asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his recruiting officers have been instructed to interrogate applicants for service as to their religious beliefs and to reject them if they reply Atheist or Agnostic; and will he consider removing this deterrent?

A recruit is required on attestation to declare his religious denomination, if any. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the negative, and the last part does not therefore arise.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that recruiting officers have refused applicants on these grounds?

If the hon. Member will send me any cases which he has in mind, I shall be very glad to look into them.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will appoint a selection board for his Ministry in Edinburgh and thus prevent the long travel and expense in coming to London incurred by candidates for the service from the North?

I am glad to say that arrangements have been made for a Royal Air Force Selection Board to sit in Edinburgh for the purpose of interviewing candidates for commissions and applicants for air-crew duties in other than commission rank. The Board will start work in the immediate future. The President will be Group Captain Keary, the other members Flight-Lieutenant Maclean and Adjutant Flying-Officer Kyle.

What area will be covered by the activities of this Board?

Scotland.

Will applicants for a commission still have to come to London?

No, Sir, not if they come under this particular Board.

Will the Minister see that applicants who have been asked to travel to Edinburgh will not be turned down after having answered three simple questions, which might easily have been put by post?

Is it a fact that a candidate was turned down because of his Scottish accent?

The Board will understand all these points.

What provision is made for candidates from Newcastle-on-Tyne, several of whom have travelled long distances and have paid their own fares?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will take immediate steps to make a distinction in title and description between those members of the Royal Air Force who have had flying experience on active service and others who have had no such experience?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the large number of raids upon enemy territory and the great gallantry and determination displayed by the crews of our machines, he will devise some distinctive badge such as a star or chevron, one of which may he worn by each officer or man for each ten successful raids in which he has participated?

While I share the sentiments of the hon. Member for Holland with Boston (Mr. Butcher) about the superb gallantry and determination displayed by the fighting crews of our bombing squadrons, I feel that the course he suggests would not be in the best interests or traditions of the Service. I think, too, that the distinction he has in mind would be unwelcome to the officers and men concerned, since they are fully aware that many pilots and air crews who are anxious to take part in raids on enemy territory must necessarily be employed on duties of a less spectacular kind but which are nevertheless just as vital to the war effort; and the highest qualities of courage and skill are also being displayed by pilots and crews of other commands.

The same considerations apply to the suggestion of the hon. Member for Ebbw Vale (Mr. Bevan) that a distinction should be made between personnel with flying experience on active operations against the enemy and those without such experience. The work of our pilots and crews, their confidence in their aricraft, armament and equipment and the efficiency of the Royal Air Force depend on the skill and devotion to duty of a very large number of equipment, armament, maintenance and other non-combatant personnel and any proposal to draw distinction between one type of service and another would require most careful consideration in all its bearings upon the efficiency of the Royal Air Force as a whole.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that while I agree with what he has said with regard to Question No. 13, the same considerations do not, in fact, apply to Question No. 14, because in- dividuals who are described as "flight-lieutenants" have never handled anything more deadly than a typewriter, and there is a great deal of feeling among many pilots that their own particular experience should in the future be distinguished from that of those who have been drafted into their office for purely ornamental reasons?

Is it not a fact that the wearing of wings on the tunic is a differentiation?

I think there is that distinction. Although my hon. Friend has pointed out the difference between flying personnel and others, I am not basing myself entirely on that consideration. I should regard with a great deal of anxiety any proposal which would seem to assign a lower status to our invaluable non-combatant personnel.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what the intentions of the Ministry are with regard to the demand in Scotland for a greatly increased and extended use of the balloon barrage?

The use of the balloon barrage is being steadily extended in Scotland as in other parts of the United Kingdom, but the hon. Member will appreciate that it would not be in the public interest to give details.

Will the right hon. Baronet see that there is an adequate complement of anti-aircraft guns?

Will the right hon. Baronet accept representations as to where speedy efforts might be made to build up these defences?

Very gladly. I had the pleasure of receiving a deputation of my Scottish colleagues the other day. I am always glad to receive representations.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number and approximate value of wooden piles driven into the bogland at Abbotsinch before the site was abandoned as a repair depot?

One thousand and eighteen composite piles, partly concrete and partly timber, were driven in to form foundations for the repair depot at Abbotsinch. The value of the timber was approximately £9,600.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the Town Clerk of the Paisley Town Council warned the Air Ministry officials of the unsatisfactory nature of the ground at Abbotsinch for the purpose for which it was required; that in spite of that warning the officials insisted on proceeding with the project; that in consequence, nearly £500,000 of public money was wasted; and whether he will cause a full inquiry to be made into the matter so that the persons responsible may be brought to book?

No, Sir. There is no record in my Department of the receipt of any communication from the Town Clerk of the Paisley Town Council such as is referred to by the hon. Member. With regard to the remainder of the Question, I have nothing to add to the full statement I made during the Debate on the hon. Member's Motion on the Adjournment on 16th July last.

Is the right hon. Baronet aware that an official of his Department consulted the Town Clerk of Paisley, who has stated categorically, in writing, that he advised against the purchase of the land, and in view of that fact, is it not paramount that investigations should be made?

There is no record in my Department of any such statement having been made by the Town Clerk. I gather from what the hon. Member says now that it was made somewhere else than in a communication to my Department.

Is not the right hon. Baronet aware that a representative of the Paisley Town Council has made a public statement in the Press that such advice was given and that the Ministry officials ignored it?

If I send the letter to the right hon. Baronet, will he have it properly looked into?

Has not the Select Committee on National Expenditure fully reported on this problem?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will refuse to accept in the Air Force any indentured apprentice, who has served part of his time, under the age of 20 if his employer is able and willing to continue his training and thus save the wastage of productive power which exists to-day in engineering, shipbuilding and other trades?

No, Sir. Suitable applicants are accepted into the Royal Air Force between 18 and 20 years of age as volunteers, provided they are free under the Schedule of Reserved Occupations to enlist into His Majesty's Armed Forces. For the purposes of this schedule an apprentice is treated in the same way as a qualified tradesman in the appropriate trade.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production whether he has considered the particulars of the capacity of an aircraft manufacturing firm, a copy of which has been sent to him; and why this first-class plant has not been put on to war work?

Two of my hon. Friends brought the firm to my personal notice last month, and I thereafter caused one of our local production officers to visit its works. Although the firm is suitably equipped for making small civil aeroplanes, its works are not large enough for assemblies of operational types. The firm, however, now have orders for parts of certain machines, and I have taken steps to see that their unused capacity is brought to the notice of any main contractors who might have use for it. Their machine tool shop is, I believe, already fully employed.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that the managing director of this firm at a meeting a fortnight ago declared that since the war they have been almost completely idle and that they could have produced some 300 light bombers?

I do not know what the managing director said a fortnight ago, but it was since that date that we have had the production officer in this works. I do not think they can produce the types of an operational nature with which we are proud to equip the Royal Air Force.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aircraft Production how the wage cost and the total cost, respectively, of aeroplanes at present compares with the corresponding figures for the month of April?

It is not yet possible to make a precise calculation of the difference between wage costs in the aircraft industry in April, 1940, and the present day. The increase in labour costs attributable to Sunday work and the working of additional overtime is approximately 3½d. per hour for the 70 hours worked, but this additional cost will almost certainly be largely offset by the wider spread of overhead charges over increased production.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the extensive deposits of aluminium near the Dead Sea; and whether, in view of the urgent demand for this metal, the Government propose to encourage the production of the same in this area?

I assume that my hon. Friend has in mind certain deposits of aluminium sulphate which exist near the Dead Sea. Such deposits are not normally worked for the production of aluminium, the commercial source of which is bauxite, but if my hon. Friend has information indicating that aluminium can be produced on an economic basis from these deposits I should to glad to have details.

Is it not the business of the Ministry and not of a private Member to supply the information required? I am advised that these deposits could profitably be worked for the production of aluminium, and upon the grounds of urgent national requirements and relief of unemployment, should this not be done?

I have given the hon. Member the information which the Ministry have. That is contained in the reply.

Surely the Ministry ought to be able to find out whether there are such deposits there and give a categorical reply?

I think it is admitted that there are such deposits there, but they are not suitable for the production of aluminium.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made with the abolition of penal sanctions in labour contracts in Colonial territories in British Africa?

Penal sanctions for breaches of contract by workers have been abolished, or virtually abolished, in the West African Colonies: they are still prescribed in the legislation of East African territories. As was indicated by the then Secretary of State for the Colonies in his reply to a Question on the same subject by my hon. Friend on 7th February, it will not be practicable for such sanctions as remain to be abolished in East Africa immediately. They will be abolished progressively, as is prescribed in the recent International Labour Convention. The Government of Kenya last year passed an amending law providing that no juvenile under the apparent age of 16 years should be subject to the penal sanctions contained in the Employment of Servants Ordinance. The Government of Northern Rhodesia have just passed an amending law making similar provision, and also abolishing certain of the penal sanctions applicable to adult workers. I hope that these examples will be followed by other East African Governments, and that despite the war it may be possible for further progress to be made.

May I take it that it is the intention of the Government to follow this matter through consistently and persistently until penal sanctions in all labour contracts in all Colonies have been abolished altogether?

That is so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received the report of the Commission to inquire into the dispute and shootings of Africans in the Copper Belt; and whether it will be published, and when?

The report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Copper-belt disturbances has been received, and was forwarded last week to the Governor of Northern Rhodesia, to whom it is addressed. The Governor has been asked for his observations on the report, and it will be for consideration in due course whether it should be published and, if so, when.

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to secure the publication of this report and, if possible, that there may be an opportunity of discussing it in the House?

As I indicated in my reply, it is for the Governor himself, who was responsible for the appointment of the Commission, to give the Colonial Office the benefit of his observations. When they are received, all the matters mentioned by my hon. Friend will be considered.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies in what Colonies in Africa labour departments have been set up, where labour officers have been appointed; whether any have been seconded since the war for alternative duties; what other specialised labour officers or inspectors have been appointed; and what qualifications are required for such appointments?

As the reply to all the Questions raised by my hon. Friend must of necessity be of some length, I will, with his permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

Labour Departments have been established during the last three years in the Gold Coast, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, and labour inspectorates in Tanganyika Territory, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and the Gambia. In Uganda there has been an Inspector of Labour for some years, and in Kenya the supervision of labour has up to this year been entrusted to a Labour Section which formed part of the staff of the Chief Native Commissioner. The Governor of Kenya, however, recently decided that the establishment of a separate Labour Department was desirable, and this change has now been effected. Similar action is being taken by the Government of Tanganyika. In Sierra Leone, also, a separate Labour Department is being established, and in Nigeria the expansion of the inspecting staff is under consideration. The total number of full-time officers employed in these newly created Departments is at the present time about 30. The importance of maintaining adequate experienced staff for this service has been fully realised by Colonial Governments, and only in one or two cases has an officer from a Labour Department or Inspectorate been released for military or other duties. In addition to the Labour Departments or Inspectorates, all Colonial Governments in whose territory mining is carried on have Mines Departments with staffs of inspectors, and in Uganda, Tanganyika and Nyasaland factory inspectors have been, or are being, appointed.

With regard to the concluding part of the Question, the policy which is being adopted for the staffing of the African Labour Departments is to form the nucleus of the Department by seconding officers of the Provincial or District Administrations, who have wide experience and knowledge of the territory, and of the habits, needs and language of its people. In certain cases where it has been impossible for the Colonial Government to spare sufficient officers for this purpose from the Administration, the staff of the Labour Department has been supplemented by the engagement of suitable persons from outside the Service, who possess experience of local labour conditions. Arrangements are being made to give the officers, when on leave in this country, courses of instruction in certain aspects of labour problems with which they may not have came into direct contact in their own territories, and I am glad to say that it has been found possible to hold two such courses since the outbreak of the war.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is with his approval that expensive road and bridge schemes are being carried out by the Yorkshire North Riding Council between Borough Bridge and Catterick, requiring steel, timber, concrete, tubes, tar macadam and excavating plant with the labour of skilled excavators, while land drainage excavators have been requisitioned for war purposes; and will he re-examine all such schemes with a view to holding them up until the war is over?

The works on the Great North Road to which my hon. Friend refers are being carried out under Ministry of Transport direction as highway authority for the trunk road. The decision to continue was taken after full consideration of all the relevant circumstances, including those mentioned by my hon. Friend. All schemes on which works are continuing are under frequent review to determine whether, in the light of changing circumstances, their continuance is justifiable.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is merely a monstrous speed-track which could very reasonably be abandoned, whether we are at peace or not?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is very difficult for some of us to persuade our constituents that they cannot have Anderson shelters because there is no steel available when they see steel used for this purpose?

If the hon. Members are particularly interested in this work, I shall be pleased to give them details, and I think they will agree that what is being done is justifiable.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will issue instructions to the effect that the glass windows in tramcars and omnibuses in London and elsewhere shall be treated with some adhesive material which will reduce the danger of flying glass in cases of aerial bombardment?

Instructions are that, when air raid warning is given, drivers should stop as soon as they come to a suitable place for shelter. In view of the labour and expense in treating the windows of tramcars and omnibuses, it is not proposed to require operators to take action on the lines suggested.

Even if it is certain that warnings will be given before bombs begin to fall, if the cars are left in the streets their windows will be shattered and they will be useless next day. Would it not be better to treat the glass?

I quite understand the point, but it is one of those matters that may be as broad as it is long, or not quite as broad as it is long. So far it has been considered not justifiable to incur the expense indicated.

In view of the reports from the Ministry of Home Security that by far the greatest number of casualties so far inflicted in this country have been due to splintered glass, some of the casualties being fatal, would not this relatively slight expenditure be justified?

The matter is one which I should be very glad to submit to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Home Security for his further advice, but so far the position is as I have stated, and if my right hon. Friend's advice is to the contrary, I shall be delighted to take action accordingly.

Is it not a fact that most of the substances offered for this purpose are utterly useless?

asked the Minister of Information whether, in view of the disappointment often caused to senders of parcels to Northern Ireland by the refusal of the postal authorities to accept them in many instances on the ground that they are destined for a foreign State, he will issue instructions to all the post offices in Great Britain to the effect that all parcels addressed to any town or county in Northern Ireland should be received and forwarded, as the State of Northern Ireland is an integral part of the United Kingdom?

No, Sir, I am afraid I can issue no such instructions. After very careful consideration, it was decided in the interests of security, to bring Northern Ireland within the scope of the Control of Communications Order (No. 5), 1940, and thus to control by the permit system the despatch of postal packets to Northern Ireland containing printed and pictorial matter and goods and commodities. There is no suggestion that in so doing Northern Ireland is regarded as anything but part of the United Kingdom.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that for years past there have been serious complaints regarding the sending of parcels from Britain to Northern Ireland, and that of late, since the introduction of the censorship, the position has become so intolerable that, in the interests of business men and private individuals, something drastic must be done?

The interests of business men and private individuals must bow before the interests of national security, and as my hon. Friend is well aware, there is a long land frontier dividing Northern Ireland from Eire, and it is very difficult to be perfectly certain that parcels sent to Northern Ireland cannot find their way into what is still a neutral Dominion.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, while we are anxious that anything really necessary for internal security should be done, this procedure causes great hardship to many poor people who are anxious to get parcels from sons and other relatives working in this country; and is it beyond the ability of the Department, which seems to spend a lot of time on censorship, to have a proper control over parcels without prohibiting the receipt of parcels from private individuals?

Parcels can be sent to Northern Ireland, but there is a slight delay, and permits are necessary.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that workpeople in England and Scotland do not understand from where they should get the permits, and it is very difficult for them to fulfil their obligations?

I should be very glad to consider any means of facilitating the issue of permits and explaining them to such people.

Is there any need for the tremendous delay? I have here a letter sent to me by a Member of the Ulster Parliament on 26th July and just received by me. It has been lying round, being cut about—and it is just a lot of nonsense.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a North of Ireland man in England wanted to send a little pair of shoes to his little boy, and they refused to take the parcel?

asked the Minister of Information what is the cost of the Social Survey which is being carried out on the instructions of his Department; what use is made of the data obtained; and who frames the questions that are asked from door to door?

In answer to the first two parts of this Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which I made on the Adjournment on 1st August. In answer to the third part, the questions are chosen by officers of the Home Intelligence Branch of the Minister of Information in consultation with the senior officials of War-time Social Survey.

May I ask my right hon. Friend two questions?

rose—

May I ask one question?

If the hon. Member wishes to ask a further question, he must put it on the Order Paper.

May I ask a Supplementary Question? Would not the time, money and ingenuity be better spent in presenting the British view abroad, instead of—

That is a matter of opinion.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that a cross-section of the House of Commons would be cheaper and very much more effective?

asked the Minister of Information whether he w ill assure this House that neither the individual nor area sources from which information is collected by the War-time Social Survey is conveyed, either to the Home Office, or to the Swinton Committee, directly or indirectly?

As I stated in the House last Thursday, statistical reports containing summary results of the inquiries made by War-time Social Survey are available to Members of this House; they are also available to Ministries interested in particular topics. These reports contain some statistics as to the percentages of answers obtained in large boroughs but none for smaller areas. I wish to emphasise that the names and addresses of persons interviewed are detached from their answers and destroyed by War-time Social Survey as soon as the work of the interviewer has been checked. The answers thereby become anonymous.

What makes the Minister think that the British morale requires this artificial boosting at a time when all the evidence goes to show that it does not require it?

asked the Minister of Information what are the terms of the Control of Communications Order No. 5, 1940, under which a book, named "Guilty Men," was prohibited, on 27th July, from being taken by Mr. John Pudney from Liverpool to the Isle of Man; whether he will state the reason for this, and what other books are on the same index; and in what other parts of Great Britain this Regulation applies?

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Order in question. The relevant provisions which are contained in Part 2 of the Order prohibit the conveyance of printed matter, including books, from any part of Great Britain, except under permit or after examination by the appropriate officer. "Guilty Men" was taken from Mr. John Pudney owing to a misunderstanding and has since been returned to him. No books are at present on the index.

Do I understand that no steps have been taken by the Government in any way to prevent the circulation of this book in this country?

Yes, Sir.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that official folly and commercial narrow-mindedness have given this book a tremendous advertisement, and that it has now run into many editions?

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to put this book in the Library?

Is the right hon. Gentleman's reference to the removal of a misunderstanding an acknowledgment that the Government feel that the book is completely accurate?

asked the Minister of Information what steps he is taking, in conjunction with the Minister of Shipping and the First Lord of the Admiralty, to provide reasonable recreation and other amenities for the French merchant officers and seamen?

An organisation is at present being set up to co-ordinate all welfare work connected with the French in this country. I understand that steps are now being taken by the Ministries concerned to improve the condition of French merchant officers and seamen at present in this country.

May I point out that you, Mr. Speaker, in your discretion, took out half of my Question, which it was quite proper for you to do, because it showed where the men were stationed, but may I ask my right hon. Friend a question?

The hon. and gallant Member may not ask in a Supplementary Question something which was cut out of the Question.

I agree, Mr. Speaker, but arising out of the Reply, which was very satisfactory, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that it is the desire of all hon. Members and of people outside the House that these people who are fighting for us and with us should be treated as friends and not as enemies?

asked the Minister of Information whether he is taking steps by ceaseless propaganda, to warn the French people of the danger of the French Government, in their desire to curry favour with their Nazi masters, leading their nation into active hostilities against this country and thus delaying their release from their present bondage?

We are doing all we can to enlighten the French people as to the true state of affairs.

asked the Minister of Information why the loss of the steamship "Lancastria," while being used as a troopship to evacuate troops from France, was classified in the total tonnage of merchantmen lost; why no official account of this story of heroism ranking with the gallantry of the Dunkirk evacuation was made by him; and whether he will see that an official statement is made to alleviate the anxiety of dependants and relatives?

The steampship "Lancastria" was so classified because she was not one of His Majesty's ships; was only defensively armed, had no naval officers or ratings on board; and was not flying the White Ensign. The facts of the sinking, so far as they are known, have been published in this country and a full account was issued to the Press at the Ministry of Information on 26th July. As all the known facts have been stated, I fear that nothing further can now be done to alleviate anxiety.

Is the Minister aware that there are relatives and dependants still without news? Is there anything preventing fuller information being given?

I am afraid it is not now possible to ascertain all who were on board the "Lancastria."

asked the Minister of Information whether he will give instructions to the Censorship Department that letters addressed to London, or elsewhere in Great Britain, for Members of Parliament from Northern Ireland, will be delivered without being censored?

The partial exemption from censorship of their correspondence, which was conceded to Members of Parliament during the early part of the last war, was withdrawn with the acquiescence of the House in April, 1916, experience having shown to the military authorities the impracticability and danger of making any exceptions to the rule of examination. It is regretted, therefore, that no such instructions can be given to the censorship department.

While not objecting to the censorship, could not letters come a little bit more quickly?

asked the Postmaster-General what arrangements operate for relatives and friends to conduct regular correspondence to and from the Forces serving in Palestine?

Mails for His Majesty's Forces serving in Palestine are forwarded with the civil mails for conveyance by surface routes at each available opportunity. In the reverse direction the authorities in Palestine are responsible for the arrangements, but I have no reason to think that they are not taking advantage of all available opportunities for the despatch of mails. Air mail correspondence addressed to the Forces in Palestine is forwarded by steamer to South Africa and thence by air, and air mails from Palestine are being received by the same route. In this connection I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for the Bilston division of Wolverhampton (Mr. Hannah) on 31st July, regarding the mail service from Palestine.

With regard to the ordinary postal arrangements, do all the letters go via South Africa, and what time can be regarded as normal?

At the present time normal mail would take about six to eight weeks, and air mail about 23 days.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the keeping of pay accounts requires the full-time services of an officer or rating for every 160 of personnel borne, a practice which originated in less literate days; and whether he will cause an inquiry to be made with a view to releasing personnel experienced in administrative affairs from pay accounts for other naval duties?

The hon. Member's Question is based upon a misapprehension regarding the system of keeping naval pay accounts. I am circulating a detailed statement on the subject in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the financial distress and unemployment of a large number of people evacuated from coastal areas; what steps are being taken to afford them opportunities to engage in service for the prosecution of the war; and whether, in view of the inequalities of sacrifice resulting from necessary war measures, he will take steps to mobilise the whole nation in such a way as to conserve more fully its resources in both personnel and finance?

I am aware that defence measures and other factors have produced a measure of dis- tress and unemployment in coastal and other areas. Arrangements for a local moratorium were authorised by a recent Defence Regulation, and the whole question is under active examination. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour is making every effort to arrange for the transfer of workers to alternative employment in co-operation with the industries concerned.

asked the Minister without Portfolio how many economists are being employed in an advisory capacity to the Cabinet; what are their functions; what practical use is being made of their research and advice; and whether they all work under his general direction?

As regards my hon. Friend's Question generally, I would refer to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to my hon. Friend the Member for East Middlesbrough (Mr. A. Edwards) on 24th July. As regards the third part of the Question, the studies carried out by the staff of economists form part of the material available to the various Ministerial Committees, and have been of considerable value in reaching decisions on economic questions.

Have the economists standard qualifications, and what type of economists are employed?

As an ex-economist myself, I never realised that they had standard qualifications.

Did they all sign on the Central Register before they were appointed?

The answer to that is quite simple. I was not responsible originally for their appointment.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will take steps to use his requisitioning powers to obtain all metals, including steel girders and frames that are left with a building unfinished, in order that the metal and steel can be used in the war effort?

Although I would not hesitate, if necessary, to use my powers to requisition the metal structure of unfinished buildings, I am not satisfied that the necessity to do so has yet arisen.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that over very large reaches of this country which cannot be mentioned, information shows that Anderson shelters cannot be obtained because of the shortage of steel? Is he further aware that there is no other shelter or material available, and will he not, therefore, see that all available steel is obtained?

It does not necessarily follow that if these buildings were taken down steel would be available for that purpose, and I do not make the decision in that respect. But, to take down buildings in partial erection which may yet be wanted for war purposes seems to me to be an utterly uneconomic procedure.

Is it an uneconomic procedure at this moment to give people uniform protection?

Is the Minister aware that there are other types of shelter than the Anderson shelters which could be equally well employed?

The last two questions seem to be questions for the Minister of Home Security rather than for the Minister of Supply.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that there are millions of tons of steel rails unused in the country; and will he take steps to secure this steel for the Ministry, and, if required, introduce a short Bill or regulation for the purpose of preserving running rights where they are insisted upon, or take other appropriate action to secure the steel at once?

I assume my hon. Friend is referring to disused railway tracks. These are being taken up for scrap wherever possible, though it may be desirable in certain cases to maintain such tracks in being even if they are not at present being used. I am in touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport on this subject and with my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines on the question of utilising old tracks in mines and quarries.

Will my right hon. Friend take steps to expedite the collection of the immense amount of scrap lying in dumps at the present time around the country?

I have already explained—

That question enlarges the scope of the Question on the Paper, which concerns steel rails.

asked the Minister of Supply what has been the response in the city of Manchester to his appeal for salvage?

The city of Manchester has for a considerable time been doing excellent work in the salvage of waste material. The total salvage sales for the month of June amounted to £5,725, and included 455 tons of railings, etc.; 373 tons of other ferrous scrap; 410 tons of clean paper; 37 tons of textiles; and 12½ tons of non-ferrous scrap.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will consider appointing to the Wool Control Board a member of the producing industry in order to ensure that the views of the wool producers in this country are adequately represented when the question of price-fixing is considered

There is no Wool Control Board. There are two British Wool Control Advisory Committees, one for England and Wales and one for Scotland and Northern Ireland, on which the farmers are represented as well as merchants and others. The prices to be paid for this year's wool clip were discussed by my predecessor with the representatives of the National Farmers' Unions and a number of other bodies representing the industry before the prices were fixed by the Ministers concerned. Suitable steps will again be taken to ascertain the views of the producers when the time comes to consider the prices for next year's clip.

When the 1940 wool clip prices were up for consideration were the Advisory Committees consulted in a body, or were individuals consulted?

I cannot say, but the settlement of this matter had to be made by a Minister and could not be delegated to the Advisory Committees.

Is the Minister aware that because these committees are advisory they are ignored, and that they will be of no use unless their advice is taken?

When it comes to spending public money, Ministers must be responsible and not advisory committees.

Is the Minister aware that those engaged in the woollen industry have great appreciation of the excellent work done by the Wool Control?

asked the Minister of Supply whether purchases of iron and steel by his Department are subject to control prices; and, where higher prices than control prices are being paid, will he state the reason?

Although under the Control of Iron and Steel (No. 8) Order, 1940, transactions between the Minister of Supply and any other person are exempt from the statutory maximum prices laid down in the Order, I am not a ware of any case where more than a statutory maximum price has been paid by me.

asked the Minister of Supply whether A. Herbert and Company are required to make returns similar to other machine tools importers and manufacturers; and, if so, are such returns up to date?

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to Messrs. Alfred Herbert, Limited. In common with other machine tool importers and manufacturers, this company is required to render periodical returns to the Ministry of Supply, but the company have experienced some difficulty in supplying the complete returns asked for. I understand, however, that they have now made arrangements which will ensure that complete returns are made regularly.

Will my right hon. Friend make it clear to this company that they are not to receive any privileges that other machine tool importers do not enjoy, and insist on their returns being made in exactly the same manner as other concerns have to make them?

I am not aware that the firm have any privileges. They had a different system of accounting from others; they had radically to alter it, and I had to give them reasonable time to make the alteration. There is no evidence that they are receiving privileges.

Has not my right hon. Friend admitted that they have not made the returns which other companies are expected to make?

As my hon. Friend insists in his suspicions, I may say that there are other firms which did not make the returns in time, and they also have had to be followed up.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he has any evidence to show that the product of Hyganic, Limited, carrying on the work of manure manufacturers at Wood Lane, Shepherds Bush, is being used in any considerable quantities in any service essential to the life of the community?

My hon. Friend will not expect me to give detailed particulars about the marketing of any proprietary article. I can assure him, however, that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture is satisfied that the product referred to is being used by agriculturists. Moreover, as indicated in my reply of 31st July, my right hon. Friend is anxious that all possible fertilising materials should be made available in present circumstances.

Before my right hon. Friend made his special Order permitting this company to continue the manufacture of this material, did he satisfy himself that their product was being disposed of commercially in considerable quantities; and is he aware that a huge dump of this material is accumulating in the neighbourhood and is being offensive to everybody?

If the dump is improperly increasing, I will look into the question. With regard to the first point, I made inquiries of the Minister of Agriculture, and he thought that, in the interests of getting all possible fertilising material, on balance it would be wise to let the thing go on. I fully appreciate that objections which would apply in the ordinary way would, but for war-time conditions, apply to this place.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that there is considerable delay in the marketing of this year's wool clip; that farmers still have their clip largely on their hands; and whether he will consider permitting a part payment on account, if delay is to continue?

As regards the first and second parts of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Abingdon (Sir R. Glyn) on 31st July on the subject of this season's wool clip. As regards the last part, arrangements are being made for a part payment on account to be made to sheep farmers whose wool cannot be taken up in the near future.

Is the Minister aware that sheep farmers are paid a rate of interest of only 3½ per cent. on the wool they are holding for the Government, whereas they must borrow at 5 per cent. in order to carry on until they get payment? Does the right hon. Gentleman think that that is a fair proposition?

This was considered to be an arrangement suitable for the occasion, and I think that 3½ per cent. interest for a delayed payment, for which I am not sure the Government are wholly responsible, is reasonable in the circumstances.

asked the Minister of Supply whether his attention has been directed to the proceedings of the Ninety-first General Meeting of Richard Thomas and Company; and will he take steps to have an inquiry held into the past two years and the present management of Richard Thomas and Company?

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that the proceedings at the annual meeting of the firm of Richard Thomas and Company have caused concern among the people in the areas where the firm operate; and whether he will consider the desirability of holding an inquiry into the conduct of the affairs of this firm and into the effect of recent changes in the firm upon the communities affected?

asked the Minister of Supply whether his attention has been called to the proceedings at the annual meeting of Richard Thomas and Company; and, as the statements made by Sir William Firth at that meeting have a direct bearing on the public interest and on the nation's war effort, will he cause an inquiry to be made into the management, finance and control of the company?

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that considerable disquiet has been caused by the disclosures at the annual general meeting of Richard Thomas and Company, Limited, in connection with the dismissal of Sir William Firth; that this is likely to interfere with production in the steel industry; and whether he will either directly, or in conjunction with the Board of Trade, set up a committee of investigation into the charges made?

I am satisfied that under the existing arrangements of control of the steel industry the productive resources of the company are being used in a way to give the greatest help to our war effort, and in these circumstances I am not, as Minister of Supply, concerned with disputes as to the internal affairs of the company.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the nation is getting the production from this factory and its associated steel works that it should get, and, if not, will he consult his right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade in order that the nation may get the production it should get from a plant of this description?

I have made specific inquiries on that point and sought assurances, and, as my answer indicates, I am satisfied that the resources of the company are being used in a way to give the greatest help in the war effort. I have read the proceedings of the shareholders' meeting, and it seems to me to be an internal dispute between certain people in a limited liability company.

But it is bound to affect production.

I am sorry I cannot go on pursuing disputes in the capitalist world. My business is the production of munitions of war, and that is the only question with which I am concerned. I do not see my way to interfere or intervene in this very interesting dispute. It is a dispute in the field of economic activity in which, as such, neither my hon. Friend nor I am particularly interested.

Does the right hon. Gentleman suggest that a concern in which the Bank of England, a quasi-public authority, has a controlling interest is a private squabble in a capitalist concern? Is not the public interest involved in what the Bank of England does in this matter? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his advisers have advised him wrongly and that there is a considerable amount of plant belonging to this company which is not being used, and will—

That is rather a lengthy question.

May I have an answer?

The hon. Member should put a more reasonable question.

With regard to the Bank of England, my hon. Friend and I could have an interesting discussion about that famous institution, but if it is to be dealt with in its operations, I am sorry that it does not yet come within the sphere of operations of the Minister of Supply. If there is to be an argument about the Bank of England, it must be with the Treasury and not with me.

While appreciating that the private quarrels of people are no concern of my right hon. Friend, may I ask him to make another investigation as to the effect of this quarrel on the many thousands of men who are employed on these plants? Is he aware that this disgraceful quarrel has caused an immense amount of concern among the workers about their work in the future, and will he hold an inquiry in order to allay public misgivings?

Does not my right hon. Friend think that from the point of view of war production this concern should be run by an industrial executive rather than by Mr. Montagu Norman?

It would be a great thing if all concerns were run by industrial executives. I am all in favour of it, but that is not the issue before me. The question concerns the merits of this particular case, and if it is suggested that I should divert my energies as Minister of Supply from considerations of production into this field of private argument, quite honestly I do not think it is my duty to do so.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that there are between four and five tons of food scraps collected daily in the city of Westminster alone, and will he takes steps to emphasise the necessity to reduce this colossal waste rather than to convert it into food for animals?