asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the recent increase of £2 a ton for steel; and whether he has considered the effect this increase will have on the export trade of manufactured goods, and is satisfied that no adverse effects will follow?

The recent increases in prices of steel have been made necessary by increases in the costs of production and by increases in the costs of imports from the United States of America. While such increases may sometimes have an adverse effect upon exports of goods in which the cost of steel is a large element in the total price, the exports which should chiefly be encouraged in the national interest at a time when we are importing steel from the United States of America are those of goods of high value in which the cost of raw material is a small part.

Is not the Minister aware that the main reason for the rise in price is imports from America? Would it not be better to subsidise the exports, and keep the price of home steel at the right level?

At the present time, when the import of steel is a very vital part of the war effort, the Government are not anxious to encourage exports in which steel as a raw material plays a dominant part. If the steel cannot carry the increased price, it is not desirable as an export.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether a danger bonus is now granted to Chinese seamen; and, if so, how its amount compares with the bonus granted to British seamen?

While a danger bonus under that name is not usually paid to Chinese seamen, the percentage increase in their wages since the outbreak of the war recognises war conditions and is a good deal higher than the percentage increase in British seamen's wages, including war risk money.

If British seamen receive a danger bonus of £5 a month, why should not Chinese seamen, who incur the same risks, receive the same bonus?

Does the hon. Member mean that he would like to see the words "war risk bonus" attached to the substantial increases which have taken place for Chinese seamen?

I do not mean anything of the sort, and the right hon. Gentleman is putting words into my mouth. I put to him the plain question whether, if the same risk is incurred, as undoubtedly it is, by Chinese seamen as by British seamen, they should not receive the same danger bonus?

The hon. Gentleman will realise that a very large increase has been made. As to whether it is exactly the same danger bonus or not I cannot say, but the hon. Member will realise by now that everything in this world is either relative or a matter of habit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an assurance to the House that modern methods of mechanisation and organisation are now in force at the War Office?

As my hon. Friend will recollect, I set up a committee for the purpose of considering the whole field of organisation and procedure. This committee have such matters as those which my hon. Friend has in mind constantly under review, and have already made a number of suggestions which have been adopted.

Has my right hon. Friend's attention been drawn to a recent publication by Captain Liddell Hart, and can he give some assurance that the clique which used to dominate the War Office is no longer in a position to do so?

I am afraid I cannot comment on Captain Liddell Hart.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that by insisting on much mechanisation and mobility in the land Army he has not unduly diminished its mobility by sea?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend will bear in mind that the present day Army must carry a larger amount of equipment and ammunition since fire power is considerably greater. If the Army was still on a horsed basis, many more horses and wagons would be needed and the relative mobility by sea would not be comparable with the corresponding mechanised Army.

Then the right hon. Gentleman does not think that this increased mechanisation makes it more difficult than it was before to transport troops from Egypt to Greece?

Increased mechanisation goes with increased fire power, and increased fire power would require more horse transport than mechanised transport.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the urgency of making bombed houses habitable again and the delay which is at present taking place owing to shortage of skilled labour, he will release, temporarily, as many skilled building operatives as possible from the Army, having particular regard to the instances where their special qualifications are not being utilised on appropriate work?

The Army are always prepared to do what they can to assist the civil authorities in repairing air-raid damage, and are now arranging, at the request of the Ministry of Works and Buildings, for the release from the Army, for six months, of 3,000 building operatives.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that the great assistance given by the Army in many places has been very much appreciated by those concerned?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has given official approval to the activities of the Sunday Club for Officers at Grosvenor House; and whether, since the need for some such organisation is vital in the interests of all serving officers, he will take steps to exercise the necessary supervision to prevent abuses which may threaten any such endeavours?

The Officers' Sunday Club has not received official approval, but it is constantly visited by senior officers and their wives, and provost staff are in attendance.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that, while these clubs are very valuable to officers from overseas and in this country, it is very undesirable that abuses should creep in, and that unless there is daily supervision, abuses may creep in? Perhaps my right hon. Friend will talk to me about this matter afterwards.

I will with pleasure, but I must say that I have made inquiries, and I have heard of no abuses.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many wounded men of the British Expeditionary Force were treated in all military or other hospitals both at home and abroad, and in the Emergency Medical Services hospitals up till 30th September, 1940; how many of these had been previously inoculated with anti-tetanus toxoid; whether all the wounded received prophylactic doses of tetanus anti-toxin; how many cases of tetanus occurred amongst the whole of the wounded treated in hospital; and whether these had all received prophylactic doses of tetanus anti-toxin?

I am not prepared to state the number of men in the British Expeditionary Force who were wounded and I am unable to say how many of them had been previously inoculated with anti-tetanus toxoid or received prophylactic doses of tetanus anti-toxin. There were eight cases of tetanus. Three of these had received prophylactic tetanus antitoxin but none had been previously immunized with tetanus toxoid.

Does that reply vindicate inoculation?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there were no cases of typhoid or paratyphoid fever in 1938 in unprotected British other ranks in India and that there were 37 cases with five deaths amongst British troops who had been protected against the various forms of enteric fever; and to what does he attribute the absence of cases amongst the unprotected?

The answer to the first part of the Question is Yes, Sir. The number, that is 1.5 per cent. of British troops, who were unprotected is so small that the absence of enteric fever among them is of little value in any comparisons made to show the relative incidence of the disease among the protected and the unprotected. Immunity may be due to the relative protection of sanitary measures and food protection in barracks, which latter are additional factors in the prevention of all infectious diseases.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman finally convinced that it is good food, sanitary precautions and carefulness with soap and hot water that will solely account for the health of the British Army?

All those things have their importance. It is not for me to place them in their order.

Is not the purpose of these Questions to undermine the confidence of the people in preventive inoculation?

Yes, that is true.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that some officers in charge of records manipulate the date of confirmation of discharges of soldiers no longer fit for military service, thus depriving these men of pay and allowances; and whether, as it is an offence under the Army Act to withhold the pay of a soldier, he will instruct officers in charge of records that the practice must cease?

The answer to the first part of the Question is No, Sir. If my hon. and gallant Friend will let me have particulars of any cases he has in mind, I will have them investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men invalided from the Army as physically unfit for further service frequently have to rely upon charity to supply them with a civilian suit of clothes; whether he is aware that they are unable to get their final pay or qualify for unemployment benefit until they have returned their Army uniforms; and will he take steps to secure that, in the event of the discharged soldier being unable to secure a civilian suit, he should be able to apply for work at the Employment Exchanges in his uniform providing he removes his regimental markings?

With certain exceptions as, for instance, when a soldier is discharged in order to take a commission or for immediate re-enlistment, all men on discharge or transfer to the reserve will, if they apply, be given plain clothes or an allowance instead. As regards their Army clothing, they may take away with them one pair of boots and all necessaries in their possession, and have to hand in the remainder. They are liable to be charged for any deficiencies, but otherwise there is no question of withholding any part of their pay in this connection. There is no regulation debarring a man from receiving unemployment benefit after discharge unless he has returned his uniform.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that I have recently submitted to him cases where men have received neither pay nor civilian clothes since the evacuation of Dunkirk?

I will look up the representations of my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make arrangements for the billeting of all companies of the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps during the coming winter, in view of the high average age of the men who volunteered for this service?

All the Pioneer Corps are already in huts or billets, except one company which, it is hoped, will be in huts in the course of the next fortnight.

asked the Secretary of State for War, how many enemy aliens with friendly sympathies, at present in Australia or Canada, have offered their services for the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps, how many of them have been accepted and what arrangements have been, or are being made, for their return to this country; and whether he is satisfied with the speed-up in the procedure of the recruiting?

I would refer my right hon. Friend to the answer given to him by the Home Secretary on 20th November, to which there is at present nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in certain cases soldiers have been sent overseas without being given leave to visit their families; and whether it is the desire of the Army Council that, so far as practicable, men should be given such leave before being embarked for foreign service?

An instruction has been issued that, whenever practicable, embarkation leave is to be given before any unit or draft goes overseas, and it should very rarely be the case that such leave cannot be given.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the establishment of the Army Educational Corps at the outbreak of war; and how many of this personnel have been utilised for other than educational work since war began?

The answer to the first part of the Question is 595 all ranks, and to the second part, about 292 all ranks. Since last January, officers and other ranks have been gradually recalled to educational work, and orders were issued last month that those still otherwise employed should return to their normal duties.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Education Committee has been hindered by the War Office in providing educational facilities for members of His Majesty's Forces; that this authority offered to provide at its technical college, commercial college and adult evening institutes free tuition to any member of His Majesty's Forces; that the names of 282 soldiers had been submitted for classes in technology and 259 for classes in advanced commercial subjects; that of this total only 22 men have been able to commence classes through the refusal of the War Office to provide for these soldiers free transport, whilst sanction for the provision of text books is also withheld; and whether he will take steps to ensure that these opportunities will not in future be jeopardised through the failures of his Department?

I am aware that the Newcastle Education Authority have shown a generous spirit in their efforts to meet the needs of His Majesty's Forces, as indeed have many other local education authorities, and I greatly regret if any soldiers have been unable to reap the benefit owing to lack of transport. The Department has not refused to provide transport, but the matter is not free from difficulty, and is being fully examined on my instructions, with every desire to try to meet these difficulties. Arrangements by which soldiers attending classes may be provided with text books were made last month.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not recognise that refusal to pay the fares of these men is preventing those who have already enrolled, 540 in number, from attending these classes? If he would give a promise now that this should be done, they could begin these courses at once.

I do not think it is only a question of paying fares but of providing transport for a large number of men. I hope that something can be arranged.

Could the right hon. Gentleman interest himself in the matter, because the chairman of the local education committee says the Treasury are showing parsimoniousness and other things? Is it a case of confusion at the top?

There is no question whatever of confusion at the top.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give an estimate of the cost of the defence of Iceland; and whether he will consider sharing the occupation with, or handing it over, to the United States of America so as to reduce our expenditure and free our troops?

As regards the first part of the Question, I am not prepared to make any public statement, and, in view of the circumstances, the last part does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private N. Peters, D. Section, 1st Division Petrol Company, Royal Army Service Corps, is a highly-skilled engineer; that he is employed in the cookhouse; that trade unions and others have made several applications for his release; that several firms who know his skill and record are desirous of employing him at once; when is his service to be utilised in the best way; and why is he not released or put upon work where his skill can be utilised?

This soldier is one of four turners on the establishment of his unit, but, owing to a temporary shortage of equipment, he is at present only partially employed as a turner, and has taken his turn on cook-house and other such duties as have at times to be performed by all men serving in the Army. There is urgent need in his Corps of men with his qualifications, and his skill will be fully utilised. I cannot trace that the War Office has received any application from a firm or trade union for his release, which would be considered only if it were recommended by the appropriate Government Department.

The Question was put down in order to raise a principle based upon a concrete example. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, when the engineering trade unions agreed to the policy of dilution, the Government gave an undertaking that skilled young men's services would be utilised to the best advantage for the nation. Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that that promise will be carried out?

I do not think it can be said that the Army has been ungenerous in releasing men, but I must adhere to the principle that a man must first be asked for by the Government Department representing those concerned.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think a turner is qualified to be a cook?

May I make it quite clear that we are not expecting young men to be released, but that we are entitled to expect that their services should be utilised to the best advantage of the State?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, as there is very general ignorance among the relations of prisoners of war in Germany regarding the despatch of parcels and money remittances, he will arrange for a broadcast defining the responsibility of the Red Cross Society and informing relations clearly of the part they are allowed and expected to play in relieving these men's distress?

asked the Secretary of State for War the maximum amount of food, clothing and money that can be sent by relatives or friends to British prisoners of war in Germany, both officers and men; to what authority must application be made to get the necessary information; and through which agency can these items be forwarded?

The War Organisation of the British Red Cross Society and the Order of St. John has accepted the responsibility for the despatch to prisoners of war of standard parcels of food and clothing. So far as food is concerned, the aim is to ensure for each prisoner a weekly supply. Apart from these standard parcels, personal parcels may be sent by relatives once every three months through the War Organisation. Full in- formation regarding this personal parcels service and what may be included in the parcels may be obtained from any post office. I am consulting the War Organisation as to the possibility of a broadcast on the subject. They have no responsibility for money remittances, and, as this question is at present under the consideration of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, I regret that I can make no statement on it at the moment. My hon. Friends will no doubt have realised that the problem of meeting the urgent needs of our prisoners of war in Germany is, in the main, a problem of transport across Europe. My right hon. Friends the Foreign Secretary and the Postmaster-General, with whom I have recently been in consultation on this subject, have already effected some considerable improvement in transport facilities with the invaluable help of the International Red Cross, and supplies of food and some clothing are now being delivered to the camps in Germany. Further large supplies of food and clothing are on the way by means of the transport facilities at present available. I am deeply conscious that they are urgently required, and am doing my utmost to secure their delivery.

I have this morning seen the delegate of the International Red Cross Committee in London and he has given me the following information from a telegram just arrived from Switzerland:

Since 1st August, 18,345 British parcels addressed to British prisoners of war in Germany have been transmitted through the International Red Cross Committee alone. In addition, the following quantities of food have been bought in bulk in Switzerland since 1st August, and sent to the following camps:

I have asked the delegate to express our sincere thanks to the International Red Cross Committee for the efforts which they are making in Very difficult conditions, and to assure them of all the help which it is in the power of His Majesty's Government to give. My right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has recently seen the United States Chargé d'Affaires in London and asked him to be good enough to keep us informed as to general conditions and the arrival of parcels in the various camps.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that post offices, even in large provincial towns, have hardly any of these leaflets with particulars of what can and cannot be sent, and will he see that numbers of them are supplied, so that the rank and file can ascertain how long their letters take to get there and how long it takes for them to receive a reply? I have had dozens of letters showing ignorance on these matters.

That is a matter for the Postmaster-General, but I will certainly speak to him about it.

Have the Germans answered the representations made to them by the Americans as to their observance of Article 12 of the Geneva Convention, which makes captor States agree to provide clothing, underwear and footwear for prisoners of war? What is their reason for not observing it?

There is no doubt whatever of the responsibility of the German Government. It is in that connection that I asked my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to see the American Chargé d'Affaires so that representations might be made and the conditions might be seen.

Will my right hon. Friend push on with the broadcasting, because some of the letters I have received show complete ignorance on the subject?

That was a point I had in mind, but I cannot commit myself until I have consulted my colleague.

There is a great deal of criticism, in my opinion unjustified, of the Red Cross. Would it not clear the air and comfort relations and friends of prisoners, if my right hon. Friend made a categorical statement that he has complete confidence in the abilities, machinery and efforts of the Red Cross, if that is the case?

I have been into this question myself at great length, and I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that we are doing all we possibly can under very difficult conditions, which are mainly geographical. I am certain that the International Red Cross, have done splendid work this year in trying to get the stuff through.

That was not quite my Question.

rose —

It is a very important question. I have a brother who is a prisoner of war, and I ask your leave, Mr. Speaker, to put this simple Question.

The Minister has already answered the Question.

I do not wish to contradict you, Sir. Perhaps I put the Question badly and the Minister misunderstood it. It is quite simple. Owing to the feeling—

rose —

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that parcels reach prisoners?

Yes, Sir, that is one of the points I particularly asked the representative of the International Red Cross this morning. He said that that was his view, and I take his view, but in order to make assurance doubly sure, we have asked the United States Representative to look into that particular point.

Will the Minister also broadcast the number of parcels reaching the various camps? People are unaware of what is happening?

That is why I made this full statement in public, so that all information might be available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether cigarettes can now be sent direct to prisoners of war in Germany by next of kin as well as books and games?

Arrangements are being made by which tobacco and cigarettes can be sent to prisoners of war through firms who hold permits, and my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General will be making an announcement on the subject in the course of this week.

Will my right hon. Friend also be good enough to see that these are included in the Post Office leaflets, and that some publicity is given in the country that these leaflets are available at post offices, from which relatives can obtain information which they so urgently require?

I will speak to my right hon. Friend on the subject.

Is it not perfectly evident that the Germans are pinching everything they can get hold of?

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether British prisoners of war in Germany are now receiving the full rations to which they are entitled under international agreement;

(2) whether British prisoners of war in Germany are now receiving the same food rations as German troops in barracks?

Constant inquiries have been and are being made on this point. There is evidence that at certain camps the ration scale allowed to British prisoners of war is below that of the German depot troops, and strong representations have been made in the matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Vice-Chairman of the British Red Cross recently made a statement that they were receiving the proper ration?

I have given the information in my possession.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether British officers held in captivity in Germany are credited with the pay of their substantive rank; whether they are able to draw on their private accounts in this country, and, if so, at what rate of exchange they are able to cash such cheques in reichmarks;

(2) whether other ranks held as prisoners of war in Germany are credited in England with pay in accordance with their substantive rank; and whether any arrangements can be made to enable them to draw on such accounts in reichmarks in Germany, in order to enable them to make small purchases as is the case with those of commissioned rank?

Officers and other ranks are credited with the pay of their rank at the time of capture. The answer to the second parts of both Questions is "No, Sir," except that an officer prisoner of war may receive remittances up to £2 a month through the two banks which are Army agents. The rate of exchange would depend on the exchange market at the time.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to the rate of exchange being given to officers, because I am informed that in certain camps it is as low as seven reichmarks to the pound? If that is the case, they are being swindled.

Perhaps the hon. Member will put the Question down.

Do we understand that any officer prisoner of war retains any rank that he may have held?

The position is that payments are credited to the highest rank that he held, whether acting or temporary.

With reference to Question 21, are any arrangements made for other ranks to be able to draw some-kind of small cash remittance?

No, Sir, not at present. That is one of the problems that we have under consideration.

There is a deduction for messing every month. Can the right hon. Gentleman say what it is?

Would my hon. and gallant Friend mind putting a Question down? I think it is 3s. 6d. a day.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that men of the British Expeditionary Force who arrived back in this country from Dunkirk were provided with new uniforms by the Government, arrangements can be made for those men who were not able to get back, and who are now prisoners of war in Germany, to also be provided with suitable clothing free of cost?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ayr Burghs (Sir T. Moore) on 13th November, of which I am sending him a copy.

Is it not very unfair that prisoners of war should be paying themselves, with Purchase Tax on top of it, for clothing which is supplied free to those who were brought home to this country?

That is why these things are being sent.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether German and Italian prisoners of war are placed together in mixed camps or are kept apart?

German and Italian soldiers are in separate camps. At present, German and Italian officers are in the same camp, but they will be separated in the course of a week or two.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it would encourage the rift in the Axis if they were kept together?

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) whether his attention has been called to the fact that coal from the North of England is being, and has been, brought South to destinations usually supplied by nearer districts, which makes those districts unable to get their contract commitments accepted by the railway companies; and whether, in view of the length of haulage entailed and the consequential requirements of engines and rolling-stock and the unemployment of miners in those districts, he will take steps to put an end to a practice which is prejudicial to the national interests;

(2) whether he is aware of the fact that wagon journeys are being seriously restricted by priority orders to Northern collieries; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I am in constant touch with my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Transport with a view to securing the most efficient use of the transport facilities available, with due regard to the maintenance of coal supplies.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider my Question and give an answer to it? Is not the fact as I have indicated, and is it not a thoroughly unsatisfactory position, causing great concern and great unemployment in the Midlands counties?

Very many fewer trains are being run in than we were anticipating. For example, we were promised 117 trains from the North in a recent week, and only 80 arrived in London. It is not working as satisfactorily as we should like, but we are in touch with the responsible Department and are paying immediate attention to the problem.

Is anything being done immediately to end a chaotic position which the Department has brought about by having no appreciation of the geographical position?

I do not accept the description, neither do I accept the responsibility thrown on me. I have no power to put a single train on any part of the railway system, but the matter has not been lost sight of. There is a committee under the presidency of the Lord President of the Council on which all the Departments involved are playing their part. It is meeting regularly.

Can you get it to act?

It is acting.

When?

I have told the hon. Member that attention will be given to the matter.

Is it not really absurd, when miners are idle and want work, to have people wanting coal in another part of the country, and will my hon. Friend, therefore, continue to employ miners, in whatever part of the country they are, so as to supply people with coal?

Yes, but my hon. Friend knows that giving employment to miners in Durham does not mean filling coal cellars in London unless there is transport. That is the problem.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider using the canal system?

In view of the unsatisfactory state of affairs, to which no attention is being given, I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that coal is being retained in wagons for long periods and will he give particulars; and why cannot they be emptied and made use of for much-needed transport purposes?

The hon. Member will appreciate that in particular instances delay in unloading wagons may be unavoidable in present circumstances. Inquiries I have made suggest, however, that the delays now arising from this cause are generally less rather than greater than they were before the war. I agree that every effort should be made to expedite still further the clearance of wagons and I am taking all practicable steps to that end.

Is it not a fact that there are wagons at present loaded which have remained loaded for months; and in the last resort would it not be possible to tip the coal on the sides of the railway in appropriate places and thereby make the wagons available for further transport?

Tipping the coal does not take it to the consumers and does not solve the problem. I do not know of any long delays, such as are suggested by the Question, in the London area. We have fewer wagons standing idle than we had last year.

Would not the utilisation of the canal system solve the problem?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has given consideration to the report on the causes of the explosion which occurred at the Moss-field Colliery, Longton, on the 21st March; whether any action is to be taken that may prevent a similar occurrence in the future; and, in particular, whether any action has been taken on paragraphs 44 and 45 of the report?

Yes, Sir. The recommendations of this report, which has, of course, been published, are directed to effective packing of rib sides and the use of air-sampling as a precaution and guide in seams liable to spontaneous combustion. These recommendations have been brought to the notice of all concerned in the management of collieries at which similar conditions may obtain, and the Inspectors of Mines will continue to urge their adoption wherever necessary. Effect is now being given to them at Mossfield Colliery.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the inadequacy of coal sidings in the West of London; and whether he is taking any special steps to remedy this defect which aggravates delivery difficulties of coal in the West London areas?

The siding accommodation in the area referred to has in the past been adequate for the handling of a substantially greater quantity of coal than is currently being dealt with, and I am aware of no grounds on which I could press for the provision of additional sidings by the railway companies.

Is my hon. Friend aware that owing to the electrification in that area the tendency is not to provide the usual sidings for the increased population?

That may be so, but as recently as July and August greater quantities of coal were being dealt with in all the sidings in London. It is not a question of accommodation inside the London area.

asked the Secretary for Petroleum whether he is aware that the latest system of utilising suitable crude oil as motor fuel is restricted by regulations issued by his Department and the Ministry of Transport and that no further progress can be made until relaxations are allowed for experimental demonstrations; that at least one local authority has conducted experiments in such alternative fuels since 1934 with encouraging results; and whether he will see that this valuable work is no longer held up by the failure on the part of the Departments concerned to issue special licences?

I have been glad to note the experimental work that has been carried out in this field, and I have issued a number of licences to stimulate the use of this fuel. I hope in the course of the next fortnight to give details of further measures to encourage its use.

Can the hon. Gentleman say why he has been so tardy, allowing many months to elapse before issuing this licence?

We have not been tardy. Licences have followed on the progress of the experimental work.

asked the Secretary for Petroleum how many taximeter-cabs and other motor vehicles are using coal-gas as an alternative to petrol as a means of propulsion; and what steps are being taken to accelerate the conversion?

I have been asked to reply. I regret that separate particulars regarding taxi-cabs are not available, but I understand that the number of such vehicles converted to use coal-gas is appreciable. As regards the remainder of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Consett (Mr. David Adams) on 8th October.

Is my hon. Friend aware that in Paris. 10,000 taxi-cabs have coal-gas propulsion, and that many of those who have studied this question, view with great apprehension the increasing dependence of the community on petrol and petrol products which are mainly imported from abroad?

I know what has been done, and we have given the reasons why there are delays in expanding the processes in this country. There is the question of the priority of suitable steel for the manufacture of the producers. I do not think we can compare this country with Paris in this matter.

Can my hon. Friend give any figures?

A limit of 2,000 was put on in the first instance. Now it is suggested that that limit should be 10,000, and provided there had been suitable light steel alloys there would have been an expansion in the manufacture of producers. We are now able to satisfy the prospective users that there is more fuel available than there was inside a year ago. It is now largely a question of suitable steel for the manufacture of producers.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will approve of appropriate distinctive marks to attach to the uniform of men such as members of bomb disposal squads, minesweepers, etc., such as are already given to airmen and certain specialised seamen, so that at least acknowledgment might be given in this way to the heroes of branches of the service of vital though unspectacular effort?

): Badges in the Services are of two kinds, those that indicate rank and those that indicate qualifications. Men of the Royal Naval Patrol Service who have served in auxiliary anti-submarine and mine-sweeping vessels for six months are entitled to wear the special silver mine-sweeping badge approved by His Majesty the King. The question of issuing a badge to members of bomb and mine disposal units is at present under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the War Office, in an official communiqué, has reiterated the principle-that leave for serving soldiers is not a right, and that there is no such thing as. being entitled to leave; and will he consider the advisability of revising that principle to one more in accordance with the needs of conscripted national forces so that every person serving in the Armed Forces of the Crown will, in future, be entitled, as a right, to a fixed scale of leave for every month of service?

The principle that leave is a privilege and not a right is one of long standing and is, indeed, inherent in the word itself, and it is clearly impracticable to give a fixed entitlement to leave irrespective of the exigencies of the service. Every endeavour is and will be made to grant leave on a reasonable and equitable scale.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will invoke the good offices of the Vatican, or of some neutral state, in furthering a proposal that, to enable the peoples of all countries to commemorate the Christmas anniversary under more appropriate conditions than would otherwise be possible, the belligerent nations shall agree to a 48 hour's cessation of hostilities on sea, on land and in the air, from 12 noon on 24th December till 12 noon on 26th December, with or without the co-operation of China and Japan?

No, Sir.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether, in the event of such a proposal being received from some neutral State, he will give the House an assurance—

That is a purely hypothetical question.

Perhaps, as it has been mentioned, I should say that it would certainly be rejected by His Majesty's Government.

If such a proposal were made from any quarter would not the acceptance of it show a prophetic faith in—[ Interruption. ]

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make with reference to the declaration by the Polish and Czecho-Slovak Governments with regard to their determination to enter into a closer political and economic association after the war which would become the basis of a new order in Central Europe and a guarantee of its stability?

His Majesty's Government warmly welcome the declaration made by the Polish Government and the Provisional Czecho-Slovak Government.

asked the Prime Minister what reply has been sent to the memorial addressed to him by certain Irishmen and Anglo-Irishmen concerning the raising, arming and equipping of a force in Northern Ireland embodied as a branch of the B Special Constabulary of the Royal Ulster Constabulary?

This memorial raises important and complicated questions which are receiving most careful and active consideration.

Is it proposed to introduce any legislation dealing with the matter, in view of the fact that that force has no legal or constitutional basis?

No doubt, if the consideration which is being given to the matter shows the need for legislation, the House will be advised in good time.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that there are men fully qualified to act as plotters for air-raid precautions work who have not been employed solely because they were over 65 years of age and are still available to release younger men on such work; and whether he will take steps to secure the engagement of such qualified but older men on being assured of their medical fitness and thus release the younger men for other and more active employment?

I have been asked to reply. The duties of plotters at Observer Corp centres are exacting and must at times be carried out under heavy and prolonged pressure. I am advised that the hon. and learned Member's suggestion could not be adopted without impairing the efficiency of this important service.

If I give the hon. and gallant Gentleman particulars of the case of a man doing the duties temporarily who was recommended for employment and turned down purely on account of his age, will he look into the matter?

I will look into any particular case that the hon. and learned Member gives me, but his Question is a general one, and we have found men considerably under 65 who have not been able to strand the strain.

My Question said, "on being assured of their medical fitness." Does not that take it out of the general category?

No, Sir. The hon. and learned Member is asking me a general question, whether men, if physically fit, over 65 should be employed, and the answer is "No."

Does that mean that the hon. and gallant Gentleman is absolutely inflexible?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will shorten the "Raiders Passed" signal at night since it arouses many hard-worked people from their sleep?

The "Raiders Passed" signal has already been reduced from two minutes to one minute, and I am advised that any further reduction would be undesirable, since so short a sounding of the siren might well escape the notice of night workers or of people in shelters. Also, people who had not heard the previous "Alert" signal might mistake a very short "Raiders Passed" signal for the "Alert."

Is it not a fact that those people who are awake will hear even a shorter signal, whereas the vast majority who are asleep are disturbed even by one minute's signal?

That is a matter of opinion.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in order to show the nation's sympathy, he will consider the issue of a special badge to citizens whose homes have been rendered uninhabitable by enemy action?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consult with the Secretary of State for War so as to arrange for the use of Army field ambulances and personnel in any area subjected to attack by enemy aircraft?

Regional Commissioners can already invoke the aid of the military when circumstances in their view call for such aid, and I have no reason to doubt that should it be necessary to include in such a request an application for the services of field ambulances and personnel any practicable assistance would be forthcoming.

In order to avoid unnecessary delay at a time when speed is imperative, is there some machinery locally, in every area, to ensure that this aid may be rapidly forthcoming?

In practice it has been shown that the Civil Defence casualty services have worked very well. Rather the boot has been on the other leg, and we have been able to help the other Services under arrangements which have been made so that reinforcements may be available.

May I take it that these arrangements are known locally, in every area? It is not a bit of good having arrangements docketed in London. Are the arrangements known locally—the fact that you can apply and what help can be obtained?

Certainly it is known in the Regions.

But is it known in every area? Can I have an answer to my Question?

asked the Home Secretary how many Italian internees are dealt with weekly by the tribunal set up to consider their release; in what order the applications are considered; and whether any preference is given to those recommended by refugee or similar organisations?

I understand that, on the average, up to 40 cases a week are dealt with by the Advisory Committee appointed to advise my right hon. Friend whether any Italian internee who comes within any of the categories of the White Paper can be released without prejudice to the interests of national security, and that the committee consider applications in the order in which they are received, subject to any special reason for giving priority to a particular case.

Is priority given to those persons who are known to be anti-Fascist?

We think that the fairest method is to deal with cases in the order in which the applications are received.

As there are, I understand, 3,000 applications, will it not take, in view of the answers given by the hon. Gentleman, something like two years to deal with them?

No, Sir, the theory of the hon. Gentleman is vitiated by two considerations. One is that it does not take into account volunteers for the Pioneer Corps and the other is that two other tribunals will shortly be in a position to deal with cases of Italian internees.

Why are people who have been interned for security reasons allowed to enlist in the Pioneer Corps for the defence of the country?

That is a separate Question.

Is it not a fact that, while a large number of Italians have been released on medical grounds, hardly any have been released on anti-Fascist grounds?

The committee dealing with anti-Fascists have, so far, dealt with about 150 cases.

Is it not a fact that not one of these cases has been released under Category 119—not one?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will arrange that there shall sit on the tribunal considering the release of Italian internees some adviser from one of the refugee organisations, as in the case of the tribunals considering the position of the German and Austrian refugees?

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. The arrangement is, not that representatives of refugee organisations shall sit on the tribunals which are reviewing cases either of Germans and Austrians or of Italians, but that the tribunals shall seek such assistance as they think fit from reliable and representative refugees, as well as from other sources.

May I take it that that principle now applies to Italian tribunals as well as to those dealing with Germans and Austrians?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary why Italians released from internment because they have satisfied the Home Secretary of their loyalty, are, with rare exceptions, subjected to all the restrictions of a B category alien?

I think that my hon. Friend has been misinformed. As a general rule, Italians released from internment because my right hon. Friend is satisfied of their loyalty have been exempted from the special restrictions applicable to enemy aliens.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that quite a large number have automatically been given the B restriction and that they are very upset about it?

No, Sir. Those who have been released on grounds of ill health are, of course, subject to the B restriction, but those who are released on other grounds, having been before the tribunal, are, as a result, exempted.

( by Private Notice )asked the Home Secretary whether he is able to make a statement as to the policy which he proposes to follow in releasing from internment aliens of enemy nationality?

Yes, Sir. The Government, in reviewing this Question, have had the advantage of advice and assistance from the committee of which Mr. Justice Asquith is chairman. Amongst the women, who are mostly Germans and Austrians placed by the tribunals or regional advisory committees in the B category, there are, no doubt, some who can safely be released, and for this purpose a review is being carried out by a committee which is at work in the Isle of Man under the chair- manship of Sir Robert Dummett, the Chief Magistrate of the Metropolitan Police Courts. The main problem concerns men who are friendly to the Allied cause but cannot bring themselves within any of the categories set out in the White Paper. The Asquith Committee has studied with great care the question whether provision should be made for the release of all such persons as could demonstrate to a carefully constituted tribunal their steadfast adherence to the Allied cause. It is probable that, if such a scheme were to be adopted, the great majority of those who are interned would make application to such a tribunal, and the committee estimate that the investigation of these applications would require 10 tribunals working for nearly a year.

Even if the practical difficulties of carrying through so extensive a scheme of investigation could be surmounted, the committee believe that the results would be quite disproportionate to the time and labour involved. There are, however, already in the White Paper three categories in which release is directly or indirectly dependent on a loyalty test. In addition to the provision for those who can show that they have taken a prominent part in opposition to the Nazi and Fascist regimes, and to the provision relating to those who have resided here for 20 years and can show that they have thrown in their lot with this country, there is a provision, more important numerically than either of these, namely, the provision for enlistment in the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps. The normal age limits for enlistment are 18 and 50, and for all men between these ages there is an opportunity clearly to demonstrate their friendliness to the Allied cause by offering their services to this Corps.

For men, therefore, who are not disqualified by age or physical unfitness from enlisting in the Corps, an opportunity of release from internment is open, and I want to make it clear that the Government regard this opportunity as the appropriate method of providing for such men. They should not, therefore, defer offering their services to the Corps in the expectation that there may be enlargements, affecting them, of the existing categories set out in the White Paper. As regards those who are not eligible for enlistment or are rejected on medical grounds, the Government, following a recommendation of the Asquith Committee, have decided that there shall be added to the White Paper a new category providing for the release of men who, being by reason of age or physical unfitness ineligible for the Pioneer Corps, can satisfy a tribunal that they are opposed to the Nazi or Fascist systems, that they are positively friendly towards the Allied cause, and that they will remain steadfast towards that cause in all circumstances. It is estimated that the number of men who under such a scheme might come before a tribunal or tribunals would be in the neighbourhood of 2,000, and the examination of 2,000 applicants would be a manageable proposition. I will make a statement at an early date about the steps to be taken to bring this scheme into operation.

There remains the question of men whose special qualifications would render them more useful in civil occupations. Many of these are covered by the existing provisions in the White Paper for the release of scientists and experts who are required for work of national importance, and I am taking steps to secure that such persons are released as quickly as possible. In addition, I have, in co-operation with the Ministry of Labour, put in train arrangements to ascertain what other persons there may be among the internees who have special qualifications to undertake work for which there is a shortage of skilled workers, and I contemplate the release of any such persons, provided, of course, there is no security objection in individual cases. Moreover, if a man with special qualifications enlists in the A.M.P.C. this does not prevent his release from the Corps if he is required for special work of national importance. The arrangements for releasing from the Army men whose specialist knowledge or skill is required for civil work, apply to the A.M.P.C. as to other units.

The general policy, therefore, will be to continue the process of releasing men whose services are of special value in civilian occupations, to give to those who are ineligible for the Pioneer Corps an opportunity to satisfy a tribunal of their loyalty, and, as regards the remainder, to expect that those men who are friendly to the Allied cause will demonstrate their loyalty by enlistment. While the Govern- ment are satisfied that these are the best practicable arrangements, it is recognised that, amongst those who are not eligible for the Pioneer Corps, there may be men who, though their hearts are with us, are unable to prove their loyalty. The House will, I know, agree that, on security grounds, care must be taken in selecting men for release, and not all those who may fail to pass the test must be regarded as persons whose loyalty is necessarily suspect. As regards such people I can only say that it is humanly impossible to devise a completely satisfactory method of searching human hearts, and that, if they have to remain in internment, this is due not to lack of sympathy for their position but to the stern necessity, in time of war, of treating security considerations as paramount. Within the limits set by these considerations, the policy of the Government is to give to those aliens who are positively friendly to our cause the widest possible opportunities of obtaining their release.

While thanking the Home Secretary for his statement, which I think everyone will agree represents a great advance on the present method, I would like to put two questions. Did I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that men under 50 who are rejected on health grounds from the A.M.P.C. will be free to make application to a tribunal to prove their loyalty to our cause? Secondly, in view of the great complexity and importance of the question involved, will the Government allow an early date for discussion of this matter?

On the first point, the answer is that the men will be eligible to appear before a tribunal. As to the second point, that is a matter for discussion through the usual channels. There is no objection as far as I am concerned.