asked the President of the Board of Trade what complaints he has received from local authorities concerning difficulties experienced by the public in rural areas in lodging complaints about food and other commodity price regulations; and whether he will consider creating machinery which will be more accessible than the regional committees operating at present?

I have received in recent months only one complaint about the present arrangements. I am, however, considering whether facilities at present available to the public for lodging complaints under the Prices of Goods Act are adequate and, if not, in what ways they can be improved. Complaints about food are for my Noble Friend, the Minister of Food. I understand that he agrees that any new arrangements made for receiving complaints under the Prices of Goods Act should also apply to complaints intended for the Food Price Investigation Committees.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the number and value of lorries exported from this country for the three months ended September?

As has already been stated in reply to previous Questions, the publication of detailed statistics relating to individual commodities has been suspended since the outbreak of war.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has taken any steps to expedite the distribution of clothing, foodstuffs, and other essential commodities, so as to obviate the danger of enemy action which is incurred when such commodities are stored for any length of time in large warehouses?

Yes, Sir. The Board of Trade announced in September last that goods controlled by the Limitation of Supplies Orders could without infringement of the Orders be distributed to retailers' premises, provided that ownership of the goods did not pass to the retailers until they could be supplied within the permitted quotas. Following recent losses, I have myself taken special steps to impress upon traders the urgency of distributing and dispersing their stocks with all possible speed. With regard to foodstuffs, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which was given to the hon. and learned Member for East Cardiff (Mr. Temple Morris) on 15th August last.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the importance of those articles for those suffering from various complaints, he will review the restriction of 50 per cent. on the making of surgical belts and elastic hosiery for medical purposes?

I am considering this matter and I will write to the hon. Member when I have reached a decision.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the plight that retail traders in sports kit find themselves in, in view of the quotas which they must now observe when ordering; how difficult this makes it for them to supply His Majesty's forces, thus giving a virtual monopoly to the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes; and whether he will readjust matters so that any sales private firms may make to His Majesty's forces may be exclusive of any quotas otherwise laid down?

I am still discussing this question with my colleagues in charge of the Service Departments. I am afraid I am not yet in a position to say anything definite but I will write to my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as a decision has been reached.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, on what date the Public Relations Officer on the Limitation of Supplies Order was appointed; what is his remuneration; and whether it is intended to appoint further such officers in relation to any policy of the Board of Trade which is the subject of public controversy?

This officer was appointed on the 30th December last at a salary of £1,000 a year. The answer to the last part of the Question depends upon the future, but I have no further appointments in mind at present.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, what appointments of trade unionists he has made as Government labour officers in the Crown Colonies; what salary and emoluments are paid in each case; and whether it is proposed to encourage the formation of trade unions among the Natives under their supervision?

My hon and gallant Friend is presumably referring to certain recent statements in the Press, which were made under a misapprehension. No such appointments have yet been made, but a proposal that a few experienced trade unionists in this country shall be selected as an experiment for appointment as Labour Officers in certain Colonies is under discussion at the present time. In the event of such appointments being made, one of the principal duties of these officers would be to encourage and assist the development of the trade union movement on sound and constitutional lines.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the wages, hours of employment, overtime obligations and rates of payment, superannuation and other conditions of the lowest grades of Civil Service clerks, permanent and temporary, respectively?

WAGES, HOURS OF EMPLOYMENT, OVERTIME OBLIGATIONS AND RATES OF PAYMENT, SUPERANNUATION AND OTHER CONDITIONS OF CERTAIN GENERAL CIVIL SERVICE CLERICAL GRADES.
PERMANENT (ESTABLISHED) STAFF.		TEMPORARY STAFF.
	Clerical Assistants Grade I (Women only)	Temporary Clerks Grade III.
			Men.	Women.
Rates of Pay. (London*) exclusive of war bonus†.	Ages 16–20, 28/- to 42/- per week according to age. Then by annual increments to a maximum of 72/- per week	Ages 15–24	17/6 to 58/6 p.w. according to age.	17/6 to 47/6 p.w. according to age.
		Ages 25 and over.	62/-	50/-
	S Class Clerks	Temporary Clerks Grade II.
	(Men only).		Men.	Women.
	65/- by annual increments to 86/- per week.	Ages 25 and over	70/- p.w.	56/- p.w.
	Clerical Officers	Temporary Clerks Grade I.
	(Men and Women).		Men.	Women.
	£85 per annum on entry. £105 per annum at age 18. Then by annual increments to £350 p.a. (men) and £280 p.a. (women), subject to efficiency.		77/6 p.w.	62/- p.w.
Hours of Attendance.	London Headquarters and other Metropolitan Offices: 42 hours weekly, 44 hours elsewhere.	44 hours weekly (39 hours for staff under 17).
Overtime Obligations and rates of payment.	Civil Servants may be called upon to work such overtime as the state of business requires. Payment is at time and a quarter rate for hours over 42 or 44, as the case may be, and up to 54 hours; time and a half rate for hours between 54 and 60, and double time thereafter.	Obligations as for permanent staff.
		Payment is at time and a quarter rate for hours in excess of 44 (except for staff under 17 years of age, for whom there are special arrangements).
Superannuation.	Established staff retired for age or infirmity after ten years' service are eligible for pension.	Temporary whole-time staff are eligible for gratuity after seven years' service if removed on abolition of their employment, or after fifteen years' service if retired for infirmity.
Sick Leave.	Established Civil Servants may be allowed sick leave on full pay for a period not exceeding six months in the aggregate during any period of twelve months and thereafter sick leave on half pay, subject to a maximum of twelve months sick leave in any period of four years or less.	After a qualifying period of six months Temporary Clerks over 18 years of age may be allowed sick leave on full pay up to a maximum period of ten weeks in any period of twelve months, subject to deductions on account of National Health Insurance benefits where appropriate. For clerks aged 16½ to 18 the period is 8 weeks, and for those under 16½, 6 weeks.
Annual Leave.	Clerical Assistants Grade I.	Temporary Clerks.
	18 days (21 after 5 years).	18 years and over	…	18 days.
		Under 18	…	12 days.
	S Class Clerks. 21 days.
	Clerical Officers. 24 days.
*Rates outside London both for permanent and temporary staff are lower than those shown above.
† All members of these grades, whether permanent or temporary whose rate of pay (London) does not exceed 100/- per week receive in addition the appropriate war bonus under the Civil Service War Bonus Agreement.

I append a tabular statement giving the information asked for. As there is no precise comparison between permanent and temporary grades, it would be misleading to give only the lowest rate payable in each case, and a wider range has therefore been covered in the answer.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any Departments are below their authorised establishment of permanent and temporary clerical, shorthand-typist and typist staff because of difficulties of recruitment?

:Recruitment to permanent posts in the grades in question is suspended during the war. There is some difficulty in recruiting temporary staff in London at the present time, particularly in the typist grades, and there are vacancies in certain Departments. I understand, however, that there is a general shortage of typing staff in London. Recruitment difficulties in Government Departments are being dealt with by a number of expedients including some increase in the rates payable to the more competent junior staff and provision for training those not fully qualified at the time of application.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many officers in his Department have had practical farming experience as either landowning or tenant farmers?

A knowledge, in many cases of a practical kind, of one or more branches of agriculture is usually required for posts on the technical staff of the Ministry, but I am unable to state how many of the officers at present serving in the Department have had the practical farming experience to which my Noble Friend refers.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider placing temporary civil servants of the lower grades on the wage scales applicable to corresponding permanent civil servants, recruiting temporaries at points in the wage scales appropriate to their qualifications and granting temporaries the appropriate annual increments of pay?

No, Sir. The rates of pay of the permanent staff are designed for employés selected by competitive examination and entering the Civil Service as a career. Different considerations apply to the pay of staff engaged for a short period. The rates of pay of temporary staff in the lower grades were, in the main, fixed in agreement with the staff associations concerned.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what steps are taken to transfer civil servants from one Department, where they have little to do, to another Department where they will have more; and what representations he has received that members of staffs wishful to pull their full weight in the national effort are vainly protesting that they are retained in relative idleness?

Since the outbreak of war, special arrangements have existed whereby Departments report to the Treasury such cases as arise of staff who can be released or made available for employment in other Departments. As a result of this procedure, well over 8,000 individuals have been transferred to new or expanding Departments, and I can assure the hon. Member that steps will continue to be taken to secure the employment elsewhere in the Civil Service of any officer who can be spared by his existing Department.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, arising out of the recommendations of the Delhi Conference, he has any statement to make on the further expansion of India's war contribution in supplies and munitions?

The valuable and far reaching recommendations of the Delhi Conference are being dealt with in consultation between His Majesty's Government in the United kingdom and the other Governments concerned. I am not vet in a position to make any detailed statement.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any statement to make on the progress of the discussions between the Viceroy and Indian political leaders?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any statement to make with regard to the present political situation in India?

There have been no further discussions and no substantial change in the political situation since my last statement on 20th November.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now make any statement about the establishment of mixed camps for interned aliens?

I have been anxious that arrangements shall be made for enabling husbands and wives who are interned as aliens of enemy nationality, to live together; and the enquiries which I have been conducting show that the best way of achieving this object would be to assign to such married couples accommodation in one of the two villages which are now being used for the accommodation of alien women. For some weeks, a Committee has been reviewing the cases of these alien women with a view to the release of those who are found to be reliable, and such progress has been made with this review and the consequential releases that it should prove possible in the near future to accommodate the remaining women in one of the two villages. As soon as this has been done, the other village will be used for the accommodation of husbands and wives whose releases cannot he authorised in present circumstances.

asked the Home Secretary whether arrangements have now been made for the review and release of internees sent to Australia; and whether facilities now exist for wives to join their husbands there?

The policy expressed in the White Paper relating to the review of the cases of internees applies also to the internees sent to Australia, and my right hon. Friend has been in communication with the Australian authorities as to the best procedure for dealing with these cases. I am glad to be able to say that we have just received the agreement of the Australian authorities to send out at once a representative to Australia for the purpose of expediting the procedure for dealing with the cases of the internees who appear to be eligible for release under the White Paper, including those who desire to emigrate or to enlist in the Pioneer Corps. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the negative, but the possibilities of other arrangements for these married couples are being explored.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make a statement with regard to the progress made during the Recess by the tribunals investigating the credentials of interned aliens?

These tribunals have been enlarged so as to enable then to sit in separate panels and other steps have been taken to enable the investigation of cases to proceed rapidly. My right hon. Friend is anxious that the work shall be accomplished as early as possible and is continuing to watch carefully the progress which is being made with a view to taking any further steps that may be practicable and desirable for expediting the procedure.

asked the Home Secretary why Miss Samuel, at the age of 17, was placed in Category B by the tribunal although both her parents were Category C; and will he see that, in view of her age, she may be released from Port Erin at an arly date in order to rejoin her parents?

I presume my hon. Friend refers to the case of Miss Lieslotte Samuel, who was born on the 27th November, 1921. There is no trace of any application made by her for release, but her case has been considered by the committee sitting in the Isle of Man and I am glad to be able to inform my hon. Friend that her release was authorised on the 8th January.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is in a position to make a statement with regard to the working of the Fire Watchers Order, in particular whether any estimate has been made of the number of persons employed and the cost of the Order; and whether consideration is being given to any modifications of the Order which, without interfering with its efficiency, would decrease the cost and the demands upon man-power?

The new dispositions for fire prevention, the outlines of which as my hon. Friend will now be aware were made known at the week-end, supersede the provisions of the Fire Watchers Order.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will now give particulars of the recently-formed Fire Prevention Division, stating its scope, duties, intentions and powers; and in what way preventive measures will be recruited and enforced so as to obviate and to mitigate war damage to property?

The staff of my Department has been strengthened in order to give all possible guidance and assistance to local authorities in the discharge of their functions, relating to the prevention and extinction of fires, conferred or imposed upon them by or under the recent Orders made under the Defence Regulations. The Department will act in close liaison with the Fire Prevention Executive whose appointment under the chairmanship of my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General has recently been announced. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the Orders in question.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will consider the appointment of a small committee, consisting of qualified engineers and scientists, to investigate and report upon all ideas and inventions for dealing with night bombers?

I have been asked to reply. All suggestions as to methods of dealing with the night bomber, from whatever quarter they are received, are carefully examined by the scientific, technical and operational staffs and advisers of the Departments concerned. As the best advice in the country is freely at the disposal of His Majesty's Government, I do not think that any useful purpose would he served by the creation of a new committee as suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any change to announce in Government shelter policy, in view of the advice publicly given by Lord Horder, that the best air-raid shelter is in the home?

This question is under urgent and active examination.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any figures showing to what extent brick surface shelters are made use of?

The figures are not available on which it would be possible to base any reasonably accurate estimate

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that effective preparations are now available for protection against lice; and whether he proposes to take steps to prevent the spread of lice in air-raid shelters?

Supplies of an insecticide selected as the result of experiment have been issued to the local authorities of the areas in which people habitually sleep in public shelters. The best protection against lice is cleanliness, and local authorities have been urged to ensure that their cleansing facilities are adequate to meet the additional needs of shelterers in their areas. Compulsory powers to delouse and cleanse the persons and effects of shelterers have been obtained, and other steps to prevent the spread of lice in shelters have been taken or are under consideration.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the serious inconvenience caused to shelterers who live at a distance from their shelters, and who have to go to their work very early, in having to take their bedding every morning through the black-out, and possibly in the rain, from their shelter to their homes, he will arrange with local authorities that, wherever possible, depots should be established in empty shops, or other convenient places, close to the shelters where bedding can be left during the day?

The question how best to deal with shelterers' bedding has been under active consideration, and informal discussions have taken place with representatives of the local authorities in the London Civil Defence Region. The matter raises a number of difficulties which I am making every endeavour to overcome in consultation with the regional commissioners, the local authorities, and my own medical advisers.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will issue, or cause to be issued, large size posters for the guidance of those in shelters in sanitary health and other matters?

Yes, Sir. A number of posters have been produced, both directly and through the Central Council for Health Education, and are being distributed to the responsible local authorities.

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether he has taken any steps for the improvement of shelter sanitation other than impressing upon local councils the need for diligence on their part, as recommended in the Departmental circulars; and whether he has taken power to apply compulsion on recalcitrant local authorities to safeguard the nation's health;

(2) what arrangements are being made to compel local authorities to appoint an adequate number of medical practitioners for the supervision of public air-raid shelters throughout the country and, in particular, in London where, after the lapse of several weeks from the date of issue of his Department's Circular No. 2190, the City of London and Metropolitan Boroughs had only appointed a few medical practitioners and had only secured 337 for attendance at shelters; and is he aware that there is great dissatisfaction among the 337 medical practitioners whose services have been secured for attendance owing to uncertainty as to the terms of their appointment?

The executive responsibility for securing the provision of adequate medical and sanitary services in public shelters regularly used for sleeping has now been devolved upon the Regional Commissioners. They have the assistance of their inspectors, both medical and sanitary. If in any particular area the Commissioner were to be dissatisfied with the progress made by the local authority it would be open to him to recommend that the authority be superseded. In the City of London and the Metropolitan Boroughs eight doctors are in whole time attendance at shelters, 159 more are under contract to visit shelters each night, and a further 308 are on call. The terms of service for each of these three classes are set out in the Circular mentioned by the hon. Member, and I am not aware that there is any general dissatisfaction among the doctors whose services have been obtained.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has advised, and what steps have been taken to ensure, that certain sections of shelters shall be set aside for the sick; whether such sections are to be curtained off or otherwise divided from the main shelter; and how many local authorities made such adequate arrangements?

Local authorities in the London Civil Defence Region have been requested to provide and equip, in each large shelter or group of smaller shelters regularly used at night, a medical aid post screened off from the main part of the shelter. Medical officers of the Ministry have conferred with these authorities with a view to ensuring adequate provision. In other regions the Ministry's officers have been instructed to ensure that similar arrangements are made where conditions indicate the necessity. Thirty-six local authorities have made or are completing provision on a scale which my medical advisers regard as adequate.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has recommended any particular form of sanitary convenience as most suitable for use in shelters; and, if so, whether this form is patented or otherwise?

Two specifications for closets suitable for air-raid shelters were prepared by the British Standards Institution, and were issued for the guidance of local authorities by my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council when he was Minister of Home Security. The first specification was issued in September, 1939 (BS /A.R.P. 5). A second and simpler one (BS /A.R.P. 43) was issued in April, 1940, and local authorities were then recommended to order future supplies to this specification. It is open to any manufacturer to make closets to these specifications.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take steps to speed up the inspection of enemy damaged property to enable their salvage and prevent the destruction of contents which the present delay entails?

First aid repairs to houses and to industrial and commercial buildings need not await inspection of the damaged property. Owners of goods have been urged to take immediate steps to prevent further loss or damage which might arise from exposure or other causes. As the question may affect the work of several Departments perhaps my hon. Friend will let me know more specifically what he has in mind.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has yet come to any decision in regard to the restrictions placed upon wives of men who have recently joined the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has had under consideration the position of the aliens who are the wives and minor children of members of His Majesty's Forces and also of the Allied Forces, including the Free French Forces, and has decided to relieve these persons of certain of the restrictions to which they were subjected. He has recently made Orders, the effect of which is to exempt these persons from the curfew restrictions, the prohibition against the possession of bicycles and motor vehicles, the requirement to obtain a Ministry of Labour permit before taking employment, the restrictions on entry into any Aliens Protected Area in which their husbands or fathers are stationed, and the prohibition against the possession of wireless receiving sets. In order, however, that the authorities should have means of ascertaining quickly where an alien is residing or what aliens are residing in a particular area, my right hon. Friend has felt it necessary to impose a requirement that these persons shall report in person at a Police Station before they leave their registered place of residence for a night or more and should also report in person their temporary address at any destination to which they may proceed and their return to their registered address. The object of these reports is merely to keep the police informed of their movements.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the considerable delay which occurs in repairing the damage done to public services and highways following an extensive air-raid, especially in our larger provincial cities, and that this delay much impedes the flow of traffic and hinders the industrial output; and will he seek to obtain a greater number of men from the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps to deal more rapidly with this situation?

The position is improving. All practicable steps are being taken to strengthen the civil organisations engaged in this work. The Army have rendered invaluable assistance to the civil authorities in the clearance of debris and repair of air-raid damage: but there are limits to the assistance they can give having regard to their other duties.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will cause the complaint of medical practitioners attached to the emergency hospital and air-raid precautions services that there is a multiplication of control, which tends to militate against efficiency and expedition, to be investigated; and, if it is justified, institute the necessary reforms?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave the hon. Member for Stratford (Mr. Groves) on 19th November on this subject. If the hon. Member has any other aspect of control in mind and will let me have particulars I shall be happy to consider the matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether ambulances maintained as part of local air-raid precautions schemes would be available for the transport of Home Guards who might become casualties while on duty; and whether such casualties can be admitted to Emergency Medical Service hospitals without charge?

The answer to both parts of the Question is in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Health under what statutory authority his Department has ruled that, notwithstanding the provisions of the Local Government Staffs (War Service) Act, 1939, doctors undertaking for reward professional work in connection with air-raid precautions are disqualified from becoming, or continuing to remain, members of the Council of Local Authorities; and will appropriate steps be at once taken to correct such an unfortunate and inequitable position?

No such ruling has been given, either by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Home Security or by myself; nor is there any statutory authority under which it could have been given. I am aware that the clerk of a local authority has advised his council that a medical officer appointed by them to take charge of an air-raid shelter is disqualified for membership of the council. If proceedings were instituted against any person holding such an appointment who became, or continued to act as, a member of the council, it would be for the court before which proceedings were taken to determine whether, in the light of the relevant statutory provisions, he was or was not disqualified.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Central Medical War Committee receives regular reports from local medical war committees; and whether these local committees are responsible for their actions to the Central Medical War Committee or to those who elected them?

I am informed that the Central Medical War Committee does not receive regular reports from local medical war committees, but is in constant communication with them by correspondence. The local committees have the usual responsibility of the local branches of an organisation towards its central body and they are so constituted as to represent the views of the various branches of the medical profession in each area.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make regarding the repatriation of British women from occupied France?

My right hon. Friend has the greatest sympathy with the British women who are at present interned or detained in occupied France and has constantly in mind the possibility of arranging for their return to this country. The hon. Member will realise that, for transport and other reasons, the exchanges of British and German women present great difficulties at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether active steps are being taken to improve the relations between this country and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and whether he has a statement to make as to the present situation?

Yes, Sir, His Majesty's Government for their part have made proposals for an Anglo-Soviet Trade Agreement on 15th June and 21st October of last year. Suggestions for a wider political understanding were also made on 22nd October. These various proposals have not been taken any further by the Soviet Government and the present situation is that the next step rests with them.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the excessive charges which have to be paid by wives of both officers and men who wish to live near their husbands' regiments; and what steps are being taken to meet the situation?

I am aware that excessive rents are being charged in some districts. The Rent Restriction Acts include a provision under which landlords charging extortionate rents for furnished lettings are liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £100. In some cases local authorities have instituted proceedings under this provision, and I trust that the publicity attending these proceedings will act as a deterrent to any landlord who is charging an excessive rent. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of a circular which I sent to local authorities in September last urging them to make full use of their powers under the Rent Acts.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether steps are being taken to increase imports of citrus fruits from the West Indies to replace supplies from other countries which are no longer obtainable?

The only citrus fruit which the Ministry of Food is now importing is oranges, and the Ministry has made arrangements to purchase from the British West Indies all available supplies of this fruit.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether any alterations are proposed to be made in the method or extent of Government assistance to the British Sugar Corporation?

The Sugar Industry (Re-organisation) Act, 1936, requires the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries to prescribe a rate of assistance to the Corporation for any year based on the results achieved in earlier years and on a forecast of changes in cost and prices during the year of assistance. This procedure is not well adapted to war-time conditions and the production of sugar is now the concern of the Ministry of Food. Accordingly it is proposed that at the end of the year 1940–41, and any subsequent war year my Noble Friend shall determine with the concurrence of the Treasury the amount of the loss properly incurred by the Corporation on revenue account in that year and shall pay to the Corporation a sum equal to the loss so determined. In computing the loss incurred by the Corporation in any such year, it is proposed to include provision for an amount equal to interest for that year at such rate as the Treasury consider reasonable on the issued ordinary share capital of the Corporation.

As the Corporation will in effect be in receipt of a deficiency payment, it is necessary to make advances to the Corporation during the beet campaign in order to finance the beet crop. Further, as it will be more than ever imperative to ensure that the Corporation carries on its business in war time with the highest practicable standard of efficiency, it is proposed, subject to the consent of the Treasury, to enter into an agreement with the Corporation providing for the payment to the Corporation of an agreed proportion of any savings in the cost of assistance attributable to economies effected by the Corporation. As regards the procedure for giving effect to these proposals, my Noble Friend is advised that it is unnecessary to supplement his general powers by legislation.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether sympathetic consideration has been given to the proposal of the Forest of Dean Commoners' Association whereby, provided the safety of the young plantations are secured, some of the forest enclosures shall be opened to sheep on payment of a rent per head?

Sympathetic and careful consideration has been given to the proposal of the Forest of Dean Commoners' Association for some of the forest enclosures to be opened to sheep on terms, but it has not been found feasible to work out a practical scheme.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he can state the price paid for the ss. "Empire Otter," purchased from the United States of America; what sums have been spent on the vessel since she was purchased; and what has been her average speed since she was taken under the British flag?

The price paid was 675,000 dollars. A number of defects has had to be remedied, but I have not yet received particulars of the cost. It is not in the public interest, in present circumstances, to state the speed of named vessels.

asked the Minister of Shipping how many, and which, vessels were acquired from the United States of America which have been found unsuitable for seagoing work and which have been used for block ships; the amount paid for these vessels and what sums have been spent on them since acquisition?

None of the vessels acquired from the United States of America has been found unsuitable for seagoing work. One of them, however, requiring repairs on arrival was provisionally allocated to the Admiralty but has been returned for commercial service; neither this nor any other of the vessels had in fact been used as a block ship. The second part of the Question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he can account for the delays is loading and discharging vessels in a port of which he has been informed?

The hon. Member has, I believe, in mind certain delays which arose in circumstances which I have explained to him. A particular case of delay which he has mentioned to me was further aggravated by the fact that the vessel carried a mixed cargo of steel and timber, including timber baulks of exceptional lengths requiring special rolling stock which was not at that time available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has now been able to make satisfactory arrangements to enable vessels arriving at seaports to be unloaded and loaded by day and night in order to minimise loss of effective tonnage due to delay?

I have been asked to reply. My hon. and gallant Friend will realise that there are many factors affecting the speed of turn-round of ships in port, but I may mention that in addition to other steps, special arrangements for working overtime to the fullest practicable extent have been made in consultation with my right hon. Friend the. Minister of Labour.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether he will take steps to see that a motor-launch is put at the disposal of the local authorities at the Tail of the Bank in the Clyde area, or to one of these authorities, for the purpose of returning merchant seamen to their ships after the onset of the black-out?

A boat can be provided, the difficulty, as the hon. and learned Member will appreciate, is the provision of a boat service during the black-out period. The problem is being examined urgently on the spot and the best practicable arrangements will be made for the convenience of seamen.

asked the Minister of Shipping how many officers and men of the British Mercantile Marine are confined as prisoners of war and in which countries; and what steps are being taken to ensure their proper treatment and their early release?

Ninety officers and 395 men of the Mercantile Marine are reported to be interned in Germany. They are interned in camps which are inspected by representatives of the American Embassy and of the International Red Cross, who bring defects to the notice of the German authorities, and endeavour to have them remedied. Reports are received of these inspections and of the action taken with a view to remedying any defects which may be found.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the annual expenditure incurred in providing members of the Air Force with a patent product intended to restore to the dietary the vitamin A, which is important in preventing night-blindness, and which is contained in the wheat germ removed in milling from the flour supplied to the fighting forces?

There is no general issue of any patent product containing vitamin A, and I am advised that the dietary of the Royal Air Force does not require it. Experiments are, however, being made to determine the value of such a product to personnel engaged on night flying.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he has investigated the possibility of there being any direct or indirect financial relationship between the Hoffmann-La Roche Company, of Basle, parent company of Roche Products, Limited, and the German concerns, Bayer Products or I.G.; and whether he has satisfied himself that none of the payments made to Roche Products, Limited, for synthetic vitamin B 1 will pass into the possession of Germany through Switzerland?

This matter has been carefully investigated; but I have found no evidence that any of the payments made to Roche Products, Limited, will pass to Germany through Switzerland.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that negotiations were started in January, 1938, between the Millers' Mutual Association of the British milling industry and the firm of Hoffmann-La Roche, of Basle, for the supply of synthetic vitamin B 1 to be added to the white flour manufactured by the millers in this country so as to restore one of the valuable constituents of this flour; that an agreement effected in April, 1939, between a body representing the British milling industry and Roche Products, Limited, acting as a subsidiary company of Hoffmann-La Roche, gave to Roche Products, Limited, the exclusive right to manufacture for a term of 15 years vitamin B 1 for the British milling industry; that the company then put up a factory for the manufacture of this product; whether his Department, upon taking control in September, 1939, of the mills under the Emergency Powers Defence Act, took over this agreement; and to what extent the existence of this agreement determined the Government in introducing the scheme for adding vitamin B 1 to the reinforced loaf described by the Minister on 18th July?

The answers to the first three parts of the Question are in the affirmative. The agreement to which my hon. Friend refers has not been and will not be taken over by the Government, but the manufacture, sale and disposal of synthetic vitamin B 1 will shortly be made subject to control under a Statutory Order. As regards the last part of the Question, the knowledge that Roche Products, Limited, would be in a position to produce synthetic vitamin B 1 upon a large scale for the purpose of that agreement was taken into account when the decision announced in this House on 18th July last was reached.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, at what date the firm of Hoffman-la Roche, of Basle, became merged in Roche Products, Limited, of Welwyn Garden City; who are the directors of that firm; at what date proposals were made, or negotiations begun, with Roche Products, Limited, for the manufacture and supply of synthetic vitamin B 1 to be added to the war loaf; whether any other firm was invited to tender for this contract; upon what terms it is proposed to bring this firm under the control of the Ministry; and will he lay upon the Table all correspondence passed between the Ministry of Food and Roche Products, Limited?

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 20th November; col. 2015, Vol. 365], supplied the following statement:—

I am informed that the relationship of Roche Products Limited of Welwyn Garden City with the firm of F. Hoffmann-La Roche & Company of Basle is based on agreements covering interchange of commercial, technical and scientific information, particularly research and patents. The following are the Directors of Roche Products Limited:—

Name.	Resident in.	Nationality.
Henry John William France	Hertfordshire	British.
Hugo Lorenz	London	British.
Arthur Stanley Allen	Bristol	British.
Percy Weiller Straus	London	British.
Emil Christoph Barell.	U.S.A.	Swiss.

The last-named is a member of the Board of Directors of F. Hoffmann-La Roche & Company of Basle. A private contract for the supply to the flour milling industry of aneurin (synthetic vitamin B 1) to be manufactured in this country was entered into by Roche Products Limited in April, 1939, and was, of course, unconnected with the present war. The manufacture in this country involves the use of foreign owned patent rights, and the contract was not put out to tender. Discussions between Roche Products Limited and officers of the Ministry of Food in connection with the announced policy of the Government were first opened on 23rd July, 1940. The Ministry is discussing with two other firms the possibility of them undertaking the manufacture of aneurin for fortifying white flour. The scheme of control under the Defence Regulations contemplates licensing the manufacture, sale and use of aneurin by any person for the purpose of mixing it with food. The Ministry intends to determine the price at which aneurin may be sold. My Noble Friend does not consider that any useful purpose would be served by adopting the course suggested in the last part of my Hon. Friend's Question.

asked the Lord Privy Seal, in what form questions upon the advisability of adding synthetic vitamin B 1 to the war loaf, were put to the Bragg Committee, whose formation was announced on 4th June 1940; whether the committee, before making its recommendations, was informed of the agreement with Roche Products, Limited; will he now either publish the Bragg Report or lay it upon the Table, or give reasons for not doing so; how many meetings this committee has held; when was the last; and whether it is still in existence or has been superseded by other advisory committees whose formation has been announced since the Minister's speech on 18th July?

In answer to the first part of the Question, the report of the Scientific Food Committee on Bread was submitted on their own intiiative. With regard to the second part, I understand that the Committee were aware of the only agreement with Roche Products Limited then existing, namely, an agreement between

Name of Committee.	Members.	Pre-War Interest.
War Damage to Property.	Rt. Hon. Viscount Weir, G.C.B., Ll.D., D.L. (Chairman).	Chairman, G. & J. Weir, Ltd.; Director, Imperial Chemical Industries, Ltd., etc.
	Sir Ernest M. Harvey, Bt., K.B.E.	Past Deputy Governor of the Bank of England; Director P. & O. Steam Navigation Company.
	Sir Walter Benton Jones, Bt., Ll.D.	Chairman, United Steel Companies, Ltd.; Director, Westminster Bank, etc.
	Sir William Clare Lees, Bt., O.B.E., J.P.	Managing Director, Bleachers' Association; Vice-President, Council of Federation of British Industries; Director, Martins Bank (Manchester Board), etc.
	Sir Alan Rae Smith, O.B.E.	Partner in Deloitte, Plender, Griffiths.
Compensation Board for War Damage.	Mr. Justice Simonds, K.C. (Chairman).	Judge of the High Court (Chancery Division).
	Mr. A. C. Gladstone.	Director, Bank of England.
	Mr. Oswald Healing.	Ex-President, Surveyors' Institute.
	Mr. J. F. Linney.	President, Auctioneers' and Estate Agents' Institute.
	Mr. Sylvester Sullivan, F.R.I.B.A.	Fellow, Royal Institute of British Architects.
Capital Issues Committee.	Rt. Hon. Lord Kennet, P.C., G.B.E., D.S.O. (Chairman).	Chairman, Imperial Bank of Iran; Director, Southern Railway Company.
	Mr. B. G. Catterns.	Deputy Governor of the Bank of England.
	Mr. Thomas Frazer, F.F.A.	Deputy General Manager and Secretary, North British and Mercantile Insurance Co.
	Mr. A. A. Jamieson.	Chairman, Vickers, Ltd.; Director, Robert Fleming & Co., Ltd.; Member, League Loans Committee, etc.
	Lt.-Col. J. B. Neilson, C.M.G., D.S.O., C.A.	Vice-Chairman, Baldwins, Ltd.; Chairman, Metropolitan-Cammell Carriage & Wagon Co., Ltd., etc.
	Mr. R. Wilkinson.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish a complete list of the names of members of committees and other bodies which have been appointed to advise the Treasury since April, 1939; what was the pre-war interest of these gentlemen; and where they are in receipt of remuneration will he state the amounts?

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 10th November, 1940; col. 2024, Vol. 365], supplied the following statement: —

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the only class of the population to-day not seriously feeling the pinch of war conditions is unmarried men maintaining no establishments of their own; and will he consider the imposition of a tax on bachelors?

My hon. Friend will not expect me to anticipate my Budget Statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the many duties and responsibilities imposed by Parliament upon local authorities and the changing circumstances under which the functions of local government are discharged whether he will consider the need of a detailed inquiry into the financial relationship between national and local government and take steps to secure a more equitable imposition of the heavy financial obligations which have to be met by both national and local government authorities?

I do not think the present time is opportune for such an inquiry as my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now consider, with the Bank of England, the reduction of the Bank Rate to 1 per cent.

No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the compensation to persons in respect of furniture, clothes and other possessions lost through enemy action, may be increased to such an amount as may be necessary to cover the rise in prices due to the Purchase Tax; and whether such increase may be made retrospective?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to-day to the hon. Member for North Lambeth (Mr. G. Strauss).

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether in view of the fur- ther need for living harder and cutting spending, he will be more detailed as to what should be eliminated from normal spending, and what articles of domestic use should be eliminated or curtailed?

I think it is best to leave it to the good sense and patriotism of each member of the public to decide how best he or she can spend less and save more.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will now, owing to the situation in some counties becoming acute as a result of the war, take in hand the whole question of rates and raise them on a national basis, bearing in mind the difficulties experienced in the past by the distressed areas, the inequalities resulting from a locality favoured by climate or scenery, but producing nothing for the nation being lightly charged whilst an area where the work is done and where there is poverty is the more heavily burdened, and seeing that the problems arising out of a local rating system have not been first encountered because of enemy action?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the pledge given by the Government to come to the assistance of local government if as a result of the war the machinery of local government in any area should he in danger of breaking down and to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 5th September last. The Government are already in communication with a number of local authorities as to their financial difficulties. I have noted the suggestions made in the Question for consideration when a comprehensive review of the existing system of local taxation and financial relations between local authorities and the Exchequer is practicable.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether he is aware that the Forestry Commission is purchasing household utensils and stores in the South of England for consignment to places in Scotland; and whether, in order to avoid unnecessary traffic on the railways and the cost of transport, he will give instructions for such goods to be purchased locally wherever possible?

I am unaware of any material purchases of stores by the Forestry Commission in the South of England for consignment to Scotland. Whenever possible orders are placed with manufacturers located close to where the stores are to be delivered, but it has occasionally been necessary, in order to meet pressing demands, to purchase small quantities from factors who were known to hold stocks of the stores required.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will give by counties a list showing the acreage of common lands and manorial wastes in rural parishes outside the Metropolitan area over which the owner of the soil of the common or waste has by deed given the public rights of air and exercise since the passing of the Law of Property Act, 1925, distinguishing between the acreage dealt with before 1940 and during that year; and will he also give a list of those counties in which no action has been taken?

No Deeds of Declaration were deposited during the year 1940. I would therefore refer the hon. Member to the answer which was given to the hon. Member for South Shields (Mr. Ede) on 6th February, 1940.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will give the names of any commons in respect of which application was made to his Department during 1940, or was outstanding on 31st December, 1939, under Section 194 of the Law of Property Act, 1925, to make an enclosure, specifying in each case whether a public inquiry has been held, the area of land sought to be enclosed, the purpose for which it was proposed to enclose the land, the area. if any, thrown into the common in lieu of the land enclosed, the result of the application, and the reason in any case where consent has been given without an area being thrown into the common at least equal to the land enclosed, for not requiring that course to be followed?

No application was made to my Department during 1940 under Sec- tion 194 of the Law of Property Act, 1925, nor was any application outstanding on 31st December, 1939.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give an assurance that, in connection with the rationing of oats for horses, an adequate supply will be made available for breeders of horses other than strictly agricultural horses, in order to ensure that this essential industry is maintained?

Rations allowed under the present proposals for stallions and mares kept for breeding are adequate to allow the continuance of breeding.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will hand over all drainage problems to the Department of Works and Buildings, and authorise them to proceed with the necessary work with the greatest expedition?

No, Sir.

asked the 11 Mister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied that, while exercising the wide powers conferred upon him by the regulations at present in force, local war agricultural committees are using those powers without harshness to the individuals concerned; and whether he will undertake to inquire into the case of A. Holmes, of Yaxley, Suffolk?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I have inquired into the case to which my hon. Friend refers and I am satisfied that the Executive Committee took the greatest care to ensure that the action which was necessary in the national interest should cause the least possible inconvenience to the dispossessed tenant.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will arrange for the compilation by the different war agricultural executive committees of statistics showing the amount of derelict cultivable land in their respective areas so that the nation as a whole may know what proportion of land is being cultivated?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to the Question put to him by the hon. Member for Southampton (Mr. Craven-Ellis) on 17th October.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has considered, in consultation with the Minister of Labour, the terms of a resolution passed at the annual meeting of the Warwickshire branch of the National Farmers' Union, on 8th January, 1941, with reference to the anticipated effect upon the working of the increased arable acreage of any further calling up of skilled agricultural workers for service in the forces; and whether he will make a statement?

The question of the further recruitment of men for the armed forces from all industries—including agriculture—is still under consideration by the Government. My right hon. Friend is not, therefore, at present in a position to make a statement on the subject, but I can assure the hon. Member that the Government fully realises the importance of maintaining an adequate supply of experienced agricultural workers at a time when increased food production is of vital national importance.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has any information of the amount of damage done by 20 horses and a pack of hounds running over fields of turnips and beans at Faversham, on 26th and 27th December?

The inquiries which my right hon. Friend has instituted are not yet complete and he will communicate with the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many chairmen of county agricultural committees have practical farming experience as either landowning or tenant farmers?

The qualifications required in a chairman of a county war agri- cultural executive committee are a knowledge of the agricultural conditions in the county, the possession of the confidence of the local agricultural community, administrative ability and a strong sense of public duty. These qualifications are not necessarily the monoply of owner-occupiers and tenants of agricultural land. In any case, executive powers are vested in the committes, and not in the chairmen, and my right hon. Friend is satisfied that the committees possess the necessary practical farming experience to carry out their duties efficiently and satisfactorily.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that no alteration shall be made in the Constitution of Jamaica without first introducing legislation to this House?

No, Sir. His Majesty is empowered by statute to make provision from time to time by Order in Council for the Government and Legislature of Jamaica. Legislation in this House for that purpose is therefore unnecessary.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the small fines imposed by some magistrates on traders found guilty of persistent stealing and use of other traders' milk bottles; and whether he will consult with the President of the Board of Trade with a view to circularising magistrates with a recommendation that fines should be made sufficiently heavy to make continued offences of this kind unprofitable, bearing in mind that some offenders are repeatedly found guilty, but the fines imposed do not act as a deterrent?

In dealing with offences of all kinds, it is the duty of magistrates to keep in mind the need for penalties which shall be appropriate for the purpose of deterrence, and I have no information to suggest that in dealing with offences of the kind to which my hon. Friend refers, courts are unmindful of this duty. No doubt his Question will serve a useful purpose in drawing attention to this matter, but I do not think a special circular is called for on this subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the considerable destruction to house property by enemy air raids in such towns as Birmingham, he will consider having the country divided into regional districts, the officer in charge to have power to requisition all available building trade operatives within that region, and to call for assistance from other regional officers whose areas may not be so seriously affected in order that first-aid repairs may be more rapidly dealt with?

I have been asked to reply. Arrangements on the lines suggested are under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings on what basis he proposes to organise the reconstruction of damaged cities; and whether, in order to prevent ground landlords continuing to benefit from the common effort, he proposes to press for the introduction of a tax on site values?

My Noble Friend has the subject of damaged cities under review. The latter part of the Question raises an issue of taxation which is a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any statement to make concerning the admission to the Medical Register of alien, allied, doctors to assist us in the present emergency?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friends the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have made an Order providing for the registration of these doctors under certain conditions which I am communicating to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour what provision has already been made, and what additional provision is in preparation, for the vocational training of war casualties, whose injury pre- vents their returning to their original employment?

I am not yet in a position to make a further statement on this matter.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has any information as to the scheme of compensation paid by the German Government to civilian victims of air-raids; and whether he will state the particulars?

I have some information as to the German scheme of compensation to civilian victims of air raids. Briefly, its effect is to recognise the claim of civilians to compensation for injury at rates corresponding to those of the private soldier, as does our own scheme.

asked the Serretary for Mines what was the average weekly tonnage of house coal received in Bristol during the last six weeks for which figures are available?

Returns of merchants' receipts and disposals are collected in four-weekly periods. The last complete returns, for the four weeks ended 16th November and 14th December, give the receipts of house coal, excluding boiler fuel, as 19,384 and 17,261 tons respectively.

asked the Secretary for Mines the total earnings of miners, including boys, employed in the Midland amalgamated district for the years ended 30th June, 1938, 1939 and 1940, the number of shifts worked each year, and the average earnings each shift?

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 10th December, 1940, col. 801, Vol. 367], made the following statement:The total wages paid to miners, including boys, the number of shifts worked and the average earnings per shift in the Midland (amalgamated) district for the

two years ended 30th June, 1938 and 1939, were as follow:

	Total Wages paid.	Number of Shifts worked.	Earnings per Shift.
	£		s.	d.
30th June, 1938.	35,930,363	57,676,290	12	5·51
30th June, 1939.	36,350,842	56,674,449	12	9·94

asked the Minister of Labour how many women have refused transfers from one district to another, giving as their reason that they are afraid of the effect of air raids?

I have no statistics which would enable me to answer my hon. Friend's Question.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the Government's policy with regard to fixing a standard wage which can be paid in all industries concerned with the national war effort, regard being had to the fact that wages are no longer the direct concern of employers, whose profits are being taken by the Government, so that any increase in wages has to be found by the taxpayer, with consequent danger of inflation?

I would ask my hon. Friend to await the statement which my right hon. Friend is to make in Debate on the general question of the use of manpower.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the representations in regard to the water supply at Corsham, Wiltshire; and whether he is satisfied that steps are being taken which will give an adequate supply of water to the inhabitants?

I have considered the representations which have been made to me. The Corsham Water Company has certain additional works in hand at present which should, I am advised, materially improve the supply. My officers are keeping in touch with the position.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that there is considerable telephone delay between Glasgow and Greenock, even for priority business calls; and what steps he proposes to take to alleviate the situation?

I am aware that there is delay on calls between Glasgow and Greenock. A new cable which is nearing completion, will considerably improve the service between these two centres.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any information as to the steps which have been taken by the Government of Eire to deal with invading German parachutists?

I think that the hon. and gallant Member may assume that the Hire Government are taking steps to deal with the peril to which the hon. and gallant Member's Question refers.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has seen the recent German announcement with regard to Eire; and, in view of the similarity of this to the violation of Norwegian neutrality, he will take full steps to counter any attempt by the Germans to invade Eire?

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the Government have all such contingencies fully in mind.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any statement to make on the Children's Overseas Reception Board Scheme for 1941?

As announced in the Press on 3rd October, the Children's Overseas Reception Scheme was sus- pended owing to the dangers to which passenger vessels were exposed. In present conditions it is obviously undesirable to resume the evacuation of children overseas, but, as soon as circumstances permit, a further statement will be made.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the formation, by the British Medical Association, of a medical planning commission to consider problems of reconstruction and reorganisation in the field of medicine in the post-war area; and whether, in view of the complexity of these problems and the importance to the public as well as to the medical profession of such reorganisation, he will consider the desirability of appointing a Royal Commission to conduct this inquiry with the ultimate purpose of appointing an independent Government Commission to regulate this reorganisation, in place of an individual and unofficial medical association, whose recommendations could not command the general assent which would be accorded to a Government inquiry?

I am aware of this inquiry by the British Medical Association, and of similar inquiries by other bodies interested in the medical and hospital field. They will no doubt afford a useful addition to the abundant material available, in the reports of Commissions and elsewhere, when the opportunity of reconstruction comes. I do not think that the appointment of a Royal Commission would, in present circumstances, be opportune.

asked the Secretary of State for War at what date the report of the special inquiry into allegations of ill-treatment of conscientious objectors attached to the non-combatant corps was presented; and whether he has now considered the report and is in a position to make a statement on the subject?

If my hon. Friend will repeat his Question on the first Sitting Day after the end of this week, I hope I shall then be able to make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for War how much of the £200,000 promised for radios has been spent; how many radios paid for by this fund have been distributed to the Services; whether he is aware that many units are greatly in need of these radios at present; and what steps he proposes to take to accelerate the immediate supply to the troops?

Orders have been placed for the manufacture of 11,700 special sets, which, together with spare parts, will cost about £150,000. Some £30,000 has been spent on 4,000 sets which have been purchased from manufacturers, and most of these have now been issued. It is proposed to spend the remaining £20,000 on more spare parts for the special sets. There has necessarily been some delay in obtaining the 11,700 special sets, as they have had to be specially manufactured, and contain some parts which have to be obtained from America. The main object of these sets is to enable the B.B.C. programmes to be received by troops when there are no electric mains facilities. It was desired to avoid using dry batteries, as they are becoming difficult to obtain, and last for a comparatively short time. Hence we were advised that it would be in the best interests of the troops to obtain specially manufactured sets, even though this resulted in some delay. All possible steps have been taken to expedite the supply as much as possible, and the Ministry of Supply, through whom the orders have been placed, are fully alive to the urgency.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give the name of the officer in charge of welfare for the Army; how long he has held the appointment; whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory state of welfare generally in the Army; and whether he will take immediate steps to remedy this state of affairs by seeing that overlapping is stopped, that welfare officers are given means of helping the troops, and by overhauling the whole machinery so that the troops may have efficient service?

Major-General H. Willans was appointed Director-General of Army Welfare and Education on 1st December last. He is fully aware of the problems with which he has to deal and of the importance of effecting improvements where these are called for. As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, there was no welfare organisation in the last war, and the existing organisation, which reflects the greatest credit on those who have been responsible for its inception, has had to be improvised. My hon. Friend will also be aware that the work of welfare officers in the commands is on a purely voluntary basis, and I would like to express the appreciation of the Army to all those who have given so much devoted service to the troops.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the War Office are prepared to pay for the heavy daily use of the Southwold-Walberswick steam ferry from November, 1939, to August, 1940; and whether he is aware that, owing to the lack of receipt of any payment, the steam ferry service has had to be closed down, thereby interrupting all vehicular communication, both military and civil, between Southwold and Walberswick and causing grave inconvenience and increased use of petrol owing to a nine miles journey by road being now necessary?

My hon. Friend will now have received a letter from my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary on this subject, in which he explained that a question of Crown exemption was involved, but that the War Office was prepared to make an ex-gratia payment of 50 per cent. of the full rate.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a reduction in the amount of the Army ration is being considered whilst the troops remain in this country?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to reduce the standard rations for the troops at home; and, if so, to what extent, and in which commodities?

In addition to reductions in the quantities of bread, meat, bacon, tea and sugar made last year, a, reduction from 10 ounces to eight ounces was made in the daily meat ration from 6th January, and a reduction will be made from 12 ounces to 10 ounces in the daily bread ration and from 2½ ounces to two ounces in the daily flour ration at the beginning of February.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the compulsory enrolment of youths from 16 to 18 years of age in the Home Guard who do not volunteer for the new Junior Air Force?

asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the urgent need for trained and partially trained men for Home Defence and the period of time which often elapses between the date a man is liable for military service and his actual calling-up notice, he will have included in forthcoming legislation, dealing with man-power for the fighting-services, a provision making it obligatory for all men to enlist in the Home Guard on the date they are actually liable for military service and to perform their necessary duties with that body until such a time as they are called up for active service with His Majesty's Regular Forces?

The Home Guard is essentially a volunteer force of men who are willing and anxious to perform the duties and to undergo the training required of them without any form of compulsion and without pay. To introduce an element of conscription would necessitate methods of discipline which are not now wanted, and would, I think, have other undesirable effects. Apart from this, there is the fact that, owing to the overwhelming response to the opportunity of rendering service in the Home Guard, recruiting has been suspended except where vacancies exist. I think my hon. and gallant Friends will agree, therefore, that the difficulties entailed by their suggestions would greatly outweigh any advantages which might accrue.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to make a statement in regard to the details of the reconstruction of the Home Guard?

The measures outlined last Session are now being carried out, and my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State will be prepared to make a statement upon them very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War having regard to the recent announcement by the Central Medical War Committee for volunteers for ordinary commissions in the Royal Army Medical Corps, how many doctors have volunteered up to the 30th November 1940 and have not yet been called; why volunteers are required to communicate with their local medical war committee when all that committee is able to do is to transmit names to the central committee; and is he aware that many doctors who volunteered months ago and were told to hold themselves available are still without definite information and consequently, are in a state of uncertainty as to their domestic and professional arrangements?

I have been asked to reply. I am unable to give the figures asked for in the first part of the Question. Many doctors who in answer to the questionnaire issued before the war expressed their willingness to serve in the Forces could not see their way to do so when approached at a later date, but I am assured by the Secretary to the Central Medical War Committee that of the doctors who have in recent months applied to be recommended for commissions in the Royal Army Medical Corps very few have not yet had their names submitted to the War Office, and that accordingly the situation referred to in the last part of the Question should not in general arise. If the hon. Member has any cases in mind and will let me have particulars I will make inquiries. As to the second part of the Question, reference to the local medical war committee is usually necessary in order to verify that the volunteer can be recruited without serious prejudice to the medical services of the area.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to effect an exchange of prisoners of war?

If my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind an exchange of prisoners of war other than those who are entitled to repatriation on medical grounds under the terms of the Prisoners of War Convention of 1929, the answer is that no steps are being taken. As regards those who are entitled to repatriation, the position is that a mixed medical commission, as prescribed in the Convention, has completed its examination of German prisoners of war in this country, that a commission is about to be set up in Canada, and that the German Government have taken similar steps in Germany. As soon as it is clear That the German Government are prepared to repatriate all seriously ill or seriously wounded British prisoners of war whom the commission decide to he entitled to repatriation, German prisoners of war will be repatriated on the same basis.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that British prisoners of war in Germany are receiving food of the quantity and standard supplied to German prisoners of war in this country and, if not, whether he will have the strongest representations made to those in authority in Germany requesting them to provide food for our prisoners of war similar to that which their prisoners of war are receiving in this country?

Under the Prisoners of War Convention of 1929, the obligation of the detaining Power is to give prisoners of war a ration equivalent to that of its depot troops. Constant inquiries have been, and are being, made on this point. There is evidence that at certain camps the ration scale allowed to British prisoners of war is below that of the German depot troops, and strong representations have been made in the matter.