asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make available for the information of Members of this House the report rendered to him on the inquiry into the expenditure on the construction of the camps at Cove, on which his predecessor promised to report to this House?

Figures of the cost of the militia camps generally are now toeing examined with a view to reporting to the Select Committee in the form which the Committee desires.

Will the Financial Secretary explain why it is so necessary that this report should be kept secret, as the Select Committee keeps it quiet and nobody knows what is inside it?

There is no particular desire to keep the report secret, but it is a Departmental report, and there does not seem to be much object in publishing it.

After it has been before the Select Committee, will the Financial Secretary see that it is made available to Members of the House?

No, Sir, I cannot give that undertaking.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether and, if so, in what respects his Department issues orders to drivers of military vehicles regarding lights different from the regulations regarding lights on civilian vehicles; and whether he is satisfied that the regulations regarding military vehicles are duly enforced;

(2) in what respects the regulations governing lights on military vehicles differ from those relating to civilian motor cars; and whether there is any reason why the same regulations should not apply to both military and civilian vehicles?

The rules applying to the lighting of civilian vehicles apply generally to the lighting of military vehicles, except that, in cases of extreme urgency, headlights may be used during am air raid, and, during night manoeuvres, the ordinary lights may be switched off. In the latter case, however, the back axles are illuminated. The method of screening the lights is different from that applying to civilian vehicles, but has been agreed to by the Air Ministry, and is considered to be at least equally effective against aerial observation. Instructions have been issued to all commands that these lighting regulations are to be strictly enforced.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now decided to allow the cost of transport to the 520 members of His Majesty's Forces desirous of taking classes in technology and advanced commercial subjects provided free by Newcastle-upon-Tyne Education Committee, so that the post-war civilian prospects of these units may not be impaired?

Yes, Sir. Instructions are about to be issued which will allow the use of transport for regular attendance at organised classes free of cost to soldiers, subject to reasonable conditions of length of journey and numbers to be conveyed.

Will the Minister note that the tardiness of arriving at this decision has prevented these hundreds of units from taking the classes which were organised for them and the organisation of which has taken months to arrange?

They will be able to take advantage of it now.

asked, the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that it has proved impossible for a member of the Home Guard who has had his motor-car damaged or destroyed by enemy action while engaged on Home Guard duties to recover compensation from the War Office even in cases where the use of a motor-car is essential for his livelihood; and whether he will end this hardship without further delay?

Provision is made for payment of compensation from Army funds when a motorcar of a member of the Home Guard is damaged or destroyed by enemy action while it is being used for Home Guard purposes in emergency. Other use for Home Guard purposes cannot be regarded as increasing the risk of damage by enemy action, but compensation for such damage, as in the case of similar damage incurred when the car is not being used for Home Guard purposes, can be claimed under the general scheme for compensation for war damage.

Is my hon. Friend aware that claims for loss or damage to cars in these circumstances have been before his Department for three months without any decision being given, and cannot he expedite a decision in these cases in order to avoid such hardship?

If my hon. Friend will bring to my notice the cases he has in mind, I will certainly have them looked into.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps have been taken to ensure that members of the Home Guard, wounded or injured by enemy action, secure the assistance of the elaborate air-raid precautions organisation set up to deal with the ordinary citizen?

All casualties, military or civil, resulting from enemy action are dealt with by the medical services, military or civil, which are most readily available, without discrimination. I have seen a statement to the effect that the Home Guard are placed outside the scope of these arrangements because the War Office has been offered, and has accepted, free attendance by members of the medical profession on members of the Home Guard who sustain casualties while on duty. I am glad to have this opportunity of saying that the acceptance of the offer referred to in no way deprives the Home Guard of any facilities which they would otherwise have.

asked the Secretary of State for War what liaison or co-ordination exists between the War Office and other Service Departments in regard to the requisition of lands or factory space?

Proposals to requisition sites which may be of interest to the other Service Departments are referred to the local representatives of those Departments, or, if there are no such local representatives, are referred by the War Office to the Admiralty or the Air Ministry or both. As regards buildings, coordination is secured by means of the central register maintained lay the Office of Works and Public Buildings.

Is my hon. Friend aware that there are cases of factories which have been requisitioned by one Ser- vice Department and subsequently visited by members of the War Office, and that a second attempt has been made to requisition premises already requisitioned by another Department?

I was not aware of that, but I will have the matter looked into.

Can the Financial Secretary state what compensation will be paid to the person who owns a large factory, only part of which has been taken over by the Department?

I am afraid that I cannot answer that Question without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men in a group of the Royal Artillery were recently inoculated with T.A.B. vaccine; that there was nothing to indicate that the operations were voluntary; that none of the men were given the 48 hours' rest prescribed in Army medical regulations; that two of the men were badly affected by the inoculation, one of them having to enter hospital for infra-red ray treatment, having an arm swollen twice the size; and whether he will remind all Army medical officers that these inoculations are voluntary, and that every man must be given 48 hours off duty after each inoculation?

I am having inquiries made and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as I have the necessary information.

Does not the Minister realise that there is widespread persecution in the Service against objectors, and will he take certain steps to look further into the whole subject, with a view to making this voluntary inoculation a real instead of an imaginary one?

No, Sir, I do not realise that there is widespread persecution, and, what is more, I do not believe it. Officers are perfectly well aware that inoculation is voluntary and that there must be 48 hours' rest after inoculation. As I say, there may be one or two cases where these instructions have been ignored. This may be one of them, but I am having inquiries made into the matter.

What kind of evidence would the Minister require to make him believe anything?

To put the matter into proper perspective, can the Minister give any indication as to the approximate percentage of men who have refused inoculation?

I am afraid that I cannot answer that Question offhand, but it is a very small percentage.

Is not the Minister aware that such a statement would be of no service at all, because men do not object when they want to object, for fear of the consequences?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the report of the special inquiry into the allegations of ill-treatment of conscientious objectors attached to the non-combatant corps; and whether he is able to make a statement on the subject?

The report is still under consideration, and I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Will it be possible to have a statement before the Adjournment?

I should very much doubt that in present circumstances. As my hon. Friend is aware, my right hon. Friend has other preoccupations at the moment.

asked the Secretary of State for War who has been appointed president of the Army Claims Commission; whether lie receives full major-general's pay; whether, just prior to appointment, he was a civil servant; and whether he is entitled to a pension from any source other than Army funds?

As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for South Croydon (Sir H. Williams) on 3rd December last, of which I am sending him a copy. The president does not receive the pay and allowances of a major-general but those of a brigadier. In virtue of his Civil Service, from which he retired on 18th October, he receives a pension from Army funds. His total emoluments are less than those of a major-general.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give an assurance that no soldiers serving in this country are now under canvas, or, if not, what exceptions there are?

There are now about 13,000 troops under canvas in this country, of whom the majority are air defence troops. My hon. Friend will appreciate that the latter are liable to constant moves, often to localities where no buildings are available.

Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that many searchlight units are under canvas in very unsatisfactory conditions? Cannot something be done to make their position better?

The air defence troops usually are in fact actively engaged in a theatre of war. It is impossible to guarantee them every amenity.

Is it possible to build more huts for them?

Everything possible is already being done.

Will every endeavour be made to avoid keeping some troops under canvas nil the time?

I will look into that point.

asked the Secretary of State for War the names of the members of the Jamieson Committee, together with their qualifications to sit thereon; the purpose for which this committee was set up; and if he will inform the House as to whether its decisions will be made public and, if so, when?

As my right hon. Friend said in answer to a Question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for East Lewisham (Sir A. Rownall) on 2nd July last, this committee was set up to advise the Army Council on building questions including the placing of works contracts and the supervision of work in progress. The members of the committee are: These gentlemen have all wide experience of building questions. Mr. Jameson is a director of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, and in that capacity has been responsible for works and building operations on a very large scale. Mr. Tudsbery is civil engineer to the British Bread-casting Corporation and was a member of the Home Office Committee on Structural Precautions against Air Raid Attack. Mr. Elcock is senior partner of the firm of Elcock and Sutcliffe, Architects. Mr. Ainsley is senior partner of the firm of Messrs. Ainsley, Quantity Surveyors. The committee has rendered advice on a considerable number of technical questions. It is not proposed to publish its reports.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is prepared to approve of the necessary additions to medical and sanitary staffs in Scotland to enable local authorities to carry out the instructions of the Department of Health for the regular inspection of shelters?

I am prepared to approve reasonable proposals by local authorities for the increase of medical and sanitary staff to facilitate regular inspection of shelters in Scotland. Approved expenditure will be reimbursed by the Government.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that many of the basement shelters in London, although ample facilities exist, are not in any way heated; and whether he will call the attention of the different borough councils to this shortcoming?

The whole question of heating in public shelters of the various types was referred to a committee of experts. They have reported against heating in fully occupied shelters as being dangerous to health. The Horder Committee agreed with this view. In view of the special conditions in brick surface shelters and certain trench shelters it has been decided to heat these types, and the work is now in hand.

Is it not a fact that the experts to whom the hon. Lady refers were Departmental experts and that external experts wholly disagree with that recommendation?

I am sorry, but that is not correct. Both Departmental and outside experts were consulted.

Can my hon. Friend say whether an opportunity will be given to the House to discuss the Horder report?

That will have to go through the usual channels.

Can my hon. Friend say whether, with regard to the electrical heating, lighting and ventilating apparatus which she inspected recently, steps will be taken to enable manufacturers to put it into production at once, or whether we must wait until the winter is over?

The question of heating is well in hand. In regard to small shelters, we have come down on the side of the small coal stoves which were brought to my notice by my hon. Friend the Member for West Fulham (Dr. Summerskill). With regard to the various forms of electrical heating, boroughs have been allowed to conduct experiments, and many are installing the kind of heating which they find is best.

asked the President of the Board of Education on what grounds of equity local education authorities, which did their duty in constructing school shelters when first called upon to do so, are to be less favourably treated in respect of Exchequer grant than those which did not place contracts for shelters until after 19th October, 1940?

The application of the decision to increase shelter grant to 100 per cent. in respect of future provision in the case of school shelter follows the line adopted in regard to public shelter, and I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to his Question of 12th November by the joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that my Question, which referred to grounds of equity, is hardly answered by reference to a Treasury decision which has been criticised in all parts of the House as being grossly inequitable to the efficient authorities?

Precisely the same point was put to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Home Security, and I cannot improve on his answer, which was:

"I fully appreciate the point of my hon. Friend and would not argue as to its merits. This action, however, was taken because of developments in the 'Blitzkrieg' situation, wherein it was necessary to get rapid action."—(OFFICIAL REPORT, 28th November, 1940; col. 330, Vol. 367.)

asked the Minister of Health how many meetings of Lord Horder's Committee have been held during the past five weeks; whether the committee has made any further communications to the Government since 12th November on conditions in air-raid shelters; and, if so, will he publish these communications?

This committee has held six meetings during the past five weeks. It has made a number of additional recommendations, and expressed its views on a number of points submitted for its consideration. These will be published in a supplementary White Paper, which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Home Security and my right hon. Friend propose to issue as soon as possible.

Does the hon. Lady realise that it is not so much the publication of the recommendations as action which is wanted? Is she further aware that the tube shelter, to which I called attention on Thursday of last week, is still in the same condition, and there are still 2,700 people with only two lavatories? Will action be taken immediately in this case?

I think the last time the hon. Member asked me the question we were considering the Horder Report, and the hon. Member's anxiety was for its publication. My right hon. Friend quite agrees that action must be taken, but also hon. Members in this House desire to see a report on the recommendations and the report of this committee.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has yet reached a decision about making Romford and Hornchurch evacuation areas?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is now in a position to make a statement about the claims of the local authorities of Bexley, Crayford, Dartford and Stone, to be classified as complete evacuation areas?

As the answer is long I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is it not possible for the hon. Lady to assure the House that the classification of the various areas in the national interest is being reviewed from time to time?

Most certainly I can give that assurance. If the hon. Member reads the reply, be will see it is done on a very careful basis.

Can the hon. Lady say whether she is going to allow these particular areas to become evacuable areas in the immediate future?

When the hon. Member reads the reply, he will see the exact scheme upon which my right hon. Friend is working. Certain adjustments are being made, figures will be kept constantly under review, and further adjustments will be made as the situation makes it desirable.

May I give notice that if the reply is unsatisfactory to my constituency, I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment and try to obtain some satisfaction?

Perhaps the hon. Lady will read the answer first. I do not think she has done so as yet.

This is the only opportunity I shall have of giving notice.

Following is the answer:

I have considered the representations which I have received that certain areas in and around London should be declared evacuation areas. In examining them I have had before me very full information as to the actual effect of air raids on those areas, and I have had in mind cer- tain general principles which I will indicate briefly. The question whether a district should be declared an evacuation area cannot be determined by any single factor. It is necessary to take into account and balance several factors. The first is the degree of danger from bombing to which the inhabitants are exposed. This depends upon the density of the population, the liability to air attack, and the intensity of the attacks delivered. Secondly it is necessary to have regard to any danger to health which may arise from shelter conditions in the area, particularly the overcrowding of public shelters. Moreover, the extent to which evacuation can proceed depends upon available space in reception areas. In assessing the demands that can properly be made on that space, consideration must be given, amongst other things, to ( a ) the need for the removal of further children from central London and ( b ) the importance of maintaining a margin of accommodation in reception areas to meet the needs of provincial centres that may suffer intensive raiding.

In deciding, in the light of these considerations, whether further areas around London should be declared evacuation areas, regard must be had to conditions generally in these areas as compared with the reception areas. When considering the outer London suburbs, it is questionable whether the areas to which the people, if evacuated, could be sent, would be as comfortable as their own homes or so much safer from the point of view of bombing and health as to justify further inroads upon the accommodation in reception areas. With these considerations in mind I have come to the conclusion that the first necessity is to reduce the number of children in the more central areas, and I propose to extend facilities for the organised evacuation of mothers and children of school age or under in the case of the boroughs of Leyton, Tottenham, Walthamstow, Hornsey and Willesden. As regards the areas adjacent to the Metropolis I have come to the conclusion that there is not at present a case for adding to the evacuation areas except in two instances. I propose to declare as an evacuation area the urban district of Penge and part of the borough of Beckenham; and to make a slight extension of the existing evacuation area in the urban district of Thurrock. While this represents my present view on a very careful examination of the position, I should like to assure the House that the situation will be kept under constant observation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the capacity of the five evacuation camps in Scotland; and how many children are at present using this accommodation?

The camps are capable of providing for the accommodation over a prolonged period of about 1,300 children. The number of children in the camps on 13th December was 892.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that this is a happy form of evacuation? Could he see that we get a little nearer the 1,300 places filled?

I agree entirely with my hon. Friend. The Under-Secretary in the last three weeks has visited two of these camps, and I have visited one during my recent tour in the Glasgow area. I will do all I can to get them full.

Is there some hitch, then?

You cannot give any single reason for the drift back of some who go to the camps. It is extraordinary in how many cases there are very real domestic reasons.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has now received and considered the special report which he stated he was going to ask for with regard to the case of James Lloyd, who, on 11th November, was charged at Uxbridge with having a bonfire at Ruisrip during an alert, and, when remonstrated with by air-raid wardens, deliberately flashed a torch, and, after being fined a sum of £25 and costs, gave the Nazi salute as he left the court; and what decision has he come to with regard to the question of having Lloyd put under restraint?

Yes, Sir. Lloyd has since been committed to prison for failure to pay the fine. My right hon. Friend has also made an Order for his detention under Defence Regulation 18B which will come into effect on the termination of his imprisonment.

Is my hon. Friend aware of the satisfaction which his answer will give throughout the country?

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make arrangements that wood rescued from demolished houses should not be burnt in the streets by the Pioneer Corps engaged in the demolition work, but made available for firewood to the people in the neighbourhood?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne) on 12th December.

Can my hon. Friend indicate briefly what that answer was?

Briefly, it was that my right hon. Friend agreed with the suggestion and was prepared to send out the circular. The circular is now in draft, and will be sent out in the next day or two.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he has considered the case submitted to him of a Greek national, a waiter by trade, -who served in the great war and 'holds mercantile marine and war medals, and who, after living in Plymouth since 1918, was ordered to leave it, as a protected area, in May, removed to Torquay, was ordered to leave by 28th June because the area had become protected, removed to Barnstaple, was ordered to leave, because all Devon and Cornwall had become protected, on 11th August; and whether, in view of the hardship inflicted on working-class families by these repeated removals, some compensation or contribution towards the cost of removal can be made to them?

My right hon. Friend has considered the case submitted to me by my hon. Friend. This man appealed To the Regional Advisory Committee against the decision of the Chief Constable requiring him to leave the protected area, and the Regional Advisory Committee upheld the decision of the Chief Constable. Much as it is regretted that hardships are caused to individuals who have been ordered to leave their homes because the district has been included in an Aliens Protected Area, these hardships are an inevitable consequence of the policy which is dictated by military necessity in the interests of national security. My right hon. Friend regrets that no compensation can be paid from public funds to individuals affected by these Orders.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that this inflicts great hardship on many other cases besides this particular one, and cannot he indicate whether there is any source from which such people can get assistance, such as the Assistance Board, because to ruin people by this perpetual chivvying from one place to another causes them very great hardship?

All persons affected by measures of this kind can, of course, apply to the Assistance Board under the Prevention of Distress scheme.

Have such cases actually been granted assistance by the Board? Are there precedents?

Certainly there are precedents.

What is the position of Greek nationals in this country now? Are they considered as Allies or put under any restriction like ordinary aliens?

All aliens are, of course, subjected to restriction, whether they are Allies or not.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied that the jurisdictions of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Home Security in the areas severely affected by enemy action are sufficiently defined and co-ordinated to obviate confusion in the discharge of their respective functions?

All these matters are being constantly considered in the light of current experience. The duties of these two Departments are clearly defined and understood by all concerned. The Regional Commissioner is responsible in each Region for co-ordinating the plans and activities of all Departments in connection with Civil Defence.

Does my right hon. Friend agree that while there is a direct line between the Ministry of Home Security and the Regional Commissioner, there is no such direct line between the Ministry of Health and the Regional Commissioner, and that, indeed, the Ministry of Health's representative is often housed in a different building? That it what is making some confusion in different parts of the country. Would my right hon. Friend consider the suggestion that the Ministry of Health's representative in each region should himself be a commissioner and take part in the general discussion around the Regional Commissioner's table?

As I have said, ail these matters are continually being reviewed in the light of what happens from day to day in different parts of the country, but certainly I will consider the suggestion made by my hon. Friend, though I cannot give any undertaking that I am able to adopt it.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) whether, in view of the urgent necessity to conserve our shipping resources, and to make full use of coal mines at home, all possible steps are being taken to encourage the use of alternative motor fuels made from British coal; and whether representations upon this subject, made by local authorities who have carried out exhaustive experiments, are now receiving rapid and sympathetic attention;

(2) whether, in view of the urgent necessity to conserve our shipping resources, and to make full use of coal mines at home, all possible steps are being taken to encourage the use of alternative motor fuels made from British coal; and whether representations upon this subject, made by local authorities who have carried out exhaustive experiments, are receiving rapid and sympathetic attention?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 20th November to my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton (Mr. Craven-Ellis). As re- gards the second part of the Question, any representations made by local authorities in this connection will be duly considered. As to the rationing of the use of coal tar oils as motor fuel, on which I understand that certain representations have been received, I would refer the hon. Member to my hon. Friend the Secretary for Petroleum.

In view of that reply, has not the Minister something more tangible to give than that very emaciated reply on this subject? Surely it merits greater detail than has been given.

I have informed my hon. Friend on previous occasions that the committees which made investigation into these matters have reported and that a summarised report will be presented at an early date.

Can we know when it will be presented, as we were promised that long ago?

But my hon. Friend is not asking that question now. We have received no representations from local authorities, and I can give no answer until we receive them.

asked the Secretary for Petroleum whether he is now in a position to make a further statement regarding the steps he is taking to encourage the use of tar oils as motor fuel?

Yes, Sir. A scheme has been drawn up to encourage the use of tar oils as motor fuel in goods and public service vehicles and at the same time to effect economy in the use of imported fuel. The scheme will come into force with effect from 24th January next, and will be subject to review at the end of six months.

Can the Minister say whether he has given equal encouragement to other forms of motor fuel?

This Question relates to this particular form of fuel.

Are we to understand that, after all these patient months of investigation by the hon. Gentleman and his various committees, this is all that has been produced?

No, Sir, the Question I am answering deals with the particular new suggestion that tar and creosote oil should be used in Diesel engines.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that certain vehicle examiners in the East Midland area informed haulage operators that if they used an indigenous alternative fuel their basic petrol ration would be cut by 50 per cent., and that they would be unable to obtain any supplementary petrol rations; and whether this represents the policy of the Government with regard to alternative fuels?

I am informed that the fuel referred to was being obtained without coupons in breach of the Motor Fuel Rationing (No. 2) Order, 1940. Instructions have been issued to the officers concerned that while supplementary petrol rations might be reduced in these circumstances, a reduction of basic rations is not an appropriate remedy. The second part of the Question does not arise, but as to the policy of the Government in regard to alternative liquid fuels, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to-day by my hon. Friend the Secretary for Petroleum, to the hon. Member for the Consett Division (Mr. David Adams).

When are we likely to get a decision on these alternative fuels? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that our airmen are extensively engaged in trying to stop the production of synthetic fuel in Germany while the Minister here seems to be trying to stop it in this country?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to an answer already given on the subject to-day.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the serious coal shortage in the town of Kidderminster and district nearby is attributable to difficulties between the London Midland and (Scottish Railway Company and the Great Western Railway Company; and what steps he is taking to deal with this urgent matter?

I have been advised by my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines that the stocks of some industrial undertakings in and around, Kidderminster are low and arrangements have been made to run some special trains. The difficulties in regard to the exchange of coal and other freight traffic between the two companies are solely attributable to physical handicaps of a temporary character and these are being overcome as rapidly as possible.

Is it true that the difficulties arise owing to the understanding that there would be complete reciprocity in the exchange of wagons, and if that be so, is it not possible in the special circumstances of today, when there is such a shortage of coal in many parts of the country, that that rule might be waived?

I am not only assured that it is not true, but I can give the hon. Member figures showing that there is no such reciprocity in the exchange that takes place.

Does the Minister think there will be a real improvement in the position in the next few days?

Is my hon. Friend aware that it is estimated that the number of employés in the coalfield of Cannock Chase is very likely to be 3,000 owing to the shortage of wagons?

That question does not arise out of the Question on the Paper.

Is it not connected with the question of the shortage of wagons at the pithead?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied that the number of road vehicles under construction is sufficient to replace the vehicles no longer serviceable, and to avoid any breakdown in essential road transport services?

The urgent requirements of the Service Departments for road vehicles have necessarily resulted in a greatly reduced production of new vehicles for civil work including the replacement of existing vehicles. At the same time new demands are being made upon road transport resources. The situation thus created is not without difficulty, but it is receiving urgent attention and steps are being taken which will, I hope, enable road transport to meet all reasonable demands that may be made upon it.

Is it not the case that many people who use motor vehicles are being refused new vehicles which have been ordered and are ready for them to take from the manufacturer, because the Minister of Transport refuses it, and they are still lying there?

Whatever refusal is made will be justified by the circumstances. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars, I will look into any case.

Is there any justification for allowing new motor vehicles to be lying on the manufacturers' hands for months and not used at all?

There would be no justification for that, but I imagine that there would be some explanation in such a case. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars, I will look into it.

Has the hon. Gentleman full authority to requisition spare lorries which are not being used for the war effort?

We have full powers to requisition for any war purposes.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that 360,000 tons of potential transport have been deliberately made derelict owing to the closing of the Kennet and Avon Canal since the war broke out?

I was not aware of that. If the hon. Gentleman will give me the facts, I shall be very pleased to look into them.

Will my hon. Friend investigate the statement made by experts that much of our road transport is lying unusable owing to lack of mechanics for repair work?

There may be difficulties of that character, obviously. We are doing the best we can to deal with a difficult situation.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the opinion of experts this is one of the biggest faults with regard to the non-utilisation of transport services—that is, the lack of mechanics?

I am sure my right hon. Friend has the services and opinions of all the best experts on the subject.

asked the Secretary for Mines how much coal was shipped to Italy in the 12 months preceding the outbreak of war with Italy; on what terms; and how much still remains unpaid for?

It has not been the practice since the outbreak of war to publish detailed particulars either of exports or the state of clearing accounts with enemy countries, and it is not proposed to depart from that practice. As regards the second part of the Question, coal was sold to Italy on the usual commercial terms, subject, of course, to payment being made through the Anglo-Italian Clearing.

Is it not very fortunate that the Minister has a precedent for not making the statement?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has had a further opportunity of considering the serious position in the Nottinghamshire coalfield where pits are working short time owing to the difficulty of getting the coal away; and whether he can now state what steps he is proposing to take to deal with this difficulty?

The position improved during the week ended 30th November, but has since deteriorated again. I understand that the difficulties are due to shortage of empty wagons at the collieries and to general transport difficulties.

Will the Minister say what steps he is taking to remove that particular difficulty? Is he considering again whether he might use Army lorries as supplementary to wagons?

The hon. Member knows quite well that it takes an enormous number of lorries to perform the work which one train can do, but we are taking steps, in consultation with the Ministry of Transport, to improve the conditions of transport on the railways and add to the number of trains coming through.

Will the Minister use his influence with the Minister of Transport. It is not consultation we want so much as action.

Yes, Sir, I think we all want the same thing, and there is a committee in consultation to decide how suitable action can be taken.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether there is any special reason for a shortage of coal supplies in the Chislehurst, Orpington and Sidcup areas in the Chislehurst Division of Kent; and what steps he is taking to ensure that an adequate supply of coal is provided before the hard weather sets in?

There are various difficulties interfering with the normal flow of coal into these areas. My right hon. Friends the Ministers of Transport and Shipping and I are co-operating in special measures to improve the situation.

If the blame can be laid at anyone's door, will disciplinary action be taken?

I do not think it can be said that the blame lies with anyone. There are difficulties, and people concerned are doing their best to overcome them.

When coal or coke is not available within the period for which the allowance has been fixed, will the person be entitled to get the balance in the next period?

Every effort is being made to get coal to the places where there is the greatest shortage. Within the limits of transport facilities, that policy is carried out.

If a man is entitled to, say, five tons and is able to get only four, can the extra ton be supplied in the next quarter?

The only promise I can make is that the coal will be sent to the consumers who are in the greatest need. The most urgent cases will receive the first attention.

Will the hon. Gentleman also take note of the number of small people who cannot stock four or five tons? Will regard be paid to those who can take only very limited quantities?

There are large numbers who cannot take much in. The object of the Government stocks is to provide those people with direct access to supplies when their turn comes.

asked the Secretary for Petroleum what steps he took to augment petrol rations for private cars in Birmingham and other Midland industrial centres after enemy air raids?

Instructions have been issued to the Divisional Petroleum Officers to make additional petrol available without delay, when necessary, after enemy air attack. These arrangements, carried out in consultation with the other authorities concerned, operated in the Midland cities after recent air raids.

Is my hon. Friend aware that motorists in Birmingham would not entirely agree with him, and in view of the fact that buses were lent to London from that city, could he assure the House either that there is a "Help Your Neighbour" scheme administratively available to be put into force immediately in the event of bad air raids, or, if not, whether he will take that step immediately?

I cannot answer with regard to buses and the general transport position, which is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.

Will my hon. Friend answer this question? If he has not made it possible for the authorities in Birmingham after a bad raid to put into force a "Help Your Neighbour" scheme for the giving of additional petrol to private motorists, will he please do so at once?

No, Sir. If my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport wished that, it would be a matter for his Department to raise it with me. I think London is in a special position with regard to the transport problem; in the Provinces the matter is at present dealt with by making additional petrol available for private motorists.

Are we to understand that this question has nothing to do with any arrangement which my hon. Friend himself can make, because that is not the information given elsewhere?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will consult with me afterwards.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether consultations are now taking place with the Governments of the Dominions with reference to an agreed statement of war and peace aims?

I have at present nothing to add to previous statements of the Government with regard to war aims.

Do I understand that no consultations of any kind are taking place with the Dominions, in spite of the statements to that effect which have been issued?

My hon. Friend must not understand that; we are keeping in the closest touch with the Dominions on all questions with the closest interest.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is considering rationing to ensure a just distribution of supplies, in view of the further cuts in production?

I can assure the hon. Member that the question of securing a fair distribution of any essential goods that may be in short supply is constantly engaging my attention. Action already taken in this matter was explained in a reply to the hon. Member for East Birkenhead (Mr. White) on 26th November. If further action is necessary, it will be taken.

When the right hon. Gentleman says it is right to cut down the size of goods to wholesalers and retailers, will he endeavour to secure just distribution? Is he aware that many of the smaller retailers cannot get their share?

I do not admit that for a moment. The matter is being watched, and, if necessary, we are prepared to take any action to secure that distribution is equitable.

Will my right hon. Friend, apart from watching and, if necessary, taking action, do something which is really useful?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the employment of prisoners, at present inactive in gaols or engaged on unnecessary work, on some activities of public service?

With the exception of a small minority of persons who for one reason or another cannot appropriately be put to work, practically the whole of the population of Prisons and Borstal Institutions in England and Wales is employed on Government work, either for the Prison Department, including necessary domestic services, or for other Government Departments. There are no prisoners engaged on "unnecessary" work.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Germans, in using mobile labour, always employ caravans in which the workers live until the job is finished, when they move off somewhere else; whether this policy will be adopted in this country; and whether he will consider investigating the possibilities of such a scheme,

Accommodation in caravans is suitable in certain cases where small numbers of men are employed: this method is sometimes used in this country for men engaged on road construction and repair and might be extended for example to small units engaged on land drainage work in isolated districts. My right hon. Friend is advised however that a general extension of this method is not to be recommended. I may add that the Department is in consultation with the building and civil engineering industries as to the methods of improving the housing accommodation of the workers in these industries, particularly those on remote sites.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is proposed to have one or two meatless days a week in order to economise on imports?

No, Sir. Any necessary restriction in the consumption of meat can be secured by adjusting the ration and the supplies allowed to catering establishments. As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the meat ration was reduced to 1s. 10d. per week from 16th December. A reduction has also been made in the meat allocations of caterers.

Would it not be advisable to compel restaurants and such institutions to have at least one meatless or fishless day a week so as to avoid the necessity of their stocking both these foods on every day of the week in order to give clients an option under the Act?

The whole question of catering establishments is under discussion at the present time.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider controlling all poultry and game at reasonable prices so that the poorer section of the community can share in the advantages?

At the moment poultry is not considered as a staple diet. All the staple foods are very well looked after.

Although it is not regarded as a staple food, is the Minister aware that some people regard it as a very effective substitute on those days when they cannot get the full meat ration?

The full meat ration is not taken up even now by the population.

What becomes of the meat when there is a good number of vegetarians in any particular district?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in respect of any rationed food commodity, there is evidence of public disinclination to use the full allocation, and how this affects meat in particular?

With the exception of meat registered customers have, generally speaking, taken up the full amount of the ration. The percentage taken up in the case of meat varies from time to time, but was lower on the 2s. 2d. ration than it was during tile previous period when the ration was 1s. 10d.

(by Private Notice) asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has any further statement to make regarding the price of turkeys?

Yes, Sir. My Noble Friend issued recently a statement of the maximum prices to which, in his opinion, turkeys should rise at the peak of the Christmas trade, and stated that if these prices were exceeded he would take action. Information has now reached the Ministry to the effect that the prices to which I have referred are being exceeded, and an Order was accordingly issued yesterday to come into operation to-day giving statutory effect to the prices which had been previously indicated. I will arrange for these prices to be printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

What steps is the Minister taking at the same time to prevent the operation of the rule that when prices are controlled the goods disappear from the market in large quantities?

I have expressed the opinion before, and the same applies to turkeys as to onions, that controlling the price will not increase supplies.

Does not it cause them to disappear?

To a certain extent that is true, because it is obvious that if you control the price and the supply is short, the temptation is to deliver the goods to the nearest market at the most profitable price.

Will the Minister control the price of haggis if I put down a Private Notice Question?

What steps is the Parliamentary Secretary taking to control the wholesale as well as the retail price, because I understand that in some cases the wholesale price already exceeds the retail price mentioned by the Minister?

The retail price is the one that most matters as far as we are concerned.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will arrange for Government buildings to fly flags after any signal victory by sea, land or air; and for the public to be invited on each occasion to do likewise?

Precedents vary, and I find it difficult to lay down rules. I do not recollect that we had any important occasions for rejoicing during the last war, but people seemed quite pleased about the way it ended. I think now we had better see how we get on. The battle of Libya is still in progress.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider moving to appoint a Select Committee of the House to consider, if necessary in secret, facts in the case of the hon. and gallant Member for Peebles and Southern (Captain Ramsay) arising out of his detention under Regulation 18B of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act and to report to the House their conclusions and recommendations?