asked the Home Secretary whether he will catalogue die various committees and tribunals and other bodies set up to deal with various classes of aliens, indicating their composition with the names of their members and the precise functions of each?

Following is the information:

1. The Committee appointed by the Home Secretary to advise him on questions of policy relating to the internment of aliens of enemy nationality.

Terms of reference:

(i) to keep under review the application of the principles laid down in regard to the internment of enemy aliens and to make to the Home Secretary such suggestions and recommendations thereon as they think fit;

(ii) to advise the Home Secretary on such proposals for modifying the internment policy as he may refer to them from time to time; and

(iii) to examine, and make recommendations upon such individual cases as may be referred to them from time to time by the Home Secretary.

asked the Home Secretary what are the facilities given to C aliens in Canada and Australia to join the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps; and have they the same rights and opportunities for doing so enjoyed by internees in this country?

It is my hope and that of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War that it may he possible to extend the facilities for enlistment in the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps to German and Austrian internees in Category C who have been sent to Canada and Australia. Steps are already being taken to invite applications from those in Canada and similar steps with regard to those in Australia will be taken as soon as practicable.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will release the internee, Abe Mencher, a Jew, aged 33, living here since five years old, on the ground that his brother being British is serving in the Army, and his British-born wife and children are in great want?

I understand that this Question refers to Abe Menchur Tabacman. This man's case has been referred to the Tribunal appointed to consider applications for release under Category 22 of the White Paper on the ground of long residence in this country.

asked the Home Secretary the average expenditure per heal on the internees; and how the weekly cost for the maintenance of the camps, including food, supervision, etc., compares with the Unemployment Assistance Boar grants for the individual cases?

I regret that figures which would enable me to give the desired information are not available.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the terms of category 3 of the White Paper to the effect that release of internees certified medically unfit to remain in internment will be authorised without delay, such internees are being detained for weeks after the date of the certificate; and whether he will state the reason for the delay and give instructions for the White Paper to be adhered to in these cases?

In any case in which the camp medical officer reports that release on medical grounds is a matter of urgency, release is authorised at once. There are, however, cases in which there is no immediate urgency and account has to be taken of security considerations as well as of medical considerations. In such cases there may be some days' delay while inquiries are being made as to what is known about the individual in question. As stated in the White Paper the release of any individual internee may be refused on security grounds.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that volunteers for the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps who were accepted as far back as Sep- tember are still awaiting their call up and are consequently not being released from the internment camps; and whether he will now release Mr. Herbert Neuhaus, who, for the above reason has been prevented from joining his young wife and British-born son while waiting to be called up?

I am informed that there is very little delay between the time when it is decided that an applicant for enlistment is acceptable on security grounds and the time of actual enlistment. In the case of Mr. Herbert Neuhaus, it was not until 29th October that it was decided he was a suitable candidate, and he actually enlisted on 5th November.

asked the Home Secretary whether the advisory committee has reached a decision as to whether Category 15 in the White Paper should be extended to other members than a Bridsh-born or naturalised sons serving in His Majesty's Forces?

No such recommendation has been submitted to me, and I think that there are good reasons for not extending this category in the sense proposed.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of the Labour leader Karl Mrak, who was deported to Australia and whose wife has not been permitted to join him, although an explicit promise to that effect was given to him; and whether his release will now be ordered on the ground that Mr. Mrak is an engineer and an expert for repair of gaspipe damage, in which capacity he occupied a responsible position with the municipality of Vienna?

As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a Question by him on 13th November. As regards the second part, there is no trace of an application for release made either by Mr. Mrak or on his behalf. This gentleman, together with his wife, came to this country with the intention of emigrating to the United States of America. I am at present considering what arrangements can be made for facilitating the migration of internees sent overseas without the necessity of bringing them back to this country.

asked the Home Secretary how many internees have been released under the provisions of Category 19, how many under Category 3, how many under Category 9, and how many under Category 14?

The total number of cases under Category 19 reported on by the Tribunal up to date is 68: and release has been authorised in a large number of these cases. The statistics of the decisions have not yet been tabulated, but I will communicate the figures as soon as possible to my hon. Friend. In no case have I dissented from the recommendation of the tribunal. Three thousand eight hundred and ninety-one internees have been released temporarily or permanently on medical grounds under Category 3. Sixty-nine doctors and dentists have been released under Category 9. Twenty-five employers engaged in work certified by a Government Department to be of value to the community have been released under Category 14.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the changed circumstances and the injury done to our good name, and traditions, he will now reconsider the policy of wholesale internment of Jewish refugees in this country during such a war as this?

As I indicated in a reply to a Question by my right hon. Friend on 17th October, it would not be right that any policy of internment which may be adopted should be based on a distinction between Jews and others.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that upwards of 700 people have been residing without beds, baths or privacy in a cinema for upwards of two months; whether he has considered the request from the local council for this authority to expend money on necessary improvements; why no decision has been reached; and what immediate steps he proposes to take to deal with the situation?

I am fully aware of the difficulty which the local authority concerned have experienced in finding accommodation for refugees. Indeed, I have myself visited the building referred to and authority has been given for certain necessary improvements to be effected without delay. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War, who is an interested party, has now agreed to the continued use of the building concerned by the local authority for the temporary accommodation of refugees. The whole matter of accommodation in the district is under urgent consideration and a survey of accommodation in neighbouring districts is being made.

asked the Minister of Health if he will now include Willesden in the area from which mothers with young children can be evacuated under the Government scheme?

For the moment all efforts in the London Region are being concentrated on getting children and their mothers out of the Central London area, consisting of the County of London and the County Boroughs of East and West Ham, where a house-to-house canvas is now being carried out. When this has been completed I will again review the position and any further changes which appear desirable and practicable will be made. In this review the representations which I have received on behalf of Willesden, and a large number of other areas, will be carefully weighed.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the nature of the difficulties in the way of the publication of a national list of casualties just as in the case of lists of casualties issued by the Army, Navy and Air Force?

I have written to the hon. Baronet explaining the difficulties referred to in his question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what happens to the property of men or women in businesses of their own as nurserymen when arrested and detained for alleged actions injurious to the welfare of the State; what provision is made in such cases for the upkeep of the business, the sustenance of wife and/or children, the sale of produce and payments received; and whether those of British nationality, such as a wife or son left in the business are given any say in the disposal of the produce of the nursery and its value?

I recognise that the detention of any person may involve financial losses and difficulties or hardships for the dependants, but I am not aware of any reason why the dependants should be under any disability in respect of the particular matters mentioned. If my hon. Friend has some particular case in mind, I shall be glad if he will communicate with me.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the suppression of letters addressed by persons detained under Regulation 18B to Members of this House; and whether this was done with his approval?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to a Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Forfar (Captain Shaw) on 17th October.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider revising the procedure of the appeal tribunal dealing with persons detained under Defence of the Realm Regulation 18B so as to bring the procedure more into conformity with ordinary British legal procedure?

The question of the procedure of this committee was carefully considered at the time when Defence Regulation 18B was framed. The Regulation provides that it shall be the duty of the chairman to inform the objector of the grounds on which the order has been made against him and to furnish him with such particulars as are in the opinion of the chairman sufficient to enable him to present his case. Subject to this requirement the procedure to be followed is left to the discretion of the committee. It would not be practicable that the procedure should be the same as that followed in a criminal trial, but my right hon. Friend is satisfied that the experienced lawyers who preside over the divisions of this committee take the utmost care to ensure that the person detained shall have the fullest opportunity of presenting his case, and that his examination by the committee shall be conducted with scrupulous fairness.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the practice of detaining persons under Section 18B because, prior to detention, they had intended to retard investment in War Loan; and on what grounds he considers this a good and sufficient reason?

I am not aware of any case of the kind to which my hon. Friend refers, but if he will give me particulars of any case which he has in mind I will make inquiries.

asked the Home Secretary what advisory or other committee consider detentions under Defence Regulation 20A; how many have been detained under that Regulation; and how many have been released?

I presume my hon. Friend refers to Article 125A of the Aliens Order which is made under the Defence Regulation referred to. An Interdepartmental Committee under the chairman ship of Sir Francis Lindley has been investigating the cases of persons detained under this article which are referred to it as the result of representations made by representatives of foreign Governments. This Committee is about to be reconstituted and will deal with cases referred to it by the Home Secretary. 895 orders have been made for detention and 287 persons have been released.

asked the Home Secretary how many women are at present detained in Holloway Prison under Regulation 18B; whether he has considered the representations as to the unsuitability of this prison for such detention; and whether arrangements will be made for the internment of the persons concerned in more suitable conditions elsewhere?

The number of women detained in this prison under Defence Regulation 18B is 192. There are, as my hon. Friend will realise, great difficulties at the present time in finding alternative accommodation which would be suitable and any further consideration of the question must be deferred until the Advisory Committee have completed their review of these cases and it is known what will be the total number remaining in detention. I visited the prison myself recently and satisfied myself that proper arrangements have been made for the treatment of these women. Credit is, I think, due to the Governor and his staff for the care and trouble that have been taken in connection with their accommodation and welfare.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that women detained in Holloway Gaol are locked up in solitary confinement during air raids in cells high above the ground; and whether he will make arrangements for their removal to a safer centre or, at least, for their removal to the ground floor or basement during periods of alerts?

My hon. Friend is mistaken in suggesting that women detained in Holloway Prison are locked up during air raids. Prisoners are not kept on the top landings and cell doors are left open. As regards alternative accommodation, I, would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a Question by the hon. Member for the English Universities (Mr. Harvey).

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the severe strain put upon air-raid precautions workers by their inadequate numbers; and will he consider some form of more equitable distribution of this burden, whether by compulsion or otherwise?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which was given on 10th November to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Kettering (Mr. Profumo).

asked the Home Secretary whether he is prepared to consider a modification of his recent orders to grant 100 per cent. to local authorities on all transactions for the erection of air-raid shelters entered into after 1st October and 19th October and make them retrospective, so that those authorities who have been most diligent in their duty will not be penalised; and whether he is aware that Middlesbrough has already provided shelters for more than 75 per cent. of the population, out of a complete programme for 83 per cent., and that unless the present position is changed, this authority will have to bear a very unfair burden as compared with many other cities?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which was given to my hon. Friend the Member for West Lewisham (Mr. Brooke) on 12th November.

asked the Home Secretary the names of the committee associated with Lord Horder in considering shelter health; and whether he will publish the recommendations?

The names of the members of the committee were announced when the committee was appointed.They are:Lord Border, G.C.V.O., M.D., Chairman. Mrs. Creswick Atkinson, R.R.C., Technical Adviser, W.V.S.Sir Wyndham Deedes, C.M.G., D.S.O., Chief Warden, Bethnal Green.Dr. A. D. Mackenzie, M.D., Medical Officer, Ministry of Health.Sir Alexander Rouse, C.I.E., Chief Engineer, Ministry of Home Security.As regards the latter part of the Question; I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 5th November to the hon. Member for Abertillery (Mr. Daggar), in which it was indicated that the committee have presented both an interim report and a further report, and that their recommendations are to be published.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give an estimate of the number of persons spending the night in London tunnels; and whether the number is increasing?

I will send the hon. Member the estimate for which he asks.

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether he will now revise the grants payable to local education authorities for the provision of school shelters, in the light of the new circumstances now prevailing;(2) whether shelters erected by local education authorities and available for the general public out of school hours will how rank for 100 per cent. grant, along with other public shelters erected by local authorities?

A communication on this matter which has been received from the Association of Education Committees is receiving the attention of my right hon. Friend.

asked tile Minister of Health whether he is aware that, in districts within the Greater London area, large night shelters are in use which, because they do not come within the scope of the Circular 2190 to the Metropolitan borough councils, lack the medical and nursing services for which it provides; and what steps he is taking to remedy this?

The arrangements in Circular 2190 will be applicable where, necessary in the areas to which the hon. Member refers, and instructions have already been issued to this effect.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that, in complying with the instructions outlined in Circular 2190, and bearing in mind the important public health aspects of the situation, the fullest possible use is being made of trained nurses enrolled in the Civil Nursing Reserve; and what steps he is taking to ensure that these duties are not being allocated to women who are not suitably trained to deal with them?

Circular 2190 points out that the nurses provided for this purpose should preferably be trained nurses; and the attention of local authorities has been specifically drawn to the possibility of recruitment from the Civil Nursing Reserve.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that doctors attached to Emergency Medical Service hospitals complain that there are often four largely independent executive officers situated in different towns in respect of a single hospital and that this is occasioning delay and difficulty; and whether he will look into the matter with a view to promptitude in dealing with cases and general efficiency?

I have seen correspondence in the medical Press to the effect stated in the first part of the Question. The officers referred to are not independent of one another, and their respective functions have been defined. There is no reason why delay or difficulty should occur if the instructions are properly observed, but the arrangements are kept constantly under review by my officers who take the necessary action if difficulty arises in any particular case.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will put an end to the serious differentiation in Lambeth, Southwark, Camberwell and Dulwich between members and non-members of the British Medical Association, in view of the fact that the local medical war committees or local emergency committees in those districts are controlled by the Association or its adherents, with the result that, irrespective of age or experience, appointments available to medical men in con- nection with air-raid precautions and other emergency work are made to members of the Association only, and in one case a young doctor has been given several appointments to the prejudice of older doctors?

The two local medical war committees, one for Lambeth and Southwark, and the other for Camberwell and Dulwich, each include two members who do not belong to the British Medical Association, out of a total membership of 10 and 8 respectively. I have no evidence of discrimination against non-members of the Association in selecting practitioners for appointments of the kind referred to in the Question. I am informed that of the 21 members of medical boards in the Lambeth and Southwark area 12 do not belong to the Association, whilst in the Camberwell and Dulwich area 3 out of 12 are not members of the Association. Of the practitioners appointed to first aid posts, numbering 18 and 16 respectively, exactly half in each case are not members of the Association. I have been unable to identify the case of the young doctor mentioned at the end of the Question.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that no facilities exist for the treatment of air-raid casualties amongst the 17,000 persons resident in a district of which he has been informed, apart from one mobile first-aid unit; and whether he will direct the county council involved, as the scheme-making authority, to establish forthwith at least one fixed first-aid post in this district?

Apart from the local hospitals, the provision made for air-raid casualties in the district referred to consists of one mobile first-aid post, but the mobile first-aid posts of adjoining districts are also available if necessary. The county council has taken the view that this provision is adequate, but I am asking my local officers to make further inquiry and I will communicate with my hon. Friend when I have received their reports.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the approximate percentage of air-raid casualties calling for some measure of treatment of the eye; and to what extent such casualties had been dealt with at first-aid casualty posts and hospitals?

I regret that this information is not at present available. Ali hospitals receiving casualties are, however, being asked to make periodical returns showing the number of eye injuries dealt with, and I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I have the necessary facts. I do not think it necessary to obtain special returns from first-aid posts, as the more serious cases will pass through the hospitals.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of breaches of the black-out regulations on the railway systems; and will he take the necessary action to secure from the railway companies a similar observance of the regulations as that demanded from householders?

In order to enable the railways to operate during the blackout arrangements have been made to permit lights necessary for working purposes subject to conditions agreed with the Air Ministry. The railway companies have issued the necessary instructions to their staffs to secure that these conditions are strictly complied with. Any breach of the conditions which is observed is at once brought to the notice of the company concerned.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give instructions to all occupiers to black-out their homes and business premises before the official blackout time, when the alert is sounded in the late afternoon and the weather conditions are such as to necessitate this action?

There is no evidence that raiders in the late afternoons or on dull clays have received assistance from the display of lights and no change is at present contemplated. The position is, however, being constantly watched and any modification of the regulations found advisable in the light of further experience would be promptly introduced.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of James Lloyd, who, on the nth instant, was charged at Uxbridge for having a bonfire at Ruislip during a black-out, and when remonstrated with by air-raid wardens deliberately flashed a torch and, after being fined a sum of £25 and costs, gave the Nazi salute as he left the court; and will he consider having this individual put under restraint?

My right hon. Friend has called for a report on this case with a view to considering whether any further action is necessary.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is proposed to treat air-raid wardens who are injured as the result of enemy action on the same financial basis as men in the fighting services?

I will be issuing directions on this matter within the next few days. I may say that the intention is that the arrangements should be on lines broadly comparable with those for the fighting services.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the quantity of steel helmets supplied to the air-raid precautions services in a certain' district of which he has been informed, falls considerably short of requirements; and what steps he proposes in order to remedy this deficiency at the earliest possible date?

Steel helmets have been issued for the authorised establishment of the A.R.P. services and additional numbers are being issued as supplies become available.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a proportion of the wardens of the Solihull division were supplied with steel helmets by private subscription owing to the inability of the Warwickshire Air-raid Precautions Committee to supply a sufficient number; and whether, in view of the saving to public funds of approximately £250 per week through the Solihull division employing unpaid wardens in place of the authorised establishment of paid wardens, he will take steps to enable appropriation of a part of that sum for the purchase of necessary equipment for the division?

I am making inquiries into the position as disclosed in the Question and I will communicate with my hon Friend.

asked the Minister of Health whether the supply of steel helmets ordered and paid for by doctors under the arrangements made between him and the Minister of Home Security are unaffected by the restrictions recently imposed on the supply of steel helmets?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the desirability of issuing regulations or, need be, of promoting legislation, to secure that anyone convicted of an act which, though deliberately intended to help our enemies, is not held to be sufficiently grave to warrant the infliction of the death penalty, shall be imprisoned for not less than the duration of the war?

No amendment of the law is required since, apart from cases under the Treachery Act, for which the penalty is death, Defence Regulation 2A provides that if, with intent to assist the enemy, any person does any act which is likely to assist the enemy or to prejudice the public safety, the defence of the realm or the efficient prosecution of the war, he shall be liable to penal servitude for life.

asked the Home Secretary whether any steps have yet been taken to camouflage certain premises whose position has been indicated to him privately; and what official requests he has had for these premises to be camouflaged?

Certain steps have already been taken to determine whether the camouflage of the premises indicated by the hon. Member, and those adjacent, is in fact necessary. Any measures which may prove to be required will shortly be communicated to the occupiers.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the representations from the Rugby Trades Council concerning the dismissal of Mr. E. C. Griffiths as an unpaid air-raid warden; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made into the circumstances of this dismissal with a view to Mr. Griffiths' reinstatement?

Since the hon. Member's Question on 17th October last with regard to this case, my right hon. Friend has received representations about it from the Rugby Trades Council and has informed the council that the matter is one for the local authority and not one in which he is prepared to intervene.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of a growing practice of utilising empty houses in resioential areas as furniture depositories; and whether he will give instructions that, in view of the additional risks of fires due to enemy action or other causes, those responsible for the storage of furniture should be compelled to employ a fire-watcher in any house utilised for such purpose, even though the space may be less than that prescribed by the existing regulation in this matter?

The attention of my right hon. Friend has been called to this practice. The scope of the Fire Watchers Order is now under review, and in that connection immediate consideration will be given to the suggestion made by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Home Secretary whether German and Austrian doctors who had passed their English medical degree and were previously attached to public hospitals, and whose loyalty is not in question, may now be allowed to resume work in the hospitals including those in which members of the armed forces may be patients?

It has now been decided that, subject to certain conditions, German and Austrian doctors who have obtained a British medical qualification, or who have received permission to study for a British degree, may be allowed to work in hospitals which are situated outside the aliens protected areas notwithstanding that the hospital may provide treatment for members of H.M. Forces.

asked the Minister of Health whether some scheme will be evolved for giving better facilities to those whose homes have been rendered uninhabitable by enemy action for removing their household effects, in view of the high removal charges and the difficulties of transport?

I would refer my lion. Friend to the answer which I gave to Questions by my hon. Friend the Member for North Salford (Mr. Morris) on 5th November. The committee to which I referred have been asked to report as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that existing arrangements made to assist householders and others who sustain damage and loss as a result of enemy action are adequate, and what steps are being taken to supplement or improve them; and whether he from time to time give publicity to the assistance which is available to those who have suffered or may suffer?

The principal services concerned with the assistance of those who have sustained loss and damage as a result of air raids are the war relief and the war compensation schemes administered by the Assistance Board, and the schemes for the reception and rehousing of the homeless, and for the repair of damaged houses, administered by the local authorities under the general direction of my Department. As regards the latter schemes, for which I am the Minister responsible, I have explained in the House on a number of recent occasions the steps that have been and are being taken to strengthen and improve them, and if my hon. Friend has any pardcular aspects in mind and will communicate with me I shall be glad to consider them. As my hon. Friend is aware, the Government will shortly introduce legislation to give effect to new proposals for compensation and insurance in respect of war damage to property. I entirely agree that the question of information is of the first importance. Centres are being established in all the districts in the London Region at which all the services concerned with the care of the homeless will be represented. Information officers are also available at all Rest Centres in the London County Council area. In a modified form these arrangements are also in force in a number of areas outside London. Shortly after intensive bombing started, my Department issued to local authorities for issue to homeless persons at rest centres a pamphlet giving guidance about the various forms of assistance which were available. The further development of information services for the homeless is under urgent consideration by the Departments concerned.

asked the Minister of Health whether there is any reason why the needed supplies of household furniture required by refugees or bombed-out families cannot be purchased from the second-hand shops instead of being commandeered from the possessions of those who have been compelled to leave their houses or who have stored their effects during the war?

I think my hon. Friend is under some misapprehension in this matter, since local authorities will normally obtain the household furniture required by homeless families either from the regional stores established by the Government (in the case of certain articles) or by purchase in the ordinary way. As an exceptional measure certain councils have been given power to requisition furniture from unoccupied premises or furniture depositories, and I have emphasised that these powers should only be exercised in exceptional circumstances.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps to ensure that temporary repairs to houses damaged in air raids shall be put in hand forthwith by local authorities unless they are notified by the owner within 24 hours that he proposes immediately to undertake these repairs on his own account?

asked the Minister of Health whether, as many borough councils do not seem able with sufficient rapidity to undertake the task of wind and weatherproofing, especially in the case of better-class property, with the result that rain destroys the value of an assessor's estimate and compels reassessment, he will impress on all local authorities the need for attending to this matter on a better organised scale and with greater celerity?

Local authorities are fully aware of the urgency of temporary repairs, and most of them are able to arrange for such repairs to be pot in hand immediately after the occurrence of damage, without the delay which would often be caused by consulting the owner. In certain areas there have been delays owing to the magnitude of the problem and the calls upon labour, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and I are doing our best to assist the local authorities concerned.

asked the Minister of Health if he will instruct local authorities that temporary repairs to houses damaged in air raids should include, as soon as possible, the provision of a reasonable amount of transparent material for the admission of light and also temporary repairs to ceilings where these have been damaged?

Yes, Sir. I have already drawn the attention of local authorities to the desirability of using a certain proportion of transparent or translucent material in making temporary repairs to windows, and I am shortly issuing a further circular dealing with the same matter in more detail, and with the steps which should be taken to deal with damaged ceilings.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, whilst furniture is being removed from bombed homes without charge, the removal of coal is being refused and whether, in view of the hardship and loss this involves, he will arrange that coal may also be salvaged without charge to the householder?

Hitherto precedence has rightly been given to the salvage of furniture and perishable goods. Discussions are however taking place with the Mines Department as to the best methods of salving householders' coal.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in certain parts of Scotland there is serious discontent regarding the inefficiency of the working of the air-raid precautions warning system and what steps he proposes to take to make the system effective?

No, Sir, I am not aware of serious discontent of the character suggested, but I am aware of a number of cases of attacks having developed before the sounding of the siren. It must be borne in mind that the air-raid warning system is not automatic but depends on many human factors. While, as has been made clear in the House on several occasions, no guarantee can be given that the presence or intentions of every hostile aeroplane will be correctly interpreted, I can assure my hon. Friend that all those concerned make every effort to ensure the effective operation of the warning system.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that an unpaid volunteer under the Civil Defence scheme is entitled, if injured, to payment from the appropriate local authority of an amount as will make good any loss of earnings due to his incapacity for work, subject to the maximum rate of pay for whole-time paid personnel, but the injury allowance granted by the Assistance Board has to be deducted from such an amount, and that until this latter amount is known no payments are made, which procedure entails a delay of some weeks; and will he consider varying the procedure so as to enable the local authority to make the payment immediately, and recover the amount afterwards, from the Assistance Board, which would thus remove temporary hardship in cases where the local authority knows such hardship exists?

Arrangements have been made for the prompt notification of the rate of injury allowance to the local authority and this is the first instance I have heard of in which these arrangements have not worked smoothly. If the hon. Member will furnish rue with the particulars of the case that he has in mind I will have the matter investigated at once.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a volunteer under the Civil Defence scheme is entitled, if he meets with an accident, to a payment not exceeding £3 5s. per week for two weeks; and will he take the necessary measures to extend the period of two weeks?

I am glad to be able to inform my hon Friend that action has already been taken to improve the position of members of the Civil Defence Services who are incapacitated byinjuries received on duty. The period during which pay may be continued or compensation paid for loss of wages has been extended to at least eight weeks and, in certain circumstances, up to thirteen weeks. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the circular which has been issued on the subject to local authorities.

asked the Minister of Pensions, how many husbands of wives seriously injured in air-raids have been allowed a weekly sum to pay another woman to perform the household duties; and in how many cases has this money been paid to the injured wife for the same purpose?

No award has yet been made in this class of case.

asked the Minister of Pensions, how many housewives have suffered serious injury as the result of air-raids; and, as they receive no compensation owing to housework in the home being regarded by the Government as having no monetary value, will he reconsider this position?

I have no information regarding the number of housewives who have suffered serious injury as the result of air raids. With regard to the second part of the Question, provision is made in the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme for an allowance to be paid in certain circumstances where paid domestic assistance is necessarily obtained owing to the fact that the housewife is unable, by reason of war injury, to perform her household duties.

asked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to take steps to recommend to local authorities the establishment of neighbours' leagues, such as exist in Leicester and elsewhere, to render mutual assistance when circumstances so demand; and whether he will lend the necessary aid and advice in any such desired establishment?

I am aware that in many areas arrangements have already been made under which neighbours cooperate for mutual assistance and the protection of their immediate district. I am anxious to see this praiseworthy movement extended as widely as possible. It must be developed for the most part from local initiative and corporate feeling, but I will certainly consider how best I can stimulate its growth.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the establishment of wardens of the Solihull division is based on the 1931 census, when the population of the district was 37,000, whereas at present the population is approximately 60,000; and whether he will direct that the establishment shall be revised?

The establishment was fixed with due regard not only to the latest available population figures, which were those for 1934, but to all other relevant considerations. Recruitment has in fact been more than 100 per cent. in excess of the establishment fixed for the area. While the matter will receive consideration in connection with the general review of Civil Defence personnel which is to be undertaken in the light of present conditions, I am not satisfied that the increase in population by itself would justify any immediate increase of Solihull's wardens' establishment.

asked the Home Secretary whether London local authorities have yet made any request to the War Office for assistance beyond that of the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps and for including Army lorries for the purpose of clearing up London and helping to restore communcations?

The Special Commissioner for London Region is receiving assistance from the military authorities, in the form of approximately 13,000 troops and some 250 lorries. These include Pioneer Companies and Royal Engineer Companies, and they are being employed not merely for clearance work and restoring communications, but also for repairs of the public utility services. In addition, the General Officer Commanding the London Area has on many occasions provided parties of troops to help in rescue work.

asked the Horne Secretary whether he is aware that the redaction of lighting on motor-vehicles is seriously impeding doctors in making emergency calls on patients; and whether he will give to doctors at least the same lighting facilities as are available to military, fire services and some other official services?

If my hon. Friend is referring to the more drastic dimming of car side-lights which has recently been imposed, I would point out that at the same time permission was given to motorists to continue to use their masked head-light after the air-raid warning. This concession should considerably assist doctors and other persons who are called upon to drive at night while a warning is in force.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the letter sent to him by the secretary of the Greenock Trades Council regarding a certain air-raid precautions matter; and what action he proposes to take regarding the matter?

I am communicating with the hon. and learned Member on the subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will now consider issuing identification discs to the civilian population?

This matter is already under examination.

asked the Minister of Health the names of the 32 social workers who have been appointed to assist the hon. Member for North Croydon (Mr. Willink); their salaries; and their functions?

Thirty-eight women experienced in social welfare work are being appointed to the staff of the Special Commissioner for the Homeless in London. Their main functions will be to visit, to assist in and to report upon the arrangements for the reception of the homeless at rest centres and for their subseqnuent rehousing, or evacuation. They will be paid at the rate of £250 per annum, and T am sending my hon. Friend the names of the 23 women so far appointed.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that many local authorities are refusing to salvage household effects but limit the activities of their demolition squads to saving life; that, as a result, much furniture is damaged by the elements; and whether he can make it clear that local authorities should salvage household effects where practicable?

I have consulted my right hon. Friend the Minister of Home Security regarding this Question. The functions of rescue parties (in the London region, known as rescue, shoring and demolition parties) are not precisely as implied in the Question. In addition to the extrication of casualties, the parties may have to undertake temporary work to prevent damage to the public from the collapse of buildings. These duties must take precedence over any others, but, subject to this prior obligation, my right hon. Friend has requested local authorities, in a circular of 3rd August, to give all possible assistance in removing and protecting furniture recovered from damaged houses. We are not aware that local authorities are refusing to undertake this work, though I understand that some local authorities have been more successful than others in making arrangements for removal and storage.

asked the Home Secretary what is the annual cost of the Regional Commissioner's establishment at Tunbridge Wells; how many persons are employed and the salaries paid to those so employed in three or four convenient categories of amounts paid in various grades of salaries?

The staff of the Regional Commissioner's office at Tunbridge Wells numbers 117, the total of their annual salaries being approximately £26,000. The salaries of the staff are in the following categories:

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that workmen belonging to Northern Ireland working with British engineering and shipbuilding firms complied with the request that such men should forego their holidays, and are now unable to visit their homes and families owing to permits for return to their country having been cancelled; and, as rest periods have been granted to men residing long distances from their homes in Scotland and Wales, will he make some arrangement whereby natives of Northern Ireland may enjoy similar facilities and see their families?

I am aware that the restrictions on travel between this country and Ireland, which were imposed for reasons of national security, result in hardship in certain cases, but the whole question is being reviewed and I hope to be in a position to make a statement very shortly.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that nurses from Northern Ireland have been refused permits to enable them to spend their holidays with their friends; others, when ill, have been unable to obtain permits to travel home in order to recuperate their health, and, because of this, many of them have been compelled to resign their positions for health reasons; and whether he will arrange for travel permits to be granted to these nurses?

I propose to make a public statement on the subject of travel between this country and Ireland in the course of a few days.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will indicate the result of salving work for each of the large burghs of Scotland for the months of September and October, 1940, respectively, showing the respective populations?

The following table shows for each of the large burghs of Scotland the value of salvage sales for the months of September and October, 1940, and the respective populations.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the co-option, by the Stirlingshire County Council, of Captain Salvesen, the defeated candidafe at the last election, who in no sense represents the nominating body of the late Mr. Ramsay Russell, who died on service, and which declined to co-opt either of the two nominees who are members of the Labour party, who were the nominating body of the former member; and what action he proposes to take to ensure that the electoral arrangement is honourably observed by county and town councils?

No representations have reached me regarding the action of the local authority referred to. I find, on inquiry, that 15 votes were given in favour of the candidate co-opted, as compared with 9 votes and 5 votes respectively in favour of the other two candidates. I am informed that, before the vote was taken, reference was made to the view with regard to the filling of casual vacancies which was expressed on behalf of the Government during the Debate on the Local Elections and Register of Electors Bill on the 19th October, 1939. I have no power to intervene in the filling of casual vacancies but I am bringing, the Government's view as indicated in Parliament to the notice of the county council.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the recent report of the officer in charge of the Soil Conservation Service in Kenya is being studied by his Department with a view to the appointment of a special educational officer and a grant to permit of sufficient effort being devoted to the development and conservation of the resources of the Colony with particular reference to soil erosion?

This is unfortunately one of several cases where the war in Africa has created serious difficulties. Mainly as a result of study of the report in question and the recommendations of the Kenya Government thereon a free grant from the Colonial Development Fund was approved in February last, before the war extended to Africa, of £39,454 for carrying out anti-erosion work in European areas of Kenya during the next six years. This scheme was to be part only of a general co-ordinated plan of soil conservation for the whole Colony. Generally speaking it was considered that the most effective progress would be made if the European farms could be made large-scale soil conservations models for Africans to observe. The scheme is, however, unhappily in abeyance owing to the absence on military service of large numbers of European occupiers of farms. In their absence, the services of a special educational officer and the separate teams of workers essential to the scheme could not be used to advantage. In any case with the calling-up of large numbers of persons for military service, it is unlikely that either an education officer or team workers with the requisite qualifications and experience could be found.

asked the under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Nyasaland Government is taking any steps to exploit the deposits of bauxite discovered on Mlanje mountain?

The Anglo-American Corporation of South Africa, who hold an exclusive prospecting licence from the Government of Nyasaland, have proved the existence of commercial deposits of bauxite on Mlanje mountain. The Corporation are now actively investigating the possibility of exploiting these deposits, but it will be appreciated that there are many difficulties to be overcome.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he has any statement to make on the recent increases in freight rates on homeward cargoes?

The rates charged for the carriage of homeward cargoes by vessels under my control were recently increased in order to allow for increased costs falling upon the Government as charterers but this involves no increase in the rates of hire paid to owners. In present circumstances the great bulk of our imports are on Government account and the basis of the freight charges debited against the Department concerned is to render the service as nearly as can be estimated at cost.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will take steps to put an end to the monotonous boosting of the British Empire by the British Broadcasting Corporation, as the British public is sufficiently aware of the greatness which it is daily demonstrating?

No, Sir, I am assured that recent talks concerning the British Empire which have been delivered by those best qualified to speak on the subject have been heard with great interest and approval both at home and overseas.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will make an early effort, in collaboration with Government Departments, to make news bulletins more interesting, by avoiding too much repetition; and whether he will stop the practice of following the news with dull talks by uninformed and unimaginative authorities?

Every effort is made to avoid unnecessary repetition in broadcasting news, but it must be borne in mind that the large majority of listeners hear only one news bulletin daily and expect it to contain all the news available. It is the constant endeavour of the B.B.C. to obtain the best speakers possible for the talks that follow the news. If the hon. Member has any suggestions to make with regard to individuals whom the public would wish to hear I shall be very glad to receive them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) whether he will consider taking special steps to encourage the growing of oats at heights up to 1,350 feet,(2) whether to ensure hill-land being brought under the plough, he will consider increasing the ploughing subsidy according to the height of such land above 800 feet and on the basis of a sliding scale which will recoup the cultivator for the extra outlay entailed by the difficulties of cultivation?

A system of differential payments could not be confined to hill land. It would be open to so many objections and involve so many administrative difficulties that I am unable to adopt it.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can make some statement as to the steps the Government are taking to restore confidence to the agricultural community regarding the control of prices and the provision of adequate working capital to ensure the necessary development taking place?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the numerous statements made recently by Ministers on these subjects, in particular those made during the Debate on agriculture on 22nd October.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, what action is being taken to prevent the increase of rats in urban districts owing to war-time conditions and especially in cases where sewage drains have been damaged?

There is no reason to suppose that local authorities vested with powers under the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919, are not fully alive, in the circumstances indicated, to the danger of rats increasing in urban districts. I understand that the Ministry of Food will shortly take steps through local Food Officers to deal with rat destruction in urban districts and my right hon. Friends the Ministers of Food and Agriculture have recently issued a joint appeal to local authorities and War Agricultural Executive Committees to make full use of their powers under the Act of 1919 and the Rats Order, 1940, and to join in a relentless campaign of rat destruction.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the letter of protest from the Swail Griffin Lodge of the South Wales Miners' Federation regarding the alleged batoning of people in one of the London areas when they endeavoured to enter an air-raid shelter; and, if so, will he state the nature of his reply?

Yes Sir. The letter in question is based on a complete misapprenhension of the facts. On the afternoon of Saturday, 19th October, a shelter was temporarily closed for the purposes of cleaning and the installation of bunks. The sirens sounded, a crowd collected, and for about a minute it was impossible to open the doors owing to the pressure of the crowd from outside. When the doors were opened and the crowd pressed in two people were slightly injured. On the next day there was a local meeting and certain people attempted to force their way into the office of the local A.R.P. Controller, It was on this occasion that it was necessary for the police to take action to deal with the intruders; but as legal proceedings are in progress against certain of the persons concerned, it would be improper for me at this stage to make any statement about the police action on this occasion. It will be seen, however, that for the suggestion that the police took action against persons endeavouring to enter an air-raid shelter, there is no foundation whatever.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that fit and enthusiastic volunteers for the Air Force are being refused enlistment on the ground of their refusal of inoculation and vaccination and notwithstanding the repeated declarations by the Government that recruits have full liberty of conscience in this matter; and will he issue instructions so as to prevent the flow of recruits being obstructed in this matter?

Refusal to be vaccinated or inoculated is not a disqualification for enlistment in the Royal Air Force. The attention of recruiting officers was recently drawn to the instructions that inoculation and vaccination can only be done by consent and recruits must not be rejected if they refuse.

asked the Secretary of State for Air, what facilities exist for British traders to make connection with the American Clipper to and from Lisbon; if the Government encourages travel by this means; what schedule is arranged for the winter months; and what accommodation is available?

Until recently flying boats and landplanes ran several services a week to Lisbon. The landplane service has been recently suspended, but since then extra flights have been made by flying boats. The existence of these facilities is well-known and while they are available for commercial users the demand for accommodation for passengers, mail and freight is such that the available capacity necessarily falls short of requirements under present conditions.

asked the Home Secretary whether the legal scale of taximeter-cab fares has been increased since the beginning of the war; and whether in view of the increase in the cost of motor spirit and other running expenses, he will now authorise a reasonable increase in the said fares?

No increase has been authorised since the beginning of the war in the scale of taximeter-cab fares in London, and the information at present in the possession of my right hon. Friend does not suggest that there is need for a change. In provincial towns the scale of fares is fixed by by-laws made by the local authority and confirmed by the Minister of Health. I am informed by my right hon. Friend that there has been no general demand for an increase in fares in the provinces.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is the practice of the railways to give precedence to Government officials and Members of Parliament when allocating sleeper accommodation; and whether he is now able to revert to the former practice of guaranteeing accommodation to members travelling to and from their constituencies?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. The practice of guaranteeing sleeping berths to Members travelling to and from their constituencies before and after sittings of the House has been restored for many months.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the insistence of his Ministry that goods of a bulky nature which are required for war purposes should be transported by railway is causing serious delay and is also uneconomical in very many instances; and will he alter this?

I assume that my hon. Friend has in mind the operation of the fuel rationing scheme in relation to commercial road transport under which, with the object of economising the use of imported fuel, supplementary rations are not issued in respect of consignments which could be more suitably carried by some other form of transport. Extra fuel rations are not refused for road transport where other means of transport are for any reason not vailable or not suitable. If, however, my hon. Friend has any particular difficulties in mind I shall be glad to examine them.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the railway companies are refusing to transport empty cases; and, in view of the difficulty in obtaining timber, what steps he is taking to solve this matter in the national interest?

The railway companies are fully aware of the importance, in present circumstances, of dealing promptly with returned empties. Traffic considerations may, however, in certain cases necessitate the imposing of temporary embargoes on this, as on other traffic.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is now in a position to say what arrangements are being made regarding the supreme mili- tary command in India at the termination of the present holder's appointment?

I regret I am not yet in a position to add anything to my reply to the hon. Gentleman on 12th November.

asked the Secretary of State for India, how many persons have been arrested and sentenced this year, up till 1st November, for offences of a political nature in India; and how many, and for what political offences, have been arrested, charged, tried and sentenced, respectively, in India since 1st November?

The term "offences of a political nature" is somewhat vague for statistical purposes, but I am asking the Government of India whether they are able to supply the statistics desired in respect of (1) sedition, (2) the promoting of communal enmity and (3) offences under the Defence Rules relating to antiwar speeches and writings.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, at what date the firm of Hoffman la Roche, of Basle, became merged in Roche Products, Limited, of Welwyn Garden City; who are the directors of that firm; at what date proposals were made, or negotiations begun, with Roche Products, Limited, for the manufacture and supply of synthetic vitamin Br to be added to the war loaf; whether any other firm was invited to tender for this contract; upon what terms it is proposed to bring this firm under the control of the Ministry; and will he lay upon the Table all correspondence passed between the Ministry of Food and Roche Products, Limited?

All the information for which my hon. Friend asks is not immediately available and his Question may necessitate a somewhat lengthy reply. T therefore propose with his permission to circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, how it is proposed to carry out the undertaking given that wholemeal flour will be supplied to the public as readily as white flour, in view of the announcement that the Government, while storing large stocks of white flour, have not made, and do not propose to make, provision for storing wholemeal flour?

Current consumption of flour is directly met from the output of the mills and not from the special reserves. Under instructions which my noble Friend proposes to issue in due course, all millers will be prepared to supply on demand wholemeal flour at the same price as that which National straight run white flour is sold. The storage of wholemeal flour is not necessary for this purpose.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the new regulations governing the sale of eggs at uniform maximum prices, confined to the bigger packing stations only, are solely in favour of the large wholesalers; and whether he will reconsider the elimination of the small producer when he is as efficient as the larger?

The Home Produced Eggs Scheme is designed to attract eggs into packing stations where supplies can be packed in sufficiently large units for the Ministry to control and direct eggs to centres of consumption at which the shortage of supplies is most acute. A producer whose supplies are insufficient to qualify him to obtain a licence as a packer can sell his supplies to a packing station at the maximum prices provided for such sales under the Eggs (Maximum Prices) Order.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the fact that the export trade of this country in horse-flesh has practically ceased, owing to the reduction of demand from the Continent, and that such carcases now only command extremely low prices in the market, he will take steps to arrange for the better utilisation of horse-flesh?

No, Sir. My noble Friend sees no reason for action on the lines suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has power to alter, or add to, the composition of the Milk Marketing Board in view of the new powers which he has recently given to this body; and, if so, whether he will arrange to add to the Board at the earliest opportunity a sufficient number of representatives of consumers and distributors as to ensure that the Board is a properly balanced organisation for the purposes which it has now to fulfil?

His Majesty's Government has power to alter the composition of the Milk Marketing Board, but, for the reason given in the reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Accrington (Major Procter), on 7th November, my noble Friend sees no occasion to do so in consequence of the powers recently conferred upon the Board.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of women now engaged in munition production and how this compares with the number employed in 1918?

I regret that information on this matter is not available for publication.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state all the departures since the outbreak of war from the legal and recognised provisions governing the hours of labour of women and young persons in industry in this country?

The departures vary greatly in detail from time to time and from factory to factory to meet the circumstances of individual cases, and I could not undertake the task of compiling a list. The general lines, however, on which departures from the provisions in question are authorised are indicated in the report on this subject (Cmd. 6182) presented to Parliament earlier this year, and at the present time the great majority of these departures are covered by a general order for engineering and various other classes of works of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the Minister of Health the number of day and residential nurseries that have been opened for the children of munition workers by his Department in co-operation with local authorities; where the nurseries are situated; how many children are accommodated in each of them; and the approximate cost per child per annum falling upon the rates and taxes?

I have now approved the establishment by local authorities of 22 day nurseries for children whose mothers are munition workers. These nurseries, and the accommodation provided in each, are as follows:

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that cases have occurred somewhat frequently of men passed on enlistment or calling-up by medical boards as Grade I being subsequently discharged from the Army as unfit, without pension or gratuity, on the ground that this disability existed prior to their calling-up; and whether he will take all practicable steps to bring this unsatisfactory state of affairs to an end?

My right hon. Friend regrets that some cases of this kind have occurred. They form only a very small proportion of the total number of examinations in which it is impossible to guarantee that errors will never occur. Every effort is made to ensure that men are properly graded in all cases.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that both the Army and the Air Force have entered into contracts with certain firms for the supply of patented products providing vitamin B and vitamin A, respectively, both these vitamins being richly furnished in the wheat germ, of which the white flour supplied to the fighting forces is deprived in milling; and whether he will state the expenditure thus incurred by the provision of these products?

If my hon. Friend will let me know to what patented products he is referring, I will make the necessary inquiries.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that mail posted in this country in July has still not reached officers and men in Egypt; and when this mail is likely to be delivered?

Mails despatched to His Majesty's Forces in Egypt during July reached Egypt between the 1st September and the 4th October. If, however, certain individual letters are missing, I shall be glad to have inquiry made on receipt of particulars of the correspondence.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will cause inquiries to be made into the cases of members of His. Majesty's Forces in emergency hospitals, suffering from neurosis, who are not being treated for their complaint by civilian psychiatrists on the spot, and who have to await the arrival of military medical attendants; and whether he will issue instructions that these men may be treated by either of the two branches of the medical profession as soon as their illness is observed?

At all hospitals in the emergency hospital scheme, whether special neurosis centres or not, civilian psychiatrists are available for giving conaultant advice, as regards Service and other patients. If treatment is required, the case is transferred to one of the special centres, where civilian psychiatrists carry out the treatment. I am not aware of cases having to await the arrival of military medical officers, but if the hon. Member will give me particulars of any case which he has in mind I will make inquiries.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the York local medical war committee has notified doctors in its areas that the wives and families of men in the Forces are in some cases unable to afford medical attention and are, therefore, forced to apply to the relieving officer for treatment by the Poor Law medical officers and proposes to compile a list of doctors who are willing to give free treatment to such persons; and whether he will now take the necessary action to provide a medical service for such dependants and so relieve them of having to apply to the relieving officer, as this, it is stressed by the York local medical war committee, is often felt to be a stigma?

I am inquiring into the matter referred to in the first part of the Question. As regards the second part, the question of providing free medical treatment for the dependants of members of the Armed Forces has been examined in consultation with the Service Departments, and I cannot add anything to the full statement made by my right hon. Friend the Member for Midlothian, North (Mr. Colville), when he was Secretary of State for Scotland on 23rd April. 1940.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the conditions in the French sailors' camp in wet weather at a place of which he has been informed; and whether, with a view to preserving friendly feelings in the men when they return to France, he will have the camp inspected and the men removed to some unoccupied building in the vicinity as a safeguard against illness?

These French sailors are now being removed from this camp and are being repatriated.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that he has at present effective contact with the representatives of the Greek Government in this country; and whether all demands are being met or anticipated?

The Greek Government has Service Attachés in London with whom the War Office are in direct contact. All demands within our power have been or are being met, and future demands, so far as possible, anticipated.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his Department has investigated the possibilities of the manufacture of synthetic fuel oils and alcohol from our large carboniferous deposits; and with what result?

During the last few months authoritative committees have been investigating, on behalf of my Department, various methods for producing oil, and substitutes for oil, from coal or its derivatives. In particular, I have received a most valuable report on the Fischer-Tropsch and similar synthetic processes from a committee under the chairmanship of my right hon. and learned Friend the Solicitor-General. The other committees have also all submitted their reports, which are under consideration.

asked the Minister of Health how many children annually contract diphtheria and how many die of it; how many hospital beds, on the average, are occupied by diphtheria cases; what is the total annual cost to the country; and whether it is accepted by his Department that the disease can be almost entirely abolished by preventive inoculation?

The average annual number of cases of diphtheria at all ages notified in England and Wales is about 60,000, and the number of children under 15 years of age included in this total may be estimated at 54,000. The average annual number of children under 15 years of age who died from diphtheria is about 2,700. The average number of hospital beds occupied at any one time by diphtheria cases may be roughly estimated at 5,000 and the annual cost of the hospital treatment at £1,000,000. As regards the last part of the Question, I am advised that experience in Canada and the United States of America shows that the disease can be almost entirely eliminated if the immunisation of children can be secured, and maintained on a sufficiently wide scale.

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether, in view of the fact that children from one area are being freely moved to another, the necessary re-agents for preventive inoculation against diphtheria can now be provided as a national charge, instead of a charge on local authorities;(2) whether, in view of widespread concern as to possible spread of infection in crowded shelters, his Department will reconsider its present policy and take more active steps to immunise the child population against diphtheria?

The policy of my Department has been and is to encourage local authorities to provide facilities for immunisation against diphtheria, and to do their best to persuade parents to take advantage of these facilities for their children. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has agreed that the cost of the necessary material in present war conditions should be reimbursed to local authorities by the Exchequer. I am urging upon local authorities the special importance of these measures in the light of the considerations referred to in the Questions, and informing them of this concession.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether the experts to determine the location of the eight naval and air bases leased to the Government of the United States of America in accordance with the terms laid down in the exchange of notes of the 2nd September have been designated and, if so, whether they have yet met the experts to be designated by the Government of the United States of America; and whether he will consider the desirability of attaching at least one representative of the populations of each of the eight leased territories to the experts in a consultative and advisory capacity; (2) how far the new jurisdiction to be created in the British transatlantic territories recently leased to the Government of the United States of America will be extra-territorial in character; whether he will give an assurance, on behalf of His Majesty's Government, that in proceeding to determine within those territories adjustment and reconciliation between the jurisdiction of the authorities in the territories concerned and the jurisdiction of the United States of America the civil rights of the inhabitants will be fully safeguarded; that no discrimination as against parsons of African or Asiatic descent will be countenanced; and that special attention will be devoted to securing uniformity in application of the liquor laws and in the regulation of gambling?

Proposed sites for the naval and air bases to be leased to the Government of the United States of America have been examined by a United States Mission which has visited all the territories concerned and has discussed the question with the authorities. The advice of the Commander-in-Chief America and West Indies Station, also has been available. The results so far achieved were released for publication yesterday. It is proposed that the discussions between the experts referred to in the exchange of notes of 2nd September should take place later in London in order to consider all questions, including those of jurisdiction and administration, before the conclusion of the formal leases. The Governments of Newfoundland and Bermuda have already been invited to send representatives to London and the question whether representatives of any other territories should be invited, as also the designation of United Kingdom experts, is receiving consideration. As I have already indi- cated, the questions of jurisdiction which arise in connection with the leases are to be determined by agreement with the Government of the United States, and pending the negotiations which are to take place with this object, it is not possible to say what arrangements will be made. I can, however, assure the hon. and learned Member that the importance of the points to which he calls attention is fully appreciated by His Majesty's Government, and that they will be carefully borne in mind in the course of the negotiations.

asked the President of the Board of Education which of the authorities concerned have not yet adopted satisfactory schemes for the provision of free meats and milk in schools; and whether the urgency of dealing with this question is being represented to these authorities?

According to the latest information in the possession of the Board the following it authorities have not yet adopted schemes for free meals or milk:

• Dorset, Isles of Scilly, Soke of Peterborough, Yorkshire (East Riding), Deal, Falmouth, Kidderminster, Maidstone, Margate, Morecambe, Peterborough.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the diliculty and delay caused to applicants for exit permits to America and the expense and variety of work entailed in Government Departments in connection therewith; and whether he has considered the possibility of requesting applicants in appropriate cases to assign a proportion of their assets to the Government, such assets being redeemable by dollar payments, thus simplifying the process, obtaining a guarantee of bona fides and obtaining dollar balances?

My right hon. Friend is not aware of any delays or difficulties, save those attributable to the obvious necessity for making careful inquiries into cases of this kind. As regards the second part of the Question, my right hon. Friend has considered my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion, but he regrets that it would be impracticable. Moreover, it is, under existing Regulations, the duty of a British resident, even though temporarily abroad, to surrender his dollars to the Treasury, unless he has obtained permission to keep them.