asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether, in view of the increasing number of persons sustaining permanent injury as a result of enemy air action, he intends to set up a national rehabilitation board or to take other steps to enable them to achieve economic independence;

(2) what steps are being taken to ensure that persons injured in air raids, who have some of their working capacity restored but remain cripples, shall be provided with employment at settlements similar to that at Papworth, or what other steps will be taken to provide such persons with suitable employment?

The problem of the training and resettlement of persons permanently injured by air raids is under consideration by my Department, in conjunction with the other Departments concerned.

The Minister will, of course, appreciate that this is a matter of vital and urgent importance?

We fully appreciate that.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he proposes to take to prevent employers giving notice to stop their employés before the Ministry of Labour is informed, so that he can make arrangements to absorb all such labour and thus prevent what is taking place at present when persons are put out of work and a period elapses before they are employed again?

When any considerable number of workpeople are being dis- charged owing to the closing down of less essential work, this fact is almost always known to the Employment Exchange, but it is important that the employer should give as early information to the Exchange as possible. The workers themselves should register at the Exchange as soon as they receive notice. In these circumstances, it does not seem necessary to apply compulsory procedure.

Is the hon. Member aware that much of the trouble is caused by what is called the "slack" between the time when people get out of work and the time when they are found work? Could not the Department take compulsory powers to compel those who employ workers to let them know in time—say, a fort-night ahead—so that preparations could be made to absorb the workers when discharged? The whole tiling is in chaos, and the Ministry is being blamed.

We think it very necessary to get this information. If we cannot get it in other ways, compulsion will have to be considered.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make a statement on the working-after-the-siren arrangements for the benefit and guidance of those directly involved; what is the minimum age intended for watchers; will watchers be guaranteed, while on duty, their average earnings, including piece-work earnings; is he satisfied that the arrangements in operation have been the subject of discussion between the management and workpeople concerned, in order to ease the strain caused by long alert periods; call a message be sent round in the works in order to inform people of the position in the locality; and will he take steps to raise the authority and status of the watchers?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Moseley (Sir P. Hannon), a copy of which I am sending him. As I stated in that reply, the nature of the arrangements to be made for working after the alert should be settled jointly by employers and representatives of their workpeople. Questions as to the remuneration of raid spotters and their age, authority and status would come within such joint consideration. I have no doubt that in selecting raid spotters the undesirability of appointing skilled craftsmen of whom there is a shortage will be borne in mind.

Will my hon. Friend consider criculating the reply given yesterday to the managements and workshop representatives, in order that they may be as well informed as possible on this matter?

I will certainly consider that; but perhaps my hon. Friend will read the reply, which is a very full one, and then he will be able to make up his mind whether he thinks it quite suitable for circulation in the way he suggests.

Has the Minister not attended a large number of conferences between employers and workers on this matter; and were those conferences satisfactory?

A large number of conferences was addressed by other Ministers of the Crown, as well as by myself. All the conferences that I attended were extremely satisfactory, and gave promise of suitable arrangements being made in every case.

asked the Minister of Labour whether Sir William Beveridge has now completed his survey of man-power and woman-power; whether he has produced a written report; and what action his Department is taking in this connection?

The answer to the first two parts of the Question is in the affirmative. The Government are continuously taking action with regard to the use of man-power.

If my hon. Friend does not propose to publish the report, how is it that statements can be made like that of the hon. Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker), that there is complete chaos? Is the report being acted upon at present? The facts must be known now.

The report is, of course, confidential. A great deal of action is being taken at present.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the drastic nature of the Limitation of Supplies Act, and of the vast problem of temporary unemployment to which the Act will give rise, he will consider the advisability of creating special machinery under the control of a separate Minister to devote the major part of his energies in bringing together the new army of workless from non-essential industries and employers short of labour in war industries?

The need for dovetailing as closely as possible the reductions imposed under the Limitation of Supplies Order with expanding demands for labour in war industries have throughout been recognised. The Board of Trade obtain detailed information from all concerns in the industries affected as to their order books and their employment position, both actual and prospective. This information forms the basis of close no-operation between the Board of Trade, the contracting Departments and the Ministry of Labour and National Service. Where possible Government contracts are placed so as to relieve or prevent unemployment. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that these arrangements are the most efficient way of handling a problem which, though difficult, is not likely to be of great dimensions or to continue over any great length of time.

asked the Minister of Labour the measure of response to his appeal for women workers; whether he is proposing to use compulsory powers if the need cannot otherwise be met; and what steps are being taken to make a special approach to those likely to be interested apart from announcements in the newspapers?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to my right hon. Friend's announcement that a large number of additional women workers will be required for war work. They are not all required at once, and in general the demands as they materialise are being met. There are, however, shortages in some localities to meet which women prepared to transfer from other districts are required. I should mention that there are large numbers of openings for women at the present in the various services, in particular the A.T.S. Notices of their requirements are given in the Press and otherwise. My right hon. Friend sees no necessity at present to exercise compulsory powers in this connection, and on this matter generally I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement he made in the Debate on 22nd November.

Has the Minister any information with regard to a number of families which are not in a position to have the meat to which they are entitled?

That looks like another Question.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that all large local authorities have prepared to put into operation at once when required the schemes contained in circulars "Provision for the Homeless," "Emergency Relief in Kind" and "Help for the Homeless," Circulars 1860, 2074, 2081, 2032 and 2097, in view of the proved need for efficient machinery to be ready to be operated at once when required; and will he make a statement on the matter?

A survey is at present being made to make certain that the preparations are adequate in all areas. While I have no reason to believe that this is not so, I shall take up at once any individual case in which the survey shows that further action is needed.

Does that mean that this survey has for its object the checking-up of the schemes in existence? Will my right hon. Friend seriously consider, in industrial areas in particular, the suggestion that the Member of Parliament shall be informed when the machinery is not satisfactory, so that he may do his duty with a view to making the machinery more efficient?

I will certainly keep that important point in mind.

asked the Minister of Health whether lie will utilise some of the 200 houses which have been scheduled for auxiliary hospitals and some of the 150 houses which are being adapted as annexes for existing hospitals as communal centres for evacuated women and children?

If this proposal proves practicable in any case, it will be adopted, but it is of great importance that (these houses should be available for hospital use whenever they are required for that purpose.

Is the question of utilising them now under discussion?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will now make a statement on the question of the compulsory evacuation of schoolchildren from London and other danger areas?

I have not yet completed consultations with a number of authorities on this matter, and am not, therefore, in a position to make a statement, but expect to be able to make one shortly.

In view of the great urgency of this matter, will my right hon. Friend be able to give a reply if I put down a Question next week?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether, short of compulsory evacuation, it would be worth while to refuse to allow evacuated children to return to London?

A great many alternative suggestions are under consideration, and I can assure my hon. Friend that we are losing no time in connection with these consultations. I would hope to be in a position to make a statement shortly, in answer to a Question, but I cannot give a specific promise.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that this is a matter of great urgency, and that many months have elapsed since the problem arose in an acute form?

During those months some thousands of children have been evacuated to evacuation areas. With regard to the fresh urgency of the matter, I can assure the House that my officers and I are spending many hours every day in consultation with the appropriate Departments.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the lack of adequate health and welfare services in rural reception areas is an important factor in the reluctance of mothers with young children to remain in those areas; and whether, in view of the help which health visitors can give in solving many of the problems which at present cause such mothers to return to the evacuation areas, he will take more definite steps than those advised in Circular 2204, paragraph 3 ( a ), to ensure that health visitors are transferred from those evacuation areas from which they can be spared, to the reception areas where help is most needed, with a further reminder to authorities in the reception areas that any additional expenditure in this connection will be a charge on the evacuation account?

I am giving constant attention to these services in the reception areas, and, as local authorities are already well aware, I fully share the view that health visitors should be transferred from the evacuation areas wherever possible. If my hem. Friend will send me particulars of difficulties in any locality in this regard, I shall be glad to look closely into them.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the possibility of some scheme on the same lines as applies in the case of teachers where they are transferred to reception areas?

I will look into that and see whether there is anything more that we can do, but there is a great deal of work to be done by these health visitors in London at present.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Hostels Association has been formally constituted; what sum of money it has at its disposal; and how many hostels have been either assisted or set up?

In reply to the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary in reply to a Question asked by him on 20th November last. Advances will be made from time to time in order to enable the association to meet expenditure incurred, with my approval, on the acquisition, adaptation and equipment of buildings, and, when found necessary, for management and administrative expenses. In reply to the last part of the Question, certain necessary structural alterations, mainly the provision of air raid shelters, sanitary accommodation and baths, are now being carried out in seven buildings in various parts of London. Negotiations are in hand for the taking over of further buildings, and arrangements are being made for their equipment.

Without quite remembering the nature of the reply given on 20th November, I gather that there was no draft agreement between the Hostels Association and the Treasury. Is there now a fixed sum? As this was announced two months ago, why are there only seven hostels in process of being set up?

With regard to the first part of the Question, my hon. Friend's Question on the Paper does not ask anything about an agreement between the Association and the Treasury, but whether the Association has been formally constituted. That took place some time ago. We are now working out the draft agreement between the Ministry of Health and the Association on financial matters. The gist of it is stated quite clearly in the answer I have given. With regard to the latter part of the Question, the Association have been in touch with a great many voluntary organisations which have got hostels. They regard it as the first part of their duty to do that part of the work, and they have more recently been turning to the acquisition of new buildings.

Does my right hon. Friend consider that it would make for expedition if he put this problem under the control of the hon. and learned Member for North Croydon (Mr. Willink), rather than under a committee of 10 persons specially constituted for the job?

I do not think that that would be appropriate, because these hostels are for a larger class of persons than that with which the hon. and learned Member is concerned. But the Association works in close contact with me.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered-requisitioning small hotels for hostels, in view of the urgency, especially for young girls?

I am sure that they have that in mind, and that they will not hesitate to take hotels if they will be suitable in any way.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a gainfully occupied person, as defined in the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme, means a person who is engaged in bringing up a family and who, in consequence of injuries from enemy action, is unable to pursue that vocation and is therefore obliged to employ someone to look after her children?

The Personal Injuries (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1939, defines a "gainfully occupied person" as one

"who is engaged in any trade, business, profession, office, employment or vocation and is wholly or substantially dependent thereon for a livelihood."

I have, however, already stated, in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for the Broxtowe Division of Nottingham (Mr. Cocks), that the case of the injured housewife is receiving earnest consideration

Will the Minister do everything he can to reach a decision in this matter, because this type of case is one of the difficulties envisaged in the drafting of the Bill, and it is arousing very great sympathy?

I am very hopeful that an announcement will be made on this matter before we rise for the Christmas Recess

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider the advisability of employing as members of tribunals to consider the cases of internees not fit for the Pioneer Corps, some of the German and Austrian and Italian citizens of unquestionable loyalty who are now in the country and the advisability of holding the proceedings before these tribunals in the German or Italian language?

No, Sir; I do not think it would be desirable to appoint such persons as actual members of the tribunal, but it will be open to the tribunals to enlist their assistance as assessors and to obtain from them such advice and information as they can give. Interpreters will be employed when necessary.

Will the Minister not take into consideration that it is far easier for a guilty person to get away with it or for an innocent person to establish his innocence when appearing before persons who are foreigners to him? Could the Minister not secure the presence of some reliable person of suitable nationality on the tribunals?

I should not take that as being necessarily true, but the hon. Member can take it that assessors will be available. I think it is important that they should be available. I think, however, that any recommendations to the Home Secretary should come from British subjects.

Have these assessors been made use of, and, if so, to what extent?

Yes, Sir, they have been made use of to a considerable extent.

asked the Home Secretary whether an official will be sent to Australia to perform the same kind of work that Mr. Patterson is carrying out in Canada in relation to alien internees?

As I stated during the Debate on 4th December, I hope to make similar arrangements in respect of aliens sent to Australia.

In the meantime, is there no possibility of those who have been sent out wrongly to Australia coming back again; are there no steps that they can now take there to have their cases dealt with?

. Arrangements cannot operate until they are made, and arrangements are not yet made, but we are doing our best to reach agreement with the Australian Government on these points.

Does that really mean that persons who, admittedly, were wrongly sent to Australia must stay there for many months more until some official can go out there?

We are dealing with them with all possible speed, and I do not know that there were many people who were sent wrongly to Australia. There are more debatable things in respect of Canada, and I can assure my hon. Friend that I am dealing with them as quickly as I can, but Australia is a long way, and there is bound to be some delay. In the meantime, I think one can take it that life will not be too bad in Australia as compared with what it is in this country.

Is it still possible for these people to enlist in the Pioneer Corps in Australia?

In principle that is certainly our policy, but I am not sure that the actual arrangement has been made. That principle is applied in Canada, and I would wish it to be applied in Australia.

In view of the report which makes reference to the admirable and kindly treatment of these people in Australia, is it wise to encourage them to face the perils of the sea in order to return here and live under much more onerous conditions?

I am sure that that consideration will be present in the minds of some of the persons concerned, and I would like to express my own thanks to the Government of Australia as well as to that of the Dominion of Canada.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has now considered the report on the conditions in the Palace internment camp, Isle of Man, for Italians, where it is alleged the Fascist element controls tile activities of the camp and constantly intimidates the anti-Fascists; and, if so, what action he is taking?

I am causing inquiry to be made into these allegations.

Who was responsible for the appointment of Captain Braden?

I cannot say without notice.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will, in view of the anxiety caused to the relatives of patients by the daily announcements of unspecified hospitals having been bombed, issue an instruction to prevent the reporting of the bombing of hospitals; and whether weekly or monthly returns could be issued stating the number of hospitals hit and the next-of-kin of casualties informed?

Arrangements have been made by which the next-of-kin of air-raid casualties are informed as soon as possible. In these circumstances I do not consider that there is sufficient justification for the restriction proposed by my hon. Friend.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make it impossible for relatives of people in hospitals to be told on the wireless two or three times a day that hospitals have been bombed?

We are always in difficulty and doubt as to what we shall say or not say, and we get shot at both ways. Sometimes we say too much, as in the case of my hon. Friend, and sometimes we do not say enough, as in the case of the Press. We do take the earliest possible occasion to inform the next-of-kin, and I do not think that there is any objection to hospitals being mentioned from time to time.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied with the Civil Defence preparations in all large cities, and that they have efficient machinery ready to function with speed when required; and will he make a statement on this matter?

My hon. Friend will realise that the subject is not one on which a full statement can be made in reply to a Question. I may say, however, that in general Civil Defence services are fulfilling expectations, but that where experience of raiding shows the need for improvement in particular services or that a change in general practice is desirable, steps are taken to profit by the lesson.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the advisability of sending out a circular to all big industrial centres giving instructions for a conference to be held of all interested people in order that they can check up on the services?

That is regularly done in the Regions between the local authorities and the Regional representatives of my Department, and it is no doubt done locally. I think we are taking the best steps possible in learning in the light of experience as we go rapidly along and seeing that the lessons thus learned are transmitted to the Regions and the local authorities.

I know that my right hon. Friend and those associated with his Department have taken steps to benefit by recent experience, but I am asking that local authorities in certain industrial areas should also be made to profit from those experiences.

That is exactly what we are doing, but I would impress upon hon. Members that local citizens have a duty in keeping their local authority up to standard. There is a little too much reliance placed upon the Government, and the citizens generally have their duties to discharge.

While I sympathise with what my right hon. Friend says about the responsibility of local authorities and local citizens, will he perhaps urge upon probable target areas which have not yet been bombed that, before the coming of better bombing weather in April, they should make much more preparation for strong and adequate shelters?

That is quite a sound thing to do, and it is already being done.

Would my right hon. Friend agree to consider, instead of sending a circular, giving the Regional authorities executive powers, not only in Civil Defence, but in the welfare aspect of the Civil Defence services?

There is a considerable derogation of powers to Regional Commissioners, but the point which my hon. Friend has raised appears to be one for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health rather than for myself.

Will my right hon. Friend consider a suggestion relating to the co-ordination of Civil Defence services in towns that are adjacent, with a view to the utilisation of those services?

That is being done through the Regional organisations, and I agree that it is worthy of the fullest development.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether, when these conferences take place, it will be possible to inform Members of Parliament and invite them to attend them?

I am rather doubtful whether that would be wise.

Why?

I will tell the hon. Lady. The responsibility rests upon the local authorities and the Regions, and, while I am very anxious that the Regions should keep in touch with Members of Parliament—and many of them do from time to time—I think we must make the responsibility rest upon those who have to carry out the administration.

Where a Region is too large, could not smaller authorities be made to work?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the calling-up for service in the Armed Forces of an increasing number of its members, is having a serious effect upon the Civil Defence services in many areas; and what steps he is taking to maintain the strength and efficiency of these services?

The situation has received my close attention. It was always intended that men in the Civil Defence servcies should, as far as possible, be above military age, and in general there should be no serious weakening of these services as a result of the progressive calling-up of men of military age. Steps have been taken to reserve at the age of 30 men required for Auxiliary Fire, rescue and first-aid services, and with regard to full-time Civil Defence personnel not already reserved, my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Labour and National Service, will be prepared, in the light of the merits of any application submitted, to consider deferring for a time the calling-up of men aged 30 and over.

Will my right ton. Friend give particular attention to the aspect of this problem which will arise in the mining areas, as a very serious deficency will be created in these services if the reservation age is raised? Will my right hon. Friend pay particular attention to that fact?

Certainly, I will do that.

Will my right hon. Friend consider having a discussion in Secret Session on the whole question of the use of man-power?

That is a matter to be pursued through the usual channels.

Will the Home Secretary also pay attention to the position of voluntary firemen in country districts, who are sometimes called in to assist in big towns where there has been a raid; and is he aware that these fire brigades are becoming very depleted through men being called up?

I appreciate the point, but the problem of reservation in relation to part-time or spare-time workers, as my hon. Friend will appreciate, is a much more difficult one. I will, however, keep the point in mind.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will report on the state of health of Richard Weininger; and whether he is satisfied that this man's confinement in Brixton gaol is seriously detrimental to his health, will he release him under adequate safeguards?

I have obtained a medical report which states that Mr. Weininger shows no sign of disease and is in fair general health. I am advised that detention has not affected his hearth adversely and that there is no reason why it should do so in future.

In what category does this man come? Is he a friendly alien or a suspected alien, or what actually is he?

This alien was detained under Regulation 18B, and therefore the question of category would not arise, as it would do under detention under the Aliens Order.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider issuing greatcoats to the Auxiliary Fire Service during the winter?

Fire authorities were recently reminded to make arrangements to ensure that adequate supplies of waterproof coats were available for Auxiliary Fire Service personnel, and that the coats were sufficiently warm for use during the winter months. To meet any cases where coats already supplied are not sufficiently warm, authority has been given for the purchase of warm loose linings for wear beneath them. I think that these arrangements meet requirements, and it is not intended also to issue greatcoats.

Will the Minister press local authorities to carry out these instructions?

We have already communicated with local authorities. The duty is on them, and I am perfectly sure that the local A.F.S. will bring their pressure to bear on local authorities to see that it is carried out. But this is again a case where I hope hon. Members will not try to undermine the responsibility of local government, but will insist that local government shall do its job.

asked the Home Secretary whether local authorities will be allowed to use coal stoves to dry and warm non-dormitory or other shelters provided the local medical officer of health is satisfied with the arrangements; and whether Lord Horder's objections will be treated as applicable only to dormitory shelters?

I have made arrangements to provide as soon as practicable coal stoves of a special type or other forms of heating in certain brick surface shelters and trenches which are used for sleeping purposes, in accordance with the recommendations of the Horder Committee. Those recommendations, however, related to shelters used for sleeping purposes, and I do not consider that there is any sufficient justification for heating shelters not so used.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some towns have already provided themselves with such coal stoves, for instance, Edinburgh? The medical officer there approves, and the Scottish Department of Health approves, but the installation of these stoves has been held up by my right hon. Friend's Department, which evidently does not approve.

That may be so. Sometimes we do not agree with other people, but I will certainly look into the case and will specially investigate it if my hon. Friend will let me have any additional particulars.

asked the Home Secretary whether a leaflet of advice and instruction for persons sleeping in shelters, as suggested by the Horder Committee, has yet been issued; and, if not, when will the circular be ready for issue?

Three separate leaflets, dealing with different kinds of shelters, have been printed, and a circular on the subject has been issued to local authorities. The distribution of the leaflets themselves will begin within the next few days.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, in spite of those circulars and leaflets, there were 2,000 people in the London Bridge tube last night, with only two lavatories, one for men and one for women, and that there were queues 30 yards long waiting? Will either his Department, the Ministry of Health, Admiral Evans or the local authority see that attention is given to this matter?

This matter is getting my immediate attention. I agree that conditions are not satisfactory in the tubes in certain respects.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether some system of alert can be introduced into schools as the signal for entering shelters to replace the present alarm, as much time is now wasted in unpleasant shelter surroundings?

My right hon. Friend has considered this possibility, but he does not feel able to recommend the general adoption of such arrangements until greater experience has been gained in the working of the "Spotter" system and of the second warning generally.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings, whether he has considered the resolution passed at a special labour conference in Manchester, a copy of which has been sent to him, to the effect that the urgency of further air-raid shelter construction necessitates the reserving of men engaged on this work, the granting of priority to shelter materials such as steel, bricks, timber, and cement, and the nationalisation of the cement and brick industries in order to provide adequate supplies and whether he will take the action asked for?

The Government have made clear this desire to press forward with the air-raid shelter programme to the maximum extent permitted by Military and other considerations concerned with the war effort. While it is not possible to grant an over-riding priority for shelters, large quantities of timber, steel and brick are being made available, and there is no shortage of cement. The provision of adequate supplies for this particular work is not dependent upon nationalisation of the cement and brick industries, which are already being controlled in the national interest.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will authorise members of the police and air-raid precautions services to report outstanding cases of courage by civilians during air raids, etc., with a view to appropriate action being taken?

Members of the police and A.R.P. services may report to their superior officers cases of gallantry by members of the public with a view to their receiving suitable recognition, A number of such reports have already reached me through the appropriate channels, and I should welcome an extension of the practice.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that adequate attention is paid to the importance of repairing enemy damaged roads in comparison with enemy-damaged houses; and whether, in cases where criticism exists, he will receive complaints and make investigations?

The relative urgency of repairs to damaged roads and damaged houses must vary according to circumstances. Generally speaking, prior needs receive prior attention, but if my hon. and gallant Friend has any particular case in mind, perhaps he will be good enough to let me know.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is proposed, for public guidance, to make any further announcements of the nature of the incendiary bombs now being dropped by the enemy?

No, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Hartley mask for motor car head-lamsp has been officially tested; whether it conforms with the published official requirements which motorists are required to observe in the masking of headlights; and whether and when the makers have been informed by the Home Office?

The question whether a particular type of headlamp mask complies with the requirements of the Lighting Order depends upon a number of factors, including the construction of the masks, method of fitting and the wattage of the lamp used. It is for the user to satisfy himself in each particular case that the requirements are fulfilled. I should, however, like to take this opportunity of making it clear that no official approval has been given to the type of mask to which my hon. Friend refers, and the makers have been so informed.

asked the Home Secretary how many Civil Defence cadet units are now in existence; and whether it is the policy of his Department actively to encourage their formation?

Such a unit exists at Liverpool, and there are, I believe, others in various parts of the country, but I have no precise information on the matter, and they do not form part of the official Civil Defence organisations. Provided that youths are not called upon to undertake responsibilities unsuited to their years, I welcome the formation of these units as encouraging the spirit of neighbourly co-operation to which so much importance attaches.

In view of the very hopeful nature of this new movement, will my right hon. Friend get in touch with the Board of Education and see whether some more encouragement cannot be given to it? Is he aware that I have had a letter from some of his younger constituents who call themselves "Herbs" and are very anxious to found such a unit?

I will consider that suggestion, especially in view of the last part of my hon. Friend's Question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can indicate where, in the case of Scottish first-aid posts and first-aid depots, the executive powers of the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister of Home Security begin and end; and which Department is responsible for the payment of personnel and the supply of first-aid posts?

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a circular dated 23rd December, 1938, issued by the Home Office by direction of the Lord Privy Seal, which indicated in detail the respective responsibilities of the Secretary of State for Scotland and the then Lord Privy Seal, whose functions in the matter were transferred to the Minister of Home Security with the creation of that office. Within the framework of air-raid general precautions schemes prepared by the local authorities, the latter are responsible for the provision of first-aid posts and depots and the payment in accordance with conditions of service and scales of payment laid down by my Department, of personnel, subject to grant-aid or reimbursement, as the case may be, by my Department.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is still some doubt in the minds of some local authorities as to whom they should apply to in the case of these first-aid posts, and that there seems to be a sort of fence, the position of which nobody seems to know, where a patient is handed over from the Home Security Department to the Ministry of Health? Ought not this matter to be cleared up?

I hope that my hon. Friend's Question and the answer I have given will help to clear up the matter. If there is any doubt in the minds of any local authorities, and they will communicate with my Department, we will do our best to meet them.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give a list of British adult subjects who have been granted, for business or other reasons, temporary exit permits for the United States of America or Eire since 3rd September, 1939, and have not yet returned?

I regret that the information asked for by my hon. Friend is not available. If, however, my hon. Friend has any particular cases in mind, I shall be very glad to have inquiries made regarding them.

Surely my right hon. Friend's Department must have knowledge of the permits issued since the war began, and if that is so, without any desire to cause a great deal of work, would it not be possible to obtain a list of exits?

It would involve a very-great deal of work. The number of exits is very considerable, and in view of the congestion at the Home Office in various directions, I hope the House will forgive me if I do not trouble the Department to go to that extent.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the wives of aliens serving in His Majesty's Forces are now subject to all restrictions imposed on aliens generally; and whether he will examine the problem again to see if the previously existing exemption from restrictions can be restored to these women as long as their husbands are serving with the Forces?

asked the Home Secretary whether the recent Regulation issued by his Department under Order No. 1900, Aliens Order, 1940, applies to members of the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps who enlisted before the date of the issue of the new Regulation; whether he has given consideration to the difficulties in which the wives and families of men in the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps now find themselves as a result of this Order; and what steps he is prepared to take to mitigate such difficulties?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to add to the reply which I gave to a Question on this subject by my hon. Friend the Member for Mansfield (Mr. Charles Brown) on 28th November.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that these soldiers are not placed under any restrictions when they go home on leave?

I think it is the case that the soldiers themselves are exempt; but if my hon. and gallant Friend will let me have particulars of any cases, I will look into them, because I do not think that should be so. There is a problem outstanding in relation to wives which I am examining.

In view of the history of this Question, will my right hon. Friend treat this matter as one of urgency?

Certainly, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary whether any arrangements have yet been made, or are to be made, in the near future for the resumption of educational classes in prisons; and whether he is aware of the harmful effect of the discontinuance of these classes on young prisoners?

I fully appreciate the value of these classes, but I regret that, for the reasons given by my predecessor in his answer to a Question on this subject by my hon. Friend on 22nd August last, it is not possible to contemplate the resumption of the classes at present.

If it is impossible to have a general resumption, cannot facilities be allowed in certain prisons where local arrangements can be made?

That is rather a different question, but I will consider whether it is possible. Owing to circumstances arising out of the war, however, I am afraid it is exceedingly difficult.

Is it hoped eventually to continue the classes"?

I doubt whether that will be practicable so long as present war conditions last.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has came to a decision on the recommendations of the Delhi Conference; and will the House be given an opportunity of discussing the matter?

The recommendations of the Delhi Conference are under urgent consideration by His Majesty's Government and no doubt also by the other Commonwealth Governments concerned who are already being consulted. If there is a general desire for a Debate on the subject, the matter can be dealt with through the usual channels.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the vital necessity for protecting the Western approaches to the British Isles, he will take immediate steps to hand over to the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy adequate air bases suitably situated, together with the proper supply of aeroplanes?

The aircraft and aerodromes used for assisting in protecting the Western approaches are administered by the Coastal Command working in close co-operation with the Royal Navy. As regards the relationship of the Coastal Command to the Admiralty, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to the hon. Members for Duddeston (Mr. Simmonds) and Stroud (Mr. Perkins) on Tuesday last.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that divided control always leads to inefficiency and hesitation, and that the naval authorities have pressed repeatedly in the past for sole control of aerodromes and aircraft for the use of the Fleet? Does he realise that the present system is not working satisfactorily, that the sinkings in the Western approaches are going up, and that the matter is exceedingly urgent and vital?

I cannot add anything to the reply given by the Prime Minister on the subject.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply and this reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the earliest opportunity on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House.

asked the Prime Minister whether, before the peace aims of the Government are further publicly set out in any detail, he will communicate to the House, either in Public or Secret Session, the general lines along which the policy of the nation is in this matter being shaped in order to secure the widest possible measure of discussion and agreement?

No, Sir. The Government have the responsibility for framing declarations of policy, and I do not think that the procedure suggested by my hon. Friend would secure the object which he desires.

Did not the Lord Privy Seal himself admirably state our peace aims before he joined the Government?

asked the Minister without Portfolio what permanent secretariat is attached to the Production Council?

The staffs of the secretariats of the Production Council and of the committees which work under it number about 130, including clerical staff, shorthand-writers and typists. Steps are now being taken to form a combined secretariat to serve the Production Council and its committees.

May I ask the Minister whether this combined secretariat is designed to enable the Council to perform its functions of controlling and directing policy, or is it merely to enable it to settle disputes between Departments which cannot be settled lower down? If the latter, what body is in a position to direct policy?

Its purpose is to secure economy and efficiency. The question of disputes between Departments is dealt with by the priority machinery and in the last resort by reference to myself.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will now amend the full powers that have been delegated to the war agricultural committees throughout the country so as to allow an appeal to be made to an independent tribunal?

No, Sir.

Does not my right hon. Friend realise that in law there is a recognised procedure for appeal, and why should there not be some recognised procedure for appeal in the case of the war agricultural committees? Is he aware that many of these problems will not outwear themselves, and that it is vitally necessary to have some machinery for appeal? Will my right hon. Friend give further thought to that matter?

No, Sir.

I do not take "No" for an answer, and in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I intend to raise the matter on the Adjournment at an early opportunity.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in connection with the recent announcement of guarantees for farmers, he can now make a clear and immediate statement to amplify and determine what the guaranteed prices are; and what is meant by an assured market since, owing to the manner in which the pronouncement was worded, many farmers have been unable to clarify their future position?

The 1941 agricultural prices have already been announced and given the widest publicity, and it has also been announced that these prices will be subject to review in the event of any substantial changes in costs of production. The various measures taken to provide assured markets for the principal agricultural products are also widely known. The guarantee now given is that this system of guaranteed markets at guaranteed prices will be maintained for the duration of hostilities and for at least one year thereafter. I cannot see that it is either necessary or possible to make a more explicit statement.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that these guaranteed prices to second-class farms involve what is nothing short of a guaranteed loss, and does he not realise that it is no good trying to get more food from second-class farms which have a guaranteed loss?

On the contrary. I think the present prices provide the possibility of adequate returns to reasonably efficient farmers, not only on second-class but on third-class farms.

My right hon. Friend must realise that that is not so, and that everybody in the House must agree with me.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consult with the veterinary profession with a view to setting up a scheme for the periodical examination of all dairy herds in the country, with a view to eliminating certain diseases which cause a heavy annual loss of milk production?

Consultations are taking place with all interested parties, including representatives of the veterinary profession, as to the most suitable methods of effecting a reduction of the losses caused by diseases of dairy stock.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that according to some of the experts an increase of 20 per cent, might be obtained in the milk yield of this country, and that in view of the present situation the matter is one of urgency?

I agree that this is a very urgent matter. As a matter of fact, I spend nearly every week-end at present in going round the country to see the research places and try to find out what possible means there are of putting an end to that state of affairs.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any counties have completed their ploughing-up quota for this Autumn; how many have made satisfactory progress; and how many have not?

In August last I asked each County War Agricultural Executive Committee to consider a figure which I gave them, as the minimum ploughing task to set before themselves as regards their county, but I did not assign any ploughing-up quotas. In view of the present situation I have now suggested to Committees that they should aim at even higher figures. It would not, however, be in the public interest to give the details for which the hon. Member asks, although I am able to say that very satisfactory progress has been made over England and Wales as a whole.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are large parts of the grasslands of the Midlands where one can go in a train for several hours and not see a ploughed field?

That may have been true a few months ago, but to my own personal observation it is not true to-day.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the fact that the campaign against rats has been weakened by the absence of powers against local authorities who do not carry out rat destruction work; and whether he will consider taking greater powers?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. With regard to the second part of the Question, I already have power, under the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919, in case of default by a local authority in respect of any land, to make an order empowering a person to enter upon the land and to execute and enforce the provisions of the Act.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that local authorities are complaining that, while they do their job, their neighbours do not, and that the Ministry are not using the powers that they have?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will let me have any case, I will have it looked into at once.

Do the powers extend to urban areas as well, because many of these rats are in the urban areas.

I think it covers all local authority areas.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now able to make a further announcement in regard to the proposed assistance to be given to the hill sheep industry?

Yes, Sir. The Government recognise that immediate steps are necessary to supplement the returns received by hill sheep farmers during the present year. After careful consideration, it has been decided that the circumstances justify a special subsidy based on breeding stocks, and it is proposed to pay a sum of 2s. 6d. in respect of each breeding ewe in hill flocks, including shearling ewes or gimmers. This scheme will apply to England and Wales as well as to Scotland, and is designed to cover all regular breeding ewe stocks of hill sheep kept under natural conditions on hill land and managed in accordance with recognised practices of hill sheep farming. Claims for subsidy will lie submitted through the agricultural executive committees, to whom full instructions will be issued. The scheme is designed to tide the hill sheep farming industry over the period until further returns accrue next autumn.

I may perhaps take this opportunity to add to my previous statement that I have been authorised to proceed with a scheme for assisting the hand cutting of bracken in Scotland. Grant will be at the rate of 50 per cent, of the agreed estimated cost of clearing the ground in respect of which any application is made, subject, of course, to the satisfactory completion of the work. The existing scheme for assisting the purchase of bracken-cutting machines will be continued, and I hope that it will be possible to supplement it by a scheme under which machines will be made available for hire for use on suitable land. If full advantage is taken of these schemes, rapid progress should be made towards clearing the bracken-infested areas, which have been estimated to cover about half a million acres of land that could profitably be used for grazing. Measures for assisting bracken eradication in those parts of England and Wales where similar conditions exist will also be introduced.

I wish to ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, with regard to the hill sheep farmers' subsidy, there will be any appeal against the decisions of the war agricultural committees; secondly, with regard to the clearing of bracken, whether there will be any appeal against the decision and, thirdly, can he give the House an estimate of the total cost of the scheme?

With regard to appeals, the responsibility does not rest with the war agricultural committees. They constitute the machinery, but the responsibility for administering the scheme rests upon my shoulders. With regard to the cost, I am not prepared to commit myself to a definite figure as, of course, I have not precise data available as to the number of sheep that will qualify, but at a very rough estimate I would say that the scheme may benefit the hill sheep farmers to the extent of £700,000 this winter, of which rather more than half will go to Scotland.

Arising out of that reply, may I further ask the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the fact that the war agricultural committees will to a certain extent make the decision with regard to this subsidy, will he investigate the possibility of allowing an appeal to the Department directly?

I do not think there is any need for that. The committees will act on my instructions, and the responsibility is mine to see that the scheme is properly administered.

In view of my previous Question, may I thank the right hon. Gentleman for extending the scheme to England and Wales as well as to Scotland?

Yes, sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the incidence of Excess Profits Tax on Morphy Richards, Limited, of St. Mary Cray, as a result of which taxation is imposed at the rate of 19s. 3d. in the £, and a new and successful business with 300 employés is being forced into liquidation; and whether he proposes to take any steps to prevent this injury to trade and the national revenue?

My hon. Friend will not expect me to enter into any details regarding the liability of a particular concern to Excess Profits Tax. I am advised that the liability of the concern to which he refers has not yet been determined, but I could not in any case accept the implication in his Question that the levying of an Excess Profits Tax would warrant a restriction of trading operations and I would remind him that wages costs are allowed as a deduction in computing profits.