asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make any statement on dependants' allowances for the Auxiliary Territorial Service?

This question is still under discussion with the other Departments concerned, and I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement. If the hon. Lady will repeat her Question on the first Sitting Day after the end of this week, I hope then to be in a position to reply.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that members of the public who are desirous of offering hospitality to British and overseas troops, are advised to obtain the addresses of local welfare offices from their post offices, but that when they apply they are informed that the post office knows nothing of the scheme, and has no knowledge of the addresses; and whether he will take immediate steps to set this matter right in conjunction with the postal authorities?

I think that the advice to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers must have been due to some misapprehension. Anyone who desires to ascertain the address of a local welfare officer should communicate with the County Territorial Army Association whose address and telephone number can be found in the telephone directory.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that this system of hospitality is going on very well in the counties, and that if some War Office liaison officers do not interfere too much it will go on very much better?

Is it not possible to get this information from the police?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that soldiers' wives evacuated from the London area have their allowances reduced; that they have to pay London rents for the houses they have left; and whether he will revise the regulations to take account of this difficulty?

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to the additional 3s. 6d. a week which is paid to soldiers' families resident within the London postal area, and I would refer him to the answer given by my predecessor to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Cambridge (Lieut.-Commander Tufnell) on 13th June last. As was then explained, provision exists for the consideration of any case where hardship arises in the circumstances described in this Question, and I do not think it necessary to alter the conditions governing issue of this additional allowance.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps the wife of a member of the Armed Forces of the Crown can take to obtain separation allowance for herself and children when the husband refuses to make a voluntary allotment to such dependants; and what assistance the Government give her to prosecute such claim?

The family allowance provided for in Service regulations is a grant to assist soldiers in the maintenance of their homes. A soldier who has deserted his wife is not maintaining a home and family allowance is not, therefore, issuable. When a soldier is not providing for the maintenance of his family, his wife may apply to the competent military authority for him to be placed under compulsory stoppages of pay for this purpose. Section 145 of the Army Act provides for such stoppages to be made in satisfaction of a court order when the wife has obtained one, and in other cases when the competent military authority is satisfied that the soldier has deserted his wife or children, or left them destitute without reasonable cause.

When the Government have made the compulsory stoppage from the man's pay, do the Government pay their share of the allotment?

If the hon. Member wishes to put a further question, I shall be glad to answer it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the high cost of living, and the absolute inability of soldiers' wives to meet such cost on the present basis of allowances, he will take such steps as may be needful to raise the present allowance from 18s. per week to 25s. per week?

It will be within my hon. Friend's recollection that increases in the rates of family and dependants' allowances for the three Fighting Services were made as recently as November last, and I am unable to hold out any prospect of a further increase in these allowances at present.

In view of the very unfortunate position of many dependants of members of His Majesty's Forces when they make application to the Military Service Allowance Committee for assistance, does the Minister take steps to abolish the application of the household means test?

That is another question.

Is it not a fact that there is no means test in the case of soldiers' wives?

Is it not a fact that the hon. Gentleman is wrong?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he would indicate the extent to which other ranks are permitted access to King's Regulations?

No restrictions are placed on the access to King's Regulations by "other ranks."

Are copies of these Regulations put in the men's messes and other places where they can consult them?

I would not be certain, but if any soldier asked his company commander for a copy of the King's Regulations, I have no doubt it would be provided.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to indicate the improvements effected at Crewe station for the comfort of Service men passing through?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him on 20th November last. There has been some delay owing to the difficulty of obtaining materials, but, with the possible exception of boilers and gas stoves, it should be finished by the end of this month. Every endeavour is being made to hasten the delivery of the boilers and gas stoves.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that both the Forces canteen and the railway company's refreshment room on Stockport station are closed on Sundays; and whether he will take steps to remedy this unsatisfactory state of affairs?

The railway company's refreshment room at Stockport is not open on Sundays, but the Forces canteen which started on 5th December last has been open on Sundays from the start whenever a train arrives at the station.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that I was through that station on a Sunday quite recently, and that the Forces canteen was closed? There were many men of the Forces on the platform, and I was informed that the place was not open for them. Will he make further inquiries?

I most certainly will, but my information is that the canteen is open whenever a train arrives at the station.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps have been taken since the outbreak of war, and what further steps he proposes to take to reduce the amount of paper work which is required of units?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him by my predecessor on 18th December last, and to the answer given to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for East Leicester (Mr. Lyons) on 22nd October last. The processes referred to in the earlier answer are continuing. I have every reason to believe that they are resulting in a reduction of paper work, and I hope that even greater reductions may result in the near future.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman appreciate that in the Home Forces company commanders are often snowed under with paper work at a time when their activities should be devoted to training? Will he consider, with a view to partially solving this problem, that rather wider latitude should be given to unit commanders in matters involving the expenditure of public money?

That is exactly the line along which we are working. We are trying to decentralise and make more action possible in the commands. I am hoping that in that general outline we shall succeed. What we all want is better and quicker administration than has hitherto been possible.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman inquire whether it is a fact that there are too many officers at Army Corps and Divisional headquarters, with the result that there is overlapping?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the outfit allowance granted to officers, when first commissioned, being insufficient to cover the increased cost of essential articles of uniform and kit, due to the Purchase Tax and a general rise in prices, he has now come to a decision upon future arrangements?

I am considering very carefully the question whether outfit allowance of officers should be increased on account of the Purchase Tax, and I hope that it will be possible to make a statement shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of occasions on which papers and documents concerned with his Department have been left in motor cars and public service vehicles during the past 12 months?

Twenty-one cases have been reported during the last six months. I regret that figures are not available for any earlier period.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman realise how very serious it is?

Yes, indeed I do, but in most cases these documents were not of a secret character, I am glad to say. Where the delinquent has been identified the matter has been taken up through the usual channels, and disciplinary action has been applied.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman also recognise that it is a matter of sheer luck whether the documents are recovered?

I agree.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he can give any information in connection with the Army lorry that was stolen, containing stores and groceries, at Lewisham, on Monday, 6th January; and whether the lorry was immobilised;

I have called for reports on the occurrences to which my hon. Friend refers, and will write to him as soon as I have the necessary information.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that civilian chauffeurs are being employed to drive Army motor cars; what wages and allowances are they being paid; and will he, in the interests of economy, replace such drivers with soldiers?

I am aware that the War Department employ many civilians, including some motor drivers, in establishments under their control. This does not apply to fighting units, but to administrative and training establishments where military efficiency is not impaired by their employment. These civilians are paid at the trade union rate or other recognised local fair wage. Civilian and military conditions of service and emoluments differ so widely that a fair comparison of the cost is difficult. Where civilians, particularly those who may be too old or otherwise unfit for military service, can be suitably employed, their replacement by soldiers would be an uneconomical use of available man-power.

asked the Secretary of State for War why officers are not permitted to drive Army motor cars; and whether, in order to reduce the number of soldiers and civilians employed as chauffeurs, he will rescind this regulation?

Officers are permitted to drive War Department cars in an emergency, but, even if this practice were extended, it would still be necessary to have a soldier driver for care and maintenance duties.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that there is a considerable shortage of drivers in the Army and that for that reason civilians are often employed, at expensive rates, to drive officers? If officers were allowed to drive, would not that expense be saved?

I have said that officers are allowed to-drive in an emergency, but I do not think it would be right to take officers away from other duties and put them on to driving cars.

My right hon. and gallant Friend has not understood my suggestion. I did not say that officers should be employed as drivers, but that they should be allowed to drive the cars allotted to them.

asked the Secretary of State for War what complaints he has received as to the conduct of the troops conducting interned Jews out to Australia on the "Dunera"; and what action he proposes to take?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement as to the conditions under which a large number of interned aliens were shipped to Australia on the steamship "Dunera"; what was the number of passengers for which the ship had proper accommodation and what was the number actually sent; whether any previous inquiry was made as to the adequacy of the sanitary arrangements for this large number; and whether any inquiry has been instituted into the allegations that the internees' luggage was ripped open by bayonets on their coming on board and that they were deprived of their money, watches, valuables and much of their clothing; and whether he will inquire into the circumstances attending the suicide of one of these internees during the voyage?

I will answer No. 37 together with No. 111, to which I have been asked to reply. I am aware of the complaints referred to, and when the first party of the officers and men concerned return to this country, which I am informed will probably be in the course of the next three weeks, an inquiry will be held immediately. The number of internees and guards on board the "Dunera" was 2,873. I am advised by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Shipping that the accommodation, including the sanitary arrangements, was adequate for this number.

Has the right hon. and gallant Gentleman seen the report made by the Society of Friends in Australia, and will he see that evidence is taken from the Jewish internees who were on board?

I have seen that report, and the court of inquiry which will be set up will go fully into this matter and take evidence from wherever necessary in order to arrive at a conclusion.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that the evidence at present is in Australia, and will he take steps to see that an opportunity is given for the Jews who are there to give evidence?

I appreciate the difficulties, and I realised that point when I read the report. I think that the right hon. Gentleman will agree that the first thing, before we make a decision, is to set up the court of inquiry and that it is for the court to get the evidence in the best way they can.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that Private Anderson, of the Durham Light Infantry, who had no medical examination before proceeding to France, and whose widow has been refused a pension on the grounds that the illness from which he died was one from which he suffered prior to his present war service, he will give an assurance that all men will be properly examined before being sent abroad in order that cases of this kind shall not recur?

As has been explained to the hon. Lady in the course of correspondence relating to this case, although there is no record that Private Anderson was medically examined before proceeding to France, it would not be fair to assume that the instructions relating to the medical examination of reservists were not, in fact, observed in this case. The regulations require that every officer and soldier ordered to proceed abroad shall be examined by a medical officer in order to determine whether he is fit to go.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that a pension has been refused in this case, and in view of the fact that there is doubt whether there was a medical examination, would it not be fair to give the widow the benefit of the doubt?

My hon. Friend will recognise that that is a question which should be addressed to the Minister of Pensions. The War Office cannot grant a pension in this case. I was asked whether the man was medically examined and whether it was a rule that a soldier should be examined, and to that I have answered, "Yes."

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the Minister of Pensions has refused the pension and that I asked the War Office whether they would put forward the case to the Minister of Pensions as I have explained it and see whether there is a record of an examination?

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) why the letter from Lieut.-Colonel Bingham to the War Office attacking the sense of loyalty and capacity for leadership of cadets and potential officers selected by senior officers for commissions was published; what steps he intends to take to protect these men from unwarranted and unjust attacks to which, in the case of cadets, they have no right of reply where a commanding officer of a cadet training unit makes them; and whether it is intended to permit this officer to remain in charge of the training of such men, in view of his statement;

Paragraph 547 (a) of the King's Regulations forbids an officer or soldier to publish in any form whatever, or communicate, either directly or indirectly to the Press, any military information or his views on any military subjects, without special authority. The attention of Lieut.-Colonel Bingham has been drawn to the paragraph, and a report has been called for from him. A decision as to the action to be taken will be made after the receipt of his reply.

Is the Secretary of State aware that not only has this officer aroused a storm of protest—certainly a justified storm—among officers at least as able as he is and more gentlemanly—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order."]—I withdraw the last words—but has also used the name of the Prime Minister and quoted his speech in support of his views? Cannot some drastic action be taken to prevent a thing of this kind happening again?

I think my hon. Friend will agree that it is right to hear the other side as well as the case made against this officer. A report has been called for, and immediately I receive it I shall consider it and the action to be determined.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman take an early opportunity of having some statement issued, because it is in the minds of a lot of the readers of that letter that there is considerable substance in what Lieut.-Colonel Bingham said? Would it not, therefore, be advisable for the War Office to take an opportunity of denying the statement?

Immediately a decision is taken a public announcement will be made on the subject.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman take some action to make sure that the people responsible for the publication of that kind of letter exercise more discretion?

I regret profoundly that the letter was published, but my hon. Friend will realise that I have no powers over the Press.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend bear in mind that the ordinary soldiers themselves, the ordinary Tommies, think that there was a great deal of substance in the letter?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether official intimation has been made to town, county and district councils in Scotland that, in suspending elections for the war period, it was the express wish of Parliament that in the filling of vacancies the persons co-opted should, as far as is practicable, be the nominees of the bodies responsible for promoting the former candidature?

Yes, Sir. By a circular issued on 30th December last the attention of all local authorities in Scotland was drawn to the Government's view that when vacancies on local authorities occur and new councillors have to be co-opted in accordance with the provisions of the Local Elections and Register of Electors (Temporary Provisions) Act, the vacancies should be filled as far as possible by persons belonging to the same political party as the outgoing members.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in certain instances since the passing of the recent Act there have been authorities in Scotland which have indulged in what amounts to sharp practice in connection with co-opting members? Will he take some steps to reinforce his circular of December and bring to their notice that unless something is done the Government will seriously consider taking steps to curtail their liberties in this matter?

I issued the circular because of the difficulties to which my hon. Friend refers, and since it was issued one case has been brought to my attention. There were difficulties in that case, and I shall be glad to talk it over with my hon. Friend. A suggestion was made when the recent Act was under discussion that powers should be taken by the Government to provide for a fresh election if the status quo was not being observed, but the difficulties were explained to the House, and the Amendment was, by leave, withdrawn. The House will agree, however, I am sure, that you cannot have a truce that is not a truce.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider taking steps to annul co-options that have been taken in flagrant breach of the gentlemen's agreement?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the present high cost of fishermen's gear, he will take steps to see that prices are controlled in order to prevent a further rise?

I have received no complaints on this subject. If my hon. and gallant Friend will send me particulars of any cases which he has in mind, I shall have inquiry made in the matter.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the price of coal sold in Lancashire has been increased by 1s. 9d. per ton, and the retail price has been increased to 1½d. per cwt., which is equal to 2s. 6d. per ton; and will he have inquiries made as to why the small consumer should be called upon to pay so much in excess of the normal increase?

The increase of 1½d. per cwt. in retail prices of coal in Lancashire was due not only to the pithead increase of 1s. 9d. per ton authorised from the 1st November, but also to an average increase of 6d. per ton on account of higher railway rates which operated from the 1st December.

Is the hon. Member aware that it appears to consumers that when there is an increase in the price per ton a fraction more always goes on to the price to the small purchaser? Is there no way of avoiding that? When a further increase comes retailers forget what they have taken before and the fraction goes on again.

The hon. Member will see that the figures almost balance in this case and that there is no appreciable fraction against the consumer.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that demurrage charges up to 4s. per ton have been incurred in the Gravesend district on sea borne coal, and that in one case, when the charter party stipulated 60 hours for all purposes, one colliery took 58 hours to load, leaving the importer two hours to discharge; and will he take steps, in conjunction with the Minister of Shipping or the colliery owners, to remedy this state of affairs?

If the hon. Member will be good enough to give me full particulars of the case to which he refers, I will look into it. The question of demurrage on coastwise coal boats is already under discussion between my Department and the Ministry of Shipping.

Will the Minister take into consideration the difficulties that arise from the black-out and the limited hours?

They must necessarily be considered.

asked the Secretary for Mines, whether he is aware that householders are still finding it difficult to obtain supplies of coal for domestic purposes; and what steps he is taking to improve the distribution of coal?

I am aware that there are shortages of house coal in certain parts of the South of England, and I am doing what I can in consultation with my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Transport to meet the situation. Arrangements have already been made for extra coal trains to be run at the expense of certain passenger services, and the additional trains will be used for household as well as for public utility and high priority industrial purposes.

Is the Minister aware that it has been difficult in certain parts of London to get coal, during the recent cold spell? Can he tell us when this arrangement of extra trains started?

It definitely started in the last week or two. Many efforts have been made to expedite the movement of mineral traffic.

Is the Minister aware that there have been difficulties in the supply of coke as well as of coal?

Is the Minister also aware that more than five weeks ago an arrangement was made between the Corporation of the City of Bristol and the railways for six extra trains to come to Bristol for this purpose, and that not one has come so far?

I did say that I was aware of a shortage of coal in the South of England. I am aware—and the hon. Member must be aware—that there are special reasons for that shortage. Everything possible is being done, however, to improve the situation.

Is the Minister aware that the position, instead of improving, is getting steadily worse?

Is the Minister aware that a good deal of this shortage arises because of faulty distribution? Powers have been taken from the local fuel controls and put into the hands of the trade, which is more concerned with the large consumer than with the small consumer who is suffering.

I could not accept that explanation. It is a much larger subject than that.

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps have been taken since 17th December to deal with the position in Nottinghamshire, where the pits have been working short time, owing to the difficulty of getting away the coal; whether there has been any improvement in the position; and whether any further steps are contemplated?

I am informed that every effort has been made to increase the supply of empty wagons to the Midland coalfields and to Nottinghamshire in particular. The number of man-days lost in the latter county owing to transport difficulties and shortage of wagons has been reduced from 52,152 in the week ending 14th December to 12,322 in the week ending 4th January, which is the latest week for which figures are at present available. I am continuing to watch the position closely.

Could the Minister say what steps have been taken since 17th December to ease the situation, and what further steps are contemplated besides considering the matter?

All possible steps.

But what steps?

The return of wagons from the places where they have been sent and the organisation of the traffic itself through the various difficult points in this country. It really is a long story. The output in the Midlands during the last week is higher than it has been since last July, and it is a very high figure.

Has not the Ministry had warning that this might happen again the same as last year? Can the hon. Gentleman assure us that matters will be improved?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that there is a growing shortage of coal in Bristol; and what steps he is taking to improve the position?

I am aware that there has been difficulty in obtaining coal in Bristol. But in view of the heavy pressure on transport facilities in the Bristol area, I am satisfied that deliveries of coal have been fairly well maintained. As a result of the steps now being taken, with the assistance of my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Transport I am hopeful that the position will further improve.

Is the Minister aware that since he was first approached and urged to take action in the matter the position has steadily got worse, and that the input of coal into Bristol is inadequate to meet current requirements? Will he really take energetic action to remedy the situation?

I have already said that I am taking energetic action, and I can assure the hon. Member that unless we are all entirely disappointed the position will improve.

In view of the difficulties that exist at present on the railways, will the Minister not consult the Ministry of Transport so that some of this coal can be transported on the canals?

I have said in answer to three Questions that I am in close consultation with the Ministry of Transport. I could not possibly do all this without their assistance.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now able to make a statement with reference to the war and peace aims of the Government?

Most right-minded people here and abroad, and especially in the United States, already fully understand the causes and principles for which we are waging war upon the Nazi tyranny. His Majesty's Government are always on the look-out for any opportunity of making a statement that would be helpful to our victory and to the liberation of the nations now ground down under the German yoke. I am not, however, able to add anything at the present time to previous answers on this subject.

Has not the appetite of the public been considerably whetted by various speeches made recently by Ministers, in which they spoke of some statement on the subject to be made shortly, and cannot that appetite be satisfied shortly?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not unduly optimistic about how well aware people in other countries are?

I happened to be visiting the hon. Member's constituency recently, and the people there seemed fully aware of it.

Yes, but is the right hon. Gentleman aware that people in other countries may not be so well aware?

As I have said, when a good opportunity presents itself, I or other Ministers will certainly be on the look-out to turn that opportunity to the best advantage.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the light of the situation in North Africa and the Mediterranean, he will consider definitely advising the Italian people of the peace aims of the British Commonwealth in relation to their country, so that they may be under no misapprehension as to the purpose for which they are being called upon to fight?

I do not propose to add anything at this stage to what I said in my recent broadcast to Italy.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to say when the Bill dealing with the household means test will be introduced?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now give the date when the measure to deal with the means test is to be introduced?

It is intended to present the Bill on the third Sitting Day and to publish it on the following day.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Members are concerned with replies which they get from Departments on matters that they feel would not be to the public good if followed by Questions on the Order Paper; and will he give consideration to see what way they can be dealt with?

My hon. Friend may be assured that Ministers are always anxious to answer the inquiries of hon. Members as fully as circumstances permit. If he has any particular instance in mind, I would suggest that he should approach the Minister concerned, who will, I am sure, supply him with as detailed a reply as possible.

That is just the point. I have written to Ministers because I have not got satisfaction about the matters on which I have put Questions to them, and I wonder what steps I ought to take to get the matters further ventilated. When it is a question that might affect the security of the State, what other means have we of getting redress? That is the question.

I think the hon. Member should wrestle with the Minister concerned, in as good an accord as is possible. I am sure every effort would be made to give him all possible information, because naturally he would not wish to put a Question on the Paper which would do harm.

But if I come to a blank wall and cannot get any further, what steps are then open to me to get my grievance ventilated? Is the right hon. Gentleman the final court of appeal if I cannot get satisfaction from the Departments?

What chance would my hon. Friend have in wrestling with the right hon. Gentleman, according to his weight?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider making immediate arrangements to secure that, in the event of any further hon. Member being detained under Regulation 18B, the Advisory Committee to consider his case shall be composed of his colleagues of this House, with a view to safeguarding him against any possible misuse of the powers conferred?

I am most anxious that there shall be full safeguards against any possible abuse of these powers, not only in the exceptional case of a Member of Parliament, but in every case where a citizen is detained under this Regulation, and I cannot accept the suggestion that the existing procedure does not provide adequate safeguards.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the possibility of giving time for the discussion of the Motion standing upon the Order Paper in the name of the hon. and gallant Member for Epsom, which I hope he has now had time to read?

That, I think, is one of those matters which is settled through the usual channels.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there is a good deal of support for this suggestion in different quarters of the House? Perhaps, if the occasion should ever arise, he will not let it pass from his mind.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will now take steps to put into operation the Caledonian Power Scheme?

No, Sir. The Caledonian Power Scheme would take some years to put into operation, and it is necessary to concentrate our energies on schemes offering a quicker return.

Is the Prime Minister keeping in mind that the investigation showed at the time that the work would require only 2,000 men for 18 months, that carbide is a vital necessity, and that the Government of the day gave an undertaking that the work would go on?

Is the right hon. Gentleman also aware that the undertaking given to the House by this Corporation, through the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence, was not fulfilled?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider taking steps to amend the charter of the British Broadcasting Corporation, which was renewed on 1st January, 1937, for 10 years, so as to allow of a more elastic administration throughout the war period?

I do not think it is necessary to amend the charter of the British Broadcasting Corporation in order to secure administration suitable for war conditions.

Can my right hon. Friend tell me whether, in matters of policy, the B.B.C. are always voicing the views of the Government? Is he not aware that the general public are certainly under the impression that they are, whether the Government like it or not?

No, Sir. The British Broadcasting Corporation give, I believe, considerable latitude to expressions of opinion which are not injurious to the war effort, and I should be very sorry to think that Ministers were in any way to be held responsible for all statements by the B.B.C.

Is it not a fact that the Minister of Information has absolute control with regard to certain matters affecting the B.B.C.?

Yes, Sir, he has effective control in matters which are of high consequence, but that control would not be used in such a way as to allow only expressions of opinion such as would be used by Ministers upon the wireless.

asked the Prime Minister whether any arrangements have been made by His Majesty's Government in collaboration with the Italian Government to evacuate women and children from Abyssinia, Eritrea and Somaliland?

No, Sir. Any suggestions of this character should surely come from the Italian Government or from its commanders on the spot. It would not in any case be possible to interrupt the operations which are now in progress.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that munitions of war are still being manufactured in this country for foreign Governments unfriendly to this country; and whether he will give an undertaking to munition workers that this practice will be stopped?

My attention was drawn to one instance in which suspicions of the kind mentioned in the first part of the Question were entertained by certain workers concerned; this case is under inquiry, and the goods in question are meantime being detained. With regard to the second part, a licence is necessary for the export of any war material from this country, and before granting such a licence, all relevant considerations are taken into account. No application for a licence has been made in the above instance.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that there is great apprehension in the minds of workers in this country, and will he not give an undertaking that in no circumstances will armaments produced by the workers of this country be delivered to our enemies or possible enemies?

Yes, Sir. In no circumstances would such a thing happen. The hon. Member wrote to me about this matter, and I took action in the sense which he desired, but even if he had not written, such action would have been taken.

asked the Prime Minister whether consideration was given to the present full time and heavy responsibilities of the members of the new Production Executive when their appointments were made; and as to whether a greater contribution to the organisation of total war would have been for the members of this executive to devote their full time to the important matter of production?

These matters will no doubt be referred to in the course of the Debate.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the country is not satisfied with having this Committee as a part-time body? As we are organising total war, does he not consider that it should be a whole-time Committee?

No, Sir, I have strong views on this matter and have had some experience on which to form them, and I should certainly be ready to discuss the matter in debate; but it would be very foolish, as we are to have a two-days' Debate, to begin dabbling with the subject by means of questions and answers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now able to state the decision of the Government with regard to the recommendations in the Fourteenth Report from the Select Committee on National Expenditure, proposing the co-ordination of all the activities of different Government Departments covering the question of camouflage?

This matter is receiving immediate attention, but I am not yet in a position to announce a decision on the report.

As the report was made a good many weeks ago, what is the point of saying that it is receiving immediate attention? Has the Chancellor only just read it?

No, Sir. But I hope shortly to send a memorandum on the subject to the Committee.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the memorial presented on behalf of Post Office veteran pensioners with a view to alleviating the distress in which many of them find themselves?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 6th August last to the hon. Member for the Evesham Division (Mr. De la Bère).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, when goods are sent by post, traders have been instructed by customs and excise officers to reckon Purchase Tax not only on the total cost of goods but also on the postage involved; and whether he will put a stop to this indirect attempt to increase postal charges?

As provided in No. 2 of the provisions in the Eighth Schedule to the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1940, the value for the charge of Purchase Tax includes the cost of delivery to the buyer. Accordingly, when delivery is made by post, the cost of postage must be included in the calculation of the value.

Was it not understood that the tax was to be on the wholesale value and not on the retail value?

If the cost of delivery had not been taken into account it would have been necessary to adjust each sale at a delivered price, on which basis the great proportion of goods are sold. It was for that reason and with the general concurrence of the trading community that the value was defined to include the cost of delivery.

Does my right hon. Friend mean to indicate that after goods have been assessed and tax paid on the cost of producing them the Purchase Tax has to be added to the cost of transport-every time the goods are moved?

This matter was the subject of consideration in the House of Commons and is part of the law.

If people feel that the tax is too heavy do the Customs and Excise authorities allow goods to remain in bond?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will be good enough to communicate with me on that point.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that, in spite of the provision that children's wear is not to be subject to the Purchase Tax a boy's overcoat is so taxed if he is taller than the average height for his age; and will he take steps to remove this anomaly?

The question whether a particular garment falls within the exempted class must he determined by reference to its description and size. It would not be practicable to take into account the age of the individual child for whom it is bought, since the tax becomes chargable when the retailer purchases the goods from the wholesaler or manufacturer.

Will not the hon. Gentleman suggest that where a man is of boyish appearance, like some hon. Gentlemen on the Front Bench, there shall be exemption?

The matter will be looked into.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the increasing hardship of people whose belongings have been destroyed in air raids having to pay the Purchase Tax in replacing their lost goods, he will take steps either to remit the tax on such purchases, or to authorise the payment of increased compensation to those people who have to replace their clothes or essential furniture as a result of enemy action?

Under the private chattels scheme provided in the War Damage Bill compensation will be paid, up to the amount for which property is insured, on the basis of the cost of replacement of the damaged articles at prices current at the time of damage, which, in the appropriate cases, will reflect any increase due to the Purchase Tax, and taking into account the extent to which they were depreciated at the time of damage. A similar basis will be adopted for the compensation payable in respect of property damaged since the beginning of the war and before the scheme comes into operation. I would add that, under the scheme whereby compensation is paid by the Assistance Board, without requiring premiums, to persons of limited incomes in respect of damage to essential furniture and clothing, it has been agreed that the compensation shall never be less than the sum necessary to meet basic requirements.

Surely there are limits to the amount of compensation given by the Board to people who have lost their clothing; is not that limit far less than would enable them to replace their clothing properly, in view of the Purchase Tax?

Is the Minister aware that many people who have made claims have had to make their own replacements because they are still waiting for acknowledgement of their claims, let alone receiving any money? Could he give an assurance that the matter will be speeded up and that claims will be attended to?

I will see that the remarks of the hon. Gentleman are conveyed to the proper quarter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what quantities of wine, spirits, cigars and other dutiable imports have been destroyed during the last 12 months because the highest bids for the goods failed to reach the amount of the statutory Customs duty?

I regret that it is not possible, without a disproportionate amount of labour, to differentiate between dutiable goods destroyed for the reason given by my hon. Friend, and those destroyed on other grounds; but I can assure him that the number and quantities of goods destroyed in the last 12 months have been comparatively small and that the necessity for avoiding waste is borne in mind by the authorities concerned. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind and will give me details, I will have inquiry made.

Will my right hon. Friend take action to prevent any destruction whatever?

On what other grounds are goods destroyed which are wanted in wartime?

A very small amount of destruction is necessary. If there is any particular case that arises, I shall be glad to look into it.

Does not my right hen. Friend recognise that any destruction of goods in war-time is wasteful?

It is criminal.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the adoption of the proposal of the Federal Reserve Board of the United States of America designed to prevent inflation, namely, that all issues of Government loans must be sold to individuals and corporations but not directly subscribed to by banks so that these loans will be financed by money already in existence and not by the creation of bank credits?

The Government have fully recognised ever since the outbreak of war the importance of raising money out of savings by their loans. Subscriptions by banks on their own account as part of their normal investment policy are not inconsistent with this principle and, as such, are an important contribution to the war effort.

Does it not make a contribution to inflation?

Does not my right hon. Friend think that the main cause of inflation in the last war was the creation by the banks of money for subscriptions to loans and will he take steps to avoid that now?

I have read the Memorandum which my hon. Friend has sent on this matter. It is not a matter with which we can deal by way of question and answer.