asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the offers he has received for Calderwood estate, East Kilbride, cover the original cost of the estate and the amount of the subsequent capital expenditure; and, if not, will he hold the estate until it can be utilised for land settlement for which purpose much expert opinion declares it is suitable?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. As regards the second part, I regret that I could not undertake to postpone the sale as my hon. Friend requests, if a reasonable price is forthcoming.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that there was recently a meeting of doctors convened by the medical officers of health for Scotland in connection with the local air-raid precautions first-aid scheme; that the procedure outlined involves the frequent use of the telephone; that complaint was made by several doctors about the telephone service being unsatisfactory and that many telephone kiosks at important points are not properly functioning; and whether he will cause an investigation to be made into the matter?

I am not aware of any meeting convened by the medical officers of health for Scotland at which the matters in question were discussed. If, however, my hon. Friend will send me particulars of the meeting and details of the complaint to which he refers, I shall be pleased to make inquiries in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what committees have been formed for the purpose of reducing the numbers of rabbits, and what numbers of rabbits in each county have been destroyed to the last available date; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

The powers delegated to the 40 agricultural executive committees in Scotland include powers to issue orders requiring the destruction of rabbits in order to prevent damage to crops. Where such orders are not complied with the committees have power to enter on the lands for the purpose of carrying out the requirements of the orders. It would be impossible to obtain statistics as to the numbers of rabbits destroyed, but I can assure my hon. and learned Friend that active steps have been and are being taken with a view to destroying as many as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has con- sidered the representations made to the hon. Member for Greenock by the Greenock Total Abstinence Society and forwarded to his Department, that it is unjustifiable, when the people are being rationed, that there should be so much waste in the production of liquor; that, if the present amount of drunkenness continues during the winter, it will lessen the physical energy required for our country's success; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

I have noted the representations referred to, and I have been in communication on the subject with the Minister of Food. Apart from the increased duties which have recently been imposed on excisable liquors, the production of whisky has been reduced to one-third of the amount produced last year, and the production of beer has also been limited.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that there is a widespread feeling of alarm among people in Scotland disclaiming any connection with the temperance movement, concerning the excessive consumption of alcohol and its deleterious effects on individuals and its dangers to the national interests; that such excess has no relation whatever to statistics for drunkenness: and what steps he proposes to take to stem these effects and dangers?

While my information does not bear out the suggestion that there is increased drinking in the country generally, I am aware that concern has been expressed in certain quarters as to the incidence of consumption recently in particular localities. A careful watch is being kept on the situation, and I am in touch on the subject with other Ministers concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the position regarding the proposal to use Park Deer Forest, Isle of Lewis, for stock grazing, in order to enable the crofters to increase their mutton and wool production?

I am informed that agreement has now been reached between the proprietors of Park Deer Forest and the local crofters' grazings committee regarding the use of the forest for the grazing of sheep, and that the grazings committee propose to put about 500 sheep on the forest immediately.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement on the report of the Scottish Land Court survey of deer-forest land in Ross and Cromarty, with a view to assessing its capacity for carrying stock?

Members of the Scottish Land Court recently carried out a survey of 31 deer forests on the mainland part of the county of Ross and Cromarty with a view to assessing the stock carrying capacity of these forests. The arrangements for the survey were made in conjunction with the agricultural executive committee who are considering the reports made by the court on the individual forests and are giving urgent attention to the question of securing increased stocking of these forests whereever practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many tractor outfits were sent this year by the Department of Agriculture to assist agricultural expansion in the Western Isles; what the total increased ploughed acreage was over last year's figure; and what number of tractor outfits it is intended to send for the coming year?

One tractor outfit was sent to the Western Isles for spring cultivations and is still there. Whether additional outfits will be necessary will depend on the extent of the orders received for the coming season. Complete statistics as to the acreage under tillage this year are not available but preliminary returns show a slight increase over the 1939 figures.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many men from the Western Isles have been released temporarily and permanently from the services for agricultural work at the request of the local agricultural executive committees since September?

On the recommendation of the Department of Agriculture for Scotland after consideration of reports by the agricultural executive committees concerned, eight men from the Western Isles have been temporarily released from the Forces and seven permanently released. I have no information as to the number of men who may have been released on compassionate grounds as a result of direct application to the Service Departments.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the consternation caused to Scottish farmers by the fixing of the latest prices for black-face and Cheviot wool; and whether he will make representations to the Wool Control Board on the subject with a view to the fixing of a price more proportionate to the cost of production?

Representations about the levels of black-face and Cheviot wool prices have reached me from several sources. In the very full discussions which I had with my right hon. Friends the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Minister of Supply on the question of prices for the 1940 wool clip, farmers' costs were kept very closely in mind with the result that the Government felt bound to introduce a substantial element of subsidy in the prices as finally announced. In the circumstances an approach to the Wool Controller on the lines suggested would hardly be appropriate.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now have some inquiry made regarding the position of the Post Office pensioners, who have had no increase of pay, but have to face the increased cost of living?

No, Sir. It would not be possible to deal with Post Office pensioners apart from other Civil Service pensioners, and as stated by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary in his reply to the hon. and learned Member for Greenock (Mr. R. Gibson) on 31st July, the Government cannot undertake to introduce legislation for the purpose of increasing the pensions of retired civil servants.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any in- formation in connection with the unclaimed balances lying at the various banks throughout the country as to what rate of interest is being credited to each of these balances, and whether this rate is simple or compound?

Practice varies between one bank and another but I am informed that where a balance, which under the terms of the account attracts interest, comes to be regarded as an unclaimed balance, the usual practice of the banks would be not to credit interest. Should such a balance subsequently be claimed and paid interest would be paid according to the terms of the account. Normally, the interest would be simple.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he would be prepared to allow limited liability companies subscribing to collections to present aircraft to the nation, to treat such subscriptions as charitable payments and as an expense to be deducted before determining the profits of the company?

I am unable to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion, which would involve a definite departure from the general principles of the Income Tax.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps are being taken to enable firms which have supplied goods to countries now overrun by the enemy to secure compensation and, in particular, to have cash made available for carrying on their business when it is of national importance?

His Majesty's Government have decided that the importance of maintaining the export trade makes it desirable that assistance should be given from public funds to those traders in the United Kingdom, who are unable to obtain payment of debts in respect of goods from enemy countries and countries occupied by the enemy or treated as occupied under the Trading with the Enemy legislation. This assistance will be limited to cases where the non-payment of the debts can be shown to be prejudicing the export trade. The assistance will take the form of advances on the security of the debts of an amount not exceeding 50 per cent. of the amount of the debt. In consultation with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade I have appointed a committee to investigate these cases and to recommend what amount, if any, should be advanced. The committee will consist of Sir Nigel Campbell (Chairman), Mr. F. R. M. de Paula, Mr. Henry Morgan and Mr. G. W. Thomson. The committee will make an announcement as soon as possible on the procedure to be followed by those desiring to make application for advances.

asked the Prime Minister whether any steps have been, or will be, taken to reward in some appropriate way the valuable services of the scientist or scientists responsible for providing a remedy for the magnetic mine?

The countermeasures to the magnetic mine were developed by a large number of naval and civil technical and scientific experts in the ordinary course of their duties. When any individual has done work of outstanding importance, consideration will certainly be given to his receiving an appropriate reward.

asked the Home Secretary whether there is any restriction upon writing letters in the Welsh language imposed upon persons imprisoned either ordinarily or under any regulation; and whether he will take steps to remove any such restrictions?

Prisoners who can write in English are normally required to do so, but prisoners are allowed to write in Welsh for special reasons, in the case for instance of letters addressed to persons who are unable to read English. I do not think that there is any ground for extension of the present facilities.

asked the Home Secretary whether local authorities, who are empowered to authorise any officer to inspect attics which have to be cleared of rubbish, are expected to give local notice of the intention to inspect and also of the period of grace which may be granted to ensure that such clearance is effected?

No recommendation has been made to local authorities to give notice of inspection or to allow a period of grace; but they have been advised that compliance with the order will best be secured by inviting the co-operation of householders, and they may be relied on to exercise discretion in carrying out their duty of inspection.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make compulsory the removal of unnecessary inflammable material from the backs of premises and in and about industrial undertakings?

Industrial undertakings in which highly inflammable material is used are already obliged to take precautionary measures. As at present advised, however, I do not propose to impose any such obligation on industrial undertakings generally. I think it can properly be left to the good sense of the management of industrial undertakings to remove unnecessary accumulations of inflammable material in the interest both of themselves and of their neighbours.

asked the Home Secretary whether the regional commissioners have been given powers to preserve any property which the owners in evacuated districts might have had to abandon and also to dispose of perishable and consumable goods for the benefit of all concerned; how, and through whom, this power is to be exercised; whether it has already begun to operate; and whether he can lay on the Table of the House the text of the instructions on this subject given to the regional commissioners?

Regulation 5 of the Defence (Evacuated Areas) Regulations, 1940, provides that a regional commissioner may appoint persons to preserve property and arrange for the disposal of goods in areas declared to be "evacuation areas" under the Regulations. It is proposed that regional commissioners shall make these appointments with the least possible delay and the nature of the organisation required is at present under examination. It is not contemplated that any formal instructions will be issued to regional commissioners in the matter, though I am discussing with them the manner in which their powers should be exercised.

asked the Home Secretary the reason why Celeste Coniola was deported on board the "Arandora Star"?

This man was reported to be a member of the Italian Fascist party.

ask the Home Secretary whether he will at an early date present a report to Parliament showing what progress has been made with the release of aliens who ought never to have been interned?

:: I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 1st August to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for East Birkenhead (Mr. White).

asked the Home Secretary on what principle Italians have been considered dangerous and interned; and, in particular, why Dr. Franzero, London correspondent of the Giornale d' Italia, is at liberty at Weybridge, while the anti-Fascists, Rinaldo Puris, Ricardo Luzzatto, Raffaele Vineis and Guiseppe Gatti are now interned?

Dr. Franzero has been giving broadcast talks, addressed to the Italian public, explaining why he disagreed with the declaration by Italy of war against this country on the side of Germany. The cases of the other Italians referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend will receive consideration. The general principle was to intern Italians known to be members of the Italian Fascist party and all male Italians between the ages of 16 and 70 with less than 20 years residence.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information about Mr. P. Bellini, who was taken away on 11th June to the internee camp at North Mills; is he aware that on 5th July a parcel was sent to the camp for Mr. Bellini containing a suit of clothes and a pair of boots, which was returned less a coat and the boots, the label saying cannot be traced; and whether, when internees are removed from one camp to another the parents are notified of the change?

The incidents referred to occurred before the transfer to the Home Office of responsibility for the control of the camps; but my right hon. Friend will make inquiries into the case. As regards the last part of the Question, it has not been the practice to notify the relatives of an internee of his transfer from one camp to another, but my right hon. Friend is considering what arrangements can be made to secure this in future.

asked the Home Secretary why applications by local seaside authorities in defence areas for use of part of their beach for bathing must go through the police to the regional commissioner and must not be sent direct by the authority to the commissioner?

There is no objection to local authorities making application of the character suggested direct to the regional commissioner and some of them have done so, but it is more convenient for all concerned for the local authorities to consult the chief officer of police first.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a young lady, lodging and working in Hull, but whose home is with her parents in Withernsea, where she has been in the habit of going for week-ends, has been refused admission to the area; whether this decision is in conformity with the general instructions; and whether any steps can be taken to ensure that these instructions are explicit and uniformly administered?

This case has not previously been brought to my notice. No complaint has been made to the police, and the case cannot therefore be identified. I should be glad if my hon. Friend would provide me with details and inform me by whom the young lady was refused admission to this defence area. Any such refusal would be contrary to the instructions issued to the police and military who, I am informed, are both administering these instructions reasonably and sympathetically.

asked the Home Secretary when the promised guidance will be given to the able-bodied civilian population as to the part they should play in resistance to the enemy in the event of an invasion?

Guidance is given in a leaflet now being distributed to all householders.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there is not unanimity of opinion as regards the knowledge of the medical and surgical requirements possessed by the assistant hospital officers whose duties include the inspection of first-aid posts; and whether he will state the precise experience and qualifications for the appointment possessed by each of the 12 appointees, and by whom and when were their names submitted for the appointment?

Before taking up duty the assistant hospital officers concerned, who have all had varied medical experience, attended a special course of lectures in the various aspects of first-aid post work including types of air raid injury, first line surgery, casualty transportation, etc. The appointments were made at the beginning of April last from among officers employed as medical instructors in the Home Office, medical officers enrolled in the Emergency Medical Service and from names submitted by the Central Medical War Committee.

asked the Minister of Health whether, having regard to the important work imposed upon them by reason of the emergency, he will consider inviting all medical officers of health over 70 years of age to resign to make way for younger and more energetic men?

I do not think that any general limitation of this kind would be to the public advantage, particularly having regard to the increasing service and other demands upon younger medical men at the present time.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is proposing to grant, or has granted, permission to any alien doctors, under Order No. 1239 of 1940, to enter into or continue in any employment mentioned in the Order?

A number of foreign medical practitioners have been granted permits by the Aliens War Service Department to enter into, or to continue in, the employment of hospitals providing treatment for His Majesty's Forces, and it is the intention of the Department to deal with any further applications which may be made on the merits of each case.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the difficulty experienced by small shopkeepers in Hull in obtaining supplies of household soap, while larger and multiple establishments are amply stocked; and whether he will have inquiry made into the matter?

I have received no complaints, but if the hon. Member will be good enough to send me particulars of any he has received I will have inquiries made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the large export trade which, particularly valuable at the present time, has been built up by the makers of branded infant foods, he will take steps to ensure that this trade is not prejudiced by Government subsidisation of the national milk powder scheme?

I have no reason to think that the national milk powder scheme will affect the export of branded infant foods.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, to maintain in existence the firms which have hitherto successfully supplied established infant foods to welfare centres, he will make arrangements for these to be still supplied at the same price as the proposed national milk powder which, with State help, is directly to compete with them?

National milk powder has been introduced not to compete with infants' foods already on the market, but solely as a substitute for liquid milk in the limited number of cases where infants under the age of 12 months are certified by doctors as requiring such milk powder in place of the liquid milk which is provided under the National Milk Scheme. Welfare centres will, no doubt, still continue to prescribe those infant foods which they have supplied in the past to all children over the age of 12 months, and also to infants under that age where such a special type of food is required on medical grounds. In the latter case the cost would be borne as heretofore and not met by the Government under the National Milk Scheme.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will arrange extra rations of vitamin A for miners, lorry-drivers, and others working in darkness, in view of the fact that vitamin A is essential for vision in the dark and that Durham miners free from nystagmus were eating 13 ounces of butter per week on an average before the war, and that the joint ration of butter and margarine is now only 6 ounces a week?

I am unable to accept my hon. Friend's suggestion that an extra ration of butter and margarine for these workers is necessary, particularly in view of the valuable sources of vitamin A, such as carrots and green leafy vegetables, which are readily available. I would remind my hon. Friend that the two-ounce ration of cooking fat may be taken in the form of magarine in addition to the joint butter and magarine ration of 6 ounces.

asked the Minister of Information, in view of the fact that the British Broadcasting Corporation news bulletins now contain a large proportion of news drawn from official communiqués, whether the copyright restrictions with regard to the use of these bulletins still applies, or whether it can now be made permissible for them to be broadcast to the public in places of entertainment, hotels and other similar places?

The B.B.C.'s News Service continues to depend, to a large extent, on the supply of news from the news agencies. Several agencies allow their information to be broadcast only if the B.B.C. recognises a copyright interest on the part of these agencies enabling them to restrict the use of the bulletins in public places. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare what arrangements have been made, or are under discussion, for the supply of oil to Japan; what negotiations are pending concerning the supply of nickel, copper and cotton, and any other raw materials of war from any parts of the British Empire; and whether, in view of the American decision to place an embargo on oil and scrap-iron to Japan, he will consider taking similar action concerning any war materials?

No arrangements for the supply of oil to Japan have been made by His Majesty's Government, and no such arrangements are under discussion. There have from time to time been exchanges of view between His Majesty's Government and the Japanese Government in connection with contraband bound for Germany. It has been our aim to prevent nickel, copper, cotton and, indeed, all raw materials from reaching Germany through Japan whether from the British Empire or from any other source. In reply to the last part of the Question my hon. Friend will be aware that an export licensing system has been in force throughout the Empire since the beginning of the war.

asked the President of the Board of Education what proportion of children enrolled in elementary schools were receiving cheap milk under the Milk in Schools Scheme at the beginning of July; whether all education authorities in England and Wales are operating the Milk in Schools Scheme; whether this scheme covers all schools in the authorities' areas; which are the local education authorities referred to in Circular 1520, dated 22nd July, which make no provision for free milk under Section 84 of the Education Act, 1921; and which education authorities make no provision either for free milk or free meals under Section 84 of the Education Act?

On 1st March last 50·1 per cent. of the children on the registers of public elementary schools open for instruction in England and Wales received free or cheap milk under the Milk in Schools Scheme; corresponding figures for the beginning of July are not available. The Milk in Schools Scheme is in operation in the areas of all local education authorities in England and Wales, except Pudsey, Morecambe, the Isles of Scilly, and certain evacuation areas where the schools are closed. In many urban areas the scheme is in operation in all the public elementary schools; in other areas, especially rural areas, the scheme is not in operation in some of the schools. On 1st March last 92·5 per cent. of the children were in schools where the scheme was in operation. According to the latest information in the possession of the Board, the following 24 authorities make no provision either for free meals or for free milk under Section 84 of the Education Act, 1921, but in about six of these areas free milk is provided as medical treatment under Section 80 of the Act, and in four areas the authority have decided to provide free milk under Section 84, and may have already begun to do so: Berkshire, Dorset, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Isles of Scilly, Soke of Peterborough, Somerset, Yorkshire (East Riding), Exeter, Plymouth, Bromley, Deal, Falmouth, Faversham, Harrogate, Kidderminster, Lewes, Maidenhead, Maidstone, Margate, Morecambe, Peterborough, Cardiganshire, Merionethshire.In Wiltshire, West Ham and Pudsey free solid meals are provided, but no provision is made for free milk.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether compulsory education has been restored in all evacuation and neutral areas, as laid down in Circular 1498 of 7th February; and what percentage of children in these areas are receiving full-time education?

Compulsory education is in force in neutral areas and 95 per cent. of the children were receiving full-time education on 24th May, which is the latest date for which I have figures. As regards the position in evacuation areas, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 1st August, of which I am sending her a copy.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for what purpose and by what authority His Majesty's Consul-General at Nice temporarily left France to go to Spain after the collapse of French resistance to the enemy; and what arrangements were made for the protection of British interests during his absence?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson) on 17th July. On his departure the Consul-General handed over the care of British interests to the United States Consul at Nice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the effect of the Declaration of Havana on British interests across the Atlantic?

The Conference of Havana closed as recently as 30th July, and the texts of the various instruments concluded thereat have not yet been made officially available. My Noble Friend is not therefore in a position to assess the situation in all its aspects.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the need to issue some form of a medal or badge to those men who have served in the Armed Forces since September, 1939, and have been discharged?

The institution of a badge for officers and men invalided from the Armed Forces, on account of disability attributable to service in the present war, or from the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets, as a result of war injuries, is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that, in many cases, applications by soldiers' wives for a supplementary Army allowance are still outstanding after three months; that the local Employment Exchanges are requested by the local assistance board to expedite these cases, but are unable to get co-operation in this from the War Grants Advisory Committee; and will he have urgent inquiry made into the matter?

I am aware that in a very small proportion of cases it has not been possible in the time indicated to obtain the full information required for the settlement of claims from, for example, Army pay offices, or from the applicants themselves or others. I am satisfied that the Assistance Board, and the Employment Exchanges where they are assisting the board, do everything in their power to expedite the necessary inquiries, but there are inevitably occasional delays from causes over which they have no control. With regard to the last part of the Question, special arrangements have been instituted to ensure that there is no avoidable delay on the part of the Committee or the staff dealing with the cases, and if the hon. Member has any evidence to support his suggestion of want of co-operation with the Committee in this matter I shall be very glad to look into it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will direct the attention of the welfare officers to the need for encouraging civilian organisations to make more adequate provision of food on Sunday afternoons for troops and members of the Forces frequenting the streets of many of our larger cities, such as Manchester and Exeter?

I have not heard of any difficulties in this matter. If my hon. Friend will let me know of any specific instances of inadequate facilities, I shall he glad to investigate.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, to provide congenial occupation for troops who otherwise lack opportunities for exercise and recreation, he will direct welfare officers to approach the committees of the many sports clubs near large cities, often owned by business firms, with a view to making their grounds available for troops to play games on the days when not used by the members of the club?

It is part of the duty of welfare officers to take steps towards the provision of recreational facilities for troops in the way mentioned by my hon. Friend, and their attention has recently been called to this matter.

asked the Minister of Pensions when Lieut.-Colonel Cyril Roche's pension was stopped; how much it amounted to per annum; whether this is the same man who wrote defamatory articles about the British Army in the South African war in the Italian Press; and why was his pension continued while he was in Italy?

I gave instructions last month for the withholding of this officer's retired pay of £143 10s. per annum which was last drawn for the quarter ended 31st March, 1940. I have no knowledge of the articles referred to. With regard to the last part of the Question, there was no embargo on the payment of British pensions to persons resident in Italy until that country entered the war.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can give particulars of the present arrangements under which Post Office officials intervene in private conversations when, in their opinion, information is being given about air raids and other matters which might be of use if it fell into the hands of enemy agents; whether this work is carried out by the ordinary Post Office staff or by special staff; under whose authority these activities are carried on; and whether the staff concerned have instructions to listen-in to and make notes of conversations other than those referred to?

No instructions have been issued to Post Office staff to intervene in telephone conversations except in so far as it is necessary for the proper setting up and timing of calls.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is in a position to say what proportion of the common lands of the country are capable of cultivation?

I regret that no definite information is available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to give the promised table of calculation, under the Agriculture (Miscellaneous War Provisions) (No. 2) Bill, relative to the recovery from the owners of land of the cost of making roads in Fenland?

The provisions governing the recovery from landowners of the cost of improving grass ways over fenlands are contained in Sub-section 3 of Clause 2 of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous War Provisions) (No. 2) Bill. I explained these provisions in general terms in my speech on the Second Reading of the Bill [OFFICIAL REPORT, 1st August, 1940; cols. 1448–9, Vol. 363], and as then promised the following examples are circulated in order to illustrate the operation of the provisions:(i) Assume that a block of land comprising seven holdings has been improved at a cost of £9,000 and that the aggregate increase in value of the block is £12,000. In this case, since the increase in value exceeds the cost the maximum prescribed in paragraph

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give any information as to the success of the campaign to persuade farmers to lay in the largest possible stocks of fertilisers and feeding-stuffs at the present time while transport facilities are freely available; and to what extent special financial facilities can be made available to farmers to assist them in this respect?

Storage on farms is proceeding satisfactorily but no figures are available. As regards special financial facilities I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Howdenshire (Colonel Carver) on 9th July last.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has yet assembled a headquarters staff of food production advisers to plan in advance what agriculturists should produce from now onwards, so that decisions as to home production policy need not be hurried or postponed to the last moment; or until it is seasonally too late?

A farm survey is at present being carried out with a view to ascertaining the potentialities for increased food production on every farm in the country. In the light of the information obtained as a result of this survey guidance will be given at an early date to county war agricultural executive committees as to the ploughing-up programme for the coming season. In general, it is proposed to allow considerable latitude of cropping according to the soil and circumstances of individual farms, but it will be necessary to arrange for increases in certain crops. My right hon. Friend hopes to make an announcement on this subject shortly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what has resulted from the Secretary of State's communications with the United Kingdom High Commissioner at Ottawa regarding the British women and children who are now in Canada without financial resources to support themselves; and what steps are being taken to avoid a repetition of the difficulty?

My Noble Friend is still in communication with the United Kingdom High Commissioner at Ottawa and I am not yet in a position to make a statement on the matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether the annual report for 1939 of the State management of Carlisle-Gretna and Cromarty has been, or will soon be, published?

The annual report for the year ended 31st March, 1940, of the State management districts will be published, as usual, during the autumn.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is aware that no steps have so far been taken to carry into effect the promised scheme of alterations to the office of the inspector of taxes at Llanelly; that the structure is mainly wooden, with a wooden staircase; that there is no fire escape; and whether, as this matter has been under review by the Department since 1937, he will arrange for immediate steps to be taken to carry into effect the agreed changes?

It is regretted that, owing to the pressure of more urgent work since the war, it has not been possible to carry out the agreed scheme of alterations to this office. It has now, however, been arranged for the staff of the inspector of taxes to take over occupation of the first floor of Exchange Buildings, and for the improvements contemplated, including the provision of the new fire escape, to be carried out later, as soon as circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the respective duties of the three Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State of his Department?

The Joint Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State and the Financial Secretary are charged under Order-in-Council with such duties as may be assigned to them by the Secretary of State. Lord Croft is specially concerned with Army welfare and the administration of War Department lands, the hon. Member for Altrincham (Sir E. Grigg) with questions relating to home defence, and the hon. Member for South-West Hull (Mr. Law) with Army contracts and the Parliamentary aspects of financial and labour policy. The Under-Secretaries deal also with Parliamentary correspondence, which is very large, and relieve me of much detailed political business arising from the rapid expansion of the Army and its innumerable contacts with national life. I have also entrusted all three Under-Secretaries with special investigations into questions of policy.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether an adequate supply of hospital blue uniforms is now available?

The supply of hospital blue uniforms has improved considerably in the last three months and I am glad to be able to tell my hon. and gallant Friend that adequate stocks are now available.

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent the most recently announced allowances to dependent children will apply retrospectively?

The concession which I announced in answer to my hon. Friend's Question on 30th July will apply from 29th July.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any estimate of the cost per year of an unmarried soldier complete with clothing, food and housing accommodation, and similarly the cost per year of a married soldier with one child?

It is estimated that the average annual effective cost of an unmarried private soldier of the infantry in this country, if no allowance is drawn for dependants, is approximately £130. The corresponding figure for a married private soldier of infantry with one child is £190.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many men leaving the Forces are unable to sign on at the Employment Exchange for work or benefit owing to the non-arrival of their discharge papers; and whether he will issue immediate instructions to regimental paymasters to forward these in good time before such men cease to draw Army pay?

In present conditions, only a very small proportion of men is being discharged from the Army, and most of these are discharged for medical reasons. Instructions are now in force that all men who are discharged must be given on the day of leaving the Service a provisional discharge certificate, or, if they are proceeding on leave pending discharge, a leave form suitably endorsed, which it has been agreed will be accepted as showing that the man will be eligible to be considered for unemployment benefit and the benefit of National Health Insurance when he ceases to draw Army pay and allowances.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of grievances arising through soldiers having to purchase food through their rations being stolen and also through Dominion troops stationed near British troops being able, because of their higher pay, temporarily to buy up available supplies of cigarettes and other commodities; and whether he will remove these grievances in the one case by reimbursing soldiers who have had to purchase food under the circumstances mentioned and in the other case by guaranteeing to British soldiers a supply of the commodities they need to purchase?

It my hon. Friend will inform me of actual cases of soldiers having to buy food owing to thefts of rations, I will have the circumstances investigated. I have no information that shortages of cigarettes and other commodities have occurred owing to purchases by Dominion troops, but clearly the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes and local shopkeepers should be able to adjust supplies to meet demands.

asked the Secretary of State for War what the approximate costs will be to the taxpayer of accepting the suggestion to change the name of the Local Defence Volunteers to the Home Guard?

The cost is estimated at about £3,500.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a method of protecting, by a new form of breastplate, individual members of His Majesty's Forces from the commoner modem war injuries, was submitted to the War Office, whose reply disowned interest in the subject, whereas the Air Ministry was immediately responsive; and whether he will make inquiry into this method which is commended by a considerable volume of expert opinion, and may, if its claims are substantiated, prove of vital importance?

I am not aware that the War Office has disowned interest in the subject of chest armour. Experiments have been carried out, but I do not think it would be desirable to make any further public statement on the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has considered the letter addressed to his Department (A.G. 12), dated 17th July, from Mr. C. A. Watson, of Hartsmead, Arden Grove, Harpenden; and if he has taken any action in regard to the subject matter of the letter?

Mr. Watson's letter, renewing a previous and unsuccessful application to be appointed to the Army Officers Emergency Reserve, has been under consideration. Enrolment in the Army Officers Emergency Reserve is dependent on the possession of suitable military or technical qualifications, and Mr. Watson, although he served in the last war, does not appear to possess such qualifications as would warrant appointment to a commission otherwise than through the ranks.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what grounds permits to enter a prohibited area and occupy a complete island in Argyllshire were granted to Miss Mitford and her father; whether he is aware that this family has declared its intention to return to this area; whether he has authorised such further visits; and whether he is aware that such privileges accorded to a family closely related to Sir Oswald Mosley and other active Fascists, while permits are refused to legitimate and loyal persons, is causing grave disquiet throughout Scotland?

Miss Deborah Mitford and her father were granted permits to enter an island in Argyllshire on the grounds that Miss Mitford's father is the owner of the island and as such has a valid reason for finding it desirable and necessary to reside there during part of the year. Should Miss Deborah Mitford or her father again apply for permission to enter a protected area, I see no reason to interfere with the power vested in the commandant of the area concerned to issue or refuse permits at his discretion. I do not think there are reasonable grounds for disquiet throughout Scotland by reason of the grant of permits to these two persons in the circumstances mentioned.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is yet able to say what steps are being taken to ensure an adequate water supply for the district of Allithwaite, near Grange-over-Sands?

I am informed that, pending the working out of a more comprehensive scheme for improving the water supply in parts of the Ulverston Rural District (including Allithwaite) and in the Grange Urban District by the cooperation of the two district councils, the rural district council are making temporary arrangements for a piped supply for Allithwaite.

asked the Minister of Health what arrangements are made by his Department for old age pensioners originally qualified in England but now residing in the Isle of Man to draw their pensions whilst in the latter place?

The law provides that a non-contributory old age pension shall not be paid to any person unless that person is in Great Britain. There is no provision under which a noncontributory pension can be paid to a person in the Isle of Man. So far as pensions under the Contributory Pensions Acts are concerned, however, arrangements already exist under which old age pensioners, originally qualified in England, can continue to draw their pensions at any convenient post office in the Isle of Man.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Bebington Corporation has now agreed to acquire the whole of the lane amounting to 12 acres at the May-fields New Ferry for the purpose of a refuse tip; at whose expense this land has been excavated to a depth of 35 feet; and at what price this land will now be acquired and what was its previous net rateable value?

The corporation have submitted to me for confirmation a compulsory purchase order enabling them to acquire a site of II acres at The May-fields. The existing excavation is, I understand, the result of use of the land by the West Cheshire Brickworks Company, who have been working it as a clay pit. If the order is confirmed the price will be the subject of arbitration. The land formed part of a larger property and was not separately rated.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that in February last the attention of his Department was called to a metal dump of 1,000 tons weight in London, for which appreciation and thanks was expressed, but that, in spite of attention being called on several occasions since, the dump still remains apparently untouched; and what steps is he taking to deal with this dump?

The owner of the stock of scrap to which my hon. Friend refers has reduced his holding during the last few months from 1,000 tons to little more than 100 tons. The stock position is being carefully watched and undue accumulations will not be allowed to occur.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that, since the retail price of eggs was fixed at 2s. 9d. per dozen, wholesalers have been demanding 2s. 10d. per dozen from retailers; and whether, as the alleged shortage of eggs can be attributed to the demand by wholesale dealers to sell eggs to the retailer at 2s. 10d. per dozen, he will take steps to put a stop to the shortage?

It is an offence against the Defence Regulations to sell home-produced eggs or offer them for sale at a price exceeding the appropriate maximum price in the Home-Produced Eggs (Maximum Prices) Order, and if my hon. Friend will let me have evidence of such action I will consider the question of taking legal proceedings. The shortage of eggs is mainly due to a decline in home-production and a reduction in imports.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the suggestion which he has made that the tea ration should be supplemented by using coffee, he is taking steps to control the price of coffee and prevent profiteering?

The stocks of coffee held in this country at the present time are so substantial that there is unlikely to be a rise in price as the result of any increased consumption due to the rationing of tea.