asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that skilled machine-tool fitters of 26 years of age are still being called up for Army service; whether he has received any representations from the trade unions concerned; and what further steps he proposes to take to prevent essential war industries being deprived of their labour in this way?

Machine-tool fitters are reserved at and above the age of 18, and I am not aware that such men are being called up for military service. If my hon. Friend will furnish particulars of the cases he has in mind, I will make inquiries.

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the aliens entered upon the Supplementary Register of the Central Register have been interned; whether, on internment, their names were removed from the Register; and whether steps are now being taken to have them replaced on the Register in order that advantage may be taken of the service they are capable of rendering to the national cause?

The number of persons on the Central Register of Aliens whose internment had up to a recent date been notified to that Register is 332. The names of interned persons are not removed from the Register, though they cannot, of course, be considered for employment so long as they remain interned.

Were adequate inquiries made as to the loyalty of these persons before they were put on the Central Register; and, if so, why were they interned at all?

That is a question for the Home Secretary, not for me.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has noted the protest of the cardroom operatives against being debarred from accepting other employment when their own does not provide them with a livelihood; and whether he can make a statement on the subject?

Cardroom operatives are strongly encouraged, in the national interest, to take work in their own occupation, but they are not debarred from taking other urgent Government work for which they are suitable.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to tell the unions concerned, because they have passed a resolution of protest on the lines mentioned in the Question?

They will probably read the answer.

asked the Minister of Labour the result of the review of the Register so as to ascertain the suitability for employment of all persons who have been unemployed for a month or more; and whether, in order to show the true state of unemployment, the Register will no longer include the unemployable?

The review covers a large number of persons, and has not yet proceeded far enough to enable me to publish results. The point raised in the last part of the Question will receive consideration. I would point out, however, that experience is proving that in present circumstances opportunities of employment can often be found, by way of training or otherwise, for men who have been unemployed for long periods.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the disparity that exists between the pay of the armed Forces and some munition workers who do not run the same risk, and can he see his way clear to limit that of the latter, in order that cheap cigarettes and postage can be provided for the former?

The wages of civilian workers are regulated by industrial agreements, which I do not propose to disturb, and with regard to which I have recently made an Order, with the consent of all parties, providing for reference to arbitration in the last resort. I do not propose to interfere with the cordial relations existing in industry, which have contributed so much to good will and increased production of vital munitions and exports recently. The question of the remuneration of the armed Forces is a separate matter, and must be dealt with on its own merits.

Is the Minister aware that this war may be lost or won on the economic front, and that the wages paid to the munition workers are four or five times as great as the wages agreed to by the unions?

Would the right hon. Gentleman not suggest that the hon. Member should bring his own salary down to the level of the soldier's pay?

Yes, what about the income of the hon. Gentleman himself?

asked the Minister of Labour what arrangements he is making to secure that the services of friendly aliens now resident in this country are used to the best advantage?

Under arrangements hitherto in force, foreigners desiring employment have been invited to register at local offices of my Department, and to take employment subject to being granted a permit. These arrangements, although supplemented by the efforts of the various refugee organisations, have not so far succeeded in providing the maximum opportunity to our friends from abroad to render service. Accordingly, I have decided, with a view to organising the man-power of Allied nations and of other well-disposed persons of foreign nationality in this country, to set up an International Labour Branch, as part of the Employment Department of my Ministry. This branch will have its headquarters at a separate office in London. The staff will include persons able to speak the languages of the countries concerned, and I am confidently expecting to secure the co-operation of representatives of the different nations in making a success of this new organisation. In particular, I hope to have the advice and assistance of an advisory committee, including trade union representatives from foreign countries. It is my hope that we shall thus get valuable assistance in establishing the bona fides of well-disposed foreigners and in bringing sympathetic consideration to bear on individual cases. It will be part of the functions of the new International Labour Branch to obtain full knowledge of the persons available for employment and to seek suitable openings for them in industrial or other work. The co-operation of Allied Governments and other national authorities in this country will be sought.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, might I ask whether he thinks it will be possible to start the operation of the scheme in a short time?

The Department is in process of being established to-day. We have been fortunate in securing the services and help in building it up of Mr. Scott, from Geneva, who did the migration work and the Allied mercantile work, and who is a well-known ex-Indian civil servant. I am confident that, with his knowledge, he can help us to bring it into being very quickly.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that Englishmen have preference?

Certainly; the policy of the Department is to see that Britishers have preference. But I am extremely short of skilled men at present, and in utilising the skill and ability of a number of these men, I shall actually be putting Britishers to work.

Will there be on this committee any representation of the Austrians, or the Austrian Centre, and will those people who are not interned be able to apply for employment?

In answer to the first part of the question, I do not know who will be on the committee. I am working, in connection with the establishment of the committee, through the Trades Union Congress, with the assistance of the employers' organisations. With regard to the second part of the question, I shall have nothing to do with the people who are interned. The question of release from internment is one for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. My duty will begin when he has completed his, and has passed them on to me to utilise their services.

May we take it from the reply that in the category of friendly aliens are included friendly aliens from Germany and Austria?

I do not propose to use the term "aliens" or "refugees." As far as this part of the work is concerned, it is my intention to call them, once they are passed on to me from the security Department, the International Labour Force, and neither aliens nor refugees.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that excessive charges by landladies in provincial towns is one of the main obstacles in preventing London workers taking up Government work in the provinces; and whether he will take any steps to overcome this difficulty?

My information does not lead me to think that this difficulty is as widespread as my hon. Friend suggests. I shall be glad to examine any evidence which he cares to send me as to the conditions in particular localities.

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether he proposes to take any action to re-establish the brick-making industry, in view of the present brick shortage and the urgent needs of Defence and Air-Raid Precautions works?

Negotiations are at present proceeding with representative bodies in the brick-making industry with a view to securing increased production of bricks to meet national requirements.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the provision that men called up for the Services shall be reinstated in their former positions after the war applies to those who, having registered under the Armed Forces Act, express a preference and are accepted for full-time service in the air-raid precautions services?

No, Sir.

Why is the distinction made?

My hon. Friend asked me the question whether it does apply, and I said "No, Sir, it does not."

Will the Minister give the reason for the anomaly?

They are not in the Act.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what powers have now been given to rural, urban and county authorities in Glamorganshire and Monmouthshire to provide, or assist in providing, private domestic shelters, communal shelters and public shelters; and the basis for the reimbursement of the respective authorities?

These are questions which, as my hon. Friend is aware, have come into prominence as the result of the extension of shelter schemes to areas not hitherto specified under Part III of the Civil Defence Act. The arrangement made in Glamorgan is that public shelters to an agreed limit remain the responsibility of the county authority, and that other shelters, including all unit or multiple unit domestic shelters, are to be provided by the district councils. Arrangements in Monmouth are under discussion between the county and the district councils. As to finance, the position is, broadly, that the cost of materials used in the construction of domestic shelters is wholly reimbursed by the Exchequer, and that other expenditure ranks for grant at the appropriate rate.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, through his Regional inspectors, see that this work is expeditiously carried out?

Yes, Sir. Close attention is being given to the matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the need for more air-raid shelters for evacuated children in rural Essex, not only near their schools but also near or at the billets; and whether he will take action to assist the Essex County Council and rural authorities to meet this need?

The provision of air-raid shelters for children while at school is a matter for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education. So far as concerns shelter near billets in unspecified areas, the Essex County Council have informed district councils, in accordance with a circular recently issued by my Department, that they will be ready to give immediate approval to plans for providing shelter in places where there are aggregations of population or in the vicinity of points specially liable to attack. I ought, however, to make it clear that it is unlikely that the labour and materials available will permit the provision of shelter in all areas to which children may have been evacuated.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is not only this question but that there is financial limitation which in some measure restricts the supply of air-raid precautions? Could he not consider that?

I do not believe that financial difficulties are restricting the provision of shelters.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are two other Questions down with regard to the provision of shelters for school children, and that I could mention four or five areas? So far we have had stereotyped replies from the three Departments. Will the right hon. Gentleman see that there is some unity of action between them to provide shelters? The German bomber does not distinguish between evacuation and reception areas. Could the right hon. Gentleman give some decision?

There is complete co-ordination between the Departments concerned if the hon. Gentleman is referring to the Board of Education, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Home Security.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that a supply of cement is given to these areas to build shelters? At present they are given none at all.

That is another matter, and that is one of the difficulties to which the Department is addressing itself.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make the necessary arrangements with the local authorities whereby seating and lighting will be incorporated in the street air-raid shelters that are now being erected?

My Department has in preparation an instruction to local authorities dealing with these questions.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the area of vulnerability has been greatly ex- tended since the occupation of the French coast by the enemy, steps are being taken to supply Anderson shelters to the new vulnerable districts?

I greatly regret that, in view of the demands for steel for more urgent war purposes, it is impracticable to resume manufacture of the standard steel shelter so as to enable supplies to be issued to areas which have not already received them. General instructions have, however, been issued to all local authorities regarding the various means of providing alternative forms of shelter at or near the homes of the people.

Is it not true that many local authorities sent back as many as 3,000 of these shelters, that they would not accept them at the time when they were available, and that they are now crying out for them?

It is true that some were sent back, but it was a very small proportion of the whole. In all 2,300,000 shelters were issued.

Is the Minister aware that a great deal of feeling is being caused in various parts of the country when people hear of the efficacy of shelters while they themselves have no shelters and are subject to air raids?

I think that is another matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will instruct local authorities that the locking of air-raid shelters during the hours of daylight should be discontinued?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 27th June to a similar Question by the hon. Member for Gillingham (Sir R. Gower).

Is my right hon. Friend aware that only a few days ago members of the public who went to take shelter during an air raid found that the shelter had been locked?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will be good enough to give me particulars, and I will look into them.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make it compulsory for all owners of large fields or open spaces to construct obstacles which would prevent landings by enemy aircraft?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will be good enough to await the statement which my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal will be making later this afternoon in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for the Isle of Fly (Mr. de Rothschild).

asked the Prime Minister who is responsible for carrying out measures to render agricultural land proof against landing by enemy aircraft; whether it is the War Office, the Air Ministry, the rural district council, the parish council, or whether it is left to members of the Home Guard; and what steps are being taken by whichever authority is responsible to consult with the Ministry of Agriculture on this matter, in order to ensure that measures are taken which are not likely to impair the productivity of the land, as in many districts agricultural land has already had its food-producing potentialities seriously reduced as a result of the ill-advised methods of protection which have been adopted?

The position has been reviewed, and for the future the ultimate responsibility for the obstruction of possible enemy landing grounds will be divided between the Army and the Royal Air Force. Each of these authorities has its sphere of action clearly defined. The work will, so far as possible, be carried out by the Army and the Royal Air Force authorities themselves, or by contractors working under their direction. Should they require any addition to their labour force, it would be supplied either by voluntary labour or by paid labour, both of which would be under the auspices of the local authority; but the planning of the work would be under the general direction of the Service authorities. I wish to make it clear that civilian authorities will not undertake any works of obstruction which are not covered by the particular or general instructions of the Service authorities. A strict instruction to consult with the County War Agricultural Executive Committees has been issued, and it has been impressed upon those responsible that, subject to overriding military necessity, fullest consideration must be given for the preservation of our agriculture.

Will the individual farmers have an opportunity of giving their advice as to where obstacles should be put in their fields, particularly during the harvest season?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that all over the country farmers have almost entirely ignored the instructions—

That is absolutely untrue.

—and that it is only necessary to go on a short car journey, or to look out of any railway compartment window, to see fields in which there are no obstructions?

Will the Lord Privy Seal institute an arrangement whereby the Ministry of Agriculture will be represented by a person who will go round the fields and see that agriculture is respected, and that the productivity of the land is not in any way reduced; and is he aware that the agricultural committees as at present constituted are composed of farmers who have no authority in relation to the military and air authorities; and is it not essential that a representative of the Ministry of Agriculture should be consulted?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put that point to the Service Ministries concerned. The arrangement at present is that the orders of the military authorities must be paramount in matters of defence, but they are instructed to consult with the local agricultural committees. I cannot think that it would be possible to have a representative of the Ministry of Agriculture dealing with individual cases all over the country.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that large numbers of farmers have been visited by inspectors and forced by them to take their men from the work of cultivation to erect the obstacles, and to whom are they to apply for compensation?

I would ask the hon. Member to put that Question on the Order Paper.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will permit workers in factories to help with ordinary air-raid precautions, especially in the Black Country, where little other help is available, always having in mind the fact that the workers may be expected to return to their tasks more cheerfully if they have first-hand news from their mates as to how their families have fared in an air raid?

I appreciate the value from all points of view of active co-operation between the trained A.R.P. personnel of factories and those of local authorities. In recent months regional commissioners have given their close attention to arrangements for ensuring such co-operation, particularly where especially heavy air raids occur in densely populated localities.

asked the Home Secretary whether adequate supplies of stirrup pumps are now being produced; and whether he is satisfied that a sufficient consignment has been sent to the Bournemouth area?

The output of stirrup pumps is being increased to meet a rising demand. Under the supplementary fire party scheme supplies have been allocated to Bournemouth on the basis of population, and delivery will soon be completed.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now able to publish the categories of enemy aliens eligible for exemption, and the procedure to be followed for making applications for exemption?

A White Paper containing this information was presented to the House yesterday.

Will the Minister consider asking the Advisory Committee to look into the question of aliens who may not be covered by the 18 categories contained in the White Paper? Many of these aliens are strongly anti-Nazi and friendly to us, and will he consider releasing them?

The Advisory Committee is now engaged on that task.

Is the Minister aware that the White Paper meets with almost universal reprobation? May I ask the Leader of the House whether he will give us an opportunity of debating it on a Motion or a Vote of Censure?

Can the Home Secretary give equal consideration to those evacuees, Britishers, who have gone from coastal areas into Midland areas?

Can the Minister say whether internees who make application in accordance with the procedure adopted will have the right to be personally heard?

I cannot say that at the moment. The first task is to review the categories of exemption and see whether further categories can be framed, under which action could be taken forthwith. The examination of individual cases is constantly proceeding, but I cannot at the moment say what opportunities it will be possible to give to individual aliens to represent their cases in person.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that considerable delay still occurs in communication between internees and their relatives and friends; that correspondence sent by Members of this House to internees in the Isle of Man has received no reply for the last three weeks; what further steps he will take to secure reasonable speed of communication between internees who may now be in the Dominions and their relatives and friends in Great Britain; and how information may be secured as to whether internees are in this country or have been sent overseas and the addresses to which correspondence for them may be sent?

I much regret the delays which have been occurring in regard to communications to and from internees, but the various difficulties which have caused these delays are being surmounted. An Inquiry Bureau where information can be obtained as to the whereabouts of internees will, I hope, be opened next week. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the addresses to which correspondence for internees sent to the Dominions may be sent.

Is the Minister aware that this extraordinary delay in correspondence has caused untold distress? Is he also aware that some of those sent overseas have not been allowed to communicate with friends or relatives here and that the latter know nothing of the internees' whereabouts? Could the Minister arrange for Members of Parliament to have special facilities in order to communicate with internees?

I do not think special facilities are necessary for any particular class. I am doing my best to overcome the difficulties to which reference has been made.

In order to avoid delay, could the Minister supply a printed postcard to every internee so that they could inform their relatives at once of their whereabouts?

That matter is the subject of Question 31.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will exempt from internment enemy aliens in respect of whom it can be shown by reference to their positive acts in the past that they are opposed to the Nazi régime?

This is one of the questions which I have referred to the Advisory Committee for consideration.

Is the Home Secretary aware that under the list published Professor Einstein, Toscanini and Thomas Mann would still be in internment camps?

I think that is questionable, but the list published was a statement of the conditions of exemption that were laid down in connection with the policy of general internment.

Can we have an early decision on this matter? Many people feel that it is the most important matter to be settled at this moment.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has withdrawn the Regulation which prevents enemy alien internees from writing letters until the tenth day of their internment; and whether he has made newspapers available to the internees?

The responsibility for the management of internment camps for male enemy aliens is to be transferred to my Department on 5th August. I understand that the existing Regulations allow two field-service postcards to be sent on arrival at the internment camp and two letters a week thereafter. I also understand that the ban on newspapers has been removed. I am considering the question of revising the Regulations on this and other matters.

Would the Home Secretary find out who was responsible for the appalling mental agony of these people who were not even allowed to have an ordinary newspaper posted up in the camp so that they could know what was happening in the world week after week? Who was responsible?

So far as I am concerned, I can most profitably direct the efforts of my Department towards getting things right for the future.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a great many people want to know who has been to blame for the terrible things that have happened? They want to know who is behind it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make this very simple arrangement: Will he publish information as to where relatives can consult a list of internees? Does he know that in many cases their whereabouts cannot be traced?

That difficulty will be removed in the course of the next few days.

May I ask the Leader of the House whether he will have some inquiry made to find out who is responsible?

If the hon. Baronet will put down a Question to me, I will answer it.

asked the Home Secretary whether Hans Alec Rosenfelder, whose wife is a British subject, last heard of in the Isle of Man, has been deported; whether, in view of the fact that he is prepared to serve in the British Army, he comes under any of the categories of those to be released; and, if in Canada, can his British wife and child get an exit permit to join him?

This man is in the Isle of Man. If he applies for enlistment and is accepted, he will be released.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I received a letter from him this morning, dated 3rd July, which has been held up by the censor, and that he has now been emigrated to Australia?

I am not aware of that. The information that I have just given is the information supplied to me. Of course, I will look into the matter. There is always a possibility of confusion.

asked the Home Secretary whether any of the present or prospective categories cover the release from internment of Otto Schafer, in view of the fact that he was an officer in the Austrian air force in the last war and desires to serve the cause of freedom in the air?

I have received an application for this man's release on grounds of ill-health, and inquiries are being made.

asked the Home Secretary how many of the anti-Nazi so-called enemy aliens recently interned have been released up to date; and how many he expects to set free before the end of August?

Up to last Saturday I had authorised the release of 192 Germans and Austrians who had been interned in pursuance of general directions. I regret that I am unable to prophesy as to the future.

How long does the right hon. Gentleman expect the delay to be between the actual authorisation and the release of these men?

It should not be more than two days.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a fortnight ago releases were authorised and that these people have not been released yet?

That is perfectly true. It is due to a certain confusion in the records, which was the result of the haste with which certain measures were taken.

asked the Home Secretary what number of aliens, and in what categories, are now confined in the ordinary prisons of the country, instead of in properly constituted camps; in what respects does the treatment of such aliens differ from that of ordinary prisoners convicted of criminal offences; and whether he regards the position in these respects as satisfactory?

117 German or Austrian women interned under the Prerogative are at present in prison pending transfer to the Isle of Man when accommodation becomes available. 355 non-enemy aliens against whom deportation orders have been made are detained in prison under Article 12 (5A) of the Aliens Order, 1920, as amended. There is also a certain number of aliens who, having been refused leave to land, are temporarily detained in prisons while further inquiries about them are being made. All these persons are treated in the same manner as unconvicted persons on remand or awaiting trial.

Have any of these categories any opportunity of appeal to a committee or other person, and is it not a fact that the prisons in which they are confined are very much overcrowded and under-staffed, that these people are short of exercise, have no newspapers and can write only once a week, and that the conditions are very unsatisfactory?

Perfectly true. Recent happenings have imposed a very heavy strain on the prison organisation. I am doing everything I can to improve the position.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Horst Giesener, 16 years of age, son of a domestic servant, Kate Giesener, a German refugee residing at 70, Cavendish Road, Kersal, Salford, was interned on 16th May; that the Home Office in a communication, dated 17th July, stated that if the boy's employers notified their willingness to employ him he would be released; that the employers did signify such intention but the boy has not yet been released; that letters and parcels sent to him at Huyton camp have been returned; that prepaid telegrams sent to the camp have not had a reply; that a telephone message to the camp elicited the reply that his name was not on the list of internees, and that he probably had been sent overseas; and will he, in order to ease the sorrow of the boy's mother, have inquiries made to ascertain the whereabouts of her son?

I am now informed that this boy volunteered to go to Australia, and embarked on 10th July. I am making further inquiries into the circumstances of the case and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is similar to dozens of other cases, and will he look into the statement that the person volunteered to go to Australia?

I have said that I am making further inquiries into this matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in the case of women detained under the Defence Regulations and accompanied by unweaned babies, he will give instructions that they shall not be separated from such babies in prison, or place of detention, at least until their case has been before the Advisory Committee?

I am informed that this is already the practice.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into a case which I will send him at an early date?

I shall be very glad to do so.

asked the Prime Minister what are the precise functions carried out by the committee, presided over by the Lord President of the Council, in connection with the internment of refugees and other persons?

There has been no special committee on this subject, though this matter has, amongst others, been considered by a Committee of the War Cabinet presided over by my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council.

Did not the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department say in the Debate the other day that these matters were decided by a Committee presided over by the Lord President of the Council, and will the right hon. Gentleman give us a little more information about that?

I have given the hon. Member the information. There is no special committee.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Angelo de Michiel, late of 26, Aberdeen Road, London, N.5, is an interned active Fascist in receipt of workmen's compensation pay, in regard to whom the Public Trustee has refused to allow payment to be made by the insurance company as contra against the cost of the man's keep by the State; that, under the new Bill, the claimant will receive 46s. a week against the present 30s. a week; and will he make arrangements for these payments to defray the cost of the man's keep forthwith?

Under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1925, weekly compensation is not capable of being assigned, charged or attached nor can any claim be set off against it.

Is the Minister aware that he has solved more difficult problems than this one, and does he intend that this deplorable state of affairs should continue?

I cannot recognise that there is here any deplorable state of affairs. The provisions to which I have referred are statutory provisions, and my powers are limited to making changes in the law which are necessary for purposes of defence. I have no power at all in this matter.

Cannot the Minister take powers?

asked the Home Secretary whether the nearest relatives of the Germans and Italians who went down on the "Arandora Star" have been informed?

Steps have been taken to notify the names of the missing to the Swiss and Brazilian Legations and to the refugee organisations, with a view to the next-of-kin being informed. I will consider what further steps are necessary and practicable.

Is the Minister aware that wives and mothers of many of those who went down on the "Arandora Star" do not know to this day?

If any practical suggestion is made to me for improving the arrangements to which I have referred, I shall certainly be prepared to consider it.

Should not relatives be written to direct by some Government Department?

Yes, Sir, if there is a record of their identity in the possession of the Department, and that is part of the difficulty.

Is there not a complete record?

asked the Home Secretary whether it is the intention of the Government to give further details of casualties in air raids; and, if so, will he say how the last figures published were divided, as between the Armed Forces, and civilian men, women and children?

The figures of air-raid casualties published by my Department relate to civilian casualties and do not include any casualties among members of the Armed Forces. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT figures showing how the civilian casualties during the month beginning 18th June were divided between men, women and children; and I have arranged that this classification shall be adopted, so far as practicable, in future monthly statements of civilian casualties.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider publishing further details about air raids on this country in such a way as, while not giving information to the enemy, will enable the public both here and abroad to realise the extent of this form of warfare against Britain, to appreciate the conduct of the air-raid precautions organisation and the civilian population, and to learn about any outstanding examples of heroism or devotion to duty?

I am considering these questions, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air. But I can say at once that I will certainly arrange for the publication of particulars of outstanding examples of heroism or devotion to duty, and I would draw my right hon. Friend's attention to the announcement which appeared in the "London Gazette" on 30th July of the award of the Medal of the Order of the British Empire for meritorious service to Warden Donald Louis Jones of the Air-Raid Precautions Service, Kent.

I take it that it will be possible to circulate some kind of details which will give an idea of how the civilian population are meeting these very trying conditions?

I hope to be able to do that.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the leading article in the "Daily Worker of 25th July; and whether, in view of its misrepresentation of fact and its incitement to class war at a time when united effort is necessary to bring the war to a successful conclusion, he proposes to take any steps to stop the circulation of this paper?

I have taken note of the article to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, but, as he knows, any action taken under the Defence Regulations would have to be based on grounds different from those indicated in his Question.

Has the Minister read this article, and does not he agree that every word is a deliberate misrepresentation of the facts with a view to inciting disaffection?

I have read the article, but in my opinion the workers of this country are too sensible to be misled by crude misrepresentations of this kind.

Is the Minister aware that the hon. and gallant Gentleman who is trying to incite them to evil and dangerous practices is notorious for his pro-Fascist sympathies?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that uncertainty exists in the minds of workers who continue work during air raids lest personal assurance policies may be thereby invalidated; and whether he will make a statement to the effect that the Government will protect policy-holders if such contingency should arise?

I know of no form of policy under which claims which would otherwise be admissible could be ruled out on the grounds indicated in the Question.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is a problem which is arising in industry? What the workers want is some definite declaration by my right hon. Friend.

I do not see how any declaration by me would help. I have made inquiries, and, according to my information, insurance policies which were issued prior to the outbreak of the war did not contain any war-risk clause. The policies issued since September last contain a war-risk clause, and an insurer knows that in the event of death by enemy action the policy does not apply. The question, therefore, whether a person insured has gone in an air-raid shelter during an air raid, does not seem to be material.

asked the Home Secretary which method of glass protection in air raids has been found in the course of recent hostilities to be the most efficacious?

Recent experience confirms the view of my technical advisers that textile netting, transparent film affixed to the whole surface, and strips of adhesive tape or other strong material give the best protection.

Does that mean a combination of these methods?

How thickly should the adhesive tape be applied?

asked the Minister of Labour what arrangements have been made for the continuance of the work of the International Labour Office; whether the temporary transfer of the bureau from Geneva has been agreed to; and to what place it is to be removed?

This matter is, I understand, at present under consideration, but I am not in a position to make a statement on the subject.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has arrived at any decision in relation to the question of house purchase by members of the Armed Forces who made application under M.S A.C., Form 21; and, if so, what is the decision arrived at and has he conveyed such decision to the Advisory Committee?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to a resolution recently passed by the War Service Grants Advisory Committee in regard to house purchase through building societies. I regret that I found myself unable to accept the committee's recommendation. My decision was conveyed to the chairman of the committee on 25th July, and I understand that the hon. Member, in common with other members of the committee, has now received a copy.

Are we to understand that this decision of the Minister countermands the promise made by the Secretary of State for War in reply to a similar Question addressed to him some months ago, in regard to which Service men, their wives and families were firmly dependent upon the word of the Government?

No, Sir, I do not agree that it is countermanding any promise that was made. I met representatives of the building societies, and they were quite prepared to accept interest and leave in abeyance the question of repayment of capital. The committee were empowered to provide for interest in the cases with which they dealt.

Inasmuch as this answer is, in my opinion, a direct contravention of the promise made to the men in the service of the country, I shall take advantage of the first opportunity to raise this question on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the great amount of disappointment amongst the dependants of the Armed Forces who make application for assistance to the M.S.A.C. under Form 21 at the long delay in getting answers to such applications; and will he take the needful steps to speed up the machinery dealing with such applications, so that quicker and better results may be obtained?

I am afraid I cannot usefully add to the very full statement which my hon. Friend made on this matter in the course of the Debate on 25th June.

Is the Minister aware that the Ministry takes a long time to give decisions, even a longer time sometimes than it takes to give effect to decisions in this House; and is he also aware that landlords do not delay, and that they are evicting soldiers' wives who are unable to meet their responsibilities?

I am not aware of those circumstances.

It is time you were.

Inasmuch as I am aware—

rose—

These things are desperate to the people who are evicted.

asked the Minister of Pensions what procedure is adopted by the committee dealing with applications for assistance by dependants of the Armed Forces under M.S.A.C. Form 21, when such applications are acceded to, to ensure that such grants do not automatically cease; and will he issue such instructions as to ensure that no payments will be discontinued until the committee have discussed the case and arrived at a decision on the same?

A war service grant does not cease automatically unless it is expressly made for a specific period or there is a material change in the recipient's circumstances such as to justify termination of the grant. When any other case is reviewed payment does not cease until a fresh decision is given.

Does that mean that, in the event of the Committee making a decision which terminates on a certain date, the particular case will be reviewed before the termination, or that there can either be a continuity of payment or an intimation given to the individual that no further payment can be made, because considerable hardship, inconvenience and disappointment are being experienced by the dependants of the soldiers?

In every case where an adjustment is made with regard to grants, the adjusted grant is made payable in the week following the last payment on the old grant. The question as to whether a notification is made by the Committee to the person concerned is one into which I shall have to inquire.

Would the Minister like to look at an eviction order, and also at letters which are not in line with the answer that the Minister has given to the Question?

I am always prepared to consider any cases that the hon. Member brings to my notice, and I shall be very glad if hon. Members will avail themselves of that privilege. It might save a good deal of trouble to the Member, and it certainly would be helpful to me.

And to the people concerned, I hope.

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) what steps a soldier, sailor or airman should take in order to claim consideration by the War Service Grants Advisory Committee, whilst in any branch of the Services, who did not make a claim at the time of enlistment, and cannot secure the necessary forms;

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the difficulty in securing M.S.A.C. Form 21 by men at their medical examination, on enlistment and after commencement in the Services; and what steps he will take to remedy this position?

It has been the practice for some time to send to every man called for medical examination a leaflet on the subject of allowances, which includes a special reference to the grants made on the recommendation of the War Service Grants Advisory Committee. On attending for examination the man is definitely asked whether he wishes to apply for a grant, and, if he does, he is provided on the spot with an application form: he is advised to fill in the form there and then, and is offered help in completing it by an official who is well qualified to assist. If he does not wish, or is not able, to complete the form without taking it away he is advised to return it within two days, so that the necessary inquiries may be put in hand without delay. Men already serving can obtain application forms through their commanding officers, and welfare officers are ready to give advice and assistance in completing them. The arrangements for the supply of these forms have been so widely and repeatedly circulated in the Forces that I cannot accept as well founded, generalisations as to difficulties now experienced by men who apply for them. If my hon. Friends can quote actual cases of the kind, I am sure that the Service Departments, as in the past, will take steps to remove the difficulties where they are shown to occur. Finally, the wife or dependant of a man serving outside this country can personally apply on a form obtainable at the local office of the Assistance Board and notices to this effect are in all post offices.

Is the Minister aware that in the borough of Bexley the post offices knew nothing at all about this form or where it could be obtained; that the people in that large borough have to pay 4.d., 6d. or 8d. in fares to go to Eltham in order to secure the form; and further, while I admit that the men are being catered for on enlistment, is it not the fact that complaints have been made to his Department that after the men are in the Services the commanding officers have difficulty in providing these forms?

In the case of those who live some distance away from the Assistance Board offices, a postcard sent to those offices will result in a form being sent at once and will save the trouble of making the journey. As to the question of post offices not knowing anything about it, we have circulated the instruction among the whole of the postal service. It may be that one or two of the small offices have forgotten about the instruction, but I will make inquiries of my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General. As regards dealing with the question generally, I am endeavouring to obtain permission to make a broadcast on this subject.

rose—

Am I not in order in putting a Supplementary Question?

I do not think the hon. Member realises that there are 119 Questions on the Paper.

I rarely intervene, and I would like to ask a question.

asked the Home Secretary whether contact has been established through the medium of the Red Cross with the Channel Islands; whether he will consider alternatively the advisability of asking a representative of a neutral State to visit the Islands from France; and whether he has received any report or representations from Lord Justice du Parcq's Committee?

asked the Home Secretary whether any arrangements have yet been made through the International Red Cross, or otherwise, by which refugees from the Channel Islands can communicate with any relatives they may have left behind?

It is not yet known whether the International Red Cross Committee will be able to establish communication with the Channel Islands. As soon as I have any information on this point, I will let my hon. Friends know. The committee of which Lord Justice du Parcq is chairman is in constant touch with the Home Office and other Government Departments, but it is as yet too early for them to make a formal report on their work.

Can the Home Secretary say what practical difficulty there is in asking whatever State looks after British interests in Germany to send a representative by boat from St. Malo to the Channel Islands to find out what is happening and report to us?

I have explained that I consider that the most appropriate and promising method of establishing and maintaining communication with the Channel Islands would be through the International Red Cross Committee. My Department is in touch with the committee, and I am hopeful that something can be arranged.

But does that not seem unpromising, in view of the fact that some weeks have gone by and nothing has happened?

That is a matter of opinion.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will take steps to remedy the fact that his Department is overstaffed, seeing that the staff admit they have not enough to do, and notwithstanding this they have to stay overtime and receive overtime pay?

I fear my hon. Friend is misinformed, and I should be glad if he would let me know the grounds on which he bases his statement. I am satisfied that my Department is not overstaffed for the new and very varied work which it is doing and, still more, has to be prepared to do. Happily, the war has not so far resulted in the heavy casualties that might have been expected, but to cope with the new work additional staff has obviously been necessary. Rather than rely on a hastily improvised organisation, I have decided that the work of the Ministry is of sufficient importance to require a trained staff. The majority of the staff are new, and as the work steadily increases in volume I have had to work with a margin of staff, a small portion of which at any time is in training. Only by this means can I achieve the primary object which I have set before myself, that of avoiding delay and of securing the utmost promptitude possible in the settlement of cases.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the advisability of refusing further exit permits for children from this country to the Dominions and the United States of America until arrangements have been made for equal facilities for all classes, regardless of wealth, to participate therein?

Exit permits are not required by persons under 16 years of age; but it is proposed, in pursuance of the assurance given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in his statement on 18th July, to make other arrangements to ensure that in any further emigration of children overseas the balance between classes shall be restored.

Does that mean that persons who have money and are using it to send children abroad, whereas the poor cannot do so, will in future have no advantage over the poor?

It means, as my right hon. Friend said, that a true balance will be established between the children of the well-to-do who pay for their passage and children emigrated under the Government scheme.

Is it not true that the Government never had any class bias in their scheme and that many working people would have sent their children if they had been in a position to do so?