon any further arrangements which need to be made for the better distribution and dispersal of factories in which aeronautical material is produced. My Noble Friend is satisfied that Mr. Bennett's long industrial and commercial experience fully qualifies him for this task. His appointment is unpaid.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether any arrangements are being made with the banks to give financial assistance at nominal rates of interest to retailers whom the Minister has urged to increase their stocks far beyond their normal requirements up to the limit of their available storage capacity?

No, Sir. I am satisfied that the banks are aware of this need.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the producer of liquid milk will receive the full 1½d. a gallon extra which is promised to the Milk Board pool, or whether the Milk Board can distribute the pool price as it likes?

The guaranteed return to the milk producer will be increased by 1½d. per gallon over and above the previous increase announced by the Government in March last. Consequently, the pool price to producers for July, August and September will be 4d., 4d. and 4½d. per gallon, respectively, in excess of the pool price for the corresponding month in 1939.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he will have a survey of the Royal parks to see whether some parts of them could be used for growing foodstuffs; and, in particular, whether the stretch of ground known as Rotten Row, in Hyde Park, could be utilised for this purpose?

Active consideration has already been given, in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture, to the utilisation of the Royal parks for growing foodstuffs. Much of the parkland soil is unsuitable for the growing of crops and a considerable area has had to be devoted to defence and other military purposes; but about 63 acres are devoted to allotments, 80 acres to the cultivation of oat and root crops, and consideration is being given to the use of a further 120 acres for the latter purpose. In addition, two-thirds of the greenhouse space normally used for the production of flowers is being used for the cultivation of vegetables. In answer to the second half of the Question, Rotten Row consists of sand up to a depth of six inches on a brick floor about a foot thick and, further, for a great part of its length it is lined by tall trees.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of workmen who have received notice of termination of service at the Stratford railway works; the number of men who have been transferred to other spheres of activity; and whether such men have received assurances that their pension rights have been safeguarded?

I am informed that 23 men at the Stratford works have received notice of termination of their services; 21 of these men have been found employment in other works. Forty-seven men from the Stratford works have been lent to outside firms for work of pressing national importance; these men will continue to receive the privileges, including pension rights, which they enjoyed whilst working at Stratford.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the anxiety prevailing about the Stratford railway works, owing to the depletion of staff there; whether he will cause inquiries to be made into the fact that, although this is an up-to-date works department with efficient machinery and a staff eager to play its part, orders are slackening and the staff being, in part, transferred; and whether he will ensure that this practice ceases?

I understand that the railway company have fully discussed the position with the railway trade unions concerned who appreciate the necessity for the action which has been taken.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the French Government at Bordeaux, now under German control, is still recognised by the British Government?

His Majesty's Ambassador to France and his staff withdrew from France on 23rd July in view of the imminent approach of the German forces. The Government of Marshal Pétain is still represented in this country by the French Embassy, of which the Counsellor of the Embassy has assumed charge. It is not yet possible to speak with certainty as to the conduct of our relations with the Government of Marshal Pétain.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement on the request received from Japan not to permit the passage to China of war materials through Rangoon?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Gentlemen the Members for the Forest of Dean (Mr. Price) and North Cumberland (Mr. W. Roberts) yesterday, to which I have nothing to add for the present.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement as to the exact nature of Japan's demands in connection with British policy in the Far East?

I have nothing to add for the present to the reply which I gave yesterday.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why 600 Italians were sent back to Italy on the outbreak of war, and only 280 British returned to this country; and why some combatant officers were allowed to return with the Italian party?

On the outbreak of war With Italy the usual arrangements were made for the reciprocal evacuation of the diplomatic and consular officers and staffs from the two countries and a provisional understanding was reached that all British and Italian nationals who desired to leave and whose departure was not prejudicial to the safety of the respective States would be repatriated as soon as possible. Negotiations between His Majesty's Ambassador in Rome and the Italian Government for the inclusion of an additional number of British subjects in the Italian ship were almost satisfactorily concluded on the 9th June, but on and from that date all telegraphic communication between His Majesty's Embassy and the Foreign Office and His Majesty's consular officers in Italy ceased and it was impossible to make the final arrangements for other British subjects to leave with the official party. No combatant officers other than Service Attachés with diplomatic immunity were allowed to leave on either ship.

asked the Postmaster-General whether subscribers, who through absence overseas on military duty or through other reasonable cause, have failed to give notice in writing within one month after the commencement of the Post Office and Telegraph Act, 1940, to determine their telephone contracts, will, on their request, be granted some extension of time for the exercise of the option to determine?

My hon. Friend may rest assured that every consideration will be given to genuine cases in which the subscriber gives reasonable cause, other than mere ignorance of the law, for his failure to take advantage of the Act within the specified period.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that many members of medical boards in active general practice are given as many as eight medical boards weekly; and whether he will consider a more equitable method of distributing the work amongst the medical profession by establishing a larger number of medical boards?

I am aware that the recent acceleration of medical examinations has thrown additional work on the chairmen and panel members of medical boards. The number of medical boards has been considerably increased recently and further boards are in course of being established. In view of the greatly increased number of men to be examined during the coming weeks, however, it will not be possible for the present to avoid making more calls on the services of members of boards than was at first the case.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what vesting orders he has made against German and Italian property and businesses, respectively, under the Trading with the Enemy (Custodian) Order, 1939?

Up to 30th June, 1940, 249 Orders have been made vesting German property in the Custodian of Enemy Property. Of these Orders, 161 are in respect of shares in companies of the nominal value of approximately £1,910,000; the remaining 88 Orders are chiefly in respect of property belonging to Germans who left this country on the outbreak of war. No vesting Orders have yet been made in respect of Italian property, but a number of cases are now under examination and Orders will shortly be made.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the waste of time occasioned by officers command- ing units being required, in some circumstances, to purchase from local authorities driving licences for soldiers driving motor cars and motor cycles in the course of their duties, the fees paid being credited to the Exchequer, he will give instructions that, in future, emergency permits, by virtue of existing powers under the Defence Regulations, shall be issued to all service drivers?

The emergency permits are issued under conditions agreed to be convenient by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War, and I do not think it would be desirable to abrogate entirely the ordinary requirements of the law relating to the licensing of service drivers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that district agricultural wages committees are assessing the value of cottage rents, to be deducted from the national minimum wage on different scales; and whether, for the sake of uniformity and the betterment of agricultural workers' houses, he will issue instructions to the responsible committees that they should assess these rents up to the maximum of 12½ per cent. of the fixed wage in cases where similar cottages in the neighbourhood are let for 6s. or more to workers or others not employed in agriculture, and where the rural district council authorities are satisfied as to the housing requirements?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Normanton (Mr. T. Smith) on 13th June.

asked the Minister of Labour whether there is any effective shortage of labour for agricultural work; and whether use will be made of French and other refugees with agricultural experience?

During the past few weeks the demands for agricultural labour made to my Department have been satisfactorily met except in one or two areas in which there is a limited shortage. I am informed, however, by my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries that the steps they are taking to increase food production will call for a larger number of workers in agriculture, and my Department will co-operate fully in obtaining the additional labour when this demand becomes effective. Refugee labour will be included wherever it is suitable.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will clearly define the function of the Local Defence Volunteers in the event of invasion, especially their liaison with the Regular Forces; and whether they will be used to prevent unauthorised and dangerous evacuation of civilians from threatened areas?

The main functions of the Local Defence Volunteers in the event of invasion are to obtain information and communicate it to the appropriate military authority, and to guard such points as may be assigned to them. The local military commander, under whose orders they are, may call upon them in emergency to assist the Regular troops in preventing unregulated civilian movement.

asked the Home Secretary whether ex-service men, who became air wardens in the early days of the war, can be given permission to join the Local Defence Volunteers?

As I stated in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Brecon and Radnor (Mr. Jackson) on 6th June, local authorities already have discretion, to agree to members of their air-raid precautions services joining the Local Defence Volunteers, provided that this can be done without impairing the efficiency of the Civil Defence organisation of the area.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will bear in mind the need for dispersing Army lorries, as far as possible, in order to avoid risk of damage from aerial bombing, in those places where large numbers of such vehicles are kept, and where they are now kept closely packed together?

I am aware of the danger referred to, and appropriate measures have been taken.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that during the battle in France the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps were armed 100 per cent., and, in addition, manned antitank rifles and machine guns of all kinds; and whether, in view of the corps' performance during this time, he will delete the word auxiliary from their title which has now no meaning, as such action would give great satisfaction to all concerned?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the excellent services rendered by the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps, and he will consider the suggestion which my hon. and gallant Friend makes.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Spaniards, evacuated from Dunkirk with members of the British Expeditionary Force, are still in gaol or internment camps in this country; and whether he will, with a view to utilising their services, release all such men who are anti-Fascist refugees from Republican Spain who served as volunteers in a labour corps in France and fought alongside British troops prior to evacuation?

The number of Spaniards evacuated from Dunkirk and still detained in this country is between 200 and 300. Their disposal is under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the removal of import duties on machine tools?

As my hon. Friend is aware, most imported machine tools are already admitted free of duty under Treasury licence. Arrangements have, however, now been made to place machine tools and certain other machinery on the free list as from Monday next, 8th July. Full particulars will be published on Saturday next.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in considering any increase in the Entertainments Duty, he will arrange that seats priced at 6d. and under are left as at present free from tax, as they are used by people to whom dearer seats are impossible?

I am afraid I cannot anticipate my Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the heavy fall in the market value of ordinary shares since the announcement of the 100 per cent. Excess Profits Tax; and whether he can furnish any estimate as to the probable drop in the yield of Death Duties in consequence?

I am aware of the fall in industrial shares during the month of June, the causes and effects of which are, of course, of a general character. My hon. Friend will, however, have noticed that there has been an upward movement in share values during the past week. I cannot furnish any estimate of the incidental effects of the fall on the yield of Death Duties.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has arty further statement to make on Government borrowing?

Yes, Sir. To meet current requirements I rely primarily on subscriptions to National War Bonds, Savings Certificates and Defence Bonds. But in view of the present volume of Treasury Bills, and of the uneven spread of the receipt of revenue, which is now accentuated by the high rates of direct taxation, I have arranged as an additional moans of covering our present weekly needs to take deposits from the Clearing and Scottish banks of amounts to be fixed weekly. The deposits will be repayable after 6 months, but there will be a right to request repayment either for investment of money in new national issues or in order to cover any emergency needs: in the latter case the amounts repayable will be discounted at bank rate. The rate of interest will be fixed from time to time in the light of prevailing conditions, and is at the moment 1⅛ per cent. This additional type of short loan has been brought into being this week. In the ordinary way a need of funds due to the uneven spread of revenue would be met by an increased issue of Treasury Bills. But I prefer a slightly longer security on this occasion and one which is not negotiable. As compared with the alternative of selling 2½ per cent. National War Bonds to the banks, there is the important saving of interest and also, as is very desirable, a greater control from the centre of the amount of short-term borrowings.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take steps whereby the money of citizens now lying with the joint stock banks on current account without interest or on deposit account at a low rate of interest may he placed at the disposal of the country without intermediate profit to the banks?

No, Sir. Clearly the banks must be remunerated in some form for the services they render to their customers. I hope, however, that citizens in the position mentioned will themselves lend all they can to the Government.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that a large number of transport companies and evening newspapers have increased their charges from 1d. to 1½d., he will reconsider his refusal to mint a 1½d. coin?

I regret that this proposal is not practicable, as the process of minting and distributing a new coin in sufficient numbers to permit its free use is a very large and lengthy operation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the proportions of direct and indirect taxation operating at present and for each of the last 10 years?

I would refer the hon. Member to the table of figures given in reply to the hon. Member for North Tottenham (Mr. R. C. Morrison) on 7th May, 1940.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there is any restriction on the export of precious stones?

Yes, Sir. The Board of Trade have made an Order prohibiting the export without licence of specified categories of valuables, including precious stones.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will permit the sale of cigarettes and tobacco duty free to members of the fighting Forces and to persons employed whole-time in the Defence Services?

Apart from the difficulty of providing adequate safeguards for the revenue under such a far reaching extension of the existing arrangements, my hon. and gallant Friend's proposal would be open to the same objection as other proposals designed to relieve members of the Forces from the effects of additional taxation, namely, that such concessions would not be available to other sections of the community who are in a not dissimilar financial position.

asked the Minister of Health what steps he has taken for the provision of day nurseries or other means for the care of young children whose mothers may be engaged in essential industrial work?

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a circular letter which I have addressed to the welfare authorities of all areas in which the need for the provision of day nurseries has been notified to me by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour. Already several day nurseries have been established in the north-western area, and steps are being taken to the same end in the Midlands and in other districts. The principal voluntary societies engaged in maternity and child welfare work are collaborating with my Department, and short courses of instruction are being arranged for persons suitable for employment as assistants in the nurseries.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give directions for the carcases of dogs and cats, that are having to be destroyed in many coastal towns because of the possibility of the population being compulsorily evacuated, to be accepted by the local authorities for destruction in the town incinerators; and whether, where such incinerators do not exist, other arrangements can be made by the local authorities, such as the burial of the carcases in trenches?

I have no doubt that local authorities will co-operate with the owners of dead dogs or cats so far as may be practicable in the circumstances.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider sending a circular to local authorities asking them to release skilled and semi-skilled workers in their employment for the purpose of armament production?

I am sending the hon. Member copies of circulars which I have already issued in this matter.

asked the Home Secretary what steps are being taken in connection with aliens internment arrangement to ensure that important war work is not jeopardised, and whether he will arrange for interned aliens who are serving the British Government with scientific assistance to be available for essential consultation?

Arrangements have been made to give special consideration to individual cases where it is established that the person concerned is well disposed towards this country and it is represented to me by the Government Department concerned that the release of the alien from internment would help to further the national war effort.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make arrangements for aliens with scientific knowledge, and willing to serve the British Government, to be formed into a colony under proper supervision so that they may utilise and develop their pooled knowledge in the furtherance of our war effort?

I do not think it would be practicable to give effect to the hon. Member's suggestion but I have already taken steps to exempt, or to release, from internment any scientist in respect of whom I am satisfied that he is well disposed to this country and is willing and able to assist the national war effort.

asked the Minister of Labour what arrangements are being made at the Gravesend Technical Institute to provide instruction in branches of engineering connected with the war effort; what publicity has been given to this scheme locally; how many persons have so far availed themselves of it; and what financial arrangements have been made to assist men during their period of training?

Arrangements have been made by my Department with the local education authority for courses of instruction at the Gravesend Technical Institute to start by the 15th July in bench fitting and centre lathe operating. Twelve training places are available and the

asked the Home Secretary whether he will furnish with permits and grant travelling facilities to civil servants from Northern Ireland stationed in Britain to enable them to spend their holidays at their homes in Ulster?

I regret that the restrictions which on grounds of national security it has been necessary to impose

asked the Home Secretary approximately how many men, women, boys and girls who are refugees in this country are, respectively, of German, Austrian, Polish, Dutch, Belgian, French, Czech and Spanish nationality; and the approximate cost of maintaining those interned?

As the answer contains a number of figures I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I regret it is not possible at present to give any estimate of the cost of maintaining those interned.on travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland do not allow of the grant of exit permits to enable civil servants to travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland otherwise than in the course of their duty.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, since the shortage of Scandinavian paper, American manufacturers are exporting large supplies of toilet rolls to this country, thus capturing the home market previously supplied almost exclusively by British firms; and whether he will consider the desirability of restricting the import of these bulky goods and use cargo space to greater advantage by allowing import of paper pulp and paper in reels duty free, thus reducing the price of toilet paper to the public and preserving a valuable market for British manufacturers?

I have been asked to reply. The importation of toilet rolls is now prohibited save under licence, which is only given in exceptional cases, and material for making such rolls is, so far as possible, being made available. Wood pulp is imported free of duty and in the circumstances there appears to be no occasion to vary the duties on paper, but that is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether it has been, since the beginning of the present year, the practice of the Ministry not to sanction any applications made under the Ships and Aircraft (Transfer Restriction) Act for licences for the transfer of British ships to British purchasers unless the Ministry was satisfied that the buyers realised that the fact of a licence being granted would not entitle them to any special consideration in respect of requisitioning, direction, insurance or compensation, and that the buyers wished to proceed with the transfer notwithstanding?

The intention to extend the scope of requisitioning was publicly announced on 4th January and at that time it was the practice to call the attention of intending sellers and purchasers of ships to this announcement and to withhold sanction to the transfer unless it was clear that in the circumstances both parties wished to proceed with the transaction. Later, on 15th February, as the values at which ships might be bought would naturally be influenced by the rates of hire, the provision for compensation and the other conditions for requisitioned ships then under discussion, the shipowners' associations were informed that the granting of sanctions for the transfer of ships other than fishing vessels and other small craft was generally suspended for the time being. By the 12th March my predecessor's proposals in regard to compensation for the loss of ships through war risks were generally known to shipowners and it was no longer necessary to suspend consideration of applications for sanction to the transfer of ships. The associations were informed accordingly by letter on that date, and at the same time were notified that any arguments based on the fact that ships had been transferred at prices in excess of their pre-war values would not be allowed to influence policy in regard to requisitioning conditions and rates of hire or in regard to compensation for loss through war risks.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that unskilled men employed at slaughter-houses by his Ministry are paid £4 and £5 a week, which is more than the assistant superintendent earns; and whether he will take steps to remedy such inequalities, which are causing considerable dissatisfaction among skilled employés?

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to men employed at the Kilmarnock slaughter-house, which is also used as a meat distribution depot. The Ministry has arranged with the Kilmarnock Town Council for council officials, including the assistant superintendent, to undertake certain duties on the Department's behalf at the public slaughterhouse in return for a lump sum payment to the council. I am not aware of the wages paid by the council to their assistant superintendent or of the particular unskilled men employed in the slaughter-house to which my hon. Friend refers. No unskilled labour is employed directly by the Ministry at the slaughterhouse. The majority of persons working on the premises are employed either by the slaughtering contractor or by the Wholesale Meat Supply Association, who make their own arrangements as to the wages of their employés. The association employs a skilled and experienced man as depot manager and meat "humpers," whose wages, I am informed, do not reach the figures quoted by my hon. Friend. I understand that the slaughter-men are paid by the contractor on a headage basis, which is the normal custom in the trade, and their earnings vary from week to week according to the numbers of stock available for slaughter. So far as I am aware no unskilled men employed at the slaughter-house are paid £4 to £5 per week.

asked the Minister of Information on what grounds the article by the military correspondent of the "Tribune" was withheld from publication last week?

The article was regarded as undesirable on the ground that its publication would be likely to endanger relations between this country and another country, with which we are not at war. I regret that owing to a mistake this was put to the editor as a censorship prohibition instead of as a suggestion.