asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, in view of the ruling by the United States of America's Treasury that the Purchase Tax must be included in the value of goods imported from the United Kingdom for the purpose of establishing ad valorem duties, what is the Board's estimate of reduction in dollars of our annual exports to the United States of America?

The proportion of this country's current exports to the United States which are subject to ad valorem duties appears to be about one-third of the total. I am not in a position to say what proportion of this one-third will attract the higher valuation for duty purposes in the U.S.A. or to estimate the consequent reduction in trade.

Has the right hon. Gentleman the President of the Board of Trade made any representations to the Treasury about the effects of this tax, and are any modifications in the system of collecting the tax being made?

The tax was, of course, imposed only after due consultation between all the Departments affected. At present conversations are going on in the United States about the incidence of the tax. I can add nothing to answers that I have previously given on the subject.

Was the Department really not aware, when it sanctioned the Treasury's proposals for this tax, that the American duties would go up as a result?

Yes, Sir. The Department was aware of all the effects of the tax, but the Revenue had naturally first consideration.

Is the Revenue, or production, the first consideration of the Board of Trade?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he has considered the reports or Sir William McLintock on his investigations into the affairs of the companies comprising the Great Boulder and the Commonwealth group of gold-mining companies; and whether he intends to refer these reports to the Director of Public Prosecutions under Section 136 (1) (i) of the Companies Act, 1929?

I am not prepared to make any further statement on this matter at present. The reports have been available to shareholders for only a week, and until they have had an opportunity to study them in detail I cannot say what action it will be possible to take.

Has my hon. and gallant Friend personally studied these reports, and is he aware that there is considerable anxiety among the shareholders of these companies, who are looking to the Board of Trade to take some action to protect their future interests, even if not to protect their past interests?

I have studied the reports, and I would point out that it was mainly through the Board's action that they were made available to the shareholders.

What length of time constitutes an opportunity?

That depends on the shereholders themselves.

asked the Secretary of State for War upon what date the military authorities first received representations from the Ministry of Health regarding the continued use of a cinema at present occupied by evacuees; what is the reason for the delay in coming to a decision; and whether he is aware that, as a result of this delay, 700 persons have been compelled to live in a single building, without beds or proper accommodation, for upwards of two months?

Representations were first received orally from the Ministry of Health on or about 8th October. The position, so far as my Department is concerned, is that the cinema had been earmarked for military purposes, and was required for occupation by troops. In view of the urgent need for the accommodation of evacuees, I am arranging for its release for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many Greenock men who joined up in local units at the beginning of the war have had no leave and are stationed in distant parts of Scotland; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

So far as I am aware, there is no foundation for the implication contained in my hon. and learned Friend's Question in respect of leave, but if he will give me particulars of the cases he has in mind, I will have inquiries made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether war establishments permit of a batman for each serving officer?

No, Sir. The allotment varies according to the rank of the officer, the type of unit, and other conditions.

Would it be right to assume that field officers are entitled to a batman each, but that officers below that rank may have to share the services of a batman?

There are several scales. Scale A, which is the scale for fighting units, allows one batman per officer.

As it is declared that we are fighting for democracy, would it not be better to abolish the batman system altogether?

asked the Secretary of State for War why troops are sleeping on mud floors in tin huts near a place to which his attention has been drawn when ample billeting accommodation exists nearby?

I am informed that the troops to which my hon. Friend refers were in huts for about ten days. These men have been moved elsewhere, and the troops now stationed in the place are in billets.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these men were originally in a stable at a mansion, and can he give any reason why they were turned out except that the lady of the house did not like having them there?

I do not know anything about that. My impression was that they were billeted in the house. If my hon. Friend knows more about it, I shall be glad if he will give me particulars.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider an alteration in the regulations governing the non-payment of separation allowances to wives not living with their husbands at the time of enlistment, and particularly in relation to allowances for children?

The position of separated wives in relation to the payment of family allowances was exhaustively considered before the existing arrangements were approved, and I am not aware of any particular reason for alteration of these arrangements. If the hon. Lady will inform me of any specific suggestion which she has in mind, I shall be glad to consider it.

asked the Secretary of State for War what deductions are made from a British officer's account during the period that he is a prisoner of war in Germany?

The only deductions made from the accounts of British officers who are prisoners of war in Germany are in respect of advances of pay made to them by the German Government and a charge for messing, which is subject to review.

Is it correct to say that these amounts together come to roughly £10 a month in the case of a subaltern?

I should require notice of any question about the amounts.

Are officers who are prisoners of war able to draw advances of pay up to the extent of the credits that they have with their regimental funds in this country?

I should like notice of that, too. It is a complicated question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many prisoners of war at Oflag VII Camp have only the battle dress which they were wearing when captured in the summer and are without overcoats; and whether, pending the arrival of Red Cross parcels, representations will be made to the German authorities that clothing be temporarily provided, as has been done in the case of German prisoners of war in Great Britain?

I am aware that many prisoners of war in Germany lack winter clothing, and I am using every means in my power to effect a remedy. The German Government have been urged, through the diplomatic channels available to us, to fulfil their obligations in this matter, and the American Government has in the last few clays been asked to make further representations.

Has the attention of the German Government been drawn to Article 12 of the Geneva Convention, whereby captor States have agreed to supply clothing, underwear and boots, and to keep them in repair?

Yes, Sir; and there is no doubt whatever where the responsibility lies. The American Government have been asked to make representations to the German Government; it is their responsibility.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can assure the House that weekly parcels of food and clothing are now reaching British prisoners of war camps in Germany and, in particular, are reaching the 1,500 British prisoners of war in Oflag VII Camp, where it is understood that few, if any, food parcels had been received from early July up to mid-October, the prisoners suffering severely from the wholly inadequate rations supplied to them; and whether deductions have regularly been made from officers' pay in respect of the inadequate diet provided?

As I wrote in answer to a Question last Tuesday, a telegram from the American Embassy in Berlin states that between 13th and 19th October, 1,838 parcels of food, clothes and books have been received by prisoners of war in Oflag VII Camp, and the flow of parcels is continuing. With regard to the latter part of the Question, the answer is in the affirmative; but the deductions now being made on account of pay issued by the German Government and of the messing provided by that Government will be reviewed as soon as official agreement is reached with the German Government, through diplomatic channels, on the rate of exchange to be applied to issues of pay to prisoners of both countries.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a great many of the parcels to which he has referred were parcels of books and were not wholly confined to food; and also that I receive letters from all over the country saying that many of our men are actually too weak to play games or to take active exercise because of the lack of ordinary food, and that they ask even for oatmeal to be sent to them to mix with their watery soup; and cannot anything more be done, because I am told that the Polish and French parcels are arriving much better than our own?

I said that the parcels were of food, clothing and books, but I am not certain with regard to the proportions.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to the amount and quality of the food that they are receiving in Germany?

Yes, Sir, I have, and I am dissatisfied with the position, hence the representations I have been making.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the camp at Oflag VII there are 1,600 prisoners and that this number of parcels may not have meant a parcel of food for each man?

I did not say that it did. I do not want the House to think that I am satisfied because 1,800 parcels got through. The situation is a very difficult one, and I can assure the House that I am doing everything in my power in the matter.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether cigarettes as well as books can be sent direct by next of kin, because there is a great deal of misapprehension in the country whether cigarettes can be sent as well as books, or whether they have to go through the Red Cross?

I should like notice of that question.

Will my right hon. Friend say why he is against a general inquiry?

I do not see how a general inquiry would get us much further. I am just as concerned and as much disturbed about it as is the hon. Lady, and I will do everything I can to improve the situation.

If the right hon. Gentleman cannot control it, cannot the Government?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will inquire into the co-operation between the records departments and the prisoners-of-war organisations, in order that there may be the greatest possible efficiency in the despatch of parcels to prisoners of war?

I have seen certain statements and suggestions to the effect that recent difficulties in despatching parcels to prisoners of war were due to a breakdown of the Casualty Branch of the War Office. These statements are based on a misapprehension of the machinery for sending parcels of food and clothing to prisoners of war. The War Organisation of the British Red Cross Society and the Order of St. John does not rely for this purpose upon information supplied to it by the Casualty Branch. The War Organisation receives without delay, and without any intervention from the Casualty Branch, a copy of all information coming from Geneva regarding prisoners of war, and acts upon this information. The difficulties which have been experienced in the despatch of parcels were due to obstacles in the way of transmission after the collapse of France, as was explained in the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Kensington, South (Sir W. Davison) on 5th November, of which I am sending the hon. Lady a copy.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the confusion has arisen owing to the telegrams from Geneva, naturally, coming in French, and there not being sufficient clerks at the Record Office capable of translating French telegrams accurately? Will my right hon. Friend look into that matter with the prisoners-of-war organisations?

I certainly will, but I am dealing at the moment with the Casualty Branch.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I said "the Record Office"?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consult the director of the Red Cross Society with a view to employing paid experts to organise the purchase, packing and despatch departments?

While this is a matter which must be left to the discretion of the War Organisation of the British Red Cross Society and the Order of St. John, I have consulted the organisation, and I understand that paid staff is already employed where necessary.

Does not my right hon. Friend consider that voluntary workers, no matter how keen they are, cannot possibly compete with the number of parcels which ought to be sent every week, and that business men who have visited the organisation are strongly of opinion that business men are required there?

I raised that question, and I was told that they had paid workers. But, in view of what my hon. and gallant Friend has said, I will communicate again with the organisation.

Do they not require business men from organisations like the Army and Navy Stores, which despatch hundreds of parcels every day?

Are the paid workers experts?

Should there not be an inquiry into the whole organisation, in view of the fact that many Government Departments are involved?

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there really is great anxiety among the parents of prisoners, that we are all getting very distressing letters, and that many of us think that there should be some overhaul of the arrangements?

My hon. Friend cannot be more concerned about this matter than I am. If she will look at the Order Paper, she will see that there are many more Questions on the subject, and I am going to explain the action that we are trying to take. There are circumstances which are beyond our control.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the cessation of much of the insurable employment in the Western Isles in recent years, and especially arising out of war conditions and the restriction of building and road-making, he will introduce an amendment of the old age contributory pensions system, especially in relation to the statutory condition requiring 104 contributions since last entry into insurance, and by allowing more elasticity in linking up periods of insurance separated by periods of unemployment?

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour, whom I have consulted, is not prepared to assent to the suggestion that residents in the Western Isles lack opportunities for entering insurable employment, particularly in connection with the war effort in various parts of Scotland. The present arrangements made under the National Health and Pensions Insurance Acts for continuity of insurance during periods of enforced unemployment are reasonably generous and it is not proposed to modify them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of older people who come very near to qualifying under the first statutory condition, having 104 contributions, find it impossible to get employment owing to these conditions?

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour does not agree with that suggestion at all.

He is wrong.

Perhaps the hon. Member will listen. For many months now there has been a serious shortage of labourers for public works contracts on the mainland and in the Orkneys, and every man in the Western Isles fit for that class of work could, had he wished, have had work of that class, either continuously or between seasons during which his services were required on the croft. Also, there have been, and still are, employments on the mainland, namely, in factories, for men unsuited to public works labouring. Some evidence of the disinclination of many males in the Western Isles to proceed to employment on the mainland is to be found in the fact that during the six months ended 30th March, 1940, no fewer than 376 of 474 men in Lewis who were offered employment out of the island refused to accept the offer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the great majority of the able-bodied men in the Western Isles are at present in the Navy and the Merchant Service at the risk of their lives? This is an unfair and a shameful attack upon them.

I made no attack whatever.

Oh, yes, you did.

I have stated the facts. The issue was raised by the hon. Member himself.

I did not raise the issue. It is a direct attack.

rose—

On a point of Order. This is the only Question to the Secretary of State for Scotland today, and I have an important Supplementary Question affecting my constituency, and I beg to ask your permission to ask the Supplementary Question.

There are many Questions on the Order Paper, and we must get on.

I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter at the first opportunity.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is satisfied with the coal storage plans with regard to the City of Glasgow?

The coal stocking position in Glasgow is reasonably satisfactory for an area so close to the sources of supply. In the aggregate, the stock held by consumers, by merchants and on Government account is more than 100,000 tons greater than it was at this time last year.

Will the Secretary for Mines keep in mind the suffering that was largely endured last winter after a statement had been made by the previous Minister that everything was satisfactory; and will he keep a very close eye on the position of the people of the City of Glasgow, where they cannot stock adequate supplies of coal in their own households because of the character of the buildings?

Yes, Sir, and I would also call attention to the conditions of last winter which could not be remedied by the accumulation of stocks. Apart from the system of carrying on the roads to Glasgow as large a quantity as possible under the weather conditions of last winter, Glasgow itself must make some provision in view of a possible recurrence of last year's winter weather.

Will the Secretary for Mines keep in mind and avoid what happened before, when train loads of coal consigned to Glasgow were kept outside and the people of Glasgow were kept waiting for this coal when it should have, been at its destination?

But the point of my hon. Friend was the fact that the delay was not confined to the rail movement of coal last winter. There was difficulty:in the City of Glasgow itself which I hope will be avoided by the organisation inside Glasgow for the supply of coal which I hope will be made available.

Does the hon. Gentleman infer that the coal muddle of last year was due to the local authorities in Glasgow, and, if so, will he say so plainly, so that we can answer him adequately?

I made no assertion of the kind.

You said it.

No, Sir. I said that the weather conditions in Glasgow were so severe that the cart haulage broke down, and even if there had been an abundance of coal in the depots, it would not have been easy to move it about inside the city. I have referred to 100,000 more tons of coal in stock this year, but I cannot guarantee it will reach the consumer unless road cartage is available.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Glasgow is ringed by coal mines and that the question last year was largely one of transport; and is he taking steps to see that adequate transport is available in case of difficulty this winter?

That is what I have said in reply to the hon. Member. It is really a question of transport inside the city, and I am emphasising the point in conjunction with the need of putting the largest possible amount of coal in stock.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether in view of the congestion on the railways and the reduced coastwise transport of coal, he will take steps to increase the transport of coal from the pit-head by road; and whether he will consider approaching the military authorities for the assistance in this work of units of the Royal Army Service Corps and their lorries?

Steps are already being takL ti in certain areas in the Midlands to increase the transport of coal by road, and similar action will be taken in other areas as may be practicable. I shall certainly be glad to ask the Minister of Transport to approach the military authorities for assistance should this prove to be necessary.

Is the Minister aware that in Nottinghamshire pits are often working short-time because they cannot get away their coal, while many R.A.S.C. lorries are seen to be travelling along the roads empty?

It is quite true that many pits have been compelled to lose time because transport facilities have not been adequate for the task of removing the coal. The hon. Gentleman asked me whether road transport could help. I believe it can, and we are taking steps to see that it is brought into use wherever possible.

Is not one of the difficulties privately-owned wagons? Why do not the Government take over the lot?

I am not quite sure that the main difficulty is, as is sometimes suggested, a shortage of wagons. Anyone who travels by rail anywhere in this country will see more wagons than he ever imagined existed. It is not so much a problem of wagons as the nature and flow of traffic which is responsible.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the congestion of coal-laden wagons in railway goods-yards owing to the failure of individual retailers to clear the coal with sufficient rapidity; and whether he is taking steps by pooling or otherwise to deal with this difficulty?

I am aware that congestion is arising at certain depots from a variety of causes, and this is, of course, regrettable at a time when it is essential to make the most efficient use of every element in our transport system. I have been giving close attention to the matter in consultation with my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Transport and the new House Coal Emergency Organisation. With the full co-operation of the merchants that has been promised, I am hopeful that the position may be considerably improved, but it must not be forgotten that they also are working under difficult conditions these days.

Where retailers and coal merchants decline to move coal with sufficient rapidity, cannot my hon. Friend use a little more compulsion or seek to impose a penalty in order to induce these people to move their coal at a faster rate?

I do not think it is a case of refusing to move coal. It must be remembered that the black-out and transport difficulties affect the disposal of coal at the depots as well as elsewhere. These people have a shorter working day, which is interrupted far more than in normal conditions, but I am pressing as hard as I can to see that no delay is experienced in discharging coal from the depots.

Does that mean that all traffic is to be regulated into the depots that are continually congested? Has my hon. Friend found that a large number of merchants may have over a week's stock of coal while others have only two days? Are steps being taken to control the haulage at the depots that are being constantly congested because there is no rail regulation in supplies of coal?

I have no evidence that depots are constantly congested, although I know that a good deal of need exists for the divergence of traffic. Country depots are inaccessible and are as much influenced by conditions as are railway stations. It is not always easy to get a coal train moving any more than it is easy to get a passenger train moving. We have in my Department a Diversion Committee, which meets every day at eleven o'clock and sees that there is all the diversion possible, in consultation and co-operation with the railway companies. There is no record of long blockages at the depots.

Will my hon. Friend make inquiries on this point?

asked the Secretary for Petroleum whether he can yet report on the value of oil and cement to be obtained from shale at Kilve and East Quantoxhead in Somerset?

An investigation of these oil shales has recently been carried out by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, but it would not be in the public interest to make a statement about the results. I should be glad, however, to discuss the matter with the hon. Member.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there was an inquiry in 1924 into the prospects of oil deposits from shale in Somerset? Is the Mines Department still dilly-dallying?

No, Sir, this is another investigation.

Is my hon. Friend aware that at the inquiry, more than 16 years ago, this subject was explored and its reports sent to his Department? Why another inquiry?

That inquiry was not considered satisfactory, and it is desired to go more thoroughly into the matter.

asked the Secretary for Petroleum, whether, in the national interest, he will take definite steps to safeguard the British oil refiners by placing one or more of their representatives on the Petroleum Board, having regard to the necessity for economy in tanker space?

The Petroleum Board and the Lubricating Oil Pool already include representatives of concerns engaged in the refining industry in this country.

Can my hon. Friend give me an assurance that the home industry will not be penalised for the benefit of overseas refiners?

Certainly, Sir. I shall be glad to have a word with my hon. Friend afterwards.

That is exactly what I want.

asked the Minister of Transport, whether he is aware that the new time-tables have been late in being sent to the great railway centres; that these time-tables have been altered in their arrangement; that this delay and rearrangement have caused considerable difficulty both to inquiry clerks and the public; and whether he will take steps to avoid this situation in the future?

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

asked the Minister of Transport, whether he is aware that the s.s. "Clydesdale," which was recently put on the subsidised service between Stornoway and Kyle of Loch alsh by the MacBrayne Company is unfit for the accommodation of humans, is not equipped with reasonable sanitary conveniences, has only room by Board of Trade standards for a small number of persons; if he will seek an assurance from the MacBrayne Company, under Clause 26 of the subsidy contract, that this vessel will not again be used on that run; and that, against such an emergency recurring, one of the other better vessels belonging to the company will be sent?

The "Clydesdale" was put on this service for two periods of about a fortnight each recently to replace the regular vessel, which had to be withdrawn suddenly for repair; the company had no other suitable vessel available for this purpose. While I agree that the "Clydesdale" is not up to the normal peace-time standard of comfort and convenience she has a passenger certificate for 168 persons and I cannot accept as accurate my hon. Friend's description of her deficiencies. The company have assured me that if the necessity for a substitute for the regular boat arises again, they will provide the best vessel available, but I am afraid that in present circumstances it is not possible to give an undertaking that the "Clydesdale" will not be used.

While I do not wish to embarrass my hon. Friend or the company by asking them to withdraw vessels from other parts of the service, has he verified the information I have given him about the accommodation? I have travelled by this means myself, and I know the facts first-hand. The accommodation is completely unsuitable, even for cattle, and more especially unsuitable and unfair to the men of the Services who go on leave and have a long voyage in front of them. Will he take action and make quite sure that the ship is fitted with passenger accommodation before it goes on service again?

My information is that while the vessel is for from being perfect, or even desirable for service, the hon. Member's description is not quite accurate. If he will see me afterwards, I can give him some information that I can hardly give him in answer to this Question.

Is my hon. Friend aware that I have had expert knowledge of MacBrayne's steamers for 25 years and that I know they have never been perfect?

Is my hon. Friend aware that a very high subsidy is paid to that company and that what I say is perfectly true?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now in a position to provide the honourable Member for Southwark, Central, with the information promised to him with regard to the detailed review of the damage to shelters?

As promised in reply to the Question which my hon. Friend asked on 8th October, he has been furnished with such information as is available regarding damage to shelters in London. As has been explained to him, it is not in the public interest that these details should be published at present.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will see that wherever possible electric heating is installed in all brick surface shelters?

Investigations into the possibilities of heating surface shelters are very actively in progress. These investigations include heating by electricity.

Is the hon. Lady aware of the great urgency of this question and that thousands of these surface shelters will remain empty during the winter unless some form of heating is installed?

We are taking very active steps in this matter and are very actively concerned with it.

Does the hon. Lady realise that people much prefer deep shelters to brick surface shelters?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will arrange for the daily inspection of all surface shelters by responsible women supervisors to ensure their complete cleanliness?

The body responsible for the cleaning of public surface shelters is the borough council, and the necessary arrangements as to supervision are made by their usual staff. In the case of brick shelters allocated to individual families, it is expected that responsible women of these families will keep their own shelters clean.

Will the hon. Lady personally look into this matter a little further and see whether these shelters are being kept in the state in which they should be kept?

I have visited a large number of shelters—

Where?

every night during the past few weeks. At the moment this is five-sixths of my job. I am aware of the difficulties, but I am surprised how well many women are keeping the shelters.

Is the hon. Lady not aware that the real problem is to bring the standards of the less good local authorities up to the standards of the best?

asked the Home Secretary whether the strutted close-mouth type of air-raid shelter in Glasgow is considered by his Department as a temporary expedient; and, if so, what alternative type of shelter is contemplated?

The use of strutted closes was, and is, considered by our expert advisers to be the best practical means of providing shelter affording approximately standard protection in considerable parts of Glasgow and other Scottish towns.

Is the hon. Lady aware that in tenements in provincial cities those close-mouth shelters are completely open, that the rain blows right through them, and that one simply cannot get the people in the provinces to utilise such places as shelters; and is she further aware that the use of them would cause more sickness and illness among the people than the German bombs would cause casualties?

We have not had a large number of complaints from Scotland, but as my hon. Friend has brought the matter to my notice, I will bring it to the notice of the Regional Commissioner.

Will the hon. Lady ask her right hon. Friend to try to spare someone from the Home Office to take an interest in the provincial shelters?

My right hon. Friend has just returned from an extensive tour of the provinces.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the strutted close-mouth shelters, in the event of bombing in Glasgow, would be a complete death trap and that it is an illusion to assume, with the experience in London, that there would be anything of a protective nature in them for the inhabitants of Glasgow?

I am not making this statement on the basis of experience in London, but as a result of the advice of expert advisers in Scotland, to whom I would gladly introduce the hon. Member.

Is the hon. Lady aware that I have knowledge of the buildings and know what I am talking about?

asked the Home Secretary whether any arrangement has yet been reached with the Australian authorities for sending to that country the wives of internees previously sent there and thereby fulfilling the undertaking given by His Majesty's Government at the time?

I would refer the hon. Member to the written answer given to a Question on this subject by the right hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Wedgwood) on 13th November. My right hon. Friend is not yet able to add to that reply.

Is the problem likely to be solved during the next month or two, because the Government have always been taken to mean that wives would be sent there fairly soon after the internees?

Certainly, Sir. My right hon. Friend expects to be able to make a statement very shortly.

asked the Home Secretary whether the advisory committee advising him on conditions in refugee places of detention has made any recommendations; and whether they have been acted upon?

I presume that my hon. Friend refers to the Council on Aliens presided over by Lord Lytton. The Council has submitted a number of recommendations with regard to the conditions in internment camps, many of which are already being acted upon.

Would it be convenient to make those recommendations available to the House in a document showing when they were made, which of them have been carried out, and when they were carried out?

I will consider that suggestion. This council was appointed by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and is an advisory body.

asked the Home Secretary what arrangements are made for aliens interned in Canada to receive pocket-money from their own resources or from refugee organisations; and whether such persons can be allowed to have money transmitted to them at least up to the limit of the amount which voluntary emigrants to Canada are allowed to take with them?

I am informed that any moneys which were standing to the credit of an internee's camp account in this country have been remitted to Canada, and an internee in Canada can be sent money to be credited to his camp account by persons or refugee organisations in Canada. As regards the second part of the Question, the matter is still being examined, and my right hon. Friend is not at present in a position to make a statement.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, as many of these people went to Canada very soon after their internment—and many of them ought never to have been sent, as is now admitted—they ought to be allowed, whether or not they have credits to their accounts in the internment camp, to receive greater financial facilities, as otherwise they are subject to considerable hardships?

asked the Home Secretary whether, now that the Government have approved of an increase in the number of military bands as likely to be a cheering influence on our citizens, consideration will be given to the provision of a more musical and martial note, something in the nature of a posthorn or bugle call, for our air-raid sirens, in place of the present wailing sound which is most depressing?

The present arrangements for air-raid warnings were decided after careful experiment. Recently fresh experiments have been undertaken to discover whether the substitution of alternative noises would be practicable and effective. It is regretted that the results of these experiments reveal that no better noises are capable of being made within the limits of practical possibility.

Is my hon. Friend aware that since I put this Question on the Order Paper, I have received a large number of letters, especially from women, saying that the sound of these sirens has a much more depressing effect upon them than the bombs, and is he aware that what the country wants is a trumpet call of challenge and not the wailing of the damned?

Could the hon. Gentleman utilise the services of the Secretary of State for Scotland?

Is it not true that women are showing really more courage in most cases than men? I beg my hon. Friend not to pay attention to a few nervous letters from nervous women.

On a point of Order, Sir. I did not say anything of the kind. I said that the noise of the sirens alarms women much more than the bombs do—indeed that they seemed to prefer the noise of the bombs to the wail of the sirens.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the announcement made by him about the system of air-raid warning some weeks ago, he expects to make any improvements in that system in the near future?

The principal change I had in mind was in the attitude of the public towards the sounding of the siren, which I desired them to take as being an "Alert" rather than an "Alarm." This has been very generally accepted, as has the reduction in the time of the warning to one minute. At the same time the arrangements with industry for working after the siren are well advanced.

Is the Prime Minister aware that in many districts no notice whatever is taken either of the "Alert" or of the "All clear" for the simple reason that the general public have no confidence in their accuracy? Is he further aware that not only the hon. Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison) but other hon. Members have received complaints of a very pressing nature on the subject, and will the right hon. Gentleman cause his advisers to look into the matter?

I think that we are solving this problem as we go along. I have no doubt that the solutions in one district are not those reached in another. On the whole, considering the unprecedented character of the attack which is made, I think it is very remarkable how the public have adapted themselves to the conditions and how the maintenance of the output of our factories continues.

Is the Prime Minister aware that bombs frequently drop before the sirens are sounded?

I should think that is inevitable.

Has the Prime Minister never considered the question of a type of warning different from the siren?

Suggestions have been made which I did consider, such as, namely, the display of a red flag on particular occasions when it was thought unpleasant things were going to happen.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to state what powers he proposes to afford local authorities, or himself apply, to protect the workers in textile mills and sheds, so as to enable the workers to proceed in reasonable safety during alerts?

My right hon. Friend is taking steps to extend to all factories where more than 50 persons work the provisions of the Civil Defence Act which require shelter to be provided for employés. In addition, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour has been in consultation with my right hon. Friend as regards the danger from broken glass and has now, under powers conferred by the Defence Regulations, made an Order, which will shortly be published, with a view to accelerating protection against this danger in the larger factories.

Is the hon. Lady aware that this matter was first brought to the notice of the Department many months ago, and we were repeatedly told that action was being taken forthwith? When is the Order likely to be published, and when is it likely to be made operative?

It is in draft, and it is likely to be made operative quite shortly. In regard to the length of time that it has been under consideration, no one knows better than my hon. Friend how complicated is the position and what long negotiations have had to take place with representatives of employers and employed.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that the personnel of the men engaged in the work of rescuing persons trapped in the wreckage of bombed buildings is as skilled as is practicable; whether those who direct them receive any special training for the work; whether a fuller supply of engineering tackle, cranes, etc., could be secured; and, whether, in view of the difficulty of ascertaining the whereabouts of survivors in large wrecked buildings, he will consider issuing a recommendation that people living in dangerous areas should carry strong whistles attached to their persons to be used only if trapped and would arrange for a large supply of such whistles upon the market?

Rescue parties have undergone a careful and regular course of training and exercise, both in their depots and at specially constituted training schools. Special training has been undertaken by rescue party leaders in London and throughout the provinces. Further, my right hon. Friend is taking steps to secure that the lessons learnt from actual raiding experience should be made readily and generally available. The equipment provided for rescue parties contains a wide range of tackle. It has been reviewed by engineers with experience of rescue work and they did not recommend the addition of heavier tackle Dr cranes to the standard equipment. Local authorities have, however, been advised to keep a record of heavy gear in the district which might be used for special occasions. With regard to the last part of the Question, this suggestion has had careful consideration but it is considered to be dangerous to take any action which might lead to rescue parties relying on the sound of a whistle to indicate that there were people trapped under debris.

Does the hon. Gentleman recognise that these tragedies are causing very considerable concern, and that there are cases of people who have lost their lives, owing to their being rescued too late, who could probably have been saved if their location could have been established; and will he issue a statement through the British Broadcasting Corporation telling people of the precautions they should take, such as having a small store of emergency rations and so on?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the establishment of neighbours' leagues in the city of Leicester and elsewhere; and what steps are being taken to provide essential equipment to supplement that which has been acquired by door to door collections and other voluntary effort so that this work of mutual assistance may be made as effective as possible?

Arrangements have already been made for stirrup pumps to be available for groups such as these. Perhaps my hon. and learned Friend will inform me what other articles of equipment he has in mind.

Will the Ministry see that, if they approve of these leagues, steps will be taken by the Department to help local authorities to improve them where they are now in existence?

In many parts of the country they have been in existence and have been gladly encouraged by local authorities.

I was asking whether the Department will help them to be more widespread.

That is desirable.

asked the Home Secretary whether the recommendations of the Advisory Committee are made known to any person detained under Section 18B as soon as received from the advisory committee; and whether, in the case of continued detention, the person concerned is allowed to know the reason for that decision?

Every person is informed of my right hon. Friend's decision as soon as it has been reached. The report of the Advisory Committee is a confidential report for the information of the Home Secretary. It is not communicated to the person who is detained. A copy of the Home Secretary's order for detention is given to the person concerned at the time of his arrest and he subsequently receives from the Chairman of the Committee sufficient particulars of the case against him to leave him under no misapprehension as to the reasons for his detention. It will be appreciated that persons detained under Defence Regulation 18B are not charged with specific offences against the law. Where there is evidence of such offences, proceedings are instituted in the courts.

Are we to understand that these persons are not told the reasons for their continued detention? Does the hon. Gentleman consider it in accordance with British justice that they should be detained indefinitely without having their case heard in open court?

Where continued detention is ordered by the Home Secretary, it is perfectly clear that the reasons for the continued detention are the same as the reasons for the original detention.

In view of the fact that these people have appealed and have had their case heard and are not told the reason, does the hon. Gentleman still think it fair to continue to have them detained without giving them specific reasons why the detention is recommended?

The report of the Committee is of an advisory character, and it is the Home Secretary's decision which is final. The reasons for the detention are given to the detainee before the hearing of his case by the Committee, and, if continued detention is ordered, it is clear that the reasons are the same as those for the original order.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some of the reasons for which they have been detained are utterly frivolous?

rose—

I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has taken steps to secure assurances regarding the loyalty to this country of Prince Bandini, an Italian, in view of the fact that he bears in Scotland the title of Earl of Newburgh?

I understand that the Earldom of Newburgh passed to an Italian family a hundred years ago, and the present holder of the title is an Italian subject resident in Italy. No public purposes would be served by taking any such steps as are suggested.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that very severe steps have been taken against many friendly Italians in this country, and does the Government intend to take no step with regard to an enemy alien, resident in Italy, holding a Scottish title?

Has this enemy person the right to sit in the House of Lords and vote there?

asked the Prime Minister whether, now that the outside world is at last convinced of the capacity of this country to survive; he will reconsider the question of stating in general terms, at an early date, the peace aims of this country so that the leadership of Great Britain in Europe's striving for a new and better order shall be clearly established?

:I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer which I gave to him on 15th October, to which at present I have nothing to add.

Does the Prime Minister recall that, in answering that Question, he said that the time to state war aims in general terms would come when the outside world was as convinced as we are of our capacity to survive, and that since that date the right hon. Gentleman has made a speech in the City of London the central point of which was that the outside world was so satisfied?

That Answer was to a Supplementary Question. The Answer to the Question was as follows:

All this is being borne in mind, but the time has not come when any official declaration can be made of war aims beyond the very carefully considered general statements which have already been published.—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 15th October, 1940; col. 596, Vol. 365.]

I regret doing so, but in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I propose to take an early opportunity of raising this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make, in view of the declaration by the Prime Minister of Poland, General Sikorski, that the British Commonwealth of Nations presents a perfect example of international co-operation with which, in some form, our European Allies might be permanently associated for the maintenance of a durable peace?

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind an interview given by General Sikorski and published in the Press on 31st August last. His Majesty's Government much appreciate General Sikorski's observations, but they do not all sustain the interpretation placed upon them by the hon. Member.

Will the Prime Minister be good enough to give an assurance that these suggestions will be considered in connection with the Government's survey of the problems of war and peace aims?

All relevant matters will be taken into consideration.

Will the Prime Minister give an assurance that this country will not adopt the totalitarian methods which were in operation in Poland before the war?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider setting up a committee to investigate the desirability, or otherwise, of Members of Parliament who are serving in the fighting forces and in so doing acquire special knowledge, relinquishing their posts and coming back to the House of Commons to raise issues which only their preferential position enables them to do?

I do not think it is necessary to add to the various regulations and conventions which have been accepted as governing the conduct of Members of Parliament serving with His Majesty's Forces or on returning to their Parliamentary duties.

Would the Prime Minister care to give us the great weight of his opinion as to whether such a course is in the national interest?

I think the present arrangements are, on the whole, fully compatible with the national interest.

Is the Prime Minister aware that there are over 100 Members serving at present with the Forces, that they do make a real contribution to the House of Commons and to the Services, and that it would be highly undesirable to alter the present practice?

asked the Prime Minister, whether he will review the inadequate amount of pension granted to the recipients of the Victoria Cross who are, or might become, necessitous; and whether the question of a special and additional pension will be granted to the recipients of the George Cross under like circumstances?

Provision already exists whereby the normal pensions of £10 and £5 awarded to recipients of the Victoria Cross and Bar respectively may, in cases of need, be increased to £75 in all. It is not considered that pensions on this scale are inadequate for the purpose for which they were intended. The position in regard to the George Cross will be examined.

asked the Prime Minister, whether, in view of the cost of stamps to Members of Parliament in connection with letters on purely constitutional matters, he will consider granting to Members the privilege of free postage for letters addressed to their constituents?

I have been asked to reply. I regret that I am unable to accept the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend that Members of Parliament, in addition to their salaries as Members, should receive free postal facilities, at the expense of the Revenue.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether, in connection with the issue of Treasury deposit receipts, he will reduce the rate of interest payable to the banks from now onwards?