asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the urgent necessity for large numbers of Civil Defence workers, he will consider introducing compulsory part-time national service for all men between the ages of 20 and 60, not at present serving in the Forces, or any one of the public or works civil defence organisations?

I am aware that in some areas the Civil Defence Services could do with further offers of voluntary part time service. The possibility of applying the principle of compulsion has been carefully considered. On examination the difficulties and disadvantages of requiring compulsory service, part-time and unpaid, on a local basis, were found to be serious. Moreover, at the present time my right hon. Friend is engaged in a review of the strengths of the services in order to secure that strengths may accord with need, and is hoping also to equalise the burden on the services by requiring an undertaking from all to perform a minimum number of hours of duty when called upon. It should also be borne in mind that in many parts of the country the enrolments in the various services are already in excess of establishments. Nevertheless arrangements are in hand, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour, to issue a special personal appeal to classes of persons, selected in accordance with principles similar to those indicated in my hon. Friend's Question, in particular areas where increases in strengths are found to be necessary.

asked the Home Secretary whether his decision as to action to be taken on the advice of the advisory committee appointed to investigate cases of any person detained under Section 18B is made immediately on receipt of that recommendation; and how long generally elapses between the hearing of the appeal and the forwarding of the recommendation to the Home Office?

Immediately on the receipt by the Home Secretary of a recommendation from the advisory committee consideration is given to that recommendation, and in a large number of cases his decision can be given without delay. There are, however, cases in which it may be necessary for the Home Secretary to defer his decision for a time either because the decision on a particular case may affect a number of cases or for some other special reason. Decisions in these cases which may involve continued detention of persons for a long period cannot be given without the most careful consideration, but my right hon. Friend is anxious that there shall be no avoidable delay in dealing with such cases. As regards the interval between the hearing of a case by the committee and the submission of a report, if the committee is satisfied at the end of the hearing that they have all the necessary information, they submit a report forthwith. There are, however, cases where it may be necessary, as a result of the hearing, to collect further information and possibly to arrange a second hearing, and in such cases the committee are not in a position to submit a report until their inquiries are complete.

asked the hon. Member for Central Leeds (Mr. Denman), as representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, whether he is aware that the shelters provided by the Commissioners for their tenants in Ufford Street and Mitre Street, Lambeth, are unlit and exceedingly damp; and whether, in view of the undesirability of allowing people to live in such an atmosphere during the evening hours, with only candles or small hurricane lamps for illumination, the Commissioners will immediately take steps to remedy these defects?

I have been asked to reply. These shelters were provided by, and are the responsibility of the Lambeth Borough Council. Inquiries have been made from which it appears that the condition of the shelters is less bad than my hon. Friend's Question indicates. The question of installing lighting and of mitigating the dampness, will, however, receive immediate attention.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will take steps to ensure that no circulars from local medical war committees need be recognised unless the circulars have been authorised at a meeting of the full committees duly convened and held; and that the chairman and honourable secretary of such a committee have no authority to bind the committee?

No, Sir. The matter to which the hon. Member refers is one entirely for the local medical war committees themselves.

asked the Minister of Labour what are the scales and method of determining the needs of official evacuees adopted by the Assistance Board in reception areas, and, in particular, what extra consideration is allowed for the abnormal nature of the households resulting from taking in the women and children evacuees?

The Assistance Board inform me that a person who has been evacuated under the official scheme is not regarded as a member of the household in which he or she is billeted. His or her needs are assessed under the Regulations, the assessment being suitably adjusted in the light of any special circumstances arising from the evacuation including the fact that the rent for the accommodation occupied by the applicant is being paid by the State. If, however, reference is intended to a case where a person is billeted on a man who is himself drawing an allowance the answer is that the billeting allowances are ignored in calculating his allowance. This practice coupled with the fact that the evacuee is not regarded as a member of his household is in all normal circumstances an adequate measure of consideration for any special circumstances arising from the presence of evacuees.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to make some statement in connection with the liberalisation of bank loans to farmers and the working of the bank liaison officers with the county war agricultural committees?

The liaison arrangements with the banks are now in operation. Meetings have been arranged by most of the county war agricultural executive committees with representatives of the banks at which the part that the banks can play in financing agriculture has been fully discussed, and a few cases in which farmers have submitted complaints have been jointly investigated. I am glad to be able to say that these liaison arrangements have been welcomed by county committees, and I expect them increasingly to serve the purpose I had in mind, of promoting mutual understanding between the banks and agricultural interests.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what increased percentage of foodstuffs was produced from gardens and allotments during the first 12 months of the war, as compared to the last 12 months before the war started; and what efforts are being made by his Department to encourage an even greater effort being made?

No statistics are available to enable me to give a precise answer to the first part of this Question, but there is evidence that a considerable increase in food production from private gardens and allotments was secured this year as compared with 1939. In reply to the second part of the Question, my Department in collaboration with the Ministry of Food, is continuing to stimulate production of vegetables for home use by all practicable means, and to encourage the growing in the larger private gardens, etc., of selected crops which were formerly imported in quantity.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will arrange for financial assistance to be provided for market gardeners who have suffered severe damage by the destruction of glasshouses in air raids?

A general scheme for the insurance of property against war damage is under active preparation in pursuance of the recent announcement by the Prime Minister and consideration is being given to the inclusion of market gardeners in it.

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) what definite action has been taken by His Majesty's Government, in order to prevent delay in production of foodstuffs, to assist farmers to proceed at once with the repair of damage to their holdings caused by enemy action;(2) whether arrangements will be made that farmers, who sustain damage to their livestock and crops as a result of enemy action, may receive immediate compensation, as otherwise food production may suffer?

The provisions of the Essential Buildings and Plant (Repair of War Damage) Act, 1939, apply to farm buildings although no loans have yet been made. With regard to damage to land, livestock and crops, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given in reply to a Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Howdenshire (Colonel Carver) on this subject on 16th October.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, while admiring the heroism of the officers and crew of the "Jervis Bay," he is satisfied that sufficient precautions are taken in escort work to prevent the need for such incidents; and whether he will, to allay dissatisfaction, investigate aspects of North Atlantic sea policy in general?

The hon. Member and the House can be assured that every possible step is taken to provide our convoys with the maximum escort strength available, having regard to other war duties and commitments of the Royal Navy.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has in view any emergency arrangements to assist Western Isles crofters, in the Outer Hebrides especially, to sell the livestock which they cannot afford to transport to the mainland grading centres, in view of the fact that the plan suggested by the hon. Member for the Western Isles on 5th October cannot now have a reply which will allow of action being taken until. September, 1941?

Special arrangements are already in force in the Western Isles as in other remote parts of Scotland. Producers there have been enabled since the introduction of control of meat and livestock to sell their fat stock direct to local butchers as was the case before control. My Noble Friend has, however, called for a full report regarding the disposal of livestock in the Western Isles, on receipt of which I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade why packages are not included under war risks insurance as packages are frequently as valuable and in some cases more valuable than the contents?

Speaking generally, the commodity insurance scheme covers only those goods owned by a seller or supplier of goods which are held for sale or supply in the course of that business. It does not extend to goods which are of the nature of plant or equipment used in the business. This class of goods is at present uninsurable. Thus, if containers are sold along with their contents, they are insurable, but not if they are returnable to the suppliers.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether recent reports from Newfoundland indicate any amelioration of the social and economic condition of this Dominion; whether any steps have been taken to associate the people of Newfoundland in a direct way with the work of the Commission Government; and what proportion of the cost of military defence and war organisation will fall on the people of Newfoundland?

The latest returns of the number of persons in Newfoundland requiring public relief shows a substantial improvement of the position. In October the number of those in receipt of relief was approximately 19,000 as compared with approximately 60,000 in April. As to the second part of the Question, no new administrative machinery has been established, but the hon. Member will be aware that it is the constant aim of the Commission of Government to keep in close touch with local opinion. As to the third part of the Question, the cost of the purely local defence measures is a charge on the Newfoundland budget. The net provision for war services in the Estimates for the current financial year amounts to $630,770, out of an estimated total expenditure of about 15½ million dollars.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons unemployed in the administrative county of Durham and the county boroughs of Sunderland and South Shields, respectively?

I am having the available figures extracted and will send them to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons skilled in engineering and shipbuilding now unemployed in the county boroughs of Sunderland and South Shields, respectively?

I regret that the figures desired are not available for publication.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of miners wholly unemployed in the County of Durham; and what steps he is taking to employ these men?

I am sending my hon. Friend the figures asked for in the first part of his Question. Special efforts are being made by my Department to find employment for unemployed coal miners in coal mining, if possible, and, failing this, in other work of national importance. Particular attention is being given to the transfer of miners to other districts where a demand for their labour exists and to the provision of training for them in munition work. Between 2nd September and nth November, over 6,000 miners in the County of Durham were placed directly in employment either locally in industries other than coal mining or in other parts of the country, and 1,353 were accepted for training.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the large number of miners thrown out of work in Glamorgan during last month; and what action he is taking to prevent some of these areas becoming derelict?

The arrangements to be made within the coal mining industry are primarily a matter for my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines. My Department has made and will continue to make, every effort to secure the location of new undertakings and to placing of contracts in areas where suitable labour is available, including Glamorgan.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed persons in the engineering trade on the last date of which the count of unemployed persons was taken?

These figures are not now available for publication.

asked the Attorney-General, whether, in view of the unexpected alteration in the schedules of reserved occupations, he will consider making the provisions of the Courts Emergency Powers Act applicable to men affected by the new decisions?

A simple extension of the Courts (Emergency Powers) Acts may not be the best method of providing the desired relief in the class of cases to which the Question relates. The Government are at present considering generally the question of giving relief in cases not covered by those Acts in their present form and will take into account the position of the men to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Minister of Labour, why he has raised the age of reservation for certain skilled workers in the printing trades, in view of the fact that the printing trades represent the most readily available source of skilled manpower for quick training in precision machine-setting and tool-room operations, and that the lack of skilled setters and tool-room operatives is the most serious obstacle in the way of expansion of armaments output?

The decision to raise the age of reservation from 30 to 35 for certain skilled occupations in the printing trades was made after a review of all relevant circumstances, including the state of employment in the industry. I am aware that many workers in these trades may be suitable for training for munition work, and a considerable number have already entered upon such work. Those who are affected by the raising of the age have the opportunity of seeking employment or training in munition work before the new age of reservation becomes operative on 1st December.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any intention of revising the age of reservation in the shipbuilding industry; whether he is aware of the difficulty of securing labour in that industry; and why there should be any difference between the age of reservation for shipbuilding and aircraft production?

The Schedule of Reserved Occupations is constantly under revision to meet the needs of the Services and of industry, but I have no immediate intention of revising the age of reservation for occupations in the shipbuilding industry, to which a very large measure of reservation has been given. I am aware of the need for labour in this industry, and arrangements have been made, so far as possible, to maintain the supply. Reservation for occupations in the aircraft industry is on the same principle as reservation in the shipbuilding industry. Each occupation is considered on its merits, and reservation is provided at the appropriate age.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will have inquiries made regarding the position of the supervision staff at the Besford Court Catholic Mental Welfare Hospital, Worcester, in relation to the Schedule of Reserved Occupations and the problems which remain unsolved in connection with this matter?

According to my information, all questions regarding the position of these persons in relation to the Schedule of Reserved Occupations were disposed of at a meeting that took place during August last between an officer of my Department and the Reverend McSwiney, resident manager of the hospital. If, however, the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of any cases still in doubt, I will arrange for them to be examined.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has yet inquired into the treatment of Mr. Robert Cadzow, whose boarding-house was rendered uninhabitable by a bomb on 28th September and who attended at Wandsworth Town Hall on 2nd, 9th and 10th October; his subsequent direction to the Public Assistance Board at Brixton Hill, where, after waiting hours on three separate days, his case was not dealt with, mainly because the office was closed during air-raid alerts, the staff going to shelter inside while the relief applicants were turned out into the street in heavy rain; why Mr. Cadzow was then directed to Aylesbury public assistance and redirected to Brixton Hill, again sent to Aylesbury and reluctantly given LI, as he refused to leave without some money, and then directed to Trinity Road, where he should have been sent in the first instance?

I have been asked to reply. Inquiries are being made into this case about which the hon. Member has written to my right hon. Friend and as soon as they are completed I will cornmunicate with him.

asked the Minister of Information, what is the number of people engaged in censoring letters written in Northern Ireland and addressed to people in England?

No part of the censorship examination staff is exclusively engaged in censoring letters from Northern Ireland to England. The aggregate time spent on this mail varies, but on the average is equivalent to the work of approximately 250 examiners.

asked the Minister of Information why gummed slips are not allowed to be used for letters to Northern Ireland, in view of the economy involved in their lice?

The so-called economy label may not be used for letters to censorable countries, including Northern Ireland, for reasons of national security. Under Control of Communications Order (No. 6) dated nth November, 1940, gummed slips may be used, provided they are used only for address purposes and on new envelopes.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that the Cardonnel Tinplate Works, Skewen, have been idle for over three months, and no suggestion of a restart; that there is a large number of skilled men in this area unemployed; and why essential works are allowed to stay idle with skilled workers waiting to meet the needs of the country?

Supplies of steel are not sufficient to keep all tinplate works running to full capacity, and I am afraid that the works at Cardonnel could only be reopened at the expense of employment elsewhere.

asked the Minister of Supply the technical and medicinal purposes for which glycerine may or may not be used?

The glycerine position is being carefully watched by the Ministry of Supply and steps have been taken to conserve supplies. An investigation of the uses to which glycerine is put has been made and users have been advised as to possible substitutes, for the supply of which some arrangements have been instituted. It is not possible to give a detailed list of the purposes for which glycerine is used; but they fall into three main categories:

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that a body calling itself the Excelsior Philanthropic Society has recently begun the collection of saleable salvage in the Holmfirth area, West Riding, under licence from his Department; and whether, as this seriously interferes with the activities of the Holmfirth Urban District Council in the same direction, he will take immediate steps to revoke this licence?

I understand that the society conducts its house to house collections in pursuance of an order made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department under the House to House Collections Act, 1939, after the circumstances had been very carefully investigated by an advisory committee; and the order in question can only be revoked by my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Supply the reasons for the delay in removing scrap dumps from rural and semi-rural areas; whether, in view of the response made to his appeals, he will take steps for the rapid and regular collection and dispose of all such salvage material; and whether, if transport difficulty accounts for any part of the delay, he will consider seeking co-operation with the Service Departments to secure immediate relief?

There has been some delay in the past in the removal of local scrap dumps, largely because of transport difficulties, the exceptionally heavy demand made upon the scrap trade, and the shortage of skilled labour. Arrangements have now been made which I hope will result in these dumps being cleared in the course of the next few weeks.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he has any proposals to make for assisting small manufacturers engaged in the production of munitions to secure additional working capital to enable them to carry larger stocks of raw material and to provide additional plant?

Under arrangements which have been made in cooperation with the banks, manufacturers can, where necessary, obtain from their banks additional working capital to carry out their contracts for the production of munitions. The provision of additional plant is made by the Ministry of Supply in suitable cases.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that there is still a great shortage of coal in many southern and south-western areas; whether he can explain it; and whether he can definitely undertake that before the close of November ample supplies for the winter will be available?

I am aware of temporary local shortages in certain parts of these areas, but the Hon. Member will appre ciate that the movement of coal both by sea and rail to destinations remote from colliery districts may at times be subject to interruption. For that reason it would be quite impossible for me to give the undertaking desired by the hon. Member. I am endeavouring, in co-operation with the other Departments concerned, to ensure that as much coal as possible will be made available for the increase of winter stocks to meet whatever emergencies may arise.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that local authorities have been advised to get in stocks of coal to meet emergencies; that difficulty is being experienced in doing this; and will he make a statement to the House as to what his Department are doing to remove this feeling of anxiety?

Ever since I took up my present office last May, I have been pressing all classes of consumers to make the fullest possible use of the available transport facilities to lay in stocks of coal for the winter. In order to make sure that no such facilities should go unused I obtained the approval of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer for a large programme of stocking on Government account, and the ready cooperation of local authorities in putting it into execution wherever a surplus of supplies became available. The response of consumers to my appeals has, however, been so great and continuing that no very great quantity had become available for Government stocking before the intensive air attack on this country developed. Steady progress is still being made with this stocking as circumstances permit. Meanwhile we have the reassuring fact that we are facing the difficult period that lies ahead with far greater reserves of coal distributed over the country than at any previous time in our history. In a war in which all transport services, here as well as in Germany, are very much in the battle-line, it is inevitable that, in spite of the courage and devotion to duty shown by all ranks engaged in them, local shortages of coal should arise from time to time, but I can assure hon. Members that my colleagues and I are doing, and will continue to do, everything in our power to remedy them as rapidly as possible. In this matter we are promised the fullest co-operation of the distributive trade, and consumers themselves can render great assistance by exercising the most rigid economy in fuel in areas where shortages are most likely to arise. In so far as it may be impossible in all cases to avoid some temporary inconvenience—and indeed discomfort—I am confident that the general public will bear these with the same fortitude and cheerfulness with which they have met the more obvious, and far more dire, results of enemy air attack.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many thousand wagons laden with steam-coal unsuitable for domestic purposes are standing idle on railway sidings; and whether steps can be taken to empty these trucks so that they may be used to transport domestic coal from the pitheads?

I have no information with regard to the number of wagons laden with steam coal which are standing on railway sidings, but steam coal is urgently required for many high priority purposes and I could not therefore undertake to have the wagons emptied and sent back to the collieries to load house coal. I am making every effort in consultation with my hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Transport to expedite the movement of wagons to consumers who have ordered their supplies and are awaiting delivery.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, how many buildings requisitioned by his Department have not yet been used and are remaining empty?

Some 35 requisitioned buildings have not yet been used for the purpose originally intended, but arrangements have been made with the Service Departments to place at their disposal accommodation not immediately required by the Ministry of Works and Buildings. In addition, some private houses have been taken over for billeting purposes, and the same arrangement has been made in regard to them also.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he will make a report upon the work of his Department for the past four months?

The hon. Member will recollect that a full Debate on the work of the Ministry of Economic Warfare took place in Secret Session on 9th July. If it is desired to have a further discussion on the Ministry's activities, no doubt this can be arranged through the usual channels. My right hon. Friend would welcome the opportunity to report to the House upon the work of the Ministry.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what was the value of the printing work done for his Department during the last financial year; and what percentage of that work was done in Scotland?

This question refers to printing work done for the Departments under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of State for Scotland. The expenditure defrayed in respect of printing work for those Departments during the financial year 1939 was £10,677; 99 per cent. of this work was done in Scotland.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider appointing an adequately staffed official in every Ministry whose duty it will be to deal with the problems of outside persons and bodies and so avoid delays in dealing with such problems?

I am afraid that the hon. Member's suggestion would involve duplication of staff and effort and would not tend to efficiency or expedition. If he has in mind any cases of unreasonable delay I would suggest that he should take the matter up with the Minister concerned.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will give a Report of the recent work of his Department, and state precisely the progress made?

No, Sir. As my hon. Friend is aware, the publication of detailed trade statistics has been suspended for the duration of the war: without them no such Report could be of interest. Moreover the preparation of a Report at the present time would involve considerable labour at a time when our public services are working under heavy pressure.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he is aware that certificates to purchase timber for packing-cases for export are being refused to reputable firms who are duly accepted members of their local chamber of commerce unless they formally join an export group; whether he will state the authority for such refusal; and whether such a discriminatory practice will now be discontinued?

It is the practice to make bulk allocations of timber for packing cases for export to Export Groups, one of whose main functions is to facilitate the distribution of controlled raw materials required by individual exporters. Accordingly, certificates to purchase are not normally issued by the Board of Trade direct to exporters except in cases where there is no appropriate Group. I am, however, always prepared to examine particular cases of difficulty, and if my hon. and gallant Friend will furnish me with details of any cases he has in mind I shall be happy to look into them.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he will consider substituting in ships medicine chests atebrin for quinine as this is now manufactured in this country, which is regarded by competent malariologists as being superior to quinine, both as a prophylactic and curative agent?

I propose to issue to ships carrying doctors a memorandum which has been prepared by the Minister of Health in which advice is given regarding the use of atebrin, but I am informed by my right hon. Friend that atebrin is a drug which should be administered only under medical supervision and should not be included in the ordinary ship's medical chest because it is not suitable for use by unqualified persons.

asked the Minister of Shipping what action he is taking regarding the requisitioning of British ships on the China coast; whether all British ships there are included in the scheme; and will he give the reasons for the exclusion of any vessel?

The ocean-going ships of the two British liner companies concerned have been brought within the liner requisition scheme and a number of oceangoing tramp ships suitable for service elsewhere have also been requisitioned. As regards other ocean-going ships registered at ports of British registry in the area, a local requisition and control scheme similar to that of the last war is under discussion with the British authorities in the area.

asked the Prime Minister when he will be in a position to publish Lord Snell's report on the circumstances leading up to the sinking of the "Arandora Star"?

It is not proposed to publish the report, but a statement embodying the findings is being prepared and will be issued shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for India how many prisoners have been convicted, and are now serving sentences, for offences of a political character in India; how many have been charged but have not yet been tried; whether his attention has been drawn to charges and convictions related to newspaper headlines being too bold; and how many of these charges and convictions have taken place?

The hon. Member will appreciate that "offences of a political character" is not a term that can be precisely defined, and also that in the four Provinces where responsible Ministers are now functioning the whole matter is one in regard to which Ministers are answerable to the Provincial Legislatures. Complete information is not available in this country. I am informed that on the 1st October last 911 persons were in prison in India, on conviction in respect of charges under Sections 124 (a) (sedition) and 153 (a) (fomenting communal enmity or hatred) of the Penal Code or under the Defence of India Rules. Of this number 323 were in the Provinces of Bengal, Punjab, Assam and Sind, where responsible Ministries held office. It will be appreciated that the Defence of India Rules, as their name implies, cover a large range of offences prejudicial to defence measures, public safety or order, and the efficient prosecution of the war. Information is not available as to the extent to which cases under these Rules relate to offences that could in any sense be described as "political" or to other offences. There were no cases relating to newspaper headlines among these figures, but some warnings have been given on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any steps are being taken by the Government to repatriate British subjects now in Switzerland who desire to return to this country?

The right hon. Member will appreciate that there are considerable difficulties in the way of assisting British subjects now in Switzerland to return to this country. The only possible route is an arduous journey by bus across France to the Spanish frontier and thence by rail to Lisbon, where shipping is not always immediately available to the United Kingdom. The matter is, however, receiving close attention and every effort is being made to deal with the situation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether diplomatists representing neutral countries in Great Britain are at the present time entitled to use cipher or code messages in communicating with their respective governments; and how many such diplomatists use such codes and cyphers?

On the outbreak of war His Majesty's Government availed them- selves of the powers which are accorded to all signatories under Article 27 of the International Telecommunications Convention of 1932, to exercise the right of censorship over telecommunications. In order to minimise the inconvenience of censorship to the diplomatic representatives of foreign states in this country, they have been permitted to exchange telegrams in code, cypher or any language with their respective governments, provided (a) that they are certified by the actual signature of either the diplomatic representative himself, or a representative of his staff empowered by him so to act, and (b) that every telegram includes the official designations in plain English or French of both the addressee and the sender. It is the normal practice of diplomatic representatives to communicate with their governments in code or cypher, and there is no reason to believe that those representatives to whom this facility has been extended do not avail themselves of it.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he proposes to make arrangements whereby sub-post offices will be able to conform to the earlier closing movement during the winter months?

The necessary arrangements have already been made.

asked the Postmaster-General, whether he can provide facilities for the troops serving overseas to enable them to send limited numbers of letters by air-mail to this country at a lower rate of postage than that at present charged, which bears heavily on those soldiers drawing minimum rates of pay?

I regret that the accommodation at present available for the conveyance of air-mails on the Empire air services is not sufficient to allow a reduction to be made in the rates of postage charged for air-mail letters sent to this country by members of His Majesty's Forces serving overseas. My right hon. Friend is, however, considering possible expedients in collaboration with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air.

asked the Postmaster-General how many parcels were despatched by the Red Cross to British prisoners of war in Germany during the month of October?

The number of parcels despatched from this country to British prisoners of war in Germany during October was 95,896.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, with a view to preventing the postal system being dislocated by a large volume of Christmas cards and the resultant delay of business and official correspondence, causing a check to the national war effort, he will consider suspending the printed paper rate during the week before and the week after Christmas?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer my right hon. Friend gave on 6th November last to a Question by the hon. Member for Stroud (Mr. Perkins). In view of what he then said my right hon. Friend cannot see his way to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion to suspend the printed paper rate as proposed. This rate is largely used by the business community for the transmission of trade documents, and its suspension during the Christmas pressure period would no doubt cause them real inconvenience.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the facilities now given to soldiers in this country for receiving information about their London families can be extended to soldiers serving in the Middle East?

Arrangements have been made whereby, at certain intervals, fixed so as not to overload the means of transmission, a soldier in the Middle East and his next-of-kin in this country can communicate with each other by cable on urgent matters at a cheap rate. There is also the scheme by which soldiers can be notified of any casualties occurring to their relatives in air raids, and I know from personal observation that this is of great service to the troops.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the considerable potential supply of leather made from English hides and of the desirability of reducing imports by the use of home-produced materials, he will take steps, in conjunction with the Ministry of Supply, to arrange that articles of military equipment shall, whenever practicable, be made of leather; that, in case of articles which cannot be made wholly of leather, the present specifications shall be overhauled so that leather may be utilised as far as possible; and what orders have been placed during the last six months for articles of leather equipment for the Regular Forces and for the Home Guard, respectively?

The possibility of using leather for Army equipment has been considered carefully by the War Office in conjunction with the Ministry of Supply, and wherever possible leather articles will be provided. The Home Guard are being equipped with leather articles such as anklets, belts, rifle slings and frogs. Orders are also being placed for 800,000 sets of leather equipment for the Regular Forces. There are certain disadvantages in the use of leather equipment under active service conditions which limit the amount which can be supplied to the Regular Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of proposed increase in railway fares, he will recommend that soldiers proceeding on short leave may have special facilities for half-fare tickets?

All members of His Majesty's Forces are entitled to travel at public expense on two leave journeys a year. On all other leave journeys they may travel at the reduced rate of single journey for half single fare, and return journey at single fare. Increase of railway charges was one of the reasons for the increase of the pay of warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and men by sixpence a day.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to state the result of his inquiries into the complaints regarding Dingle Vale school?

No, Sir. I have not yet received the report of the Court of Inquiry, but I expect to do so in the course of this week. The report will need careful consideration and I cannot say when I shall be in a position to make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether discharge badges are being issued as in the last war to men discharged from the Army; and, if not, for what reason?

The institution of a badge for officers and men invalided from the Armed Forces on account of disability attributable to service in the present war is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider publishing extracts from the despatches concerning the campaigns in Norway, France and Flanders in which various units and individuals are specially commended?

I do not think it is practicable to publish extracts from despatches regarding the exploits of particular units, but a list of individuals mentioned in respect of service with the British Expeditionary Force from September, 1939, to March, 1940, was published in the "London Gazette" on 26th July, 1940, and lists in respect of the remaining period of the British Expeditionary Force and in respect of the campaign in Norway will be published shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether steps are being taken to form a foreign legion or international brigade from the European exiles in this country?

Polish, Czech, Norwegian, Dutch and Belgian nationals can serve in the forces of their own country. Germans, Austrians and Italians who are considered suitable may be accepted for enlistment into the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps. Nationals of neutral States are eligible for enlistment into any corps of the British Army, subject to their suitability. It is not intended to form any separate foreign legion as part of the British Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will in the national interest reorganise the Home Guard on a proper national basis free from factory and commercial firms influence, where workers are too often subjected to coercion and victimisation, and control placed in the hands of men with little or no military training or experience?

There is no essential distinction between factory and other detachments of the Home Guard. Their functions have been under consideration and general instructions will be issued in accordance with the principles which were outlined in the House on 6th November by my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Army procedure and regulations permit Home Guards to retain possession of any lethal weapons which they capture from the King's enemies; and whether he will state under what statutory authority this is so?

The answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir." The second part, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the outfit allowance granted to officers commissioned in the present emergency being insufficient to cover the increased cost due to the Purchase Tax of those articles of uniform and kit which it is necessary for them to provide, he will release them from the obligation to be in possession of service dress and will authorise the wearing of battle dress for all occasions both on and off duty?

The question whether it is necessary for an officer when first commissioned to provide himself with service dress is under review.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a newly-appointed officer purchasing his original kit for which he receives a grant, is usually supplied with uniform on credit upon an undertaking that his account will be paid on receipt of his grant; and, as it is found by supplying tailors that numerous officers do not adhere to their undertaking but use the Government grant for other purposes and the account remains unpaid, will he cause some alteration in existing arrangements necessary to ensure that such funds will be properly applied to the purpose for which they are issued?

Army officers are amenable to the civil law in regard to private debts, and it is not the practice of the War Office to intervene in such matters. The fact that an officer is given a grant in respect of his initial outfit is not considered to warrant a departure from the normal rule.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will define the allocation as between the Foreign Office and the Service Departments of responsibility for protecting the interests of British prisoners of war in enemy hands?

I have been asked to reply. The War Office has a general responsibility for the interests of British prisoners of war in enemy hands. In the discharge of that responsibility, my Department works in the closest co-operation with the other Service Departments, with the Foreign Office, through whom all representations to enemy Governments by the medium of the Protecting Powers are necessarily made, and also with other Government Departments and outside bodies who are concerned with the welfare of the British prisoners of war.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the amount of funds at present available to the Red Cross for their work in connection with prisoners of war; what staff is employed by them on this work; how many of this staff are voluntary and part-time workers, respectively; and whether arrangements can be made to place the entire staff engaged on this work on a paid basis?

I am informed that the war organisation of the British Red Cross Society and Order of St. John is receiving donations earmarked for their work in connection with prisoners of war at the rate of £150,000 per annum. The present total cost of this service is at the rate of £800,000 per annum. The organisation is at present in possession of sufficient funds to meet the excess of expenditure over income, and anticipates an increased flow of earmarked donations. A staff of 1,085 is employed by them on this work, of whom 719 are voluntary and 366 paid. It is not possible to differentiate between wholetime and part-time workers so far as volunteers are concerned. As and when the services of voluntary workers are no longer available, they will be replaced by paid staff. The entire replacement of voluntary workers by paid staff is not considered either necessary or desirable.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare, whether he is aware that shipments of nickel are reaching Germany from Finland; and what action he is taking to prevent this?

My right hon. Friend is keeping under careful observation the situation regarding the nickel mine near Petsamo. This is producing no ore at the present time. My right hon. Friend has no reason to believe that any shipments of nickel have reached or are reaching Germany from Finland. If, however, my hon. Friend has any information to the contrary, perhaps he will be good enough to communicate with me.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether His Majesty's Government is adopting the same policy as the United States Government in placing an embargo on certain exports to Japan; and what those exports are?

I have been asked to reply. The United States Government have not declared an embargo on exports to Japan or to any other particular country, but the export of a number of commodities required for war purposes is controlled under the United States Defence Act. Thus high grade aviation petrol, high grade lubricating oils and scrap iron may not be exported outside the Western Hemisphere, except to destinations in the British Empire. We ourselves are not exporting any of these latter commodities.

asked the Secretary of State for Air, whether, in view of the value as U-boat spotters, he proposes to increase the number of Sunderland flying-boats?

I regret that it would not be in the public interest to furnish the information desired by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware, notwithstanding that owner-occupiers are forbidden access to their houses within a protected area, Schedule A tax and rates are still being demanded; and whether he will give instructions that, under such circumstances, they be not levied until beneficial occupation is possible?

Except where the evacuation is for a short period by reason of some purely temporary local risk, relief from Income Tax Schedule A will be given as from the date of evacuation in cases where an owner-occupier is required by the competent authority to evacuate his property more or less permanently. As regards rates, I understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health has no power to issue instructions to rating authorities on this matter but it would appear that in cases of the kind referred to the occupier, being legally deprived of access to the premises, would not during that period be liable for rates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether an owner-occupier of property will be required to pay Schedule A Income Tax in respect of any period throughout which such property has been temporarily evacuated under order of the competent authority owing to war risks?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I have today given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for South-East Leeds (Major Milner).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it has now been decided to exempt halibut oil from the operation of the Purchase Tax?

It has been decided that halibut liver oil, and halibut liver oil and malt, are not chargeable with Purchase Tax.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has yet been able to investigate the question of relieving distress arising from air-raids and the delay or inadequacy of the grants; and what hopes he can hold out of establishing the system on a more satisfactory basis?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 5th November to the hon. Member for North Lambeth (Mr. G. Strauss). As I then stated, I am ready to investigate any particular cases where grants are considered by hon. Members to have been inadequate or to have been unduly delayed, but I cannot accept the view that the scheme for grants in respect of essential furniture and clothing is being inadequately administered.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent expenses incurred in the provision of canteens and canteen equipment are allowable as trading expenses for Income Tax purposes?

All revenue expenses incurred by a trader in the maintenance of canteens for the use of his employés are admissible as a deduction in computing his trading profits for taxation purposes. Where capital expenditure has been incurred by reason of the war in the provision of canteens it would rank for relief from Excess Profits Tax under the provisions of Rule 3 of Part I of 7th Schedule, Finance (No. 2) Act, 1939, and the question of giving a corresponding relief for the purposes of Income Tax is at present under consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make a statement clarifying the position of workpeople whose wages structure makes permissible charges for holidays with pay: whether he will now say how the continuity rule applies; how the rest rule applies; whether workers would be entitled to benefits during such period; and whether he is aware that serious anxiety exists amongst workpeople on the matter?

I should be glad if my hon. Friend would have a word with me, in order that I may understand more clearly the nature of the points which he wishes to raise.

asked the Minister of Labour when the Annual Report for 1939 of the Chief Inspector of Factories will be issued?

This report is in an advanced state of preparation and will be issued shortly.

asked the Minister of Labour whether a special survey will be made of the man-power required for shipbuilding both naval and mercantile, for aircraft production and for the making of all kinds of armaments and munitions; and also for the man-power required for the export trades and for agriculture, before any classes of men above 35 years of age are called upon to register under the National Military Service Act?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to make his promised statement on training?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he intends to take steps, in appropriate cases, to compel employers to train workpeople in productive processes?

Very considerable progress has been made in training for the munition programme since I reported on the position to the House on the 8th August. It has always been recognised that by far the greater part of training must be done by employers themselves. This has been made clear on many occasions to the engineering industry and I have received the full support of the Engineering Employers' Federation. There has, on the whole, been a very gratifying response but much more has got to be clone in order to produce the trained labour required for the programme at which the Government are aiming. In general, I prefer to rely on the willing co-operation of employers in this matter but the Government will not hesitate to use compulsory methods if in any particular case this should prove to be necessary.I have appointed Labour Supply Committees in all large industrial areas and a large number of Inspectors of Munitions Labour Supply, and one of their chief duties is to ensure that all firms carry out the training which is appropriate both by way of upgrading existing workers in the industry and by the introduction at lower levels of men and women new to the industry. My own Department is doing its utmost to assist in the training programme. The number of Government Training Centres has been increased in the last few months by the opening of 10 new centres and the extension of four existing centres. Nine more centres will open very shortly. The centres are working, so far as possible, on a shift system and the number of men in training is now three times as great as it was last May. By arrangement with the President of the Board of Education and the Secretary of State for Scotland courses in engineering are also being developed in Technical Colleges where the numbers in training have been more than doubled since the beginning of September. In addition, arrangements are made for training on behalf of my Department by firms which for various reasons cannot be engaged on munition production but have suitable plant and instructors available.I have, within the last week, initiated a new scheme for training which has been drawn up in agreement with the Engineering Employers' Federation and the Amalgamated Engineering Union. This pro vides for the training of men and women, in the main newly recruited to the engineering industry, by employers who in addition to undertaking training for their own purposes, are also prepared to train on production, in excess of their own needs for transfer to employment elsewhere for the national use. I hope with the co-operation of employers and workers to develop on a large scale this new scheme which will be called "auxiliary training." I should like to take this opportunity of emphasising the need for the employment and training of women. The demands of the Armed Forces for men are already becoming so great that it is manifest that women must be emplcyed in all forms of production in ever increasing numbers. Apart from the Government Training Centres, the training facilities to which I have referred are now open to women as well as to men, and I am quite prepared to arrange for the admission of women to Government Training Centres also when, as must happen in the near future, trained women are required for many occupations in the enlarged munition programme. I am taking steps immediately to bring to the notice of all engineering employers the need for considering at once the introduction of women into their factories in much larger numbers than hitherto and for the employment of women in all occupations where they can, after a course of training, replace men without loss of efficiency.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the number of men who have left the shipbuilding, ship repairing and marine-engineering industries for aircraft production since the beginning of June?

I regret that statistics giving the information desired are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the number of registered unemployed fell by 596,000 during the 12 months ended 14th October, 1940, but that of this total only 33,000 took place during the period from 20th May to 14th October, 1940, and, having regard to the fact that during this later period many hundreds of thousands were called up for service, will he state what steps it is proposed to take to enable the 835,000 on the live register on 14th October to play a greater part in the nation's war effort?

The creation of opportunities for further employment does not rest with me but with the Production Departments and with private industry. It is my responsibility to organise and direct the supply of man-power in order to meet the ever-increasing demands which will be made upon it.

asked the Minister of Labour, whether continuous inquiry is being made into the relation of hours of work and output or whether such inquiries will be made by the Industrial Health Research Board in order to ensure that the health of workers is never allowed to deteriorate and consquently to reduce their output?

The Industrial Health Research Board is continuing its inquiries into this subject, and any further findings and recommendations of the Board will receive the immediate attention of my Department, with a view to appropriate action.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will take steps, by issuing a leaflet or otherwise, to make it clear both to employers and to work-people that the provisions of the Factories Act remain in operation and are being enforced, except in so far as relaxations are expressly permitted by the competent authority?

An announcement to this effect was made at the end of last July by a leaflet and in other ways, and I have no evidence that a further leaflet or announcement is needed. Factory managements generally would appear to be well aware of the position.

asked the Minister of Labour how many miners have been transferred from the county of Durham; and what number have returned to their homes?

Between 2nd September and 11th November, 1940, 6,323 miners in the County of Durham have been transferred to employment elsewhere, and of these 394 returned to their homes; in addition, 1,353 miners from the County of Durham were accepted for training.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has made any preliminary inquiry into the accident which occurred on 25th October, 1940, at a works in Glasgow when 17 persons lost their lives and many were injured; if so, with what result; and whether it is intended to hold a public inquiry into the cause of the accident?

Inquiries by the factory inspectorate into the cause of this unfortunate explosion were begun immediately, and various preliminary steps were taken, but progress has been delayed, partly owing to the necessity of removing debris and partly owing to difficulties in questioning for the time being some severely injured persons. The Department will be in touch with the Scottish legal authorities on the subject of a public inquiry, and I cannot make a definite statement on that point at this stage. I should like to express my deep sympathy with the relatives and friends of the killed and injured.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is in a position to make a statement on the findings of the interdepartmental committee set up to consider vocational training and resettlement in civil life of war-disabled persons; whether the King's Roll National Council has yet announced its decision in regard to the inclusion in its scheme of disabled ex-service men from the present war; and whether any national scheme is contemplated to find employment for non-Service casualties who are industrially handicapped by their war disabilities?

The matters referred to in the first and third parts of the Question are under consideration, as is also the recommendation of the King's Roll National Council that the King's Roll Scheme should be extended to include ex-Service men disabled in the present war.