asked the Secretary of State for Air whether any decision has yet been arrived at with regard to the issue of an increased number of free railway passes to flying officers and air crews?

Yes, Sir It has now been decided that air crew personnel will, in future, be allowed a maximum of four free leave railway warrants a year. I am happy to add that this concession will apply also to flying instructors and to pupils at flying training establishments.

Does that mean that station commanders will, at their discretion, in cases of stress, be allowed to go beyond four passes, if they think it necessary, or are they strictly limited to four passes only?

Hitherto, only two free railway warrants have been allowed, but the new regulation allows four. You must have a borderline somewhere, and the borderline is that station commanders will not have discretion to go beyond four.

Will this concession apply to the other Services?

I am speaking on behalf of my own Service, the Air Ministry. I suggest that the hon. Gentleman should put that Question to the appropriate Departments.

Is it not undesirable that such concessions should be made for one Service and not relate to the others?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will make a statement on the measures he has taken for the organisation and expansion of the Air Training Corps in the Birmingham area; and whether he is satisfied with the response to the call for officers for the training of air defence cadet squadrons?

The organisation of the Air Training Corps is being pursued in Birmingham, as in other cities, with vigour and enthusiasm. The Lord Mayor is giving his valuable assistance to the local committee which is organising the squadrons, and he has assured the commandant of the Corps that the citizens of Birmingham will do all in their power to make the scheme a success. The response to the call for officers has been most encouraging Arrangements will be made for candidates to be interviewed as soon as possible.

Are we to understand from the reply of my hon. and gallant Friend that these Air Training Corps units will get all the encouragement possible from the Air Ministry?

Yes, Sir, indeed they will.

Does this organisation include the training of attested airmen by officers?

No, Sir. The hon. Gentleman is referring to a different matter altogether which is now in operation, and is the educational system within the Royal Air Force for men who do not come up to the requisite standard for air crews.

Does the Minister propose to issue a memorandum explaining the scheme for the information of Members of Parliament and others?

I propose to put in the Library a small booklet which is now being distributed through the Commandant of the Air Training Corps units and also a more detailed book, which will be available for distribution at the beginning of next week.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many refugees from Nazi oppression are interned in Jamaica; whether they are detained in the same camp as known Nazi sympathisers whether their cases are being reviewed with a view to their release; and whether the policy of the Home Government as to such refugees is being applied in Jamaica?

The total number of enemy aliens interned in Jamaica, including such enemy aliens as have been transferred from other territories for internment in the Colony, and enemy merchant seamen, is approximately 950. Included in this number are 25 male and nine female Germans who were resident in Jamaica before the outbreak of war; all of these claim to be anti-Nazi and most of them have appealed against their detention. Of the 25 males, all of whom are in one camp, 13 are Jewish, and these are partially segregated. Of the nine females, seven are Jewish and all are in one camp. The provision of completely segregated accommodation for internees whose anti-Nazi sympathies are not open to doubt has been under consideration, but there are practical difficulties. As the hon. Member is aware, the Governor is now in this country for consultation in another connection, and it is proposed to discuss the whole question with him.

While thanking my hon. Friend for that answer, may I ask whether any steps will be taken to ensure that persons whose anti-Nazi sympathies are not open to question are not interned at all; and whether the policy of the Home Office in this country will be applied in Jamaica?

The Colonies are, of course, kept informed of the changes which are taking place in this country in connection with this matter. As I point out in the last paragraph of the reply, this matter is now being considered by the Governor, who is at present in this country.

Will the hon. Gentleman urge upon the Governor in view of the very grave injustice of interning Nazis and anti-Nazis together, that, if internment must be carried out, there should, at least, be effective separation, and that the practical difficulties should be overcome?

There is very little difficulty with regard to the Jamaicans, or those who were resident in Jamaica before the outbreak of the war. My hon. Friend will however see the difficulty of discriminating, particularly among enemy seamen and others, because you must have some corroboration with regard to their political views, before you can take action. I assure my hon. Friend that the matter is being considered by the Governor.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the growing destitution and unemployment in large areas of the West Indies, it is intended to use part of the colonial welfare and development grant for remedial purposes, or what other steps are proposed or being instituted?

This matter is at present under active consideration, and I hope to be able to make a statement shortly.

Does my hon. Friend agree that there is likely to be a very large demand for West Indian labour in connection with the construction of United States bases?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, as an alternative to burning again the West African cocoa crop, it has been decided to store or process upon the spot the second war-time crop for release after the war?

Only very small quantities of last season's crop were destroyed. These were of a quality unsuitable for storage. The possibility is now being considered of storing surplus cocoa of good quality from this season's crop. Long-term storage accommodation already exists in West Africa for eight months' normal requirements of the European markets now cut off by the blockade.

Is there any notion of introducing machinery for processing the cocoa?

That matter is being considered, but there are practical difficulties. One of these difficulties, of course, is obtaining the necessary machinery for the purpose of processing, but all these matters are being considered.

Could not some of this cocoa be brought to this country?

The difficulty with regard to the transport of cocoa is similar to that of the transport of many other commodities. It is the difficulty of shipping.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement indicating the amount of direct taxation imposed in each of the Colonial dependencies, and any changes which have taken place since the commencement of the war; and what relation direct taxation bears to indirect taxation and other sources of revenue in each of these territories?

A statement is being prepared and will be circulated as soon as possible, but my hon. Friend will appreciate that it will be somewhat long and will take some time to compile.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is satisfied that the producers of groundnuts in Gambia will receive an economic price for their crops in view of the price fixed by the recent Government decision; what steps are being taken to eliminate middlemen's profits and facilitate transport to the buying stations; and whether the unemployment and social conditions of the people in the Colony are receiving the particular attention of the Government?

The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's Question is in the affirmative. I cannot agree that the entire elimination of middlemen's profits is desirable. The fixation of a uniform buying price for the whole season, and the steps taken to make this price known to all the farmers, will make it difficult for middlemen to obtain possession of groundnuts at a price out of relation to the real market price. I have no reason to believe that the marketing of all the nuts available is being prevented by lack of transport to buying stations. In one case, where the closing of a station caused hardship to growers, it was at once reopened. The answer to the last part of the Question is in the affirmative, except that I have received no reports of serious unemployment in the Gambia.

In view of the agitation in the Colony about the price that is being offered, and the fact that profits will be made by those who are contributing very little or nothing to the Colony, and also in view of the difficulties with regard to transport, will the hon. Gentleman give this matter special consideration?

We have received no complaints at all with regard to this matter. The difficulty about the complete elimination of the middlemen is, of course, that they are part of a machine and you really cannot interfere with that at once. The price which is paid, I think, has given satisfaction to the producers.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that it is the practice of the railway companies to close the refreshment rooms on a large number of their stations on Sundays; and whether he can indicate the steps he proposes to take to remedy this unsatisfactory state of affairs?

In general, refreshment rooms are closed on Sundays only where there is not sufficient demand to justify their being kept open. In Scotland, however, it is the custom to keep refreshment rooms closed on Sundays in deference to public opinion. If my hon. Friend will let me know of any particular station or stations where, in his view, there is sufficient demand to justify the opening of refreshment rooms which are now closed on Sundays, I will see that the matter is considered.

Surely the right hon. and gallant Gentleman realises that if I supply such a list it will be a very long one; and, secondly, does he not agree that this idea of closing refreshment rooms on Sundays is now obsolete and that at almost every station people require refreshment in these days of slow trains?

My hon. Friend will see from the next answer that I propose to deal with the matter in another way.

Will the Minister bear in mind that an enormous army of soldiers has to travel from place to place and that in war-time there is a special consideration to be borne in mind?

The enormous army of soldiers would rather eat in the train than wander about the stations.

Is the Minister aware that that is the difficulty, that the railway companies do not provide facilities on trains in war-time to the same extent as they do in peace-time?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will listen to the next answer.

Will the Minister see whether there is a demand for these facilities?

If my hon. Friend listened to the answer he would notice that I said that the opening of the refreshment rooms is determined to a large extent by the demand.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company charge those using their tea cars 1s. 3d., including service, for two small fingers of toast, a biscuit, and a pot of tea; and whether, as this is excessive, both for troops and public, he will bring the matter to the notice of those concerned with a view to an alteration downwards in price?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company charge 1s. 3d., including compulsory service charge of 3d., for afternoon tea in their restaurant cars, although this consists only of three small pieces of bread and butter, a biscuit and a pot of tea; and whether he will arrange for refreshments to be provided for the travelling public at more reasonable prices?

I am advised that for the charge of 1s. a tea is served which consists of a pot of tea, bread and butter or toast or teacakes, and cake or biscuits. A second helping may be had on request. I do not think the charge is excessive. The additional charge of 3d. is in lieu of a tip and is charged on bills between 1s. and 2s. 6d. For members of the Forces, experiments are being made with mobile canteens installed in trains where tea and refreshments can be obtained at canteen prices; I have every reason to believe that these will be successful.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not agree that while providing special facilities for troops is a good thing, the public themselves should have something far more reasonable?

I am in a difficulty. If I provide something for the ordinary public I am accused of not looking after the troops, and if I provide something for the troops I am accused of not looking after the public. There is provision in passenger trains for the ordinary passengers, and if the experiment is to be a success, as it obviously is, there will be two or three of these canteens in a train.

Do the tips mentioned in the Minister's answer go to the attendants or to the railway company?

They go to the attendant first.

Can the Minister say that the widest possible publicity will be given to the fact that additional helpings may be given without further charge?

Is not what the Minister refers to as a tip really a charge? Supposing it is refused, what can the railway company do?

I shall have to refer that question to the Attorney-General.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the inconvenience through overcrowding caused to workers going to work on Wolverhampton omnibuses owing to the refusal of the town council to postpone the opening time of the schools from 9 a.m. to 9.30 a.m.; and whether he will take steps to see that the best possible use is made of the transport available?

I am making inquiries and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

Will the Minister bear in mind that there is a very strong feeling on this subject, and will he use his persuasive powers to the utmost?

I am rather afraid that my hon. Friend is leading me up the garden.

Will the Minister do nothing to limit education in Wolverhampton?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that night motoring helps enemy raiders to population centres; that many chief constables are disturbed on this account; that many motorists do not observe lighting restrictions; that Germany has long since dealt with the problem; and will he, with a view to conserving petrol, reducing deaths on the highway, and allaying public disquiet, reconsider his recent refusal to institute a curfew?

I have consulted with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Home Security and I see no reason to alter the view I previously expressed.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend not aware that in at least three bombed cities the chief constables believe that the presence of night motorists has contributed heavily to the increased death roll, and that in at least one instance there has been doubt as to whether there would have been bombing at all if there had been no night motorists?

It is very difficult for any of us to have expert information as to what does or does not give away information to the enemy. We have to abide by the information given to the Government by the appropriate authorities. It is no use for me or for my hon. Friend to hold strong views as to what does give away information. I am told by experts who fly over the country that information is not being given away, and that is as far as I can go.

Has my right hon. and gallant Friend consulted with the chief constables of the bombed cities to arrive at that conclusion?

No; I have consulted everybody on the flying side.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that I took observations on 14 separate occasions; that when I saw vivid lights on a certain main road it was bombed, when the cars were running about?

That is rather like what people say about towns being bombed because of the presence of signals.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will at once send a representative, who is able to understand the workpeople's needs, to inter- view their representatives, where required, in the North Staffordshire area covered by the correspondence which has been sent to the Minister; is he aware of the urgent need for immediate action; has he considered the correspondence sent to him by the hon. Member for Stoke; and, in view of the fine tone of the workpeople's letter, what immediate action is to be taken to deal with the deplorable state of affairs?

As I have informed my hon. Friend by letter, I sent an officer from headquarters to review the transport services for workers in North Staffordshire. All the representations and suggestions which have been made were carefully considered and steps, including review of the railway services, are being taken to relieve the congestion on the bus services at peak periods and to make the most advantageous use of the vehicles and drivers available.

It is evident that that is part of our difficulty, but the letter I received dealt with a different problem altogether. This Question deals with the whole North Staffordshire area in regard to which I stated a few weeks ago that I could not speak in public as to what the difficulty was, but that the Minister of Transport had been informed, and that it was time it was dealt with.

I understood that this was a question in which my hon. Friend the Member for Burslem (Mr. MacLaren) was also interested.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman have special inquiries made? This is not a question of inconvenience to the public so much as inconvenience to and restriction of production, both for export and also for munitions. It is a very serious matter.

My hon. Friend knows that we are very active in this matter, so much so as to be expediting the improvement of the railway facilities. That is being brought forward by about two months.

But the trouble is the delay.

asked the Minister of Transport what was the percentage of road accidents in December in which military vehicles were involved; and whether the regulations for obscuring lights on cars applies to Army vehicles as well as to civilians?

As regards the first part of this Question I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave to Questions by my hon. Friends the Members for Faversham (Sir A. Maitland) and West Lewisham (Mr. Brooke) on 22nd January. As regards the second part, a full statement was made on 17th December, in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Reigate (Mr. Touche), by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the War Office.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend satisfied that the military are driving carefully, and that no extra danger is caused by their vehicles?

I promised my hon. Friend the Member for Faversham (Sir A. Maitland) that I would go into this in an attempt to find out something about the rates of accidents as between the military and civilians. One set of figures has been sent to me from London. That, of course, is not the whole problem. I must relate these figures to the proportion of military traffic to civilian traffic, and I have not yet got figures in regard to that.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend make clear to the War Office that military drivers must conform to the ordinary rules of the road and to the speed limit? There is an idea amongst Army drivers that they are privileged persons.

I think the War Office have done their best to give instructions to drivers to the effect that they are not privileged persons.

Has my right hon. Friend seen the statement of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents in to-day's "Times" that they are collecting the facts and hope soon to give the appropriate figures on this subject; and will his department collaborate with the Society to insure a correct statement?

I have seen the letter to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that during the rush hours at Liverpool Street, London and North Eastern Railway, suburban platform inspectors are on duty for the special purpose of preventing third-class passengers from entering first-class carriages, and that the doors of the latter are locked until just before the train leaves, notwithstanding the fact that the third-class carriages are overcrowded and the first-class carriages inadequately filled; and whether this procedure is in accord with the policy announced on 20th November, 1940?

The procedure is necessary to ensure that those who hold first-class tickets have first call on the available first-class accommodation. I see nothing in the procedure which is inconsistent with my announcement.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that there is a general feeling that there are far too many first-class carriages on the railway?

I do not know that; it depends on how many first-class travellers there are. We want to stop people holding third-class tickets going on to the platform and taking a first-class seat on the basis that the train will eventually be full. That is why the doors of first-class compartments are locked until a certain time, after which third-class passengers are allowed to enter.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that at King's Cross Station the practice followed is to keep first-class carriages locked the whole time, to have an inspector standing outside who unlocks them separately for each passenger who produces a first-class ticket, and that the consequence is that train after train leave King's Cross in the rush hours crowded to overflowing in the third-class carriages and half empty in the first-class carriages?

They could percolate through the corridor, could they not?

No, there is no corridor; they are separate carrages.

That would be against my instructions. I will look into the matter.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the third-class passengers are the people referred to by the Prime Minister as the "backbone of the nation"?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state, of those employed by his Ministry and in receipt of salaries of £600 a year and over, how many there are whose previous experience was acquired mainly in respect of railway transport, or road transport, respectively?

Of those employed by the Ministry in receipt of salaries of £600 a year and over, 21 were, before their appointment in this Department, associated with railway transport and 28 with road transport.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that there is a widely held feeling that the interests of road transport are being sacrificed to those of rail transport, and the public looks to him to see that a reasonable balance is maintained?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the number of persons employed by his Ministry, temporarily or permanently, including regional traffic commissioners' organisations, in receipt of salaries of £350 a year or over?

The total number employed with salaries of £350 per annum and over is 666.

asked the Minister of Information, whether his attention has been drawn to a recent broadcast by Mr. W. J. Brown, in which an account was given of the intentions of the Germans towards the British people in the event of a German victory; and whether he will give an assurance that all such statements are carefully examined and checked?

Yes, Sir, I am aware of this talk, the script of which was submitted to the customary careful examination before delivery. All the statements made in it can be adequately substantiated.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that by a vast majority of the public this is looked upon as having been one of the best and most valuable talks which have been given?

Could we get another contribution like it?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings, whether he is aware that land speculators are buying up sites in bombed areas, with a view to re-selling after the war to local authorities, who will need the land for social development; and whether he proposes taking any steps to check this practice?

My Noble Friend has set up a Committee to make an expert examination of the subject of compensation and betterment, and has asked the Committee to advise, as a matter of urgency, on the particular question to which my hon. Friend refers.

The terms of reference of the Committee are as follow:

"To make an objective analysis of the subject of the payment of compensation and recovery of betterment in respect of public control of the use of land:

To advise, as a matter of urgency, what steps should be taken now or before the end of the war to prevent the work of reconstruction thereafter being prejudiced. In this connection the Committee are asked to consider (a) possible means of stabilising the value of land required for development or re-development, and (b) any extension or modification of powers to enable such land to be acquired by the public on an equitable basis; to examine the merits and de-merits of the methods considered, and to advise what alterations of the existing law would be necessary to enable them to be adopted."

The Committee will consist of:—Mr. Justice Uthwatt (Chairman), Mr. F. R. Evershed, Mr. Gerald Eve, Mr. James Barr, Mr. James Wylie.

My Noble Friend trusts that it will be clear from the latter part of these terms of reference that the Government do not intend that reconstruction after the war shall be hampered or prejudiced in any way by speculative transactions and other such individual operations carried out in advance.

Before my hon. Friend and this Committee go too far in the way of paying compensation, will he consider bringing pressure upon the Chancellor of the Exchequer to introduce a tax on site values?

Will steps be taken before this Committee reports to prevent speculation which may injure future development?

Would my hon. Friend consider making a statement now that any land required by the Government or by a local authority after the war will not be purchased at a price in excess of the pre-war value?

Will the Committee have power to recommend retrospective action?

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether, when considering post-war reconstruction, he has in mind the setting up of a national commission whose duties shall include the power to determine the use to which all land, rural and urban, shall be put; and whether, in view of the speculation in land which is now taking place, he will make an early statement on the subject?

The Government fully appreciate the importance of the question of the utilisation of land which vitally affects so many reconstruction problems. The matter is at present under the consideration of the Ministers responsible for the Departments concerned and it is not possible to say at present what form any further inquiries which may be necessary will take. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings to Question No.36.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether this Committee which has been announced to-day will report from time to time to the House or to the Government, and will the report be available to hon. Members?

At this stage I cannot say. The intention of the Government in appointing this Committee is to enable it to formulate a policy to take action early with regard to land speculation. I cannot say, but I imagine the report will be published.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Committee will sit in public; and will it have power to take evidence on oath?

That, I cannot say. I should not think that it would sit in public, but I do not know. That Question might be addressed to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether there are still a number of vacant hotels in the reception areas which have been hitherto earmarked for the Civil Service; and whether, if they are not needed for that purpose, they could be used by His Majesty's Forces or by refugees from the bombed areas?

The hotels taken over by the Ministry of Works and Buildings are either occupied by Government staffs or have been lent to the Service Departments for use by His Majesty's Forces. Certain premises have also been placed temporarily at the disposal of the Minister of Health.

Does that mean that there are no vacant hotels?

Only those which have been allocated.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in a number of centres where His Majesty's Forces and civil servants are billeted, accommodation is inadequate in view of the fact that self-evacuees have appropriated the greater part of the accommodation available; and whether he will exercise more effective control over billeting arrangements so that those who have no object in occupying these centres except their own security should be ejected in favour of those who are engaged upon war service.

My right hon. Friend is aware that large numbers of persons who do not need to remain in the evacuation areas in the national interest have adopted the suggestion of the Government and made their own arrangements for accommodation in the reception areas, in many cases with relatives and friends. The billeting needs of the various Departments concerned are already co-ordinated, centrally, regionally and in the local districts. My right hon. Friend has already made an Order in respect of one district, designed to secure that accomodation shall be provided only for certain categories of persons, and Orders in respect of other districts are in preparation. He will not hesitate to make similar Orders for any district where the conditions require it.

In view of the fact that complaints of this nature are continually being made, will my hon. Friend give an assurance that the Ministry will encourage billeting officers to make fuller use of their existing powers to secure accommodation for the Forces and for war workers?

I can give an assurance that the powers will be used. The matter is constantly under review, and more co-ordination is taking place between all the Services whose personnel has to be billeted.

Is my hon. Friend quite sure that when these Orders are made the local authorities carry them out without fear or favour?

As I have said, only one Order has been made, and that is being carried out.

Is my hon. Friend aware that certain Departments are taking over large buildings and doing nothing with them? For instance, there is one at Stafford which was taken over last March by the military.

asked the Prime Minister which Department is responsible for the salvage of goods from bombed warehouses and wholesale and retail premises?

The primary responsibility for the salvage of damaged goods rests with their owner, or, in certain cases, the holder, but in order to conserve the national resources various Government Departments have taken the necessary steps to arrange for the prompt salvage of goods with which they are concerned, whether the goods are owned by them or not. Thus, the Ministry of Food act for foodstuffs, the Ministry of Supply for raw materials and machine tools, and the Board of Trade for goods insured under the Commodity Insurance Scheme. A member of the staff of the Regional Commissioner, acting as Regional Salvage Officer, is ready to assist where required and to co-ordinate the activities of all concerned.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is very little liaison between, say, the Ministry of Food and the Ministry of Supply on this subject, and that when a warehouse which contains goods coming under two different Ministries is bombed the Ministry which turns up first looks after its own supplies, and very often damages the supplies of the other Ministry? Could he see that closer liaison between the Departments is maintained?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will give me instances, and I will take them up with the Departments concerned.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will give particulars of any recent appointments by the Admiralty in connection with aircraft production and naval requirements; and the duties and any powers of priority in supply assigned to such appointment?

With the concurrence of my Noble Friend, a flag officer has recently been appointed as Chief Naval Representative in the Ministry of Aircraft Production, and, under him, a captain, R.N., as Director-General of Naval Development and Production, With a small staff of naval officers. The new organisation will be responsible for the oversight of the development, production and supply of aircraft and their equipment for naval requirements in accordance with the priorities assigned to these requirements by His Majesty's Government.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that a number of men in His Majesty's Ship "Colombo" have been deprived of shore leave for refusing inoculation; and whether, in view of the fact that the reports on the health of the Navy disclose the occurrence of a considerable number of cases of typhoid fever in inoculated men, he will follow the precedent set by the Admiralty in the last war when similar cases of deprivation of leave occurred, and permit objectors to inoculation to have leave in the same way that inoculated men are allowed it?

Men who have declined inoculation against a particular disease are by Admiralty order precluded from receiving shore leave at places where that disease is liable to be contracted. This is a precautionary, not a punitive, measure, and in other places no restriction is placed on leave. I am aware that a number of men in His Majesty's Ship "Colombo" have refused inoculation and have, therefore, been refused shore leave at various places. The rule mentioned above was introduced in 1916. I can find no instance of any exception to it. After careful consideration, I do not feel able to authorise any exception now, in view of the importance of taking every precaution to prevent the introduction of disease on board one of His Majesty's ships, especially in war time.

Is there any compensatory leave for these men who have been deprived of leave under this mistaken order?

This is only a question of men going ashore from their ships. If it is possible for them to go ashore within certain precincts, where they cannot get in contact with any disease prevalent in the port, leave is given, as, for instance, to go to a canteen.

Is it not recognised that this is in the interests of the individual, as well as of the public service?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the submarine menace, adequate steps are being taken to extend to shipping the protection afforded by scientifically carried out camouflage?

The position has not altered since I answered a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for the Scottish Universities (Sir J. Graham Kerr) on 17th April. While this matter is kept constantly under review, experience does not indicate that camouflage offers any measure of protection against submarine attack.

Is my hon. Friend not aware that in 1917 scientifically worked-out camouflage was definitely found to be of the utmost value by the Mercantile Marine, and that the underwriters reduced premiums in consequence of the success achieved by scientific camouflage based on the two principles of counter-shading and dazzle?

I do not think that conditions now are quite the same as they were in 1917. I can only tell my hon. and gallant Friend that the best scientific advice at our disposal at the Admiralty has been taken.

Might I, with great respect, suggest that my hon. Friend should seek further advice?

If my hon. and gallant Friend can suggest any further source, I shall be glad to discuss the matter with him.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will introduce legislation to excuse payment of ground rent when holdings have been completely destroyed by enemy action?

I would refer to the answer given yesterday to the Question by the hon. Member for Colne Valley (Mr. Glenvil Hall).

Why should the ground landlord be put in a better position than the owner of the building?

As I think the hon. Gentleman and the House know, the way in which this matter is dealt with is based on the principles laid down by the Uthwatt Committee, whose report was accepted by the Government with, I think, the general approval of the House. As I stated yesterday, the question, which has again been raised by a number of hon. Members, is again being considered.

asked the Prime Minister whether the statement made, on 26th December, 1940, by Sir Walter Layton, on his return from a Government mission to the United States of America, on the prospect of American aid, was made with the approval of the Government; and, if not, what steps are being taken to prevent a repetition of unauthorised statements being made by people who are, or have been, engaged on a Government mission?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will find time for a debate on agricultural production at an early date next month?

In view of the important measures now before the House, I regret that at the moment I cannot hold out any hope of a special opportunity being given for a debate on this subject.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that food is all-important? Would he not see that the big farm call-up is cancelled? Already food production is affected; how does he imagine that we can get more food when key men are being taken away? It is imperative that these men should be left on the land if we are to get food.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now make a statement on the Government's policy with regard to the Trade Disputes and Trade Union Act; and is it intended to repeal it or modify the Act in any form?

I am not at present in a position to make any statement on this subject.

Can the Minister say when he expects to be in a position to answer a Question of this kind. If a similar Question is put down next week, will he be in a position to answer it?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the question has been discussed?

The matter is under consideration.

Will my right hon. Friend draw the attention of the Cabinet to the great contributions that the organised working people of this country are making to the war effort?

I will certainly do that, but they really do not need to have it brought to their attention, as they are fully aware of it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, as representing the Ministry of Food, to state the administrative difficulties which prevent his Department buying pigs at dead-weight instead of live-weight and thus obviate the present practice of marking pigs by perforating their ears whilst still alive?

All pigs for slaughter are at present bought by dead-weight. The purchase of pigs by live-weight is impracticable owing to the absence of suitable facilities for weighing pigs alive at the majority of markets. An investigation completed last June showed that special facilities for weighing pigs exist in only a few markets. In other cases, the only facilities available for weighing livestock are cattle weighing machines. Tests have proved conclusively that it is not practicable to use these machines for weighing pigs. In some markets there are no weighing facilities for livestock whatsoever. The use of the dead-weight rather than the live-weight system of purchase for pigs is, however, not based solely on administrative difficulties. There are also strong objections in principle to the purchase of pigs by live-weight.

Is there any other way of marking pigs than in this way?

It is extremely difficult to get a marking which does not come off in the processes through which they have to go, and after very careful investigation this has been found to be far the most practical method.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, as representing the Ministry of Food, whether he is aware that soldiers, many of whom are doing sedentary work, are allowed eight ounces of meat per day, while the allowance to men performing hard manual labour in civil life is only two or three ounces a day; and can he see his way clear to make a more equitable distribution of this important food?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, as representing the Ministry of Food, whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that officials working in Government Departments, who are in uniform, are rationed for food on a substantially larger scale than civilians doing similar work in the same Departments: and will he take steps to bring this anomaly to an end?

The question of rations for Service personnel is one that falls primarily within the province of the Service Departments, and my Noble Friend is bringing to the notice of those Departments the views expressed by my hon. Friends.

Does my hon. and gallant Friend seriously consider that there is any justification at all for the soldier at present in this country receiving four times as much meat as the munition worker, and is it not the case that the former receives meat and not sausages?

As I have pointed out before, the question of rationing for the Services is a matter primarily for the Service Departments, but, as I stated in my answer, my Noble Friend is bringing the points in the Questions of my hon. Friends to the notice of these Departments.

Is it not purely a matter of negotiation between the two Departments in the existing circumstances?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, as representing the Ministry of Food, whether he is aware that the pork section of the Castleford Meat Retailers Committee have passed resolutions of protest against Circular D.M.R. 3/51, on the ground that they are unable adequately to supply workers engaged in heavy trades with necessary products, and urging that they should have guaranteed 60 per cent. of all classes of manufacturing meat at regular weekly intervals; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The revised arrangements for the distribution of pork outlined in the circular quoted by the hon. Member were discussed with representatives of the pork section of the national organisations of butchers before they were put into operation. The Ministry fully appreciates the importance of pork butchers in their capacity as meat manufacturers, and under the arrangements in the circular referred to it is hoped that these butchers will be able to increase their output of manufactured meat products such as sausages and meat pies. The Ministry will continue to do all that is practicable to help pork butchers in this respect consistent with the equitable treatment of other manufacturers and the requirements of consumers in districts where there are no or only few pork butchers.

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say whether he is satisfied that these particular butchers get a fair allocation and whether he is aware that one of their complaints is that some of the large chain stores have more of these products to sell than the small butchers? Will he satisfy himself that these butchers get a fair allocation?

I will.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, as representing the Ministry of Food, whether he is aware that the wholesale prices of ducks, fowls, haddock, whitings, etc., are 40 to 60 per cent. higher in Birmingham than London, and will he investigate the matter in order to bring the latter prices more into line with the former?

As regards ducks and fowls, the Maximum Price Order which came into operation as from Monday last, 27th January, will remedy the position to which my hon. Friend refers. As regards haddock, whiting, etc., the possibility of devising some suitable form of price control is under consideration.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that the price of hares is 100 per cent. more in Birmingham than in London?

Inquiries are being made, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

Is the Minister aware that, while prosecution is a valuable weapon to maintain wholesale prices on a proper level, publicity is a valuable weapon with which to retain retail prices at a proper level; and, as little use is being made of the publicity value, will he make greater use of the wireless in this matter?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, as representing the Ministry of Food, whether he can make a statement regarding the importation from Eire of lard, fat cattle and sheep; what limitation is put on imports of bacon and bacon pigs from Eire; and whether he will give an assurance that the whole position will be considered anew with a view to permitting an increase in these imports for the period of the war for the purpose of providing an added volume of food for the population of this country for the war period?

At the present time there is no quantitative restriction on the importation from Eire of fat cattle, sheep or bacon pigs. The quantity of bacon imported is determined by mutual agreement between the Ministry and the Government of Eire, to provide for the maximum supply of such food to this country. As regards lard, negotiations are proceeding for the purchase of Eire lard by the Minister of Food. The question of an assurance such as my hon. Friend desires does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, as representing the Ministry of Food, whether white flour unadulterated with vitamin B and calcium salt will be available after the fortified white flour is put on the market; and whether the fortified white flour will be labelled to show that chalk and a chemical substance have been mixed with it?

The decision announced on behalf of the Government in the House on 18th July last concerned the addition of vitamin B1 and a calcium salt to white flour used for bread making. No decision has yet been reached on the question of similarly fortifying all white flour.

Is there any intention to have a label so that people may know what they are getting?

If the decision was that all white flour should be so fortified, it would not arise, but if some white flour is not fortified, then a label would probably be desirable.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, as representing the Ministry of Food, what arrangements he is making to ensure that miners and other heavy manual workers requiring to carry food are supplied with an adequate ration of cheese which is specially suitable for this purpose?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, as representing the Ministry of Food, whether he has considered the communication from the Arrail Griffin Lodge, Abertillery, of the South Wales Miners' Federation, regarding the existing supply of cheese for mine workers; will he state the nature of his reply; and whether, in view of the increased population due to evacuation and that cheese constitutes the chief item of food of such workers, he will consider augmenting the supply of cheese to this and similar mining areas?

The Arrail Griffin Lodge has been informed that the available supplies of cheese are distributed to retailers throughout the country in proportion to pre-war trade but that supplies are augmented wherever there has been a considerable increase in population. As regards the supply of cheese to miners and other heavy manual workers I would refer to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for the Forest of Dean (Mr. Price) on 22nd January.

Does not the Minister of Food recognise the necessity for such workers having adequate supplies of cheese, and cannot his Department make a claim upon the available food supplies to the extent of demanding that these workers shall have as much as members of His Majesty's fighting Forces?

The Ministry does keep in mind the necessity of supplying as much cheese as possible to miners, and in mining areas the quantity of cheese available per head of the mining population is higher than the average for the rest of the country.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend see to it that agricultural workers should have as much cheese as miners, as their labour is equally valuable?

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware there are instances in mining areas where miners are unable to obtain cheese on many days in the week; and does not he think that it is strange that his Noble Friend should advise those who frequent restaurants to forgo the eating of cheese whereas, on the general question of food supplies, he hesitates to exercise compulsory powers?

The average consumption of cheese in Abertillery in 1939 was 3.5 ounces per head, as compared with the general average for the whole population of 2.5. But I must also point out to the hon. Gentleman that cheese is in short supply, although we hope it will not be short for long.

Can the Minister say what results have resulted from the appeal to the restaurant people not to eat cheese?

The result is that miners are getting a little more.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, as representing the Ministry of Food, whether he is satisfied that there exists in his Ministry an efficient organisation for the prediction of food requirements and supply?

Yes, Sir. I would remind my hon. Friend, however, that our predictions of food requirements and supplies must necessarily be revised from time to time in the light of changing circumstances.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that there is a very strong impression that the fluctuations in the rationing of some food week by week, particularly meat, is not entirely due to variation in the supply but is due to the fact that there is not sufficiently careful prediction of what that supply will be? Will my hon. and gallant Friend have the matter further examined to see that rationing is more stabilised week by week?

It is not possible in changing circumstances to predict with any certainty of accuracy what the situation will be in a few weeks' time, but I can assure my hon. Friend that everything possible is done to try to determine what the supply position will be.

Do small retailers get as good consideration as the large retailers?