asked The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to whether the oil wells in Rumania were damaged before the arrival of German troops?

I am not in a position to make a statement on this subject.

Surely it has been obvious for many weeks how Rumania was going and it should have been our duty to take steps to put these wells out of action?

I think the hon. and gallant Member is jumping to a conclusion.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that these wells will be bombed and destroyed at the earliest possible moment?

asked The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the German domination of Rumania, His Majesty's Government will now break off relations with that Government with a view to including it in the blockade?

For the past few months, and since it became apparent that Rumania was coming increasingly under German domination, His Majesty's Government have ceased to maintain normal relations of trade with Rumania.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me how much we have been let in for in Rumania in terms of hard cash?

I should require notice of that Question.

asked The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the countries in which associations of Free Frenchmen under General de Gaulle are being organised to defend liberty and democracy; and whether the British Government is rendering all assistance in its power and approves of such developments?

National Committees acting in close co-operation with the Free French Forces have already been established in Brazil, the Argentine, Uruguay, Chile, Mexico, the United States and Egypt, and also in Canada, Australia, South Africa and Mauritius. Representatives of General de Gaulle are engaged in setting up National Committees in a number of other countries. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say anything about the nature of the political support which General de Gaulle is receiving in this country from Free Frenchmen?

That is a separa to question.

asked The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, before an exit permit to leave this country is granted to well-known writers, any undertaking is required from them that they will not engage in propaganda or make statements inimical to the national war effort; and whether any such undertaking was given my Mr. H. G. Wells before he went to the United States of America?

I have been asked to reply. Any person who applies for an exit permit to enable him to travel to the United States for the purpose of giving lectures is required, before an exit permit is granted, to give an undertaking that he will return to this country forthwith if required to do so by His Majesty's Ambassador. This requirement has been recently imposed, and the undertaking was not required in the case of Mr. H. G. Wells, who was granted an exit permit before the new requirement came into force.

Is my hon. Friend aware that a well-known United States Senator, who is a great friend of this country, has publicly protested against the statements of Mr. Wells in the United States as being calculated to do harm to the British cause in the United States, and will he have an inquiry made at once of the British Embassy in Washington as to whether or not these charges brought by Senator Vandenberg are justified?

The right hon. Gentleman will realise that the general policy is to permit elderly persons and others who can render no useful assistance to the war effort to proceed overseas, and the permit office had a very difficult task to perform. Inquiries in this matter are still proceeding in conjunction with my right hon. Friend at the Foreign Office.

I would like to give notice that on the first Motion for the Adjournment on which I can catch Mr. Speaker's eye, I shall raise this matter and debate it.

asked The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can yet make any statement as to the progress of the negotiations with the United States of America and other Governments concerning the Pacific defences?

Not yet, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, as the names of the staff employed in A 1, 6 of the Air Ministry were recently published by a London evening newspaper, he will now give the House the information relating to these officers recently asked for by the hon. Member for Colne Valley?

No, Sir. I have nothing to add to the answers I gave to the hon. Member on 24th July.

If these names are published, why should they be withheld from this House? Have the Ministry something to hide?

No, we have nothing to hide, but we do not want to tell the enemy the names of those who are engaged in this Department. The fact that an evening paper gave what purported to be the names of some of the members of the staff does not mean that we should give the hon. Gentleman full information, which we should have to do if we were to reply fully to his Question.

These men carry officer's rank. Why should they do so when they are doing civilian work?

The hon. Gentleman asked whether we would give the names of the members of the staff. He is now raising quite a different question.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider granting station commanders power to issue free return railway warrants to any destination in Great Britain, as also special petrol rations to both flying officers and sergeant pilots, whenever they think fit?

Commanding officers have power to issue to officers and airmen serving under them free return railway warrants for two journeys a year to any place in the United Kingdom. As regards petrol, they may issue to them coupons for leave journeys in addition to their ordinary allotment when other means of transport are not reasonably practicable. Under similar circumstances members of the crews of operational aircraft can obtain additional coupons for leave up to 250 miles in any one month. In addition, petrol rations are issued for other purposes at the rate of 300 miles twice a year. I can assure the hon. Member that the desirability of making special provision in this respect for aircrew personnel is well appreciated, and in consultation with my hon. Friend the Secretary for Petroleum, I have been reviewing these arrangements with a view to increasing these amounts.

Would the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that these officers' wages, salaries or pay are not nearly enough to enable them to travel to far distant homes as frequently as they would like, and will he see that they are given more than two railway passes a year at the discretion of the station commanders, or will he consider the suggestion?

I will certainly consider the remarks of the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of men and women employed at the Department of Civil Aviation and Air Registration Board, respectively; how many of both sexes are of military age; and the annual cost of their salaries?

The staff of the Department of Civil Aviation numbers 165 men and 172 women. The annual cost of their salaries is £78,000. The number of men between the ages of 18 and 41 is 65 and the number of women 56. Eleven of the men are liable or will be after 31st October next for calling up under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act, 1939. Thirty-one of the women are between the ages of 20 and 30. The staff of the Air Registration Board numbers 19 men and seven women. The annual cost of their salaries is £9,900. Ten of the male staff and five of the female staff are between the ages of 18 and 41. Three of the male staff are liable for calling up. Of the seven women, four are between the ages of 20 and 30.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a considerable shortage of clerks in the Army, the Air Force and in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, and, in view of the fact that much of the work in this Department is redundant, might it not be advisable to start reducing the staff?

Considerable reductions have been made in the staff of this Department, but I could not accept my Noble Friend's contention that this Department is redundant, in that the Registration Board are doing valuable work, and the percentage of miles flown by civil aviation is 94 per cent. as compared with the pre-war year.

But civil aviation is run by B.O.A. directly under the control of the Air Ministry, and this Department has no part to play except to act in an advisory capacity.

The Civil Aviation Department is part of the Air Ministry.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many Air Ministry contracts in Scotland have been submitted for tender to Scottish and English firms; and how many contracts in Scotland have been given to firms without being submitted for tender?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's Question is that since the beginning of the war 18 civil engineering and works contracts have been let to Scottish firms and 18 to English firms. Three of these were let on single tender.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the use of the Dover lifeboat has been suspended on the advice of the Admiralty, and for what reason?

The rescue work undertaken by naval vessels at Dover has reduced the need for the services of the lifeboat, and the naval authorities have, therefore, asked the Royal National Lifeboat Institution to consider whether she could be employed to better use elsewhere.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that local police forces will not notify relatives of men of the Royal Navy who have been drowned and whose bodies have been recovered; that the consequent delay before the relatives are informed by the Admiralty leads in most cases to the relatives being unable to attend the funeral; whether in such cases the relatives will have their expenses paid to visit the grave; and whether he will take steps to ensure that the relatives are notified immediately on bodies being identified, with a view to minimising the distress consequent upon such circumstances?

Local police cannot have information as to the nearest relative or friend whom the man has nominated as his next-of-kin, but whenever it is possible to do so the naval authorities inform the next-of-kin of the funeral arrangements in time to enable them to attend. The hon. Member will appreciate that this is not always possible in war time, and in such cases two travelling warrants may be issued on application to the Admiralty, to enable the next-of-kin and one other to visit the grave, if they are unable to afford the expense of the journey.

Is the Minister aware that, arising out of this Question, I have received further communications from relatives who have been in this position; and will he take every step to see that whatever is possible is done to ensure that relatives are advised of the time of the funeral?

Yes, Sir; I give that assurance.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that 6d. popular hooks on India and selected extracts from the OFFICIAL REPORT have been forbidden importation into the West Indies; and whether he will take steps to secure the removal of the ban on publications freely purchased in this country?

I have no information that the importation of any such books has been prohibited in West Indian Colonies. If my hon. Friend will send me particulars of the instances he has in mind, inquiries will be made of the Colonial Governments concerned.

May I take it that my hon. Friend feels that if a "Penguin" book can be published and read in this country it should be possible for it to be published and read in the West Indies, and that there should be no discrimination between this country and the West Indies?

I know of no such discrimination. If my hon. Friend knows of any, perhaps he will give me particulars.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will review the financial provisions for the Government control of railways specified in Cmd. 6168; and whether he is able to indicate to the House the nature of any alternative proposals he intends to make?

As I have already explained, in reply to the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander), it is now necessary to take into account recent developments, including the statement made by the Prime Minister on 8th October regarding the Government's plan for war damage, and I regret, therefore, that I am not at present in a position to make any statement.

Is the Minister aware of the increasing volume of criticism as to the way in which this agreement is now operating, and of the growing demand for the public ownership and control of the railways?

I am quite aware of what my hon. Friend has brought to my attention.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now announce the terms of the Report of the Charges (Railway Control) Consultative Committee on the matter of increased railway costs; and what steps he proposes to take?

I regret that I am not yet able to make any announcement on the matter, but I hope to be in a position to do so very shortly.

Does that mean that if I put down a Question for this day week, the Minister may be able to make a statement?

I think so.

Does the Minister understand the disquiet of the public on this question, and will he keep the matter under consideration?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has made any arrangement to engage Army lorries for passenger transport during periods of emergency in the London area?

Sufficient ordinary public service vehicles are available and are providing all possible services, and I do not consider that any need has arisen for the step suggested by my hon. Friend.

Will the Minister at least consider the idea if he finds any cases of shortage of public vehicles? Is he aware that in some cases thousands of travellers have had to wait for vehicles to carry them?

I will certainly bear in mind what my hon. Friend says, and I will get into touch with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War; but my hon. Friend will realise that this is a slippery slope.

Is the Minister aware of the very great difficulties that masses of people have in getting home in the evenings? In these circumstances, will he not sanction the use of the very large number of motor coaches at present lying idle in London garages?

I will certainly look into that straight away, but the general congestion of the roads has to be considered.

Is not congestion in the London streets far less than it was before the war?

It depends where.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will institute a limited system of free railway passes for relatives who desire to visit evacuated women, children and elderly parents; and whether he will enable members of Air-Raid Precautions and Auxiliary Fire Service and similar services to secure free railway passes or reduced fares on the days they are exempted from duty?

As regards the first part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health to my hon. Friend on 15th August. On the second part, I would suggest that my hon. Friend should inform my right hon. Friend the Minister of Home Security of the circumstances in which he considers that A.R.P. workers and those engaged on similar duties should be given free passes or reduced fares, as any such concession would fall to be paid for out of public funds.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that evacuation facilities are not yet universally known; and whether he will arrange for posters and clear information about all these facilities, as they at present exist in the area, to be exhibited inside all public shelters where space for display is available?

Facilities for the evacuation of school children have been widely published in the Metropolitan area. There are numerous registration centres and the facilities are well known to parents. The planned evacuation of mothers and children from London was at once made known by the London County Council, as evacuating authority, to their dispersal officers and to the Metropolitan borough councils and other evacuating districts concerned, who were asked to arrange for the immediate display of posters in rest centres, large public shelters, and other strategic points. Further facilities have recently been authorised for the evacuation of mothers and children and certain additional groups who can make their own arrangements to be received elsewhere, and these facilities are also now set out in poster form in shelters and other suitable places. The London County Council have also just issued very widely a comprehensive circular to enable all those to whom inquiries are addressed to know exactly what advice they should give regarding the facilities now afforded under the Government evacuation scheme. My right hon. Friend will do everything possible to ensure that any fresh facilities which may become available from time to time shall be made as widely known as possible.

Will my hon. Friend request the London County Council to entrust the important matter of drafting and designing these posters to someone who really understands publicity; and is she aware that the newest poster on evacuation has no persuasive power whatever, and that its information power is not all that it ought to be?

I think that my hon. Friend will agree that that poster is published from the point of view of information. I agree that more persuasion should also be used, but if the hon. Member and other hon. Members will assist us, perhaps the persuasion can be done better personally than by poster.

asked the Postmaster-General what arrangements have now been made for carrying on the work in London central post offices during the alert, and whether their doors are now open during this period?

The general arrangement now in force in the Post Office is that normal business should continue during the alert period until danger is imminent. At large offices a roof spotter system is in force to give warning of imminent danger; but in smaller offices, the decision in the matter must necessarily be left in the hands of the local controlling officer.

Does that apply to the main post offices in London—Mount Pleasant and others—and are the doors of those post offices now open for business during the alert period?

What I have said applies generally to all the offices to which the hon. Member refers. During the alert period the doors of those offices are open until imminent danger arises.

Does this apply to all offices, or does the local controller have the right, to decide whether offices shall be closed?

The local controlling officer has the responsibility of saying whether a period of imminent danger exists which would justify closing the offices; but the general rule is, as I have stated, that during the alert period the offices are open.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the effect psychologically upon people all over the country, when an important Government office closes immediately an air-raid warning goes, while ordinary people are expected to go on working? Is the decision left to the local controller?

No, Sir. The general rule is to have offices open during the alert period. That rule is generally followed. During a period of imminent danger an office is closed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that very often imminent danger occurs before the alert is sounded?

Yes, that is a risk that we must run.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that public opinion regards his Department as the one which has failed in the present emergency?

That is rather a larger question.

asked the Minister of Health what arrangements exist for cooperation between emergency rest centres and the nearest first-aid posts when homeless people at the rest centres need slight nursing attention?

The officers in charge of rest centres have been instructed to make themselves aware of the address of the nearest first-aid post. In London there is a nurse available at short notice for any centre at which she may be required during the day, and at night a nurse is regularly in attendance in the majority of the centres. Instructions are being issued that similar arrangements should be made throughout the country.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what compensation is available to the owners of agricultural and other horses, respectively, which may be killed or wounded during air raids?

Under the Government's exist- ing compensation scheme, compensation in respect of livestock, including horses, is assessed on the basis of full market value at the time of the loss and is payable at the end of the war on the highest possible scale compatible with the financial resources of the country at that time.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any estimate can yet be made of the damage done to agricultural property and buildings during air raids; and what steps are being taken to restore such property as rapidly as possible in the interests of food production?

The acreage of agricultural land which has been rendered temporarily uncultivatable owing to enemy action is infinitesimal compared with the total acreage under crops and grass in this country while the damage to buildings has been relatively insignificant. As regards the repair of farm buildings and plant damaged by enemy action, my right hon. Friend is prepared, on the recommendation of the War Agricultural Executive Committee for the county concerned, to consider action under the Essential Buildings and Plant (Repair of War Damage) Act, 1939. The question whether damage to agricultural property generally can or should be covered by insurance falls to be considered in connection with the larger question of insurance against war damage applicable to all classes of property which is at present receiving the attention of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that persons in dwelling-houses have been charged and fined for showing lights; that they have stated in evidence the material used for black-out purposes has been sold to them on the assurance that it fulfilled the regulations required for black-out; and will he take steps to prevent the public being imposed on?

At the request of my Department a specification for the obscuration value of curtain material was issued in November last by the British Standards Institution for the guidance of manufacturers and purchasers. No guarantee can, however, be given that any material will ensure compliance with the regulations since this must also depend on the manner in which the material is used.

Cannot the Home Office take some steps to protect the public? Poor people buy this stuff in the belief that it will fulfil the requirements of the law and then find that it does not.

I think the case in question was in the hon. Member's constituency, and there the offence depended upon the use to which the material had been put and not upon the material itself.

Will the hon. Gentleman have inquiries made as to what extent this stuff is a protection against bombardment and what is the purpose of the black-out during raids?

Why does not the Home Office look at the newspapers and see the advertisements there and advise the public against certain articles being sold? Is it not a fact that the Ministry is anxious to protect profit makers?

It is not true to say that the Ministry is anxious to protect people who wish to make a profit out of false material. Every effort is made to secure that the public are correctly advised in this matter of material for black-out purposes.

That is not the point. It is no use sending out specifications. People should be warned.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has taken the necessary steps to ensure that supplies of essential domestic equipment such as oil stoves, heaters, thermos flasks, brickets, etc., shall be available for the civilian populations in the areas subject to intensive bombardment and at prices unaffected by the Purchase Tax?

A special investigation is being made by the Ministry of Health into the availability of auxiliary cooking and heating appliances, and if special measures are found to be necessary they will be taken. My right hon. Friend will examine with the Chancellor of the Exchequer the question of the application of the Purchase Tax to this type of article.

Could my hon. Friend say when the investigation will be brought to an end and whether we shall have a report?

The investigation is being conducted now and the matter will be taken up with the Chancellor of the Exchequer either to-day or to-morrow.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to answer the letter, dated 13th August last, from the hon. Member for the Colne Valley on the case of Dr. Neuwahl?

The necessary inquiries in this case have not yet been completed, but my right hon. Friend hopes to communicate with my hon. Friend at an early date.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to answer the letter, dated 15th August last, from the hon. Member for the Colne Valley on the case of Mr. Roose, No. 17487?

This was a case in which my right hon. Friend was not in a position to reply until inquiries had been completed. A communication was sent to him on 9th October informing him that the release of this man has been authorised.

asked the Home Secretary what recommendations have so far been made by the Asquith Committee on questions relating to aliens; and which of such recommendations have been accepted and put into force and which refused?

The recommendations made by the Asquith Committee which relate to categories of eligibility for release from internment have been accepted, and have either been embodied in the White Paper published in August or are being incorporated in the revised edition of the White Paper which will be presented to Parliament this week. One such recommendation is outstanding, in regard to which my right hon. Friend is in communication with the Committee.

Do I understand that with one exception all the recommendations have been accepted?

Yes, Sir. All those made so far, with the exception of one, which is still subject to discussion between the Home Office and the Asquith Committee.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will indicate the precise functions of each of the various Civil Defence and other Commissioners appointed in the London area?

There are three Regional Commissioners for Civil Defence in the London Region, the right hon. and gallant Member for Hornsey (Captain Wallace), Sir Ernest Gowers, and Admiral Sir Edward Evans. They may in certain circumstances assume the powers of Government; but in the meantime they are engaged in co-ordinating measures of Civil Defence in the London Region and are responsible for certain aspects of Civil Defence delegated to them by the Ministers of Home Security and Health. Admiral Evans is giving special attention to shelters. Two Commissioners for Special Purposes have recently been added to the London Region organisation; the hon. and learned Member for Croydon, North (Mr. Willink) has been appointed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health as a Special Commissioner to supervise the arrangements for the care and re-housing of persons rendered homeless and Sir Warren Fisher was appointed by my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council, when Minister of Home Security, as Special Commissioner to organise the clearance and salvage of debris and to facilitate the work of the authorities responsible for the restoration of roads and public utility services damaged by enemy action.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is great confusion in this matter, and could he not make things clear by publishing these particulars in a more detailed form, with the addresses of the Commissioners, so that people would know where they might apply?

I think the publication of the answer will be all that is necessary to clarify any doubts.

Will the hon. Gentleman make it clear where letters should be addressed, and where are the headquarters of each Commissioner, because that would be a great help to local authorities and the public?

Could we know what is the precise function of the Chief Regional Commissioner?

The senior Regional Commissioner was mentioned first, and he has general supervising functions over the whole of the London regional organisation.

Is it not the case that the Commissioners all have post-box addresses, like Farringdon 501, from which one can never get an answer?

Is it not a remarkable thing that not a single member of the Labour party has been appointed among all the Commissioners in London?

Members of the Labour party have been appointed Commissioners in other parts of the country.

Is it not remarkable that though London is largely governed by the Labour party, not a single member of the Labour party has been included in the recent appointments?

Is not the Home Secretary a member of the Labour party, and he governs the whole lot?

Does the hon. Gentleman consider it desirable that these appointments should be made upon a political basis?

Was not the appointment of the hon. and learned Member for North Croydon (Mr. Willink) a purely political appointment?

I think there can be no doubt that that was not the case.

On what basis are the appointments made?

Would it not be well that someone familiar with London local government should be appointed?

asked the Minister of Information what broadcasts are issued from or by this country for the information of residents in Syria, especially those who resent Axis domination?

Arabic-speaking and French-speaking residents of Syria can receive respectively two and five B.B.C. news bulletins daily, in addition to part of the general programme, which includes broadcasts daily in French by or on behalf of General de Gaulle and the feature "Les Francais parlent aux Francais." In addition, two bulletins in French and two in Arabic, transmitted daily by the broadcasting station of Jerusalem, can be received in Syria.

asked the Minister of Information whether he can make any statement as to our broadcasting arrangements for Spain for reception in day time?

During the day time, a 15-minute bulletin in Spanish is broadcast from four short-wave transmitters at 1.45 p.m. British Summer Time. A daily entertainment programme for Spanish listeners is planned for production shortly.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that short wave is not receivable on the majority of the receiving sets; and, since we have scuttled our only long wave-length, cannot we arrange for some wavelength to be used to reach Spain in daylight on the medium or long wave bands?

My hon. and gallant Friend will be aware that there is a very great demand on our limited transmitters, and that we have to make the most of them according to circumstances.

But this situation can easily be remedied. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking in that direction?

asked the Minister of Information how many wavelengths on the long wave and the medium wavebands were in use by this country at the start of the war; how many of all these are in operation now; and with how many enemy-operated broadcasting stations and on how many wavelengths on the long wave and the medium wavebands this country is in competition at the present time?

It would not be in the public interest to give the information for which my hon. and gallant Friend asks.

asked the Minister of Health by what amounts it is intended to increase the benefits and allowances paid under the National Health Insurance scheme and on what date?

There will be an opportunity to raise the question whether these benefits and allowances should be increased in the Debate which is taking place in the near future.

asked the Minister of Health on what date it is intended to increase the supplementary pensions in order to include an additional amount for the winter; and by what amount it is proposed to increase the supplementary payment?

The Assistance Board inform me that they have decided to exercise their powers under Regulation IV 4 of the Supplementary Pensions Regulations and to make temporary additions in appropriate cases to supplementary pensions payable in the calendar week beginning 4th November, 1940, until and including the week beginning 31st March, that is, for a period of 22 weeks. Every case will be looked at and each case dealt with on its merits. Officers will pay particular attention to cases where the pensioner (including in appropriate cases single persons providing their own fuel and light) has only his old age and supplementary pensions for the support of himself and his dependants, and also, where the pensioner is a member of a household with other persons not dependent on him, to cases where not less than one-half of the total income of the household is represented by the main and supplementary pensions. Where the officer decides that an adjustment is required, it is anticipated that an addition of 1s. in the case of a single applicant or 2s. in the case of a household of normal size and composition will meet requirements, but these amounts may be increased in the light of the circumstances of particular cases.

This is a good reply, but will the hon. Lady take steps to see that the Assistance Board officers administer this Act, and the terms of this reply, in a more generous way than has been the case up to the present.

Does the hon. Lady recognise that, by making the winter addition applicable only in cases in which more than half of the income in the household comes from the Assistance Board, she is again inflicting a further hardship by applying another means test to the people in the household?

If the hon. Member will read the answer—which, although the hon. Member for Stoke (Mr. E. Smith) said it is satisfactory, I am afraid is very long—he will see that this matter has been dealt with, but I think he will agree that at any rate the scale is meant to be generous and to take into account the exceptions which occur.

The hon. Lady has said that the winter addition is applicable only in those cases where more than half the income of the household comes from the Assistance Board, and surely that is not satisfactory, because in that case the smallest amount of income is taken as the basis for excluding the winter addition?

Is the hon. Lady aware that a good many old age pensioners are complaining about the manner in which they are being asked questions by the officers, and will she advise those officers to be more generous in the way in which they deal with these people?

I entirely agree with the hon. Member that we do not want these old people to be asked questions which are embarrassing, but if you want to be generous and give more in the cases that need more, then, you very often have to ask questions. It is a very difficult problem.

Will the hon. Lady take the opportunity of meeting hon. Members and explaining the implications of the reply to this Question, because it is extremely ambiguous and gives rise to grave fears?

I shall be very willing to do so. The difficulty is to make a statement at Question Time sufficiently full to give an outline without being able to discuss it with hon. Members, though, I think, if they read the answer, they will regard it as more satisfactory than appears from my reading of at.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of requesting the economic section of the League of Nations now at Princeton, United States of America, to study and report on the economic measures required for the transition period from war to peace in the period immediately after the war, and for general economic reconstruction in the post-war world?

This matter has already been considered, and I am informed that the delegation of the Economic and Financial Section of the League of Nations, now in the United States of America, will concern itself with post-war, as well as current, economic and financial problems.

Will the British Government keep in touch with the section concerned and do their best to stimulate them to produce a report?

Certainly, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether an inquiry has been instituted into the incident at Dakar; when he expects the report to be made; and whether it will be published?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to a Question on the same subject.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of issuing a fuller report to the public about this disgraceful incident, as there is a grave danger of there being doubt and mistrust as to the efficiency of our intelligence and the supreme direction of the war?

Cannot we be given an opportunity of discussing this matter in Secret Session and of hearing more about it?

I will bring the hon. and gallant Member's point to the notice of the Prime Minister.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this expedition was undertaken with the approval of the Admiralty or against the advice of the Admiralty?

Will the right hon. Gentleman also bring before the Prime Minister the idea of giving us a further statement in Secret Session? May I have a reply to that question?

The Prime Minister made his position perfectly clear on this point—that he did not consider it to be in the national interest that the matter should he discussed further at the present time.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make available for the information of Members of this House the terms and conditions forming the basis of union offered to the French Republic in June of this year?

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT the full text of the proposed declaration of Union which was published in the Press on 18th June.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will consider permitting the sale of wire netting for tree planting to woodland owners in proportion to the acreage which they undertake to plant?

Demands for wire netting for defence purposes and for protection of glass windows and roofs of factories are such that only a limited quantity of wire netting is available for the protection of private woodlands. The Board of Trade are responsible for the allocation of steel for this purpose and have made arrangements for the Forestry Commission to administer the quota on their behalf through the recognised forestry and analogous societies. In making allocations the Commission will take into consideration the acreage which each woodland owner undertakes to plant.

Does that mean that woodlands other than those owned by the Forestry Commission may also get an allocation?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he proposes to continue the annual payment of £221,400 to the British Metal Corporation for managing the non-ferrous metal control; if so, whether he will explain the justification of this sum, which amounts to guaranteeing the Corporation's pre-war level of profits, in view of the fact that the Corporation only exists for brokerage purposes?

I do not propose to interfere with the terms of the agreement under which the British Metal Corporation are operating the non-ferrous metal control. My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension in stating that these terms amount to guaranteeing the Corporation's pre-war level of profits. The annual fee is made up in the main of an allowance for the cost of staff and expenses incurred on account of the control and for the services of the company in putting their organisation and certain of their revenues at the disposal of the Ministry.

While the revenue concerned is about £90,000, there still remains something of the order of £150,000 which was paid in fees. Can the Minister justify that?

I have already said that in the main the fee is an allowance for the cost of staff and expenses incurred.

Is it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor offered to reconsider this at the end of the year? Has not the year nearly run out?

I have looked at the agreement, and I see no reason to interfere with its operation.

Does the Minister mean that the agreement stands for the duration of the war and will not be revoked?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is prepared to reconsider the decision not to grant an extra butter ration to tuberculous persons, in view of the fact that medical opinion stresses the need for extra butter for these persons?

The matter was recently considered by the Food Rationing (Special Diets) Advisory Committee of the Medical Research Council, and having regard to their recommendation, my Noble Friend feels that the decision referred to should stand.

Is the hon. Member aware that parents are so concerned about the lack of butter that they allow their children to have their own rations?

It is very difficult for the Ministry of Food to disregard the advice of the Medical Research Council, which we take upon all these matters. They advise us that the nourishing content of margarine is as good as that of butter.

Will the hon. Gentleman ask this Council again to consider the question of tuberculous people? They reconsidered the case of diabetics and found that they were wrong.

I will consider that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what action he proposes to take to control the price and distribution of onions?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the retail price of onions has risen from 6d. to 1s. per pound in certain areas; and whether he will take steps to prevent profiteering in the sale of an essential foodstuff of which there is an adequate supply?

I am aware that excessive prices have been charged for onions, but I cannot agree that there is an adequate supply or that an adequate supply can be made available in the near future. It is impossible, in these circumstances, to impose a fully effective control over distribution, but a Price Control Order will be issued at an early date, and in the case of imported onions the Ministry, as sole importer, will arrange for the imports to be distributed for first sales to the ports which are the normal centres of first sales and distribution.

May I ask my hon. Friend whether he is in consultation with the Minister of Agriculture so that steps may be taken if necessary to increase supplies in this country?

Yes, Sir. We are continually in touch.

Will the Ministry fix the price at once before it jumps again?

We hope to do so in the near future.

What about seeds-men who are asking for onion seed at the present time for next year's sowing?

Will the Ministry consider fixing the prices of nearly all the foodstuffs in the country? Bananas, for instance, are 3s. a dozen, which is disgraceful.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that under the National Milk Scheme for expectant and nursing mothers and children under five years of age parents are asked to complete a form every three months stating that the child concerned is under five years of age, and to obtain the signature of a doctor or similar responsible person; and, in view of the waste of time and labour involved for doctors, parents and the officials of his own Department, he will have this procedure altered so as to make the completion of these forms less frequent?

The procedure for the renewals of application and permits every quarter was imposed to provide a substantial check against the abuse of the benefits provided by the National Milk Scheme. The signature of a responsible person is necessary in order to vouch for the particulars given on the application form. A doctor forms only one of a list of persons who would be acceptable for this purpose. I am, however, having the position examined, in order to ascertain if it will be possible to make the permits valid for six instead of three months without prejudicing the safeguards necessary in the national interest.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that grave dissatisfaction exists in all rural areas at the distribution of sugar for jam-making through the medium of the women's rural institutes and the Women's Voluntary Service, as this system places members of these organisations in a privileged position and lends itself to many abuses; and whether he will arrange that all future sugar supplies for jam-making shall be distributed through traders and that purchases should be made by ration cards?

I cannot accept the hon. Member's suggestions that there has been any general dissatisfaction at, or abuse of the schemes for co-operative fruit preservation, which were operated by certain voluntary bodies this year at my Noble Friend's request. Representations on this point have, however, been received from a women's organisation in Scotland, and a conference has been held in my Department with their representatives. My Noble Friend has promised to give careful consideration to their views when plans are being formulated for the issue of sugar for household jam-making next season. While these plans are under consideration I cannot give the undertaking requested in the last part of the hon. Member's Question.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what causes the difference of treatment in respect of this matter in different districts in Scotland?

I really do not know, because it is operated with complete satisfaction in some districts and not with complete satisfaction in others; but I should like to make it clear that the scheme, of course, never applied only to members of these organisations.

asked the Minister of Labour, the number of persons on the live register on that date in September on which the figures were counted?

At 16th September there were 613,671 persons registered as wholly unemployed at Employment Exchanges in Great Britain. There were also 216,175 persons temporarily stopped or casual workers out of work on the day of the count.

Is there any truth in the suggestion that it is proposed to suspend the publication of the figures of unemployment?

None whatever.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he will publish the terms of any special agreement between his Department and the firm of George Wimpey and Sons, Limited, regarding royal ordnance factory work in Scotland?

There is no special agreement between the Ministry of Works and Buildings and the firm of George Wimpey and Company, Limited. The work is being carried out under contracts based on competitive tenders or extensions of such contracts.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this firm has received in Scotland more contracts without tendering than any six firms in the country, and that the impression has, therefore, gained ground in contracting circles that it has some preferential agreement with the Ministry?

There is no foundation for such an impression.

Will the hon. Gentleman's Department investigate the question of this firm receiving so many big contracts without going into competition with other firms who are equally capable of undertaking the work?

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that there is no publication in Turkey at present representing the British case in this war; and whether, in view of the propaganda activities of the enemy in that country, he will take immediate steps to remedy this deficiency?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. The Turkish Government do not permit Foreign Governments to print periodicals in Turkey, but every effort is made to ensure that the British case is properly stated in the Turkish Press and is fairly represented to the Turkish people.