asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to encourage the setting up in all industrial establishments of standing joint arrangements for the regular discussion between managements and properly elected representatives of the workpeople of matters in which they are mutually interested, and how far this is already in operation?

I am at present in consultation with the organisations in the engineering and shipbuilding and ship-repairing industries on all questions affecting the labour supply in those industries among which is that relating to the joint arrangements to which my hon. Friend refers. I gave a clear indication of the Government's policy in the course of last Tuesday's Debate.

Do I understand that it is my right hon. Friend's policy to introduce this machinery throughout the country in all industries in due course?

We have to do it in consultation with the industries.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he intends to make any alteration in the method of settling wage and other questions between the trade unions and the employers' organisations?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which I made on this subject in last Tuesday's Debate.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can now give a report as to the steps to be taken either by the establishment of a National Rehabilitation Board or other means to secure that victims of enemy action who sustain permanent injury recover their economic independence, and that those who remain cripples shall be provided with employment at settlements similar to Papworth, or through other channels?

This matter is still under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make a further statement.

When does my right hon. Friend expect to be in a position to make a statement?

I cannot name a date now.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any statement to make as to the wilful slowing-down of production in munition factories and payment in the same for overtime not worked?

I have made inquiries but can find no evidence that the practices referred to by my hon. Friend are occurring. If I were given specific instances, I should, of course, take steps to have them examined.

Has my right hon. Friend seen the Press cuttings I sent to him, and does he not think that that sort of thing is likely to create more trouble and upset?

I see so much in the Press that is inaccurate that I take no notice of it.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there is a lack of canteen facilities in industrial premises on the Clyde; that the provision of such facilities would be a great adjunct both towards providing for the material well-being of the workers and the raising and maintenance of output; and what steps he proposes to take to secure the provision of such facilities and their efficient operation?

Yes, Sir. I am much concerned to secure additional canteen facilities for industrial workers in the Clyde and other areas. I have already made an Order under which firms occupying relatively large factories, including shipbuilding yards, can if necessary be required by law to provide canteens. The matter is being actively taken up by factory inspectors, and I understand that a number of firms who have not already got canteens are now considering their establishment. The efficient operation of canteens is also being watched; and I am in close touch with the Minister of Food as to supplies. I have also taken up the question of additional canteen facilities for dock workers.

Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is much better to push this matter forward by agreement between firms and trade unions, and will he keep in mind that there are many women in Greenock who had experience in canteen work during the last war and that they are available for service?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour whether in view of the importance of keeping skilled agricultural workers on the land he will consult with the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries for the purpose of arranging for greater weight to be given to the recommendations for exemption from military service made by county agricultural committees.

I am in close touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries on this subject, and I am not aware that there has been any failure to give full weight to the recommendations for exemption from military service made by the county war agricultural executive committees.

Is the Minister aware that the county committees alone can identify the really skilled workers on the land who are key men and that the recommendations of the committees are constantly ignored?

I deny that they are constantly ignored, but I cannot hand over my responsibility under the National Service Act to any committee.

Will my right hon. Friend give special consideration to those districts which, through industrial competition, were short of agricultural labour even before the war and which are obviously in a much worse position now?

I take into account any representations made to me by the Minister of Agriculture, but the responsibility for making recommendations as to numbers rests on him.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the anxiety is rather regarding the future calling-up of men, and will he undertake that the county war agricultural committees will have the opportunity of knowing what men it is proposed to call up before they are called up, so that they can recommend whether or not they should be called up?

I cannot commit myself as to what machinery I may have to adopt, whether it be the county agricultural committees or some other tribunal, but I have to have regard to two things: One is that everybody on the land, including the farmer, is working, and that there is no waste effort anywhere, in order that the total force of man-power might be used effectively and a proper contribution be made to the Services in comparison with other industries.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a great waste of effort at the present time in the filling up by agriculturists of large numbers of unnecessary forms? Could he look into that?

I am afraid that there are no forms coming into my Department.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement with regard to the progress made by the International Labour Branch?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Sedgefield (Mr. Leslie) on 19th December last. Since then the Anglo-Polish Employment Exchange has been opened, and I hope that, within the next few weeks, a similar co-operative effort for the benefit of Belgians will be in operation.

Is the International Office in Geneva still operating?

That does not arise out of this Question.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he can arrange for the newly-appointed Scientific Advisory Committee to review the adequacy or otherwise of the scientific appointments to the various Government Departments, including the permanent scientific advisory personnel and the personnel of the various scientific committees which advise Departments, with a view to ensuring that the fullest use is being made of scientific knowledge in the administration of the national war effort?

The purpose which the Government had in view in establishing the Scientific Advisory Committee was "to ensure the continuance of the fullest co-operation of scientific workers with the Government in the national war effort," and one of the functions specifically assigned to the Committee is to advise on the selection of individuals for scientific work in, or for, the various Government Departments. I think, therefore, that the object indicated by my hon. and gallant Friend is already sufficiently met.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has now completed his consideration of the representations on behalf of the Scottish Livestock Salesmen's Association regarding the calling up of these salesmen; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

I have considered these representations, and after consultation with my Noble Friend the Minister of Food I have come to the conclusion that the position will be sufficiently safeguarded by deferring for the present the call-up of livestock salesmen of 35 years of age and over engaged on duties on behalf of the Ministry of Food.

Has my right hon. Friend given special consideration to the Scottish aspect, which was the subject of my Question? Has he seen the Secretary of State for Scotland?

The Department would have consulted, I think, all the other Departments concerned, including the Ministry of Food. I will inquire whether they saw the Secretary of State for Scotland, but I do not think that Scotland is treated worse than England in this answer.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I have had special representations from Perthshire, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Galloway and Midlothian, and can he say how many men in Scotland are affected by his decision?

I shall be pleased to send the figures to my hon. and learned Friend. I have not got them with me.

Does my right hon. Friend recognise that in consulting the Minister of Agriculture he is consulting only the English interests, and that the Secretary of State for Scotland is the Minister of Agriculture for Scotland?

asked the Minister of Labour the number of accidents, fatal and non-fatal, respectively, in factories during 1940, and similar figures for 1939; and, if the figures for the whole year are not available, will he give them for a period in 1940, comparing them with a similar period in the previous year?

Accidents reported under the Factories Act were in 1940 1,384 fatal and 231,080 non-fatal, and in 1939, 1,104 fatal and 192,371 non-fatal. The figures for 1940 are provisional and subject to correction.

Can my right hon. Friend tell us whether there is a percentage increase, in view of the larger number of persons employed? May I ask also whether the Factories Act is being implemented as it was in peace-time?

I have not worked out the percentage to the total employment. My hon. Friend will appreciate that the total employment is changing day by day, and, therefore, it is rather difficult to get a percentage. With regard to the carrying-out of the Factories Act under the head of protection, not only is it being carried out as effectively as in peace-time, but I have strengthened it recently by increased inspectorates and by the inaugural ion of a new accident-prevention campaign.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that men registered for service in the Forces are evading their liability by leaving the addresses at which they are registered and living in tubes and shelters, thus evading their call-up papers; and what action he has taken, or is prepared to take, to stop such evasion of military service?

I am not aware of anything of this sort. One outstanding feature of the operation of the Armed Forces Act is the almost 100 per cent. response which is made to each call-up. There are adequate arrangements for dealing with the very small number who do not respond to the call, provided, of course, that they are in this country.

Does the Minister's answer mean that he is convinced that there are no such abuses?

asked the Minister of Labour what steps have been taken to ensure that the Assistance Board carries out its duties effectively in Newquay so as to obviate evacuated mothers and children being left over week-ends without the means to buy food?

I am having inquiries made and will communicate with my hon. Friend in due course.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that banks, insurance offices and other institutions which are not of great importance in the prosecution of the war are occupying hotels and large houses in the country and at the seaside; and whether, as these institutions have adequate financial resources to provide reasonable safety for their staff and records in their pre-war premises, he will arrange for the premises that they occupy in reception areas to be taken over by his department for the use of children, invalids and the aged and other persons it is desirable to move from evacuation areas?

Yes, Sir. I am aware that a considerable number of firms, many of which are doing work of great national importance, have taken premises in reception areas as emergency offices. If it is found in any reception area that a local authority cannot secure accommodation for evacuated persons without the use of particular premises, I am prepared to consider the requisitioning of the premises.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that much of the accommodation provided for children, young people, and mothers with large families, is quite unsuitable, while this hotel accommodation would be ideal, and will he bring these financial companies back to participate in the risks which Parliament, the newspapers, and everybody else share?

In general, as I say, I am prepared to consider all these cases where there is a real need on account of the presence of evacuees. I cannot go further than that general assurance. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind, I will be very glad to look into it.

asked the Minister of Health (1) the reasons for the delay in furnishing Belsfield evacuation hostel, Newquay, with decency and modest comfort, in view of the fact that his attention was drawn to the bad conditions in this hostel as long ago as last November; and why the furniture stored in two rooms in the hostel had not been requisitioned for the purpose;

Clerks of local authorities have power to requisition furniture. If the Clerk of the Newquay Urban District Council has doubts about the articles which he can requisition, or has difficulty in obtaining them, he should at once consult the Ministry's Senior Regional Officer. I am obtaining information with regard to the alleged refusal of auctioneers in Newquay to sell furniture required for the use of evacuees. With regard to Belsfield hostel, I am told that much of the furniture required for the needs of the evacuees has been supplied, and additional articles have been ordered and will be installed shortly. My regional officers have visited the hostel, and inform me that the evacuees are satisfied that the additional articles to be supplied will meet their requirements.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at Belsfield there have been three matrons during the last two months, that the third resigned because of the intolerable conditions in that hostel last month, and that things are in a really shocking condition there at present? It is scandalous, and it has been going on for months.

The first part of the hon. Member's question is another matter, and I should like to have notice of it. With regard to the general state of affairs in the hostel, I can only say that my officers have been down and have inspected it, and that they regard the hon. Member's statements as an exaggeration. The answer I have given is a statement of the present position.

In view of the unsatisfactory reply, I propose to raise this question at the earliest possible opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has considered the plans for deep shelters submitted to him by the Stepney air-raid precautions controller; and whether he is prepared to sanction the provision of the shelters?

I have considered these proposals but, for reasons which have been conveyed to the A.R.P. Controller by the Regional Commissioners, I have not been able to give them my approval.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the persistent bombing that has taken place in Stepney and of the need for adequate protection for the people there? Is it not time that there should be a revision of the policy of providing protection merely against blast and splinters, and that the lives of the people should be taken into consideration?

Yes, Sir, I am aware of the serious bombing that has taken place in that part of London. But serious bombing has taken place elsewhere and may again take place elsewhere, and the quantities of materials which would have been required for this particular scheme would have meant that a large number of other areas would have had to go short. Therefore, with regret, I could not see my way to do what was asked.

Am I to assume from that reply that the right hon. Gentleman is merely concerned with protection against blast and splinters and is not prepared to revise the policy of his predecessor?

No, Sir, I am concerned to get the maximum protection possible within the limitations of the materials available, and I really cannot pursue a policy which means concentrating materials in particular districts at the expense of all other districts.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make it clear again—I know that he has done so once—to all local authorities that he is in favour of providing as much strong shelter as possible, subject to the possibility of obtaining materials, and to that alone?

I think I have shown that by the policy I have already adopted, but the policy brought up to me by Stepney would have involved the difficulties to which I have draw n attention. I think I have shown already by my attitude that I am willing to consider cases on their merits.

asked the Home Secretary in how many of the 1,238 appeals heard by the Advisory Committee, continued detention under Regulation 18B has been recommended; and in how many cases, where release was recommended, no decision had been taken on 19th December, 1940?

As my hon. Friend is aware, certain particulars of the action taken under this Regulation are given in the reports submitted monthly to Parliament. To obtain the additional particulars for which he asks would involve the expenditure of considerable time and would interfere with the urgent work of dealing with the recommendations of the Committees, and I hope therefore that I shall not be pressed for this information. As my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State indicated in answer to a Question yesterday, rapid progress is being made in the review of these cases and already over 600 persons have been released from detention.

Are we to understand that there is now no delay in arriving at a decision once a recommendation has been received from the Advisory Committee?

I most certainly say that there is no unreasonable delay. It all depends upon what the hon. Member means by "no delay." He and I may differ about that, but there is no unreasonable delay.

Can the Minister state the number of cases in which recommendations have been made for release and release has been opposed by the Home Office?

That is contained in my report to the House. There have been a certain number of cases in which the Committee has recommended release and I have disagreed.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will arrange that every person arrested under Regulation 18B shall receive particulars of the charge against him in writing within 24 hours of his arrest; that he should be brought before the tribunal within 28 days; that he shall have the right to be legally represented; and that, where he has no means, he shall be afforded legal assistance and representation at the hearing?

A person detained under Regulation 18B as a preventive measure is not charged with any specific offence, but he is furnished at the time of his arrest with a copy of the Detention Order which specifies upon which of the grounds mentioned in the Regulation his detention has been ordered. As regards the second part of the Question, I am in full sympathy with my hon. Friend's desire that there shall be no avoidable delay in the hearing of objections: the several Advisory Committees have nearly completed the hearing of the cases at present under detention, and I hope that in future it will be possible for the interval between the date of the lodging of objections against the order of detention and of the hearing to approximate more closely to the period suggested in the Question. This must, however, necessarily depend upon the number and character of the cases to be heard. As regards the third part of the Question, I dealt with the subject of legal representation at some length in the course of the Debate on 10th December. I have carefully reconsidered the matter since then, but I have seen no reason to modify the views which I then expressed.

Would it be possible for my right lion. Friend to publish or present to the House in any other way one or two specimen copies, omitting names, of detention orders, giving some indication of the type of information which is given?

I will consider that suggestion.

asked the Home Secretary how many women placed by tribunals in Category C are now interned; if they have been reclassified as Category A for reasons of security personal to the individual; was this done by a tribunal and was the changed classification entered on their papers; and, in view of the fact that the classification of these women as Category A seems generally unknown both to the women concerned themselves and to those in charge of them, will he arrange that these women should be re-examined by the Advisory Committee now sitting in the Isle of Man or by some other tribunal?

Women classified as C by the original tribunals and subsequently interned fall into two classes—those interned after a review of their case by a Regional Advisory Committee and those interned on specific security grounds by the police in the exercise of the discretion vested in them. Women in the first class, namely, those interned after appearing before a Regional Advisory Committee, are no longer in Category C, but are in Category A or, in some instances, in Category B. Women in the second class of case—namely, women still in Category C who were interned without being examined by a Regional Advisory Committee—number about 100, and I have arranged for their cases to be reviewed by the Committee now sitting in the Isle of Man. I cannot say whether in all cases their papers were endorsed by the police on their arrest for internment. As regards persons interned as a result of examination by the Regional Advisory Committees, I recognise that there may be some cases in which a further review may be desirable for the purpose of considering whether they should be released and enabling men to apply for release under one of the categories set out in the White Paper. I propose to consider what would he the best arrangements for a review in suitable cases of persons placed in Category A by the Regional Advisory Committees, but this review cannot be started until the review of the Category B cases has been completed.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that when women are interned on the advice of a regional tribunal it is generally because the tribunal thinks that there are grounds for suspicion, not that there is any certainty, and in view of the fact that to place a woman in Category A may prejudice her whole future life, will he see that in a case in which there is the smallest doubt no one, whether man or woman, shall lack the opportunity of clearing himself or herself of suspicion?

These matters will be reviewed, and in cases of doubt we will certainly look into them.

May I ask further—

The hon. Lady has already put a long supplementary question.

May I not ask one more question?

asked the Home Secretary whether arrangements will be made for the Advisory Committee to review the cases of those alien internees who have been released on grounds of health; and whether, in the meantime, he can give an assurance that they will not be re-interned when their health is recovered, at least until they shall have had their cases reviewed by the committee?

Aliens released on medical grounds will not be re-interned automatically when their health is recovered, but I could not give an assurance that no such alien will be re-interned without a review of his case by an Advisory Committee, since the interests of national security might require immediate action.

Is the Minister aware that great anxiety is caused to aliens of this description by being visited by the police with a view to seeing whether they are fit enough to be re-interned, and has that "cat and mouse" procedure his approval?

It is not a "cat and mouse" procedure. An alien may make application for release on the ground of ill-health. If he gets better, the question arises whether he should be re-interned. Putting the other side of the picture, there are some aliens in this country who are grumbling very much in the belief that some people who have been released on grounds of ill-health ought not to have been allowed to do so. The criticism cuts both ways. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that I am anxious to be as humane as possible.

asked the Home Secretary whether, having regard to the fact that the black-out has failed to prevent enemy aircraft from reaching their selected target areas and having regard to the considerable loss of life on the roads due to it, and its hampering effect on all air-raid precautions work at night and its restrictive effect on the production and distribution of goods, he will consider re-examining the whole problem?

No, Sir.

Having regard to the fact that the black-out is not achieving any useful object, but doing a lot of harm, cannot the right hon. Gentleman look into the question again?

I have looked at it several times, and I have no doubt I shall look at it several times again, but my answer at the moment is "No, Sir."

What is the use of flares if the black-out is so bad?

asked the Home Secretary whether he intends to make it obligatory that every householder shall keep an adequate supply of sand and water upon his premises for dealing with incendiary bombs and that local authorities shall provide sand dumps for these supplies?

asked the Home Secretary what provision is being made to enable householders to obtain sand for the purpose of dealing with incendiary bombs?

Local authorities have recently been asked to distribute sandbags three parts full at suitable spots, particularly in the more built-up areas. If I find it necessary to require all householders to take a step so obviously in their own interests as to have an adequate supply of water on the premises, I shall not hesitate to act accordingly.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in considerable areas in the North of England it is quite the exception for people to have any water in and about their household premises?

Then I hope my hon. Friend will conduct some propaganda on the subject. I will consider making a compulsory order, but I am not too anxious to make compulsory orders on every conceivable subject where, obviously, common sense would dictate that people should act voluntarily.

Are arrangements being made to enable householders to obtain supplies of sand free of charge?

Local authorities have been urged to make sand available. I am not certain whether a charge is being made for it, but I will look into that point.

Will my right hon. Friend urge local authorities not to waste time in dealing with this matter by waiting for the next meeting of the council?

I am much obliged to my hon. Friend for drawing attention to that point. It is a habit to wait for meetings of councils or committees, but that is obviously ridiculous at the present time. We are in war, and local authorities have to conduct themselves as war machines.

asked the Home Secretary to what extent the fire at the Guildhall was due to negligence; whether there were spotters permanently stationed at the Guildhall; and what number of firemen were in constant attendance to the Guildhall's own fire services?

If my hon. Friend has any ground for believing that this fire was due to negligence, he will perhaps be good enough to inform me of it. My information is that 10 members of the Corporation staff, trained in fire-fighting, have been on duty at the Guildhall day and night since the early days of the war; that members of this party on duty on the night in question extinguished a number of bombs that fell on Guildhall buildings; and that the London Fire Brigade came to their immediate assistance.

Is it not a fact that it was not in the Guildhall that the fire was started but in the church immediately adjoining?

I think that is so.

asked the Home Secretary when he will be able to put into effect the proposals of the Government in regard to fire watchers; and what is the reason for the delay in taking action?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Fire Prevention (Business Premises) Order and the Civil Defence Duties (Compulsory Enrolment) Order, which were made on 28th January.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that the public are most anxious to be informed of action that the Government take and that, after announcing a policy, it is equally important that attention should be given to putting it into operation?

I am bound to say that I think Ministers are entitled to a little appreciation from time to time. This is a highly complicated business, and it was carried through with the most amazing expedition. I had the officers up nearly all night working on the final draft, and I think we deserve a pat on the back for our expedition.

As there was no time to consult the organisations responsible on both sides in industry, and as there are many aspects of this order that should receive consideration by the House, will my right hon. Friend arrange for the House to consider the administration of the Order?

Business of the House is a matter arranged through the usual channels and by the Prime Minister. Both sides of industry were consulted before publication, but I admit that that was at a stage when effective decisions had been reached. That is one of the difficulties. If Government machinery is to move with speed, there must be less consultation than would otherwise be desirable.

Is it not likely to interfere with our productive capacity, owing to the fact that far too many people are engaged on this fire-watching?

That is an important factor which has been taken into account, and it is one of the complications.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give an assurance that all company directors, in addition to managing directors, will be liable for compulsory fire-watching service?

The Fire Prevention (Business Premises) Order applies to all men of the prescribed age working at premises to which the Order applies, subject to the exemptions specifically provided in the Order, whether they are company directors, managing directors, or in any other capacity.

Has any provision been made for absent property owners being mobilised to defend their own properties, or is the obligation to be only upon the tenants? Will the right hon. Gentleman bring these absentee landlords back, set up marquees and organise the landlords into battalions to defend their own properties?

I agree that there are tempting aspects of the matter, but, from the point of view of effective organisation of this fire prevention, the obligation must be upon the occupier.

Will the definition include directors who come only once a week or once a month, and will they be expected to play their part?

It is largely a matter of drafting, which is on the basis of the employés who are working on the premises. Frankly, I think it is doubtful whether the drafting will apply to the director who attends only occasionally, but I will give him every encouragement to play his part. It should not be forgotten that he will have an obligation in the locality where he lives and where he will be liable.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Regional Civil Defence Commissioner in Manchester has issued instructions to air-raid precautions controllers not to provide Members of Parliament, even for their private use, with any information about air-raid damage except in their own constituencies, though such Members may be ratepayers or householders and have vital and personal interests in constituencies outside their own; and whether this is done on his instructions?

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to instructions issued by the Regional Commissioner to implement the arrangement recently made, whereby hon. Members may obtain general information about air-raid damage in their own constituencies. This arrangement was described in the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for West Birmingham (Mr. Higgs) on 7th November last. I do not think that it would be reasonable, or in accordance with the wishes of the House, for Members to be placed in a privileged position as regards information about damage which may be of interest to them in their private capacity.

Is it not a very vital principle that Members of Parliament should be entitled to know of the death and devastation happening throughout the country during this war, and is it not possible for a person like myself, living in Manchester, to have information about the city where I live and where I am a ratepayer?

I should not have thought there would be difficulty in the hon. Gentleman getting any information from the city of Manchester. I quite agree that there is a point of principle involved, but I think it is this: While I have a duty to provide and facilitate information to Members as to what is happening in their constituencies, I do not think that Members generally would claim privileges outside.

Mr. Speaker, you are the guardian of the rights and privileges of Members of Parliament. May I ask you whether it is not a violation of them in this democratic country that a Member cannot get to know what is happening in his own country and among his own people?

There is no point of Privilege arising.

asked the Home Secretary what steps he proposes to take to make the experience of heavily-raided areas, and the lessons to be derived there-from, available to civic authorities generally?

Arrangements have been in existence for some time to ensure that the lessons of air raids are collected and disseminated among those concerned; and the necessary information about the recent heavy raids has been made available through these channels.

Will my right hon. Friend make known to the public that some of these incendiary bombs are explosive; and ought not the public to be properly protected against them?

I really wish hon. Members would restrain themselves about questions. It is not desirable that these matters should be discussed in the House. We have taken appropriate steps privately, and not in the House of Commons, to see that the proper information is available. We must be judges of what it is wise to publish.

At the same time, I want to put it to my right hon. Friend that the public as a whole ought to have information on the matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Regional Commissioner attended the special meeting of the Manchester City Council held on Wednesday, 8th January, or whether a representative attended; whether steps have been taken to carry out any recommendations made in a report by the Regional Commissioner on the experiences in the Manchester area; and whether hon. Members interested can be provided with or see a copy of the report?

The answer to the first part of the Question is: "No, Sir." As regards the second part of the Question, I have received a number of reports from the Regional Commissioner regarding the recent heavy raids, and the lessons drawn from them are being translated into action as speedily as possible. In reply to the last part of the Question, communications between Regional Commissioners and myself are confidential in character, and I regret that I do not see my way to adopt the course proposed.

After the experience which the people of this district had, would it not have been wise for the Regional Commissioner to have attended the special meeting that was called and to have considered these experiences? As the people at the city's council meeting represented all stages of life in this area, should it not have been the duty of the Regional Commissioner to have attended and heard the democratic representatives' views of that experience? With regard to the report that has been made—

rose—

This was a terrible experience in this area, Mr. Speaker, and the people are wanting a reply to these questions. It is for that reason that I am asking a longer supplementary question than I would otherwise have asked.

The hon. Member should have put down two questions.

In view of the fact, according to the published report, that all the mistakes which were made in London with regard to rest centres and which were subsequently corrected were made in this area, would the Minister say who is responsible? Is it the responsibility of the Regional Commissioner, the local authority or the Ministry of Health?

The responsibility, as far as the National Government are concerned, is the responsibility of the Ministry of Health. The immediate responsibility locally is that of the local authority. The liaison between the two would presumably be the senior regional officer.

Seeing that some of the firemen were machine-gunned, has the Regional Commissioner made a report on that fact, and, if so, is the right hon. Gentleman going to consult the Secretary of State for Air in order to prevent a repetition of that sort of occurrence?

I could not say without notice whether that particular point was considered, but I will look into it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the lessons of these heavy raids have really been brought home to the local authorities in areas which have not yet been heavily attacked and where there is far too much complacency?

Yes, Sir. I also hope that hon. Members will play their part in these areas. I can assure the House that the Government have taken the most elaborate trouble to pass on all the lessons that arise out of these raids.

And the Regional Commissioners?

And the Regional Commissioners. I regret these manifestations of prejudice. It is wrong. We have taken great trouble.

Why did not the Regional Commissioner attend the meeting?

The question is whether the Regional Commissioner is better occupied in attending these meetings or getting on with his work. He can read the reports in the newspapers. We have taken elaborate trouble to pass these lessons on, and we are continuing to impress them upon local authorities. I hope hon. Members will also pursue their responsibilites and "ginger up," so to speak, any local authorities which are backward.

Would the right hon. Gentleman perhaps reconsider what information can usefully be given to hon. Members to enable them to carry out the duties which he suggests?

The information is largely strategical in character. It must in its nature be private and secret, except to those concerned with operational instructions. I have under consideration means whereby I hope there may be more frequent and regular consultation between Members of Parliament and the regional authorities. It is already applied in certain regions of the country.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will issue a White Paper indicating the result of the survey that has been made into the preparations made by local authorities to deal with the effects of air raids or send a report to the hon. Members dealing with the area they represent; what the survey shows; and what action has been taken since the survey was made?

There is a continuous survey of these matters, and instructions are issued to Regional Commissioners and local authorities when necessary. The recent intensive air attacks have raised a number of points on which instructions have been issued. It would not be appropriate to make a public statement on these matters, but if hon. Members wish to raise any questions affecting their constituencies, I shall be glad to give them any information I can.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give an assurance that in every case where a house in London damaged by enemy action was notified to the local authority before the end of 1940 as requiring first-aid repairs, these repairs have by now been put in hand; and if there are any boroughs of which this assurance cannot be given, what practical arrangements has he made to improve the situation there?

No, Sir. I have no figures enabling me to give such an assurance, and there may well be a few houses which have been damaged for some time and are not yet repaired. The assurance which I can give is that go per cent. of all houses damaged up to date in the London Region which are capable of repair have already received the first-aid repairs necessary to make them wind and weather tight. Units of the special repair service organised by my Noble Friend the Minister of Works and Buildings are sent to give additional assistance in areas which have suffered most damage or where first-aid repairs are proceeding least quickly.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will introduce legislation to secure that loss of revenue due to reduced rateable value caused by enemy action in a particular district shall not be borne exclusively by the local authority for that district but shall be equitably apportioned between local authorities generally?

Any financial assistance that may be necessary, as a result of circumstances arising out of the war, in order to ensure the maintenance of essential services, will be afforded to the local authority of the area concerned out of Exchequer funds, and I do not contemplate the introduction of such legislation as my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has approved the action of some local authorities who have required householders applying for remission of rates on the ground that the premises have been vacated and emptied of all furniture and tenant's fittings to certify that they have no intention of occupying the premises in the future; whether he is aware that, pending judicial decision on the validity of the contention that constructive occupation exists where property is reserved for future use, much uncertainty and confusion will arise; and whether he proposes to introduce legislation to define the rateability of vacated property.

I have no authority to give any such approval as is mentioned in the first part of the Question, or to interpret the law in this matter. Despite the measure of uncertainty to which my hon. Friend refers, I do not think that the circumstances justify the introduction of legislation on this subject at the present time.

How can anyone be expected to foresee whether he will or will not be able to live in his house, should he still possess it, after the war?

I appreciate that there are uncertainties in the present situation, affecting many more people than those to whom my hon. Friend refers. I am bound to say that in spite of such uncertainties I think that the introduction of legislation is not appropriate at present.

Has not the whole position assumed a new importance since the outbreak of war?

It was all those considerations which, naturally, I had in mind in reaching a decision.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has yet reached a decision on the question of rates of pay for members of the Civil Defence services holding positions of special responsibility, which was stated more than three months ago to be under examination?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Can the Minister give the real reason for the prolonged delay, which is very unfair to men in these services?

One of the reasons is that the matter has now become involved with other questions. I am anxious that there should be no delay.

asked the Home Secretary what progress has been made in the work of employing miners on tunnelling operations for shelter purposes?

I am sending to my hon. Friend a copy of a circular sent to local authorities for their guidance. Some proposals under this circular which have been approved will, I have no doubt, involve the employment of mining labour, and a number of others are under examination. The recruitment of additional labour is, of course, a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.

Is it still the policy of the Government to carry out such operations for this purpose?

Where suitable, expedient and appropriate.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Channel Islanders serving with His Majesty's Forces are anxious as to the fate of their families on the islands; and whether arrangements for more frequent communications and exchange of letters, at least equal to that of prisoners of war in enemy hands on the Continent, can be arranged?

I sympathise deeply with the desire of Channel Islanders serving with His Majesty's Forces and others who have friends and relatives in the Channel Islands to be kept informed of their welfare and safety. As my hon. Friend is aware, the Foreign Relations Department of the Red Cross and Order of St. John has succeeded in arranging a special Message Scheme for the Channel Islands. Provision for correspondence of prisoners of war is made in the Prisoners of War Convention of 1929. The position of inhabitants of occupied territory, who are at liberty, is not analogous.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that neither of these Committees is actually functioning?

I can assure my hon. Friend that I have endeavoured to do my best, but there are great difficulties in the matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the reasons for refusing an exit permit to Mr. Wilfrid Lawson to enable him to be absent from this country in order to undertake an engagement at Hollywood, the proceeds of which would have increased the dollar credits of this country by approximately 16,000 dollars?

An exit permit to enable Mr. Wilfrid Lawson to travel to the United States to fulfil an engagement at Hollywood was refused, as his application could not be regarded as falling within any of the categories in respect of which an exemption can be made to the general rule that British subjects between the ages of 16 and 60 are not allowed to leave the United Kingdom.

Is it not advisable to allow people to work abroad so that the nation can obtain foreign credit?

I think it would be a ittle dangerous in doctrine for me to lay down a principle that people who go to the United States and earn money shall have almost an automatic right, because I do not think that I should do that. I should be open to criticism from another angle.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the suggestion that the Grand National should be held in Cheltenham this year; and whether as events of this kind involve the use of a great deal of petrol, railway transport and labour, and the assembling of a large crowd, and are difficult to reconcile with the serious nature of the struggle in which the country is now engaged and the sacrifices so many are called upon to make, he will veto the holding of this race meeting for the duration of the war?

This matter is at present under consideration, and I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as a decision is reached.

When is a decision likely to be reached?

I hope, in about a week.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider preventing the promoters of the Waterloo Cup hare-coursing meetings holding their usual function, as it is not in the national interests to allow such gatherings, involving as they do great cruelty, wastage of national effort in trapping hares for sport, maintaining dogs on milk and other much-wanted human food?

I regret I have no power to intervene in this matter on the grounds suggested by my hon. Friend.

Is there no way of putting a stop to this cruel and filthy business?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement, or issue a White Paper, showing in general terms the assistance rendered to this country by the other parts of the Commonwealth, as such a report would prove to the world the unity of the Empire in carrying through the war?

Statements on various aspects of the British Commonwealth's war effort have been made in this House and elsewhere from time to time. It would not, however, be practicable to issue a comprehensive statement without giving valuable information to the enemy. I do not in any case think that there is any lack of knowledge of the splendid assistance which is being rendered by all parts of the Empire.

Has my right hon. Friend seen the report of Mr. Joseph Kennedy's statement in the United States indicating that he had no earthly idea of what our war aims were?

That is why he talks so much.

The Question deals with the war effort and not with war aims.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider putting together within one cover the information which has already been published, and will he not consider whether that might have a yen valuable propaganda effect throughout the world?

I will certainly consider that suggestion.

Would it not be possible to issue a statement on general lines without giving information to the enemy? It ought to be known what we are doing in the Commonwealth as well as Hitler telling people what they are doing.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the consideration of post-war economic policy, the Government are consulting with the Dominion Governments and primary producers throughout the Empire in order to secure their co-operation in the production and marketing of primary products after the war?

His Majesty's Government are aware of the importance of securing the co-operation of the Dominion Governments in the production and marketing of primary products after the war. The question will be one for the consideration of Ministers concerned with the preparation of plans for post-war reconstruction.

Are any consultations now taking place?

It is a matter for the Ministers engaged.

Who will tell me?

asked the Minister of Agriculture, whether, with a view to growing more food throughout this country in 1941, he will confer with the Chancellor of the Exchequer in order to take the necessary steps to provide additional working capital required for this development?

No, Sir. I would refer my hon. Friend to what I said on this subject in the Debate on 22nd October last.

Does my right hon. Friend know what is wanted? Is it not to grow the utmost possible food in the least possible time, and to do this must one not have adequate working capital and labour? It is no use issuing thousands of orders and not following them up. May I have an answer? If the Minister of Agriculture does not see fit to answer, I shall have to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the recent announcement to the effect that guaranteed prices for agricultural produce will continue for 12 months after the war may be more clearly defined by announcing that the 12 months will commence from the conclusion of the harvest in the year peace is signed, with a view to a long-term policy for agriculture being agreed with the industry before the expiration of the 12 months referred to?

No, Sir. I should, however, like to make it quite clear that it is both the desire and the intention of the Government that the period covered by this guarantee should be utilised for the purpose of framing and putting into action a permanent post-war policy for agriculture designed to maintain that industry in a healthy and well-balanced condition.

If my right hon. Friend does not come to any agreement with the industry, will he extend the guaranteed prices for 12 months?

asked the Minister of Agriculture what demand there has been from local authorities, allotment societies and other organisations for publicity material in connection with the "Dig for Victory" campaign?

Since 14th October last, when local allotment authorities were circularised concerning the 1940–41 "Dig for Victory" campaign, over 7,600 demands for publicity material relating to the campaign have been received from these authorities and from allotment and gardening organisations and the trade. I am circulating, in the OFFICIAL REPORT, details of the extent of the demands to date, which total 4,731,700 items.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the results of the campaign have come up to expectations?

Yes, Sir. One of the Joint Parliamentary Secretaries has been conducting a series of meetings throughout the country, and he tells me that he has been very favourably impressed by the response we are getting. We shall not, of course, have final figures before the end of the spring.

Can my right hon. Friend say what action is being taken in the case of any district which is not playing its full part?

That is a very different matter. If my hon. Friend has any district in mind and will let us know, we shall do our best to remedy the situation.

Following are the details:

102,000 copies of the Minister of Agriculture's Mansion House and broadcast speeches on 10th September, when the campaign was launched.

1,340,000 copies of a Propaganda Leaflet embodying a form of application for an allotment.

265,000 "Dig for Victory" posters of various sizes.

3,000,000 "Dig for Victory" stickers for use on local authority and other correspondence.

20,000 copies of a memorandum "Some Suggestions for Local Publicity" for the guidance of local authorities.

4,700 copies of "Some Notes for Sermons" in case local authorities might ask local clergymen to mention "Dig for Victory" from the pulpit.

asked the President of the Board of Education what reply he has sent, and what action he has taken, in respect to the protest forwarded to him from a meeting of 700 parents in Wolverhampton, on 2nd January, protesting against the refusal to alter the school time for children from 9 to 9.30; whether he Is aware that the temperature at one school at 9 a.m. on the opening day of this term varied from 32 degrees to 39 degrees; and that the action taken is contrary to the advice given in a recent circular from the Board?

As I explained in my recent letter to the hon. Member, the decision as to the time of opening of public elementary schools rests with the local education authorities, and a reply to that effect has been sent. Many local factors have to be taken into account and in Circular 1535 I emphasised the importance of allowing local variations. As regards the temperature of the classroom, I understand that attempts are being made to overcome the difficulties created by the blackout—which in any case will become less as the hours of daylight become longer.

While appreciating what my right hon. Friend has said, in view of the very strong feeling in Wolverhampton on this subject will he be good enough to use his persuasive powers with the local authority to see whether some compromise satisfactory to local feeling can be arrived at?

That is a matter for decision locally.

Does that mean that my right hon. Friend will get into touch with the local authority and see what he can do?

I want to leave the local authority some discretion. I shall do more harm than good if I insist on prescribing details like this.

May I press my right hon. Friend to say whether he intends to do what he can? In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I intend to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he can make a statement on the progress of the Directorate of Physical Recreation since he announced its establishment on 22nd August last, so far as the physical health of the boys and girls of London is concerned; and how often, and on what dates, the London Youth Committee has met during that period?

As my hon. Friend is aware, the conditions in London during the last five months have almost wholly precluded the continuance of evening activities. Nevertheless, good use has been made of the week-ends to train leaders and maintain recreative activities for young people, and a successful experiment has been made in central London in lunch-time "Keep-Fit" classes for girls and women. Some 300 classes, including "Keep-Fit" classes, are being held by the local authority in public shelters, and the provision of dormitory shelter is being facilitated in boys' and girls' clubs, so that the work of the clubs may continue during the evening, or an existing public shelter may be partially or wholly allocated for the same purpose. One of the three new Recreation Centres planned by the authority for opening last September has been opened. The meetings of the London Youth Committee and the Borough Youth Committees, like those of other committees of the London County Council, have been suspended by the Council, but emergency arrangements were made to deal with urgent matters. These arrangements have, among other things, enabled over 60 applications for grant to be submitted to the Board, and the Board have made grants in respect of over 50 of these applications.