asked the Minister of Supply whether the cost comparison of the Bofors gun, manufactured in different works, has yet been made, as promised to the hon. Member for Ipswich; and when he will be in a position to make a statement to this House?

It has not yet been found possible to make cost comparisons for this equipment.

asked the Minister of Supply the estimated value of jigs, fixtures, gauges and small tools required for this year's programme; and the approximate value produced up to date?

It would not be in the national interest to give the information for which my hon. Friend asks, but he may rest assured that every effort is being made to increase the production of gauges, jigs and tools. To this end my right hon. Friend has appointed a Director of Gauges, Jigs and Tools who is dealing specifically with these problems, and is relating demand to supply. The Director is Mr. Stanley Harley, who is an experienced and well-known man in the industry. With regard to small tools, my right hon. Friend has appointed a committee under the chairmanship of Lord Riverdale, consisting of well-known members of the industries comprised in this designation, to advise him on what further steps are necessary to ensure adequate supplies to meet the various manufacturing programmes.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that the associated scrap merchants are unable to handle the increased volume of material for the steel works; and whether scrap can be sent direct to the steel works?

My right hon. Friend is aware that there is a shortage of labour in the scrap industry, and he is in communication with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service in regard to the steps to be taken to meet this situation. He is not, however, aware that the agreement between the steel-makers and the federated scrap merchants, to which my hon. Friend presumably refers, has in practice impeded the flow of scrap to the steel furnaces, but if my hon. Friend can give me particulars of any case he has in mind I shall be glad to look into it.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he can give an assurance that the system establishing district representative organisations of small firms is proving helpful to the national effort and satisfactory to the small firms concerned?

The conditions under which groups of small firms may be formed for the purpose of tendering for Ministry of Supply contracts have been published in the Press, and my right hon. Friend is anxious to encourage the formation of such groups in suitable cases. A number of groups have been formed, and while it is too early to form conclusions as to their working, there is every prospect that they will be able to render valuable assistance in the national effort.

asked the Minister of Labour what plans exist for unemployed women over the age of 45, fully capable of work, living in the London area but willing to go anywhere to employment, who are at present commonly being told at Employment Exchanges that there is little hope of work for them owing to their age?

There are openings at present for older women in various Civil Defence organisations and in domestic work in emergency hospitals, and there will also be work for women in the provision of canteens and welfare facilities for factories. Employment Exchanges have information of the opportunities available and have instructions to bring them to the notice of applicants. Those who are ready to take employment of the kind available and to go to the places where it is available should not be informed that there is little hope of work for them because they are over 45, and I should be glad if the hon. Member would bring to my notice any evidence he has that this is being done.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a large number of operatives in the building trade are still without employment; and whether he will arrange an emergency conference with the appropriate defence Ministries to consider how immediate use can be made of the services of the various building firms to assist in schemes of national defence?

The unemployment returns relating to 17th June show that there has been a considerable reduction of unemployment amongst building trade workers, and I have every reason to believe that this reduction is continuing. In certain building trade occupations there is an acute shortage of labour. My Department is in constant touch with the Defence Departments to ensure the provision of labour for urgent defence works, and though preference for this work is given to building and civil engineering labour it has been necessary frequently to employ labour from other industries.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has now succeeded in making final arrangements with the owners of fishing fleets respecting the payment of wages to those employés who have received war injuries; and whether he can give the names of firms who are still standing out of any such scheme?

The negotiations with the trawler owners have been completed and it is expected that the scheme for continuing wages to the survivors of trawlers lost by enemy action will come into operation very shortly. I hope that other fishing vessels will be brought under the scheme as far as practicable.

asked the Home Secretary what sums included in the accounts of the Metropolitan Police Fund for the period 1st April, 1939, to 31st March, 1940, recently published, were for air-raid precautions services, and which of them will rank for total reimbursement from moneys voted by Parliament, and for grant under the Air-Raid Precautions Act, 1937, respectively?

The accounts include the following expenditure on air-raid precautions services, in respect of which air-raid precautions grant is payable:

	£
Air-Raid Wardens Department	1,362
Air-Raid Warning Signals	46,762

Expenditure amounting to £1,320,930 in respect of the pay and insurance contributions of the Police War Reserve will be reimbursed by the Exchequer.

asked the Home Secretary what steps he has taken, or proposes to take, to limit pedestrian movement likely to prejudice military operations?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 25th June to a similar Question by the hon. Lady the Member for the Combined English Universities (Miss Rathbone).

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that many gas cleansing squads still cannot obtain the necessary gum-boots; and when these are likely to be forthcoming?

The full authorised issues of gum-boots for all air-raid general precautions services, including decontamination squads, have been made to the local authorities in all areas.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to difficulties and delay in connection with the construction of garden bomb-proof shelters caused by insistence on the preparation and submission of plans for formal approval by the municipal authorities before excavations can be commenced; and if steps will be taken to avoid this unnecessary delay?

I am not aware that the construction of shelters has been hindered by any special difficulties of the kind suggested. If my right hon. Friend will give me particulars of cases he has in mind I will look into them.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will amplify the advice given in Section VI of the leaflet "If the Invader Comes," circulated by his Department and explain what action is indicated in the sixth rule, recommending organisation of a system by which a sudden attack can be resisted; and whether it would apply to the civilian personnel, for example, of individual colleges and schools, especially those in strategically important but vulnerable areas?

Yes, Sir, a further leaflet is now being distributed to factories. With regard to the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to-day by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for the English Universities (Miss Rathbone).

asked the Secretary of State for Air why, during three raids which took place last week over a certain district in the Midlands, no siren air-raid warnings were given; who was responsible for the omission; and how will this be remedied in future?

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Duddeston (Mr. Simmonds) on 2nd July. I cannot usefully add to the statement made on that occasion.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will arrange that, if evacuation orders are given to civilians in any locality, local Members of Parliament shall be informed at the same time as the local authorities?

Yes, Sir. I gladly accept the proposal that hon. Members should be informed at the same time as the local authorities when orders for evacuation of schoolchildren from any part of their constituencies are issued.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that children, being evacuated to Dominions other than South Africa, are being required to be vaccinated, contrary to their parents' wishes; and whether, in view of the existing Regulations, he will see to it that no child is refused evacuation to Dominions other than South Africa because of a refusal to be vaccinated?

No application for the inclusion of a child under the Children's Overseas Reception Scheme has been refused because the parents would not agree to the child's being vaccinated, nor, so far as I am aware, have any such children been vaccinated contrary to their parents' wishes.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any information to show whether children evacuated from this country to Canada are liable to medical examination, tests and vaccination in that country; and, if so, will he give details?

Children entering Canada must pass a medical examination. If an examination has taken place in this country no further examination is required in Canada beyond the customary line-up inspection at the port of arrival to ensure that no illness has developed during the voyage. Vaccination is not compulsory in Canada, except in the case of an outbreak of smallpox.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will invite the British Broadcasting Corporation to broadcast, or will otherwise publicise an appeal to evacuees from the Channel Islands to communicate their present addresses to the Channel Islands Refugee Committee, at 67, Watling Street, E.C.1, as otherwise evacuees, including some recruited into the armed forces, have no means of knowing whether their friends are in this country; and will he investigate the possibility of sending food supplies to the Channel Islanders who remain through the Red Cross or some other organisation?

I would refer to the reply given to-day to other Questions on this subject. Arrangements are being made to enable islanders in this country to communicate their addresses to the voluntary committee to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether Lady Knollys, Lady Bailey, and Mrs. Percy Lawson Johnston, accompanied by their children, travelled to the United States of America under any official children's overseas reception scheme; and, if so, who was responsible for the granting of permits of those over 16 years of age?

I have been asked to reply. Exit permits were granted in the ordinary course to the first two ladies mentioned to enable them to accompany their children, all of whom were under 16, overseas. The children of the third lady, all of whom were under 16, went with the other children but their mother did not accompany them.

asked the Minister of Information what steps he is taking to bring to the notice of the French nation, with whom we have so long co-operated, the friendly and sympathetic policy of the British Government?

Every possible step has been taken to make clear that the actions of the French Government have in no way altered the warmth of our feeling for the French people. To repeat this assurance there are now available six broadcasts in French every day on a variety of wavelengths, in addition to other means of approach.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the position of British residents in France now that the French Government have severed relations with His Majesty's Government; what steps have been taken to look after British interests in both occupied and non-occupied French territory, and what Government has now been entrusted with the duty of looking after British interests; and what scheme has been adopted for conveying information as to the safety and welfare of British subjects now cut off from this country to their friends and relatives?

British subjects whether in occupied or unoccupied France are, in general, subject to the local authorities. In reply to the second part of the Question, His Majesty's consular officers on vacating their posts handed over to their United States colleagues. There is at present no postal communication between this country and France, though telegrams for France are accepted at the sender's risk and telegrams from France are reaching this country. Inquiries about British subjects in France are being sent to the United States Embassy in London, but my hon. Friend will realise that considerable time must elapse before replies can be received. Inquiries can also be made through the British Red Cross Society, St. James's Palace, about the welfare and whereabouts of British subjects in France. It is hoped shortly to apply to France the Red Cross postal message scheme and the Thomas Cook scheme.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are being taken to secure further co-operation between Great Britain and the French Colonies in the prosecution of the war; and whether it is proposed that the act of union shall apply to residents of those Colonies?

All aspects of our future relations with the French Colonial Empire are receiving the urgent attention of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the composition of the Bordeaux Government which has surrendered France to Germany, the Government are prepared to make public the information they have regarding Monsieur Laval's relations with the Italian Government during the settling of the Hoare-Laval Pact; and whether it is within the knowledge of the Government that Monsieur Laval played any considerable part in the negotiations which preceded the recent surrender of the French Government?

The hon. Member will no doubt find the information for which he asks in Command Paper No. 5071 of 1936, which contains an account of the negotiations between the Governments of the United Kingdom, France and Italy in Paris in August, 1935. His Majesty's Government, however, clearly cannot publish such documents as may have passed between the French and Italian Governments. As regards the second part of the Question, Monsieur Laval was not a member of the French Government until after the conclusion of the armistice on 22nd June.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that British Projects, Limited, to whom were entrusted six important contracts by his Department, have gone into liquidation; and what steps were taken before those contracts were let, to make sure of the firm's financial stability?

I am not aware that Messrs. British Projects, Limited have gone into liquidation, but I understand that there is shortly to be a meeting of creditors. Before the firm were placed on the Admiralty List details of 13 building and engineering works, which had been executed within two years, and which totalled more than the whole of the seven Admiralty contracts eventually allotted to the firm, were examined. Satisfactory references were given by three reputable chartered architects and in addition a reference was obtained from the firm's bank. As a result of these inquiries, which were similar to those invariably made before a firm is regarded as fit to be allowed to tender for Admiralty work, Messrs. British Projects, Limited were placed on the Admiralty List in 1938. Of the seven contracts placed with the firm by the Admiralty, two were satisfactorily completed last year and five have now been determined on grounds of delay in completion.

asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been drawn to the case of two men recently convicted at Manchester Assizes of trying to cause disaffection among soldiers and of the remarks of the judge that the sentences he was able to pass under the existing law, two years' imprisonment, were inadequate; and what steps he proposes to take?

My attention has been drawn to this case, and the point raised by my hon. and gallant Friend is being considered.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the German White Book, published recently, contains allegations that this country's foreign policy towards Russia was to direct attacks against the Baku oilfields; and whether he can give a categorical denial to those allegations, and assure the House that the policy of the Government is to improve and strengthen the relations between this country, and the Soviet Union?

Yes, Sir. The policy of His Majesty's Government has been and remains to improve and strengthen the relations between this country and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Success in this policy has appeared more likely since March of this year when the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics made a friendly approach to His Majesty's Government and proposed the resumption of trade negotiations. This move on their part constituted a welcome departure from the unfriendly attitude which the Soviet Government had adopted ever since the breakdown of the political negotiations in August of last year. His Majesty's Government at once responded to this approach by the Soviet Government, and it is to be hoped that the discussions on which His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow is at present engaged may finally remove any danger which may have been apprehended that the Soviet Government would work either economically or militarily against Great Britain in the interests of Germany. Ever since the outbreak of war, His Majesty's Government have had to guard against this danger when making their military plans. It was natural, therefore, that the Staffs, who in a totalitarian war have to consider all future hypotheses, should consider how to counter Russian assistance to Germany. Apart from actual military assistance one of the most valuable forms of help which the Soviet Government were in a position to give Germany was to supply her with oil from the Caucasus. It was thus the duty of the General Staffs to examine whether in certain eventualities it would be possible to interfere with the output of oil from the Caucasian wells. I might add that no attempt was made at any time to enlist the co-operation or acquiescence of either Turkey or Iran in these hypothetical plans. I trust that this statement will dispel any false and mischievous impressions which German propaganda bas sought to create.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether contact has been made between the British Government and the Emperor of Ethiopia; whether the Emperor's government will be recognised as the lawful government of Ethiopia and admitted to the full status of an ally in the present war, with assurances that Ethiopia's independence will be assured when the war is won; and whether, in consequence, contact will be made with General Abeba Aragui, who is commanding the Ethiopian forces in the field and with Ras Birru, formerly war minister of Abyssinia, who recently flew from Jerusalem to the Sudan to join the Ethiopian forces on the Emperor's behalf, in order that the British and Ethiopian forces may co-ordinate their activities against the Italians in Ethiopia?

Yes, Sir. While the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will readily understand that it is not possible to go into any detail in answering his Question, I can assure him that His Majesty's Government realise the importance of co-ordinating all activities likely to damage the enemy's military effort in North and East Africa and in Abyssinia.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Rumania is still adopting an attitude of complete neutrality; and whether he can make any statement on the subject?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the declaration of policy which the Rumanian Government have themselves issued within the last few days.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will take action to prevent the Economic League from giving propagandist lectures on school premises under his charge?

I assume that the Question refers to the letting of school premises for use by this organisation outside school hours. This is a matter for the local education authority or other body responsible for the school, and the Board have no power to intervene.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of insured persons now estimated to be in civilian employment, and, for comparison, the total for a year ago?

The information at present available is insufficient to enable a close comparison to be made with the numbers of insured persons in employment a year ago.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will indicate the course of employment, by industries, numbers and percentages, respectively, for the City of Leicester for the month of June, 1940?

The table below shows, for the area served by the Leicester Employment Exchange and Juvenile Employment Bureau, the numbers of insured persons, aged 16–64 years, recorded as unemployed in the principal industries at 17th June, 1940, and these numbers expressed as percentages of the estimated numbers insured at July, 1939. In some of the industries referred to, considerable changes may have taken place, since July, 1939, in the total numbers of insured persons in the Leicester area, but the available information is insufficient to show to what extent these changes have affected the percentages of unemployment given in the table.

Industry.	Number.	Per cent.
Building	321	4·7
General Engineering, etc.	109	0·8
Printing, Publishing and Bookbinding.	145	4·1
Hosiery	993	3·2
Boots, Shoes, etc.	541	2·8
Distributive Trades	451	2·8
All other industries and services.*	1,223	3·1
Total, all industries and services.*	3,783	2·9
* The figures given in the table are exclusive of insured agricultural workers; the number of insured persons, aged 16–64, within the agricultural sheme, who were recorded as unemployed at the Leicester Employment Exchange at 17th June, 1940, was 35.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons whose names appear on the Central Register and the number of persons appointed to Government Departments, to date, from that register; and how many names were put on that register with a view to such appointment after tentative selection?

The number of persons included in the Central Register is 108,685, of whom 6,066 have been placed in employment in Government Departments. There are no figures available from which I could answer the last part of my hon. and learned Friend's Question.

asked the Minister of Labour to indicate the administrative methods adopted with a view to ensuring that registration has been completed by all those liable to be called up for military service and that enlistment notices are served upon all those liable to be called up in any age group which it has been decided to call up; and whether he is satisfied that no appreciable number of individuals fail to register, or fail to receive and respond to enlistment notices, in due course?

I do not think it would be advisable to describe these administrative methods in detail but I may say that full use is made of the National Register. I have no reason to suppose that any appreciable number fail to register. Enlistment notices are sent to all registered men whom it is decided to call up. I am not aware that there is any appreciable degree of failure to respond to enlistment notices but any question on this subject should be addressed to my right hon. Friends in charge of the Services Departments.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production whether he has any statement to make in regard to the proposed placing of an order for 6,000 Merlin aero-engines in the United States of America?

I am not in a position to make any statement at the moment.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied that farmers are able to obtain short term credit at reasonable rates of interest to enable them to produce the maximum for the war effort?

Yes, Sir. The prices recently announced will, in my opinion, ensure that most farmers will be able to get satisfactory credit accommodation through the ordinary channels. Farmers who cannot do so may obtain help from their County War Agricultural Executive Committees in various ways, including help under the Agricultural Requisites Assistance Scheme.

asked the Minister of Health what suggestions he has to make to deal with property where windows and other damage is done by air-raids, in order that the property may be made habitable as speedily as possible?

I am sending the hon. Member copies of two circulars issued in August and September last in which guidance was given to local authorities on this subject. The arrangements have worked satisfactorily up to date.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the increasing burden upon ratepayers who remain in the consultant medical quarters of Marylebone after most of their colleagues have gone for full-time war service under the Ministry of Health, which has already entailed an increase of 10 per cent. in the rates on occupied houses, and as more houses will now soon be abandoned owing to that increase, he will consider the adoption of some means of relieving a situation due to war measures?

Although the increase in the rate poundage in the area mentioned is substantial, it does not involve a charge which is outside the range of rates levied by other authorities in normal times. I am not contemplating action on the lines suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the local authorities are forcing landlords to pay rates on properties whose tenants, because of the war, cannot afford to pay their rent; and whether he will authorise local authorities to allow such landlords rebates in the rates in proportion to the concession in rent they allow to their tenants?

Existing statutory provisions enable reduction or remission of rates to be made where the financial circumstances of the person liable make this necessary. I have no authority to take the action suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he proposes to utilise the services of the large number of soldiers from Allied armies now in this country; and whether he is aware that many of these men are at present without any occupation although they have been trained to build defence works?

The situation of the foreign troops in this country is fully realised and steps are in hand, in conjunction with the national authorities concerned, to reorganise and re-equip them as soon as possible. Pending the completion of such reorganisation and re-equipment, arrangements are being made to employ foreign troops on various defence works. Some are already so employed, and the numbers will increase as sorting out and reorganisation progresses.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what agricultural executive committees have arranged for the stocking of parts of deer-forest land in Scotland; what counties are affected; how many acres and how many head of stock; and what stock are affected in each of the said counties?

Agricultural executive committees in counties where there are deer forests are co-operating with the owners of the forests in arranging for the stocking of such land with sheep and cattle. Figures showing the acreage affected are not available but the follow-

County.	Cattle.				Sheep.
	1939.	1940.	Increase.	Decrease.	1939.	1940.	Increase.	Decrease.
Aberdeen	—	67	67	—	6,278	6,219	—	59
Angus	3	9	6	—	4,796	6,152	1,356	—
Argyll	380	662	282	—	4,980	11,562	6,582	—
Banff	14	11	—	3	—	500	500	—
Caithness	50	46	—	4	1,323	1,569	246	—
Dunbarton	—	20	20	—	—	1,350	1,350	—
Inverness	429	673	244	—	10,453	13,395	2,942	—
Kincardine	—	—	—	—	—	10	10	—
Kirkcudbright	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Perth	62	92	30	—	10,064	8,715	—	1,349
Ross and Cromarty.	479	859	380	—	10,399	19,281	8,882	—
Sutherland	176	207	31	—	2,133	6,025	3,892	—
			Net Increase				Net Increase
Total	1,593	2,646	1,053		50,426	74,778	24,352

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make any statement regarding the provision of steel helmets for members of the Local Defence Volunteers?

Arrangements are being made for the issue of a steel helmet to every member of the Local Defence Volunteers. These issues are now beginning, and the rate of delivery will greatly increase in the near future.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will make arrangements to permit members of the Local Defence Volunteer force to ride bicycles at night without lights in cases where such lights would prejudice the performance of their duties?

I have consulted my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War, who is satisfied that no special arrangements, or alterations in the existing law regarding the lighting of bicycles at night, are required for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the age limits for Local Defence Volunteers; and what precautions are taken to prevent the enrolment of persons who are known to be mentally or temperamentally unsuitable?

The ages for enrolment are 17 to 65. Enrolment is conducted by company commanders, who are normally individuals of considerable general experience and local knowledge, and this should be an adequate safeguard against the enrolment of unsuitable persons.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will, in the interest of efficiency, consider the advisability of making payments to members of the Local Defence Volunteers in cases where men have to lose turns of duty from their ordinary employment as a result of their duties as members of the Local Defence Volunteers; and of stating the circumstances under which payment will be made?

Under the Defence (Local Defence Volunteers) Regulations, 1940, volunteers are required to undertake to serve without pay, and the policy is to use volunteers on military duty at times which will not interfere with their civil employment. Exceptions may arise in emergency, but emergencies may interfere with the employment of any citizen in present circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the investigations into the cost and irregularities in connection with the construction of the Militia camps at Cove have yet been completed; and when he expects to make a report to this House?

I hope that the figures for Cove will be reported to the Select Committee shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has further considered the scale of contributory allotments from the pay of soldiers in connection with the award of allowances to their dependants; and whether he is yet in a position to make a statement?

Yes, Sir. A new scale of contributory allotments in respect of awards of dependants' allowance is being introduced as from 29th June last. While

				Rate of contributory allotment (a day).
Soldier's pay (a day).				Previous rates.		New Rates.
2s. 0d. but less than 2s. 6d.	…	…	…	1s. 0d.	…	1s. 0d.
2s. 6d. but less than 3s. 0d.	…	…	…	1s. 3d. or 1s. 6d.*	…	1s. 3d.
3s. 0d. but less than 5s. 0d.	…	…	…	1s. 9d. or 2s. 0d.*	…	1s. 6d.
5s. 0d. but not exceeding 7s. 0d.	…	…	…	2s. 0d. or 3s. 0d.*	…	1s. 9d.
Exceeding 7s. 0d. but not exceeding 8s. 0d.	…	…	…	2s. 0d. or 3s. 0d.*	…	2s. 0d.
Exceeding 8s. 0d. but not exceeding 10s. 0d.	…	…	…	3s. 0d. or 4s. 0d.*	…	2s. 6d.
Exceeding 10s. 0d. but not exceeding 11s. 0d.	…	…	…	3s. 0d. or 4s. 0d.*	…	3s. 0d.
Exceeding 11s. 0d.	…	…	…	4s. 0d.*	…	4s. 0d.
* According to rank and/or pay.
In the event of a man receiving an increase of pay at a lesser rate than the increase of allotment required under the above scale, the allotment will not be increased by a larger amount than the addition to pay, but will be brought up to the standard level as his pay further increases.
The above rates will apply irrespective of the rank of the soldier concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the travelling rations issued to soldiers for the journey from Aldershot to Scotland?

The men are given a haversack ration and in addition 1s. 6d. or 2s. in cash according to whether the journey is over eight hours or over 12 hours.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Lieutenant P. B. Swann, Royal Army Pay Corps, Eastern Command, has, since December, 1939, been before three medical boards and on each occasion passed A1, but because since 1927 he has

My medical advisers have carefully considered the case of this officer in the light of his medical history, including statements made by the officer himself, and they are satisfied that he should not be regarded as fit for military service. In these circumstances, I regret that I cannot alter the decision which has been reached.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in order to save the Army, the Treasury and the county councils the preparation of useless accounts, he will take steps to dispense with the payment of fees by officers commanding units in respect of driving licences issued to service drivers, having regard to the fact that county councils are obliged to credit the amount of such fees to the Exchequer?

The military authorities are already empowered to issue permits (Army Form A.2038) authorising soldiers to drive on public roads in the course of their duty. No fees are payable for these permits and county councils take no part in their issue. A soldier who at any time drives a motor vehicle on public roads otherwise than on duty must have an ordinary driving licence and it does not seem necessary to ask Parliament to amend that statutory requirement.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the third child of a soldier who has died through war service is in receipt of 5s. per week from the Ministry of Pensions, whereas the third child of a soldier serving in the Army receives only 2s. per week; and if he will take steps to increase the latter sum to 5s., and the allowance of a second child from 4s. to 5s.?

The Army family allowance, of which allowances for children form a part, is an addition to the soldier's pay made by the State as a contribution towards the cost of maintaining his family. It is on a different basis from the Ministry of Pensions awards made in respect of a soldier who has lost his life and whose family are deprived of any further contribution from him towards their support.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is any limitation to the allotment which a soldier may make to his dependants?

A soldier may not allot to a dependant more than three-quarters of his pay if he is below the rank of sergeant, or two-thirds of his pay if he is of, or above, that rank.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to send to the Dominions aliens with a "C" certificate who have wives or parents in this country?

Yes, Sir. But, as stated by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department during the Debate on 10th July, it is hoped to arrange that wives with their children shall be allowed to accompany or to follow their husbands to Australia.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has satisfied himself that conditions in all the internment camps are at least equal to the standards laid down in the Prisoners of War Convention?

I am satisfied that, in accordance with our agreement with the German Government, the terms of the Prisoners of War Convention have been applied, so far as is possible, to all the internment camps.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can arrange that all refugees taken to internment shall be supplied with a printed postcard which they may sign and have posted to inform their families that they are well and safe, in order to avoid the mental suffering caused by the long delay before censored letters can reach their destination under present arrangements?

This has already been arranged.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can now state the decision which has been reached on the curtailment of courses of foodstuffs offered for sale at hotels and institutions?

Yes, Sir. On and after Monday next it has been arranged that no person shall be served in any hotel or catering establishment at one meal with more than one course of either rationed or unrationed meat, game, poultry or fish.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if it was made known to the shopkeepers that the price of eggs would be increased 3d. a dozen on Monday, 8th July; whether he is aware that many people could not buy eggs on Saturday, 6th July; and what action he intends taking about the matter?

A notice of the increase in the price of eggs was posted to the various organisations concerned on Friday evening, 5th July, so as to enable them to issue a circular to their members on Saturday in time to reach them by the first post on Monday morning, when the new prices became operative. The increase was also announced on the wireless on Saturday evening and in the Press on Sunday. In answer to the second part of the Question, I am aware that the supply in some parts of the country was reduced on account of the expectation by sellers that prices would be increased.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will consider the issue of an appeal to all households to avoid the prevalent waste of bread; and whether he will include in his appeal the information that the saving of one ounce of bread per day per head would equal the saving of 500,000 tons of wheat per year for which shipping would otherwise be required?

In the Ministry's food campaign, particular emphasis has been laid on saving bread and on ways in which bread should be used up; and this will be continued. Considerable publicity has already been given in the Ministry's leaflets and in other ways to the illustration in the second part of my hon. Friend's Question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will fix a value at which poultry can be sold by poultry farmers reducing their stock in accordance with his directions?

Any price regulation of poultry would take the form of a prescribed maximum not minimum sale price. I do not consider this necessary at present although I am watching the market carefully. In view of the strictly limited quantity of imported poultry now reaching this country poultry keepers should find no difficulty in disposing of their surplus stock at a remunerative price.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the official warning to poultry keepers to reduce their stock by about one-third in the coming autumn owing to the shortage of feeding-stuffs, consideration has been given and, if so, with what result, to the use of any available cold-storage for a proportion of the birds thus destroyed and, but for this, placed on what would otherwise be an over-stocked market?

Imports of poultry are being strictly limited and in view of the demand I do not share the view implied in my hon. and gallant Friend's Question that difficulty may be experienced in disposing of these home-killed birds at remunerative prices.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what support he is giving to the Federation of Women's Institutes in their efforts to conserve as jam, fruit, which, owing to its abundance, cannot otherwise be preserved for food?

The Ministry of Food is working in close co-operation with the National Federation of Women's Institutes in this matter, and affording such assistance and support as is necessary. The Ministry have undertaken to make grants to the Federation based on the estimated additional expenses which will be incurred by its county organisations in connection with this work.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that foodstuffs, such as mushrooms, are being produced by a synthetic process; and whether, as this food can be made available by this process all the year round, he will take steps for the development of this process?

I should be obliged if the hon. Member would send me particulars of the process to which he refers.