asked the president of the Board of Trade whether he will consider, under the Limitation of Supplies (Miscellaneous) Order, 1940, exempting from a manufacturer's quota and the quota of the retail trade in sports goods, such snorting equipment as may be required and delivered to the services when duly authenticated by the commanding officer of the unit, as the present arrangements give the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes an unrestricted monopoly and the taxpaying trader has no opportunity of competing and so helping the revenue of the country, and maintenance of the local sports outfitter in business?

My right hon. Friend is discussing with the Service Departments the points raised by my hon. Friend, and will let him know, in due course, of the outcome of these discussions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to prevent the supply of sports equipment to the services becoming the monopoly of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes, he will give instructions that orders for service requirements placed through a retailer and duly authenticated by the commanding officer of the unit placing the order are not to be reckoned against a manufacturer's home trade quota of supply to the retailer?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to-day to the hon. Member for Newport (Sir R. Clarry).

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements are made for the formation of small bands in regiments or regimental sections which are without them and which would be glad to have them for diversion and entertainment in the coming winter; and whether he has considered making an appeal for the necessary instruments?

Units can form small bands for entertainment purposes, and a number have already done so. A large number of musical instruments have been distributed by the Services Musical Instruments Fund, and we are considering how best to meet further demands.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many members of the non-combatant corps are at a camp of which he has been informed; how many of them are entitled to seven days' leave each three months; how many to seven days each six months or more only; and why there is this difference in regard to leave?

As regards the first part of the Question, I do not think it would be desirable to give figures. As regards leave, as was stated in answer to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke. (Mr. E. Smith) on 12th November last, all ranks after three months' service are eligible for seven days' privilege leave at such intervals as the exigencies of the Service admit; and this applies to the Non-Combatant Corps equally with the rest of the Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) what becomes of rations which have been indented for by regimental quartermasters and which are not used by the troops for whom they are intended and which will not keep;

(2) when company sergeant-majors draw the normal amount of rations, which are subsequently not consumed by men taken ill, or allowed to remain in bed, or disinclined to eat, what becomes of the surplus food which is thus not needed?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 18th December.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether information regarding British prisoners of war in Germany could be published for the benefit of relatives in the daily Press?

I am considering whether my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion can be usefully adopted.

asked the Secretary of State for Burma whether, in view of its extreme importance to British trade, he will consult with the Burmese Government as to the desirability of preparing, at all events, the earthworks of the railway from Lashio to the Burmese frontier to join up with the Chinese railway from that spot to Yunnan?

My information is that whereas the Chinese authorities have completed a survey up to the Burma frontier, actual construction in China is still some hundreds of miles short of the frontier. The construction required in Burma would not be merely of simple earthworks but would consist of over 100 miles of engineering work through mountainous country including a major bridge of over 500 foot span across the Salween River. The difficult questions involved in the problem of a railway connection between Burma and China are now under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings what steps are being taken to protect the Rubens paintings in the banqueting hall at Whitehall?

Steps were taken before the outbreak of war to protect this ceiling from incendiary bombs. A short while ago work began on the dismantling of the ceiling, and the panels are to be removed to safe storage.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the tribunal recommended some British-born wives of alien subjects for release three months ago and that they are still in the Isle of Man camp; and will he explain the reason why?

If my hon. Friend will send me particulars to enable me to identify the cases which he has in mind, I will gladly look into them. The object of the review which is being made of women who were interned is to enable me to decide which of them can safely be released, and a number have been released.

asked the Home Secretary what is the position of the internees whose release was granted on condition that they emigrated within four weeks and who have failed to obtain accommodation; and are they liable to be re-interned?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 18th December to a Question by the hon. Member for the English Universites (Miss Rathbone).

asked the Home Secretary whether a decision has by now been reached regarding the position of the wives of internees in Australia who have been waiting for weeks to join their husbands?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement on the subject. I am still in consultation with the Australian Government.

asked the Home Secretary Whether any particular research or inquiry has been made into the possibility of constructing effective air-raid shelters in the chalk strata running from the Eastern counties towards the South-West and passing near to Southern London; whether further tunnelling for air-raid shelters is now proceeding satisfactorily; and whether he has any estimate of the number of persons sheltering in tunnels and tubes in the London area?

In a recent circular, of which I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend, it was intimated that local authorities might in suitable circumstances formulate proposals for tunnel shelters in hills. Work in connection with additions to the London tube shelters has begun. I am sending to my hon. Friend information as to the numbers of persons using the London tube system for night shelter.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will define the attitude of local civil defence committees towards street fire patrols formed by neighbours; whether they are entitled to any equipment; and whether they are to be recognised as part of the civil defence organisation?

I am not clear exactly what parties my hon. Friend has in mind. There is a number of different arrangements in force. So far as volunteer parties formed by neighbours are concerned, I am most anxious that they should be widely developed and that local authorities should do all in their power to encourage them and assist their training. They are not part of the official Civil Defence organisation, but arrangements are in hand for making further stirrup pumps available for them.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that auxiliary firemen serving full-time at Ruislip since commencement of the war have not yet been issued with uniforms; and will he take steps to see that suitable clothing is issued without further delay or that allowances are paid for replacement of their own clothing now worn out?

I am informed that with the exception of three men in whose case there were difficulties of fitting, all the whole-time auxiliary firemen in the Ruislip-Northwood Urban District Council Fire Brigade have been issued with uniform, and uniforms will be issued to the three men referred to as soon as they are received from the manufacturers.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the experience of recent air-raids, he will reconsider the functions of regional commissioners, endow them with wider executive powers, increase their responsibility in matters relating to industrial reorganisation, health, labour and education, and provide them with staff appropriate to such functions and powers?

The Departments responsible for the matters referred to by my hon. Friend already have representatives in the regions with appropriate staff who are ready to assist and advise the Regional Commissioners in the discharge of their duties for the co-ordination of Civil Defence plans. In times of stress due to enemy action I should expect the Regional Commissioners to take a wide view of their responsibility for co-ordinating the work of Departments, local authorities and other bodies concerned with the restoration of normal activity in the area, but for that purpose it is not necessary to extend their functions or add to their powers.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has now looked into the circumstances of the case of Mr. F. W. O. White, of Nottingham, detained under Section 18B of the Defence Regulations, on 3rd June; and whether he is aware that although Mr. White lodged an appeal within 10 days of his arrest nearly four months elapsed before he was brought before the Home Office Advisory Committee?

Yes, Sir. I have decided to revoke the Order for this man's detention and have given instructions for his release.

asked the Home (Secretary under what authority Richard Weininger is detained; what nationality he holds; and whether the object of his detention is to control his activities here or to prevent him leaving this country?

This alien is a national of Czechoslovakia. His detention was ordered on security grounds under Article 12 (5A) of the Aliens Order, and I regret that in replying to a Supplementary Question last week I inadvertently referred to him as being detained under Defence Regulation 18B. He was detained for the purpose for controlling his activities generally, and not merely for the purpose of preventing him from leaving this country.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give an assurance that arrangements will be made, before Christmas, for meetings between wives and husbands detained under Section 18B; and that these meetings will continue at regular intervals thereafter?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I have given to-day to a Question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Lewes (Rear-Admiral Beamisn).

asked the Home Secretary when a decision will be taken with regard to the detention of No. 90175 D. S. Lawley who was arrested under Regulation 18B, on 3rd June, and appeared before the Advisory Committee on 13th August?

I have already authorised the release of this man.

asked the Home Secretary whether any decisions have been taken and, if so, on what dates, with regard to the detention of No. 90144 A. W. Scott and Mr. J. C. Preen, who were detained under Regulation 18B on 19th June and 1st June respectively, and appeared before the Advisory Committee on 27th August and about the begining of August?

I have decided that I should not be justified in authorising the release of either of these men.

asked the Home Secretary whether the military and other official services are granted permission, or are otherwise authorised, to have more intense headlights on motor-cars than the masked headlights permitted to civilians; and will he permit the same arrangements to be made for doctors, so as to reduce the difficulties when using their motorcars at night for emergency or urgent calls on patients?

Vehicles used for the purpose of His Majesty's Forces are exempted from the regulations contained in the Lighting Order, and are permitted to use any lights required or authorised by the instructions of the Service Department concerned. Vehicles used for the purpose of other official services are subject to the regulations contained in the Order. I am unable to agree that cars used by doctors should be exempted from the regulations, but as I pointed out in replying to a Question by the hon. Member for Stafford (Mr. Thorneycroft), the recent concession enabling motorists to continue to use their masked headlight after the air-raid warning should be of considerable value to doctors.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received a report from the committee headed by the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs which recently visited the reception areas to investigate the problems of evacuation in those areas; if he proposes to publish their report; and will he make a statement on the matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to a Question on this subject on 5th December. The report of the committee will not be completed until they have concluded their visit to one of the regions which is taking place this week. When the report is presented, it will be published.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that certain evacuees sent to a northern area recently, arrived in a deplorable condition and what other authorities or departments other than the Ministry of Health were concerned in the evacuation of those children to the reception areas?

No, Sir. I have asked my hon. and gallant Friend to let me have particulars which would enable me to identify the party to which he refers, and as soon as I receive them I will make inquiries.

asked the Minister of Health how many women officers he has appointed to assist in dealing with the welfare problems among the evacuees in the reception areas?

Seventeen Regional Welfare Officers, all of whom are women, have been appointed to the staffs of the Regional Offices of my Department, and three more are being selected for appointment to-day. These appointments include a larger number of officers in the Regions where the number of evacuees is highest; thus in each of Regions Nos. 4, 6 and 7 (with headquarters at Cambridge, Reading and Bristol respectively) three welfare officers have been appointed, all of whom except one are already at work. They are all women with special training and experience in this type of work. In addition, the services of the Insurance Inspectorate are being utilised from time to time in connection with welfare problems in the reception areas. Of a total Inspectorate of just over 600, 264 are women.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the difficulty of those undertakings which manufacture producer-gas in obtaining adequate quantities of the right kind of coal to maintain their production at the maximum; and whether, in view of the desirability of doing everything possible to produce in this country fuels to take the place of imported oil, he will arrange to improve the situation in this respect at the earliest opportunity and especially to consult with the Minister of Transport, with a view to providing the necessary transport facilities?

I am aware of the difficulty which some undertakings have had in obtaining deliveries of adequate supplies of coal suitable for the manufacture of producer-gas and I am in consultation with my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Transport on the matter.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that Bristol is much nearer to supplies of coal than many other places, the city is in fact obtaining its supplies from such sources or from elsewhere?

I have been asked to reply. While some adjustment of the kind suggested in the Question has already been made in order to reduce transport, it must be recognised that the coal requirements of this part of the country could not be wholly met from local sources either as regards quantity or quality.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is yet in a position to announce the future price of white bread and wholemeal bread?

Yes, Sir. My Noble Friend has decided to make an Order to prevent any increase taking place in the price of bread for a period of at least three months. He is, however, satisfied, as a result of a costing investigation conducted by the Ministry's Director of Costings, that in those parts of Great Britain where household bread is being sold below 8½d. per quartern or 4 lb. loaf, the increase, which has taken place since the outbreak of war, in the bakers' costs of production and distribu- tion would justify raising the price by ½d. per quartern. As, however, such an increase in the price of bread would mean a substantial addition to the cost of living, especially to poorer families, my Noble Friend has decided that the necessary adjustment should be secured by a rebate in the price of flour to the bakers concerned instead of an increase in the retail price of the loaf. The Ministry of Food will, therefore, be prepared to arrange for a reduction to be made of 4s. per sack, which is equivalent to ½d. per quartern loaf, as from 1st December to all bakers in Great Britain in respect of bread made by them and sold by retail at 8d. per quartern or less. It will be granted, in the first instance, for three months, during which period the cost is estimated at £750,000. The baking industry have given my Noble Friend an assurance that bread made from high-extraction flour, that is, flour containing not less than 85 per cent. of the wheat berry, will continue to be on sale throughout the country at the same price as white bread and in sufficient quantity to meet the local demand. High-extraction, or wholemeal bread will be eligible for the subsidy on the same terms as white bread.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is proposed to prohibit the importation of grapefruit; and whether he can give a list of those fruits whose importation it is now definitely intended to prohibit?

In order to divert shipping space to more essential war purposes, my Noble Friend has decided to discontinue for the present the loading of all fresh fruits except oranges and a small quantity of lemons and grapefruit. The importation of all foods is, however, subject to constant review in the light of changing circumstances.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food how he justifies the arrangements made by his Department, which recently purchased a cargo of lemons, selling them to the wholesale trade for distribution at a price which represented a serious loss when sold at the control price, also fixed by his Department; and will he take steps to prevent any further such actions calculated to disappoint the public, and cause grave apprehension generally?

My hon. Friend appears to have been misinformed. The maximum wholesale price prescribed by the Order provides a reasonable margin over the maximum price on a first-hand sale by the Ministry to cover the wholesale merchant's costs of distribution and allow him a fair profit on the transaction. The prices were fixed after consultation with the representatives of the trade interests concerned, and my Noble Friend has received no complaints which would support my hon. Friend's suggestion that they are unfair to the wholesale section of the trade.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the great concern which is felt by mothers, and persons in charge of babies and young children, owing to the decision to discontinue the importation of bananas; and whether he can make any arrangements for the continued supply of a quantity of bananas to be reserved for the use of young children?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply yesterday to a Question on this subject by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Greenock (Mr. R. Gibson).

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that there is still much uneasiness about the cruel practice of piercing or cutting pigs ears; and can he hold out any hope of some better method of identification?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply on 10th December to my hon. Friend the Member for Newton (Sir R. Young).

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, with a view to economy and ease of administration, he will consider the advisability of making the potato subsidy payable through the channels of any recognised trade association?

Arrangements for the payment of the potato subsidy to fish friers are already completed, and working satisfactorily. My Noble Friend is satisfied that no increased economy or efficiency would be obtained by adopting my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether be is aware that every one of the 80 cows killed in the Glasgow area during the last week of November, 1940, was in calf, most of the calves being in such an advanced stage that they could be skinned; and what action has he taken, or does he propose to take, to prevent such waste in the future?

My inquiries do not substantiate my hon. Friend's suggestion. The instructions to certifying authorities at collecting centres are that any animal which in their opinion is pregnant should not be accepted for purchase for slaughter unless they are satisfied that the condition of the animal is such that slaughter is necessary. It is impossible for certifying authorities to ascertain whether an animal is in calf unless it has reached a fairly advanced stage of pregnancy. The 19 cows found to be heavily in calf were graded at the following centres:

It is well recognised that circumstances frequently arise (e.g. defective udder) which render it necessary to slaughter pregnant cows.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the manner in which both eggs and onions were controlled has had the effect of cutting out the wholesaler and preventing a fair share of supplies reaching the large urban areas; and what steps he is taking to prevent this in future?

The object of the egg control scheme is to direct a fair proportion of eggs through wholesalers to the large urban areas, and from information in his possession my Noble Friend is of opinion that this is being achieved. The scheme was drawn up in consultation with representatives of all the interests concerned, including wholesalers, but my Noble Friend will of course be glad to consider any suggestions for its improvement. As regards onions, the Ministry of Food is arranging for such supplies of imported onions as can be brought to this country to be consigned to the ports from which imports of this class are normally distributed. It is expected that this will correct any such tendency as my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is satisfied that he is utilising to the full the exportable supplies of foodstuffs from Eire?

Yes, Sir. Supplies of essential foodstuffs such as livestock, dairy produce, bacon and eggs are being purchased from Eire to the fullest extent possible, having regard to the question of cost.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the public interest caused by his recent announcement regarding food hoarding, he will define more clearly what he considers constitutes hoarding; whether he regards the accumulation of stocks of food, made before the war at the request of the Government, as hoarding; and what action he expects the owners of these stocks to take regarding them?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the recent warning issued to food-hoarders is intended to apply to persons who, acting on the advice given by the Government before the outbreak of war, have maintained a reasonable reserve of food supplies in their homes as a safeguard against future emergencies?

I am sending to each of my hon. Friends a copy of the Acquisition of Food (Excessive Quantities) Order, 1939, which regulates the question of the accumulation of stocks of food by private individuals for their own consumption. This Order was designed so as to exclude from its scope reasonable reserves of foodstuffs accumulated by householders in accordance with the advice given by Ministers before the outbreak of war. This Order is, however, applicable to persons who purchase more than their current requirements now, and it was to these persons and to any food traders who may supply them that my Noble Friend has given a warning that they are breaking the law.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that complaints of overcharging in the Richmond, Yorkshire, area are being made; and will he instruct one of his inspectors to visit the district?

My Noble Friend has not received any specific complaints regarding the price being charged for foodstuffs in Richmond, Yorkshire, and it is desirable that any such complaints should be addressed in the first instance:

( a ) As regards infringements of Maximum Price Orders to the Richmond Food Control Committee; and

( b ) As regards uncontrolled foodstuffs to the Northern Region Food Price Investigation Committee, Kildale, Clayton Road, Jesmond, Newcastle-on-Tyne.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that in the present shortage of eggs some retailers are refusing to supply to others than registered Customers for the supply of rationed foodstuffs; whether this selective and conditional trading is approved by his Department; and whether, in view of the prohibition on conditional sales of foodstuffs generally, he will issue some order in the matter for the guidance and protection of those concerned?

Yes, Sir. My Noble Friend issued an Order on 19th November, of which I am sending my hon. and learned Friend a copy, which has the effect of permitting retainers to reserve stocks of certain unrationed foodstuffs for their registered customers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that, in areas where there has been since the war a substantial increase in population, retailers have a difficulty in supplying the public with certain non-rationed foodstuffs; and will he take steps to remedy this by diverting to these areas supplies not required in places from which there has been a large-scale evacuation?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool (Mr. R. Robinson) on 3rd December, in reply to a similar Question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what abuses have been reported or detected in the free or cheap milk distribution system; and whether he can make a statement on the subject?

My Noble Friend's attention is drawn from time to time to alleged abuses of the national milk scheme and these are investigated by a special staff of inspectors. It would not, however, be in the public interest to specify the abuses which have been reported.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that rations for the Navy, Army and Air Force stationed in Northern Ireland are not at present purchased in the various localities where sailors, troops and airmen are stationed; and whether he will take steps to see that this is done in future?

Fresh produce for His Majesty's Forces is obtained from local sources whenever this course is practicable and economical, but it is not possible to confine the purchase of all foods to the localities where the men are stationed. Tinned and dried provisions are purchased in bulk for the whole Navy, and supplies are drawn from reserves held in various parts of the United Kingdom. In the case of the Army and the Air Force the sources from which food is provided vary with a number of different factors and it is essential that, apart from questions of quantity and economy, the supply system should be elastic. If my hon. and gallant Friend will inform me of any particular case where local fresh produce available in the necessary quantity and quality and at economical prices, is not being utilised for the Forces, I will look into the matter.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied with the arrangements made at Crewe station for conveying information to passengers?

Yes, Sir. There are 90 loudspeakers in use for the purpose at this station.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that owing to lack of wagons and congestion on the railways there is a growing shortage of coal in Bristol; that, although local brickyards are closed or working short time, bricks are being brought by railway from the London area to Bristol; and will he take steps to stop the waste caused by this unnecessary traffic in order to release wagons for coal?

As my hon. Friend is aware, the improvement of the supply of coal to Bristol is under close examination at the present time with a view to such emergency measures being taken as may be found to be necessary and practicable. As regards the latter part of the Question, I am making inquiries and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any of the special trains it is expected will be run for the transport of coal are to be reserved for Bournemouth?

I will consult my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines and communicate with my hon Friend

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare what steps he is taking to prevent German exports being sent to Switzerland, and re-exported labelled as Swiss manufactures?

All exports from Switzerland which pass through the British control must be covered by certificates of origin and interest, or by export passes issued by the British Consuls in Switzerland. Each application is carefully examined by the Consul who, in case of doubt, refers it for decision to the Ministry of Economic Warfare.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare what authorities, other than his Department, are empowered to grant navicerts; and whether he is satisfied that in each case the officials concerned take adequate trouble to satisfy themselves about the ultimate destination of the goods?

His Majesty's representatives abroad are only authorised to issue navicerts to cover goods for the personal use of members of neutral Diplomatic Missions within the navicert area, and also to cover goods shipped to the International Red Cross at Geneva for distribution to prisoners of war. In all other cases navicert applications must be submitted to the Ministry of Economic Warfare which refers all cases of difficulty or importance to the Contraband Committee. No navicert is granted where there is any doubt as to the ultimate destination of the goods.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any minimum was fixed by his Department in the permitted decrease in the size and/or tobacco content of cigarettes sold by the carton or box; and, if not, what steps he intends to take in the matter?

No, Sir. I have no reason to think that the size of any cigarette has been reduced to the disadvantage of the public, but I shall be glad to consider any evidence which my hon. and gallant Friend may have in his possession.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now satisfied that in all works engaged upon vital munitions production arrangements have been made for works warnings which will only become operative when danger is imminent so that loss of production may be reduced to a minimum?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the full answer I gave on this subject on 11th December in reply to his similar Question.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the grievances of a number of men who have been transferred under Government instructions for employment in districts distant from their homes without receiving the advantages of the Government scheme for alleviating the loss thereby occasioned; and if he is prepared to make a statement thereon?

I understand that this Question relates to the application of the scheme for making grants in aid of the removal expenses of transferred workers. This scheme came into operation on 4th September and enabled such grants to be made under certain defined conditions. In order to make such a scheme administratively practicable it was necessary to limit it to removals occurring after the date of operation and though I recognise that this leads to anomalies in certain cases I regret that I cannot see my way to make the scheme retrospective.

asked the Minister without Portfolio what has been the result of the investigation of the Area Board for South Wales in making use of unused factories in West Wales; what number of new industries or factories have commenced; what are the prospects of future activities; have any reports been issued by the Area Board and are they available for use; how many meetings have been held; and have they consulted any local owners or workmen, or any local authorities, and, if so, in what area?

The Committee of the Area Board for Wales, which is investigating the uses to which unused factories in West Wales might be put, only began its work at the beginning of December. It is not confining its attention to West Wales only, and it is considering other questions besides the use of unused factories. It has met twice, and its deliberations involve considerable preparatory work which necessarily involves consultation with local persons and bodies interested. The Committee has not yet reported on the utilisation of factories in West Wales, but when a report is received I shall communicate with my hon. Friend. The report will have to be submitted to the Departments concerned be- fore new industrial activities can be started in consequence

asked the Minister of Labour how many men trained in Government centres are now in receipt of unemployment benefit; and in what trades these unemployed were trained?

I regret that this information is not available. I can, however, say that practically all the men trained at Government training centres are placed in employment as they complete their courses.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will publish a list of those towns where cinemas may be open on Sundays only for the admission of soldiers and their friends, and from which the general public are barred?

The conditions under which Sunday opening of cinemas is allowed are within the discretion of the licensing authority and I regret that I have no information as to the places where a condition such as that to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers has been imposed.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consult with the Law Officers and Service Ministers with a view to introducing legislation designed to protect from punishment by a civil court members of His Majesty's Forces who, while on sentry duty, open fire in accordance with their standing orders; and whether he will make a statement to clarify the present position?

The question whether a sentry who opens fire has acted lawfully or not must depend on the facts and circumstances of the particular case, but I can assure my hon. Friend that a sentry causing death or injury when acting in good faith under orders reasonably framed is not likely to be in jeopardy of punishment under the criminal law. No amendment of the law appears to be required.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the cost of replacing household or business effects damaged or destroyed by enemy action is greatly increased by the imposition of the Purchase Tax; and will he take appropriate action to exempt such replacements from this tax?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 5th December to my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr. Liddall).

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury for what reason, having regard to the fact that materials used for making horse-clothing are exempt from Purchase Tax, certain materials which are used for lining horse-collars are subjected to that tax; and whether, in view of the fact that a horse-collar is rightly described as horse-clothing, he Will arrange to have this anomaly rectified forthwith?

As I stated in my reply on the 12th to the hon. Member for Gillingham (Sir R. Gower) materials used for lining horse-collars cannot be distinguished from those used for other purposes. Other materials used for making other parts of horse clothing may happen to be free of tax but that is no reason why everything worn by a horse should be exempted.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that where an unregistered wholesaler buys goods from a registered manufacturer and sells such goods to registered wholesalers, the Purchase Tax on these goods is paid twice, and whether, as the charging of this double Purchase Tax is contrary to the intention of Parliament, he will have it investigated and an effective remedy applied?

I am aware that such representations have been made. The position of the small unregistered wholesaler is very similar to that of the small unregistered manufacturer who uses taxable materials and I would accordingly refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on the 3rd December to my hon. Friend the Member for North East Bethnal Green (Mr. Chater).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will exempt from the Purchase Tax lamps, other than safety lamps, and other personal working equipment which the miner has to provide out of his own pocket?

No, Sir. I would refer to the answer which I gave to a similar Question by the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher) on 3rd December.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider some method whereby officers and men who have served in the ranks and have qualified for commissions can obtain their uniforms at a figure which excludes the amount of the Purchase Tax due, in view of the fact that officers cannot get through ordnance all the uniform and equipment they require; and whether it is proposed to charge an additional sum equivalent to the Purchase Tax on such uniform and equipment, etc., which is obtainable by officers from ordnance stores?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War gave on 12th November to Questions on this subject by my hon. Friends the Members for Knutsford (Sir E. Makins) and for Balham and Tooting (Mr. Doland). I regret that I could not agree to the exemption of officers' uniforms from the Purchase Tax.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the allowance from public funds to young officers in the services to purchase their outfit is already inadequate; and if, in view of the increase in costs owing to the incidence of the Purchase Tax, he will permit service equipment to be purchased free of tax?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I have given to-day to a Question on this subject by my hon. Friend the Member for Abingdon (Sir R. Glyn).

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the sum to which claims for compensation amount for hotels, flats, offices, garages and similar buildings which have been commandeered for Government or civil defence purposes; and the amount which has up to the present been paid in satisfaction of such claims?

I regret that the information for which my hon. Friend asks is not immediately available, and could not be obtained without an unjustifiable expenditure of time and labour.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what means skilled workmen, whose tools of trade have been destroyed by enemy action, can get them replaced?

If the income of the claimant is less than £400 (if he has dependants) or less than £250 if he has no dependants, he should apply to the nearest office of the Assistance Board for a grant under the scheme described by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in his statement on 5th September.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the importance of enabling industry to undertake extensions necessary for war purposes, he will consider the grant of an allowance to traders for the purposes of Income Tax and National Defence Contributions in respect of the exceptional depreciation of buildings, plant and machinery which are necessary to meet the demands made upon their businesses under war conditions, but will no longer be required after the war?

I have had this matter under careful consideration, and I think that, in view of its importance in connection with arrangements for war-time expansion of businesses, the circumstances warrant an anticipation of my Budget statement. I have decided to propose in my next year's Budget, as a war-time measure, an allowance for the purposes of Income Tax and National Defence Contribution which will, broadly speaking, be on the lines of that granted for the purposes of Excess Profits Tax under Rule 3 of Part 1 of the Seventh Schedule to the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1939, and will be available to all traders whether liable to Excess Profits Tax or not. The allowance which will be measured by the exceptional depreciation in so far as it is borne by the trader, will like the existing E.P.T. allowance be applicable to buildings, plant and machinery provided after 1st January, 1937, and will be given from the same date as that allowance. This extension to Income Tax and National Defence Contribution of the existing Excess Profits Tax allowance will ensure that any loss which a trading concern may incur from erecting new factories that are necessary for the war effort but may not be required at the end of the war, will be allowed for in the taxation of the profits of the business.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the ordinary Income Tax rules of assessment apply to barristers; and what is the position of a barrister whose practice has not been discontinued but whose earnings have been substantially diminished owing to the war?

Yes, Sir. The ordinary Income Tax rates of assessments apply to barristers. A barrister whose practice has not been discontinued but whose earnings have been substantially diminished owing to the war is entitled like other individuals to claim relief under Section 11 of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1939, and Section 23 of the Finance Act, 1940.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury will inaugurate a fund from French assets to assist British traders who are faced with loss owing to the seizure on the high seas, at the time of the French capitulation, of goods consigned to our former ally, in order to prevent their capture by the enemy?

If the goods in question were consigned to the French Government, or a Government Mission or Groupement, payment would fall to 'be made to the British consignor from the French Liquidation Account in sterling at the contract price. This procedure does not however apply to goods supplied to France on private account. A trader who has suffered loss in that way may apply to the Enemy Trade Debts Committee under the chairmanship of Sir Nigel Campbell for an advance if he can show that non-payment of the debt is prejudicing the export trade. Otherwise his remedy is to register his claim with the Finance Department of the Board of Trade for such action as may be possible after the war. French assets in this country are subject to the Trading with the Enemy Custodian Order, 1939, and His Majesty's Government are not prepared to release any part of them to any particular class of creditors in advance of a general settlement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the public dissatisfaction at the recent mint medals, especially the George Medal; whether the Master of the Mint is guided by expert opinion of the consultative committee in selecting designs; whether the committee meets at regular intervals; and who are the present members of the committee?

I am not aware of any dissatisfaction such as that suggested in the Question. Illustrations of the model of the George Medal which have appeared in the Press have been favourably received: the Medal itself has not yet been struck. Formal meetings of the Advisory Committee of the Royal Mint have not been found practicable in present circumstances, but advice is obtained as far as possible from individual members who are available for consultation.

The present members of the committee are:

Mr. J. H. McC. Craig, C.B. (Chairman).

The Earl of Crawford and Balcarres.

Sir Kenneth Clark, K.C.B.

Major the Rt. Hon. Sir Alexander Hardinge, G.C.V.O., K.C.B., M.C.

Sir George Hill, K.C.B.

Mr. Percy Hague Jowett, A.R.C.A.

Mr. Gilbert Led ward, R.A.

Sir Eric Maclagan, C.B.E.

Sir Cecil Harcourt Smith, K.C.V.O.

Sir Gerald Woods Wollaston, K.C.B., K.C.V.O., Garter.

Mr. James Woodford, A.R.A.

Mr. G. Grey Wornum, F.R.I.B.A.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the importance of the printed word in formulating public opinion, he will consider the advisability of insisting that the real names of shareholders in newspapers and not the names of nominees, be registered?

I cannot add to the answer which was given on 28th May to the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes). It was then stated that the question of nominee shareholding had been noted for consideration when the amendment of the Companies Act, 1929, was under review, but that there was no prospect of any such review being undertaken in present circumstances.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, for the purposes of allotments, he has taken power to requisition land held by the speculative builder; and whether he proposes to exercise such power?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I gave to a precisely similar Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth (Sir L. Lyle) on 12th December.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what facilities have recently been arranged to enable farmers to obtain, quickly and adequately, credits from the joint stock banks so that they can fully play their part in the essential task of food production in this country?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statements made during the Debate on the Second Reading of the Consolidated Fund (No. 3) Bill on the 22nd October and to my replies to my hon. Friend the Member for Evesham (Mr. De la Bere) on the I9th November and to the hon. Member for Bridgwater (Mr. Bartlett) on 28th November.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in order to encourage the production of food in this country, he is prepared to make arrangements for farmers to obtain credit at a low rate of interest, say 2 per cent.?

I cannot adopt the hon. and gallant Member's proposal and would refer him for the reasons to the discussion during the Adjournment Debate on 18th July.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state the number of craters in agricultural land filled in by members of the fighting forces in the county of Kent?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give the number of bomb craters in Hampshire in agricultural land filled in by members of the fighting forces?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what extra acreage will be required in this country to give each civilian an opportunity of buying onions in 1941; and what advice on the subject he has given to potential growers?

It is practicable to provide home-produced onions from September to April in any year. In order that a normal supply may be made available during that period in 1941 it is estimated that some 14,000 additional acres must be grown. County war agricultural executive committees have been instructed to advise growers to plant additional acreage up to this amount, and special arrangements have been made to purchase on Government account stocks of seed to permit of this increase. Technical advice to growers will be provided through the normal channel of the county agricultural education service.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will give an estimate of the total administrative costs of the proposed rationing scheme for animal feeding-stuffs together with the approximate number of persons likely to be employed under the scheme; and whether, in view of the small amount of feeding-stuffs likely to be available, he will consider improving existing methods of distribution so that the employment of many people on unproductive war work will be avoided?

It is estimated that in a full normal year about 800 persons will be employed by the Departments of Agriculture in Great Britain, either directly or through the County War Agricultural Executive Committees, in connection with the scheme for rationing animal feeding-stuffs, and that the total administrative costs will amount to about £175,000. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that by no other method would it be possible to secure the improvement in distribution, and the observance of priorities for the various classes of livestock, which the Government considers necessary.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, to facilitate the correspondence of Members, he will suggest to all Departments the resumption of the practice, now partially discontinued, of sending carbon copies of their letters embodying important information, so that when this has been passed on to the constituents who originally raised the issues the Members can at least retain the original?

I will convey to Departments the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Minister of Labour how many Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes employés of military age have been exempted from military service and on what general grounds their exemption is justified?

So far as the Navy and the Army are concerned, arrangements have recently been made whereby civilian employés of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes are entered or enlisted in the Forces. At the discretion of the Service Departments such men ape placed in a reserve to enable them to continue for the time being their work with the Institutes. I am making further inquiry as regards the Air Service.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the figures for deaths from tuberculosis in all its forms registered in Scotland during the first quarter of 1940 in comparison with similar figures for 1939, with separate figures for males and females?

The desired figures are as follows:—

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total number of births in Scotland in each of the months June to November, 1940, in-

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he is aware of the possibility of making greater use of the ship-

clusive; how many births in each month were illegitimate; and what were the corresponding figures for 1939 and 1938?

The number of births registered in Scotland in each month of 1940 are available at present only up to the end of September. Separate monthly figures of illegitimate births are available only for the 16 largest towns and not for Scotland as a whole. Of the following tables, Table A shows the number of live births registered in Scotland in each month of the second and third quarters of the years 1938, 1939 and 1940, together with the number of illegitimate births in Scotland in these quarters; Table B contains the comparative figures of the total and illegitimate births in the 16 large burghs for the months in question.

ping which is available if arrangements are made for the more rapid handling of ships while in port; whether he is satisfied that established practices in this respect are suitable for war conditions; and, if not, whether he will take advantage of the powers available to him to speed up these vital operations?

I recognise the importance of the rapid handling of ships in port as a means of making the fullest use of shipping, and I am giving constant attention to this problem in consultation with the other Departments concerned. A good deal has already been done to modify established practices where these have been found to impede the rate of discharge of ships, and steps will be taken to bring about any further changes that may prove to be desirable and practicable.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the possibility of important amphibious operations during the present hostilities, he will give consideration to the reconstitution of the Royal Naval Division?

No, Sir, the Royal Naval Division was constituted in the last war for a special purpose and was not an amphibious unit. The direction of land operations was, and must remain, the responsibility of the Army, just as covering tile passage and disembarkation of those forces was, and must remain, the responsibility of the Royal Navy.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, when he proposes to announce the honours which it is intended to bestow in connection with the attack on enemy ships at Taranto.

A list of honours and awards for the attack on enemy ships in Taranto harbour will be published in the London Gazette of 20th December.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that there appears to be a shortage of diphtheria toxoid at the Ipswich Emergency Laboratory, he can give an assurance that ample supplies of toxoid will be forthcoming at this and other laboratories without delay?

I am informed that all demands which have been made on the laboratory to which my hon. Friend refers will be met within the next few days. The stocks at present held by the laboratories are generally sufficient to meet current requirements and provision has been made for further substantial supplies as they are required.

asked the Minister of Health whether in order to secure the immunisation of as many children as possible, as stated in Ministry of Health Circular 2230, he can allow private practitioners to whom application is made by parents to receive supplies of diphtheria toxoid through the responsible medical officer of health?

I am advised that the immunisation of children against diphtheria in the large numbers which I desire can be most expeditiously achieved by means of sessions at selected places where children can be assembled in convenient numbers. The free supply of material to local authorities is in a form convenient for this and not for distribution to private medical practitioners.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the danger of persons immunised against diphtheria and enteric fever becoming carriers of the germs of these diseases; and what steps he proposes to take to secure that these preventive expedients do not lead to an increased spread of the diseases in question?

Yes, Sir, and I am advised that when a majority of the child population have been immunized against diphtheria the danger which the hon. Member apprehends will for all practical purposes disappear. I am also advised that there is no evidence that a community a portion of which has been immunized against enteric fever contains a greater proportion of carriers than one not so immunised.

asked the Minister of Health the figures for tuberculosis deaths in all forms registered in England and Wales during the first quarter of 1940 in comparison with similar figures for 1939, with separate figures for males and females?

:

asked the Minister of Health on what grounds the National Health Insurance Joint Committee based their recommendations reversing the unanimous decision of the Dental Benefit Council to advise the Minister to grant an increase in the scale of fees to dental practitioners operating the National Health Insurance Scheme for the dental treatment of insured persons?

The recommendation of the Dental Benefit Council that there should be an increase in the scale of fees for the dental treatment of insured persons was rejected by the National Health Insurance Joint Committee on the ground that, in their view, justification had not been shown for such an increase at the present time.

asked the Minister of Health the names of the boroughs whose town Clerks have exercised their powers to requisition the furniture of private persons; and whether in each such case the owners were notified either in advance or afterwards?

I am obtaining the information desired by my hon. Friend and will send it to him as soon as it is available.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider formulating a scheme for the protection of panel practices of medical practitioners who have been injured or whose houses have been so damaged by enemy action that they are unable to continue for a time in practice by reason of their state of health or of no alternative accommodation within a reasonable distance being readily available?

I understand that insurance medical practitioners who have suffered hardships by reason of air-raids are receiving every possible assistance from the insurance committees and their professional colleagues. Where approval on my part would be necessary to an extension of the Protection of Practices Scheme in operation in any area, to cover practices which are in temporary abeyance as the result of air raids, I should be prepared to consider the matter on application from the insurance committee.

asked the Minister of Information why it was necessary to mention in the nine o'clock evening broadcast on Sunday, 1st December, information which had already appeared in the Sunday morning papers?

The purpose of the B.B.C. news bulletins is to give an oral synopsis of recent and important news. There is inevitably some repetition in the bulletins themselves, since many listeners may not have heard an earlier broadcast, and I certainly cannot accept the suggestion that the nine o'clock news on Sunday evenings would be fulfilling its proper function in the national life if it were compiled merely of stop press items for the benefit of those who had been able to read the Sunday newspapers carefully.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will cause inquiries to be made into the censoring of news for Labour newspapers in the Dominions by the General News Service, 90, Hanson Street, W.1, with a view to a more generous attitude being adopted by his Department towards this service?

The bulletins of the general news service are being censored upon the same principles and according to the same instructions as those of other correspondents. Unless this news service is to be singled out for preferential treat- ment, the censorship of its copy cannot be conducted otherwise than in the way in which it is done at present.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received, from our Embassy at Washington, a detailed account of the illness which caused the lamented sudden death of the Marquess of Lothian, our Ambassador to the United States of America?

Yes, Sir. According to accounts received from His Majesty's Embassy at Washington, Lord Lothian's death was due to toxic poisoning which affected his heart.

asked the hon. Member for Dulwich, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, what arrangements have been made to enable the waiters in the dining-rooms of the Houses of Parliament to earn a living wage?

Arrangements have already been made to pay the waiters a living wage during the period the House is in Session.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that members of the Bars of New South Wales, Ceylon, Union of South Africa (the Cape), Transvaal (Orange Free State), Northern Rhodesia and New Zealand are called to the English Bar without submitting to the examination for call to the Bar, and without keeping any terms, and that the treasurer and masters of the Bench of the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple have agreed to consider extending this privilege to members of the Bar in the Holy Land, provided such request comes from the Colonial Secretary; and whether it is proposed to make such request?

The Secretary of State is not aware of the facts as stated in the Question in so far as they relate to Palestine. He has received no representations on the subject from any quarter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, to increase the consumption of Kenya coffee at the present moment, it is being supplied wherever possible to the British troops in the Near East?

The sale of Kenya coffee is in the hands of the Kenya Coffee Board in Nairobi. The Board has no doubt considered the possibility of supplying the British troops in the Near East with some of their own produce, but my Noble Friend is bringing the matter also to the notice of the military authorities here.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the case of which he has been notified, of John Evans, whose smallholding and three glasshouses were destroyed in recent enemy action, consideration can be given to the question of immediate compensation with a view to replacing the glasshouses, etc., and enabling him to renew his productive activities upon which his living depends?

I am having inquiries made in regard to this case in the light of the information with which the hon. Member has furnished me. As soon as these have been completed I will communicate with him further.