asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the case of Mr. P. H. Meadows, of Abbey Gate, Vine Street, Evesham, who until recently was assistant manager of the Channel Islands branch of Messrs. Lowe & Shawyer, Limited, of Uxbridge, and who is now willing and enthusiastic to enlist for military service but is precluded from doing so on the grounds that he is in a reserved occupation although the occupation no longer exists?

I am looking into this case. I should explain generally that Channel Islanders (i.e., persons born or domiciled in the Channel Islands and not ordinarily resident in Great Britain) who have come to this country as refugees are not precluded by the Schedule of Reserved Occupations from enlisting voluntarily in any branch of the National Defence Services.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will arrange that doctors from evacuated towns are given special opportunities to undertake medical board work?

As the hon. Member is aware, members of panels of medical boards are drawn from lists maintained by the Central Medical War Committee. I understand that doctors from evacuated towns are able to submit their names to the appropriate local medical war committee for inclusion in the list for the district to which they have moved.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the large Cypriot male population in London and their eagerness to serve the Empire with the greatest efficiency possible, he will consider the advisability, both on linguistic and dietetic grounds, of forming a London Cypriot unit?

I should much like to utilise the services of Cypriots resident in this country, and am considering how best to do it.

asked the Minister of Labour when the hon. Member for Ipswich may expect a reply to his letter of 28th June, on the subject of the training of welders?

I have sent a reply to the hon. Member's letter of 28th June.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there are a great number of able-bodied people who are drawing unemployment pay or public assistance; and, if he is unable to find work for them in their particular class why does he not utilise them in work of military or national importance?

I am not aware that there are a great number of able-bodied persons drawing unemployment benefit or assistance, other than those temporarily thrown out of employment by the cessation of non-essential work and a certain number who still remain in the pockets of unemployment which were allowed to develop before the war. The former group should in most cases be rapidly reabsorbed into war industries. As regards the latter, I have instituted, in co-operation with representatives of employers and workers, a special and individual review of all who have been unemployed for a month or more.

asked (1) the Minister of Supply what steps are being taken to bring to the notice of large Government contractors the lists of technical personnel who are unemployed and whose names are on the Central Register; and whether he can take action in this matter at the earliest opportunity;(2) the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the desirability of making the Central Register a more active organisation for finding employment for those whose names are still on its books as unemployed; and whether, in particular, he can arrange for the register to circulate to Government Departments and other large employers of professional, technical and scientific persons lists of persons who are still available for and anxious to have employment?

The Central Register is not primarily designed for placing unemployed personnel into employment, but is intended to be a register of persons with high professional, technical or administrative qualifications, nearly all of whom are already in employment, with a view to enabling posts in Government Departments or in firms engaged on war work to be filled by the best qualified persons. If there are candidates of equal qualifications it is the obvious course to put forward those who are not already in employment. Steps have already been taken to bring the services of the Central Register to the notice of Government Departments and Government contractors, and I am considering what additional steps can be taken to make known the categories of highly qualified persons who are available on the Register for transfer to war work. It would defeat the object of the Central Register if it were to be used primarily as an agency for finding work for the unemployed. For that purpose, the Supplementary Register has been formed and unemployed persons of suitable qualifications who are in need of immediate employment can register with the Supplementary Register whether or not their names are on the Central Register. In that event every effort is made to put them in touch with employment suitable to their qualifications. I would, however, remind my hon. Friend of the statement I made in reply to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for East Leicester (Mr. Lyons) on 27th June, indicating that in many cases the special qualifications of professional and business men and women are not such as can be utilised in the war industries, and that where that is the case they should be prepared to take other work of a kind which they would not expect to take in peace-time.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has yet been able to put into practice the recommendations of the Select Committee on National Expenditure that facilities should be provided for the employment of certain professional persons, such as civil engineers, surveyors and industrial consultants, who are willing and anxious to go on the central register as a team but not as individuals?

The possibility of the employment of teams and the utilisation of the services of outside organisations on a consultant basis is kept constantly in mind, and it has been found possible to utilise these arrangements in certain cases. I am afraid, however, that I see considerable difficulty in their development on a wide scale.

asked the Secretary of State for War what regulations have been made regarding communication between interned aliens and their families?

All civilian internees are allowed to send two letters a week. As regards the reception of letters, there is no fixed limit.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a number of persons of Polish origin, coming from that part of Poland now occupied by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, but many of them resident in this country for from 25 to 50 years, have been interned; whether this has been done on grounds of their nationality or on personal grounds; and whether he will give an assurance that, since these are not enemy aliens, they will not be sent overseas without grave personal reasons?

Persons who are not of enemy nationality are not liable to internment on grounds of nationality, though in individual cases they may be detained on security grounds. I shall be glad if the hon. Lady will give me some further particulars about the aliens whom she has in mind.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the 7,500 male civilian internees who have already been sent overseas included many who, under the Home Office regulations, prescribing the conditions of exemption from internment, should not have been interned, and, to prevent these mistakes occurring in future, will he ensure that all camp commandants are immediately informed of the nature of these regulations and are instructed not to send overseas internees apparently qualified for exemption until their application for release has been considered?

Steps are being taken to ensure, so far as possible, that persons who appear to come within the categories of exemption from internment shall not be sent overseas until their cases have been considered.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will adopt a scheme for the release of friendly interned aliens based on guarantors of their bona fides being forthcoming from prominent British citizens?

A large number of the persons interned have already been sponsored by persons in this country and I could not undertake to release all those for whom guarantees may be forthcoming. The first step must be for the responsible authorities to review these cases when release seems desirable for the purpose of enabling an individual to make a valuable contribution to the national war effort.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in any negotiations with Japan, he will avoid either giving the impression that we wish to exercise pressure on the Chinese Government or to encourage the defeatist Chinese Government at Nanking?

His Majesty's Government have no intention of exercising pressure on the Chinese Government and they do not recognise the Government of Wang Ching-wei at Nanking.

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether he is aware that work of great national importance on Government contracts undertaken by firms in the vicinity of Wood Lane, Shepherds Bush, within the Metropolitan borough of Hammersmith, is being seriously impeded by sickness engendered by the stench arising from the premises of Hyganic, Limited; that the Hammersmith Borough Council is receiving large numbers of complaints in respect of this nuisance; and will he take action in this matter;(2) on what grounds he consented to the making of an Order by the Minister of Supply suspending certain enactments enabling the company, known as Hyganic, Limited, to carry on the business of a manure manufacturer in premises adjoining Wood Lane, Shepherds Bush, within the Metropolitan borough of Hammersmith, in spite of the fact that, but for the Order, this would be completely prohibited by the Public Health (London) Act, 1936; what representations the Hammersmith Borough Council have made to him; and what reply he has returned?

Several weeks ago representations were made by the Hammersmith Metropolitan Borough Council to the effect that these works constituted both a serious nuisance and a detriment to health. After a deputation from the council was received in my Department I sent two of my inspectors to inspect the works in company with officers of the council. As a result I have been advised that, although the process gives rise to some dust and slight smell in the vicinity, it constitutes no danger to health. The Order made under the Defence Regulations by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply incorporates the condition that the company shall take such steps as are in my opinion reasonably practicable for reducing the risk of nuisance. My officers are in touch with the company, who have already agreed to carry out certain improvements in the arrangements for handling the material.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is now able to make clear to the recipients of supplementary old age pensions that no account will be taken in their assessment of income from national savings certificates, Post Office Savings Bank, etc., up to an investment value of £375?

I would refer to the reply which was given to a similar Question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Accrington (Major Procter) on 2nd July. I understand that it is hoped that the legislation which will be necessary to deal with this matter will be introduced at an early date.

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to introduce legislation to apply in respect of health insurance the same income limits as those recently applied in the case of unemment insurance?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 4th July to the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Rhys Davies) to which I have not at present anything to add.

asked the Minister of Health (1) what steps have been taken by his Department to assist in finding accommodation, and aid for the Channel Island families recently evacuated to this country; and how many of these people have been satisfactorily settled so as to obtain work, in view of the financial difficulties of their position;(2) how many of the Channel Islanders evacuated to this country have now been found accommodation and employment; and what steps are being taken to ascertain the whereabouts and desires of the others as to what work they are able to undertake and where;(3) what steps have been taken to assist the unofficial and voluntary committee dealing with matters affecting the welfare of Channel Islanders, evacuated to the United Kingdom, so that the offers of aid and accommodation by British farmers and landowners to house and employ some of these evacuated families can be accepted, by reason of the fact that the unofficial committee's office in Watling Street has neither the means nor the money to deal rapidly with this urgent problem?

Persons evacuated from the Channel Islands who did not on arrival in this country proceed elsewhere by their own arrangements were sent to districts in Scotland, Lancashire, Cheshire and the West Riding, where accommodation has been provided by the local authorities, without charge to those who are unable to contribute to their support. Lists have been obtained from the local authorities of the names of the persons under their care, and an index of these names, to enable them and their relatives to get into touch where possible, has been compiled. The number of these persons is approximately 15,000. I am informed that every effort is being made by Employment Exchanges to help people from the Channel Islands to find work for which they are industrially suitable. Complete reports are not yet available, but those received indicate that a high proportion of those registered at exchanges have already been placed in employment. An officer of my Department sits on the voluntary committee to which my hon. Friend refers, for the purpose of securing its liaison with my own and other Government Departments.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the South Essex Waterworks Company, Limited, has recently raised its charges considerably; that this action is a burden on consumers; and whether he will prevent all unjustifiable increases?

I understand that the company has found it necessary to increase its charges owing to heavy capital expenditure on new works authorised by Parliament in 1935 and increased running costs. The increased charges are below the maximum charges laid down by Parliament in the company's special Act of 1928.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will issue instructions for children in all schools to be educated for their own safety and the convenience of the public in the rule of the pavement as contained in the Highway Code?

Instruction in road safety, including lessons on the Highway Code, is given in a large number of schools. The nature of such instruction is determined by local education authorities and teachers in the light of local circumstances and the age and capacity of the children.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the Fitness Badge Scheme for boys as an instrument of national value not only for physique but for citizenship; whether he has approved the scheme; and, if so, whether he has in mind immediate steps to encourage its wider adoption?

A scheme for the institution of a national badge for physical proficiency for both boys and girls was under consideration shortly before the war. It was not, however, sufficiently widely accepted to justify its adoption, and consideration of it was postponed. I am, however, considering how far it is practicable in present circumstances to adopt it.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will give instructions or guidance to local education authorities as to the duration of the summer holidays in grant-aided schools?

I considered this matter some time ago and reached the conclusion that, having regard to the uncertainties of the future, any advice I could give would need to be of so tentative a character as to have little value. His Majesty's Inspectors have, however, been informed of the considerations which they should bring to the notice of local education authorities should their advice on the subject of school holidays be sought.

asked the Secretary for Petroleum whether he is aware that on Saturday last there were several hundred motor cars attending the Catford Greyhound Stadium; and whether, having regard to the further restrictions on the consumption of petrol, he will put a stop to this waste?

The hon. Member is no doubt aware that the number of meetings at Catford has been reduced from three a week to one. As the number of cars present was approximately the same as previously, a very substantial reduction in the use of petrol has already been achieved.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that employers of labour are uncertain as to their position of legal responsibility if they permit their workers to continue work after an air-raid warning has been sounded; and whether he will make a statement in clarification of this matter?

The relief given to employers by the Personal Injuries (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1939, in regard to war injuries sustained by their work-people, is not affected by the fact that the work-people may be permitted to continue work after an air-raid warning has been sounded in the circumstances referred to in the answer given to the hon. Member by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department on 2nd July.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that at many collieries in the North-east there is a considerable quantity of scrap metal; and whether any steps are being taken to collect it?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker) on 16th July.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security, as representing the First Com- missioner of Works, the reason for sending tenders to the trade for the disposal of 8½ tons of scrap metal at the Palace of Westminster; and whether the attention of the Ministry of Supply was directed to the existence of this material?

It has been agreed with the Ministry of Supply that the most convenient method of securing that scrap metal reaches the iron and steel industry is to dispose of it through the ordinary channels.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he intends to take over all binoculars now in the hands of wholesalers and retailers at, or at about, the prices that were paid for them?

The Ministry of Supply are purchasing all available stocks of binoculars in the hands of dealers, which are suitable for service use, at average prices substantially below the current retail prices.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that wireless schools have been charging a fee of £25 per student for six months' training, with the definite promise, when qualified, that posts would be secured as officers on merchant ships, but that that promise has now been cancelled; that, if those students had entered the Royal Air Force, they would have received wireless training free of charge, but without officer rank; and can he take steps to remove these anomalies?

The control exercised by the Post Office over wireless telegraphy schools which make a business of training students wishing to qualify for the Postmaster General's certificate of proficiency in wireless telegraphy, is confined to technical matters relating to the wireless installations and to ensuring that only persons with satisfactory credentials are admitted to the schools. My right hon. Friend has no jurisdiction over the fees which the proprietors charge or the general conditions on which they offer training. It is however clearly stated in the form, which must be completed by every intending student, that the grant of the Postmaster General's certificate of proficiency in wireless telegraphy carries no guarantee of employment.

asked the Minister of Information why, in view of the fact that other censors are able to mark out with indelible ink passages in newspaper articles sent abroad to which they object, his staff does not adopt the same process instead of cutting up the articles into fragments?

The practice of excising rather than marking out with indelible ink objectionable passages in newspaper articles sent abroad was adopted by my Department as being more reliable and enabling a record to be made with less delay.

asked the Minister of Information whether, since Northern Ireland is an integral part of the United Kingdom, he will arrange that simultaneous publication of advertisements under his Ministry is made in Northern Ireland and in Great Britain?

In all advertising campaigns conducted by the Ministry on a nation-wide scale, my right hon. Friend will endeavour to ensure that Northern Ireland is treated on a footing of equality to other parts of the United Kingdom.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is proposing to employ for broadcasting purposes the distinguished French journalists now in this country?

A number of distingushed French journalists are already broadcasting in French at frequent intervals. It is proposed to make a regular feature of such broadcast talks and to invite a wide variety of speakers. The House will understand that they usually prefer to remain anonymous since in many cases they have members of their families living in France.

asked the Minister of Information what steps are being taken to inform the French people of the facts of their betrayal and to encourage them to take the appropriate steps against their betrayers?

All possible steps are being taken by broadcasting in French and other means to keep the French people informed of the facts of the situation and to hearten them for the future.

asked the Minister of Information whether local information committees can be set up in Romford, Hornchurch and other parts of outer London outside the Metropolitan Police area?

Yes, Sir. Steps are being taken to form local information committees in Romford, Hornchurch, and a number of other boroughs and urban districts of outer London outside the Metropolitan Police area.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, with reference to the recent import licensing regulations of the Government of India which prohibited the import of 68 items in the Indian tariff list from entering India except from the British Empire, the French Empire and Portuguese possessions in India, he will represent to the Indian Government the amendment of the regulations so as to exclude France and those parts of the French Empire which attach to the Vichy Government from the enjoyment of this preferential tariff treatment?

Following the action taken by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, the Government of India have taken steps to cancel their open general licence for France and the French Empire in respect of goods shipped from European France, Corsica, Tunis, Algeria and the French zone of Morocco.

asked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the Order-in- Council No. 1209, assisting tenants by effecting a moratorium in respect of the payment of rent in the defence areas, he proposes to offer any protection to landlords, many of whom will entirely lose their means of livelihood for the time being?

I would remind the hon. Member that landlords are not excluded from the protection given by the Order-in-Council to which he refers. Landlords are themselves protected by the moratorium from the local liabilities to which it relates, and if they are unable to meet their other liabilities, they have, under paragraph 6 of the Order-in-Council, a protection similar to that afforded by the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act.

asked the Minister of Transport how many men have been relieved for Government work by the decision to suspend work on the eastern extension of the Central London line; how far has this work been completed; and whether any part can be opened to traffic?

I understand that, as a result of the decision to suspend this work, some 2,000 men will be released for other work. To enable any portion of the extension to be brought into service would mean the employment of a considerable number of men for a period of about six months.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the overweighted trains resulting in delay and also of the overcrowding of some of the trains between Leeds and London on the London and North Eastern Railway resulting in unsatisfactory conditions of travel for passengers, especially members of the armed Forces, many of whom have to travel in the corridors; and whether he will arrange for reliefs or additional trains to be run?

I am aware that trains on the London and North Eastern route to Leeds are heavily laden, but I am assured that the service is the best that can be provided under present conditions. As hon. Members are aware, the heavy demands for the transport of coal and other essentials during the past few months have necessitated cuts in the passenger services, and it is probable that these demands will increase rather than decrease with our growing war effort.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that at many railway stations the name of the place has not been obliterated from the lamps in the railway station; and will he order this to be done?

It is not considered to be necessary to remove names from station lamps unless they can be read from a highway.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what process, and on whose authority, the members of Lord Stamp's Economic Advisory Committee are chosen; and has any addition to this committee been made recently?

For some time prior to the outbreak of war Lord Stamp, Mr. Henry Clay and Mr. H. D. Henderson were engaged, at the invitation of the then Prime Minister, in advising upon the economic plans of the Government in war. After the outbreak this work was continued under the style of the Survey of Economic and Financial Plans. No addition to the body has been made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, of two men with the same earned income, one, who is married with two children, will have £613 net after paying tax, while the other, who is a bachelor, will have £549 net; and whether he will consider taking action to make the difference in their incomes left after taxation bear a more reasonable relation to the difference in their personal responsibilities?

The difference between the figures quoted by my hon. Friend arises from the grant to the married man of allowances in respect of his wife and children. I am afraid that in the present circumstances I can hold out no hope of an increase in those allowances.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has now examined the scheme of loans free of interest from which payment of forthcoming taxation could be deducted if so desired or necessary, as submitted by a manufacturer from Birstall; whether he is prepared to recommend that such a scheme should be adopted by business houses, thereby making immediately available to the Government large sums of money; also will he give wide publicity to it in the hope that it will be generally adopted by industrial and commercial firms throughout the country?

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for forwarding this suggestion to me. I would again call attention to my recent statement that the best way in which help could be given by those who were willing to lend money free of interest for the period until their taxes fell due was to make advance payments in respect of their future tax liability to the Board of Inland Revenue at Somerset House. I will consider what further steps can be taken to give these arrangements wide publicity.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can make any statement regarding the ban on dealings in American and Canadian securities; and whether this ban can now be removed?

Yes, Sir. An Order-in-Council has been made to empower the Treasury to give instructions as to the custody and disposition of securities held in this country. In order that American and other securities marketable outside the United Kingdom may continue to be realised in an orderly fashion, it is convenient for them to be held in North America, and accordingly the bulk of the securities in question is being held in Canada pending their realisation. No action has been taken, or is at present contemplated, as regards other securities, i.e., those not marketable outside the United Kingdom, in regard to which similar considerations do not arise. Pending the arrival in Canada of the securities (i.e., securities covered by the Securities (Restrictions and Returns) Order, 1939) it was necessary to suspend their sales. Permits for sales abroad will now be resumed, but for the present they will be confined to securities deposited by their owners outside the United Kingdom. As regards others, a few weeks must elapse before it will be possible to arrange for their delivery.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the provision of armed protection for air-raid precautions depots at which large numbers of vehicles are parked?

Special attention is being given to the protection of important depots in the Civil Defence organisation.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider supplying arms to special constables, especially to those in rural districts who are members of the British Legion and ex-service men?

Chief constables have full discretion to supply arms, so far as available supplies permit, to special constables who are trained to use them and are engaged on duties which may call for their use.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will issue instructions to prevent private doctors accompanying first-aid parties to places where there are air-raid casualties, seeing that the first-aid parties are presumably competent to do what little can be done before the arrival of ambulances, and the doctors will thus be taken away from their surgeries in which they may be able to render valuable assistance to casualties which do not require treatment in hospital?

I have been asked to reply. I have no reason to suppose that doctors are likely to accompany first-aid parties as such and I see no necessity to issue instructions of the kind suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Health what action he proposes to take on the recommendations in paragraph 37 of the Eighth Report from the Select Committee on National Expenditure?

The contracts of service with medical practitioners mentioned in the paragraph to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers expire in September next, as the report points out, and the recommendations are under consideration.

asked the Minister of Health whether the right hon. Member for North Midlothian (Mr. Colville) and those associated with him have now completed their review of the emergency hospital arrangements in each civil defence region, and with what result?

My right hon. Friend and his colleagues, Mr. Rock Carling and the principal supply officer of my Department, have completed their investigations in all the regions except London. They have reported to me that, in their view, the general plan of the emergency hospital scheme is sound and that subject to certain minor defects which are inevitable in the first operations of a new organisation, it has met in an efficient manner the calls so far made upon it. They have, however, recommended a number of modifications in the machine—such as a considerable further measure of decentralisation—all of which I have adopted. My right hon. Friend the Member for North Midlothian (Mr. Colville) has now taken up a military appointment and I am glad to be able to say that Lord Chatfield has agreed to head the commission in their review of the emergency medical service in London. I am glad to have this opportunity of expressing my thanks to the members of the commission for their expeditious work and valuable advice.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give the names and ranks of the assistant hospital officers appointed by him to inspect first-aid posts, and state what experience they have had of modern air-raid casualties?

The names of the assistant hospital officers whose duties include the inspection of first-aid posts are as follows:Colonel G. S. Wallace, O.B.E., M.B.O. F. H. Atkey, Esq., C.M.G., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., M.B.Lieut.-Colonel S. W. Jones, O.B.E., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., I.M.S. (Retired).P. J. Delahunty, Esq., M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O.Lieut.-Colonel C. M. Plumptre, F.R.C.S.Flight-Lieutenant T. A. G. Hudson, B.A., L.R.C.P., L.R.C.S., L.M.H. N. Garrus, Esq., M.A., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.H. S. Beadles, Esq., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.Lieut.-Colonel R. T. Wells, M.A., M.D., F.R.C.S.Lieut.-Colonel E. S. Goss, M.C., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.O. A. Beaumont, Esq., M.C., B.A., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.W. C. Bentall, Esq., O.B.E., F.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.As the hon. Member was informed on 27th June these officers are acquainted with the medical and surgical requirements arising from modern aerial warfare.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will issue instructions to local authorities stating what obligations are imposed upon owners or tenants of property where they are called upon to provide accommodation for people evacuated from other areas?

I am sending my hon. Friend specimens of the billeting notices, on which the householder's obligations are stated. Those notices are issued under regulation 22 of the Defence Regulations 1939, to which I would also refer my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many elementary schools there are in the West Riding of Yorkshire, and for which the West Riding County Council are directly responsible and for which no air-raid shelters are provided, and will he give the reasons why shelters have not been provided?

The number of public elementary schools in the West Riding of Yorkshire where no shelters are provided is 397. These schools are all in the less vulnerable parts of the county. I understand that the local education authority have the position under review in the light of the suggestions made in the Board's Administrative Memorandum No. 233, dated 6th July, 1940, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy, and are considering what further protection should be made on the lines recommended in the Ministry of Home Security's pamphlet entitled "Your Home as an Air Raid Shelter."

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is now actively making provision of air-raid shelters for all schoolchildren requiring such protection?

It is not my Department's function to provide air-raid shelters for schoolchildren. The matter is one for the local education authority in consultation with the local A.R.P. authority, as explained in the answer which I gave on Tuesday last to the hon. Member for Kilmarnock (Mr. Lindsay) and of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will consult with the Minister of Health in order to revise the present division of the country into evacuation, neutral and reception areas, with different standards of school-shelter accommodation for each area?

As my hon. Friend is aware, the decision from which and to which areas schoolchildren are from time to time evacuated rests with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. That decision is based on considerations of civil defence and is reached after consultation with the Ministers, including myself, concerned with civil defence. There is therefore no occasion for such further consultation as is suggested. I cannot accept the inference, implicit in the Question, that the scale of air-raid protection appropriate to a given school can be automatically determined by the fact that the area in which it is situated is scheduled as an evacuation, a neutral or a reception area.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has made arrangements for the iron railings to be removed from Grosvenor Gardens thereby giving easier access to the air-raid shelters they now enclose?

I am informed by the Westminster City Council that, in their view, the removal of these railings would do little to facilitate access to the shelters and might make it more difficult to control the movement of persons seeking shelter.

asked the Home Secretary whether any steps have been taken to prevent the destruction of our crops at harvest time by enemy action with incendiary bombs?

The need for such precautions has not been overlooked, and precautions are being taken, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, and with the co-operation of the local fire authorities.

asked the Home Secretary whether, where a person whose technical domicile is elsewhere has been in the habit of visiting parents or other near relatives in a defence area with regularity and so using their home largely as his or her home, he will arrange that such visits shall be exempted from the regulations governing entry into scheduled defence areas?

It has already been made clear, in announcements made through the Press and the wireless, that persons travelling to a defence area to visit parents or near relatives in the manner described are treated on the same footing as persons ordinarily resident in the area and accordingly are not prohibited from entry.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the great economy and increased efficiency to be obtained by the use of dictaphones; how many such machines are in service in Government offices; and whether he will recommend their universal use in all Departments?

There are at present 317 dictating and 205 transcribing machines in use in Government Departments. These machines are supplied by the Stationery Office as and when demanded and after their installation has been approved by the Treasury investigating officers. Such approval is given when either economy or increased efficiency can be expected to result.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production the number of people employed in the special branch known as the Technical Cost Department; the total annual salaries and allowances paid to such employès; and the total cost of operating this special branch?

The number of officers employed in the Technical Costs Branch is 164; their total annual salaries and allowances amount to £65,000. The branch deals with estimates of production costs not only for the Ministry of Aircraft Production but also for the Admiralty and other Government Departments.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, among the temporary employès now working in the Civil Service, there are any aliens; and, if so, whether he can give details?

Aliens and sons and daughters of aliens are in general disqualified for posts in the Civil Service, both permanent and temporary, but exceptions have been made in favour of British subjects of alien extraction for posts requiring specialised knowledge if qualified candidates complying with the general rule are not available. Apart from two aliens possessing special qualifications whose naturalisation is proceeding, and a few aliens now under notice of discharge—all of whom possessed linguistic qualifications of a special character—I am unaware of any case in which aliens hold posts in the Civil Service, although it may continue to be necessary to make use of the services of aliens in connection with translation work from the more difficult languages. Powers have also been taken by an Order of 2nd July, 1940, to employ in the service of the Crown aliens with special qualifications, who entered this country from territories now in enemy occupation after 10th May, 1940.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether steps similar to those already taken by local authorities are being taken by the responsible authorities in Government Departments in Whitehall, to satisfy themselves that they can count upon the complete loyalty of all members of their staffs should any special state of emergency arise?

As the hon. Member is aware, the Prime Minister has recently issued a message to all persons holding responsible positions under the Crown and he may rest assured that heads of Departments are alive to their responsibility for seeing that no one is engaged or retained on their staff whose loyalty is open to doubt.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether it is intended to permit any skilled employés to transfer to munition work; and whether, in such cases, employment will be available for them upon their return?

The employés of His Majesty's Office of Works are engaged on work of national importance, but where it is considered that a man can be more usefully employed on munition or other national work he may be permitted to resign. A man leaving the Board's service in such circumstances may be reemployed, if, during the period of the war and six months thereafter, a vacancy occurs and he is then out of employment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has now made a survey of baking premises, at present unused, in the country, towns and villages of Scotland; and what arrangements he has made for the local baking of bread in the event of transport facilities breaking down?

Baking capacity in Scotland considerably exceeds normal requirements. Bread officers have been appointed to assist divisional food officers in an emergency and schemes of mutual assistance between bakers are in course of completion. In co-operation with the transport authorities arrangements are being made to deal with any dislocation of the usual transport facilities. My Noble Friend has no reason to anticipate any serious breakdown in the supply of bread and consequently does not consider that a useful purpose would be served in making a survey of unused baking premises.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the rationing of tea is causing more hardship on some sections of the people than on others, as the underground workers in the mines take with them cold tea, and in the hot mines large quantities are required; and, in view of this, will he consider allowing an extra supply of tea to mineworkers?

My Noble Friend is aware that no system of rationing can operate with perfect equality as between one class of worker and another. He is not, however, at the present moment in a position to authorise supplementary rations of tea to any class of worker.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the present tea ration falls with greater severity upon old people; and whether he will increase the ration to three ounces in the case of old age pensioners?

I have every sympathy with the position of old age pensioners, but I regret that it would not be practicable to increase the tea ration for this class of consumer.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the arrangements for the rationing of tea permit consumers to exchange a sufficient number of coupons to enable them to buy an economic quantity of tea?

Consumers are at liberty to anticipate one week's tea ration. This permits them to buy two weeks' rations, that is ¼ lb. of tea at a time. I see no reason to modify these arrangements.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that, following the recent announcement of a special allowance of sugar to housewives for jam preserving, the retail prices of red currants in London rose from 5d. to 9d. per lb., and of black currants from 10d. to 1s. 2d. per lb.; and will he take steps to stop this profiteering?

I have no evidence to show that the present high prices of red and black currants are to be attributed to the special allowance of sugar for household jam-making, or to any other cause than shortage of supplies due to the exceptionally prolonged dry weather, which has had the same effect on supplies and prices of other soft fruit crops.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the troops are tired of beef, and the housewives are tired of mutton, and what remedial action he is prepared to take?

Substantial issues of mutton to the fighting services have been made for some time past and during the last four weeks the issues of mutton and beef have been in the ratio of one to three, guided by the wishes of the competent authorities as to the type of meat to be supplied to the Armed Forces, but these authorities are aware that supplies of mutton are readily available.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that butchers are being obliged to sell meat too soon after it has been killed; and what action he proposes to take to prevent this cause of waste?

I am not aware that butchers are obliged to sell meat too soon after it has been killed. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of the cases he has in mind, I will look into them.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the interference with the trade of the sausage and cooked meat manufacturers; and, in view of the Government's desire that normal trade shall be maintained as far as possible, will he be prepared to meet a deputation from the association of these traders?

The control which it has been necessary to exercise in the national interest over the supply of raw meat to the sausage and cooked meat manufacturers and over the price of their products has inevitably resulted in some interference with the trade but this has been confined to a minimum. An advisory committee set up by the Ministry representative of interests in the trade has recently reviewed the control procedure and has expressed itself as generally satisfied with the system of control. Certain modifications in the definition and prices of sausages and sausage meat have just been authorised after consultation with the committee. In these circumstances the association referred to may not consider it necessary to press its request for the reception of a deputation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food how much meat within the last two months has been destroyed as unfit for human consumption before it was distributed to the public?

The full quantity of meat and edible offals "condemned" as unfit for human food during the months of April and May, before reaching the public, cannot be stated in the absence of data in respect of "condemnation" by the local authorities' inspectors in retail butchers' shops and meat manufacturers' premises. "Condemnations" during these months at port cold stores and docks, wholesale meat depots and slaughterhouses, were approximately 1 per cent, of the aggregate weight of meat and offals for human consumption passing through the wholesale depots.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will arrange for a supply of sugar to be made available at once to jam makers so that the present stock of plum pulp can be used up before the next plum crop is ready and so make containers available for the present crop?

The issue of an additional supply of sugar to jam manufacturers for preservation of the plum crop is being considered. It is understood that no difficulty in regard to containers is likely to arise.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will make arrangements to pulp a large quantity of this year's plum crop in order to make certain that none shall be wasted?

My hon. Friend's suggestion is already under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that, owing to import restrictions, the manufacture and distribution of saccharine in this country is virtually a monopoly; and what steps he is taking in the public interest to secure an equitable distribution of the available saccharine?

I am aware that the import of saccharine, except under licence, is prohibited. Imports, however, before the war, constituted only a small proportion of the total consumption. The distribution of saccharine to the various classes of user is kept constantly under review, and if my hon. Friend has knowledge of any cases of inequitable distribution I shall be glad to look into them.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in order to avoid waste of food, the regulations in regard to the conversion of small quantities of surplus fat pork into bacon can be relaxed, so as to permit butchers to carry out this operation?

As bacon is a rationed food, it is necessary to maintain strict control over its production. The relaxation of the Ministry's regulations with regard to the licensing of bacon curers, which would be entailed by the adoption of my hon. Friend's suggestion, would make it impossible for my Department to control the release of bacon supplies to retailers, strictly in accordance with ration requirements. I therefore regret I am unable to adopt it. Surplus quantities of fat pork, however, need not be wasted. They should be used by butchers in the production of manufactured meats such as sausages, pies, brawns and similar commodities.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider the advisability of causing financial assistance to be given to the farming industry so that they may be able to take immediate delivery of feeding-stuffs and obviate the accumulation of large stocks in vulnerable areas?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for How-denshire (Major Carver) on 9th July.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, arising out of recent legislation, he will now give special consideration to the problem of land drainage within the area of the River Rother?

As my predecessor indicated in reply to a Question put by the hon. Member on 3rd August last, the drainage scheme which is being carried out by the Yorkshire Ouse Catchment Board provides for the improvement of the River Rother but this work cannot be undertaken until more progress has been made with the work now proceeding on the River Don.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the total value of loans made to farmers to some recent date under the requisites scheme?

The total value of the assistance given under this scheme in England and Wales was £36,706 on 15th July. This figure excludes assistance given to farmers by county war agricultural executive committees but not yet notified to my Department.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can make any statement with regard to the future of the hop crop in relation to the possibilities of attempted enemy invasion?

Active steps are being taken in conjunction with the county war agricultural committees concerned to secure as far as possible the harvesting of the crop. I would like to repeat what I have already said, namely, that all farmers should remain at their posts and continue with their cultivations so as to ensure the maximum yield from their lands.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the large tracts of land adjacent to the arterial road from Ilford to Southend unused and covered with wild briars; that an 11-acre sports ground is offered for sale as such; and whether he will give instructions for the use of all these pieces of land for food production?

As regards the first part of the Question, the Essex War Agricultural Executive Committee is giving close attention to the question of bringing under cultivation such lands as are described, and, with this object, the committee, with my consent, has taken possession of a considerable area of land under Regulation 51 of the Defence Regulations. If the hon. Member has in mind any particular locality perhaps he will let me know where it is, and if he will send me particulars of the sports ground to which he refers I will look into the matter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps are being taken to harvest fruit and vegetables left in gardens and allotments in evacuated areas round the coast, and to continue their cultivation?

I am considering with my right hon. Friends the Minister of Home Security and the Minister of Food what steps should be taken to ensure that these crops are used to the best national advantage.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether there is to be any change in the present policy for fruit growing?

No change in the Government's general policy in regard to the planting of fruit trees and bushes is at present contemplated. The question is, however, being kept under close review.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that many pensioners from the junior ranks of the Civil Service are suffering great privation owing to the increased cost of living; and whether he will consider asking Parliament to grant an increase to those in receipt of small pensions?

I cannot undertake to introduce legislation which would provide for the increase of the pensions of retired Civil Servants.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make arrangements whereby officers and men serving in His Majesty's Forces may be supplied with wholemeal or wholewheat bread, which is of greater nutritive value than the devitamined ordinary white bread?

Arrangements already exist under which brown bread is supplied to units when it is asked for.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that former members of the British Union of Fascists and kindred organisations have been appointed to positions of authority in the Local Defence Volunteers; and whether he has approved such appointments?

I have no information of any such appointments. Instructions have been issued that the competent authorities are to satisfy themselves upon the fitness of all commanders for the posts they hold.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the interests of efficiency, he will require command headquarters throughout Britain to issue official advice to all local government authorities in those areas, pointing out exactly in which open spaces and by what methods obstructions should be made against aeroplane landings, where these are not already completed?

The military authorities have already been instructed to advise and co-operate with the local authorities in these matters.

asked the Secretary of State for War upon whose advice supplies of stout have been obtained for issue in the category of medical comforts; and whether any medical authority was consulted on the matter?

Stout is an extra which may be ordered when considered necessary by medical authority for the treatment of a case. This is not an innovation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give an assurance that no more camps or other establishments for internment will be opened which do not, in every respect, comply at least with the conditions of the Prisoners of War Convention?

asked the Secretary of State for War in how many cases the camps and buildings used for the internment of refugees and aliens have failed to reach the standards prescribed by the Prisoners of War Convention?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether all the internment camps for refugees have now been brought up to the standards of the International Prisoners of War Convention?

It has been agreed with the German Government that the terms of the Prisoners of War Convention will be applied, so far as possible, to civilians interned as enemy aliens. This agreement has been scrupulously observed in all established camps. In other camps, formed at very short notice to accommodate the recent intake of aliens, it was impossible to ensure from the first an equally high standard, but shortcomings are being rapidly remedied so that the same standard will be observed in all camps.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production whether he intends to take over the aluminium goods now in the hands of wholesalers and retailers at, or at about, the prices that were paid for them?

As I stated in reply to a Question yesterday, my Noble Friend will, if necessary, requisition stocks of aluminium goods in wholesale and retail stores.

asked the Home Secretary the number of alien doctors now allowed to practise in Great Britain; and how many are in practice near places at which national war work is being done?

The number of alien doctors of all nationalities who are entitled to practise in Great Britain is 460. In reply to the second part of the Question, I can only say that very few people in this country can now reside far from a place at which work in connection with the war is being carried on.

asked the Home Secretary if he can give the exact numbers, respectively, of rate-aided school children and private school children who have been granted exit permits to proceed to America?

No, Sir. School children under the age of 16 do not require exit permits to enable them to proceed to America; and there is no classification of children travelling with their mothers such as would enable me to furnish the information asked for by my hon. Friend.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the offer by the Americans to send American ships to collect and transport children to the United States of America, whether the Government will allow the children to travel; and will they grant the financial assistance to those unable to afford the passage money, etc., provided in the Children's Overseas Reception Board scheme?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave to-day in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Broxtowe (Mr. Cocks).

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that, on a certain day in June, a large number of aircraft set off from this country for a distant post, contrary to the advice of persons capable of judging weather conditions; that some of the airmen turned back on that account, but, despite their protests, were ordered to re-start on their journey and serious loss of life and equipment ensued; and whether he proposes to take any action against the person responsible for giving the original instructions, which were evidently only necessary to cover up the lack of foresight on the part of a high official?

I am aware of the flights to which the hon. Member refers. It is not a fact either that the original flight was ordered to start despite an unfavourable weather report or that the aircraft which returned were ordered to re-start their journey before weather conditions were satisfactory. It would not be in the public interest to disclose the reasons for ordering the flight, but it was not undertaken as a consequence of any lack of foresight at an earlier sage.