asked the Minister of Health how many houses which could formerly have been requisitioned for the reception of evacuees from bombed areas, have, within recent months been occupied by richer individuals for their own use; whether any census of such houses is kept; and whether immediate steps will be taken to acquire them for public use?

Figures are not available in regard to the houses referred to in the first part of the Question. But local authorities have information of houses in their areas which are suitable for use in connection with evacuation; many such houses have been acquired and steps will be taken to acquire others wherever this can be done with advantage.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is considering any scheme for the evacuation to suitable hostels of those tuberculous persons who refuse sanatoria treatment but who are a source of infection in an air-raid shelter?

Yes, my right hon. Friend has this Question under active consideration at the moment.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of particular hardships experienced, or likely to be experienced, by local medical practitioners losing their surgery, equipment and instruments through air raids, and in losing patients who, through that loss, have to consult other medical practitioners; and whether he will enable swift replacement to be made and other steps taken to enable those medical practitioners to continue their practice?

I fear that a number of medical practitioners, like other persons in professional life, have suffered hardships by reason of air raids, but I have not heard of any cases where serious difficulties in the way of securing treatment for their patients have arisen, and my right hon. Friend is not satisfied that it would be proper to provide any special measures of assistance beyond the arrangements announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 5th September last.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that people who have suffered damage to their homes or belongings through enemy action, have to make a journey to their town hall solely to obtain a copy of Form V.O.W. I on which to report the damage; and whether he will arrange for a supply of these forms to be available at all wardens' posts?

The majority of wardens' posts are operational in character and I regret that it would not be advisable or practicable to make general arrangements on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Health how many medical practitioners have been so far appointed by the Common Council of the City of London and the Metropolitan borough councils for the supervision of public air-raid shelters, as suggested in his Circular No. 2190; and what steps are being taken to cause appointments to be expedited in districts where there appears to be some delay?

The number of doctors appointed to assist the medical officers of health in these areas in the regular inspection of air-raid shelters is six, and the number of general medical practitioners whose services have been secured for attendance at shelters is 337. Medical officers of my Department are in personal consultation with the medical officers of health so as to ensure that such additional appointments as are necessary are made without delay.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Fife County Council has been informed that moneys expended on heating the air-raid shelters constructed for one of the county hospitals will not be allowed to rank for grant; and whether, in view of the fact that to use these shelters in an unheated condition would mean grave risks to the health of patients, he will secure the rescinding of this order?

This matter is receiving further consideration, and I will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Home Secretary how many aliens are detained in prisons under the various orders regulating such detention, specifying the number under each order; and what prisons are in use for such detentions?

According to the latest available statistics, the number of aliens detained in prison in Great Britain, apart from those serving sentences is 642. Of these 29 are awaiting deportation and 436 are detained under Article 12 (5A) of the Aliens Order because their deportation is impracticable or would be prejudicial to the national interests. Five are detained under the Royal Prerogative. Seven are detained under Defence Regulation 18B, or Defence Regulation 18BA. The remaining 165 are detained temporarily under Article 3 of the Aliens Order and they include seamen detained ashore at the request of the master of their ship, and seamen and others refused leave to land and detained pending disposal. No particular prison or prisons are set apart for the detention of such persons. Most of those detained under Article 12 (5a) of the Aliens Order are in Liverpool and Pentonville prisons.

asked the Home Secretary whether the non-enemy aliens detained under Article 12 (5A) who appear before Sir Francis Lindley's committee will be afforded the same opportunities as are given to British Fascists and enemy aliens detained under Regulation i8b when they appear before Mr. Norman Birkett of being told why the order was made against them and furnished with the particulars necessary to enable them to present their cases; and whether they will be allowed to appear personally before the committee, to bring witnesses, and to submit written statements by themselves or by persons testifying on their behalf?

My right hon. Friend fully realises the desirability of affording an opportunity to the aliens in question of appearing in person before the committee, of answering any allegations made against them and of explaining their activities. My right hon. Friend has asked the committee to follow this procedure in all cases unless, on a review of all the facts and circumstances, the committee decide that they can recommend release without seeing the individual.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give the name of the official who has been sent to Canada as the Government's representative to assist the Canadian Government in dealing with the internees transferred from this country; what progress has been reported since his arrival; and has the representative been instructed to try and induce the Canadian Government to change the present classification of refugees as prisoners of war to something more appropriate?

The representative of His Majesty's Government sent to Canada for the purpose indicated is Mr. Alexander Paterson, M.C., one of His Majesty's Commissioners of Prisons in England and Wales. He arrived in Ottawa on the 19th November and is now engaged in visiting the camps. As regards the last part of the Question I have looked into the matter and I find that the term "Prisoner of War Class 2" is the official wording used in the Canadian Defence Regulations to describe civilian internees and there would therefore be a difficulty in altering the terminology, which applies to civilians interned in Canada as well as to those sent from the United Kingdom. The Canadian authorities are however fully alive to the distinction between civilian internees and others and there is of course no risk that the use of this nomenclature will be allowed to have any adverse effect on their treatment.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will introduce legislation making it compulsory for the owners or tenants of evacuated empty houses and shops to place someone in charge to deal with incendiary bombs?

The scope of the Fire Watchers Order is now under review, but I doubt whether it would be practicable to extend it so far as is proposed by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, although many landlords have, out of consideration for tenants in evacuated or protected areas, reduced inclusive rents, local authorities refuse to make any proportionate reduction of rates upon the property concerned; and whether he will investigate the whole matter, with a view to more equitable treatment of those who endeavour to help their tenants suffering from war effects?

I am aware that in many cases mutually acceptable arrangements have been made between landlords and tenants for the reduction of inclusive rents, and representations submitted in favour of a proportionate reduction of rates in such cases have been carefully considered. I do not, however, feel that the circumstances would justify the introduction of legislation to enlarge the powers of rate-remission already possessed by rating authorities or to re-define rate liability with special reference to such cases.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that while, under the Rating and Valuation Act, a house property owner is bound to compound where the property is a rateable value which would come within the Act, many property owners are thereby penalised owing to the majority of their houses being empty owing to the effect of enemy action; and whether he will consider legislation to relieve such property owners of an obligation which, while reasonable in peace time, is too onerous in war time?

Liability for the payment of rates by an owner whether the property is occupied or not can only arise where the owner enters into a voluntary agreement to that effect. The liability can be determined by the owner on giving due notice to the rating authority. In the circumstances I do not contemplate introducing legislation in the matter.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will, in these short days, suggest to sub-post offices that they should not close between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., which is .often the only time during which people are able to attend to their postal business?

In view of the staffing difficulties which would ensue in the offices concerned, I should hesitate to withdraw the privilege enjoyed by Sub-Postmasters of closing their offices for a short time mid-day. If, however, my hon. Friend has particular offices in mind, I should be glad to make inquiries with a view to some alteration in the arrangements if such a course proves to be justified.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can explain the reasons for the delay of postal packets despatched from Reading on Friday, 22nd November, postmarked 3 p.m., and Wantage on Sunday, 24th November, and only delivered in London at 11.30 a.m. on Monday, 25th November and 9 a.m. on Tuesday, 26th November, respectively; whether he is aware that such delays in the post are causing grave dislocation of official and business matters which is highly detrimental to the national interest; what steps should be taken by persons who find they are suffering serious financial loss as the result of the irregularity .of the postal services; and whether he can hold out hope that letters travelling a distance of under 50 miles may reach their destination within a minimum period of 48 hours in all circumstances?

Enemy air activity caused difficulties both at Reading and Wantage on the nights in question, but the letters concerned should have been delivered considerably earlier. I can only express my regret for any inconvenience caused. I am aware that postal delays cause great inconvenience and, as recently announced, I am taking steps to improve the services generally and especially those in London.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will extend to the Far East the concession which now permits relatives to send telegrams to serving soldiers in the Near and Middle East twice a month at inland rates, with replies twice a month at similar rates?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given by the Financial Secretary to the War Office to a similar question by the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson) on 5th November, in which it was indicated that owing to technical difficulties it would be impracticable to extend the scope of the "concession" telegram service beyond the Near and Middle East.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will state in detail the circumstances under which the 2½d. letter postage rate for an ordinary sealed letter is reduced or unnecessary; and, in particular, what is the postage rate for letters addressed to a chartered naval supply vessel, care of General Post Office, London, operating in British home waters?

The inland rate of postage of 2½d. for a sealed letter not exceeding two ounces in weight and ½d. for each additional two ounces applies without exception to all letters for addresses in the United Kingdom as well as for ships in home waters (including transports, Royal Fleet auxiliaries and vessels taken up for naval service). The minimum charge for letters addressed to Empire destinations is also 2½d. but for letters addressed to His Majesty's ships abroad and His Majesty's Forces serving overseas, the rate is 1½d. for the first ounce and id. for every subsequent ounce. The latter rate was that applicable until May last to letters for Empire destinations; but, when, as in the last war, the Empire rate was increased for budgetary reasons, the rate for letters addressed to His Majesty's ships abroad and Forces serving overseas was left unchanged.

asked the Postmaster-General whether telephone subscribers are held to be responsible for damage caused by enemy action to instruments inside their homes or premises?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can give, in respect of the cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen, and of the counties of Renfrew, Dunbarton, Lanark, Ayr and Stirling, the numbers of pupils in primary, secondary and special schools, respectively, who at the last convenient date were receiving full-time instruction, half-time instruction, and less than half-time instruction?

The following statement, which shows the position at 16th November, 1940, gives the information desired by my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what provision is made in Scotland for the issue of billeting allowance to persons bombed out of their, homes; to what quarter applications for such should be directed; where, and by whom, such allowance is payable; and where information regarding such billeting allowance may be obtained by members of the public?

When persons rendered homeless by enemy action are billeted the local authority give the householder a billeting notice. On presenting this notice at the Post Office the householder is paid the weekly billeting allowance. Information about billeting allowances may be obtained from the local authority and special arrangements have been made to have this information at the rest centres to which homeless persons normally go in the first instance.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the available supplies of coal now being received in Bristol are insufficient for present requirements and altogether inadequate to furnish reserves for the forthcoming winter or to meet future emergencies; and what steps he is taking to obviate anything like the acute shortage which was experienced in Bristol last winter?

I am aware that for the time being deliveries of coal into Bristol are below normal as the result of contingencies against which I urged consumers to lay in stocks during the summer. The response from all classes of consumers in Bristol was most gratifying and the reserves then laid down will, I hope do much to mitigate the effect of the present difficulties. Arrangements have also been made to accumulate stocks of coal on Government account, and four sites are being used for stocking as the supply and transport position permits. The stock, at present, amounts to 13,000 tons. The transport difficulties are, I understand, to be the subject of discussion between the Minister of Transport and representatives of the Bristol Corporation during the week.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can make available for hon. Members a copy of the 1939 Report of the Union of South Africa Department of Mines; and whether having regard to the continued success of the efforts to combat silicosis in the mines of the Union he will take steps to investigate to what extent the measures adopted can be applied to the coalmines in Britain?

Yes, Sir. The South African reports with regard to silicosis, and the precautionary measures taken in South Africa are continuously studied and investigated in my Department and were also specially considered and reported upon by the Royal Commission on Safety in Coal Mines. The possibility of the application of these or similar measures in the different conditions of our mines is continuously under review. I shall be glad to have a copy of the report referred to by the hon. Member placed in the Library for reference as soon as it becomes available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the inability of the Employment Exchanges in certain rural areas to supply unskilled labour for the improvement of farm and woodlands, he will, in view of the national importance of such work, consider the payment of lodging allowances to men transferred from areas where unemployment exists to undertake such work?

Married men or single men with similar responsibilities transferred by my Department away from home to work of national importance are eligible for lodging allowances at the rate of 3s. 6d. a night. For the purpose of this scheme, employment in agriculture is regarded as work of national importance.

asked the Attorney-General whether there is any regulation under which a person who is buying a house through a building society and has it rendered uninhabitable by enemy action, is affected in his legal obligation for full and prompt payments to the society?

There is at present no legislation in force which gives to a mortgagor from a building society relief of the nature described by my hon. Friend. A measure of protection against a building society which took the unusual course of pressing a mortgagor in such circumstances would be afforded by the Courts (Emergency Powers) Acts. The Government have, however, under consideration a scheme for giving relief to debtors whose financial position has been seriously affected by the war, and this scheme would certainly extend to the class of mortgagors to which the Question relates.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the high price of tomatoes; and what action he intends taking about the matter?

Yes, Sir. This is due to the fact that only a small remnant of the English crop still remains, and overseas supplies are not at present available. Supplies throughout the greater part of the English crop season have been fairly abundant and prices on the whole reasonable. My Noble Friend does not consider it necessary to take any action at the present time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the arrangements for the provision of free and cheap milk for school children in many schools in the County of Durham have broken down; that for many weeks children have had no milk, although ordered by the medical officer to be supplied with it; whether this is due to a shortage of milk or the refusal of distributors to bottle milk because of the extra cost entailed; and what steps he is taking to deal with the position?

I am aware that certain schools in the County of Durham and elsewhere have not been receiving supplies of milk recently under the Milk in Schools Scheme. My Noble Friend has recently been in touch with the distributors and he hopes, with their co-operation and the assistance of the Milk Marketing Boards, to make arrangements for the maintenance of the supply of milk to schools.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will state the nature of the provisions that will be made to supply the chip-potato friers with potatoes?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he proposes to subsidise the potatoes which the fish-frier needs so that he may reduce prices to the public; and whether he will state the nature of his proposals in this respect?

Yes, Sir. An announcement, of which I am sending my hon. Friends copies, was made to the Press.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that there are still releases of sharps permitted for cleaning the products of the tinplate industry; and will he consider using, for this purpose, other suitable material which is available, and preserving sharps for the feeding of animals, especially where there is a shortage of such foodstuffs?

I am aware that a small quantity of fine wheatfeed is still released for cleaning tinplate but the licences under which it is released for this purpose normally stipulate that 90 per cent. of the quantity used shall be disposed of after use for animal feeding. Various suggestions for substitutes have been made, and are being examined, but so far no satisfactory solution has been found.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether supplies of raw and manufactured materials, when controlled, are available to retail confectioners in proportion to their former purchases or in proportion to their present requirements, having regard to recent increases or decreases of population in the districts concerned?

Supplies of any rationed foods are made available to the retailer according to the requirements of his registered customers. In the case of unrationed goods such as confectionery, distribution is in the hands of the industry: but is, in fact, based generally on former purchases, adjusted so far as practicable in the light of changed conditions. Endeavours are made to take account of movements of population; and consultations are at present taking place with a view to seeing how the Ministry can assist distributors in this necessary adjustment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that, while other forms of confectionery are generally available, there is a relative shortage of slab chocolate; and whether, in view of its usefulness as a food to many working under present conditions, he will, when allocating supplies of raw materials, give priority to the manufacture of slab chocolate over other forms of confectionery?

The Ministry are aware that there is a shortage of certain types of chocolate greater than in the case of other forms of confectionery. Proposals are in fact at present under consideration for differential allocation of raw materials designed to increase the manufacture of such products and others most needed under present conditions.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that, if any further difficulties are placed in the way of sweet manufacturers, there is a likelihood that thousands of retail confectionery shops will have to close down, thus throwing out of work a large number of persons and making it difficult for all classes of the community to obtain supplies of confectionery; and whether he will place some limitation on the present diversion of supplies to canteens as opposed to retail establishments, which have heavy overhead expenses to bear, and make useful contributions to national and local revenue?

I am aware that present necessary restrictions on the supply of ingredients for confectionery manufacture, combined with the necessity for meeting certain priority needs, have materially reduced the total tonnage passing through the hands of confectionery retailers. My Noble Friend is anxious that a proper balance should be held between genuine priority needs on the one hand, and ordinary civilian requirements on the other. Instructions designed to secure this object have been prepared, in consultation with the industry, and are about to be issued.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, having regard to the considerable amount of additional tea consumed by people during, before and after air raids, he will give consideration to increasing the tea ration?

While my Noble Friend appreciates that there is an increased demand for tea as the result of air-raid conditions he is unable, in view of the necessity of conserving stocks, to sanction any general increase in the ration at present.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the shortage of shipping space, he will consider prohibiting the importation of castor seed, except for vital purposes, since the residue from this seed is unfit for cattle feeding?

The Ministry of Food is the sole importer of castor seed and determines the quantities to be imported. The question of what imports will be needed in addition to the present ample stocks is under consideration. My hon. Friend's suggestion will be borne in mind when further purchases are made.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the acute momentary anxiety caused to friends and relatives listening to the wireless news by phrases in Admiralty communiqués, such as His Majesty's Ship "Ark Royal" disappeared from sight in advance of the assurance that the ship sustained neither damage nor casualties in her successful action; and whether he will instruct his responsible officials, without taking from the vivid character of communiqués, to bear such considerations specially in mind in the framing of them?

The naming of any of His Majesty's ships in the account of an engagement inevitably causes some anxiety to friends and relatives of the ship's company. I can, however, assure my hon. Friend that those responsible for the drafting and approval of communiqués are well aware of the necessity for minimising any such anxiety.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what part of the Clyde fishing fleet, by proportion and in numbers, has been requisitioned for war service purposes and so withdrawn from contributing to the supply of fish for the markets?

I regret that I am unable, for reasons of security, to make public the information desired. As far as possible, the Admiralty secure equality of contribution from all fishing ports.

asked the Minister of Transport whether a short-period taxation is allowed for cars to all members of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force while they are on leave; and whether the concession is applicable to the Army; and, if not, for what reasons?

The concession under Section 8 of the Finance Act, 1940, to which my hon. Friend presumably refers, is available to all members of the Fighting Forces, including certain Women's Auxiliary Services, while on leave from service overseas or afloat, or, in the case of the R.A.F., from service with an operational crew. The number of men serving in the Army who have been able to avail themselves of the concession has, of course, up to the present, been small.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether facilities will be given to officers and men of Allied Forces in this country and the Middle East to form savings groups?

The best means of affording saving facilities to members of the Allied Forces is under consideration, and I hope that, in conjunction with the Allied authorities concerned, it will be possible to introduce savings schemes at an early date.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will indicate the arrangements made to facilitate the issue of War Savings Certificates amongst all ranks of His Majesty's Forces; whether he can make any statement upon the results to date; and whether he is satisfied that every effort is being made to encourage savings in this way; and to help the work of the Director of War Savings?

The arrangements for encouraging saving among members of the Forces are under constant review by His Majesty's Forces War Savings Committee. The arrangements for the different Services vary from allotment systems to savings groups within the Units, and are very comprehensive. During the last six months, over 7,500 new National Savings groups and branches have been formed in the three Services, and I understand that the Director-General of Army and Royal Air Force savings and the naval authorities are well satisfied with the progress that has been achieved to date; they hope that in the coming year still larger savings will be obtained by these means.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that in the case of manufacturers of goods whose turnover is under the £2,000 per annum mark and supplying wholesalers the consumer is paying the Purchase Tax twice over; and what steps he is taking to remove this injustice?

I am aware that such representations have been made but it is only in so far as the small unregistered manufacturer uses taxable materials, which he buys already taxed, that this question arises. The position of the small manufacturer is being carefully watched with a view to obviating any injustice such as my hon. Friend refers to.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take steps to abandon the Purchase Tax on miners' acetylene or carbide lamps, miners' caps, miners' pit-belts, miners' haversacks, miners' telescopic piece boxes, and other working necessities of the mining industry, which at present unfairly penalises the working members in this vital industry?

Protective boots and helmets designed for the use of miners and miners' safety lamps have been specifically exempted from tax. I regret that in the interests of the revenue I am unable to extend these exemptions which would involve other industries as well.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he is aware that the Purchase Tax is being applied to children's bonnets or capes, which are a part of children's coat-sets consisting of jacket, pantaloons, and bonnet or cap; and whether he will have this anomaly removed;

(2) whether the Purchase Tax is being applied to children's school caps; and, if so, will he reconsider its application?

Yes, Sir. There is no exemption from tax in the case of children's headgear, and the fact that a bonnet or cap is sold as part of a coat-set does not affect its liability to tax.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that His Majesty's Customs and Excise are requiring payment of Purchase Tax on filament lamps forming an essential part of non-chargeable surgical instruments; and whether the exemption granted to medical and surgical appliances can be extended to the accessories necessary for their working?

The tax applies to all electric filament lamps not exceeding 250 watts. I understand that many of the lamps used in connection with surgical appliances may have other uses and in these circumstances I do not think it would be practicable to provide for the exemption of such accessories.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, since in connection with the allotment of Treasury Bill tender the word syndicate is frequently used in official documents, he will circulate for the information of Members the composition of this syndicate in view of the fact that the banks and the syndicate, are the only applicants considered by the Treasury in making these allotments?

As is clearly indicated in the weekly return which appears in the "London Gazette," the tender for Treasury Bills is open to all. The only proviso is that tenders must be made through a London banker, discount house or broker, but any of these will no doubt be ready to tender on behalf of any particular client. The Bills are, of course, allotted to the highest bidders. I am not aware that any official document refers to a syndicate in this connection.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that considerable hardship is being caused as a result of the threatening attitude of the Inland Revenue Department in cases where individuals have lost everything as a result of the declaration of war; and whether he will consider giving instructions that careful examination should be given to each case where it is proved that the loss of income is the direct result of the declaration of war, and that the payments did not fall due for payment until after such declaration?

No, Sir. It is the practice of the Inland Revenue Department to give careful and sympathetic consideration to any case in which it is represented that a taxpayer is unable to meet his liabilities because of war losses. If my hon. Friend knows of any case of hardship such as he describes, and will give me the particulars, I shall be happy to inquire into it.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, under present circumstances, in the evening rush-hour, many people needing to get home by tramcar to the suburbs are suffering because their long-distance tram-cars get filled up in Central London by short-distance passengers; and whether he will consider reserving some tramcars on suitable routes for long-distance passengers only?

I am advised that, with few exceptions, tram-cars run the full length of the routes on which they are employed and do not turn round at intermediate points. I do not see, therefore, that in general there is any case for providing special trams for long-distance passengers, who have to wait no longer than short-distance passengers. The latter are in the great majority. If, however, my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any specific case which he has in mind, I will see whether anything can be done.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will ask the London Passenger Transport Board to arrange a queue during the rush hours at Bruce Grove, Tottenham?

Inquiries are being made and I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, whilst the railway company issues cheap tickets to parents in Hull to visit children evacuated to certain stations, including Selby, Hemingborough is not so included; and will he instruct the London and North Eastern Railway Company to extend the privilege to all stations where children have been evacuated?

Hull Corporation have been informed that the railway company will be asked to arrange special cheap facilities for parents to visit children sent to places within the Hull reception area. Up to the present I have had no request for Hemingborough.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether all important decisions of the Cabinet are immediately conveyed to Eire as well as to the representatives of the other Dominions, in view of the fact that there are German and Italian Legations in Dublin which are in constant touch with Berlin and Rome?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number at present in the Women's Land Army compared with six months ago?

There were 8,873 members of the Women's Land Army in regular agricultural employment at the end of October, as compared with 6,483 six months earlier. November returns will probably show a further small increase. In addition, there were nearly 2,000 further volunteers on the registers at the end of October, some of whom were in training, the remainder being available to be called upon for employment or training as farmers required their services. The similar figure at the end of May was about 3,700.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the large shifting of population in wartime, he will represent to the Tobacco Distributors' Advisory Committee that they should review their rationing schemes so that retailers' requirements are based on present population rather than on pre-war needs?

The Tobacco Controller has recently discussed this subject with both the Tobacco Distributors' Advisory Committee and the Tobacco Manufacturers' Advisory Committee, and I understand that manufacturers are taking steps to adjust supplies where necessary.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the textile discovery recently reported by which fireproof materials can be produced by using seaweed as a raw material; and whether he has any information to indicate whether this is a discovery which could usefully be pursued?

Yes, Sir. My attention has been called to recent statements in the Press to this effect. I am making further inquiries and my Department will follow the matter up.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that under the Limitation of Goods Order, the quota of certain surgical goods, such as elastic stockings, belts, etc., has been reduced to 50 per cent.; and whether he will investigate the effect of the discouragement of the use of these goods on the health of the public?

Surgical apparel is included under the Order in a class covering a very wide range of clothing. Although the quota for the whole class requires supplies in the current period to be limited to 50 per cent. of such supplies in the standard period, there is nothing, subject to this over-all limitation, to prevent supplies of surgical goods being met to the full extent of essential requirements.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the names of the scientific advisers attached to his Department?

The only scientific advisers holding definite appointments from the Board of Trade are Sir Charles V. Boys, F.R.S., and Mr. W. J. A. Butterfield, F.I.C., F.C.S., who advise on the improvement of the methods and apparatus for testing gas.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the inconvenience caused by the placing of the headquarters of his Department in an out-of-the-way town; and whether he proposes to bring them nearer to a centre of population?

My Noble Friend is satisfied that the advantages of the present arrangement considerably outweigh any inconvenience that may be caused. The answer to the last part of my hon. and gallant Friend's Question is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the terms of Circular F.I.G. 438, in which it is stated that school children may assist in writing up ration books; whether this is due to shortage of labour or the need for economy; whether the effect on the education of children has been considered; and whether the Board of Education were consulted before the circular was issued?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, difficulty was anticipated in securing adequate labour to complete the work in the limited time available. With regard to the last part, the Board of Education was consulted before the circular was issued.

asked the Minister of Transport the names of the scientific advisers attached to his Department?

The names of the engineering technical officers on the staff of my Department and of the Electricity Commission will be found in the Imperial Calendar. Such outside scientific advice as may be required is sought from time to time from bodies such as those to which my right hon. Friend, the Lord Privy Seal, referred in his reply of 12th November, or other appropriate sources.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the desirability of utilising at sea the services of all citizens possessing certificates as ship's masters, he will cause directions to be given to Departments that civil servants possessing this qualification who desire to serve in the Navy or mercantile marine, should be allowed to do so?

Enlistment in the Navy of civil servants above the age of reservation requires waiver of the Schedule of Reserved Occupations in the individual case. This is approved when it is clearly in the national interest for a civil servant possessing special qualifications to be released, and when the Department in which he is employed is able to spare him. A similar procedure is in force for dealing with applications from civil servants with special qualifications who desire to join the Mercantile Marine, and whose services are desired by the Ministry of Shipping.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings the names of the scientific advisers attached to his Department?

The Ministry has close and continuous contact with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and constant use is made of the services of that Department and of the Government Chemist's Department. No advisers on the purely scientific side of research are at present attached to the Ministry itself, but technical experts of high standing are available in the Ministry to advise on questions of applied research.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is in a position to make any statement regarding the appointment of a new ambassador to the Government of Portugal at this juncture; and whether he will assure the House that the retiring ambassador has amply fulfilled his difficult mission and gained the respect and confidence of the Portuguese Government?

My hon. Friend will have noticed that Sir Ronald Campbell, lately His Majesty's Ambassador in Paris, has been appointed to the Embassy in Lisbon. Sir Walford Selby, the retiring ambassa- dor, is leaving Portugal on the expiration of the period for which he was appointed. His Majesty's Government are fully satisfied with and appreciative of the manner in which Sir Walford Selby has fulfilled his mission, and so, as far as I am aware, are the Portuguese Government.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the Home Guard is financed by War Department grant, he will take steps to ensure that the clerical and typing staffs employed under the Home Guard are conditioned to the same rates of pay and overtime, hours of attendance, and sick-leave terms as apply to temporary civil servants?

Territorial Army Associations are responsible for providing such clerical assistance as may be necessary for the Home Guard and will meet the cost from grants given to them by the War Office for general administration purposes. The terms and conditions of service are left to the decision of the Territorial Army Association concerned, as conditions and requirements vary considerably in different parts of the country. This system follows that adopted for the provision of clerical assistance provided for the Territorial Army in peace-time and has been found to work satisfactorily.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers and men who were included in casualty lists killed are now known not to have been killed?

The numbers are seven officers and 108 other ranks.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the allowances ordinarily granted to single men serving in the Army are reduced in cases where the employer makes a weekly grant to them; and, if so, why?

I am not clear what allowances my hon. Friend has in mind. If he will let me know, I will send him a reply.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Welshmen who are serving in His Majesty's Forces are deprived of the right to send letters written in their native tongue to their parents and relatives; and whether he will take steps to grant this right to Welshmen who are serving their country?

The answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir." If my hon. Friend will let me know of any cases which he has in mind, I shall be glad to look into them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to state the decision in the case concerning which the hon. Member for Abertillery wrote to him on 24th August?

I hope that my hon. Friend has now received the reply which my right hon. Friend sent him yesterday.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that numbers of men over 30 years of age who have had considerable experience of organisation or administrative work are wasting their abilities in the Army as they are not being used to the best advantage, whilst young men of 20 years of age, who have had no similar experience, but because of their social position, are acting as their superiors; and whether, in the interests of efficiency, he will consider a complete reorganisation scheme to provide more opportunities for promotion of capable men from the ranks?

Appointment to commissioned rank is governed entirely by merit, and I do not accept the implication contained in my hon. Friend's Question. No one now receives a commission, except from the Army Officers' Emergency Reserve which consists either of ex-officers or men with special technical qualifications, without previous service in the ranks, and the process of selection must inevitably be gradual and be regulated according to requirements from time to time. Generally soldiers are required to undergo a period of training in Officer Cadet Training Units before being appointed to commissions, but instructions have recently been issued under which the grant of immediate emergency commissions, which had been in abeyance, is again open in all arms and corps to specially selected men whose service or experience justify their appointment to commissioned rank without further training.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the complaints made to his Department on 25th November by Mr. Eiloart regarding certain acts by certain military units at a place of which he has been informed; whether he is aware that police aid has been invoked to prevent premises being broken into; and what action has been taken on this complaint?

I have called for a report on this matter, and I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as I have the necessary information.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that an outbreak of dysentery has occurred at Prisoner of War Camp Oflag VII. C/H Germany; and whether His Majesty's Government have taken steps to ascertain whether proper medical attendance on these cases has been administered by the German authorities?

I have no information on this matter. Inquiry has been made by telegram through the International Red Cross at Geneva, and I will write to my hon. Friend when I have received a report.

asked the Secretary of State for War what form of clothing is now being supplied to British prisoners of war in Germany; and whether he will assure this House that no British battle-dress or Home Guard uniform is being sent to Germany for this purpose?

The clothing being sent consists of battle-dress, Army greatcoats and underclothing.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is possible for officers who are prisoners of war in Germany to cash British cheques there in order to purchase necessities in the local canteens?

No, Sir, but the pay which officers receive from the German Government is available for the purpose of making necessary purchases.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of our extending commitments in the war, he will now consider adding representatives of the Dominions to our War Cabinet?

The Prime Minister does not contemplate such a change at the present time.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is satisfied with the price of steel; what is the average rate of profit made by companies supplying steel; is he satisfied with the prices fixed by the association of the structural engineering industry; what was the average profit made by firms connected with the association prior to 1940, and what is the average rate of profit now; and how do the present prices compare with pre-1940 prices?

Maximum prices for steel are prescribed from time to time in Orders issued by the Minister of Supply, who satisfies himself by reference to costs of production and the general level of profits that the increase in price is necessary. As my hon. Friend is probably aware, a large part of the increase in steel prices is collected in the form of a levy on all steel production, the proceeds of which are used to meet the higher costs on imported steel and raw material. Prices in the structural steelwork industry are not fixed by the Minister of Supply, but I am informed that the British Constructional Steelwork Association, in conjunction with the steel suppliers, revise prices from time to time on a basis related to increases in the cost of steel and to in- creased cost of the work done on the steel by the members of the association. The latter increase has, I am informed, been small since last year but exact figures of the increase are not available on account of the variety of circumstances and types of work. I regret that information as to the average rate of profit made by these companies is not available.

asked the Minister of Supply whether, during the present shortage of firewood for domestic uses, he will arrange for delivery to convenient depots of any timber of no use for structural purposes, and which is now being burnt by demolition parties in raided areas?

Under the authorised arrangements, firewood is separated at demolition sites, and is made available for collection by the general public. No charge is made to people in need. Many tons have already been distributed. Some storage dumps, including a Church Army depot, have been formed, at which supplies are available. Burning on the site is in general confined to timber likely to be verminous.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the great hardship suffered by many male and female workers in South Wales, who have to pay as much as 10s. to 12s. per week omnibus or train fare; and whether he can take steps to assist such workers in meeting this heavy weekly liability?

Owing to the very varying circumstances which would have to be taken into account it is not practicable to lay down any general rules for dealing with the cost of daily travel. The question of meeting hardship must be left for settlement between the particular employers and workpeople concerned by the ordinary methods of negotiation in the industry.