asked the Secretary of State for Air whether there is any general rule excluding from all branches of the Royal Air Force men who, though British-born or naturalised citizens, are sons of aliens; and, if not, what is the regulation applying to such men?

No, Sir. British subjects of alien parentage may be commissioned or enlisted in the Royal Air Force if they are found to be suitable in all respects.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that some offices have been giving information to the contrary effect to persons in the category named?

No. Sir, I am not aware of that. The statutory peace-time disqualification was removed by Order-in-Council on 28th September last, and if the hon. Lady can give me particulars of any recruiting offices where this is not known, I will take the necessary steps to have attention drawn to it.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that there is considerable uncertainty as to the extent and conditions under which it is possible for aliens, whether belonging to Allied States or neutral countries, or friendly aliens of enemy origin, to join the Royal Air Force or any body auxiliary to it; and under what conditions such aliens can apply at recruiting offices with the hope that, if personally suitable, they will be accepted for enlistment, distinguishing, if necessary, between the three groups indicated?

Full information on the matters raised by the hon. Lady can be obtained at the combined recruiting centres. Any person of neutral origin, or a friendly alien of enemy origin, may present himself at a combined recruiting centre, and, provided that his bona fides can be established and he is in all other respects suitable, he may be accepted for service in the Royal Air Force for the duration of the war. Nationals of an Allied Power or of a country whose forces are serving in association with His Majesty's Forces are similarly eligible for entry in the Royal Air Force. These con- ditions also apply to recruitment to the Women's Auxiliary Air Force.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of meals a householder is expected to provide when an airman is billeted on a house and the payment is 10d. per night?

The rate of payment referred to by the hon. Member covers only lodging and attendance. If a householder is required to provide means, addiditional payment is made at prescribed rates.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will give an option to, and encourage, men recruited for training as wireless-observers or air-gnners, but whose calling-up is delayed, to volunteer for service on the ground staff of the Royal Air Force during their period of waiting?

It is already the practice to inform attested candidates for training as pilot, air observer or wireless operator/air gunner, who cannot be accepted immediately for air crew training, that they may volunteer for employment on ground defence duties in the R.A.F. until such time as their training for air crew duties commences. The majority of candidates do in fact volunteer.

If I give the Minister particulars of a case in which difficulties have been found, will he take action to facilitate the matter?

Certainly, Sir. I shall be glad to receive particulars of any case which the hon. and learned Gentleman wishes to bring to my notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Air where Prince von Starhemberg is serving at present; and what hours of flying service he had in France before seeking refuge in this country?

On grounds of security, it would not be in the public interest to disclose the location of any particular unit of the Allied Forces or the technical qualifications and experience of personnel serving therein at home or overseas. In view, however, of the interest which has been displayed in this particular case I would tell the House that the Free French Headquarters have informed my Department that this officer is now under orders for posting to a Free French overseas unit at an early date.

Are we to understand from that answer that he is no longer at the bar of the Ritz?

Is it consonant with the spirit of tolerance and fair play for the right hon. Gentleman to put questions like this?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the danger to this country arising from the fact that Prince von Starhemberg was a member of the Oberland Association, and is dependent financially upon his mother who is still in Austria, he will reconsider the pay and allowances made to him?

The pay and allowances of the officer referred to are those appropriate to his rank in the Free French Air Force, and I am not in a position to adopt the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion.

Is there not just the risk that if he gets up in an aeroplane, he will be taken over by Mussolini?

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that the chairman of the committee set up in Oxford in connection with the work of the Department has complained that no details are available of the Minister's proposed campaign in favour of the publication of the Empire's war aims; and when is it proposed to issue any further information which would help those committees in carrying out the Minister's object?

I have proposed no such campaign as that referred to in the Question The subject of war aims was dealt with in the Prime Minister's reply to the hon. Member for Nelson and Colne (Mr. Sit- verman) on 15th October, and in the Debate which took place on the Adjournment on the same day.

Has not the Minister any further information with regard to the statement on war aims which, he said the other day, the Government were considering?

No, Sir.

When will you have?

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that at the present time, this country uses only five wavelengths for Broadcasting, whereas Germany had 40 stations which, including the countries which she now occupies, has increased to over 100 stations, a great number of which are far more powerful than any of the British broadcasting stations; and as it is easier for people in England to tune-in to a German broadcasting station than to a British, will he give urgent and immediate consideration to the whole question of broadcasting?

The hon Member's comparisons between our own broadcasting resources and those under enemy control do not give an accurate statement of the position, but it is the case that Germans have a large preponderance of wavelengths at their command. The present system of transmission in this country has been designed to give the best possible service without at the same time affording valuable navigational aid to enemy aircraft. The fullest use and development of our wavelengths and stations, within the limitations imposed, is under constant review by the Ministry of Information, in consultation with the Air Ministry and the B.B.C., and we are all aware that there is scope for improvement. The German transmission is faced with similar problems and is frequently completely closed down.

Is the Minister aware that Greece is already complaining that all the wireless propaganda emanates from Germany and Italy; is it not also the fact that the B.B.C. services cannot reach Albania and Greece on the present broadcasting wavelength?

No, Sir, the last point is not the case. The B.B.C. can reach Albania and Greece; but it must be obvious to everybody that the Germans and Italians are in a very much better position to do so than is Great Britain, and that they have an opportunity of jamming our broadcasts. An attempt is made to reach the Near East from other stations.

Is not the Minister aware that the constitution of the B.B.C. precludes it from carrying out propaganda abroad and that, for the last 10 years, at international conferences it has urged that broadcasting should be for internal use only; therefore, that neither its machinery nor its equipment is satisfactory to carry out this type of work; and may I ask my right hon. Friend whether it will—

rose—

Will the Government make every effort in their power to increase our transmissions for foreign work, and in particular to Germany and the Baltic countries?

On a point of Order. May I not challenge a Minister upon his reply regarding the audibility of our broadcasting stations in Greece? The broadcasting hand channels at present used by the B.B.C. are not audible in the daylight in either Greece or Albania and at night can only be received on the most powerful sets situated in the most favourable positions.

The hon. and gallant Member can do so in a Supplementary Question, but he appeared to be making a statement and developing an argument, which can be done only in the course of debate.

I can assure the hon. Member for Derby (Mr. Noel-Baker) that we are fully aware of the importance of increasing our transmissions, and that every step is being taken to that end.

Is the Minister aware that the Home Service programme is inaudible in Scotland?

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that British broadcasts suffer from jamming and that not only people at home, but many countries on the Continent, particularly including ordinary French radio sets, are unable to pick up our programmes; and will he take steps to remedy this state of affairs?

I am aware that the enemy attempts to jam certain of our broadcasts in foreign languages. There is evidence that these attempts are not wholly successful. Advice is frequently given to listeners in the countries affected, with the object of helping them to get the best possible reception of our programmes.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that there is a growing feeling among the people of this country and in France that the British Government should take greater advantage of the possibilities of broadcasting by considerably increasing the broadcasting facilities for talks and information, in view of the fact that throughout unoccupied France the great majority of the people are ignorant of what is, in fact, happening outside France; and will he consider instituting a more concentrated propaganda?

The possibilities of broadcasting are limited by the number of transmitters available, and, despite the obvious importance of our broadcasts in France, more time cannot at present be given to them without damaging other essential services. In fact, seven quarter-hour news bulletins are broadcast daily to France and French overseas posses-while three further periods, amounting to one hour and a quarter, are devoted to talks and other material. Evidence is accumulating that these full and informative broadcasts are heard by a large number of people throughout the whole of France, despite the attempts of the enemy o make reception impossible. The broadcasting facilities at the disposal of the B.B.C. are being increased, so that in due course more will be possible.

Is the Minister aware that I am receiving a large number of letters from all over the country complaining bitterly about our broadcasting, and will he give an assurance to the House that he will do all he can to improve it?

Yes, Sir.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the wavelength power at the disposal of the Germans in France is equivalent to five times the amount of the broadcasting B.B.C. transmissions in their entirety, and, in view of the fact that our transmissions to France represent only 2 per cent. of the time of the B.B.C. transmission, will he tell the House why this safe-saving method of warfare is denied to our Fighting Services and our civilian population?

I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the figures given by my hon. and gallant Friend. The House is, of course, aware that the Germans have at their disposal not only their own equipment but that of Belgium, Holland and France. Therefore, we are suffering at the present moment from a preponderance which it will take a long time to make good, but I can assure the House that everything is being done to increase the equipment at our disposal.

Will the Minister consider appointing a committee to inquire into methods of improving the wavelength available for broadcasting, or the appointment of a special technical committee of experts to survey the whole problem?

I will consider that possibility, but the matter is under continual survey by the best engineers in the country.

In view of the evident anxiety in this House over this important question of broadcasting, will the Minister welcome the opportunity at an early date of debating the whole question?

Yes, Sir, I have no objection.

Is not the Minister aware that quality is the essential factor, and in order to get that factor, will he introduce some Marxian propaganda?

asked the Minister of Information what steps are being taken to build new broadcasting transmitters to counteract the propaganda from transmitting stations that have come under Nazi rule?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given yesterday by my hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Gravesend (Sir I. Albery).

asked the Minister of Information why the Penguin books, Dr. Shelrankar's "Problem of India" and "Extracts from Hansard," although allowed to circulate in this country, were not allowed to be sent to New York but returned to the sender?

A postal packet containing the two particular publications to which the hon. Member refers was stopped by the Postal and Telegraph Censorship, in the interest of national security, and in pursuance of their Standing Regulations. "Extracts from Hansard" is not subject to any stop, but any postal packet stopped for other reasons is returned to the sender entire.

Why is it assumed in the case of the extract from Hansard that what is not subversive here might be dangerous in America? Are we to assume that "Extracts from Hansard" should not be circulated?

I have endeavoured to explain in my answer that there is no opposition in regard to "Extracts from Hansard." When a postal packet is stopped, it is returned to the sender entire, and no part is taken out and sent on, but that is the only reason why an "Extracts from Hansard" was sent back.

Do I understand from that answer that the book "Problem of India" was held to be subversive?

Yes, Sir.

Why may it be circulated here and not in America? Might this not have a very bad effect in America?

I think it is undesirable that this book should be sent out of the country and that it should reach India. The publisher undertook that he would not export the book, and therefore it is obviously right that we should prevent its being exported by other people.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that parcels addressed to Congregational agents in Northern Ireland of the "R.P. Witness," a religious monthly published in Scotland, have been held up by the censorship for some months past; and whether he will give orders that these parcels be delivered forthwith, as the subscribers feel that they are being deprived of the magazine which is pro-British, without any reasonable cause?

Printed matter can be exported to Northern Ireland only by the holder of a permit under Control of Communications Order (No. 5), 1940. It would appear that the persons interested in the "R.P. Witness" have not made the usual arrangement with their publisher for this purpose. If they will arrange with the publisher for the despatch of their copies under the permit which the publisher in fact holds, no difficulty should arise.

If the publisher of the "R.P. Witness" makes that arrangement, will the parcels of this magazine be forwarded to Northern Ireland as many of my constituents are disappointed at the non-delivery of the magazine?

Yes, they will be.

asked the Minister of Information why a negative reply to a request submitted on 16th October by the Crystal Palace trustees for permission to issue a statement to the Press was not given until 23rd October?

The inquiry did not reach the Ministry until 18th October. Another Department had to be consulted and was not able to give a decision immediately. Telephonic communication was interrupted at the time, and thus attempts to reach the author of the inquiry by telephone, as he had requested, were not immediately successful.

asked the Minister of Information the reason for the delay in publishing the news of the disaster to the "Empress of Britain"?

The "Empress of Britain" was bombed by enemy aircraft and set on fire about 8.30 a.m. on 26th October. She was taken in tow but was torpedoed by a U-boat in the early morning of 28th October. She sank soon afterwards, and the sinking was announced by the Admiralty and War Office about 2 p.m. on the same day, as soon as the position regarding survivors was clear.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the reply to the announcement made by the Admiralty to the German broadcast was tantamount to a denial of the sinking?

I think the original announcement on the German wireless was inaccurate. They said they had sunk the ship when she was in fact on fire, and therefore the Admiralty had to wait until they knew all the facts before they could make a statement.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will now publish for the information of world opinion, a list or catalogue of non-military objectives bombed in London up to the latest date considered desirable?

No, Sir. It is intended at the present stage to adhere to the policy of releasing for publication only the more notorious non-military objectives of importance which have been damaged or destroyed. The publication of a detailed list as suggested might well convey information useful to the enemy.

Could we not have a complete list up to whatever date is considered desirable of these notorious nonmilitary objectives? At the moment they are published in driblets, and would they not be more impressive if published in bulk?

The question of security must take precedence. I can assure the House that if Germany published a list of objectives, it would be of the greatest value to us.

Would the right hon. Gentleman publish a complete list of those non-military objectives of which particulars have already been given? That would be very valuable.

It would be very valuable to the enemy.

The right hon. Gentleman is misunderstanding me. Would he collate and publish particulars of all those non-military objectives which have already been published?

That I will certainly do.

Would the right hon. Gentleman do that regarding Berlin as well?

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the difficulty experienced in telephonic communication throughout the country during the period of air-raids with vitally important food depôts and other depots connected with Government service, he will consider and confer with the Secretary of State for War with a view to the utilisation of personnel from the Royal Corps of Signals to take the place of, or supplement, the normal telephone operators, with a view to maintaining efficiency for the successful prosecution of the war?

Arrangements have already been made with the War Office on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend.

Would the right hon. Gentleman also consider the utilisation of engineers and technicians who have been called up and whose services would be of great benefit to his Department at the present time?

Yes, Sir; that matter has already been considered, and the arrangements are now in operation.

asked the Postmaster-General whether letters posted in London in time for the Sunday afternoon collections are despatched on the same evening or the following morning?

In general letters posted in London on Sundays for the collection made about 5.30 p.m. are despatched early next morning. There is, however, a collection between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. from at least one box in each sub-district for despatch the same night.

Does that reply mean that a letter posted after 5.30 on Saturday would not reach the provinces until Tuesday morning, and is it not misleading to have notices saying that the collection is at 5.30 on Sunday when in fact it is not dealt with until the following morning?

If a letter is put into one of the prescribed boxes particulars of which appear in the London Post Office Guide, it will be taken the same night, but in the other case if it is posted later than 5.30 it will not be dealt with until next morning. The question of when it will reach its destination depends upon where the destination is.

But my right hon. Friend implied that a letter posted after 5.30 on Saturday would not be dealt with until Monday.

It would not be dealt with until Monday unless it was in one of those boxes.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that there is considerable uncertainty as to the extent and conditions under which it is possible for aliens, whether belonging to Allied countries, neutral countries or friendly aliens of enemy origin, to join the Navy or any force auxiliary to it; and under what conditions can such aliens apply at recruiting offices with the hope that, if personally suitable, they will be accepted for enlistment distinguishing, if necessary, between the three groups indicated?

Full information on all the points raised by my hon. Friend can be obtained at any Combined Recruiting Centre. I am glad to say that the number of applications for entry into the Royal Navy greatly exceeds the requirements of the Service, except in a limited number of special categories. This means that every alien entered for the general branches excludes a British candidate. Only aliens with special qualifications are, therefore, accepted either as ratings or as candidates for temporary commissions. No aliens of enemy origin are entered. Polish, Norwegian, Dutch and French nationals can apply for entry to their Naval Services operating with us.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether that answer applies to the Women's Auxiliary to the Navy, or whether they can apply, as we have just been told they can in a similar branch of the other Services?

I have not looked into that point, but I understand that as a general rule it would apply.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the rafts of H.M.S. "Glorious" were equipped with automatic raft lights to enable them to be seen in the hours of darkness?

A satisfactory automatic raft light had not been developed when H.M.S. "Glorious" was lost, but all ships had been directed to fit flares on their rafts. Supplies of automatic lights are now being made available for general issue.

Does not my right hon. Friend know that an automatic light has been approved by the Ministry of Shipping and a Regulation issued?

There is a further Question later on, and perhaps the hon. Gentleman would wait for the answer to that.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there exists on the market a type of lifebelt with an automatic light which operates when a man wearing it falls into the water, and would he consider equipping every man in the Royal Navy with this device?

All those points have been fully considered during the past 12 months by a special Departmental Committee.

Is it not the case that six months ago we were promised that automatic lights would be attached to all rafts and lifeboats, and were not the Ministry considering the question of attaching them to lifebelts? Are they not rather slow in providing this necessary equipment?

I think that point arises on Question No. 37.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) the composition of the Life Saving at Sea Committee, which is responsible for advising his Department on life-saving appliances; the general qualifications of its members for this duty; and whether it is a Departmental or representative committee;

(2) whether any consultations have taken place between the Life Saving at Sea Committee of his Department and the Ministry of Shipping with reference to approved types of automatic raft lights, so that additional safety at sea may be assured for the personnel of the Navy, especially during the long nights in winter months;

(3) The number of meetings held by the Life Saving at Sea Committee within the last three months; and whether he can take steps to facilitate their decisions on matters submitted to them for decision?

The Life Saving at Sea Committee was a Departmental body appointed by the Board of Admiralty at the end of last year, under the chairmanship of a flag officer of wide experience. The four other members were representative of the technical departments chiefly concerned. The secretary was an engineer captain. The Committee consulted the Ministry of Shipping on the subject of raft lights. My hon. Friend will appreciate that there must be considerable differences in function and design between life-saving appliances for men of war and for merchant vessels. However, the fullest advantage was taken of the experience and resources of the Ministry of Shipping and of commercial firms. Some time was taken to approve designs for the Naval Service because of the desire to ensure that the Navy's special requirements were met, and that the technical difficulties inherent in such devices should he eliminated before production was started. Orders were placed at the beginning of August. The Committee completed its inquiries and was dissolved in the middle of September this year after making many recommendations. Most of these have now been put into effect. In order to save time, the Committee's business was conducted chiefly between the Chairman and the technical members mainly concerned. Few full meetings of the Committee were, therefore, necessary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the grounds upon which the native leader in Jamaica, Bustamente, has been interned by the Governor; the place and proposed duration of internment; and when it is intended to bring the prisoner to trial?

The detention of Bustamente was ordered on 8th September because of his inflammatory utterances culminating, in spite of a personal warning from the Governor, in a speech inciting to bloodshed, racial war and revolution. He is detained in the same compound of the internment camp in Jamaica as other non-enemy internees who have been detained for security reasons, and receives the same treatment; and he will be detained for as long as is necessary in the interests of public security. Detention was ordered by the Governor under the Defence Regulations and he will not therefore be brought to trial. He has not made objection under the Regulations to his detention.

Does my right hon. Friend consider that it is in harmony with the traditions of this House that this man should not be brought to trial?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is publicly reported in Jamaica that Mr. Bustamente, some weeks before his arrest, visited the Governor of Jamaica and offered, as a leader of the natives, to use his influence to secure the co-operation of Jamaican labour in the war effort, and that that offer was turned down; and, if so, why was it turned down?

That is another question, but I understand that Mr. Bustamente and the Governor are personal friends. That does not, however, prevent Mr. Bustamente from making the type of speech to which I have referred, which placed the Governor under the necessity of taking the action which I have described.

I am fully aware of Mr. Bustamente's combustible politics; I know him personally, and I want to know whether his offer was turned down.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will now take steps to utilise those powers which he possesses to recall into National Service all those motor vehicles to-day mobilised in sheds, barns and garages; and whether he will take steps to obtain the necessary powers and organise their use when and wherever most needed?

I can assure my hon. Friend that I have the necessary powers, and if and when it appears to me that conditions are becoming such as to warrant the step suggested by my hon. Friend, I shall not hesitate to use them.

Does my right hon. and gallant Friend not realise that these motor vehicles might be of considerable benefit in easing the problem of coal transport, and will he not try utilising them for the distribution of coal throughout the country?

I have the matter in view.

Does my right hon. and gallant Friend realise that the coal situation is very serious?

Is it not true that the general public have responded magnificently to all the appeals made to them by my right hon. Friend?

That is true.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the alarm caused among farmers by his Order restricting the full protection from frost given to seed potatoes in transit and the conflict between his Order and the desires of the Ministry of Food; and what steps he proposes to take to guard against the probable severe losses of potato crops from the results of his Order?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 23rd October to a Question on this subject by my hon. Friend the Member for the Maryhill Division of Glasgow (Mr. Davidson). My right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister of Agriculture are considering the possibility of giving advice to potato growers and all concerned on the steps that should be taken to protect potatoes from frost now that only one sheet can be provided.

asked the Minister of Transport the present rate of annual expenditure of the railways; how much of this is wages and salaries; and how these figures compare with those prior to the war?

I am making inquiries and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the extension of the life of the present Parliament recently agreed to by this House without consulting the electorate, he will take steps to ensure that, where the electorate in the constituency wish to terminate the five-year contract entered into with their Member at the last general election they can do so at the end of the five-year period by petition, or memorial to Mr. Speaker, who could be then authorised to declare the seat vacant?

Before this Question is answered, may I ask whether it is correct to say that there is a five-year contract between a Member of this House and his constituents?

To speak of the election of a Member as a "five-year contract" between the Member and his constituents is not, I think, an apt description of the constitutional position. Parliament for reasons which are well known and were discussed in the recent Debate decided to prolong the life of the present Parliament and I do not think it would be practicable or desirable to graft on to that decision the proposal put forward in the Question.

With great reluctance, Mr. Speaker, I must say that I do not consider this reply satisfactory, and I propose at an early date to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of the abundant supplies of substitute esparto paper in Scotland, he will modify the restrictions imposed on the use of paper by Paper Order, No. 20, and otherwise, and thereby relieve the depression and unemployment in the printing trade in Scotland.

As I informed the right hon. and gallant Member for Northern Midlothian (Lieut.-Col. Colville) yesterday, the supplies of home-produced paper-making materials enable some of the restrictions on the use of paper made from those materials to be relaxed for a time. An Order for that purpose has been made and comes into force to-day.

While I thank my right hon. Friend for his reply, which will give lively satisfaction in Scotland, will he take steps to encourage the alternative use of this substitute esparto paper?

That is the object of this Order.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that on 1st October 2,500 bunches of bananas in good condition were loaded into barges and taken cut to sea for destruction; for what purpose this food waste was carried out; and whether he will prosecute those responsible?

I have been asked to reply. I have made inquiries and have ascertained that these bananas did not arrive in good condition, but were found on arrival to be quite unfit for human consumption and were condemned by the medical officer of health. The latter part of the Question therefore, does not arise.

If I am able to provide the Minister with information that the bananas were quite eatable, will he be prepared to take action?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the dangers of air bombardment, he will now consider repairing and putting into working order the disused mills throughout the country and bringing them back into activity; and whether, with a view to improving the country's larder, he will encourage householders throughout the country to hold a 140-lb. bag of flour, with a view to its utilisation for home baking in the event of an emergency and as a war precaution?

As a precautionary measure steps have already been taken to bring certain disused mills into production, and further action on these lines will he taken if the need arises. As regards the latter part of the Question, ample flour reserves are being maintained by the Ministry and by flour millers in all parts of the country. My Noble Friend does not, therefore, consider it desirable to extend household reserves to the extent that my hon. Friend suggests, but he would be glad if all consumers who are able to do so would maintain an emergency reserve equivalent to one week's normal requirements.

Can my right hon. Friend tell me under what authority certain statements have been made by officials of the Ministry of Food to the Press regarding the possible price of bread and other matters, and will he draw the attention of the Minister of Food to this very undesirable practice that goes on?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has any statement to make as to the omission to arrange for the importation of a sufficient supply of onions?

As my hon. Friend is aware, the main source of our imported onion supplies at this season of the year is the Netherlands, and these supplies are not at present obtainable. It is not possible to make good more than a proportion of the deficiency from other sources, but every effort is being made to obtain such alternative supplies as are available.

May I ask my hon. and gallant Friend what power he has in the event of some of the shopkeepers withholding these onions and not exposing them for sale? What remedy have we?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has had his attention drawn to the recent prosecution of Scottish firms in the egg trade when Max Schonbach, Benjamin Brazil, James McGreed, and others were fined for contravening the Eggs (Maximum Price) Order; and will he state the names of the Irish firms who were partners in the offences and whether they will be prosecuted?

My noble Friend is not prepared to disclose the names of firms which may be implicated in future proceedings, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that investigations into the dealings of certain, firms in regard to eggs are proceeding, and that prosecutions will be instituted in appropriate cases.

Does my hon. and gallant Friend realise that the trivial fines that have been inflicted upon these people for fraud upon the public are not likely to act as a deterrent to these rugged and hardy clansmen?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the great rise in the price of fish during the past year; and whether, in view of the large profits made by foreign trawlers bringing fish to this country, he will consider controlling the price of fish, and at the same time reimposing the 10 per cent. ad valorem tax on all fish landed at British ports by foreign trawlers?

My noble Friend is aware that the price of fish has risen greatly, and he is at present considering the question of imposing a price control. He is unable to agree, however, that the present would be an opportune time for re-imposing the 10 per cent. ad valorem duty on foreign imports.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that there is very considerable irony in the sending to the Press by the Minister of Information of examples of menus including fish which it is beyond the power of working-class people to buy? Fish prices are inordinately high.

That point is being considered.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that a lot of housewives call this 8 o'clock breakfast stuff twaddle and cannot manage it at all?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that, since his circular letter to local authorities of 12th July last, only 120 tons of coal have been received by the Manchester Corporation under the Government's stocking scheme for Manchester, as compared with an average weekly winter consumption in that city of not less than 30,000 tons; and what steps he is taking, in conjunction with the Ministry of Transport, to expedite deliveries to Manchester?

I am well aware that, owing to the heavy demand from consumers for stocking, the margin of supplies available for putting into Government dumps in Manchester has hitherto bet n small, and I am taking steps, in consultation with the Minister of Transport and the Minister of Shipping which should result in increased deliveries. In this connection I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent (Mr. E. Smith) on 23rd October.

In view of my hon. Friend's explanation that the London Midland and Scottish Railway was unable to deliver these extra quantities of coal, how is it, since we control the railways, that we cannot order the London Midland and Scottish to carry the additional coal needed?

I am afraid I cannot satisfy my hon. Friend on this occasion. There are conditions which are very difficult for all traffic working.

Is it not a fact that Manchester is in the centre of a great coal-producing area, with Lancashire, Nottingham and Yorkshire all within reasonable reach?

Is it not a disgrace that this state of affairs should prevail when there are thousands of miners out of work?

I do not know whether it is to be described as a disgrace. If so, I am not responsible for it.

Has the Minister power to deal with the question of stocking?

The position in regard to stocking generally is not as bad as seems to be assumed. There are very considerable stocks, even in Manchester. It is not true that the fact that the Government have been stocking coal indicates that there is any shortage. There are enormous reserves of coal in this country. Government stocking was left until the last, in order that private supplies could be filled up. There are very substantial stocks in every town in this country.

Will the hon. Gentleman co-operate very closely with the Minister of Transport, in order to ensure that where coal is available transport shall be found?

There is the closest co-operation between the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Shipping, and myself. A special committee has been set up to deal with this question, and we are achieving important results.

Will my hon. Friend take an early opportunity of making a statement to the House on the whole position?

I shall he very glad indeed to do so.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that where a person is receiving public assistance and also a rent allowance, the latter has to be paid direct to the person concerned and not to the landlord, and that, in some cases, the tenant retains the money and does not use it to pay his or her rent, which constitutes a fraud on the public assistance committee; and whether he will take steps to have this prevented by the rent allowance being paid direct to the landlord?

Yes, Sir. The Relief Regulation Order prohibits a public assistance authority from paying the rent of a recipient of relief direct to the landlord. There would be strong objections to such an arrangement, and my right hon. Friend is not prepared to amend the Order in the sense suggested by my hon. Friend.

Is my hon. Friend aware of the fact disclosed in the Question, that there have been gross cases of misappropriation of money by people to whom these allowances have been paid?

While my right hon. Friend realises the difficulties to which my hon. Friend refers, the fact remains that the money must be paid by the relieving authority direct to the applicant and that ordinary proceedings can be taken by the landlord against the tenant if the rent is not paid.

Does my hon. Friend not consider that the average landlord is well able to take care of himself?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of numbers of elderly people, some suffering from infirmities, who are still remaining in areas subject to nightly air-raids and who cannot leave their district because they are unable to find accommodation elsewhere; and whether he is giving particular attention to this aspect of the problem with a view to securing suitable accommodation and meeting the entire cost of their removal thereto?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the difficulty experienced by many elderly people in the London area in finding any accommodation in reception areas, and that they are consequently compelled to remain in London; and, in view of this, will he consider extending the present scheme, so as to provide billets for the aged and infirm people now resident in the London area?

The arrangements already made for the evacuation of the aged and infirm include those people in the London evacuation areas and in certain coastal towns who can make their own arrangements to be received in a reception or a neutral area; those homeless people who are willing to be removed from emergency rest centres to hospitals and then to homes on the outskirts of London; and those in need of medical and nursing care who habitually make use of air-raid shelters in the whole of the metropolitan boroughs and in East Ham and West Ham. The evacuation of all elderly people as a general class would not be practicable in view of the very special problems of accommodation, care and maintenance involved. My right hon. Friend is, however, anxious to provide such further facilities as may be practicable with the assistance of voluntary organisations and the local authorities, though it will be appreciated that the amount that can be done will be limited by the accommodation available.

In view of the fact that numbers of these elderly people are suffering very great hardship, through having to spend the best part of the hours of darkness in the shelters, could there not be some special scheme for them?

I think the hon. Gentleman will appreciate, from the end of my reply, the difficulty of finding accommodation in the country. Many Members of this House have pressed us to increase the evacuation areas. It is a question of the number of people in the priority classes to be taken out and the amount of accommodation which is to be found in the reception areas.

Has the hon. Lady considered the possibility of taking over big mansions and houses in the country, and using them for the chronic cases with which we are finding difficulty?

We have already taken many of the chronic cases to large houses on the outskirts of London. I think the hon. Member will realise that a number of large mansions are used for Service needs and the needs of those employed on work of national importance have also to be considered. It is not so easy to get this accommodation.

Would it not be possible for the empty Emergency Medical Service hospitals to be temporarily used for the aged and infirm, until they are wanted for other purposes?

There is not a large number of empty E.M.S. hospitals. They are already being used for such purposes as this, and temporarily for other schemes of evacuation.

Does the hon. Lady think it wise for the Government to make these promises to the old people over the radio, when the accommodation is not forthcoming?

Of course, I am not responsible for the announcements made on the radio. But if the hon. Lady will look at the reply I have given, she will see that it is very carefully laid down—in fact, it has been announced on the wireless—that there are evacuation schemes for particular categories of the aged and infirm. My right hon. Friend cannot give an assurance that the majority of the aged people in London, or in other areas in this country, can be removed to reception areas.

What does the hon. Lady mean by saying that, as a Minister, she is not responsible for what goes over the radio?

Perhaps I have not regarded myself, as a junior Minister, as being responsible to such a great extent as the responsibilities of junior Ministers are looked upon by some other people. As the hon. Lady informed me, an announcement was made on the radio that was not considered to be in complete agreement with the policy stated here by my right hon. Friend. I do not think that I should be held responsible for that wireless statement, since the reply I have given sets out the Government's policy at present for the aged and infirm.

Is the hon. Lady aware that a large number of houses are not being used, because the owners have locked them up and gone away?

I can assure the hon. Member that many of those houses are earmarked for special purposes, and have been held in readiness for those purposes. That is why the owners have gone away.

Is the hon. Lady aware that the Duke of Bedford's hospital, fitted out for patients, is being used by the Foreign Office for their clerks?