asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the Government are unwilling to publish a White Paper setting out the negotiations between the British and Italian Governments prior to the outbreak of war, on similar lines to the one published already, covering negotiations between the British Government and the German Government?

I have nothing to add to what I said on this subject on 4th December.

Has the right hon. Gentleman noticed that since then the Greek Government have published a White Paper covering the negotiations between Italy and the Greeks? Is there any reason why the Government cannot do the same, or is the right hon. Gentleman trying to cover up some appeasers at the Foreign Office?

The hon. Member knows me well enough to believe that I do not want to cover anything up. There is nothing whatever mysterious about this matter; it is simply that as at present advised the Government are not publishing a White P per. But I am bearing in mind the point raised by the hon. Member as to the publication of the Greek Government, which we are studying.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he became converted to the idea of full disclosure?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether His Majesty's Government have recognised, directly or implicitly, the claim of the American Republics to establish a 300-mile limit from their shores within which belligerent operations may not take place?

The views of His Majesty's Government on this question were set out in their reply to the communication of 23rd December, 1939, addressed to them by the Acting President of the Republic of Panama on behalf of the Governments of the American Republics. I am sending the right hon. Gentleman a copy of the statement.

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position in Abyssinia; and whether all steps are being taken to treat that country and its Emperor as allied in the fullest sense?

Information as to conditions in Abyssinia is naturally difficult to obtain, but the movement of revolt against the Italians appears to be making progress. It is the policy of His Majesty's Government to extend to the Emperor Haile Selassie, as well as to all elements within Abyssinia willing to bear arms against the enemy, all possible assistance is their fight for freedom.

Do I understand that they will be treated in the same manner as the other Allies fighting with us in the campaign against aggression?

They will be treated as I have described.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government will give consideration to the question of playing the National Anthem of Abyssinia on the wireless, since this matter is one to which great importance is attached in Abyssinian circles, and because the B.B.C. programmes are listened to in Abyssinia?

Yes, Sir, I am aware of the importance of this point, which has been brought to my Noble Friend's attention. It is thought at present that the list of National Anthems cannot be added to. I do not deny, however, the importance of the point which the hon. Member has raised and which we shall remember.

If it is not played, does it not constitute a discrimination against a nation, of whom His Majesty's Government have already said, four months ago, that they were prepared to treat them as Allies in the some way as our other Allies?

No, Sir. I think we should be doing a disservice to the cause of the Emperor and his friends, and the cause of freedom, if the hon. Gentleman attached any particular importance to this particular matter. The policy of His Majesty's Government, as stated by me to-day, is perfectly clear, and I am glad to say that it is having considerable success.

It is not that I attach importance to the matter—it would not matter if I did—but that the Abyssinians do.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information as to the number of Spanish troops and guns now in Tangier; and whether the guns include guns of position?

I regret I cannot give information regarding Spanish military dispositions. But, as I stated on 11th December, my Noble Friend's information does not indicate that the Spanish authorities are erecting fortifications of a permanent nature at Tangier. The Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs has since given His Majesty's Ambassador at Madrid an assurance that the Tangier Zone will not be so fortified.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to whether there are any German planes or ships in Tangier?

No, Sir, but I should think that the Spaniards would see to that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman so well satisfied with other assurances given in regard to the International Zone that he is prepared to accept this particular assurance?

( by Private Notice ) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make about the further unilateral act of the Spanish Government in the International Zone at Tangier, and what steps are being taken to secure the reinstatement of the dismissed British personnel?

On 13th December, His Majesty's Consul-General in Tangier was notified by the local Spanish authorities that the non-Spanish employees of the international administration were being replaced by Spaniards that morning. An official communique was published in Tangier on 16th December stating that

"the High Commissariat of Spain in the Spanish Protectorate in Morocco had assumed charge of the services of the police, finance, health, public works and, in short, of all those services now dependent on the international administration of Tangier."

His Majesty's Consul-General at once lodged a formal protest with the local Spanish authorities. The House should know that, in the course of earlier conversations held with the Spanish Government with a view to elucidating the full effect of the Spanish law published on 1st December, His Majesty's Ambassador was assured that the collective and individual rights of British subjects at Tangier would be safeguarded, and that no hurried economic changes were contemplated. The further unilateral action of 13th December, with all the consequences which flow from it, has now been vigorously taken up by His Majesty's Ambassador with the Spanish Government. In particular, representations are being made designed to elucidate the precise significance and practical effect of the general assurances given by the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, and to safeguard the interests of the British subjects concerned.

Will the Government carefully consider the advisability of facilitating a supply of food through the British blockade to a Government who treat British subjects and British rights in this high-handed and aggressive manner?

I used the language which I did in my original reply to show that this further unilateral action, with all the consequences flowing from it, is being taken up by His Majesty's Ambassador in order to indicate the gravity with which His Majesty's Government view the latest developments.

Will the Government consider suspending, if not terminating, the Anglo-Spanish trade and financial agreement?

We had better leave the discussions which are taking place between His Majesty's Ambassador and the Spanish Government to take their course. Naturally we shall endeavour to keep the House informed of the latest developments as fully as possible, in the circumstances.

What reply do the Spanish Government make to our protests? Do they simply say: "Your protest is noted," or do they give a more definite answer? Are our protests in writing or merely verbal?

The reply to the latter part of my hon. Friend's Question is that our protests are very often both oral and in writing. The reply to the first part of the Question is that we have received certain answers from the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs to which I made reference in my reply. The further vigorous representations which are being made by His Majesty's Ambassador are couched in language which my hon. Friend can feel satisfied is very definite.

Are the other Governments whose countries are parties to the International Statute of Tangier taking strong diplomatic action also with the Spanish Government?

I would like notice of that Question.

If the negotiations should, unhappily, not take the favourable turn which the Government desire, will the Government bear in mind that we are still allowing oil to reach Spain, and that it might be stopped?

Everything will be borne in mind.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will endeavour to arrange, through a neutral Government or the International Red Cross, for an exchange of British women prisoners of war held by Germany and Great Britain?

The question of arranging for the repatriation of British women detained by the German Government in exchange for German women detained by His Majesty's Government is being kept constantly in mind. But my hon. and gallant Friend will realise that in present conditions transport both by land and sea presents very serious difficulties.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that in a letter received from one of these prisoners, dated 1st October, it was alleged that they had had no change of clothing for five months, had not received any parcels or letters of any kind whatsoever, had been fed on potatoes, and had no occupation, and in view of these circumstances and the small number of British women involved, will he take steps to make representations in the proper quarter at the earliest possible moment?

I realise the seriousness of the position, and His Majesty's Government are also, unfortunately, aware of the difficulties which exist in putting things right. My hon. and gallant Friend has done a service in drawing attention to these conditions, and I can assure him that the Government also realise the gravity of the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why the civil air service to Lisbon has been severely curtailed recently; and whether this one rapid channel of communication with the United States of America will be fully restored?

The recent cur- tailment of the civil air service to Lisbon was due to difficulties which led to the temporary suspension of landplane flights on this route. I am glad to say that these difficulties have now been surmounted, and the flights have been resumed.

Regularly, as before?

It would not be in the interests of security and safety to disclose details of schedules, but I can answer the hon. Gentleman by saying "Yes, regularly."

asked the Minister of Information whether he will arrange that in broadcasts, and other official or semi-official statements, Italian soldiers should not be referred to in terms of contempt, but as truly patriotic citizens who are rightly unwilling to conquer foreign territories and slaughter people against whom they have no quarrel, and otherwise disgrace the ideals of Garibaldi or Massini, in order to satisfy the Fascist ambitions of Mussolini's Government?

My right hon. Friend sees no reason why he should give publicity to the high opinion of the enemy forces which the hon. Member apparently entertains. It has, however, been frequently made clear that it is not the Italian soldiers and people, but their leaders who are principally to blame for the disasters which have befallen Italy.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind, in all these matters which come through the Ministry of Information, that in Italy as in other countries there are two nations, and that by far the bigger nation is a friend of ours and a friend of peace?

My right hon. Friend is well aware of that.

asked the Minister of Information what is the amount advanced by the British Government towards the production costs of the film "49tlh Parallel"; what proportion of the profits the Government will be entitled to and what proportion of the loss will the Government be called upon to bear and, in the event of the non-completion of the production of this film, who gets the salvage?

The net amount advanced to date by the Ministry of Information towards the cost of this film is £22,086 13s. 7d. In answer to the last two parts of the Question, the Ministry's contribution is expected to be substantially less than half the total cost and the Ministry will share pro rata with the other financial participants.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that telegraph offices of delivery are not always able to inform addressees of the dates on which telegrams have been handed in; and whether he will cause the date as well as the time of handing in to be telegraphed without additional charge?

The time and date of handing in are already included in messages from abroad. The great majority of inland telegrams are delivered on the day on which they are handed in: but in the relatively few cases where this is not possible the standing instructions are that the date as well as the time of handing in, should be shown in the preamble.

Will my right hon. Friend take steps to see that those instructions are more closely followed?

If my hon. Friend can give me any instance of their not being followed, I shall be glad to look into it.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why a certificated master mariner with many years of sea experience has, in the majority of cases, no higher rank than that of a lieutenant, receiving exactly the same pay and conditions as a Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve man; and why it is that in 90 per cent, of the cases a Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve man who has had no sea experi- ence whatsoever is placed in a superior position to that of a Royal Naval Reserve man?

The Admiralty fully recognise that officers of the Royal Naval Reserve have invaluable sea experience, and it is for this reason that many of them are appointed in command of small craft where this experience will be of most use. Naval expansion has inevitably created a preponderance of vacancies in the lower commissioned ranks and the majority of Royal Naval Reserve officers must unavoidably serve in these lower ranks. It is, however, only infrequently that they find themselves in positions inferior to those held by officers of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and in these cases there are always special considerations.

Will my hon. Friend inform the House what are those special considerations?

I think it is well known that there are many officers in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve who have great sea experience and are very useful officers indeed.

Are not the facts as stated in the Question on the Order Paper? Are not the bulk of the Royal Naval Reserve men of long sea service, and is it not the case that in the ranks of the Royal Naval Reserve there is growing bitterness about the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve men being placed in higher positions?

I cannot accept the statement in the last part of my hon. Friend's Question. If he has any specific cases in mind and will bring them to my notice, I will have them looked into.

Does the position of which the hon. Gentleman has spoken apply equally to Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and Royal Naval Reserve men ashore?

The Question does not refer to shore appointments.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Tanganyika recently sent a considerable war gift to this country and also set up a special economy committee to make good the gap thereby created in its reserves; that the committee has proposed cuts in medical, educational and agricultural services because of the impaired taxable capacity of the territory; and what steps are being taken to prevent these inadequate services from being crippled in this way?

The Government of the Tanganyika Territory made a contribution of £100,000 to His Majesty's Government in July last, and on 9th December the Legislative Council passed unanimously a resolution approving the offer of a further contribution of £100,000 to be placed at the disposal of His Majesty's Government towards the cost of the war. This additional gift has been gratefully accepted by His Majesty's Government. Both gifts have been drawn from the Territory's Reserve Fund and not from cash balances. The Reserve Fund was instituted in 1956 to provide the nucleus of a future development programme, and it was never intended that it should be used to supplement ordinary recurrent expenditure. While the Government of Tanganyika is of necessity refraining from expanding social services in the manner and to the extent that might have been possible but for the war, it is not the case that they are being crippled. In fact, the provision in the Territory's 1941 Estimates for the three services referred to by my hon. Friend exceeds the actual expenditure in 1939 by the following amounts: Medical £17,000; Education £5,000; Agriculture £6,000.

In view of the recommendations of the economy committee that there should be drastic cuts in the social services, will my hon. Friend watch the position rather carefully, since already the social services are inadequate in the Colony?

I am afraid my hon. Friend is putting it rather high when he suggests that the recommendations were for drastic cuts. There were some recommendations for cuts, but as I have pointed out, in each case the expenditure is to be increased during the next year.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Imperial Government has bought the cocoa crop in West African territories at a lower price to the growers than that of last year; whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt because of the increased price of imports and that the lower price will still further seriously affect the growers; and why in these circumstances have import duties on foodstuffs and other everyday commodities been increased?

The principal reason for the reduction in the price to be paid to the producers for the cocoa crop in the West African territories is that events in Europe have further reduced possible markets for cocoa and thus made it inevitable that a large part of the forthcoming crop will not find a market overseas. It has, therefore, been found necessary, particularly in view of the increasing demands for assistance from Colonial producers of crops other than cocoa, to limit the liability undertaken in the Cocoa Purchase Scheme by reducing the price to growers. This was done, however, only after careful consideration of the views of the Colonial Governments as to the minimum necessary to maintain reasonable standards of living, and my information is that, far from there being any widespread dissatisfaction in the West African Colonies concerned because of the lower price which is being paid for the crop, there is general appreciation of the generosity of His Majesty's Government in again buying it at a loss. Although it has been necessary to increase certain import duties for revenue purposes, care was taken to avoid placing any undue burden on necessary commodities.

Will my hon. Friend carefully watch the question of import duties, because in the last adjustment some of the increases fell on the normal commodities consumed by the native people?

Of course, this matter is being carefully watched at the Colonial Office, but the total increase which is charged over the whole range of import duties that can be enforced as a result of this Order does not exceed £250,000, and when my hon. Friend remembers that this is spread over a population of 20,000,000, he will see that it cannot have a serious effect on the native population.

Is not my hon. Friend aware that there is a good deal more cocoa being consumed now as a result of the restrictions on tea, and is there any truth in the statement that tons and tons of cocoa are now being destroyed?

I am afraid my hon. Friend is not quite correct. The amount of cocoa consumed at the moment does not exceed the amount consumed in pre-war days. Unfortunately the trouble is not the amount of cocoa produced, but the facilities for bringing it from where it is produced to this country.

Are steps being taken to preserve surplus stocks of cocoa, instead of destroying them, for post-war use in Europe?

That matter is receiving consideration at the present time, and there will be a considerable amount of storage done during the course of this year.

Is the Minister aware that the chief product of cocoa, namely, chocolate, is unobtainable by working people in this country?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made with the Refugee Industrial Settlement of New York for settling refugees in British Honduras; what industries will be encouraged; and what number of persons will be accommodated in the first settlement?

This is a scheme which originated before the war for the settlement of not more than 80 European refugee families in British Honduras for the purpose of setting up a hand embroidery industry and engaging in agriculture. Certain conditions have been laid down by the Government for ensuring the finance and the proper organisation of the scheme, and these will have to be complied with before the families are permitted to enter the Colony. In view of my hon. Friend's reference to the first settlement, I should explain that even if this scheme is successful it does not follow that a further settlement will be permitted. As indicated in reply to a Question in the House on 18th April, 1939, the possibility of settling in British Honduras surplus population from certain West Indian Colonies will have to be considered before any proposal for large scale European settlement.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many men, women and children, respectively, have been evacuated to this country from Gibraltar; how many remain here; and how many have gone to Jamaica?

The figures are 1,690 men, 5,359 women- and 3,920 children. None of these people have been sent overseas to Jamaica or elsewhere.

Can arrangements be made for these people to be evacuated from London into the country, because, having come from Gibraltar to London, they have rather jumped from the frying pan into the fire?

I think my hon. Friend has a Question on that subject put down to another Department.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consult with the Secretary for Mines and make the necessary arrangements to insure that adequate supplies of coal shall reach the Chislehurst, Orpington and Sidcup areas of the Chislehurst Division of Kent before Christmas?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which, my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines gave to his Question on this subject yesterday.

While realising the great difficulties, can the Minister assure me, so that I can assure the people in my division, that every possible step is being taken to remedy the coal shortage in that area?

I can assure my hon. Friend that, although he lives in a particularly difficult district, the situation is being tackled, and I do not think that he will find there will be a shortage in the future.

The matter is quite as urgent in the Black Country.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the serious congestion of coal in Nottinghamshire owing to the difficulty of getting the coal away from the pits; and what steps he is taking to relieve this congestion?

I am aware that, owing mainly to shortage of wagons which are held up at the receiving end, there is some difficulty iii clearing coal from the Midland areas. The steps to be taken to relieve the situation are engaging my attention and that of my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines. Meanwhile there has been some improvement in the position.

Will the Minister not merely give his attention to taking steps, but actually take those steps, because this question is getting rather urgent? Furthermore, is he aware that the collieries are no longer informed directly by the Railway Control when the coal can be forwarded to a particular destination, with the result that the information often comes too late to become operative?

I will hear that point in mind. I would like to assure my hon. friend that the clearing of the coal mines is engaging our active attention, and steps are being taken.

; Is not the trouble due to the fact that trucks are full up with steam coal?

That chiefly operates in South Wales.

Are not these and similar troubles mainly caused by the slowness with which merchants are unloading railway wagons and will the Minister do all he can to induce and, if necessary, compel them to unload the wagons much more rapidly?

The whole question of trucks and demurrage is receiving very urgent attention at the moment, and I hope to be able to announce an agreement on that subject, which has been in dispute for some time, in the very near future.

Is the Minister aware that if he sends the coal to Bilston, it will be unloaded with the utmost rapidity?

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in order to free the railway lines for the transport of coal and other heavy goods, he is considering a further reduction in the number of long-distance passenger trains, especially on Sundays; and whether, in cases where two important centres are connected by two or more railway systems, he will consider reserving one of these systems exclusively for goods traffic?

I am examining with the Railway Executive Committee how far it might be possible to provide means of transporting more coal and freight 'traffic by further reduction of passenger traffic, which, as my hon. Friend is aware, has already been seriously interfered with and curtailed. It must not, however, be assumed that freight and passenger traffic is readily interchangeable.

Is the Minister aware that some Departments are actively encouraging passenger traffic at this very difficult time?

Which Department is that?

The Ministry of Health.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that men and women travelling by omnibus to a particular ordnance factory are at work and on the road for about 15 hours a day; that when engaged on the nightshift they leave home at 6 p.m., arrive near the factory, and then have to wait an hour or more before clocking-in at 8.30 p.m., and that this is the practice in all kinds of weather; and will he take steps to expedite the opening of a loop-line which would remove the cause of these inconveniences and which is a question that has been under consideration by the appropriate Department since the early part of the month of May of this year?

I have asked the Deputy Regional Transport Commissioner to look into the specific points regarding the omnibus services with the local representatives of the Ministries of Labour and Supply. As regards the latter part of the Question, I am assured that before the loop line could be opened for passenger traffic work would be required on safety grounds, and that even so it is doubtful if, owing to the limited capacity of the line serving the factory, it would be possible to provide a satisfactory train service.

Is it the intention of the Minister to consider re-opening that loop line in order to remedy the inconveniences which men and women are now suffering who work in that part of the country?

May I ask my hon. Friend to see me afterwards? I think we can see daylight through this problem.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that those visiting evacuees lose a great deal of time owing to train delays; and whether he will extend the period of cheap tickets for this purpose to four days?

It has already been agreed that the period shall be extended by one day, and I do not feel that any further extension could be justified.

Now does my right hon. and gallant Friend know where the encouragement comes from?

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mr. Ambrose Warner, of 39, Canterbury Road, Colchester, volunteered for service in October, 1939, was at once posted for service in the 95th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, Royal Artillery; that he never had a serious illness in his life, and was passed by a medical board A 1; that he died while on service on 19th January, 1940, at Chelmsford; that Mrs. Warner, left with three children, ages five years, five years and eight years, was requested to leave her house, and is now living in Stoke-on-Trent; why was Mrs. Warner not allowed a pension; and will he at once order an investigation into this case?

I am having further inquiries made into this case and will write to the hon. Member as soon as these have been completed.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the serious effect on the pre-war finance of local authorities caused by the De-rating Act and of the increased difficulties caused by the war; and will he give serious consideration to the issues involved, or appoint a committee or Royal Commission to report as soon as possible?

My right hon. Friend does not think that the financial difficulties with which certain local authorities are faced under war conditions can properly be ascribed in any special degree to the de-rating provisions of the Local Government Act, 1929. De-rating was enacted as a measure of reform of the system of local taxation, and it was accompanied by Government grants, which are subject to periodical revision. These grants are an integral feature of the long-term arrangements between local authorities and the Exchequer, and my right hon. Friend would not regard the present time as opportune for such a review of those arrangements as would be involved in the inquiry which the hon. Member contemplates.

Is the hon. Lady aware of the financial difficulties of local authorities, and, if so, what steps are being taken to solve this difficulty?

My right hon. Friend is fully aware of the difficulties of certain local authorities.

Does not the hon. Lady agree that de-rating was instituted because of the tremendous unemployment in the country, and that now that the Minister of Labour has solved the unemployment problem the Act becomes unnecessary?

I am afraid I cannot agree with that.

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the capacity of the camp schools in England; and how many children are at present using these modern boarding-schools?

The 30 camps now being used as schools have a maximum total accommodation for 8,500 children. The number of children in these camps at the beginning of this month was 6,191. It should be added that the accommodation was designed on the assumption that the camps would be used by relays of schoolchildren for short stays and that while there is still spare room, which my right hon. Friend would gladly see taken up by the local education authorities concerned, experience suggests that for prolonged occupation in winter it is advisable to limit the number of children in the camps to a figure considerably below the maximum indicated.

Is the present figure of 6,041 about the maximum figure?

No, Sir, I think there is room at the moment for about 1,000 additional children on the winter basis. My right hon. Friend and I are now in touch with the local education authorities. We are indicating that if education authorities cannot fill that winter accommodation, we may have to ask them to admit children from other areas who are willing to use the camps.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of attaching an officer to the department of the Red Cross organisation, dealing with prisoners of war, who would act as a liaison officer between that organisation and the War Office and be responsible for bringing to the notice of the authorities, financial and any other difficulties encountered, with a view to their being surmounted at the earliest possible moment?

The War Office maintains very close touch with the War Organisation of the British Red Cross Society and Order of St. John, and I do not think any advantage would be gained by attaching an officer to that body. Indeed, I can see some serious disadvan- tages in the possibility of prejudicing the non-governmental character of the Red Cross organisation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he intends to associate with the intensive campaign for the destruction of rabbits the elimination of sparrows, the depredations of which are estimated to cost the country annually the sum of £8,000,000?

No, Sir. The two pests unfortunately cannot be dealt with in the same way. My right hon. Friend has, however, delegated powers to Agricultural Executive Committees which enable them to take steps for the destruction of sparrows and other harmful birds.

While thanking the Minister for his informal answer, may I inquire whether any use is to be made hereafter of these destroyed sparrows?

Is the Minister prepared to accept the offer of the miners of Scotland to dispose of the rabbits free of charge?

That is not the question on the Order Paper. I should require notice of that.

Are there not some good rabbit-catchers among the miners?

I agree, because I was one of them when I was a miner.

asked the Prime Minister whether in order to expedite organisation for the successful prosecution of the war, he will consider forming a panel of Members of the House who can be appointed as unpaid additional under-secretaries to any Government Department where special problems require urgent decision, such appointments to be terminated when the particular work is completed?

I have been asked to reply. It has already been made clear that the Government are anxious that hon. Members who are desirous of assisting the national effort should be given every opportunity for so doing. I do not think, however, that my hon. Friend's proposal, which it would be undesirable to effect without legislation, would be a suitable one:: any difficulties such as are indicated in the Question can best be dealt with by other methods.

Will the Minister indicate the other methods which are going to speed up the very many urgent problems?

It is not possible to go into this matter by Question and answer.

May I have an assurance that all the problems upon which decisions are urgently needed will be dealt with absolutely at once? Is my right hon. Friend aware of the vast and wide experience of those in this House which is not being taken advantage of?

I think the length of that Question is almost equal to the length away from the subject of the original Question.

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in connection with his appeal to the public to surrender their binoculars, he is making arrangements to purchase the stock in the hands of retailers?

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will undertake that where the owner of a pair of binoculars, who hands them over free of charge for the use of the Armed Forces, has his name and address clearly stamped on the glasses every effort will be made to return the binoculars to their owner at the termination of hostilities, on the understanding that no compensation will be paid in any case in which the binoculars are not in tact so returned?

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will now make a statement on the stocks and acquisition of binoculars?

All the binocular manufacturing capacity in this country is employed solely on Government orders, and no new stocks are being supplied to retailers. Arrangements have been in progress for some time to purchase all suitable binoculars in the hands of retailers and dealers, who are given exhibition cards to show that all their suitable stocks have been sold to the Ministry and that those remaining are unsuitable. Where the owner of binoculars handed over free of charge has his name and address clearly marked on them, every effort will be made to return them to him at the termination of hostilities, on the understanding suggested by the hon. Member for Colchester (Mr. Lewis).

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that substantial quantities of scrap iron have not been collected from rural areas; what steps are being taken to collect it; and if all requisite steps are being taken by his Department to obtain the maximum result in the collection and the use of waste materials of all kinds?

Some 4,500 voluntary local committees have been formed to co-operate with the Iron and Steel Control for the purpose of organising the collection of scrap iron and steel in rural and semi-rural areas. Their efforts have already yielded substantial quantities of scrap, and it is expected that further large quantities will be forthcoming. As regards the last part of the Question, I think that all practicable steps are being taken, but I shall be glad to consider any further measures which my hon. Friend may suggest.

asked, the Minister of Supply whether h.6 has considered taking steps to render ineffective stipulations in fue contracts and other legal titles to property, requiring iron railings to be maintained around such property or the ground on which the buildings are placed, or around private gardens, in order to facilitate the collection of iron for salvage purposes since land superiors are insisting on these stipulations and preventing the removal of the railings?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has considered these legal difficulties, and he will certainly use his compulsory powers to overcome them if this becomes necessary. For the moment, however, voluntary surrender of railings is proceeding at a satisfactory rate.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I raised this matter on 1st August and that the fact that it has not been actively dealt with is resulting in the slowing-down of salvage work. Will he hasten these compulsory powers?

The flow is keeping in proper relation to the need, and we regard these as reserves which we can mobilise when required.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is satisfied with the activities of the National By-Products, Limited?

The company is carrying out its contractual obligations to the Ministry of Supply in a satisfactory manner.

Is my hon. Friend aware that this contract was drawn up before the war and that the prices now being paid are absurdly low? In the interest of security, as well as in the interest of the soldiers, the whole matter should be reviewed. A messing conference held recently were informed that the Government were unwilling to vary the contract.

The contract is one which is on a profit-sharing basis between the company and the troops, and on that basis it is very favourable. It would be a strong measure for the Government to break a contract which is legally binding.

Does my hon. Friend realise that the bonuses are paid only six monthly and that, if troops are sent abroad, they gain nothing out of them?

Under the contract after the payment of agreed profits three-quarters of the additional profits are returned and one-quarter is retained by the company. That seems a reasonable contract, and it would be a very strong measure to repudiate it by a unilateral decision.

If I furnish my hon. Friend with particulars, will he endeavour to have the matter looked into?

I shall be glad to give further consideration to any new points.

Is it not a fact that they have been furnished over and over again?

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that there is still a great deal of waste and that anything done to minimise it by making the benefit of the contract come to the troops is in the national interest?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (1) what steps he is taking to acquaint the public with the fact that, although the price of milk has been raised to the consumer, the farmer is receiving no benefit from the increase;

{2) whether he proposes to warn the public of the acute shortage of milk with which this country will be faced next winter unless the farmer, already faced with great difficulties, is offered an economic price for this vital product?

The recent rise in the retail price of milk is entirely due to the increased price guaranteed to farmers for the 12 months beginning 1st October, 1940. To meet the increased price to farmers it was not necessary to raise the retail price for a whole period of 12 months, and the rise in the retail price was, therefore, postponed to 1st December. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to her Question on 11th December, stating that my Noble Friend had given instructions for a detailed survey to be prepared of the milk supply position for the whole of the coming year. So soon as this is available he will, in consultation with the Minister of Agriculture, take all possible steps to safeguard and maintain supplies.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the milk supply is decreasing daily and is likely to decrease much further, that it is very difficult to keep the survey up-to-date, and that, unless the farmer is given a better price for his milk, it will not be there next winter?

The shortage is not entirely due to the uneconomic price. There was a very severe drought last autumn.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that at some factories using milk for manufacturing purposes large quantities of skimmed milk are wasted; and whether he will take steps to secure the prevention of this waste of a valuable product?

If my hon. Friend will inform me of any instances to which his attention has been drawn, I will have inquiries made immediately.

If I do, will the Minister take steps to stop this waste?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the Tact that old age pensioners are required to pay 4½d. a pint for milk, it is the intention of the Government to place an income limit upon those entitled to obtain cheap milk at 2d. a pint for their children under five years of age?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the fact that abuses of all kinds in connection with the free and cheap milk schemes have been reported to Captain J. D. Dunkley, the milk officer for Newcastle; that families with an income of £7 to £8 are obtaining it; that recipients were trading this milk to others and that cases existed where it had been given to animals; and whether he will investigate these charges with a view to remedial action?

I have been asked to reply. My Noble Friend's attention is called from time to time to alleged abuses of the National Milk Scheme, and whenever specific instances are brought to his notice full inquiries are made through the special staff of inspectors who have been appointed for this purpose. My Noble Friend desires me to take this opportunity of correcting the assumption existing in certain quarters that it is an abuse of the scheme for families with the scale of income he mentions to obtain milk at the cheap rate. There is no upward income limit to the provision of milk at the reduced price for nursing and expectant mothers and children under five years of age. The object of the National Milk Scheme is to ensure that those for whom milk is specially necessary on nutritional grounds are encouraged to consume the prescribed quantity of one pint per day, and my Noble Friend therefore does not intend to amend the National Milk Scheme in the manner suggested.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that on 21st ultimo at Wisbech police court, during the trial of alleged offences against the ration order, evidence was given that a young lady acting upon instructions in an unsigned circular letter from the Ministry (F.I.G./ENF 16) visited several shops with a ration card made out with a fictitious name and address with the object of tricking tradesmen into breaking the regulation; that she admitted her instructions were to pretend to be a normal genuine purchaser and to ask for a joint obviously in excess of the coupon ration; that the bench in imposing a nominal fine, deprecated the methods used as being contrary to British sense of justice; and, in view of the official promise that agents provocateurs would not be used, will he withdraw the circular and inform food officers not to use these methods in future?

In order to enforce the rationing law it is essential for the Ministry to employ representatives to obtain evidence when there are reasons to think that traders are breaking the law. My Noble Frend is, however, entirely opposed to any representative of his Department using methods of persuasion to induce tradesmen to break the law; in any case where these methods are used strong action would be taken. Unless the law, however, is properly enforced supplies of rationed foodstuffs will be unequally distributed. This my Noble Friend is not prepared to contemplate. I have not seen particulars of the case to which my hon. Friend refers, but I have asked for these and will communicate with him as soon as possible. I cannot, however, accept the description contained in his Question of the Ministry's circular. It contains nothing which could be regarded as an instruction to trick tradesmen into breaking the law.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the circular states that it will probably be convenient for books and cards to be issued in fictitious female names? Is that a proper procedure to adopt?

There is no other method by which people could obtain goods at shops where they are not known. It is unfortunate, but it is necessary. Strict instructions have been given that persuasion or pressure should not be used or appeals made to the sympathy of the shopkeeper.

As this took place in my constituency, though I was not consulted and knew nothing about the Question, may I ask whether the hon. and gallant Gentleman realises that the prosecutions were welcomed, though the methods by which they were instigated are deprecated?

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman guarantee that, when he employs ladies for this purpose, they shall not be of attractive appearance?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is now in a position to make some further statement regarding the Government proposals to introduce vitamin B1 into the bread supply to the public throughout the country?

Yes, Sir. An advisory committee, including scientists and representatives of the various trade and other interests involved, has been appointed for consultation on administrative and technical questions arising in connection with the introduction of synthetic vitamin B1 and calcium into white flour. The committee have held two meetings and made recommendations on numerous matters of principle and detail. At the same time negotiations have been proceeding with manufacturers and potential manufacturers of aneurin, with the result that I am able to confirm that it is expected that the distribution of fortified flour on a national scale will commence next spring.

Are we to understand that it is the Government's intention to adhere to the unpleasant idea of granting a monopoly to a single firm? I make no innuendoes and cast no aspersions, but if the Government have nothing to fear, they have nothing to hide. Why cannot we have a clear statement whether this monopoly is to be continued, as the matter needs clearing up?

The firm in question is the only firm at the moment in a position to produce at all, and although it is a monopoly it is not the same thing as the hon. Gentleman has in mind. Other firms are getting ready to produce, but at the moment there is only one firm. There is no question of the Government giving a monopoly to any particular firm.

What steps are being taken to restore the national health after it has suffered from the fortified bread and the pasteurised milk?

In view of the thoroughly unsatisfactory way in which this matter has been handled, I shall raise it at the earliest possible opportunity.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that at the time he is calling the nation's attention to the need of our food supplies, public luncheons are being held; and will he put a stop to the extra supplies of food involved, as the shortage of food is becoming more acute?

Yes, Sir, my Noble Friend has just announced that the supply of meat to catering establishments is being reduced by one-third as from 16th December. This reduction is certain to restrict greatly the quantity of meat for consumption at specially organised public luncheons, and additional supplies will not be authorised for that purpose.

While I am glad that efforts are being made to check this kind of thing, may I appeal to the Minister to urge Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament, when invited to address people, that public luncheons should be done away with at a time like this?

Speaking for myself, I should be very glad if they were done away with.

Why not abolish these public luncheons? Is the Minister aware that if people cannot get meat, they can get game or poultry? Is he aware also that these luncheons take up a lot of time of Cabinet Ministers and ruin their digestive apparatus, and that they talk a lot of nonsense?

I agree with the hon. Gentleman except with regard to the latter part of the Question. The whole question of catering is under discussion.

Would it not be a bad thing to close down public luncheons, as the Minister of Food would then lose opportunities of making his declarations?

Will the Minister recognise that whereas these subsidiary foods by themselves may not constitute a very large amount in total food value, the aggregate of all the subsidiary foods may require to be controlled so as to contribute to our total of food commodities?

That question is under discussion at the present time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why he announced the restriction on the import of canned fruit, which has led to hoarding and profiteering, before he applied the policy of rationing to these commodities.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the increase in retail price of canned fruits; what steps he proposes to take to control the distribution; and whether he will make price control effective at once.

My Noble Friend proposes to introduce a maximum price Order for canned fruits. He has no evidence that the recent announcement in regard to the restriction of these imports has led to hoarding or profiteering on any large scale, but he is having inquiry made with a view to considering what further appropriate action is necessary.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that when a public announcement of this kind is made the obvious course for the consumer is immediately to get supplies, with the result that in this case there was a rush on the retailers, many of them were sold out in 24 hours and the price was raised? If an announcement of this kind is to be made, ought not action to be taken immediately after?

That is not always possible. It is not always the case that an announcement of price control makes prices go up. If I may mention onions once more, the announcement of the control brought the price down before the order was brought out.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the widespread preference for bananas rather than oranges and the much higher food-value of bananas over that of oranges, he will consider raising the ban on the importation of bananas and, if necessary, replacing it by a ban on the importation of oranges.

No, Sir. My Noble Friend is satisfied that from the nutritional point of view oranges are in the present circumstances more important than bananas.

Is the Minister aware that this matter is one of great concern on the Clyde, where there is a serious lack of canteen facilities, and will he consider the matter from that point of view?

As far as bananas are concerned, the ban cannot be reconsidered because other uses must be found for the ships that carried them.

As the question of substitutes comes in, will the Minister look at it from that point of view and from the point of view of canteen facilities?

Certainly, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the decline of employment in the Stanley, county Durham area, upon which the district is almost wholly dependent, it has been decided to authorise the erection in that area of one of the factories for the conversion of potatoes into animal feeding-stuffs, particularly as this crop can be successfully grown in North Eastern counties and upon land which may not be suitable for other crops?

No, Sir; in selecting sites for potato drying factories, my Noble Friend has had regard principally to the areas in which a surplus of potatoes is most likely to occur. The county of Durham was considered but rejected as less suitable than the six localities which have been chosen.

Can the Minister indicate other directions in which his Ministry may be concerned that will help to alleviate unemployment in county Durham?

That is another question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the cases in last Sunday night's air raid on London in which the whereabouts of entrapped people were only discovered by a faint tapping, and of other cases in earlier raids where the use of whistles proved effective in guiding the rescuers, he will reconsider his previous refusal to recommend the carrying of whistles by persons living in dangerous areas and will ensure a larger supply on the market of whistles or of other small instruments for producing a penetrating noise, seeing that whistles are now unobtainable in most shops?

For the reason given in my reply of 19th November, my right hon. Friend is unable to make the general recommendation suggested by the hon. Lady.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the reasons given were completely inconsistent, one being that the whistle would lead the rescuers to depend on it and the other that the rescuers were thoroughly well trained? While no rescuer who was not a fool, whether trained or untrained, would think there were no people entrapped because he did not hear a whistle, does my hon. Friend realise that the use of whistles has actually proved effective?

This is a practical operational point which has been carefully considered. The question whether, if whistles were provided, they could be heard or could be used has been examined, and in many cases it has been shown that they could not be used. The great danger, if a general instruction were made, is that it might be presumed that if there were no whistle, there were no trapped casualties. In many cases which have been examined it has been found that the reports that casualties had been left were rumours which were unfounded. These rescue parties, who are engaged in work of a depressing and difficult character, are behaving with great gallantry and skill, and I have seen how carefully they examine the cases where there is any doubt. At present in London no case is left unless the Controller himself gives the word that no trapped casualties are left. This is a practical operational point which has not been decided without careful consideration.

asked the Home Secretary how many persons of enemy origin, now in internment camps, have been released, refused release, and not yet dealt with, distinguishing, if possible, between those released under the various categories and giving separate figures or at least separate totals for those who are interned in Canada and Australia?

According to the latest available statistics, the release has been authorised of approximately 8,700 persons of enemy origin, including 94 in Canada and 37 in Australia. Approximately 6,500 applications for release have been refused as not satisfying the conditions laid down in the White Paper. Many internees have applied successively under different categories, and it is accordingly not possible to say how many cases have not yet been dealt with. Apart from applications which have been referred to tribunals or advisory committees, the number of applications for release now under consideration in the Home Office is very small. My right hon. Friend circulated in yesterday's Official Report, in reply to a Question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for North Lambeth (Mr. G. Strauss), a statement showing the numbers released under the several categories.

Will the hon. Gentleman look into the problem of internees who are friendly aliens and have joined His Majesty's Forces, but whose wives are still interned in the Isle of Man?

Certainly I will.