asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what date the convent and other property held by the representatives of the Ethiopian Government and members of the Ethiopian Church in Jerusalem, prior to November, 1938, were restored to these owners?

The representatives of the Ethiopian Government and the members of the Ethiopian Church in Jerusalem have never been deprived of the properties in question and, therefore, no question arises of restoring them to their owners.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of certificates issued during the last six months enabling Jews to enter Palestine; the numbers already there of these; and from what countries the quota will be emigrated with the respective numbers from the same?

Five thousand two hundred and sixty-five certificates were issued to Jewish immigrants for the period April-September, 1940. It is estimated that, including wives and children, these certificates would permit the entry of about 8,700 persons in all. The number of Jewish immigrants who actually entered Palestine during the same period was 1,725. The 5,265 certificates were distributed among 36 countries. The major issues were: United Kingdom 1,400, Rumania 936, Lithuania 772, Hungary 610, Italy 326, Switzerland 242, Latvia 221, Yugoslavia 186, France 126. The validity of all immigration certificates granted for the period April-September has been extended to 31st December.

Is it intended to increase the quota during the ensuing six months?

That is another question.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many during that period came in without permission?

Not without notice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will invite the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to become officially associated with our own Government in arranging for the evacuation of British children, invalids and old people to places of safety overseas; whether it is possible to secure Union of Soviet Socialist Republics ships, as well as our own, for this purpose; and whether he will consider securing the co-operation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and other neutral Governments, for urgent humanitarian purposes?

While His Majesty's Government naturally welcome all offers of assistance on humanitarian grounds from neutral Governments and persons, they have never seen their way to invite the co-operation of any foreign Government in this matter. As the hon. Member will be aware, it has been found necessary to suspend overseas evacuation for the present.

Would not the Under-Secretary agree that one should secure co-operation between ourselves and certain neutral Governments on humanitarian grounds? Would that not be likely to have political and other benefits where a direct approach might fail?

I said that we would welcome all offers of assistance on humanitarian grounds.

Did we not seek the assistance of the American Government, and is that not a foreign Government?

I do not think we technically sought their assistance, although we are very grateful for anything that the American Government have been prepared to do.

Would not the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to try and overcome the technical difficulties?

I think that, in view of the last sentences of my reply, and because overseas evacuation has been suspended for the present, no further action can be taken. The value of the hon. Gentleman's observations, however, is fully realised by the Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any knowledge of the position with regard to the arrangements for the supply to Japan during the next six months, of oil by Dutch, British and American Oil Companies in the Netherlands East Indies; whether these were made with the knowledge and approval of the British Government; and whether the embargo imposed at Hong Kong against supplies of all kinds to China has now been lifted?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the large contracts of sale of oil from Dutch East Indies to Japan in which both British and American firms are concerned?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the sale by the combined oil companies of oil to Japan?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there is any understanding between Great Britain and the Dutch Government for the disposal of the raw products of the Dutch East Indies, and particularly as to the sale of oil?

I am aware that in connection with the visit of a Japanese Trade Delegation to Batavia discussions are taking place in regard to oil supplies from the Netherlands East Indies. According to my Noble Friend's information, no agreement has yet been reached and the negotiations are continuing. His Majesty's Government and the United States Government will continue to be kept informed of their general progress. Hon. Members will realise that the decision about the general character of any arrangements for the future rests with the Netherlands East Indies Government. There is no general embargo on supplies from Hong Kong to China. Restrictions imposed from time to time in the past two years on certain specified materials in the interests of the Colony have not been withdrawn.

In view of the fact that the Dutch Government is one of our Allies in this war and that Japan has joined our enemies, can we have an assurance that the British Government will use all the influence in their power to prevent this deal going through and further supplies of a warlike nature going to Japan?

I realise the importance of the point which the hon. Member has raised, but I must refer him to my answer, in which I said that any decision about the general character of the arrangement must rest with the Netherlands East Indies Government. But I can assure the hon. Member that His Majesty's Government and the United States Government are being kept fully informed and appreciate the importance of the transactions in progress.

Is that answer the best the right hon. Gentleman can do? Does he wish the world to understand that the last word in this matter comes from the Dutch Government? Does he not realise that the British and American Governments together have a veto at present on anything that the Dutch Government might wish to do in connection with supplies to Japan?

The Netherlands East Indies Government have sovereignty over the East Indies.

Will some representations be made by our Government to the Dutch Government on this point?

I can assure the House that there is complete contact between the Governments concerned and that they are keeping each other informed of the progress of the negotiations.

Have not the Government in this country a controlling say in the Royal Dutch Oil Company?

I beg to give notice that owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall call attention to this matter again at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Ambassador in Chungking has sent reports concerning the indiscriminate bombing of the civilian population in Chungking, Kunming and elsewhere in China; and whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to permit British companies to sell oil to Japan for the conduct of the war?

My Noble Friend is at present awaiting a report on civilian air-raid casualties in China. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I have just given on the present aspect of this question.

In view of Mr. Matsuoka's recent declaration that if Germany and Italy were in danger of being beaten, it would be necessary for Japan to help them, should not the Government now decide that the British-controlled companies should not sell oil to Japan, thereby avoiding our experience with Italy?

The matter is not quite so simple as the hon. Member makes out. The location of the companies in question and the countries in which they are situated must also he taken into consideration. I realise, however, the value of the suggestion made by the hon. Member.

Would it not be disgraceful if British finance was utilised for the purpose of providing oil for Japan? Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House a more explicit reply?

I think that if the hon. Member studies the intricacies of the subject and the location of the companies concerned, he will see in my reply the satisfaction he desires.

Would the right hon. Gentleman give myself and other hon. Members an opportunity of discussing this matter, so that we can be informed on the subject?

Most certainly; I think that will be very valuable.

Is not the best hope of avoiding war with Japan in the prevention of sales of oil to Japan and the purchase of oil by ourselves instead?

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he is aware that negotiations are taking place for the supply of oil to Japan by a number of Dutch and other companies, including a company in which there is substantial British control; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend is aware that such negotiations are taking place and is watching them closely.

Are we going to treat Japan as we treated Italy, and supply her with oil to use against us?

I think that the position was fully covered by the answers given earlier to-day by my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the Minister is in a position to deal adequately with this question?

It was pointed out earlier to-day that the arrangements must be made by the Government of Netherlands East Indies.

If this is a question of pre-emption will my hon. Friend ask his right hon. Friend to ask the Treasury for the funds required?

We are always very ready to ask the Treasury for funds.

Would the hon. Gentleman have been satisfied with the answer given by his right hon. Friend if he had remained on the back benches?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the irritation caused thereby, he will see that the words "military objectives" are left out of future communiqués, even at the cost of less precision?

I will consider the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion.

In view of the fact that the enemy has treated hospitals as military objectives, might it not be considered wise to house captured German airmen in our hospitals?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that members of the Royal Air Force who are billeted in private houses sometimes have to share a bed with male members of the household; and whether he will give instructions that all men billeted are to have a separate bed?

No such cases have been brought to my notice, and I shall be grateful for any specific information which the hon. Member is able to give me. I have arranged for attention to be drawn to the existing instructions on this point, which make it clear that separate beds should be provided.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the salary and emoluments now received by Prince Von Stahremberg, serving in the French Air Force; and whether they are being paid at present by His Majesty's Government?

Prince Von Stahremberg holds the rank of lieutenant in the Free French Air Force. He receives pay and allowances appropriate to his rank, which amount to £1 4s. 11d. a day. All expenditure on the Free French Air Force is met in the first instance from funds advanced by His Majesty's Government. Final settlement will be a matter for subsequent arrangement.

Is it not rather indecent that this man, who assassinated a democracy in Austria, should now be allowed to fight on our side and be paid by us in a war which is for democracy and against all that Stahremberg stood for?

I reject wholeheartedly the suggestion that to anyone who is willing now to risk his life in the air and fight in our cause we do not owe a debt of gratitude.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman in the least aware of this man's past?

I am aware of what this man is doing for us at present.

Is there any suggestion in the employment of Prince Von Stahremberg that we are going to impose him on Austria after the war?

Is it suggested that this gentleman is more worthy to fight for democracy than many internees in this country?

That is quite a different Question from that on the Paper. I think that this man, if he is willing to fight and to risk his life in our cause, deserves our gratitude.

Suppose his name was Stahremberg, instead of Prince Von Stahremberg, would that make any difference?

None at all.

Why will you not allow other aliens from Austria who hate Nazism to fight? You keep them in prison and allow a scoundrel like that to fight for democracy. I want an answer.

rose—

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the ages of the officers in command of the main units of the Fleet to-day, and give at the same time the ages of those in corresponding positions at the end of the last war?

The average age of the flag officers of the Home and Mediterranean Fleets at present is 54 years 7 months. The corresponding average in the Grand and Mediterranean Fleets in 1918 was 51 years. It should be remembered, however, that there were in 1918 many more commands for rear-admirals and commodores and that this accounts for the lower average age. I would also refer to the answer given on a similar subject by my right hon. Friend on 31st July.

That is not really an answer to my Question. I want to know the individual ages of commanders of individual commands.

I am prepared to let the hon. Member have the information.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the difficulties experienced by soldiers on long-distance trains owing to non-existent or necessarily limited restaurant accommodation, and the unsuitability of the meals and their prices to the needs of travelling soldiers; and whether he is prepared to arrange with the railways for the provision of substantial meal packages at cheap prices on such trains or at appropriate stations?

The railway companies, when they receive notice in advance from the responsible authority, already provide packed meals at reduced prices to parties of Service men, and I am consulting the Departments concerned as to the possibility of extending this arrangement to provide for sailors, soldiers and airmen travelling alone or in small parties. I will let my hon. Friend know the result of my inquiries. Apart from this, as I informed my hon. Friend the Member for West Lewisham (Mr. Brooke) on 8th October, canteens and refreshment rooms are available at stations to meet the needs of members of the Armed Forces.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that, on trains taking as long as 13 hours to reach their destination, individual soldiers gathered together may make up parties of as many as 60, 100 or 200 on one train and that it is extremely difficult for them to receive service at the canteen? If such packages could be provided, it would he a great convenience.

I am considering that.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the 4 o'clock from King's Cross to the North is a typical instance of this kind of thing? It is more like a cattle truck than a human train.

I am aware of that.

Will the right lion. and gallant Gentleman consult with the Secretary of State for War with a view to getting soldiers from the main railway junctions to their homes?

Would the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider having someone at the main termini to take a note of soldiers travelling individually and telegraph down the line, as people can do if they want to order refreshments en route?

That is one of the possibilities that I was considering.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider extending this to women and children?

asked the Transport whether he can now give the results of the circular letter which was sent out by the Ministry of Transport to the tollgate owners throughout the country in connection with the waiving of charges to the Home Guard and other members of His Majesty's Forces?

Ninety-two cases are known, and inquiries have been completed in 84 cases. In 30 of these the tolls are statutory and members of His Majesty's Forces, including the Home Guard, on duty, are exempted by the Army and Air Force Acts. The remaining 54 cases are private tolls, and in 50 of them the owners have agreed for the duration of the war to exempt members of His Majesty's Forces on duty, though in a few instances the question of compensation has been raised. In four cases exemption has been refused. In one, the tolls are part of a trust estate, and the trustees state that they have no power to grant exemption. In another, the owners state that exemption was granted, but was withdrawn owing to damage committed. In another, the road is of little use, being unfit for traffic heavier than motor cycles. In the other, an arrangement has been made with the local military command to charge special rates for military traffic.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman make every endeavour to bring these outstanding toll-gate owners into line and tell them that this is a national matter, and that the country will not stand for their small minor interests as opposed to the affairs of the services of the country?

The hon. Member will appreciate that we have solved the main problem and all that remains is to tidy up the details.

Will not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider whether these antediluvian arrangements could be abolished by Defence Regulations for the period of the war?

I think that would be difficult.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware of the toll imposed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on all motorists by more than 50 per cent. since the war started?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Regional Transport Commissioner in South Wales has issued an order to refuse petrol coupons to furniture removers in that area to go into other regions for the purpose of performing removals; whether he is aware that this action has strengthened the position of removers in bombed areas who have been profiteering; and whether he will remove this restriction?

The action taken by the Regional Transport Commissioner in this matter was designed to economise fuel and vehicles by securing better back loads, but I may say that the decision to which my hon. Friend refers was reversed on 14th October, since when supplementary fuel rations have been available to South Wales operators for carrying out removals from other Regions. I am prepared to investigate any specific instances of profiteering in furniture removals brought to my notice.

Is the Minister aware that a large amount of empty military transport is travelling about the country? While, of course, it may be difficult to co-ordinate that movement with civil transport, will he consider to what extent empty military transport could be used to relieve the transport of material and personnel throughout the country during the next few months?

I will explore it, but my hon. Friend will appreciate that it is very difficult; however, I will see what can be done.

What steps does the Minister propose to take to check profiteering when instances are brought to his notice?

We have dealt with several cases, and we have got the money back in one.

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?

The report of the committee is being printed, and copies will be available at the Vote Office within a few days. The committee's main recommendations are that no increase be made in the charges for season tickets, in workmen's fares, or in ordinary fares on the services of the London Passenger Transport Board except the coach services; and that other fares and charges be increased by approximately 6 per cent. The increase of 6 per cent., plus the 10 per cent. which came into force on 1st May represents an increase of 16⅔rds per cent. over pre-war charges. The Government have decided to accept these recommendations, and I shall make an Order accordingly.

Does this mean that the £46,000,000 of increased costs is not now to be secured by the increased charges? Has the Minister under review any subsequent reports, or any further recommendation in contemplation, for further increases?

Of the £46,000,000, the 10 per cent. charge looks after a certain amount, and this extra 6 per cent. clears it up. There is, of course, a lag because we did not introduce it earlier, but it should look after itself unless any untoward war damage comes along. As I have said in answer to another Question, the agreement is rather in the melting-pot by virtue of the new arrangement which the Prime Minister adumbrated with regard to war damage. That was wrapped up in the agreement, and the question will therefore have to be re-considered from rather a new angle.

Will the Minister give the House an opportunity of discussing these proposals before he actually makes the Order?

No, Sir, I am afraid the Government have decided on this increase. Of course, a general Debate could take place upon the report.

Surely a Debate is of no use if the proposals have been decided upon, because the House would not have an opportunity of discussing the rejection of them. Will the Minister give the House an opportunity to consider the proposals before they are accepted?

The position has already become bad because of the increasing lag which is occurring due to increases in costs. It is my duty to see that the railways are healthy, and I cannot allow the matter to drift on and the position to get worse and worse.

Did the Minister say "healthy" or "wealthy"?

Healthy.

Does the Minister realise that the travelling public are being given poorer facilities at a higher charge?

asked the Minister of Transport whether, for the duration of the war, he will consider arranging that all fare tickets shall be available at any time by any alternative method of travel in the London transport area; and whether he will arrange for cheap weekly season tickets to be available for the same alternatives?

To implement my predecessor's announcement of 8th September last, the railway companies and the London Passenger Transport Board have given instructions to their staff to allow passengers holding tickets available on services in the London area which are suspended or seriously impaired to travel by alternative road or rail services without extra payment. To avoid abuse, some discretion is allowed to the staff in the interpretation of these instructions. The effect of my hon. Friend's suggestion might well be to encourage unnecessary travel and to divert traffic from the normal services, when available, to emergency services. Both these courses must be avoided, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the matter is being closely watched.

Is the Minister aware that nowadays no one wants to travel unnecessarily, and, in these circumstances, does he not consider that this proposal would simplify the organisation and minimise the hardship caused to the travelling public?

I appreciate that, but we must get the travelling public on to their normal method of travelling as much as we possibly can. The hon. Member will appreciate that it takes 22 buses to equal one train, and 14 motor cars to equal one bus. Therefore, as much as possible, we must get the people back to the trains, and when they fail, then there is always the alternative.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the memorandum from the Scottish Seed Potato Trade Association regarding the disorganisation of seed potato transport; aid has he any statement to make?

I have obtained a copy of a memorandum circulated to Scottish Members of this House about the refusal of the railway companies to double-sheet wagons of seed potatoes. Owing to the shortage of wagon sheets to meet present requirements, a direction was issued on 26th August last prohibiting the double-sheeting of any traffic. All practicable steps are being taken to increase the supply of sheets, but until there are sufficient for all traffic requiring to be sheeted I am not prepared to except seed potatoes from the direction.

Has the Minister investigated the statement of this Association that there are thousands of workers idle who normally produced this sheeting which the railway companies could very easily obtain? Has he also investigated the charge that this transport is being thoroughly disorganised, and does he intend to inquire into this point?

The question of alternative sheeting is being explored, but my hon. Friend will realise that the chief supply came from the Low Countries. As an Irishman, I should like to see potatoes protected, but I do not see why these potatoes should have preferential treatment above everything else. One of the difficulties, as my hon. Friend knows, is the shortage of sheeting.

Has the Minister investigated the specific statement of this Association that there are 4,000 workers in Dundee unemployed who normally produce this sheeting? If so, does he intend to make any investigation in regard to it?

I will look into that.

If the Minister cannot allow these wagons to be double-sheeted, will he state what facilities he is going to introduce to protect these potatoes from frost in order to safeguard the food supplies of the country?

I shall have to refer that to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture. All I can say is that I cannot give preferential treatment to one particular commodity when there is such a shortage.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will consider the advisability of making arrangements to prevent telegrams being sent to neutral countries unless the person concerned has established his bona fides with the local police?

A suggestion similar to that proposed by the hon. Member has been fully considered on several occasions by all the Government Departments concerned. It was decided that any such measure would act in restraint of trade and lawful communication while not substantially increasing security.

Is the Minister aware that at the present time anyone can send a telegram to a neutral country, either in his own name or in a purely imaginary name? Is that not a most unsatisfactory state of affairs? Will he consider the question of a person, before he can send a telegram, having to satisfy some authority as to his bona fides?

This question is really a question of security. All those Ministries and Departments responsible for security have thoroughly investigated it on more than one occasion, and are satisfied that it would not be worth while introducing it.

As a Member who raised this question before, may I ask whether the Minister is aware that, although the Departments have investigated this question, many persons competent to form a good opinion are thoroughly dissatisfied with the results of the decision? Does he recognise that a telegram sent to a neutral country to-day, having regard to the ramifications of the German secret service, is a telegram sent to Germany, and will he have the matter reconsidered in the light of that fundamental principle?

I would remind the hon. Gentleman that all telegrams sent from this country are subject to censorship and are inspected by the authorities and very carefully investigated. If there are any grounds for suspicion that information is being sent to the enemy, steps are taken. This subject has been so often investigated that I cannot undertake to investigate it again.

Has it not been investigated on the basis of a prima facie censorship of telegrams and not with regard to the authenticity of the persons who sent them? Someone who merely looks at a telegram, prima facie, is not able to say whether it is in code or not.

No, Sir, the question has been considered from every point of view by the authorities most competent to form an opinion about it.

Could not the Government show the same energy in this matter of security as they have in rounding up aliens?

asked the Minister of Information why the time given to broadcasts in foreign languages has recently been reduced?

It was found essential to make certain adjustments in time to preserve the efficiency of broadcasts generally, having regard to the resources of the B.B.C. No foreign language service has been discontinued.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that Great Britain scuttled its only long wave length at the outbreak of war, and therefore operates no long wave length at all, while the Germans operate eight long wave lengths and that our foreign broadcasts reach only a sprinkling of listeners abroad in the countries intended, and that we are losing as a result every hour several thousand adherents to our cause?

As I have informed my hon. and gallant Friend on previous occasions, though the B.B.C. is working under considerable difficulties the reduction in the number of foreign broadcasts is very inconsiderable, and broadcasts in no language have been stopped altogether. I can assure the House that in the present situation every possible step is being taken to improve and to strengthen and to lengthen our broadcasts and our propaganda by broadcasts all over the world.

The puny broadcasting system is not capable of handling one-tenth the propaganda required.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any increased jamming of these foreign broadcasts?

Yes, there is a great deal of jamming of the foreign broadcasts.

Can the Prime Minister's speech to the French people which was interrupted by jamming the other night be re-broadcast from the disc recording?

It has been re-broadcast several times with, I think, satisfactory results. Although the broadcast was jammed in some places it was clearly heard in other places, both in this country and abroad, including France.

Since these broadcasts are being jammed, is not that the reason why we should have a large number of broadcasts on long wave lengths and powerful medium wave stations, on the basis that if some are blocked others will get through, as in the case of tanks, aeroplanes and other weapons of war?

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman agrees with the concluding sentence of the Supplementary Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Chatham (Captain Plugge) referring to the loss of many thousands of listeners?

I hope that is not true.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that, as from next year, the Brighton Education Authority is refusing to give grants for university education; that this has already resulted in a drastic decline in the number of children going into the sixth forms of the secondary schools, and to the deflection of these children into commercial courses; and whether he will consider producing a scheme for pooling the allowances made throughout the country for the purpose of higher education in order to produce greater equality of opportunity than now obtains?

I am not aware of any decision of the Brighton Education Authority such as that suggested. I will make inquiry into the matter and communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will consider making it possible for a person not dependent upon a soldier at the time of his enlistment to become so regarded on account of the death of the ones previously providing the necessary support?

The circumstances stated do not enable me to give a precise answer. Assuming that the case was not one in which the Service Department concerned could act, it might become a matter with which my Ministry could deal under the War Service Grants scheme. If the hon. Member has a specific case in mind and will communicate with me, I shall be happy to consider it.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases where no pension is being received the sons were allotting 75., and sometimes more, and that when they were killed the money was stopped?

I will bear that in mind.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether His Majesty's Government will grant a further export credit to the Chinese Government; and whether such credit will be made available for the purchase by China of oil from Burma?

Guarantees given under the Export Credits Scheme are regulated by the Export Guarantees Act, 1939, and the Overseas Trade Guarantees Act, 1939. The powers conferred by these Acts are only applicable to exports from the United Kingdom.

In view of the fact that the credits made available to China will be exhausted by the end of this year, would the right hon. Gentleman consider whether a further extension of credit from this country can be made available?

If an application is made by the Chinese Government, the matter will be considered.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the Government's policy in connection with the establishment of a Ministry of Building, in view of the urgent need for a comprehensive national scheme of demolition squads, clearing, planning, repairing and rebuilding?

asked the Prime Minister whether the newly appointed Minister of Works and Buildings will be vested with authority enabling him to recommend to Parliament amendments to the Restriction of Ribbon Development Act, 1935, of which Section 1 permits land to be sterilised for a contemplated road which may never be proceeded with; and, if it is, undue delay is incurred before a final decision is taken and compensation paid which in the meantime causes owners of land considerable inconvenience and financial hardship?

I would ask the hon. Members to await the statement which it is hoped to make on the next Sitting day.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been drawn to a statement made on 7th October by the counsel for a tradesman charged at Llanelly with supplying bacon to a customer without a coupon; that, if a tradesman had bacon not applied for by registered customers, he was required to destroy it, and that hundredweights of bacon were so destroyed in that town every week; and whether he will make clear what is the duty of a tradesman so situated with regard to bacon, or any perishable rationed commodity of which his registered supply exceeds his sale in a particular week?

Yes, Sir. My Noble Friend's attention has been drawn to the statement referred to, which was not supported by any evidence and is not in accordance with the facts. Retail traders are in a position to assess with considerable accuracy their requirements of rationed foods. If by any chance the retailer has a surplus of a perishable commodity, which cannot be held over the week-end, he can obtain authority from the Food Control Committee to dispose of it.

Will considerable publicity be given to that reply, because it is clear that a good many tradesmen are under the impression that they are obliged to destroy their stuff?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the difference in rations allowed as between soldiers billeted in private houses and the householders?

The amounts of the weekly rations allowed to soldiers billeted in private houses and to householders in which there is a difference are respectively; sugar, 16 ounces and 8 ounces; bacon, 8 ounces and 4 ounces; meat, 72 ounces and 2s. 2d. retail price.

Does the Minister think that a soldier requires so much more bacon than a collietr who has to get the coal to keep the country going?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now recognise the additional work and responsibilities falling upon post and district wardens by granting them rates of pay higher than that of ordinary wardens?

As indicated in the reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Duddeston (Mr. Simmonds) on 15th October, this question is now under examination.

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that this applies not to the wardens' service only, but to all Civil Defence services; and will he see that they are treated alike when this matter is put right?

Yes, the first-aid parties and the rescue parties are being considered in this connection.

asked the Home Secretary how many persons have been proceeded against since 24th July for making statements calculated to cause alarm and despondency; how many of these persons have been convicted; and how many of such cases are being, or will be, reviewed with a view to the modification of the penalty inflicted?

I presume that the hon. Member has in mind proceedings for offences against Defence Regulation 39BA. Such proceedings have been authorised by the Director of Public Prosecutions in 47 cases since and including 24th July last. Thirty of the persons concerned were convicted and sentenced, six were bound over and one was discharged under the Probation of Offenders Act. In the remaining 10 cases the results of the proceedings have not yet been reported. Four cases have been reviewed in consequence of representations made, but it was not felt that in any of them the circumstances called for any interference with the penalty imposed by the court. No further general review of such cases is in contemplation.

Can my hon. Friend say what were the maximum penalties imposed?

I am afraid I cannot, but the penalties, generally speaking, have been on a much lower scale than they were in the cases which were reviewed by my right hon. Friend.

In view of the fact that some time ago many of these cases had to be reviewed and the sentences reduced, is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that in similar circumstances harsh judgments are not being inflicted to-day?

My right hon. Friend has examined these cases and has come to the conclusion that no general review is called for.

Can my hon. Friend say whether Mr. H. G. Wells is to be prosecuted?

Does the Director of Public Prosecutions himself consider each individual case before prosecution is authorised, or is his consent automatically given on the application of the local police authority?

Each case has to be considered individually by the Director of Public Prosecutions.