asked the Minister of Supply the number of instances in which he has, under paragraph 55 of the Defence Regulations, 1939, purported to authorise persons appointed by him to carry on existing undertakings as agents for the undertakers; whether any persons so appointed have pledged the credit of the undertakers; and whether he intends to indemnify undertakers against consequential liabilities?

Such action has been taken in respect of II undertakings. As regards the last part of the Question it will not be expected that I should be able to supply information as to the details of the day-to-day transactions which may have been entered into on behalf of the undertakers. Nor can I make any general statement on the subject, as the position of paragraph 4 of Regulation 55 of the Defence (General) Regulations is now under consideration by His Majesty's Government

asked the Minister of Supply whether he can give the result of the salvage in value and the population, respectively, of the following places: Stoke, Crewe, Stafford, Wolverhampton, Salford, Sheffield, and the county areas of Stafford and Derby?

The following table shows for each of the places referred to the population and the proceeds of sales of salvaged material for the month of June, 1940, as shown by the returns received by my Department. These returns do not include collections by merchants and others outside the councils' collection schemes.

—	Population.	Salvage Sales, June.
		£
Stoke	272,100	1,440
Crewe	45,900	183
Stafford	32,190	123
Wolverhampton	145,000	680
Salford	199,400	1,009
Sheffield	520,000	5,071
Total of all local authorities in the country of Derby.	784,674	2,086
Total of all local authorities in the county of Stafford.	1,493,791	9,031

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is satisfied with the machinery for the collection of scrap iron and steel; is there an ample supply of scrap in the areas where it is required; has the survey of heavy scrap been made; have the stocks been held up; what is the percentage paid to firms inside the selected firms and those outside, respectively; and will he use his powers to requisition all steel and scrap and direct it where it is required?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which I made on the iron and steel scrap position on 24th July, a copy of which I am sending to him. He will find that this covers most of the points which he raises, but I can add that scrap merchants are not employed by the Ministry of Supply on a commission basis. As regards the last part of the Question, I am already using my powers to requisition whenever this by His Majesty's Government.

asked the Minister of Supply what steps are taken to get chemists released from the armed Forces when he requires their services; and how many have been so released?

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to analytical and research chemists, and not to pharmaceutical chemists. Applications from Ministry of Supply establishments and contractors for the release of such chemists are considered on their merits and, where the circumstances warrant it, recommendations for release are submitted to the Service Department concerned. The number of such recommendations for release has not been large, but I could not give an exact figure without the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of time and labour in examining records. My hon. Friend will be aware that these occupations are reserved at the age of 21.

asked the Minister of Labour why military hardship committees in some cases are ignoring the recommendations of the joint recruiting boards that chemistry students, at the end of their second year, should be allowed another year's postponement of military service?

Effect is given to such recommendations without reference to hardship committees, and I should he glad to have particulars of any case that my hon. Friend has in mind in order that I may make inquiries.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there has been no increase of sickness payments under health insurance; and whether he is considering any increase, in view of the increased cost of living since the outbreak of war?

The National Health Insurance scheme since its inception has been designed to provide, as one of the benefits to which insured persons are entitled, a cash payment during sickness, at such a flat rate as the compulsory con- tributions of workers and employers would support on an actuarial basis. The rates of benefit are therefore linked with the rates of contribution. My right hon. Friend has under consideration the question whether alterations are desirable and practicable.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in some areas to which children have been evacuated and billeted on old age pensioners, the Assistance Board, in dealing with applications from such pensioners for supplementary pensions, assesses the houehold income, having regard to the sums paid for the evacuees to the detriment of the old age pensioners; and will he see that the Assistance Board issues an instruction that such income should be disregarded?

The board inform me that their normal practice is to make no reduction in an assessment by reason of a payment of this kind. If the hon. Member knows of any case in which such a payment has been taken into account the board would be glad to have particulars.

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department will take steps now to advise the public on the advantages of fresh air and exercise in preventing winter black-out debility, and also the right precautionary measures to avoid influenza and other epidemics injurious to the national war effort?

My Department will continue the policy of pressing forward the health education of the public, through the local health authorities and otherwise, and the steps taken cover the important matters to which my hon. Friend has drawn attention.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Councillor N. Tiptaft, the air-raid precautions chairman in Birmingham, has strongly complained about the permission given to drunken men to enter air-raid shelters, which have to be occupied largely by women and children; and whether his Department has devised any rule or restriction by which this can be obviated?

I am aware of the incidents which gave rise to this complaint but, so far as I am aware, they are exceptional and I hope that the steps taken locally to prevent a repetition will prove sufficient. Any person who is guilty while drunk of riotous or disorderly behaviour in a public place may be apprehended and, on conviction, fined or, in the discretion of the court, sentenced to a term of imprisonment; and I understand that a public statement has been made on behalf of the city justices of their readiness in proper cases, to use their powers to the full.

asked the Home Secretary how many times since 5th June last, sittings of the Camouflage Committee have taken place; how many biologists are on the staff of the Civil Defence Camouflage Establishment; and whether he is aware that any camouflage not based on the specialised advice of biologists and which ignores Thayer's principle is unable to provide maximum efficiency?

There has been one meeting of the Camouflage Committee since 5th June last. There is one biologist on the staff of the Civil Defence Camouflage Establishment. As to Thayer's principle, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave on 2nd May last to a Question by the hon. Member for the Scottish Universities (Sir J. Graham Kerr).

asked the Home Secretary whether he will issue an authoritative statement on the value of the various compositions alleged to protect glass windows from blast in view of the large sums being spent on them?

Authoritative statements have been made and I would refer the hon. Member to A.R.P Memorandum No. 12, Part III, paragraph 2 (f) and to the booklet "Air Raids: What you must know, what you must do," page 16.

asked the Home Secretary the present price of stirrup pumps; whether he is aware that firms are now specialising on more ornate pumps, 30 per cent. dearer than the price at which the popular article was recently produced; and whether, for the protection of those less well off, he will ensure free sale of the cheaper articles?

The price of stirrup pumps is not controlled, but my right hon. Friend is aware that there has been variation in the type and price of pumps on sale to the public. Steps are now being taken to direct the supply of pumps made to a standard specification to meet the urgent needs of various services and in due course to meet the increasing demand from the public.

asked the Home Secretary what steps are being taken to provide internees with suitable clothing for cold weather, particularly those who have lost their employment or source of income through internment; whether he will arrange that this should also apply to internees sent overseas; and whether articles taken from, and postal orders sent to, internees now overseas have been forwarded to them?

All these matters are under consideration by my right hon. Friend, following the transfer of responsibility for the management of internment camps on 5th August. Arrangements will certainly be made to provide internees in this country with suitable clothing where they lack this or the means to provide it, and my right hon. Friend will get into touch with the Canadian and Australian authorities. I am inquiring into the point mentioned in the last part of the Question.

asked the Home Secretary on what grounds General Torcom, an Armenian general, who has in the past rendered great service to the Allied cause and who recently arrived in London to offer his services to the British Government, was arrested and detained at Pentonville Prison without any charge or reason being given, whilst negotiations were being conducted with the War Office?

The detention of this alien was ordered on security grounds.

asked the Home Secretary why Mayer Selzer was not permitted to attend the American Consulate on 16th July, for which date he had an appointment with a view to obtaining an American visa?

I am informed that the intimation of this man's appointment to attend at the American Consulate arrived after he had been interned. He has now been transferred from the Isle of Man to the internment camp at Lingfield in order that he may be able to keep the fresh appointment which it is expected will be made at an early date.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the danger to railway passengers from flying glass during air raids, he will issue an instruction to passengers as to the use of cushions in compartments to protect themselves against glass splinters?

Present instructions to passengers in trains during an air raid are to pull down the blinds, and, if possible, to lie on the floor. In a large number of compartments the cushions are fixtures

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the increase in the number of bottle-shop licences issued by the Excise; and whether he contemplates taking any action in the matter?

The figures for the three years, 1938, 1939 and 1940 are 1,920, 1,964 and 1,925. The provision by which wholesale dealers are entitled subject to certain conditions to obtain from the Customs and Excise Department retail off-licences is one of those noted for consideration when any amendment of the licensing law can be undertaken, but it is not a matter which can be taken up at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is now intended to equip officers and section leaders of the Home Guard with sub- machine guns, in view of the fact that Nazi parachute troops are generally equipped with these weapons?

I think my hon. Friend will agree that it would not be in the public interest to disclose information on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the event of members of the Home Guard being on continuous duty for a substantial period, they will be accorded the same protection in respect of the restoration of their employment as they would enjoy had they been called up under the Military Service Act?

The provisions as to reinstatement in civil employment which are contained in Section 14 of the National Service (Armed Forces) Act, 1939, are based on the principle that compulsory reinstatement should apply to men compulsorily called from employment for whole-time service in the Forces. The Defence Regulations under which the Home Guard is established provide that members of the Force shall not be required to give whole-time service, the object being to enable Home Guards to carry out their duties without cessation of their civil employment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether consideration is being given to the question of providing thicker clothing and overcoats for the Home Guard during the winter nights, as the great proportion of these volunteers are at business in the daytime and the existing thin material is already inadequate for night duty?

Members of the Home Guard will be provided with greatcoats. The denim overalls are intended for wear over ordinary clothing, the provision of which according to the requirements of the season will remain the responsibility of the individual himself.

asked the Secretary of State for War what the approximate cost will be of supplying new armbands, etc., to the Home Guard in consequence of changing their name from the Local Defence Volunteers; and whether, in view of this expense, he will reconsider this decision?

The cost involved by the adoption of the new title is about £3,500. It is not proposed to reconsider the decision.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the anomalous position in the borough of Brentford and Chiswick by which the additional separation allowance, granted in respect of the London postal area, is payable to men in Chiswick whereas men in Brentford do not receive it; and whether he will take steps to alter this?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher) on 21st May last, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a r umber of keepers and stalkers are now serving in the Army, which will make it difficult for many Scottish estates to kill stags during the coming season; and, as venison can be a useful addition to the country's meat supply, will he consider arranging for temporary leave to be granted to specified soldiers, upon application to their commanding officer by their former employer, supported by a certificate indicating reasons and an undertaking by the employer to pay the difference between Army pay and former wages to some specified service charity or to the regimental fund?

I do not think I should be justified in giving men leave for this purpose in preference to those who may desire it for other good reasons.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that large cylindrical containers are being filled and placed upright near road blocks to be used in closing the gaps in the case of an emergency; what is the weight of these containers when filled; and whether any experiments have been made to ascertain how long it would take to place these containers in position?

These containers are sufficiently heavy to fulfil the purpose for which they are required, and there is no difficulty in placing them in position. I do not think it would be desirable to give further details.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, during his recent visit to Northern Ireland, he was satisfied that everything had been, and was being, done for the successful defence of that part of the United Kingdom against attacks of the enemy?

I am authorised by my right hon. Friend to say that the answer is, "Yes, Sir."

asked the Secretary of State for Air what are the conditions which determine the granting of leave to certain men in the Royal Air Force of whom he has been informed; and whether he is satisfied with the system under which the grant or refusal of rest leave is solely in the hands of the commanding officers?

The same conditions of leave apply in the case of the men whom the hon. Member has in mind as in the case of personnel of the Royal Air Force generally. I am, however, having their case reviewed to see if it merits special treatment. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative.

asked the Home Secretary how the communication issued for publication by the Ministry of Home Security jointly with the Air Ministry, on 1st August, announcing that enemy bombs had fallen on Norwich, was consistent with existing policy and practice in that it identified the town bombed; and is it proposed to change this practice?

I have been asked to reply. It has always been the policy of His Majesty's Government to release as much information about enemy raids as considerations of national security permit. On the occasion to which my hon. Friend refers, it was considered that no information of value to the enemy would be divulged by including in the official communique the name of the town concerned.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why, in view of the well-known policy of the Ministry of Health which seeks to encourage the breast-feeding of infants, local government officers, when acting as milk officers, are advised to follow a contrary policy and advise mothers to wean their children as early as possible?

No instructions have been issued by my Noble Friend on the subject of the weaning of children, and to do so would add considerably to his already onerous duties. If my hon. Friend is aware of a case in which milk officers are issuing advice such as he suggests I shall be grateful to be supplied with full particulars.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food for what reason the Ministry purchased 40,000,000 lbs. of Dutch tea, in view of the fact that Indian producers are able to supply the whole home market; and that the conveyance of tea from the Dutch East Indies makes a greater demand on shipping?

I have every reason to believe that the Ministry's purchase of tea from the Netherland East Indies was not objectionable to the Indian producers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food when the tea ration will be discontinued, seeing that the tonnage saved is so small?

Tea rationing was introduced to conserve the country's stocks during a period in which there is normally a seasonal decline and against unforeseen events. It is not possible at present to indicate a date at which the rationing of tea can be reconsidered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that certain employés in His Majesty's naval dockyards, and also blast-furnace men, tin-plate workers and many labourers in heavy industries contend that they cannot do their work properly on a tea ration of two ounces a week; whether he has under consideration a scheme for increasing the ration for these men; and when he expects to be in a position to make an announcement upon the matter?

An announcement was made on 24th July, authorising food control committees to issue special permits for the purchase of tea for industrial, business, and clerical workers in cases where they cannot obtain tea from a registered canteen. This concession has been made to enable such workers to have tea during their working hours without drawing on their domestic ration of two ounces per week. Forms of application are obtainable from local food offices.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food how much material will be released to the brewing trade this year that would otherwise be available for solid food; and whether any decision has been made as to which shall have priority in case of shortage?

It is estimated that the brewing trade will this year use about 700,000 tons of barley and other materials, of which some 20 per cent. is returned as brewers' grains for feeding animals; in the event of future shortage, the use of these materials for brewing would be reviewed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, as adequate nutrition is of paramount importance in the treatment of tuberculosis, and, owing to the rationing of meat, butter, and margarine, and the shortage of eggs, tuberculous persons find difficulty in obtaining a diet suitable to enable them to resist the disease, he will arrange to extend the scheme for the purchase of cheap milk to tuberculous patients receiving domiciliary treatment?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Romford (Mr. Parker) on 25th July to the effect that for the present it is not possible to consider the extension of the National Milk Scheme to categories of the population other than those for whom it has been devised—expectant and nursing mothers and children under five years of age. There is however no shortage of milk supplies; so that the invalids referred to by my hon. Friend should have no difficulty in obtaining adequate quantities.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in the operation of the scheme for milk distribution to nursing and expectant mothers it is the policy of the Ministry to seek and retain the active cooperation of the local public health authorities?

Yes, Sir. Milk officers operating the National Milk Scheme have interviewed medical officers of health or officers in charge of welfare centres in their areas and are arranging for the welfare centres, so far as possible, to hold stocks of national dried milk and to issue these to holders of Ministry of Food permits who desire to collect the milk at these centres. In many cases welfare centres are also actively helping in distributing application forms to whose who appear to be eligible for the benefits of the scheme, and are giving these applicants advice. Milk officers are also co-operating by exhibiting notices regarding welfare centres, when requested to do so, at milk offices, and by distributing appropriate literature concerning welfare centres with permits or other matter sent to applicants or permit holders under the National Milk Scheme.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will arrange for larger supplies of beef being made available in I3athgate and other parts of West Lothian, where there are complaints of shortage of beef and a surplus of mutton; and will he arrange for beef being not too freshly killed when distributed for sale?

The proportion of beef to mutton in the allocations throughout the country has been increased in recent weeks. In the case of home-killed beef this result has followed the seasonal increase in the slaughter of cattle and this increase may be expected to persist for some months. In these circumstances, and having regard to the fact that Bath-gate and other parts of West Lothian, in common with the rest of Scotland, are already receiving a higher proportion of beef in their allocations than Great Britain generally, I regret that I cannot arrange for larger supplies of beef to be made available for those areas. As regards the latter part of the Question, the present practice is similar to that existing prior to control. It is essential to clear the wholesale depots without undue delay but this should not affect adversely the maturing of meat which always has been effected to the best advantage on the retailers' premises.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has considered utilising certain of the underground passages and stations of the London Passenger Transport Board for storing foodstuffs; and will he consider the building of storerooms in these places for this purpose?

The greater part of the foodstuffs stored in London are of a kind not suitable for storing in the underground passages and stations of the London Passenger Transport Board.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will consider allowing vegetarians to exchange their meat and bacon tickets for an extra allowance of margarine and /or butter?

The matter has been referred to the Food Rationing (Special Diets) Advisory Committee of the Medical Research Council. A decision will be taken as soon as their recommendation is received.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, now that a change is to he made in the way Income Tax is collected from employés, he will alter the date for closing the financial year from 5th April to one more convenient to those making statutory returns?

I do not think that the successful operation of the scheme for deduction of tax from the salaries and wages of employés is affected by the date at which the Income Tax year ends, but in any case I am afraid that I could not see my way to consider any change in that year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the case of men registered at Employment Exchanges who, either compulsorily or voluntarily, have had to leave their homes to obtain work and are thus compelled to maintain two homes, he is prepared to grant them some measure of relief from Income Tax?

I regret that I am unable to accept the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the long distances members of His Majesty's forces are stationed away from their homes and the financial strain imposed upon them in having to pay for railway travel when going home on leave, he will provide facilities for free travel on such occasions?

I am afraid I cannot add anything to the answer given on 30th July to the hon. Member for Ardwick (Mr. J. Henderson) by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the official estimate that the total increased yield in Entertainments Duty will be only £4,000,000 in the first year, he can state the proportion of this sum which it is anticipated will be raised by the living theatre?

It is estimated that of the total gain of £4,000,000 in a full year from all entertainments about £250,000 will be derived from theatres and other "living" entertainments within the scope of the lower scale of duty.

asked the Prime Minister what steps are taken to prevent overlapping when different private firms are doing similar research for Government Departments?

There exists a well-proved machinery for the co-ordination of all research activities carried out by the different Government Departments. This covers equally research within the Departments and items carried out by private firms. It has developed and has been tried out under conditions of peace and war and has been found to work well.

asked the Minister of Information the reasons for the resignation of Lord Perth?

Owing to the appointment of a Controller of Overseas Publicity, Lord Perth himself considered that the post he held was no longer necessary and therefore tendered his resignation which I felt bound to accept while thanking him for the loyal and valuable services he had rendered.

asked the Minister of Information the position to which Sir Maurice Peterson has been appointed and the salary to be paid?

Sir Maurice Peterson has been appointed Controller of Overseas Publicity. The normal salary of this post is £1,700, but Sir Maurice is not at present being paid anything from Ministry of Information funds, as he is entitled to £2,500 a year from the Vote for Diplomatic Services until 31st December.

asked the Minister of Information the number of persons, other than clerical and messenger staff, now employed in or by his Department in London and the country, respectively, and the amount of yearly salaries aggregated on the present basis of engagement; how many of these persons are engaged at salaries of £500 per annum and over; how many at salaries of £1,000 per annum and over; and how many of all those now employed were selected from the Central Register of the Ministry of Labour prior to their appointments?

The number of persons, excluding those in minor administrative and technical, clerical, typing and messenger grades, now employed in the Ministry of Information is 373 in London and 50 elsewhere in the country, the salaries aggregating £264,000 per annum. Forty-nine receive salaries of £1,000 per annum or over and 236 others £500 per annum or over. Of all those now employed in the Ministry 158 were engaged through the Central Register.

asked the Minister of Information who is the present head of the Press Department of the Ministry and to what extent are the London and Provincial daily papers able to have direct contact with the various Government Departments; what were the regulations governing these matters towards the end of the last war under the Press Bureau Division of the War Office; and whether he has requested the representatives of the London and Provincial Press to state how far they are satisfied with existing arrangements?

Under the present organisation, Mr. Lints Smith is Chief Press and Public Relations Officer, Mr. Charles Peake is Chief Press Adviser, and Mr. Radcliffe is Chief Press Censor. These officers are all responsible to Sir Walter Monckton as Deputy Director-General. The newspapers, London and Provincial, have direct contact with the various Government Departments in Whitehall and also with the representatives of the Departments at the Ministry of Information. These matters during the last war were dealt with by the Press Bureau representing all Departments, but, as now, the newspapers had also direct contact with the Government Departments. The Newspaper and Periodical Emergency Council represents all publications and acts in an advisory capacity to me. The London and Provincial newspapers are thus able, if they have any cause for dissatisfaction, to bring the matter before me at any time.

asked the Minister of Labour the names of the representatives of employers and employed forming panels to sift the unemployed covering the Manchester, Bolton, and Wigan districts?

I have sent my hon. Friend a list of names of members of these panels.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will, in future, co-operate more closely with the Northern Ireland Minister of Labour than heretofore in a united effort to absorb many more of the Ulster unemployed in war work?

The arrangements made between the Ministry of Labour, Northern Ireland and my Department provide for the closest co-operation for the purpose of placing in employment unemployed persons on the registers, either in this country or in Northern Ireland.

asked the Minister of Labour the unemployment figures for the county of Chester, Stalybridge Division, at the present time and for the last 10 months, individually?

I am sending my hon. Friend the available figures which relate to the area served by the Stalybridge and Hyde Employment Exchanges.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, since the promulgation of the Order in Council 58A, aimed at preventing stoppage of labour, he has found it necessary to take any action thereunder; and, If so, whether he can give details?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to Regulation 58AA relating to avoidance of strikes and lockouts. In accordance with the powers given by this Regulation I have made the Conditions of Employment and National Arbitration Order 1940 which came into force on 25th July and have constituted the National Arbitration Tribunal provided for in the Order. The membership of the tribunal was announced in the Press on 3rd August.

asked the Home Secretary how many Japanese aliens there are in this country; and what are their main occupations?

The number of Japanese registered with the police is 865, of whom 762 are males. To collect and tabulate information as to the present occupations of these persons would involve work which my right hon. Friend is reluctant to undertake at the present time.

asked the Home Secretary by what authority untried persons or interned persons of British or other nationality have been deported from Great Britain overseas, in view of the decision of the Court of Appeal in the case of ex park O'Brien and others, and the statute law on this subject?

There is power under the Royal Prerogative and the Aliens Acts to transfer persons of enemy alien or alien nationality overseas. My right hon. Friend has some reason to think that there may have been included by inadvertence in parties recently sent to the Dominions, some persons who possessed dual nationality, that is to say, who could claim both British and foreign nationality as well as some stateless persons. This matter is at present under investigation.

asked the Minister of Information on what basis, and by whom, are the areas chosen for personal canvass of householders by the officers of his Department now employed for that purpose; what expenses are incurred and allowed; what discretion on localities is permitted to the officials; and whether they are concerned with the distribution of any literature emanating from his or any other Department at the houses visited?

The areas in which a personal canvass is to be made by War-time Social Survey are chosen by officers of the Home Intelligence Branch of the Ministry of Information in consultation with the senior officials of the survey. This choice is determined first by the desirability of obtaining results from representative areas; secondly, by the nature of the questions and their relevance to particular areas; and thirdly by considerations of economy in travelling. The interviewers are allowed third-class travelling expenses and a maintenance allowance of 11s. per night when working in the provinces. The interviewers are concerned only with the collection of information and not with its distribution or with propaganda. In cases where a study is made of the public reaction to official literature already distributed through other agencies, interviewers may be instructed to show a copy of the document (for example, the leaflet "If the Invader Comes") in order that the person interviewed may correctly identify it.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will publish a list of names of the officials now employed by his Department for personal interrogation of householders, together with their previous occupations and the present salaries and terms of engagement; and whether any recourse was had to the Central Register of the Minister of Labour in connection with these appointments or any of them?

In answer to the first part of the Question, I do not know the names of the interviewers in question who are not civil servants but are employed by War-time Social Survey, an independent organisation working under the auspices of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research. As regards their previous occupations, some of these persons are professional social workers, some are professional market research workers, and some are persons with a university training who have special aptitude for interviewing. Their salaries range from £4 19s. to £6 per week according to qualifications and experience; their employment is terminable in the majority of cases at two days' notice, but some of the most highly qualified interviewers are engaged on a monthly basis. In answer to the last part of the Question, these interviewers being market research workers were recruited not from the Central Register of the Ministry of Labour, but from the registers appropriate to their respective professions, namely the Royal Society register, the register of the Institute of Incorporated Practitioners in Advertising, the University of London Appointments Board, and the register of the Women's Employment Federation.

asked the Minister of Information whether the regional commissioners are responsible for the appointment of the investigators charged with the task of calling upon householders and making notes on behalf of the Ministry, War-time Social Survey; and, if not, by whom are these persons appointed and to whom do they render a report?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which I made on 31st July in reply to the hon. and gallant^*** Member for Epsom (Sir A. Southby) and the hon. and learned Member for East Leicester (Mr. Lyons), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Information the purposes he had in mind in issuing pamphlets to ministers of religion; and whether he will place copies of all such printed matter in the Library?

Since the outbreak of war the Ministry of Information has circulated a number of pamphlets intended to assist clergy and ministers in their war-time work. The pamphlets were issued by various publishing firms and are for the most part written by distinguished clergymen and ministers. The purpose of the pamphlets is to convey information, not otherwise readily accessible to the ordinary reader, regarding the moral and spiritual issues of the war. Most of them deal authoritatively with the Nazi attack upon Christianity. A set of the pamphlets his been placed in the Library.

asked the Minister of Information whether, in view of the withdrawal of books for the blind in Northern Ireland regularly sent from the National Library, London, which is a deprivation to those who have lost their sight, as there is in Ulster only a small selection of books in braille, he will review this matter and restore the transmission of these books to Northern Ireland?

The transmission of books for the blind to Northern Ireland has not been interrupted. I am informed that the National Library, London, were issued on 8th May last, with a permit from the Postal Censorship enabling them to dispatch books for the blind to specified countries abroad and that the National Library were subsequently notified on 7th July that their permit had been extended to cover the dispatch of these books to Northern Ireland since the making of the Control of Communications Order (No. 5), 1940, dated 6th July, 1940, which came into force as far as Northern Ireland is concerned on 13th July.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will invite Miss Dorothy Thompson, in view of the great impression made by her broadcasts on listeners throughout the British Empire, to undertake a weekly radio talk from the United States of America?

The record of the talk by Miss Dorothy Thompson which was broadcast recently was the first of a series arranged by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, primarily for listeners in Canada. The talks are given by distinguished American journalists who hold views favourable to the Allies, and the B.B.C. proposes to record these talks and to broadcast the records at times suitable to listeners in this country and the Empire. The B.B.C. has repeated the record of Miss Dorothy Thompson's talk in the Overseas Service on 24th July and in the Home Service on 28th July. Meanwhile, the B.B.C. is bearing in mind the desirability of further broadcasts by Miss Dorothy Thompson, apart from this series.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that in areas such as Dagenham, there is little voluntary daytime clerical assistance available for the work of the local Ministry of Information Committee; and whether paid clerical assistance, where necessary, can be allowed to rank for grant?

It has been the Ministry's policy throughout to make use of voluntary effort wherever possible. This has been forthcoming in ample measure, I am glad to say, in nearly all parts of the Kingdom and I hope it may be found possible in this way to obtain sufficient clerical assistance in the case of Dagenham. I have asked Sir Wyndham Deedes, the Regional Information Officer for the London Region, to go into the matter with those concerned.

asked the Minister of Information what steps he proposes to take in order to prevent the circulation of alarmist rumours in the event of an attempted invasion by the enemy to secure that a correct version of what takes place shall reach all sections of the community at the earliest possible moment;

and whether it is his intention, in such circumstances, to circulate the statement or statements through the local information committees as well as through the Press?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Denbigh (Sir H. Morris-Jones) on 24th July, making it clear that my Department would do all in its power to assist the Press in obtaining early and accurate information. In addition, special notifications may be made to local information committees where this is found to be necessary.