asked the Minister of Agriculture why feeding materials for poultry-keepers in this country are still being further reduced to 40 per cent. of what corn chandlers were pre-war allowed; and whether this reduction is causing an excessive destruction of fowls?

The reasons for the reduction in the amount of purchased feeding stuffs that can be made available for different classes of livestock were fully stated in the announcement of policy which I made on the and June. I am not aware that the reduction, about which poultry keepers were given fair warning, is causing an excessive destruction of fowls.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the delays in issuing petrol coupons to enable agriculturists to carry the harvest; and whether, to avoid any repetition of these shortcomings in 1941, he will investigate specific cases brought to his notice?

I am not aware of any general delay but I will have any case investigated which my hon. Friend cares to send me.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the acreage of land operated by the Essex War Agriculture Committee; whether he is aware of the hundreds of acres of land at present covered with weeds; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the matter?

4,468 acres have been taken over. The committee is exercising its powers regarding weeds. Perhaps the hon. Member would let me have particulars of any area he has specially in mind.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of the availability of the equipment of the British Feeding Meals Company, situated at Stratford; and whether he will send a representative of his Department to investigate the possibilities of the development of these resources?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for North Camberwell (Mr. Ammon) on 22nd August. I am fully aware of the British Feeding Meals Company's plant at Stratford. About six months ago the Salvage Department of the Ministry of Supply entered into arrangements with the company for the utilisation of that plant for converting kitchen waste into meal for stock-feeding, on a non-profit basis. Representatives of the London Boroughs attended a conference at the company's works in June, and the resources of that plant have since been utilised to the-utmost in this important work.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of the proposals made to his Department for the reclamation and utilisation of waste leather; and what progress has been made by his Department in this matter.

Discussions have taken place with firms which can use waste leather in the production of board material of a type used by the boot and shoe industry, and increasing quantities of waste are being used for that purpose. Experiments are now being made with a view to producing a quick acting fertiliser from leather waste. The uses to which leather waste can be put are at present somewhat limited, but investigations for further uses are proceeding.

asked the Minister of Supply whether the collection of scrap in village dumps is now proceeding smoothly; and whether, from the reports he has received, he is satisfied that thefts of such scrap on a large scale are not occurring?

I am satisfied that the village dump scheme is working satisfactorily. According to my information, losses from these dumps are negligible.

asked the Minister of Supply what length and quantity of tramcar rails had been uplifted for salvage purposes connected with the war effort to the last available date; and whether he has any statement to make regarding the extent and quantity of disused tramcar rails still embedded in roadways, and steps to be taken for their recovery for salvage purposes?

My right hon. Friend is satisfied that under the present arrangements the recovery of disused tram rails is proceeding steadily. 16,000 tons, representing some 400,000 yards of rails, have been recovered to date for scrap purposes and in addition a substantial tonnage has been taken by the War Office for defence purposes. Negotiations have already been completed with local authorities for lifting further substantial quantities, and negotiations are proceeding as regards much of the remainder known to he available.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that, though there is a shortage of steel helmets for air-raid precautions wardens, members of the Home Guard, midwives and district nurses, yet they are being offered for sale to private individuals; and will he arrange that the essential services have the first claim on all steel helmets available from all sources?

Any stocks of serviceable steel helmets that can be traced in the hands of manufacturers or distributors are being taken over for Government purposes. Investigations from retail shops and advertisers have disclosed that, in general, stocks are negligible or non-existent and that such retailers cannot, in fact, procure further supplies. If my hon. Friend has any information as to available supplies, I should be grateful to receive it. I may add that last July my right hon. Friend issued directions to manufacturers of steel helmets that they should in future manufacture steel helmets on behalf of the Ministry of Supply only, and he has now under consideration the issue of a more comprehensive Order regulating their manufacture and sale.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the increased powers to be given to the Milk Marketing Board, full protection will be given to the businesses of the producer-retailers and small milk-selling firms in general?

The additional powers which my Noble Friend proposes to confer upon the Milk Marketing Boards to enable them to implement his policy will be exercised subject to his direction where necessary. He will bear carefully in mind the special position of producer-retailers and small milk distributing businesses.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food by what method householders can inform themselves of the prescribed maximum prices of domestic commodities?

Whenever a maximum price Order is issued, full information is circulated to the Press; and in suitable cases retailers are under a formal obligation to display a list of the prescribed prices. Additional information can be obtained on application at local food offices.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the number of flour millers in the United Kingdom?

There are in the United Kingdom 354 millers regularly manufacturing flour at 439 mills. In addition there are between 40 and 50 small millers who manufacture flour from home-milled wheat for some part of the year.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of his assurance that bread made from flour of an extraction percentage of 80 per cent. to 85 per cent. is to be made available at the same price as artificially vitaminised white bread, and that every effort is to be made to acquaint the public with the advantages of the former, he will arrange for posters or placards to be exhibited in the premises of every retail baker and confectioner throughout the country, setting out salient facts with regard to the nutritive value of various breads?

No, Sir, the publicity already afforded by the Ministry is considered adequate.

asked the Home Secretary under what circumstances an exit permit was granted to Sir George Paish to visit America; and whether his visit to the United States of America was sponsored by the Government?

asked the Home Secretary the reasons that were advanced by Sir George Paish to enable him to secure an exit permit?

An exit permit was granted to Sir George Paish to enable him to travel to America for the purpose of making a series of lecture tours in the United States and in Canada. His visit was not sponsored by His Majesty's Government, and in view of his recent reported indiscretions he has been advised by His Majesty's Ambassador to return to this country.

asked the Home Secretary what representations he has received from the National Amalgamated Union of Shop Assistants, Warehousemen and Clerks with regard to the early closing of shops during the winter months; and whether he can make a statement?

The union have represented that the closing hours for shops during the coming winter should be dealt with by Defence Regulation and should be the same as the hours so fixed last winter; and they also ask that local authorities should be given power to fix earlier hours. I am carefully considering their representations, together with those which I have received from other organisations, but I am not in a position to make any statement at present.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now make a statement with regard to a renewal of the extension of summer time?

It has been decided that summer time this year shall end on the night of 16th–17th November instead of on 6th October.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in spite of a free offer of ground, a village of which he has been informed, is still without an air-raid shelter; and, as this village has had bombs dropped about it, whether he will arrange with the authorities concerned for the provision of one?

I have not yet been able to obtain any information as to the offer of a site for a shelter but I am informed that a public shelter for 50 persons is under construction and that plans are under consideration for dealing with a large group of houses which lie near a particular target of which my hon. and gallant Friend will be aware.

asked the Home Secretary whether there is any regulation forbidding the flashing of torches, the lighting of matches and the smoking of cigarettes during the course of an air-raid warning during the hours of darkness; and whether, if this is the case, he will consider frequently reminding the public on the radio and in the Press?

The Lighting Regulations prohibit the use of torches after an air-raid warning has been given; and publicity has been given on the wireless and in the Press to a reminder on this point which was recently issued by my Department. The lighting of a match, or even the display of a lighted cigarette in the open would be a breach of the Regulations; but I do trot consider that any special action is called for to enforce the Regulations in these relatively innocuous cases.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will reconsider the decision to shorten the period of the sounding of the sirens for air-raid warnings from two minutes to one minute, having regard to the paramount importance of such warnings being heard by everyone in the district affected?

No, Sir. I should not be prepared to revise the present arrangement after so short an experience of its working. The shorter warning period has, I believe, been welcomed by many people and I am not aware that it has created difficulties. Its operation will, however, be closely watched.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in order to protect the public, he will consider the advisability of obtaining power to enable magistrates to inflict more severe sentences on persons found guilty of drunkenness and disorderly conduct in public air-raid shelters by making such conduct an offence under the Defence of the Realm Act?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 7th August to a Question by the hon. Member for Coatbridge (Mr. Barr). If my hon. Friend is aware of cases which have arisen which appear to indicate the need for increased penalties and will send me particulars, I shall be glad to consider the matter further.

asked the Home Secretary whether, as a result of the declaration of the entire country as a defence area, aliens are prohibited from entry within 25 miles of any part of the coast?

No, Sir. Aliens as such are only prohibited from entering without permission in advance the areas declared to be Aliens Protected Areas under Article 9 of the Aliens Order, 1920, as amended.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, despite the absence of signposts, local information is readily given to strangers without insistence on the production of identity cards or similar evidence of bona fides; and whether he will consider the issue of further advice on the subject?

I agree with my hon. Friend that in present circumstances the public should be careful not to give guidance to strangers if they are not satisfied that they are genuine and I hope that, if any reminder is needed, this Question and answer will serve the purpose.

asked the Home Secretary for what reason the list of aliens naturalised in the year 1939–40 has not yet been published; whether he can state the number of Germans, Austrians, Poles and Russians, respectively, who were granted naturalisation in this year; and how these numbers compare with those for 1938–39?

The issue of the return for the calendar year 1939, as of other official papers, has inevitably been subject to delay. Following are the particulars asked for in the second part of the Question.The figures for the years 1938 and 1939 (excluding readmissions to British nationality) are as follow:1938.—Germans 293, Austrians 53, Poles 63, Russians 229.1939.—Germans 390, Austrians 129, Poles 102, Russians 250.The figures for 1940 up to 16th September are Germans 200, Austrians 34, Poles 54, Russians 78.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will relax the restrictions imposed upon American citizens resident in this country who are engaged in commerce or in any way assisting the Allied cause?

I agree that a liberal policy should be followed in granting exemption from the aliens restrictions to citizens of the United States and steps have been taken to this end.

asked the Attorney-General whether he has considered the observations of Mr. Justice Humphreys in dismissing applications for leave to appeal by Marie Louisa Auguste Ingram and William Swift; and why these two persons were not indicted under the provisions of the Treachery Act, 1940?

The offences charged here were committed before the Treachery Act, 1940, became law, and therefore no question of proceedings under that Act arose.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the difficulties of butchers in obtaining an adequate supply of skilled craftsmen to carry out various operations which are essential for the distribution, if the rationing scheme for meat is to function successfully; and whether he will revise the schedule of reserved occupations with a view to overcoming these difficulties?

In consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food I have kept this matter under review. Butchers and cutters are reserved at age 30 and slaughtermen at age 25. I am not satisfied that reservation at lower ages would be justified.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can now state when legislation will be introduced requiring that the difference between the remuneration of a conscientious ojector in civil employment and the value of a soldier's pay and rations should be paid into a central fund and devoted to some special purpose?

No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, prior to the introduction of his next Budget, he will consider appointing a committee to investigate the possibility of imposing a form of Excess Profits Tax on incomes based on war increases, as compared with incomes for any one of the three years prior to the commencement of the war?

I have duly noted my hon. Friend's suggestion in connection with further Budget proposals, but I do not think the appointment of a committee would be an appropriate or convenient course.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will cancel all Income Tax demands on property evacuated or closed by Government order until such times as the Order is no longer in force?

I could not adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion. Any question of relief from or postponement of payment of Income Tax, Schedule A, must be determined by reference to the facts of the particular case concerned. If the property is void and no rent is payable relief would automatically be given.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider the compilation of statistics each month showing the average damage to houses, with the object of forming some reliable up-to-date estimate of the eventual compensation required to meet such losses?

My hon. Friend may rest assured that arrangements have been made in connection with the Government's scheme for compensation for war damage to record carefully the damage caused to house property.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government, in assessing compensation at the end of the war to meet or help to meet damage to house property, is at least formulating its advance estimates on fully covering the charges likely to be made by local authorities for repair work carried out by them under the Civil Defence Act?

I am not quite clear exactly what difficulty the hon. Member has in mind, and I am communicating with him.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now able to give the full reply, indicated in his letter of 10th July, to the hon. Member for Swansea, East, upon the possibility of making the bridge for dock workers and other authorised persons available at St. Thomas, Swansea?

This has been considered by the military authorities, the port security officer and the railway company, who are all of the opinion that as the footbridge crosses the whole of the approach roads to the docks it should not be reopened. It is proposed to re-open the bridge when the war is over.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the attitude of certain branches of the joint stock banks throughout the country, whereby they have forcibly sold securities lodged against an overdraft without permission from the courts, he will give the necessary publicity to ensure that overdraft holders are made aware that they are protected by the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, as many clients of the banks are ignorant of this?

I have no information which suggests that the banks have forcibly sold securities in contravention of the Courts (Emergency Powers) Acts and I do not think it necessary to take any special steps to add to the publicity which has already been given to the provisions of those Acts. As I have already informed the House, careful inquiries which I have made have satisfied me that the banks are adopting a sympathetic attitude towards borrowers whose circumstances have been adversely affected by the war.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in relation to the fact that, in February, 1940, there was £53,000,000 outstanding from agricultural borrowers to the joint stock banks, he can now state what percentage of this amount outstanding relates to moneys borrowed at 5 per cent. in the year 1930; and whether, in this connection, he has taken into account the rates of interest on Government securities in 1930 and the present day?

I regret that information about bank advances to agricultural borrowers in 1930 is not available. I would suggest that owing to the fluctuating nature of such advances, comparison between figures for 1930 and the present time would not be of any practical value.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will, for the duration of the war, remove the statutory prohibition on the use of billiards rooms in licensed houses on Sundays, having regard to the increasing demands of members of His Majesty's Forces who wish to use such billiards rooms and who, being unable to do so, are forced to go to undesirable places where such facilities are available?

I have not hitherto received any representations on this sub- ject and I am not satisfied that it is desirable to make this alteration in the law.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make arrangements by which the dependants of German and Italian anti-Fascists lost on the Steamship "Arandora Star" can be maintained without resource to appeal for public assistance?

It is open to these persons to apply to the Assistance Board for assistance under the scheme for the prevention and relief of distress.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the desirability of not treating people who live in British Mandated territories as aliens; and what is the reason for so regarding them?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 18th September to a Question by the hon. Member for Consett (Mr. D. Adams).

asked the Minister of Labour why the number of persons unemployed in the dock, harbour, etc., service in the Greenock area, as at 15th July, 1940, was more than double that for the preceding month?

The increased unemployment in the docks and harbour service at Greenock at 15th July was due to a falling off in the number of ships arriving in the port. This was only temporary and unemployment again fell to a low level within a few days.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the resolution passed at the last quarterly meeting of the Methodist churches in Greenock, dealing with the sale of alcoholic liquor and urging the Government to take certain steps in regard thereto, a copy of which was forwarded to him by the hon. Member for Greenock; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

I have noted the terms of the resolution referred to, and, as indicated in the reply I gave to the hon. and learned Member on 6th August, a careful watch is being kept on the situation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the numbers of old age pensioners and widows with pensions under the Contributory Pensions Acts in the first week of July, 1940, and those of non-contributory pensioners as at 31st March, 1940, respectively, in the Greenock area; how many applications for supplementary pensions were received from these pensioners; how many of these applications were granted; what was the average amount of the supplementary pensions granted; how many appeals were intimated against the determinations as regards supplementary pension; and how these appeals were disposed of?

As statistics of contributory pensions are not kept on a geographical basis I am unable to supply the information requested in the first part of the Question. There are 476 non-contributory pensioners in the Greenock area, of whom 55 are in receipt of blind pension. In the Greenock Area of the Assistance Board 1,565 applications for supplementary pensions were received up to 16th August, in 1,136 cases supplementary pensions were awarded and in 429 cases pensions were refused or the application withdrawn. Information is not available as to the average amount of supplementary pension paid in each of the Board's areas but the average for Scotland was about 8s. 9d. and I have no reason to think that the figure for Greenock would be markedly different. During the period ended 30th August, notice of appeal against the determinations was given in 50 cases. In 37 cases the Tribunal confirmed the determination of the Board's officer and in six cases a substitute determination was made by the Tribunal. The remaining seven appeals were, at that date, awaiting hearing.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he is aware that under the war-time pilot regulations many ships on the Thames are being entrusted to inexperienced pilots; that the pilots themselves were not adequately consulted about these regulations; that there is considerable discontent among the pilots about their operation; and whether he can review the whole matter?

I am informed by the Trinity House that ships in the Thames are not entrusted to inexperienced pilots, and that the modification made as a war measure in the employment of "choice" pilotage, which has caused some dissatisfaction on the part of a few former choice pilots, was necessary if the appointment of a considerable number of additional temporary pilots was to be avoided.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any statement to make on the outbreak of paratyphoid in parts of Lancashire?

During the first eight months of this year, 233 cases of enteric fever have been notified in Lancashire. The information received indicates that the disease is mainly paratyphoid fever. There have been a number of outbreaks, but none of them considerable. The largest numbers have been in Liverpool, Manchester, Chadderton, Farnworth and Bolton. In spite of careful investigations the exact sources of the outbreaks have not been traced, but there is little doubt that the causes of infection were articles of food contaminated either by a carrier or an ambulant person suffering from the disease. There is no evidence that infection has been conveyed by water or milk or associated with changes in population. The incidence of enteric fever in Lancashire has not been greater than in the country as a whole.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that during and after the last war advances resulting in now well-established therapeutic procedures were made in the psychological treatment of war neuroses; that at the Royal Southern Hospital, Liverpool, working under the Emergency Medical Service, two medical officers, because of the obstruction they have encountered in applying these methods, have resigned as a protest against the attitude, both of the director of the unit concerned and of the consultant adviser in neurology of the Ministry; and will he cause full inquiry to be made as, otherwise, these methods will encounter a set-back, psychiatrists will be discouraged from undertaking these posts and the recovery of patients suffering from these neuroses will be gravely prejudiced?

I am aware of the advances made during and after the last war in the treatment of war neuroses, but am informed that the best method to be adopted in individual cases is still uncertain. I am informed that there have been differences of opinion between the two medical officers referred to and the director, but am advised by my consultant advisers that the methods applied by the director are such as to secure proper facilities for treatment of the Service and civilian patients coming within the emergency scheme. I should therefore not be justified in intervening as suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health whether a widow over 60 years of age, in receipt of a pension under the Royal Warrant, is considered for the award of a modified old age pension under Section 53, Clause 3 (a), of the National Health Insurance and Contributory Pensions (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1939; and, in this event, is she disqualified from receiving sickness payments from her approved society?

If a widow between the ages of 60 and 65, who is insured in her own right and in receipt of a pension under the Royal Warrant, claims and is awarded an old age pension by virtue of the provisions of Section 14 (3) of the National Health Insurance and Contributory Pensions (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1939, she will not be entitled to receive- sickness payments from her approved society.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in determining the needs of a household where an application is made for supplementary pension, it is his intention that the cost of living bonus of 1s. 6d. for an adult should be allowed in the case of all persons over the age of 16 years in the household; and, if so, will he make such intention known to all appeal tribunals as doubt has arisen in some quarters where they have refused to give a decision on this point?

The Regulations provide that the 1s. 6d. cost of living addition is to be given in the case of the pensioner, the husband or wife, and any other dependants of the pensioner and so far as the Board are aware this is done. If, however, the hon. Member has any particular case in mind and cares to let me have particulars, I will have inquiries made, with a view if necessary to clarifying the point with appeal tribunals.

asked the Minister of Health the number of applications made for supplementary pensions in the county borough of West Ham; how many have been approved; how many rejected; and the average amount allowed?

I would refer the hon. Member to my answer to a similar Question addressed to me by the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne) on I7111 instant. With regard to the last part of the Question, the average amount for the country as a whole is 8s. 10d.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will waive the payment of a search fee in the case of a certificate of death of a member of the Forces or a civilian killed through enemy action provided such certificate is applied for within two months of the registration of death?

The Registrar-General has already advised the councils and registrars who are entitled to receive such fees that it would be a reasonable concession on their part to waive the search fee on an application for a certificate of the death due to war operations of a member of the Armed Forces, if applied for within one month of the registration of the death. It is proposed to give similar advice in the case of deaths due to war operations of civilians. There is however no power to compel the waiving of statutory fees by the authorities or persons who are entitled to receive them.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the stoppage of Post Office work during the period of an air-raid warning, people handing in telegrams can be warned of the delay entailed?

The recent period of heavy delay in telegraph traffic was not due to the cause suggested. The transmission of telegrams has never stopped during air-raid warnings but has been necessarily curtailed during periods of danger. It would not be practicable to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion in view of the constant changes in the situation all over the country. The public have already been informed of the position in general terms and have been requested to limit their use of the system to really important messages.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether facilities are now available to enable parcels to be sent to British prisoners of war in Germany; and what is the procedure necessary in order to send letters to prisoners of war?

I have been asked by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War to answer this Question. Parcels of food and clothing are at present being despatched by the British Red Cross Society to British prisoners of war in Germany. Parcels cannot be sent by relatives but I hope that it will shortly be possible to permit the next of kin of each prisoner to post a "personal" parcel each quarter. Letters can be posted in the ordinary way and postage should not be prepaid: the address should include full particulars of the internment camp as notified to the next of kin and should bear the words "Prisoners of War Post" and their German equivalent "Kriegsgefangenenpost" in the top left hand corner. A leaflet giving up-to-date information as regards correspondence for prisoners of war abroad will shortly be issued by my Department.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can give any information concerning the Granby Copper Mine at Princeton, Canada; whether he is aware that this company renewed a contract in June, 1940, with the approval of the Canadian Government, whereby Mirsui and Company, Limited, in Japan, have agreed to purchase all the copper this mine can produce for the next three years; and whether the British Government were in any way consulted as to this contract?

No part of the United Kingdom's supplies of copper is drawn from this mine and I have no information as to the arrangements for the disposal of its output. The mine is owned, I understand, by United States interests.