asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons transferred by the Employment Exchanges from the printing industry into munitions production since 1st June up to the most convenient later date?

Nine hundred and thirty-five printing trade operatives were placed on munition work through the Employment Exchanges in the period of rather more than three weeks between the date on which the special transference scheme for printing operatives came into operation on 17th June, and 11th July.

Are there still opportunities for other men of this capacity to be enrolled?

Certainly.

Does this apply to the country as a whole?

Yes, Sir.

Could my right hon. Friend give the figures for Scotland, as there is extreme unemployment among printers there?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put that question on the Paper.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the desirability of forming a national labour corps in which all conscientious objectors should be enrolled for service on works in connection with National Defence at Army rates of pay?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in order to put an end to the present anomalous position of conscientious objectors, he will take steps to enrol them into a non-combatant organisation to undertake useful work of national importance on the same conditions, pay and allowances as those obtaining in the Armed Forces of the Crown?

As at present advised, I do not see my way to propose the formation of special organisations of conscientious objectors of the kind suggested in the Questions. I may add, however, that while I deprecate most strongly any victimisation of conscientious objectors by their employers, I am considering whether it would be practicable to require that the difference between the remuneration of a conscientious objector in civil employment and the value of a soldier's pay and rations should be paid into a Central Fund and devoted to some special purpose.

Will the Minister consider raising a special detachment of Napoleonic drapers?

Perhaps the hon. Member will accept the command.

Will the Minister consider making similar arrangements for men who are, technically, physically unfit?

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he proposes to take to deal with unemployment caused by the decision to apply restrictions to certain coastal areas?

Subject to temporary requirements for defence works on which a large number of men have been employed, transfer to employment in other districts will in general be necessary. Such transfer has already been effected in many cases and is facilitated by the grant of lodging allowances by my Department in appropriate cases. Many of the men concerned are suitable for engineering training in the Government Centres, and I hope that they will take advantage of the opportunities which exist in this direction. As regards others, every effort is being made to put them in touch with employment, including Civil Defence and other work, in which they can help in the war effort. In the case of women, I would particularly call attention to the fact that in the three Women's Services, the Women's Royal Naval Service, the Auxiliary Territorial Service and the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, and in the Civil Defence Services, there are many openings calling for women for a variety of occupations for which their industrial experience would fit them. The Employment Exchanges will explain these openings to any women desiring information.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a youth, 18 years of age, who, on 13th April, 1940, was employed by a colliery in Gloucester shire and earned approximately £1 14s. per week, has obtained another job, mixing concrete on runways, at Gloucester, and for the week ending 27th April received £4 18s.; and, as payments of this character are undesirable and against the national interests, will he take steps to prevent them in future?

I have no information concerning the case to which my hon. Friend refers. I assume that the wages paid were based upon the agreed rates for the work in question and they would of course be affected by the number of hours worked.

Is the Minister aware that this case has caused considerable dissatisfaction in the district, and that I have other cases of the same character?

Does not the Minister think that the wages received by the colliery worker mentioned in the Question were undesirable and against the national interest to begin with?

When the House imposed powers upon the Ministry of Labour to operate, it laid down the principle of the rate for the job, and to that I adhere.

Is the Minister going to support the wages ramp which we know exists?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that officials and advisory experts engaged in working the Supplementary Register are frequently not informed of vacancies suitable for those registered; and whether he will ensure that such vacancies are notified to the Register and that they include opportunities for employment in the women's services auxiliary to the three armed Services, in the Land Army, the nursing service, and the Civil Nursing Reserve?

It is the practice of Government Departments to notify all vacancies to the appropriate register of the Ministry of Labour and National Service. The notification of vacancies by private employers except in the industries to which the Undertaking (Restriction on Engagement) Order, 1940, applies, is voluntary. Particulars of the opportunities of employment in the women's services to which my hon. Friend refers have been circulated to all local offices of my Ministry, including those at which the Supplementary Register is kept, and they will be brought to the notice of all suitable women on their registers, and any others who may call to inquire about opportunities for national service.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, although that may be the theory, it is not always the practice, and that I know of many vacancies which have not been notified to the Supplementary Register, or at any rate brought to the notice of the applicants?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will publish a list of application offices for the Supplementary Register, seeing that these are imperfectly known to suitable applicants?

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT the current list of these addresses which, however, is subject to alteration from time to time. In accordance with arrangements which were recently endorsed by the Select Committee on Public Expenditure in their eighth report, applicants desiring to have their particulars recorded on the Supplmentary Register should make application to the nearest Employment Exchange, where it can be decided whether it is in the applicant's best interests that the particulars should be recorded with the local office, the Supplementary Register, or the Central Register. In suitable cases an applicant's particulars may be recorded both with the Supplementary Register and the local office or the Central Register.

While thanking the Minister for his reply, will he take steps to see that the names and addresses of these registers are made known through the Press or the B.B.C., as they are exceedingly imperfectly known, and even after many months working many people do not know of the existence of the Supplementary Register?

Could the addresses be added to the list which is to be circulated?

May I have an answer to my Supplementary Question, as it is rather important?

Following is the list of Selected Offices:

• London—4, Great Marlborough Street, London, W.1.
• Cambridge—Employment Exchange, Newnham Road, Cambridge.
• Oxford—Employment Exchange, Floyd's Row, St. Aldate's Street, Oxford.
• Southampton—Employment Exchange, Mill-brook Road, Southampton.
• Bristol—Divisional Office, "Parklands," Tyndall's Park Road, Bristol 8.
• Birmingham—Prudential Buildings, St. Phillips Place, Birmingham 3.
• Nottingham—Employment Exchange, Castle Boulevard, Nottingham.
• Leeds—Employment Exchange, Eastgate, Leeds 2.
• Liverpool—Employment Exchange, Leece Street, Liverpool 1.
• Manchester.—Employment Exchange, 102, Portland Street, Manchester.
• Newcastle-on-Tyne—Divisional Office, Exchange Buildings, Queen Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne 1.
• Aberdeen—Employment Exchange, 49, Market Street, Aberdeen.
• Edinburgh—Employment Exchange, 174, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh 3
• Glasgow—Employment Exchange, 103, Waterloo Street, Glasgow, C.2.
• Cardiff—Divisional Office, Dominions House, Queen Street, Cardiff.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there are large numbers of persons in reserved occupations, and on the Central Register, who are not employed on national work; and whether he will consider freeing those not likely to be required at an early date so as to enable them to join the Armed Forces?

As regards the Schedule of Reserved Occupations, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for Lewes (Rear-Admiral Beamish) on 6th June. The inclusion of a person's name on the Central Register does not prevent him from joining the Armed Forces.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the unemployment in the coalfields, he is establishing training schemes for mine-workers to enable them to aid the national endeavour in other spheres of industry?

Mineworkers have not in general been admitted to the Government training centres on the ground that they were required in their present occupation. I am keeping in close touch with my hon. Friend the Secretary of Mines in order that these arrangements may be adjusted, if necessary according to the labour requirements of the mining industry.

The Minister will understand that there is considerable unemployment at present in County Durham. Is he aware that unemployed mineworkers are pressing for this action to be taken?

I had to make an Order prohibiting movement from the mines at the time when the demand for foreign export trade warranted it. There has now been a change, and the responsibility for asking me to withdraw or modify that Order, in view of the arrangement, rests on the Minister of Mines. As soon as he approaches me, I will go immediately into the question of adjustment.

Is the Minister aware that miners would appreciate being taught in their spare time how to use explosives in self-defence?

asked the Minister of Labour in how many ports it will be necessary to establish port registration schemes; and what progress has been made in approving such schemes since the Dock Labour (Compulsory Registration) Order was made?

There are approximately 40 ports in which it will be desirable to establish Port Registration Schemes, and steps have been taken to expedite the submission of schemes from the ports concerned. Since the Dock Labour (Compulsory) Registration) Order was made on 18th June 30 committees have submitted schemes for my approval, and five have sought guidance from me in the formulation of their schemes. Of the 30 schemes submitted, 16 have so far been approved. I expect the remainder will be approved very shortly as soon as a few outstanding points of difficulty are cleared.

asked the Prime Minister what are the present arrangements in Departments for the consideration of ideas and suggestions, including inventions, for the more successful prosecution of the war; and whether he will take steps to obviate the difficulty of knowing to which Department to submit them and of obtaining their satisfactory consideration by Departments concerned, who are tied by preconceived notions?

An immense number of suggestions and inventions are sent in to the various Departments connected with the prosecution of the war. It is the duty of each Department to examine those suggestions which deal with matters with which they are concerned, and to refer the others to the appropriate Department. I believe that, on the whole, considering the extreme pressure of the times, this work is well done by the research branches of the Departments. I should deprecate the idea that the scientists at the disposal of the Government are tied by pre-conceived notions. I remember that, at the time when the magnetic mine appeared to be a menace, several hundred letters a day were received suggesting remedies. However, the Admiralty succeeded in solving the problem themselves almost as soon as they were able to deal with the correspondence about it. It would therefore be a mistake to assume that there is any lack of willingness or of ability to adopt new ideas. But this in no way implies that suggestions are not welcome. Correspondents in doubt about which Department to address should forward their suggestions to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, which is under the special care of the Lord President of the Council.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is a great deal of dissatisfaction in regard to this matter? Would it not be well to set up some central organisation or committee which could call in expert evidence or knowledge from the Departments, and have an overriding right to make direct recommendations to himself, in cases where Departments would not take matters up?

It is very difficult indeed. I felt there was a good deal of force in the suggestion made, but when you come to apply it is is very difficult, because some of the matters touch tremendous secrets which are being actively examined at this time, and it is not possible to come into consultation with outsiders about them. There are many difficulties of that kind. We are most anxious to examine any suggestions of a reasonable character, and a good many that come from the public can be attended to by the Department to which they are sent or transferred to the proper Department. If there is no particular Department, there is always the Lord President of the Council's general committee of scientific research, and application to him will be attended to.

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether, in view of the widespread doubts among manufacturers and workers as to the relative importance of munitions and export trade, he will make a statement of Government policy in the matter?

I am glad to take this opportunity of making the Government's attitude clear. I regret the disturbance in our export trade which has been inevitable during the last six weeks while we have been concentrating increased capacity and labour on the production of munitions. The Government, whilst continuing to ensure the largest possible output of munitions, intend also to maintain, as far as possible, the export trade, which remains of vital importance, as a means of paying for imports of munitions and other goods essential to our war effort.

Is it the suggestion of the right hon. Gentleman that manufacturers are not prepared to incur the risks entailed in the export trade at the present time and prefer the safety of Government orders; and is it not possible to provide some measure of financial assistance so as to fortify manufacturers who wish to engage in export trade?

I think my hon. Friend has probably misunderstood the position. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is fully aware of the difficulties having regard to the necessity for sustaining foreign trade.

Is it contemplated to set up, in connection with export trade, any regional form of organisation, so that people in the Special Areas can make applications, complaints and observations there?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will take steps to secure that, when the balance in the

No, Sir; the organisation is not by regions but by particular kinds of commodities.

asked the Minister of Labour what changes took place in the aggregate number of insured persons in the chief groups of the engineering industry, that is to say, in general engineering, electrical engineering, marine engineering, constructional engineering, and the construction of motor-vehicles, cycles, and aircraft, between July, 1929, and July, 1931, and between July, 1931, and July, 1939, respectively?

As the reply includes a table of figures, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

In view of the fact that the Question does not require a table of figures, may I have an answer to it? On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker, may I have an answer to my Question, in view of the fact that details can only be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT by permission of the Member who has asked the Question?

The Minister said that the answer did contain a table of figures.

If you will be kind enough to read the Question, Mr. Speaker, it will be found that I have asked for only two figures.

Following is the reply:

account of a deceased soldier is paid to his family, that balance will be treated as savings of the family for purposes of the unemployment allowances?

The Board inform me that the balance of the service account of a deceased soldier would not normally be taken into account to reduce an unemployment allowance. I have written to my hon. Friend with regard to the case mentioned in the Question he put to me on 11th July. The money referred to in that case consisted of arrears of dependants' allowance and was not the balance of the soldier's account.

I am much obliged to the Minister for his answer, and also for his letter to me.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make arrangements whereby category C refugees shall be allowed a few days' notice to wind up their personal affairs before internment?

The police have standing instructions to give reasonable facilities to an alien to make any necessary arrangements before effecting his internment.

Perhaps the Minister can define what he means by "reasonable time"?

It will be very helpful if the hon. Gentleman can bring to my notice any case which may have been brought to his attention. I think, myself, that these cases in which what is regarded as reasonable time was not allowed are cases which, in the early stage of this process, arose in the military belt on the East Coast.

Is the Minister aware that even in London people of over 60 were given only two hours to pack their things and make their arrangements?

That certainly would not be in accordance with my wish.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is the normal procedure?

Are these people not allowed to telephone to their friends?

I should have thought they would certainly have been allowed to do so, but, if not, they certainly should be able to do so.

Is the Minister aware of the case of a Kensington business man who was taken away in two hours and had no provision made in regard to the stocks in his office?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will add to the present categories of aliens of enemy origin exempted or releasable from internment a further category to cover persons who have given unquestioned proof, whether in their own or in this country, of their courage in opposing Nazi or Fascist tyranny and have rendered distinguished service in this respect?

Any individual case where definite information of this kind were given would certainly receive my most sympathetic consideration.

May that be made known to the refugee organisations and the police, so that they will have an opportunity of investigation before such persons are interned?

I will consider that.

Is the Minister aware that large numbers of people have been interned who are known for years to have been fighting against Fascism?

That, I am afraid, is inevitable in the application of a general policy.

When is it proposed to issue a statement regarding the Government's intention on this matter of internment of aliens? When are we to have the statement which was promised?

I hope it will be given early next week.

Is it at any time proposed to undertake a review with a view to releasing those who turn out to be excellent friends of this country?

A certain review is already in progress.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in considering the categories of aliens who, in the absence of any suspicion on personal grounds, may be exempt or released from internment, he will interpret work of national importance as including contributions of significance to science and learning?

Yes, Sir. I shall be ready to give sympathetic consideration to any case where I am advised by bodies of recognised standing in the sphere of science and learning that an alien's work is of importance for the promotion of science and learning.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that friendly aliens, definitely accepted for the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps and waiting to be called up, have found themselves suddenly interned; and whether he will be able to utilise the services of those whose loyalty is not in question?

I am aware that a few such persons who had not been actually enlisted in the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps have been interned. These cases are being examined and arrangements will be made to release any alien whose services are required by the military authorities.

Could we not have an entirely new policy towards aliens, based on using to the full those whose loyalty is not in dispute?

I have already indicated that a statement on the subject will be made early next week.

A "V.C." has been refused.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state how the selection of internees to be transported overseas is made?

I think I had better deal with this Question in the statement which is to be made next week.

In the meantime, will the Home Secretary see that some of the mistakes that have occurred in sending innocent aliens overseas to Canada will not occur again?

Every precaution will be taken.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is prepared to consider compelling all householders who have gardens to erect air-raid shelters?

I fully share my hon. Friend's anxiety that every citizen should do what he can to provide protection for himself and his household, either in his garden or in his house, but I doubt whether this is a matter in which compulsion would be practicable.

Would the Minister consider supplying either Anderson shelters or material to erect shelters in thickly populated districts?

Arrangements have already been made to supply material for the erection of shelters in the case of householders who would have been eligible for the steel shelter but for whom supplies were not available.

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether he is prepared to take steps to prohibit residence in and occupation of any island on the West Coast of Scotland by any person either formerly or at present associated with pro-Nazi associations or related to prominent Fascists at present in preventive custody;

(2) whether regular police visits are paid to islands on the West Coast of Scotland, one of which is owned by a person formerly an associate of pro-Nazi associations; and what steps he has taken to ensure that their privileged position cannot be used to the detriment of the nation's security?

I am informed that these islands are visited periodically by the police, and my inquiries do not indicate that there are any grounds for apprehensions of the kind to which my hon. Friend alludes, or for prohibiting the present inhabitants from living there. The island in which I think my hon. Friend is more particularly interested is in a protected area, and entry into it is, therefore, already controlled.

Is the Minister aware that as late as 29th June Miss Mitford was met by her father at Oban and taken by him to that island Is he further aware that in Scotland we are concerned to know how it is that known Fascists can live in these islands while perfectly loyal people cannot visit their relatives who are resident in these particular areas?

That is a matter of which I have no knowledge. These are areas which are in the hands of the military authorities.

Will the Minister not take steps to allay public opinion in Scotland which desires that these people who were actively associated with Fascism should not be in prohibited areas?

In matters regarding security I must, I think, be guided by those who are responsible.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that upwards of 26,000 persons attended the greyhound race meeting at Harringay on Monday, 8th July last, though the quota allowed by the regulations for this track was originally 8,000; and what limits are now being placed by the police on the numbers admitted at these meetings?

The number of spectators usually allowed at Harringay is 10,000, but I understand that on this particular occasion the Commissioner of Police gave permission for an increased attendance for a special event. He made it a condition that the meeting should end by 9 p.m. so that those attending could get home in daylight.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the number of 10,000 is frequently exceeded at this stadium, and in view of the risk of bombardment, will he not see that something is done to reduce the numbers at these race meetings?

I understood that the number of 10,000 was arrived at after careful consideration. If it be the case that the number has been regularly exceeded, I will certainly look into the matter.

asked the Home Secretary by what persons the decisions will be given at the boundaries of defence areas as to whether persons from without those areas may or may not enter them?

The actual decision is made by a police officer or in some instances by a member of His Majesty's Forces acting in accordance with the general principles which were announced to this House and amplified in the Press and on the wireless at the end of the last week.

Will my right hon. Friend explain what is to be done by a person who, arriving on what he regards as legitimate business, is, without any explanation, taken from one platform to another and sent home on the decision of an ordinary constable?

My hon. Friend will realise that the purpose of this Order is to ensure that there shall not be at any time any substantial influx of persons who are not residents to an area in which special considerations of a military character require that the population should be kept as low as possible. It was not practicable to introduce a general permit system, but instructions have been given to the police and other authorities to administer the regulations with all possible consideration.

Having regard to the fact that that is not an answer to my Question, may I ask who gives the decision, what representations can be made to that person, and what control there is over a constable who orders a person to go back?

There is no possibility of an appeal in these circumstances.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make arrangements for the police to communicate with all holders of certificates for firearms, with a view to requiring them to place them at the disposal of the Local Defence Volunteers; and whether he will take similar steps with regard to holders of gun licences for shotguns?

My hon. Friend's suggestion is being considered.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the time is past for relying on voluntary action in this matter and that compulsion should be exercised to require these arms to be brought forward?

It is much more a matter for the military authorities than for me. My desire has been at all times to do what I can to facilitate what they wish to secure in the interests of defence.

Will an answer be given by the War Office if I put a Question down?

If my hon. Friend will put down another Question next week, I will do my best to answer it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this suggestion has been put forward both to him and to the Secretary of State for War regularly almost every other day for the last four weeks, and when is a decision to be arrived at? Who is holding up a decision? Why does it take so long to reach a decision about so simple a matter?

The position is that the military authorities came to the conclusion that they did not desire to avail themselves of this particular procedure, but I have been informed in the last two days that they wish to give further consideration to the matter.

Would not legislation be required?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the advisability of providing gas blankets across the entrance to public refuges which are not gas-proof; and whether adequate provision has been made for the supply of anti-gas ointment to air-raid precautions units?

I am about to instruct local authorities that, where they have not already done so, they should now instal gas curtains in public shelters, or arrange to have them available for installation at short notice. As regards the second part of the Question, the supplies of anti-gas ointment required for the authorised establishments of the various A.R.P. Services have already been made.

Is it not rather late in the day, if not too late, to issue instructions about blankets? Should it not have been done months ago?

I do not think so. It was intended at the beginning to secure that in the construction of air-raid shelters provision should be made whereby curtains could be put up without further structural alterations. It would have been a great mistake to instal curtains from the beginning.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make arrangements whereby, in cases of urgency and family considerations, permits will be issued to such persons for travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland; and whether he will do his utmost to remove all unnecessary hindrances from the way of those who can travel to Northern Ireland without infringing any regulation for the safety of the State?

Subject to verification of the facts in each case, exit permits are granted to enable persons to travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland for urgent family reasons such as the serious illness or death of a close relative. No unnecessary hindrances are placed in the way of such persons or of persons who can produce satisfactory evidence that they are travelling to Northern Ireland on business of national importance.

Could not arrangements be made for men from Ireland in the building trade who have been here for nine or ten months to go home to their families, especially in cases of illness?

I am very anxious to give consideration to any hard cases, but the paramount consideration must be a reduction in the volume of travelling.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman consider allowing a limited amount of travel to workmen who have been separated from their families for a considerable time?

It is a question of how limited it would be.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are facilities for travel both by boat and train?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will grant permits to enable clergymen to travel to and from Northern Ireland who have promised to conduct services and preach there at this critical time; and whether he will arrange for the same privilege to be granted to clergymen in Northern Ireland who have preaching engagements to fulfil in Great Britain?

The policy of restricting travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland must, I fear, be accepted as inevitable for the time being; and I should not have thought an exchange of clergymen between the two countries could be regarded as essential. I understand, however, that my hon. Friend has recently been in communication with my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary and I will see that he gets a considered reply to his representations.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the home of Mr. Beynon, a reputable member and official of the local Labour Party in Soham, Cambridgeshire, was recently entered by the police who removed a copy of Lord Addison's "A Policy for Agriculture," the Duchess of Atholl's "Searchlight on Spain," and issues of "Your Britain," published by the Labour party, none of which has been returned; and whether he will state why this action was taken?

I have made inquiry and am informed that as a result of information which reached the police it was thought desirable to interview Mr. Beynon, who made a statement and handed to the police certain books and periodicals. I understand that these have been returned to Mr. Beynon, and that he has been informed that no further action is being taken. It is clear that there is no ground for any complaint against Mr. Beynon.

Is it not rather high-handed for the police to invade the home of a perfectly respectable citizen in this way, purely on hearsay evidence which was found to have no ground whatever in fact when they went there, and to take away literature of this kind; and will the right hon. Gentleman at least ask the police to realise what is and what is not subversive literature?

rose

There are many Questions on the Order Paper.

But this is a shocking thing, and I should like to have an answer.

I think the House will realise that these are exceptional times, and that if steps were not taken to follow up promptly information relating to matters which appear to call for action, our national safety might be prejudiced.

May I ask that when such action is taken the person who suffers this indignity should at least have the right to know who had reported him?

Conservative secretaries are never treated in this way.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the internment of all persons who were members of the British Union of Fascists at the outbreak of the war?

My information does not suggest that security considerations demand the internment of every individual who was a member of the British Union at the outbreak of war. I have already ordered the detention of those who were active as organisers in furthering the objects of the union, and if any persons attempt to carry on the work of the union in contravention of the recent Order under the Defence Regulations, I shall consider whether, in addition to any penalty imposed by the courts in respect of such an offence, the detention of the offender is necessary on security grounds.

Has the right hon. Gentleman the number of the members of the British Union of Fascists and their names, and are the police acquainted with the people concerned; and, further, may I ask why it is that Fascists are all left at liberty and all anti-Fascists, if they happen to be aliens, are interned?

My right hon. Friend is surely mistaken in suggesting that all Fascists have been left at liberty and all anti-Fascists have been interned. A very large number of Fascists have been interned. As regards his first Supplementary Question, the police have had a nominal list of members, but how far that list represented members who were actually interested in the work of the union at the outbreak of the war I cannot be certain.

Will the right hon. Gentleman pay some attention to the Communist party?

asked the Home Secretary what protests he has received from organisations against the arrests of Fascists and the banning of the Fascist organisation, on the ground that these actions are infringements of civil liberties and involve the oppression of minority opinion; and what action he has taken in the matter?

I have not received any such protests.

asked the Home Secretary whether any restrictions are placed on the movements and activities of Captain R. Gordon-Canning, who left the British Union of Fascists to become treasurer of the British Council for Christian Settlement in Europe?

I have recently made an Order for the detention of Captain Gordon-Canning under Regulation 18B of the Defence Regulations.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman, may I ask whether the organisation mentioned in my Question is still in existence?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question on the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now say what action has been taken regarding the pamphlet recently issued by the Communist party, dated 22nd. June?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department has taken action with a view to stopping the distribution of this pamphlet.

In view of the position of grave danger in which this country finds itself, will my right hon. Friend see to it that any subversive propaganda, whether Fascist, Communist or anything else, is dealt with promptly, drastically and impartially, and that the organisations concerned are suppressed; and can he say when this leaflet was first brought to the notice of the Cabinet?

With regard to the first part of the question, it seems to state conclusions with which we are all in agreement. I am not aware of the date on which this pamphlet was brought to the notice of the Cabinet.

What was the action taken?

The action taken has been to stop the distribution of the pamphlet.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he will not adopt the Gestapo methods advocated by the hon. and gallant Gentleman opposite?

asked the Home Secretary why he caused the release of John Kelly, an avowed Communist, who was found guilty of posting Communist literature in the lavatories of a machine-tool works where he was lately employed, was recommended for internment, and detained by the police pending a decision; and, in view of the anger such decision has caused among the loyal employés at these works and throughout the country, whether he will reconsider this case?

This man was found posting up copies of a leaflet about which I answered Questions on 4th July. He was not charged with any offence, but was detained temporarily pending consideration of the question whether an order should be made for his detention under Regulation 18B. I do not think it would be right to single out for internment under this Regulation an individual disseminator of this leaflet, but, as I indicated in my previous reply, other action is being taken to put a stop to the circulation of this very objectionable leaflet.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take steps by legislation or otherwise, to make it a capital crime for a resident of Great Britain to assist a German invading this country by air or by sea?

Any such action would be an offence against the Treachery Act, 1940, and would therefore be punishable by death.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is able to make any further statement with reference to the position in the Channel Islands; and whether he has now received a report from Lord Justice Du Parcq's Committee?

As regards the first part of the Question, I have no further statement to make. As regards the second part, the committee is a voluntary committee whose main objects are to assist refugees with financial help and advice, to help them to obtain employment and to compile a register of persons known to be still in the islands and of refugees. My Department is keeping in close touch with the committee and is endeavouring to assist in every way possible in the very useful work which it is performing.

Has further consideration been given to the suggestion that some neutral representative should be asked to go by air to the islands and see what the conditions are there?

There is another Question on the Paper about that.

Should people who are anxious about friends in the Channel Islands apply to this committee or to a Government Department?

We are endeavouring to make arrangements through the Red Cross Association and until they have been made it is not possible to secure information from the islands.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information as to the fate of the Channel Islanders left behind who are in danger of starvation owing to the cessation of imports of food necessary for the population under normal conditions, and the evacuation of most of the cattle from the island before the invasion?

My hon. Friend may be assured that His Majesty's Government will do all in their power to assist our fellow countrymen in the islands—but I think he has been misinformed as to the present position. The statement that most of the cattle were evacuated is mistaken, and appears to be based on the fact that the cattle in Alderney were removed to Guernsey. As I stated last week, efforts are being made to establish communication with the islands through the Red Cross Association.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have communications from relatives there who state that they are afraid they are in a position of starvation and that some of them who have left saw the cattle evacuated from the island?

I think that my hon. Friend is mistaken.

Will a neutral representative be asked to fly there?

That matter was considered and not found practicable.

asked the Home Secretary (1) how long before the German raids took place the Channel Islands were demilitarised; and how long a period elapsed after demilitarisation before the Germans were informed;

(2) how long a period elapsed between the decision to demilitarise the Channel Islands and the broadcast announcement that such action had been taken?

There was an interval of some days between the date when arrangements were put into operation for demilitarising the Islands and the date on which the demilitarisation was publicly announced. To have made the public announcement earlier would have been tantamount to inviting the enemy to occupy the Islands or to attack the ships engaged in the evacuation operations.

asked the Home Secretary why, on 29th June, the day before the invasion of the Channel Islands, there was no transport available for the islanders who wished to leave?

To have attempted to continue until a later date the special arrangements for evacuation would have been highly dangerous, as was shown by events. Enemy aircraft attacked the harbours of both Jersey and Guernsey on 28th June, and it is, I think, a matter for congratulation that before then so many people had been got away safely from the Islands.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that all the evidence shows that no attack was made until the 30th and that large numbers of people who had registered to leave were left there; and is there any other case known in which we have given up a land without any resistance whatever and left the people to their fate?

I have already had to point out to the hon. Member that his information has been mistaken in certain respects. The facts I have given in my answer as to the attack on the 28th have been verified. As regards the last part of the Question, I need hardly say that it was with the very greatest regret that the Government arrived at their decision.

May I send the right hon. Gentleman the information I have got from numbers of letters, including the notice issued by the German Commander?

asked the Home Secretary whether consideration has been, or will be given, to the report of the International Labour Office entitled "Studies and Reports, Series F (Industrial Hygiene), No. 17," and the proceedings of the International Conference, held in Geneva from 29th August to 9th September, 1938, on the question of silicosis; and what action is it proposed to take on the report?

This was a round-table conference of medical experts, including British representatives, and their conclusions are for the most part in the nature of scientific findings rather than recommendations for action. I am advised that, in so far as they contain suggestions as to methods of diagnosis of the disease, methods of dust investigation and means of prevention, the arrangements in this country are broadly speaking, and indeed already were at the time of the report, in conformity with the views expressed in the report.

Has not the medical staff of the Home Office been transferred to the Ministry of Labour, and has the responsibility for dealing with silicosis been transferred to that Ministry?

No, Sir; what has been transferred to the Ministry of Labour is the Factory Department only.

asked the Home Secretary, in view of the fact that substantial agreement has been reached regarding the general pathological conception of silicosis, as shown by the report of the International Labour Office, "Studies and Reports, Series F (Industrial Hygiene), No. 17," what steps are being taken to see that early diagnosis is made among miners, pottery workers and asbestos workers in particular, in order to prevent the long-suffering and steady deterioration of the affected people's physique; and is it intended to improve the compenstion arrangements?

Provision is made in the Silicosis and Asbestosis (Medical Arrangements) Scheme for periodic examinations of workmen in ganister mines and in silica processes in the pottery and asbestos industries with a view to the early detection of the disease and, except in certain cases where undue hardship might result, for the removal from these processes of workers found to be affected by it. As regards coalmines, the question was investigated by the Royal Commission on Safety in Coalmines, but for the reasons set out on pages 468 and 469 of their report, the Commission did not feel at that time that they could usefully recommend the institution of such examinations in the case of persons employed in coalmines.

What arrangements have been made at the Home Office to get medical opinion if the medical service of the Home Office has been transferred to the factory inspection department?

My hon. Friend can be assured that adequate arrangements have been made. If he puts a Question down, I will give him a full reply.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give the pledge of His Majesty's Government that alien refugees from Hitler, now interned in this country will, under no circumstances, be handed back to Hitler, as in France?

Yes. Sir. It is inconceivable to me that His Majesty's Government, either now or at any future date, would hand over to their oppressors persons who had sought in this country a refuge from persecution.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will, on an early day, call the people of the United Kingdom to a day of prayer and the dedication of their lives to God?

I sympathise with my hon. Friend's suggestion, and I can assure him that the appointment of another day of National Prayer is at present under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister what arrangement has he made to ensure facilities of immediate consultation between himself and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs?

Sir, I have asked Ministers whose duties are intimately connected with the conduct of the war to arrange as soon as possible to sleep in their offices at the centre of Government. The reasons for this are sufficiently obvious. I regret to cause the Ministers concerned inconvenience. They certainly should not be obliged to incur expense. Full regard will be paid to economy in all the arrangements made, and the details will be subject to examination by the Public Accounts Committee in due course.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it advisable, in view of the necessity for immediate consultation with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, that that gentleman should be established in No. 11?

I am very much obliged to the hon. Gentleman for the kindly and agreeable attention which he gives to our affairs. I can assure him that any suggestion that falls from him will receive attention.

The right hon. Gentleman will know what I mean.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will provide an opportunity to every Member of Parliament to sign a declaration endorsing the Government's policy of defending every village, every town and every city?

I think that the resolve of the House has been expressed in a manner which needs, at the moment, no further emphasis.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the large-scale evacuation of children overseas is an important factor in the military defence of Britain, he will reconsider the decision to postpone the scheme, bearing in mind that children can be evacuated in ships which are already being convoyed?

It is most undesirable that anything in the nature of a large-scale exodus from this country should take place, and I do not believe that the military situation requires or justifies such a proceeding, having regard to the relative dangers of going and staying. Nor is it physically possible. His Majesty's Government have been deeply touched by the kindly offers of hospitality received from the Dominions and the United States. They will take pains to make sure that in the use that is made of these offers there shall be no question of rich people having an advantage, if advantage there be, over poor. The scheme has been postponed, not abandoned, but any further emigration that may be possible, as opportunity serves, will be regulated, with a view to restoring the balance between classes, and not in pursuance of any policy of reducing the number of persons in this well-defended island. Furthermore, the scale of movement must necessarily be small in number and dependent in time upon naval facilities.

I must frankly admit that the full bearings of this question were not appreciated by His Majesty's Government at the time when it was first raised. It was not foreseen that the mild countenance given to the plan would lead to a movement of such dimensions, and that a crop of alarmist and depressing rumours would follow at its tail, detrimental to the interests of National Defence. I take full responsibility for the steps which were originally taken, but I ask for the indulgence of he House, on account of the many difficulties through which we have been passing.

Is it not possible, seeing that there are ships convoyed going out, to send children in small parties of, say, 50; secondly, on the general question, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is the first time for the last seven years that I have disagreed with him?

It may be that opportunities will serve for sending, in accordance with what I have said in my answer, but I could give no guarantee at the moment of the time or the numbers. As to what the hon. Gentleman said last, a good deal of it is quite true, and I have felt myself greatly fortified by that approval. I shall still labour further to convince him.

Will the right hon. Gentleman at some future date reconsider the possibility of evacuation of children by American and neutral ships getting these children away, as they are in no way connected with the Armed Forces?

Yes, of course; if a movement to send United States ships to these shores were set on foot from the other side of the Atlantic, it would immediately engage the most earnest attention of His Majesty's Government.

In the hope that it might afford some protection, would the right hon. Gentleman consider putting a certain number of German prisoners or enemy aliens on the ships?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider instituting immediately, in consultation with the Minister of Supply, a national working scheme for the collection of waste and the conversion of it into sound food suitable for poultry?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave the hon. and learned Member for Greenock (Mr. R. Gibson) on 11th July.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that what it requires is a comprehensive, concrete, crystallised scheme to deal with the problem nationally, and is he not aware that the supply of eggs is of national importance to-day, and that it is only being fooled about with at the present time?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that farmers are receiving notice to terminate the tenancy of their farms owing to a change of ownership; that this implies an alteration of the conditions of the tenancy, unsettles the farmer, and interferes with food production; and whether he proposes to take steps to give the farmers a guarantee against disturbances of the conditions on which he holds his farm?

As the reply is rather long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL, REPORT.