asked the Minister of Shipping whether he will consider an arrangement for seamen to negotiate at local banks their advance notes?

An advance note is the means by which a seaman is enabled to obtain an advance of wages for the benefit of his family. Its validity is dependent upon the seaman going to sea in pursuance of his agreement, and it is therefore usually made payable two or three days after the vessel sails. It is not, accordingly, a negotiable instrument and could not properly be made so.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he will consider enabling a seaman, who has lost his kit owing to enemy action, to obtain the £6 or £7 necessary to replace it immediately, instead of promising it when the war is over?

Present arrangements provide for the payment of compensation for loss of effects by enemy action, immediately on the presentation of the claim by the Merchant Navy officer or seaman at a Mercantile Marine Office, in all cases where the claim amounts to less than £15. In the case of larger claims, the first £15 is paid immediately and the balance within a few days.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he is aware that the Ministry of Shipping have recently issued a schedule of rates of freight to various Scottish ports from the Firth of Forth and the North-east coast of England, and in some instances the difference between the rates for these two ports amounts to as much as 7s. 3d. per ton in favour of the Firth of Forth; that this will have a crippling effect on the Durham coal trade, already suffering very severely from the loss of its export markets; and whether he will take steps to have the schedule cancelled or amended, with a view to fair play being given all round?

The controlled rates of freight for coal cargoes to East coast Scottish ports are based on the costs of carriage between the various ports concerned, and are properly higher for the longer voyages from the Tyne than for the shorter voyages from the Firth of Forth. The rates have recently been revised to meet increased costs, and the same proportional increase has been applied to all voyages. The difference in the rates for the size of ship normally employed in the trade is 4s. 3d. and not 7s. 3d. per ton, the latter rate applying only to vessels under 350 tons. I recognise the importance to the Durham coal trade of keeping sea transport costs as low as possible, but I cannot agree that the operation of the schedule will have the serious effect on that trade suggested by the hon. Member.

Before this new schedule was introduced did the Minister consult the interests concerned, namely, the Durham coal trade, and further, is he aware that the differential rates will exact an increased penalty on the Durham coal industry, which is already suffering adversely from the loss of export markets?

With regard to the first part of the Question, as I have already stated, these increases are based on costs and on nothing else. Therefore, I think it most improbable that the interests whose goods are being carried would be consulted as to whether or not the rates should be increased.

Before putting this schedule into operation, will the Minister consult the interests concerned? Is he aware that representations have been made by the Durham coal industry?

I will certainly look into the point which the hon. Member has raised, although I could not give the undertaking for which he has asked. I should think that the hon. Member is very much exaggerating the effect that this arrangement is likely to have on the Durham coal trade as it is only a small proportion of its export trade which goes to the Scottish ports.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare when, and why, Mr. Francis Rodd was entrusted with duties by his Ministry in connection with Spain and African affairs?

Mr. Rodd resigned from the Ministry of Economic Warfare on 3rd June, in order to take up a commission in the Army. He was never entrusted by me with any duties in connection either with Spanish or African affairs.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether any estimate has been made of the German war efforts; and the amount of loot gained at Dunkirk and France, and in the countries occupied by Germany?

Yes, Sir. It is one of the duties of my Ministry to keep the German war effort, as well as the conditions of German industry, under constant review, and estimates of the German economic war potential are regularly made. In arriving at such estimates due regard is had to the loot gained at Dunkirk and elsewhere and to the resources of occupied territories now available to Germany.

Has the Minister's attention been drawn to the survey re- cently published by several experts, which seems to suggest that our own war effort in regard to war production is still lagging behind that of Germany?

I am not departmentally responsible for our own war production.

But would the Minister make the information available to the House?

I would like notice of that Question, but I should think probably not.

Why not? Is it not in the public interest that we should have information of the German war effort?

No, Sir, it may be against the public interest that such information as I have here should be broadcast. The last time I gave an account of my stewardship I gave it in private.

But is Germany not aware of the extent of her own war effort, and would it be conveying information to Germany if we published it?

If my hon. Friend will put down the Question, I will endeavour to give it an answer, but at this stage I must not be committed to giving full answers in public sessions to the matters referred to in the latter part of my hon. Friend's Question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that gentleman-cadets at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, who passed out on their course and, if proceeding to infantry regiments, would have been commissioned on the 18th October, 1939, were, because possessed of certain technical knowledge, retained for the Royal Corps of Signals and were not granted their commissions until seven months later and, as this delayed grant of commissions has meant immediate financial loss and recurring annual financial loss for the rest of their military career, together with loss of seniority, which may be a great hardship in the future, whether he will ante-date their commissions to 18th October, 1939?

None of the gentlemen-cadets at Sandhurst at the outbreak of war had completed the normal course, and it was decided that they should be enlisted and posted to officer cadet training units. It is true that the officer cadet training unit's course for those who elected the Royal Corps of Signals was longer than that for those who elected to proceed to infantry, but all these cadets were commissioned at an age younger than usual, and consequently find themselves favourably placed as compared with pre-war entrants. They were, moreover, the last cadets to be given regular commissions. In these circumstances, and as the relative seniority of the officers in question in their own corps or regiments is in no way affected, it is not considered that their careers or prospects have been in any way prejudiced. As officers of the Royal Corps of Signals, they will, in fact, draw a higher rate of pay than they would have done if they had proceeded to the infantry.

What is a "gentleman-cadet"?

It is the term which has been used.

But do we distinguish between gentlemen and others in the Army?

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements have been made to ensure that parcels of food despatched to officers and men who are prisoners of war in Germany are, in fact, being delivered to them?

Reports have been received from the American Embassy and the International Red Cross, the most recent being one sent from Berlin dated 30th October, describing the arrival of parcels of food, clothing and books at camps in Germany in which British prisoners of war are detained. Each parcel which is sent to a British prisoner of war contains a postcard on which the recipient can acknowledge the receipt of the parcel addressed to him.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British troops are held as prisoners of war by Germany and Italy?

The number is about 44,000.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that band boys in Ayr Barracks received 6d. per day increase on 1st September and have now been informed that this increase should not have been made in view of the fact that they ought not to smoke; that the increase has now been withdrawn and intimation made that the boys have to refund payments made since 1st September; and whether he will undertake to have the matter reviewed and allow the boys to retain the increase in pay?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke (Mr. E. Smith) on 16th October last, of which I am sending him a copy. Where payment has been made in error, I am considering steps to arrange that recovery of the over-issue should be waived.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many soldiers who receive the extra 6d. a day do not smoke, and is it not unjust when a uniform rate is granted that these boys should not participate in it? Could not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the matter?

I do not think I could. This money was given for a specific purpose. I will see that where it has been given out by mistake they will not suffer for it.

Are not some of the band boys married?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps, both in that section consisting of British subjects and the section composed of aliens, is armed?

The British companies of the Corps are completely equipped with rifles. It is proposed to issue a percentage of rifles to certain of the companies of alien personnel.

Is it intended in due course to treat both companies exactly the same, whether British or alien?

Yes, Sir. I am not making any difference in principle. It is a question of supply and the claims of the Home Guard.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the report of the inquiry into allegations concerning the ill-treatment of conscientious objectors has been completed; and whether he is in a position to make a statement on the action which he proposes to take as a result of the inquiry?

The report has not yet been completed. A great deal of evidence was taken, and in consequence the preparation of the report is taking time.

asked the Secretary of State for War, with reference to the cases of G. C. Glover and J. P. Burbage, regarding whom communications were sent to his Department, whether, in these cases, refundments of the charges made for the return of civilian clothing to their homes have been made; when they were made; and whether by the Army authorities or the railway company concerned?

In the case of G. C. Glover, the civilian clothes were despatched to his home by rail, and the charge for their carriage was met from Army funds. Owing, however, to an error on the part of the railway company concerned, this charge was preferred again to the soldier's relatives on delivery of the parcel. The error is being pointed out to the railway company, who are being asked to refund the overcharge to the relatives. As regards the case of J. P. Burbage, I have not yet completed my inquiries.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the railway companies say they have had no instructions to receive parcels in this connection?

This is the first case I have known that has gone wrong.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has made available the service of soldiers to help in the clearing-up of the ruins of enemy-damaged buildings; if so, how many; and when does he anticipate that the work of such removal of the damage up to date in London will be completed?

With regard to the first and second parts of the Question, the present number is about 12,000. With regard to the last part of the Question, I am in formed by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary that he is unable to give any estimate.

Would it not be possible for more soldiers to be engaged in the work of clearing up these eyesores, which are so depressing?

I must make it quite plain that so far as the Army is concerned we are perfectly willing to do anything we can to help.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have received a letter written on behalf of the Regional Commissioner to the effect that delays in this work are due to the limited number of troops available? Have not articles appeared in the Press asking whether we cannot have more men on this job?

That is why I gave that answer. The Army is ready to give any help it can.

The implication in the letter addressed to me was that such help had been refused.

Are the men who are working on this very dangerous and arduous work getting any extra pay?

I do not think we could draw that distinction.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to bear in mind the paramount importance of the soldiers carrying out military training? Would it not be better to use unemployed men to do this work?

We have to try to get a proper balance. What I wanted to make clear was that the Army have not been asked to help and refused.

In view of the fact that in many cases where persons are trapped their lives depend on their being got cut quickly, is not the most important thing to have the most experienced men in that type of work, which is both highly skilled and dangerous?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the petition signed by 60 non-combatants stationed at a place of which he has been informed, asking to be transferred to Civil Defence work in London or any other humanitarian duties; and whether he will consider utilising their services in this particular work?

I cannot find that this petition has been received in the War Office. I am making further inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will assure the House that detailed and comprehensive arrangements have been arrived at for the close co-operation of all branches of the Army and the Air Force?

Detailed and comprehensive arrangements have been arrived at. These have been the subject of discussion between the Air Ministry and War Office during the last two months, and the machinery to be set up is something far in advance of what we have had up till now. Much has been done during the summer and autumn, but the means of co-operation now decided upon will be fully operative by 1st December. The exact nature of the scheme cannot yet be made public. For the present it is enough to say that the whole matter of co-operation between all parts of the Army and Royal Air Force is now on an agreed and sound basis.

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would care to give an assurance that this matter is satisfactory in the Middle East, where he has just been?

I can certainly give that assurance. I have never known conditions in which co-operation between the two Services was better than it now is there.

Does the co-operation to which the right hon. Gentleman refers include co-operation in training between anti-aircraft units and the Royal Air Force?

I am not quite sure that I had that in mind. What I had in mind was co-operation in training between the Army and the Royal Air Force.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that actual operational co-operation is being carried on between the Army and the Air Force, in view of the very bitter experiences in the French débacle?

That is just one of the points I have in mind. I do not want to be drawn further at present. The House will see that much work has been done on this matter in the last few months.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what date the members of the newly constituted Auxiliary Territorial Service Council take over their departmental responsibilities?

The first meeting of the Council was held on 24th October, and the members have taken over their responsibilities from that date.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a statement as to the extent to which the provisions of the King's Regulations, preventing serving soldiers from approaching Members of Parliament, now apply?

A serving officer or soldier who wishes to make any representation relating to military matters is entitled to make it through the recognised military channels and in no other way. On other matters, he is fully at liberty to communicate with hon. Members.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make it perfectly clear that nothing can prevent a constituent from approaching his Member of Parliament on any subject on which he feels he should have the latter's advice?

I do not think there are any real difficulties about this. Judging from my postbag, I think it works very well.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I received a letter from his Under-Secretary yesterday, stating that a colonel who reprimanded a soldier for approaching an M.P. was perfectly in order?

Will the right hon. Gentleman send instructions to officers informing them that no penalties at all can be inflicted on men for communicating with Members of Parliament? This is a very serious matter. In many letters which we receive we are asked by the men not to give their names because they are afraid of action being taken by their officers?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in one case the commanding officer threatened a man with court-martial because he had the audacity to come to me, his Member of Parliament?

I think the position under King's Regulations is perfectly clear. If it is not clear, I will consider the Supplementary Questions that have been asked and make it clear in a later answer.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that that is issued in regimental orders, where the troops can see it?

There is not only that; there is the question of King's Regulations, in the light of which these questions must be carefully considered. I was under the impression that Members did not have any difficulty, but if that is not so, I will look into it.

Will the public Press, which is now most inadequately reporting the proceedings of the House of Commons, give publicity to this matter?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases, owing to this difficulty, the parents of the men concerned may write to their Members?

The Regulations were made for a small peace-time Army and are not therefore suitable for a large war-time Army composed of men drawn from all occupations who have hitherto enjoyed the right of approaching Members of Parliament whenever they liked. Should not the Regulations therefore be modified?

It is not my intention to bar access to Members of Parliament. The question, however, arises of squaring that with King's Regulations.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the hardships which are incurred by the wives of young officers owing to the small amount of their separation allowance; and will he remove the present differentiation by which the wives of officers over 30 years of age receive 42s. weekly against 21S. in the case of men under that age, and as wives of officers should at least receive as much as those whose husbands are in the ranks?

While I sympathise with the point of view of my hon. Friend, I would remind him of the reasons for the distinction, in respect of marriage allowance, between officers of 30 years of age or over and those under 30. The peace time scale of remuneration did not recognise officers as married until they were 30 years of age. It was considered that the ordinary peace time code could not fairly be applied in time of war, when many civilians who have married under 30 years of age serve with the Army. It was decided accordingly, that all married officers, irrespective of age, should receive an allowance. With regard to the latter part of my hon. Friend's Question, I would remind him that the income of an officer's wife is not limited to a marriage allowance from Army funds. On the contrary, an officer, equally with a private soldier, would normally make an allowance from his pay, and because of his higher pay the allowance would normally be greater.

Does my right hon. Friend really not think that, as we are insisting upon having younger men in the Army, it is logical that they should have as great a separation allowance as men of over 30?

As I have said, this addition has been made. We would all like to do more, but we have to relate these demands to the many others in the State.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that there are warrant officers and N.C.O.'s who are deterred from taking commissions because of the scale of allowances made to the lower ranks of commissioned officers?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is prepared to consider some increase of pay for junior officers owing to the increased cost of living, as has been granted to men in the ranks?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Eye (Mr. Granville) on 22nd October last, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that military tailors are charging Purchase Tax upon uniforms supplied to officers; whether the State intends to defray this extra cost by increasing grants for such uniforms; or whether, under the circumstances, he will consider waiving this charge so far as uniforms are concerned?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that the Purchase Tax is now added to the wholesale cost of officers' uniforms, the War Office will increase the grant to the officers for their initial equipment?

I will answer this Question and No. 80 together. The effect of Purchase Tax on officers' outfit allowance is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many buildings requisitioned by his Department have not yet been used and are remaining empty?

It is not the practice of the War Department to requisition buildings unless occupation is imminent, and such buildings remain empty only until any necessary cooking and sanitary facilities and black-out arrangements are provided.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered a letter from the Hull Labour Party concerning the action of the War Office in sending either back to France or into prison here some 270 Spanish republican soldiers; how many were sent back to Casa Blanca; how many have now joined the British Army; and how many are still in British prisons?

I have received a letter on this subject from the Hull Labour Party, and a reply has been sent. The 270 Spanish nationals were serving in a French Army labour unit, and, as such, remained under the orders of the French military authorities then in England, by whom all arrangements for their repatriation were made, both as to the ship in which they sailed, and their final destinations. Two hundred and forty-four of these men were so repatriated. The remaining 26 were unable to embark for various reasons and were in due course sent to a refugee reception centre where employment could be found for them in civil occupations. As no suitable military accommodation was available for these men when they landed in the United Kingdom, they were lodged in prisons, under arrangements made by the Home Office, pending repatriation. Their detention was effected at the request of the French military authorities. None of these men have joined units of the British Army, and none are now in British prisons.

Why were these men, who had experience of fighting in Spain, not allowed to join even the A.M.P.S.?

I would like notice of that question. I think these were men who came over at the time of Dunkirk; I think that is the position.

asked the Secretary of State for War the reasons for the delay in thousands of cases of men under 30 years of age who registered for the Army and Air Force Services as long ago as last June, and have not been called up for service?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 15th October to a Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Ayr Burghs (Sir T. Moore), a copy of which is being sent to him.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered a letter from the Presbytery of Dumfries drawing his attention to the amount of drunkenness and immorality prevailing in that town; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I am giving consideration to this letter and to other representations with special reference to the development of recreational and welfare facilities in Dumfries.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what co-ordination exists between the Scottish Office and the Ministry of Labour to deal with the recent increase of unemployment in Scotland?

I have been asked to reply. The Ministry of Labour and National Service is in close touch with the various Departments of the Secretary of State for Scotland concerned with particular aspects of the employment situation in Scotland. As the hon. Member will see from the unemployment figures being issued to-day, there was a decrease in unemployment in Scotland on 12th October as compared with the numbers unemployed a month previously.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that over a period of six months there has been an increase in unemployment in Scotland? Can he explain why the right hon. Gentleman the Minister of Labour goes about making speeches such as he does when unemployment is increasing generally throughout the country?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that representatives of his Department visited Salford on 13th September, inspected sites for the storage of coal, and promised that supplies of coal for storage would be delivered at once; that the consumption of coal in Salford amounts to 30,000 tons per month, whereas there are only 4,000 tons now stored; and what action he proposes to take to prevent a repetition of the conditions experienced last winter?

I am aware that, in consultation with the local authority, my Department has arranged sites in Salford for Government stocks of coal, and that up to the present comparatively small quantities of coal have been stored on Government account. But deliveries of coal in Salford this summer have been substantially in excess of those of last year, and the stocks of merchants and of consumers are good. The Government stocks are being increased as supplies come forward.

asked the Secretary for Mines why the price of coal in Kent has been fixed higher than anywhere else in the country?

Circumstances and increases in costs in Kent are abnormal, and, as it is particularly desirable to maintain output in this area, the Government have dealt exceptionally with this district.

In what respect is the position of Kent abnormal, compared to that of other counties in the neighbourhood?

The hon. Member represents a Kent division, and he knows something about it. I cannot give him details, but everybody knows that Kent is very near to the scene of war operations day by day.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the coal consumed in Kent is not, in the main, Kent coal? As the extra cost is due to war causes, surely Kent should not be penalised.

But the obverse is true, that Kent coal is almost entirely consumed in Kent; and it is very important that we should have all the coal we can get from Kent. As the hon. Member knows, evacuation has very substantially reduced the number employed in that area, and has added to the cost thereby.

Why should the Kent coalfields have special treatment as compared with Durham?

Because a ton of coal produced in Kent is worth many tons produced elsewhere.

Can the hon. Gentleman let me have details as to how the extra cost is arrived at?

Yes, that is quite easy. I will furnish the hon. Member with particulars.

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps he is taking, other than the payment of unemployment benefit, to safeguard the position of the miners and secure their full employment?

As my hon. Friend will be aware, unemployment at the pits is due, on the one hand, to the closing of export markets, and, on the other, to difficulties of distribution. Every effort is being made, in conjunction with the Departments concerned, as well as with the industry, to overcome the difficulties of distribution as they arise.

Is not the hon. Member aware that the difficulties arising in the coal industry, as illustrated by the last Question, are caused by the fact that the industry is unequally affected by the war, and that some system of national unification of industry will have to be adopted? Has he made representations to the Government—because he himself has no power in the matter—in order to bring about national unification of industry?

I am not sure that national unification of production alone will serve this purpose. But I am in very close contact with other Departments, and there is a special committee in my Department, sitting every day at 11 o'clock, dealing with the distribution of coal, while I personally attend the committee with representatives of other Departments at which all these problems are dealt with.

Is the Minister aware that this matter is becoming so serious that unless something drastic is done it will have serious effect upon the war effort in these areas?

I am not allowed to forget that. The organisation of the work-people themselves approaches me often. There is no danger that the Government will be allowed to overlook the difficulties in the coal trade, but one must have regard to the conditions. All I promise is that everything possible will be done.

Is not this problem largely bound up with the shortage of wagons and the difficulty of transport generally?

No, Sir. The hon. Member knows the working conditions as well as I do. There is no shortage of wagons. All these so-called explanations which attribute the transport difficulty to a shortage of wagons here and there do not cover the position at all.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will communicate with Dominion Governments with a view to comparing respective legal actions taken against subjects charged with subversive speeches or activity, and with a view to securing a common principle to become operative in all such legal actions?

The administration in the Dominions of the law in regard to subversive activities is a matter for the consideration of the Dominion authorities, and, no doubt, differs in accordance with the varying circumstances of the countries concerned. Having regard to these differences, I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by an approach to the Dominion Governments on lines suggested in the hon. Member's Question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in fact there has been differentiation in the interpretation and treatment of a number of cases of alleged subversive activities in the Dominions and in India? Would he not draw the attention of the Indian Government to a number of cases of people who have made speeches very much like Mr. Nehru's and who have not received four years rigorous imprisonment?

India is not a matter for me. In regard to the Dominions, it would be very unwise, I think, to interfere with their internal affairs.

Does that apply to India, too?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in connection with the exportation and manufacture of foodstuffs, such as biscuits and chocolates, he will take steps to place the control and authorisation for export of these commodities under the Minister of Food, with a view to his authority overriding, when necessary, the Department of Overseas Trade and the Export Council, since many members of the working public employed throughout the night and others utilising air-raid shelters throughout the night, are unable to secure adequate supplies at the present time?

Exports of the majority of important foodstuffs, except to the Colonies, are controlled by the Export Licensing Department of the Board of Trade, in consultation with the Ministry of Food and other Departments concerned. Exports to the Colonies are controlled by import licences, issued by the Colonial Administrations in agreement with the Colonial Office and the Ministry of Food. The Minister of Food sees no reason for altering the existing arrangements. Where commodities are in short supply in the United Kingdom—for example, chocolate and biscuits—it is due to the supply position, not to the exports, which are negligible in volume. The actual quantities of various foodstuffs, the export of which might be licensed, is at the present moment under discussion, and the question of still further restricting the small quantities of foodstuffs in short supply which are at present exported will be considered. In the case of biscuits, which make demands upon our supplies of sugar and fats, the present export is only a small proportion—about 5 per cent.—of the normal export.

Can my right hon. Friend suggest that the 3,000 tons of biscuits exported during the last three months is a negligible quantity? Is he not aware that owing to these considerations a first-class muddle has occurred, and that the public are without biscuits and slab chocolate to-day? Will he not take definite action to put these matters right, and not allow Mr. D'Arcy Cooper to go down to Reading and say that the export trade in biscuits is to be maintained, when there are not enough for home consumption? It is a grave scandal, and I shall have to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, with a view to raising the low standards of many milk-producing farms, County War Agricultural Executive Committees are now empowered to serve compulsory improvement orders upon the farmers concerned with a view to an improvement in the quality of the milk supplied?

Very satisfactory progress has been made in the production of quality milks in recent years and a substantial proportion of the total output is now of accredited or higher standard. In these circumstances, it would hardly seem appropriate, under the difficulties of wartime production, to compel farmers to conform with higher standards of quality than were considered necessary in peace time.

In view of the fact that these committees have power to enter into individual farms in order to ensure the maximum production of food, surely it is not unreasonable that farms which have a very low standard should have their standard raised in order to produce pure milk, which they are not doing at present?

My hon. Friend will readily appreciate that to secure a large expansion of quality milk would involve large structural alterations in the buildings to comply with the Orders of the Ministry of Health. I rather fear—and I am sure he will agree with me—that instead of increasing the supply, those difficulties during war time might conceivably lead to a decrease.

asked the Prime Minister what Government Departments have the responsibility of examining and working out plans with local authorities and industries which are intended to give employment to members of His Majesty's Forces when returning to civilian life after hostilities, as well as those now employed in the manufacture of armaments and munitions?

The problems of post-war employment are intimately connected with the broader issue of post-war reconstruction which necessarily involves almost all Departments in the State. The subject is being studied, but it is not possible to formulate detailed plans until the conditions of the post-war situation become more clear.

Is anything actually being done by these Government committees; does my right hon. Friend appreciate that it takes a long time to organise large enterprises which will give employ- ment; and does he also appreciate the importance of being organised, and that, while we have failed to organise a total war, we must be organised for total peace?

Yes, Sir; I am very well aware of the importance of this question, but the hon. Member will realise that at the present time it is impossible to make detailed plans until we see how the situation develops.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it has already been stated that plans are being prepared; can he say whether there is a special committee dealing with this matter, and, if so, may we have the names of the committee?

I have pointed out that the matter is being considered, and I am not prepared to make a further statement at present.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that it has already been stated that plans are in the course of preparation?

I do not know where that has been stated, and perhaps the hon. Lady will tell me.

Was it not stated by the Minister of Labour in several debates before the new Government were formed?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of including amongst possible post-war aims the admission to the British Commonwealth of Nations all our present Allies on terms to be mutually agreed?

I have nothing to add to the reply given on 29th May to my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for the Chatham Division of Rochester (Captain Plugge).

Will my right hon. Friend be good enough to clarify in this connection a statement by General Sikorski, Prime Minister of Poland, in which he showed a certain interest in a development of this kind?

Since that offer was made to France, surely it could be extended to the countries which have not surrendered and are continuing to fight with us?

asked the Prime Minister what arrangements exist at the Ministries of Economic Warfare, Education, Information, Transport, Office of Works and Board of Trade for obtaining scientific advice on problems that come before these Departments; and whether any of them have a scientific adviser or council of its own?

All the Departments referred to by the hon. Members have the service of technical and scientific officers in their own Departments. If further advice on scientific problems is required, the Departments named have at their disposal the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, the Medical Research Council and the Scientific Advisory Committee under the chairmanship of my Noble Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, the constitution and terms of reference of which have been announced in the public Press.

Would it be possible to give the names of the scientific advisers attached to the different Departments?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down Questions to the particular Departments.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will publish a list giving the names of all the controllers of various supplies in his Ministry, together with their trade connections prior to their appointment; and whether the terms of the various agreements made with them will be made available for the information of Members of this House?

I have had a list prepared showing the names of the various controllers of materials and the main business interests with which they were connected prior to their appointment, which I propose to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Controllers are appointed by letters, the texts of which differ in detail according to the particular circumstances of each case. There is, however, in all cases a general requirement that a controller must agree to cease from active participation in the management of those businesses which are

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the cellulose fabric, used to replace glass broken by enemy action, is subject to the Purchase Tax; and whether he is prepared to make an order exempting this material from the tax?

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to the various textile fabrics which are used in part as window substitutes and which are chargeable with Purchase Tax. As I explained to the House when introducing the tax, it is essential that its scope shall be as wide as possible if it is to produce the substantial revenue for which I look. Accordingly I have been obliged to resist many appeals for special consideration and I regret that I am unable to grant exemption in this case.

Will my right hon. Friend reconsider his attitude in respect of this particular material, the use of which saves enormous quantities of timber, and is a most efficient means of providing light and excluding wind and weather; and is he aware that any restriction on its use will have a very adverse effect on the national effort?

I realise that fact, but many of these fabrics used for the repair and strengthening of windows are not specialised for such use, and it has been found impracticable to give exemption to such materials.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the difficulties of wholesalers in settling the amount of Purchase Tax to charge when they deal in goods the rate of Purchase Tax on which depends on their ultimate use and destination; and whether he will, as soon as possible, issue a statement giving necessary guidance to wholesalers on this matter?

I have not heard of any difficulties of the kind mentioned, but if my hon. Friend has any particular cases in mind and will let me have details, I shall be glad to inquiry into them.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he is yet able to state whether the United States Customs have issued an order requiring invoices covering British merchandise shipped to the United States to state clearly whether or not the goods are subject to British Purchase Tax; whether the United States Customs officials will include in the assessed valuation of the goods the Purchase Tax to importers; and what steps will be taken to prevent the prejudicial effect of this upon our export trade to the United States?

The answer to the first and second parts of the Question is generally in the affirmative. Details of the information required by the United States Customs authorities were published in the Board of Trade Journal of 7th November. As to the last part, the matter is receiving the Government's earnest attention, but I am not yet in a position to indicate what steps it may be possible to take.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now prepared either to guarantee insurance companies against loss if they offer a fair rate for air-raid life insurance, or alternatively, will inaugurate a totalisator or pool assurance retaining a percentage for expenses, in view of the fact that far larger benefits would be paid, and that it is just as important for the breadwinner to be able to insure his life as his property?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take immediate steps to obtain an actuarial calculation, based on the mortality figures from air raids for the 12 months from 1st November, 1939, to 1st November, 1940, with a view to facilitating members of the general public being able effectively to insure their lives at a reasonable premium, since the present rates of the insurance companies do not appear to be based on any actuarial calculation?

As I have already stated, there are many difficulties in adopting the exact suggestions of my hon. Friends, and I could not recommend their adoption. The Government have, however, had this whole question under consideration, and I hope to be able to make an announcement at an early date.

Will my right hon. Friend really get the life offices and the insurance companies together and inform them that the rates that have been charged are absolutely unjustified; and is he aware that the public ought not to be exploited during the war? How can it be said that the insurance companies are taking part in the total effort when they are behaving in this way?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is 100 per cent. difference between the various companies giving premiums, and that also football pools are stepping into what they imagine to be a very profitable market?

I would ask my hon. and gallant Friend to await the statement that I am to make on the matter.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why, if it is possible for insurance companies to make the necessary calculations, it is impossible for the Government to do so?

I have not said so, but my hon. and gallant Friend has pointed out the difficulties and discrepancies that have already arisen.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer from what source the banks are obtaining the means to make advances to the Treasury known as bank deposits; and is it intended to liquidate these borrowings from the sale of National Savings Certificates or bonds?

The banks are able to lend to the Government by way of Treasury deposit receipts as a result of the increased liquid funds in their hands arising from the increase in their customers' deposits. As regards the second part of the Question, the proceeds of sales of Government securities to the public are not earmarked to particular purposes but, along with the proceeds of taxation, are available to meet all Government expenditure, including the repayment of short-term debt.

Have not these credits been brought into existence by the action of the banks, and is it not advisable at this time that the Government should be responsible for the creation of credit for war purposes?

Are these credits not costless credits? They cost the banks nothing.

I have already answered various questions which my hon. Friend has put.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that we must adopt a new conception of finance if we are to win the war?

I have no doubt that my hon. Friend would agree to adopt the suggestions that have been made by his hon. Friends.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the deposits of the joint stock banks have increased by over £300,000,000 since the outbreak of war; and whether, as this increase represents additional money brought into existence by the action of the banks in supplying the Treasury with funds which they create without cost to themselves, but upon which the Government pays interest to the banks, he will consider amending the law so that any further issue of such money, which may be necessary, shall be made upon the authority, and to the benefit, of His Majesty's Treasury, and not upon the authority and to the benefit of any private interests?

I am aware of the increase in the deposits of the banks but cannot accept the suggestions in the rest of my hon. Friend's Question. In so far as the increase has been due to the increased expenditure of Government funds those funds have been provided in the main by means other than borrowing from the banks. Two-thirds of the increase in bank deposits had in fact incurred before the Treasury began to borrow from the banks by means of Treasury deposit receipts.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that this borrowing of newly created money is dangerously increasing the floating debt, a practice which my right hon. Friend condemned at Leeds on 13th September; and, if it is to continue, will he arrange that these newly created credit moneys are created by the State and not by a private monopoly?

I cannot go into that question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a universal demand for him to adopt modern methods in financing this war; and does he not realise that a general impression is abroad that the Treasury is as backward as was the French Army?

No, Sir; I do not think so.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there is considerable delay in releasing stocks of goods damaged by enemy action belonging to traders because such goods have to be inspected to assess the amount of damage for the purpose of compensation; that this delay is causing further deterioration in these stocks; and whether he will devise some machinery for the purpose of releasing such stocks without delay?

I am grateful to the hon. Member for affording me a further opportunity of correcting the mistaken notion that after goods insured under the Commodity Scheme have been damaged the policy holder must wait until an assessor comes along before taking salvage measures. All policy holders have been instructed that, in the event of damage to insured goods, it is their duty to take all reasonable steps necessary to prevent further loss or damage and if it is necessary for this purpose to remove the goods to a place of safety, the expenses of removal will be allowed without assessment before-hand.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there was a statement in the Press recently which referred to foodstuffs but that nothing whatever was said about other material? Could he make it quite clear that his statement applies to all kinds of salvaged goods?

If the hon. Gentleman had seen the full statement made on this very question, he would have found that it dealt with all commodities, but if there is any doubt, I will take steps to see that the position is made quite clear.

Would the hon. and gallant Gentleman communicate with the London Region, because they are under the impression that when clearing debris they must leave these stocks standing?

If that is the case I am quite prepared to see that the matter is made clear to them.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he will give the approximate number of persons insured against war-risk fatalities by the big insurance companies, both for the first year of the war and to date, together with the number of claims made and the average premium rate charged?

I regret that the detailed information asked for is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the French service men in quarters in a town of which he has been informed, are not part of General de Gaulle's volunteer force; that much adverse comment has been caused by the way these men are entertained and feted, to the neglect of men in our own Services; and whether he will cause it to be known that Frenchmen serving in the war wear a distinguishing badge to denote their support of General de Gaulle?

No French service personnel are quartered in the town to which my hon. Friend refers. A notification is about to be issued to all concerned that the personnel of General de Gaulle's Forces bear on each shoulder of their uniforms the word "France" in white letters, and reference has also been made to this fact in the Press.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I saw a company of these French sailors or soldiers in Chester when I was there, and that they were dining in one of the military rooms?

I have made inquiries on the report which I received. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will have a word with me about it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that his circular 262/1940 to local authorities, which promises them that the Government will reimburse the whole cost of construction and equipment of approved air-raid shelters contracted for by them after 19th October, but not before that date, discriminates financially in favour of those authorities which have been backward in shelter construction, and against those which provided shelters on a proper scale when they were originally called upon to do so; and what steps does he propose to take to ensure that ratepayers are not made to bear an extra burden because their council has done its duty?

It is not practicable to avoid seine inequalities when the rates of grant are altered. The alteration which has been made is designed to meet present circumstances and I can hold out no expectation that it will be made retrospective.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware of the disastrous long-term effects of this decision on local government if slack local authorities can expect to receive from the Government rewards for their slackness?

I am quite aware that this matter involves a grave question of policy, and for that reason I think the Question ought to be put to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the wet conditions, caused by leakage through cracks and at the entrances, in a number of the shelters provided by the London County Council for their tenants on the Honor Oak estate, Brockley, and that, although complaints have been made by the tenants over a long period, no effective action has vet been taken; and will he see that the council remedies these troubles without further delay?

I have arranged for a special inspection of these shelters. It appears that dampness undoubtedly exists, but the conditions can be remedied and the L.C.C. are being advised to proceed with the work at once.

Is not the hon. Lady aware that this is only one of hundreds of cases in London? Only last night people queued up in wet conditions, and will she convey to her right hon. Friend the suggestion that if a few more engineers or outsiders are brought in, they could help to deal with this urgent problem, which is getting beyond local surveyors and authorities?