asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the great dissatisfaction existing in the various emergency committees and local authorities and also among the air-raid wardens in the country at his decision to call in the uniforms of the air-raid wardens; will he state the reason for this decision; and will he now cancel this instruction?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 31st July to a Question by the hon. Member for West Lewisham (Mr. Brooke).

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that there are many air-raid wardens in the country who have for more than two years been giving the whole of their leisure time to Civil Defence and are efficient and well equipped to deal with all forms of air-raid precautions; that they are now registering under the Military Service Acts, and in some areas more than 50 per cent. will be called up to join the fighting services; and, as it is not in the national interest to allow these men to go and to start training new men for this vital civil defence service, will he state what is to be their position?

I am watching closely the effect upon the air-raid wardens' service of the calling up of wardens for military service, but on the information before me I should not feel justified in asking that wardens as such should be included in the Schedule of Reserved Occupations.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in regard to arrangements made for dealing with domestic and food animals which may be injured as a result of enemy attack?

The National A.R.P. Animals Committee was constituted with the encouragement of my Department to deal with the welfare of animals under war conditions. With the co-operation of the veterinary profession and of animal welfare societies and their staffs the committee has established a voluntary organisation covering practically the whole country. At first its attention was concentrated on animals in towns, but the committee has now widened its scope to cover animals on farms and it has secured the full collaboration of the veterinary profession and the National Farmers' Union. Special arrangements have been made to deal with injured food animals, and it is part of the purpose of the organisation to protect the public from panic-stricken animals. The organisation has been established and equipped by voluntary contributions from the public and by advances from animal welfare societies, and it has the cordial support of my Department.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is possible to secure the release from internment of Otto Rothbaum under any category, in view of the fact that he was an Austrian officer in the last war, and wishes to fight for the cause of freedom in this war?

In accordance with the undertaking given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State in the course of the Debate on 10th July, I have already authorised this man's release.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider releasing from internment the Rev. Dr. Michael Casella, an Italian, who, until recently, was curate of St. John's Church, Laganbank, Belfast, and who has been interned, since he is of proved loyalty to Britain and some months ago when he applied for naturalisation papers was vouched for by the Primate of all Ireland and the Bishop of Down, Connor and Dromore?

I am making certain inquiries about this case and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as my inquiries are complete.

asked the Home Secretary whether persons detained under Regulation 18B are permitted other books than those in the prison library, and, if so, whether there is any restriction as to the subjects; and whether, if a detenu desires to spend much of his time in writing, there is any prison limit to the materials he may use provided he supplies them himself?

Persons detained under Regulation 18B are allowed to receive books, other than those in the prison library, unless the books are of a type clearly unsuitable for general circulation among the persons so detained. Notebooks and other materials for literary work are allowed in individual cases where sanction is given for their use for this purpose.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take steps to secure that Italians who fought against Germany in the last war, were prisoners of war in Germany then, have since been resident in Britain, and have married British women before Italy entered the present war, have put all their savings into war savings certificates, and have identified themselves with the interests of this country, will be released from internment; and when he proposes to release Pietro Loni, 106, Lyncdoch Street, Greenock, who fulfils these conditions and is medically unfit?

As I stated in the House on 23rd July the arrangements for dealing with applications for the release of Germans and Austrians will extend so far as applicable to Italians. As regards the Italian mentioned in the second part of the Question, I am making immediate inquiries into the state of his health in internment.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make a statement on the conditions of the internees in Pentonville prison?

I have been glad to comply with a request by my hon. Friend that he should visit the prison to see the conditions for himself.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make a statement with regard to the progress of the review of interned aliens' cases?

The review of cases falling within the categories set out in the White Paper published yesterday is proceeding as rapidly as possible, but it is too early yet to make any detailed statement.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that a large number of schools in vulnerable areas in the county of Somerset have no anti-splinter protection on their windows; and whether he will take immediate steps to ensure that the education committee of the Somerset County Council shall rectify this position?

I understand that the local education authority have this matter in hand.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the bombing of the industrial area of South Wales, he has considered the advisability of having the children evacuated to some safer part of the country?

The existing evacuation areas were selected from the standpoint of removing children from the largest and most crowded cities where the results of air attack were likely to be most serious, and that selection is under constant review. I do not think, however, that there is sufficient reason at present for extending the evacuation areas, especially bearing in mind that the needs of those areas already make very heavy demands on the accommodation available in the reception areas.

asked the Minister of Health whether the committee presided over by the right hon. Member for Midlothian and Peebles (Mr. Colville) has reported on the provincial arrangements for the Emergency Medical Service; and, if so, whether he can make a statement on the subject, particularly regarding that committee's report on conditions in London?

As I stated in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Reading (Dr. Howitt) on 18th July, the right hon. Member for Midlothian and Peebles (Mr. Colville) and his colleagues have reported on the provincial arrangements and recommended certain administrative changes which I have adopted. These changes consist mainly in devolving more authority upon my senior regional officers, who will work in closer collaboration than hitherto with the hospital officers in each region, and will be able if necessary to give formal directions to the hospital authorities. Another change has been a closer liaison, both centrally and locally, with the medical branches of the Services and the formulation of plans for common action in certain contingencies. As to London, Lord Chatfield (who succeeded my right hon. Friend the Member for Midlothian and Peebles on the commission) and the other members of the commission have reported to me verbally this week and recommended certain changes in the administrative organisation and in the arrangements for first-aid posts, which I am now considering with my advisers.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there is a feeling of disquiet amongst general medical practitioners at the absence, or ineffectual nature, of instructions given by many medical officers of health as regards first-aid posts and work generally in connection with air-raid precautions, and at the fact that so many doctors have no steel helmets, anti-gas clothing, or service respirators; and, in view of this, will he consider immediately revising the whole scheme as regards the medical services in each district with a view to securing the co-operation of all general medical practitioners?

I have no evidence of general dissatisfaction among the medical profession such as is suggested in the first part of the Question. I am, however, constantly keeping the scheme under review and will not hesitate to make any changes that prove to be desirable.

asked the Minister of Health what is the precise scheme prepared by his Department for dealing with the medical practitioners in evacuation areas who are now deemed surplus to requirements in such areas and whose practices have wholly or largely disappeared by reason of the evacuation; and will arrangements be made for the utilisation of the services of such doctors in reception areas?

If the hon. Member has in mind certain coastal areas I would refer him to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Great Yarmouth (Sir A. Harbord) on 4th July. I will send him a copy of the circular referred to in that reply. For the rest, the transfer of surplus doctors from evacuation areas to reception areas where their services are needed is arranged by the Central Medical War Committee which acts as a clearing house in this matter.

asked the Minister of Health when it is intended to grant to assistant nurses of the Civil Nursing Reserve the benefits of the award made in respect of the cost of living to civil defence workers including nursing auxiliaries; and whether he will expedite payments in respect thereof to assistant nurses who are suffering hardship through their present anomalous position?

Assistant nurses of the Civil Nursing Reserve, resident in hospital, are paid on a different basis from that of members o the general Civil Defence Services, and the question of any variations in their present emoluments will be considered on merits.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is intended to continue payment of State pensions and salaries to persons detained for the safety of the State?

It is assumed that my hon. Friend refers to persons detained under the provisions of paragraph 18B of the Defence Regulations. In such cases as are referred to by my hon. Friend the Department concerned would consider whether the facts were such as to call for suspension or forfeiture under their existing powers and take action accordingly.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the case of industries which were depressed during the years from which standard profits for purposes of Excess Profits Tax are to be selected and which consequently have little or no profits standard, he is now prepared to authorise the Board of Referees to increase the limit imposed by Section 27 (5) of the Finance Act, 1940, and, in particular, where profits of such industries, which fall by chance into the chargeable accounting period, have no connection, even remotely, with war or the preparation for war?

I am afraid that I could not see my way to entertain my hon. Friend's suggestion for an amendment of the provisions so recently enacted.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give any estimate of the revenue expected to accrue from the Purchase Tax on newspapers, on periodicals and on books, respectively?

The revenue estimated to accrue in a full year from the application of the Purchase Tax to newspapers, periodicals and books is approximately as follows:

Newspapers (including Sunday and weekly newspapers), and periodicals, between £3,250,000 and £3,500,000.

Books, between £1,000,000 and £1,250,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, if he cannot exempt books altogether from the proposed Purchase Tax, he will at least exclude from its operation medical, scientific and school books necessary for professional and educational purposes?

I am afraid any discrimination between different classes of books would be impracticable.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether special precautions are being taken to prevent persons leaving this country wearing abnormally expensive jewellery?

Yes, Sir. An Order, which took effect from the 1st July last, has been made by the Board of Trade prohibiting the export without licence of specified categories of valuables, including jewellery. As was announced in the Press at the time of the making of the Order, no such licences are granted to private individuals travelling overseas, and no traveller is allowed to take with him any jewellery, except single articles of relatively small intrinsic value.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction in the country about the disparity between the pay of the men in the forces and that of a large number of grades of civilian employment, both skilled and unskilled; and whether he intends to take action on this matter?

It is difficult to make comparisons between the remuneration of the Armed Forces as a whole which is necessarily based on quite different considerations and that of particular grades of civil employment. The remuneration of the Forces includes accommodation, clothing, medical services and other issues in kind. Taking this into account and the opportunities of promotion and advancement, the remuneration at present paid cannot be regarded as unreasonable.

asked the Minister of Labour how many special interviewing panels have been set up in connection with the supplementary registers; where they are situated; and on which panels women sit?

I am obtaining this information and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Health what suggestions or warnings were made to the Government last year that there should be an increase in home production of medicinal herbs; and whether the national or local authorities have initiated schemes to provide for an increase to meet requirements due to war emergencies, and to prevent a rise in prices owing to inadequate supplies?

The suggestions and warnings that have been received range from various schemes for growing medicinal herbs to proposals for collecting wild herbs by all kinds of bodies and individuals. As stated in reply to a Question by the late Member for West Newcastle on 2nd November last the situation has been kept under careful review and steps have already been taken to encourage the cultivation in England of some of the more important plants in question.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of his recommendation that the largest possible volume of coal should be distributed at the present time while transport facilities are freely available, and as many persons are not able to purchase coal for financial reasons, he will institute a scheme under which local authorities can purchase reserve stocks and distribute them in their own areas during the winter months?

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply I gave on 23rd July to the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne). The circular letter referred to therein has led to a gratifying response from local authorities and arrangements for laying down stocks of coal in their areas are proceeding as rapidly as transport facilities will permit.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that students of the London Royal Free Hospital, School of Medicine for Women, are required to take part of their training at the Three Counties Hospital, Bedfordshire; that there is no accommodation in or near this hospital at which they can reside; that there is no public means of conveyance from the nearest places at which they can find lodgings, which are extremely dear; that there is no provision in the hospital for the supply of meals to these students, and no common room they can make use of; that they have to take the luncheons they bring with them in the pathological laboratory; that the facilities for teaching are extremely inadequate; that it does not accommodate normal surgical cases, and has no out-patient department; and if, as a number of the students are the holders of scholarships towards the cost of which the Board of Education contributes, he will take steps to remedy the defects indicated?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. As regards the remaining parts of the Question, I am informed that accommodation at reasonable charges is available in the neighbourhood of the Three Counties Hospital with transport facilities. A canteen has been opened and a common room will shortly be available. Making allowance for inevitable war-time difficulties, the teaching facilities at the hospital are satisfactory. There is no out-patient department, but the school, the authorities of which have furnished me with a full report, has arranged that students shall have extra opportunities for out-patient work during the remaining 2½ years of their course in London.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the position with regard to compulsory school attendance and full-time instruction had improved or otherwise on 15th July as compared with 15th April; and when he will be in a position to give figures comparable with the relative figures on the latter date?

I have no figures for July comparable with those which were obtained for earlier months, and in present circumstances I do not think it would be practicable to ask for them. Having regard to the recent evacuation of schoolchildren from a number of areas I think it probable that on 15th July there were fewer children under full-time instruction than on 15th April.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has any information bearing on the receipt by headmasters in some parts of the country of a communication asking them to inquire and report as to any members of their staffs engaged on subversive activities; and whether he will take steps to discourage this practice?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that head teachers have been asked to give private information against members of their staff who hold certain religious or political beliefs, or who, in the opinion of the head teacher, are likely to be disloyal; that varying interpretations are being placed upon the request by different authorities and head teachers; that teachers are being suspended from duty or dismissed because of their beliefs; and whether he will arrange for the immediate withdrawal of the instruction and the destruction of any lists of teachers already compiled in accordance with its terms, as the making of secret reports is open to abuse?

asked the President of the Board of Education why headmasters have been asked to report on any members of their staffs who may be considered to hold subversive opinions?

I am aware that some local education authorities have caused inquiries to be made on the lines referred to in the Questions, and I have received complaints from certain associations of teachers as to the nature of the inquiries made and the action taken on them. In order to make clear to authorities the Government's views on the matter, my Department on 26th July issued a circular to all local education authorities conveying a memorandum prepared by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and Minister of Home Security. I am sending copies of the circular and memorandum to the hon. Members.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many London education authorities for secondary schools make provision for the supply of free solid meals and free milk, respectively; how many children receive such meals or milk or both; and whether a 50 per cent, grant is made for this purpose or is now increased by 20 per cent. as for free meals for necessitous children in elementary schools?

The London County Council is the education authority for the whole of the administrative county of London. In the 12 secondary schools maintained by the Council which are now open there are at present no school canteens, but it is expected that they will be reopened shortly. It is not the practice to make direct provision of free meals or milk in the London secondary schools, but in cases of need dinner grants are made in order to assist the parents in paying for meals at school for their children, while, in addition, many parents receive maintenance allowances which can be used for the purchase of meals and milk. Expenditure by local education authorities on the provision of meals and milk in secondary schools is eligible for grant at the rate of 50 per cent.; the increased rates of grant announced in Circular 1520 are applicable only to elementary schools.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will arrange that educational authorities, faced with staffing difficulties due to calling up of men, shall be empowered to make replacement appointments in advance of the actual calling-up of their affected staff, seeing that many of such notices are either indeterminate for long periods or at very short call?

No, Sir, I do not think that staffing difficulties which may arise will best be met in the way proposed. There is likely to be a number of teachers seeking employment owing to movements of population occasioned by the war, and a central register of these teachers, on which local education authorities can draw, is being established by the Association of Education Committees in co-operation with the National Union of Teachers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether members of the Home Guard will be allowed access to Navy, Army and Air Force Institute canteens whenever these are situated outside the immediate vicinity of barracks, camps or billets?

Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes are invariably situated in the immediate vicinity of barracks, camps or billets, and therefore will not normally be available for use by members of the Home Guard.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now been able to consider the position with regard to the supply of cigarettes to the troops; and whether he can arrange to issue to the troops a weekly ration of cigarettes?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on Tuesday last to my hon. Friends the Members for Seaham (Mr. Shinwell) and West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen), by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The matter is still under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Standing Committee presided over by the Permanent Under-Secretary of State for War will be given facilities to investigate procedure not only in matters affecting commands and staff but also in matters affecting the administrative duties of regimental officers, with a view to relieving them of such office work as can reasonably be dispensed with?

It is hoped, as a result of the committee's inquiries to achieve the object which my hon. Friend has in view.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will circulate in Europe the statement of Allied war aims as outlined by General Smuts in his broadcast on Sunday, 21st June?

A full account of General Smuts' broadcast was given by the Overseas Services of the B.B.C. within a few hours. In territory not occupied by the enemy it will receive as much publicity as possible through the usual channels.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will immediately and continuously circulate throughout France and the French Empire the true facts of the recent sinking by the Germans of the French repatriation ship "Meknes," so that a just estimate may be formed of the value of German pledges to the Vichy Government or to anyone else?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 30th July to a Question on the same subject by the hon. Member for Eye (Mr. Granville).

asked the Minister of Information whether he will instruct the censors who deal with letters to and from Northern Ireland to refrain from removing dates of appointments and such like, as these dates are of no service to the enemy, and their removal is causing considerable inconvenience and trouble?

The Postal Censorship is concerned only with the disclosure of those dates which would reveal information of service to the enemy, and the Postal Censorship staff is instructed accordingly. Dates of appointment and such like may well be of service to the enemy where, for example, they reveal the sailing date of a ship.

asked the Minister of Information the number of broadcasts to the people of this country made respectively since the formation of the new Government by Ministers belonging to the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Parliamentary parties?

Since 10th May in the Home Service programme Conservative Ministers have broadcast 36 times, Labour Ministers 22 times, and Liberal Ministers three times. In addition the Minister for Food has broadcast three times, and the Home Secretary twice.

asked the Minister of Supply how the agreed fee of £220,750 paid to the British Metal Corporation for their services in connection with the non-ferrous metal control was arrived at; and whether he will state the amount included in that fee for the non-ferrous metal controller?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies which were given to the several Questions by him on this subject on 29th May, 5th, 12th, 19th and 20th June and 17th July. I do not think I can add anything to these replies.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that Messrs. Currie, Green and Patterson were discharged from the Woolwich Arsenal, on 31st May, on the charge of sabotage; why no inquiry has been held into this matter or prosecution instituted against the men concerned; whether he is also aware that an accident occurred a short time beforehand to a machine in charge of Mr. Bert Hardy, a shop steward for these men; that Messrs. Hardy and Peskitt, a convener of the Arsenal shop stewards, failed to turn up at the inquiry into the dismissal held by the Amalgamated Engineering Union; and whether a full inquiry into the whole matter will be instituted?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the circumstances relating to the termination of the employ- ment of Messrs. Currie, Green and Patterson at Woolwich Arsenal, and has satisfied himself as to the facts of the case. It would not be consistent with the public interest to give further details.

asked the Minister of Supply how many letters he has received claiming that the production of munitions is being hampered and made more costly to the nation by the Government's insistence on their transport by rail; and whether he can make any statement on the subject?

Some letters have been received on this subject. The rationing of liquid fuel has necessarily resulted in a certain amount of traffic (including munitions traffic) going by rail which might otherwise have gone by road, but I am satisfied that this has not substantially hampered the production of munitions. While in some cases the use of the railway may have involved a greater transport cost, account must also be taken of the saving of shipping space and foreign exchange which results from the rationing of liquid fuel.

asked the Minister of Supply how many old cannon have been presented to his Department in connection with the salvage of scrap-metal campaign; how many of these came from Scotland; and whether he will make an appeal to local authorities and individuals to hand over such cannon?

As the result of a recent appeal made by my right hon. Friend, 802 old cannon have been offered for scrap purposes. I cannot say without a disproportionate expenditure of labour how many of these came from Scotland. As regards the last part of the Question, a general salvage appeal sent out at the end of May asked all owners of old guns and war trophies to surrender them for steel making purposes.

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in order to facilitate the collection of useless iron for salvage purposes, he will take steps to render ineffective stipulations in feu contracts, and other legal titles to property, requiring iron railings to be placed around such property, or the ground on which the buildings are placed, or around private gardens adjacent to the properties in question?

The question of the steps necessary in circumstances of this kind to secure the release of railings for scrap is under consideration. It involves many legal difficulties of the type to which my hon. and learned Friend refers, but decisions will be taken as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Supply for what reason the sale of salvage in the borough of Camberwell, with a population of 229,000, realised during June the sum of £102 only; and what action he proposes to take?

The small value of salvage sales made in June by the borough of Camberwell is, according to my information, mainly due to the lack of an efficient salvage scheme. On 26th June my right hon. Friend issued a compulsory direction to that borough, in common with others with a population of over 10,000, to provide an efficient service for collecting salvage, and I am informed that they have now introduced more adequate arrangements. My right hon. Friend will continue to watch the results in Camberwell as elsewhere.

asked the Minister of Supply how many local authorities in Lancashire are now collecting salvage on the lines prescribed by his Department; and what action he is taking in cases where this collection is not being properly carried out?

According to the returns received by the Ministry of Supply for the month of June, the number of local authorities in Lancashire who were collecting salvage was as follows:

County Borough Councils	17
Municipal Borough Councils	26
Urban District Councils	56
Rural District Councils	14

At the end of June my right hon. Friend issued compulsory directions to all the local authorities with a population of over 10,000 requiring them to provide an efficient service for the collection of waste paper, metals and household bones. The reports and monthly returns supplied under these directions are examined by the Salvage Department of the Ministry, and in any cases where this collection is not being properly carried out my right hon. Friend will take such steps as are appropriate to ensure that the directions are complied with.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that many printing works are now only working at a reduced capacity; and whether he will investigate the possibility of making use of the facilities which they have for certain simple operations in connection with armament supply work?

I am aware of the difficulties which are being experienced by the printing trade on account of the war, and I am anxious to utilise the facilities provided by printing works for any class of war work to which they can be adapted. Unfortunately, it is not possible to utilise printing machinery for armament purposes, as this machinery does not lend itself to any other use than printing. I am, however, arranging to have the position of the printing trade examined by the Industrial Capacity Committee of the Production Council, with a view to reaching a decision as to the best policy to be pursued in connection with the present redundant capacity which exists in the industry.

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of the shortage of paper, restrictions can be made on the use of gratuitous and unnecessary circularisation, especially by firms who issue regular and unwanted publications to Members of Parliament?

An Order placing further limitations on the use of paper is about to be issued. Among other things it will provide for an increase in the already severe restrictions on the distribution of advertising circulars.

asked the Minister of Supply what change there has been in the secretaryship of the Ministry of Supply?

Sir George Gater, who was appointed Joint Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Supply in May last with Sir Arthur Robinson, has now become sole Secretary. Sir Arthur Robinson (who, after a distinguished career in the Civil Service, became Chairman of the Supply Board under the Committee of Imperial Defence, in 1935) was appointed Secretary of the Ministry of Supply, when it was established a year ago; at my request he continued to hold the office until Sir George Gater could be given sole responsibility under the Minister. I take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of Sir Arthur's great knowledge and experience which, I am glad to say, will be at my disposal until the end of the year, when he will retire. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary has succeeded Sir Arthur Robinson as Vice-Chairman of the Ministry of Supply Council.

asked the Secretary of State for India the numbers of Indian troops which have been added to the standing Indian Army since the beginning of the war?

Up to the end of last May, 53,000 men had been enrolled in the Indian Army since the beginning of the war. Steps to provide for a much larger increase in the strength of the Indian Army have been taken since then.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is proposed to arrange for the distribution of the standard dried milk to infant welfare centres generally instead of direct through a milk officer, and at the same time greatly to increase the supply; whether he is aware of the grave prejudice caused to the businesses of infant food manufacturers by this tendency towards nationalisation of the industry in question; and whether he will take steps to see that this industry secures equitable treatment?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in arranging for the extended distribution of the national milk powder, he proposes to adhere to the hitherto expressed policy of the Government not to interfere with normal trading conditions of established firms; and whether, in that case, he will ensure protection to the private firms who have hitherto been successfully manufacturing similar commodities?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in connection with the proposed extended distribution of the national milk powder to welfare centres, medical men who prefer proprietory brands of special food will be allowed, as hitherto, to have them, or whether any change in this practice is contemplated?

The national milk powder to be distributed under the National Milk Scheme will be issued by the local milk officer either direct or through infant welfare centres where the responsible local authority is prepared to co-operate in the scheme. These arrangements are being made for the purpose of simplifying distribution; and the amount of national milk powder so distributed will not exceed the quantity which is required to meet the needs of recipients of dried milk under the scheme. i.e., for those infants up to the age of 12 months for whom medical certificates have been received by the milk officer that such milk powder is to be supplied in place of liquid milk. The powers of local authorities to supply proprietary brands of dried milk outside the scheme are not affected.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what amount of subsidy will be necessary to enable to be offered at is. 2d. per 20-0z, carton the national milk powder which is to compete with the well-known brands which have had, unassisted, to build up their industry?

The object of the National Milk Scheme is to provide milk, free or at a reduced figure, for those most in need of it, i.e., expectant and nursing mothers and children under five years of age. Such a scheme naturally involves a subsidy from the Exchequer. The same consideration applies in the case of milk powder supplied to those children under 12 months of age for whom doctors specially prescribe it in place of liquid milk. While I am unable to state what the subsidy on the milk powder will be, as the demand for it is as yet unknown, I can assure my hon. Friend that for each unit supplied it will be substantially less than the subsidy on the liquid milk provided under the scheme.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what have been the percentage increases in home-produced soft and hard cheeses during the recorded period available for the last 12 months 1939–40, as compared with the same period 1938–39; and whether he has thought out in advance plans for increasing further the home production of this essential food before it is too late in the season?

In the twelve months ended on 30th June, 1940, there was a decline of 7.6 per cent. in the quantity of hard cheese and 22 per cent. in the quantity of soft cheese made in Great Britain in comparison with that made in the twelve months ended on 30th June, 1939. The gallonage of milk used for soft cheese-making, however, only represents just over 1 per cent. of the total quantity used for cheese manufacture. The utilisation of milk available for manufacture is kept under constant review in relation to national needs. Cheese has been given a high degree of priority, and appreciable quantities of milk which would normally have been converted into other products are being transferred to cheese manufacture.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that many tradesmen, including the butchers in the Petersfield-Liphook area, are forcing customers to pay cash only and also for the delivery of goods ordered; that the food control committees refuse such customers the right, when they object to so paying, to change their retailers; and whether he will look into the matter with a view either to checking impositions of the kind or permitting a change of retailer?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I have given to my hon. Friend the Member for Farnworth (Mr. Tomlinson) in regard to the delivery charge for meat. As regards the refusal of credit by butchers, that is a matter within the competence of the tradesmen concerned and I see no reason for the Ministry to intervene.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what was the surplus of 1939 potatoes; how much was collected from the wholesalers by way of levy to compensate growers for such surplus stocks; and what has been done with the money?

Except to the extent of 5,280 tons, which were purchased out of the Potato Fund for disposal to potato factories and owners of livestock, and 8,666 tons purchased for the British Expeditionary Force or sold to the French Food Mission, the whole of the 1939 potato crop found its way into consumption through the ordinary market channels. The total amount of levy collected to date is £257,386 9s. 3d., of which £223,710 11S. 8d. was collected from merchants and the remainder from other licencees. After allowing for the cost of administration and the losses sustained on the potato purchases, it is estimated that a net amount of approximately £194,000 will stand to the credit of the Fund as at the 31st July, 1940. This credit balance will be carried forward in accordance with the provisions of Article 7 of the Potato (1939 Crop) (Charges) Order, 1940, to be applied, if necessary, towards the disposal of any surplus potatoes of this year's crop.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that there is a widespread demand that alcoholic liquor as well as tea should be rationed; and whether he will take the necessary steps for this purpose?

The answer to both parts of the hon. Member's Question is in the negative.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Circular 2080, dated 3rd July, issued by the Ministry of Health contains in paragraph 3 a prohibition that precludes from study at the leading hospitals refugee alien doctors who have been admitted in limited numbers by express permission of the Home Office on the advice of its medical advisory committee, to take a medical qualification in this country; and will he take steps to mitigate this prohibition which renders that permission nugatory?

The question which my hon. Friend has in mind is, I presume, whether doctors of enemy nationality can be allowed to work in hospitals which provide treatment for members of His Majesty's Forces. I propose to review this matter in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health and the military authorities.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state under what authority the police proceeded to instruct the Eccles Borough Council to remove an employé from his job?

My attention has not previously been drawn to any such incident and I shall be obliged if my hon. Friend will be good enough to send me particulars.

asked the Home Secretary in view of the fact that, on 4th April last, there were only 27 bottle parties in existence in the Metropolitan area, how many now remain after the closing down of a certain number under the new Defence Regulation 42c; and whether he can give the names of those which have been closed down and those which remain open?

The Commissioner has made orders under Defence Regulation 42c directing the closing of six bottle parties, known respectively as Boogey Woogey, E1 Morocco, Hi-de-Hi, Macs, Paradise and Stork. The number of known bottle parties now in existence in the Metropolitan Police District is 17, but I do not think it desirable to give them a gratuitous advertisement by reading out a list of their equally peculiar names.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of the total stocks insured under the War Risks Insurance Act, 1939; and how much of this total value of stocks represents goods held by retailers?

The total value of goods insured under current policies of insurance issued under Part II of the War Risks Insurance Act, 1939, is approximately £1,200 million. I am not able to say what proportion of this value represents goods held by retailers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will clarify, by legislative enactment, the law governing postponement of redemption covenants of a mortgage or debenture as examined in the varying recent decisions by the Chancery Division, the Court of Appeal and the House of Lords, in the Knightsbridge Estates Trust case, so as to render unnecessary other costly disputes about a mortgage being a debenture as ambiguously defined in Sections 74 and 380 of the Companies Act, 1929?

This suggestion has been noted for consideration when the amendment of the Companies Act is under review, but my right hon. Friend can hold out no prospect of any such review in present circumstances.

asked the Minister of Health why appeal forms for use by applicants for supplementary pensions for appealing against the determinations of assistance officers are not available at either post offices or Employment Exchanges; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with the position?

No special form of notice of appeal has been prescribed for use in supplementary pension cases. Any pensioner who wishes to exercise his right of appeal can do so by an intimation in writing to that effect addressed to the Board's local office.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in the case of evacuees from the Channel Islands, the families of men serving in the Forces can be given some assistance in the way of bedding and clothing?

Yes, Sir. If the hon. Member has any particular cases in mind and will bring them to my notice, I will have inquiry made.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that considerable dissatisfaction is prevailing amongst sanitary inspectors of the country; and why such inspectors, having salaries over £250 per year, have been refused war bonuses, whilst all other officials of local authorities are receiving war bonuses?

In so far as the salaries of local authorities' officers require my approval—as they usually do in the case of sanitary inspectors and medical officers of health, but not in that of other officers—I have not felt justified in approving the addition of war bonus on any basis substantially different from that adopted for the Civil Service, which as part of the considered policy of the Government is restricted to salaries not exceeding £5 a week.

asked the Minister of Health how many authorities administering the domiciliary midwifery service are training their midwives in the use of Minitts apparatus for the relief of pain at childbirth; and how many are still not exercising this power?

The information available in my Department shows that 44 out of 188 local supervising authorities in England and Wales had, as at the 31st December, 1939, made arrangements for training midwives in their areas in the administration of analgesics at childbirth. As the hon. Member is aware, I have no power to give directions to local supervising authorities in this matter, but I hope that any authorities which have not made such arrangements will consider the desirability of doing so as opportunity offers.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can now give any important new information, or conclusions, which have emerged from the new inquiries made under the Population (Statistics) Act, 1938?

The results of the first six months working of the Population (Statistics) Act, 1938, have now been tabulated and will appear in the Registrar-General's Statistical Review for 1938, which is expected to be published by the end of September. The information afforded by these figures is, of course, entirely new so far as relates to this country. In the meantime the results are being studied and a commentary upon them will be published as soon as circumstances permit.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the acting war hospital matron at Botley's Park War Hospital, Surrey, has been forced to resign and a person less qualified appointed to her place; that in consequence of the dismissal of the kitchen superintendent her staff resigned in sympathy; that visits to wounded soldier inmates of the hospital have been made more difficult by the introduction of visitors' passes; whether he will have immediate investigation made so that the institution may be conducted in a better manner; and is he satisfied that there are adequate air-raid shelters for the hospital staff and its inmates?

The Botley's Park War Hospital belongs to and is controlled by the Surrey County Council and the resignation of the acting matron, the appointment of a successor and the control of kitchen staff are matters for the county council. I may say, however, that officers of my Department have frequently visited the casualty unit at this hospital and I am advised that it is fully efficient. As regards passes for visitors to wounded soldiers in the hospital, it is considered advisable in the interests of security that visitors should have passes, and the hospital is carrying out the instructions given to them by my Department in this matter. The county council are proceeding to construct air-raid shelters following a visit from one of the architects of my Department when the necessary works were agreed.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will arrange with the proper authorities that in necessitous cases some grant can be made for funeral expenses for civilians killed in air raids, since, at the present moment, the assistance boards have no power to give any help in this matter?

If a civilian is killed in consequence of war operations, it is open to the relatives or friends to claim the body and arrange for burial. If they do not do so, the council of the county borough or county district will themselves arrange for interment and the cost will be borne by public funds and will not fall on the relatives or friends. I do not think that any modification such as is suggested in the Question is necessary.

asked the Minister of Health what steps are being taken, and by what Government Departments, to make provision in military and civil hospitals for occupational therapy to hasten the resumption of service by wounded men; and what steps are being taken, and by what Government Depart-merits, to develop a national system of rehabilitation so that by means of specialised training and the establishment of specially organised workshops service men who are unfit for further military service may be returned to civilian life with minimal disability?

As to the first part of the Question, occupational therapy is provided for wounded men at the special orthopaedic centres forming part of the emergency hospital scheme administered by the Secretary of State for Scotland and myself, as well as at Ministry of Pensions hospitals and the fracture or orthopaedic departments of a number of general hospitals in the scheme. As to the second part, arrangements are being considered in concert between the Ministries of Health and of Pensions and the Department of Health for Scotland, with the appropriate professional experts. Our aim is to secure a co-ordinated system of rehabilitation designed to produce the maximum restoration of working capacity.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the announcement made by the finance committee of the Kent County Council that in its view it will be almost impossible for certain of its coastal towns to meet the county precepts and that consequently the ratepayers of its inland towns will have to pay increased rates for county services; and whether he will consider the desirability of formulating some scheme whereby the ratepayers of other counties not so adversely affected by the war shall pay a fair proportion of the increase of rates of those counties, which increase is solely and directly attributable to the war, so as to remove the injustice to certain ratepayers caused by their having to pay abnormally high rates owing to the counties in which they resided having vulnerable coastal areas?

The whole question of the war finance of the Kent coastal towns, including the question of county precepts, is engaging my active attention but I am not at present in a position to add anything to what I said in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for North Battersea (Mr. Douglas) on 25th July.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the notification by certain local authorities to owners of houses in various defence districts who wish to move elsewhere, that they must go on paying rates all through the war or must promise never to return to their houses; and whether, for the safeguarding of the interests of the residents concerned, he will at once issue a statement defining the policy of his Department?

The question of liability for rates is not one in regard to which I am empowered to intervene, but I would remind my hon. Friend of the moratorium provisions of the Defence (Evacuated Areas) Regulations which are applicable in certain areas.

asked the Home Secretary in view of the growing concern about the evidence throughout the country of increased drinking, what steps does he propose to take to limit the facilities, especially in the neighbourhood of camps and munition works?

My information does not bear out the suggestion that there is increased drinking in the country generally. Such specific complaints as I have received in regard to particular areas have, for the most part, proved on inquiry to have little or no foundation. If my hon. Friend has any specific information in support of his suggestion, I should be glad if he would send it to me.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the closing of the Burma Road will entail the stoppage of all Red Cross and medical supplies for China, or whether special exception will be made in these cases?

Red Cross and medical supplies are not within the categories of goods the passage of which by the Burma road is forbidden.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the urgency of calling up for medical examination further age groups as rapidly as possible, he will consider the advisability both of increasing still further the number of medical boards at present in operation, and simultaneously of adding to the staff of doctors engaged on a part-time basis for this work, if necessary by the occasional loan of help from some of those doing duty locally with the Navy, Army and Air Force?

I am satisfied that the number of medical boards at present in operation is adequate to meet all requirements for the time being. If further boards are found to be necessary in future they will be appointed.