asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the number of half-day's employment experienced by mine workers in parts of South Wales and Monmouthshire; and whether he is prepared to consider the need for allowing such periods of unemployment to be calculated in a manner so as to provide unemployment benefit to the workers so affected?

I am informed by my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines that the average number of days worked by collieries in South Wales does not indicate that there is at present an abnormal degree of short-time working. The remedy for the degree of difficulty which exists lies in further organisation of the arrangements in the industry. I cannot contemplate the alterations my hon. Friend suggests in the conditions of the Unemployment Insurance Scheme which cannot be confined to mine workers.

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that six half-days constitutes the waiting period, and as the Statutory Committee is about to issue its annual report, will he advise it to have regard to the point I have raised?

I cannot advise the Committee. I am afraid that is outside my province.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that colliery companies are told the night before that their employés must work a full day and that they then discover that they can work only half-a-day? Will he look into that problem?

I think that question had better be put to the Minister of Transport and the Secretary for Mines.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the representations from the Carmarthenshire County Council in regard to the increasing unemployment in the area; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with the matter?

I have been unable to trace any recent representations from the Carmarthenshire County Council on this subject. With regard to the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the general statement which I made in the debate on 22nd January.

No doubt my right hon. Friend is well aware that, owing to the decision announced during the last few days to curtail production, unemployment in this county has seriously increased? Will that be borne in mind.

That will be borne in mind. I am already taking steps with every industrial council in the country to examine the people who are affected by this reconstruction, with a view to arriving at an organised arrangement for transference to other industries.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can expedite his inquiries regarding the working of the Assistance Board in Newquay in view of the fact that a further party of evacuated women and children may be sent there at any time, and it is desirable that members of the next party shall not suffer the same hardships as some mothers and children in earlier parties through failure of the Assistance Board to provide those without funds with the means to buy food over week-ends?

Pending the completion of these inquiries, an officer of the Board has attended at Newquay Employment Exchange on pay days and will continue to do so as long as is necessary.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Dagenham is served by no less than four separate offices, three being outside the borough, for different Assistance Board purposes, which causes great confusion and inconvenience; and whether a central office will be opened for all purposes within the borough?

The Board inform my right hon. Friend that they are looking into this suggestion.

asked the Minister of Labour how many Employment Exchanges are now open; how many persons are employed in them; whether he will set up a committee to inquire into the need for continuing open each individual exchange; and how far a comb-out of staff at each exchange, compatible with efficiency, can be effected, now that the irreducible hard core of unemployment is being reached?

The number of Employment Exchanges is 508; in addition to which there are 264 employment offices. The number of persons employed therein, permanent and temporary, is approximately 20,000. The reduction in the work at the exchanges owing to the fall in unemployment has been more than offset by new work arising out of the war. The exchanges are my principal instrument for carrying out the measures necessary for obtaining and organising the personnel required by our war effort. The burden on the exchanges, already very heavy, will be increased by the proposals which I recently announced to the House and the staff of the exchanges will have to be further increased in order to enable them to cope with this task

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now able to make a statement with regard to the proposal that the difference between the remuneration of a conscientious objector in civil employment and the value of a soldier's pay and rations should be paid compulsorily into a central fund and devoted to some special purpose?

I have given careful consideration to this proposal, which would require legislation before it could be put into effect, and have discussed it with the Joint Consultative Committee representing the T.U.C. and the British Employers' Confederation. As a result, I am satisfied that, whatever may be the merits of the proposal otherwise, it would arouse acute controversy and would require disproportionately elaborate and expensive administrative machinery for its effective operation. In these circumstances I have decided not to proceed further in the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that working permits have been refused to aliens who have been released from internment; and whether he will state the reason for this?

I am making inquiries, but I shall be much obliged if the hon. Member will send me particulars of any cases he has in mind.

I shall be glad to do so.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there are 20,000 Anderson shelters in Sheffield which, owing to their flooded condition, cannot be used and that the city engineer has only been able to get 130 men for the contractors undertaking the work and these contractors are capable of employing 600 men; and can anything be done towards securing this labour, as the matter is extremely urgent?

My right hon. Friend is having inquiries made and will communicate with his hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has come to any decision on the publication of the recommendations of the Delhi Conference?

The Eastern Group Conference recommended the immediate consideration of: (i) the establishment in India of a Central Provision Office to coordinate military requirements within the area concerned; and (ii) the appointment of a new body to be called the Eastern Group Supply Council to co-ordinate the production and supply of munitions and stores to meet these requirements. These recommendations have been accepted by the Governments concerned, and His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have appointed Sir Archibald Carter, lately Permanent Secretary to the Board of Admiralty, to be their representative and Chairman of the Council, and Major-General W. C. Holden to be the officer in charge of the Central Provision Office. Sir Archibald Carter and Major-General Holden are taking up their appointments immediately. Further recommendations for making the fullest possible use of the productive capacity of the various countries are being actively followed up.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether it is to be accepted as Government policy that not until Indian leaders have come to an agreement among themselves is any forward step to be taken for constitutional reform in India; and further, that the form of agreement must have the approval of His Majesty's Government?

I do not feel that I can do more than refer my hon. Friend to the statements of policy made by the Governor-General on 8th August and 20th November last.

Is India to continue in-definitely in her present political status in relation to our Empire war effort? Surely she deserves a more positive policy.

No, Sir, the policy to which I referred is a very positive policy and marks a very great advance.

May we take it that the right hon. Gentleman does not repudiate the principle of at least sympathetically considering and implementing any majority decision of any democratically elected body?

It depends upon the area over which the election takes place and the amount of consent there is. Naturally, our whole sympathy is on the side of establishing self-government in India.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared at all times to use his good offices to promote understanding among the people of India?

My good offices will always be available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that certain Polish Jewish refugees fled to this country through fear or experience of Polish anti-semitic repression; and, in view of the fact that prominent anti-semitic Poles have attempted to continue their propaganda through publications in this country, he will ensure that no Polish Jewish refugee of military age who objects through racial fears to serve in any Polish military force in this country, shall be compelled to join, but shall at least be given the option of serving in our own or another force?

The whole question of the procedure for the enforcement of conscription of Allied citizens by Allied Governments in this country is receiving urgent attention from the Departments of His Majesty's Government. As regards the position of Polish Jews in the Polish national forces, I would call the attention of my hon. Friend to the "Order of the Day" published by the Polish Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief on 5th August last, which emphasises that all Polish citizens serving in the Polish forces are equal and that no discrimination will be tolerated on the grounds of race or religion.

Are there any specific instances of complaints on the matter mentioned in the Question, and, if there are, will my right hon. Friend personally investigate those complaints?

If my hon. Friend will communicate with me, I will see what I can do, but he will appreciate that within a certain sphere the Allied Governments have statutory rights of their own which have been granted by the House.

Is it proposed to introduce shortly legislation on the compulsory calling-up of Allied subjects?

asked the Home Secretary why surface shelters are still being built without sufficient provision being made for bunking, sanitation, lighting and heating?

I take it that the question refers to the position in the London region, about which I have accordingly made special inquiry. So far as I am aware, no new public surface shelters are now being built without allowance being made for the provision of bunking, sanitation, lighting or heating. If the hon. Member will supply me with particulars of any cases he has in mind, I shall be glad to have inquiry made.

asked the Home Secretary what is the war's total of deep shelter air-raid casualties in the London area, also the number of surface shelter casualties in the London area?

It would not be in the public interest to give particulars of the kind asked for.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that deep shelters are not conducive to the dispersal of population, and was not the necessity for this dispersal an important part of the Horder report?

The Government have made it clear through the newspapers that the principle of dispersal should be applied wherever practicable.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the penalising of those county councils who were efficient in constructing air-raid shelters prior to 19th October, 1940, the date after which the Government will meet the whole cost; and whether he can agree to treat all air-raid shelters which meet his specification with equality and make reimbursement retrospective?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make the scheme for reimbursing local authorities who have constructed air-raid shelters after 19th October, 1940, apply equally to those who constructed shelters at an earlier date, in order that those authorities who showed the greatest foresight in shelter construction shall not be penalised as against those who delayed making shelter provision?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the answer given yesterday by my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary to a Question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker).

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is very great feeling and disappointment among the local authorities that those who were efficient and went ahead with this work are to get no reimbursement, whereas those that were not efficient and are now being pushed to do the work are to get full reimbursement? There seems to be an element of injustice in this to which the local authorities take great exception.

The House seems to be very anxious to spend a lot of money. However, I quite appreciate the feeling of hon. Members, and I do not say that there is no justification for it. The decision to give 100 per cent. was not an easy one, and I got it on the basis that I had to move quickly and to have power and authority to compel the job to be done over the heads of the local authorities, if necessary. Therefore, I needed 100 per cent. Having got it on that basis, I do not think I should be justified in going a long way back into the past and making retrospective State grants.

Does not my hon. Friend appreciate that it is precisely the more progressive authorities that are penalised, and is it characteristic of the right hon. Gentleman to do that?

I could perhaps put the argument even more forcibly than my hon. Friend. I am very familiar with the argument and recognise its force, but on balance I think that the decision which I have reached, in blitz conditions and with an eye to the future rather than to the past, is a right one, and I do not think I should be justified in pressing for retrospective payments.

Does my right hon. Friend agree that efficiency should be penalised in this fashion, and was the decision reached off the right hon. Gentleman's own bat or was it caused by the attitude of the Treasury?

All these decisions were mutual. I took my responsibilities, and I am still taking them in the House under cross-examination. All these decisions were matters of arrangement and discussion. I admit that there is a conflict concerning the element of justice in the case, and I can only plead that on broad grounds of public policy and expediency I think the decision was a right one, and I cannot go back on it.

asked the Home Secretary how many of the 300 odd recommendations from the Advisory Committee as a result of appeals from persons detained under Regulation 18B which were still without decision on 29th January had been in his hands more than one, three and five months, respectively?

The numbers are 196, 12 and none respectively.

asked the Home Secretary whether recommendations regarding detainees under Regulation 18B come direct to his Department from the Advisory Committee?

Yes, Sir.

Are we to understand that these recommendations do not go across to the Military Intelligence Department at all, but are dealt with entirely by the Home Office?

Opportunity is given for observation by the appropriate Department concerned with security, and I think it is essential that that should be done.

Can my right hon. Friend assure us that there is no undue delay by the Department?

We may differ about what is undue delay sometimes, but I can assure my hon. Friend that I keep a very careful watch. If and when I come across undue delay, there is a suitable row about it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, if these people send in fresh evidence, he himself considers it?

I hardy consider it direct. I think that if they sent in fresh material, the Advisory Committee would in all likelihood hear the case again.

Does not the present procedure seem to show some lack of confidence in the Advisory Committee?

I do not follow the hon. Member's point. I have made it abundantly clear that I have great confidence in the Advisory Committee. It the hon. Member means that the Security Services should not have any iocus in the matter, and that if they do it is a reflection on the Advisory Committee, I cannot agree with him. It is absolutely essential that the Security Services should have an opportunity of making observations.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in schemes of compulsory fire-watching he will see that reasonable protection is afforded the fire-watchers, particularly for young and elderly people; and, in view of the possibility of explosive bombs being dropped at the same time, or shortly after, incendiaries, whether he will deprecate the employment of young or elderly people for this purpose when this can be avoided; and whether fire-watching schemes will always be subordinate to the direction of the local air-raid precautions and Auxiliary Fire Services?

The instruction given in, and the equipment being provided for, fire-fighting are designed to minimise the risks attendant on the performance of this duty; the question of physical suitability is more important than that of age. As my hon. Friend is aware, the age limits prescribed in the recent Defence Regulations on the subject, so far as an obligation is imposed, are between 16 and 60; and for the moment the lower limit is being maintained at 18. As regards the last part of the Question, arrangements are subject to the approval of the local authority or other appropriate authorities.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that some fire-watchers who have been killed might have escaped death if they had taken reasonable pre- cautions, and will he see that, as far as possible, boys and girls under 18 are not employed in tasks which are not quite suitable to their years?

Does my right hon. Friend realise that in Liverpool and elsewhere young people between 16 and 18 are very anxious to serve, and will he also see that Civil Defence cadet units similar to the one in Liverpool are now recognised?

There probably have been some deaths owing to lack of precautions or knowledge. We are doing all that we can to spread the knowledge, but I am bound to say on that point, and on the question of venturesome young people—and, let me add, adventurous old people—that I do not think it would accord with the spirit of the nation if I were to make any restrictions.

Will my right hon. Friend appreciate that it is not my desire to prevent these people from expressing their laudable spirit of adventure and service, but to try to protect them against what may be impetuousness?

Is there any good reason why elderly people should not take their fair share of responsibilities and risks in these days?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that some employers of labour are using the Business Premises (Fire Prevention) to induce employés, who are already members of Civil Defence services, to resign from these services to become fire-watchers for their employers' premises; and what steps he proposes to take to protect the strength of the Civil Defence services and their members from this pressure?

I have within the last few days issued a public statement indicating that no pressure whatever should be brought on effective members of the Civil Defence services to leave those services and take up fire-fighting duties at their place of work. I hope that this will have the desired effect and that it will be unnecessary for me to take further measures but I shall watch the position closely.

Will the right hon. Gentleman watch the interests of fire watchers who are employés and who may be forced to leave the A.R.P. services for which they are fully trained? Will he safeguard their interests if pressure is brought to bear upon them?

I wholly agree with my hon. Friend, and I will certainly take whatever action I can in the matter. I would urge any workpeople, trained in the Civil Defence services, who have such pressure brought to bear upon them, to report the matter if they wish to their trade union, and certainly to the local authorities, and the local authorities to report it to the Regional Commissioner.

Has the right hon. Gentleman power to deal with such employers?

I am not quite sure, but I may have to take new powers.

asked the home Secretary whether, in cases where there are insufficient men at the disposal of a firm or a group to form a fire party on duty each night, the local authority will provide men from the pool free of charge?

If the appropriate authority is satisfied that occupiers, either separately or in combination, are unable to make the necessary provision without the assistance of the local authority, the local authority must give that assistance.

Will my right hon. Friend make it perfectly clear that the power of a local authority to charge shall not be enforced where there is a genuine attempt to fulfil obligations, but only in cases where there is deliberate negligence?

I am afraid I could not give a clear answer to that. Circumstances of cases would vary, and matters of equity would arise. Therefore, I think cases must be dealt with administratively when they arise. I shall have plenty of complications in the operation of this Order, and I shall do my best about them.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this Question was put down because some local authorities are not quite clear what their powers are in this respect?

If my hon. Friend knows of any instances, he can draw my attention to them or advise the local authorities to confer with the Regional Commissioner.

What is to happen in factories where nearly all the employés are women and girls? Are the local authorities to be made responsible for looking after such factories?

That is one of the many tricky problems with which we shall have to deal, and I do not think they can be answered across the Floor of the House.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in many cases payment for this service is being offered and demanded far in excess of the payments made to the ordinary fire services? That is a matter which requires attention.

There is a point in that. I think sometimes that payment for full-time fire watching is on the luxury side compared with that of the A.F.S. personnel. Employers should keep that point in mind in the interest of morale.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make any statement about the supply of steel helmets for fire watchers and members of fire parties?

A new type of steel helmet has been devised for civilian use. It is made of mild steel of about the same thickness as the service steel helmet, but it is lighter in weight. The helmet has a low brim and can be worn without a chin strap. There is a simple lining, which is fastened to the body of the helmet by a lace threaded through small holes in the side. The Ministry of Supply has arranged a production programme, and supplies have already begun. The Ministry of Home Security will exercise control of distribution, first to areas specially liable to enemy attack. Supplies for some areas may have to be deferred for some considerable time until the chief requirements of the most vulnerable areas have been met.

As supplies become available the new helmets will be used first to equip fire watchers, and fire parties in areas in which the recent Regulations and Orders about fire prevention have been put in force. In these areas householders enrolled as members of fire parties enrolled by local authorities, if they undertake regular duty and have no helmet at present, will be supplied with a helmet free, on loan. In other areas householders serving as members of fire parties who are not entitled to a free issue of helmets will be able to buy them. Occupiers of commercial and industrial premises forming their own fire parties will be enabled to buy helmets for members of those parties under special arrangements which will be announced at an early date. The price of the helmets will be 5s. 6d. each. As soon as these demands and certain official requirements have been met, the new helmets may be bought by employers for the use of their workers generally—office staffs as well as industrial workers. The helmet will be a protection at work during alerts and also on journeys to and from work. The helmets will also be made available to voluntary organisations for members who are doing national service of some sort. The sale of these helmets commercially or for profit will be forbidden and private applications from persons wishing to use or sell the helmets cannot be entertained.

Will it be the right hon. Gentleman who will decide to which local authorities helmets are first sent?

Yes, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that the vulnerable areas are supplied with a small number of helmets to be going on with, as in many streets there are fire parties which have not a single helmet among them? It would be better to send a few at a time than to wait to give a full supply to each area in turn.

Certainly I will do my best to effect the most equitable and advantageous distribution, and will take that matter into account, but the hon. Member will appreciate that with the creation of this very big army of firebomb fighters, which has been a great credit to the country, we naturally could not at once have the steel helmets ready for them, but we are getting on with the work.

asked the Home Secretary the number of air raid casualties during January?

It has now been the practice for some time for a statement to be issued each month giving particulars of the air raid casualties during the preceding month. A statement in respect of the air raid casualties during January will be issued in the usual way within the course of the next few days.

asked the Home Secretary what is the position of more than 100 refugees who have been brought back from Canada for release and have now been for many weeks in Huyton camp?

I would refer my hon. Friend to a reply which I gave to a Question on this subject by my right hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Wedgwood) on 30th January.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that these men have already had a preliminary inspection from Sir Alexander Paterson, and will he not keep them very long at Huyton, as presumably they are people who are willing and able to do pioneer work, agricultural work, and so on?

It must be clear that they have no more prima facie grounds for release than any other refugees, but the fact that they have been to Canada and back may be a consideration, and I am anxious that they shall be sorted out, if I may so put it, as soon as possible. The fact of their return from Canada, however, indicates only that they have prima facie case for consideration, and it does not of itself give them priority over other refugees who have been interned in the Isle of Man for some time.

How many refugees are interned in camps in this country?

I cannot say without notice.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make representations to the Dominion Government to reconsider the position of Alexander Fischer, who escaped from his German guards when being transferred from Dachau to Buchenwald, came to this country as a refugee, was interned and sent to Canada, where he escaped and reached the United States of America, and, on being sent back to Canada, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for escaping?

The Question refers no doubt to Manuel Fischer, and I am obliged to my hon. Friend for calling attention to this case. I am getting into immediate communication with His Majesty's Government in Canada and will inform my hon. Friend of the result of my inquiries.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, in process of search at Quebec of the belongings of a batch of alien refugees sent to Canada, goods to the value of £1,200 were stolen; that this theft has been the subject of a court of inquiry in Canada, but that no steps have been taken to recompense the refugees for the loss sustained; and, as in many cases the goods stolen were the only possessions of the refugees, will he take steps to pay them proper compensation?

In the time available since this Question was put down it has not been possible to obtain any definite information about the incident referred to. It seems probable, however, that the matter is primarily one for the Canadian authorities, and I am having inquiries made. I should be glad if my hon. Friend could let me have any information in his possession about this matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now make any further statement as to the position with regard to the married internees who went to Australia on the "Dunera," and who were to have been joined in internment there by their wives and children?

I have now learned that the Australian authorities are willing, subject to certain conditions, that the wives and children in question should go to Australia. The present lack of shipping facilities, however, presents a serious obstacle to this course and other considerations have arisen since the question was first considered which have an important bearing on the matter; for instance, a considerable number of the internees in Australia are prospective emigrants to the United States, while others may be eligible for release under the categories of the White Paper. I am very grateful to the Australian Government for their offer, and we will make every attempt to overcome the difficulties to which I have referred, but I have come to the conclusion that at all events at present it is not practicable, or in the interests of the parties concerned, to avail ourselves of this offer. In the meantime, as indicated by my hon. Friend the Par- liamentary Secretary in an answer which he gave on 21st January, my representative is now on his way to Australia; he is being asked in particular to look into the position with regard to these married internees and will personally interview the internees concerned.

Will the Home Secretary take steps to bring back any married men in cases where an assurance was given which cannot now be fulfilled?

Certainly that point will be given consideration. On balance, I think, the matter can be better dealt with on the spot by my reprsentative who is on his way over, but my hon. Friend knows that I am quite sympathetic on the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that a definite undertaking was given by his predecessor that wives would be sent out to their husbands in Australia?

It was a conditional undertaking, if it were possible, and related to a limited number of cases. However, I do not wish to press that point unduly. I am very anxious that the spirit of that undertaking shall be observed, and I am very grateful to His Majesty's Government in Australia for their helpfulness in the matter.

asked the Home Secretary the number of interned Jewish refugees who are eligible to join the Pioneer Corps and the number who have already volunteered?

Up to 31st January applications for enlistment in the Pioneer Corps had been received from 1,974 Germans and Austrians and from 288 Italians. I cannot say how many of the applicants are Jewish, since the statistics are not kept on a basis of creed or race.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the habit of responsible authorities to discharge Air-Raid Precautions or Auxiliary Fire Service men injured in the course of their duties if they have not recovered within the period of 13 weeks; that great hardship is thereby entailed; and whether he will take prompt steps to remedy this injustice?

Members of Civil Defence organisations receive, in addition to the injury allowances and pensions provided by the Personal Injuries (Compensation) Scheme available for civilians who are injured by enemy action, additional payments which, in cases of injury, provide the volunteer with the equivalent of full pay for a period up to 13 weeks before discharge from the Service without prejudice to his subsequent reinstatement. In this respect the treatment of injured Civil Defence personnel corresponds closely to that of military personnel. For obvious reasons there must be some limit to the period during which an injured Civil Defence volunteer may remain on full pay, and, taking into account the fact that he will continue to be eligible for free medical treatment for his injuries, I do not think that the rule of a maximum of 13 weeks' full pay before reverting to the normal scale of compensation or pension for a civilian can be regarded as ungenerous.

Is the Home Secretary aware that I have here cases of men who have had their thighs broken, or have lost their eyesight, who have now been thrown on the streets because their 13 weeks have expired? Is he also aware that as a result there is a strong tendency among married men to say about a building which is on fire, "Let it burn. There is no one inside. We do not want to take risks if our families will suffer"?

I do not think that is so. It will be remembered that the payment was for a very limited period, I think it was for three weeks, and we got it extended to 13 weeks. There must be a time limit, but any suggestion that these men are thrown on to the Poor Law or on to the streets is really not true.

Although it may be reasonable to give no more than 13 weeks' full pay, is there any guarantee of reemployment in the event of recovery?

In the event of recovery men will be eligible for re-employment.

Eligibility is not the point; is there a guarantee?

No, Sir, I will not say there is a guarantee. It is a matter for the employing authority, but I should be surprised if there were any cases of fit men not being re-employed. Certainly if there were, and they were brought to my notice, I should take up the matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the widespread dissatisfaction at present existing in the medical procession with regard to the failure to utilise to the fullest extent the services of the medical profession in the national effort, owing to lack of coordination and co-operation between the Emergency Medical Service, the medical services of the Armed Forces and the general body of civilian medical practitioners, he will consider the advisability of appointing a small non-medical committee to investigate the most effective organisation for utilising to the best advantage the medical services of the country?

My right hon. Friends the Service Ministers, the Secretary of State for Scotland, and I are not aware of any widespread dissatisfaction such as is referred to by the hon. Member, but we have recently had the advice of a Committee appointed to consider the steps necessary to secure a proper allocation of the available medical man-power between civilian and military services. The Committee consisted of Sir Arthur Robinson, as chairman, and three medical men with wide experience of the various branches of the profession, namely, Sir John Fraser, Sir Kaye le Fleming and Professor Picker. Their report is now receiving our active consideration.

If I bring evidence of dissatisfaction to the right hon. Gentleman's attention, will he give the suggestion further consideration?

I will certainly give consideration to any information that the hon. Member gives me, but as regards considering his suggestion, he will appreciate that we have adopted the suggestion already some time ago.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult with the medical profession with a view to their relinquishing some of their trade-union etiquette and rights in order that their work should be better spread over the population?

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to improve conditions in hostels for evacuated women and children in Newquay?

My regional officers are actively pursuing on the spot the measures necessary to improve conditions in these hostels, and the latest reports I have received indicate that considerable progress is being made. The local council have recently appointed a welfare committee with an experienced social worker as their full-time paid welfare organiser, a step which I welcome and which should lead to great improvement in the work.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will now inquire into the amount of financial subsidy received by the "Daily Worker" and the "Week" and the source from which it has come?

I understand my hon. Friend's suggestion to be that there may have been a subsidy which the recipients would be anxious to conceal. If this should be so, I would point out that any inquiries would not be facilitated by a public statement from me.

Is it possible now to clear up this controversy as to whether the "Daily Worker" received financial assistance from the Soviet Union? Is there any evidence to that effect?

I have nothing to add to the answer I have given.

Then are we to understand that there is no evidence that the "Daily Worker" received financial assistance from the Soviet Union?

I have nothing to add to the answer I have given.

Would not all this controversy he averted if every organisation were compelled to publish its balance-sheet in the same way as the trade unions?

indicated assent.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will now take steps to suppress all Communist activities which are subversive of this country's war effort?

As indicated in my statement on 22nd January, while it is the policy of the Government to make the minimum use of methods of repressing expressions of minority opinions, they fully recognise that appropriate action must be taken against any persons, whatever their political creed, who place impediments in the way of our war effort and thus help the enemy.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of children under five years of age still remaining in the London area and the London region; and whether any provision for nursery schools or centres is being provided?

Figures for the number of children under five years of age still remaining in London and the London region are not available. Arrangements are in operation for the evacuation of such children with their mothers from the Metropolitan evacuation areas. All London nursery schools were evacuated in September, 1939. No new nursery schools are being opened in London nor are existing nursery school premises being re-opened in that area. Nursery centres are applicable only to reception areas.

Does not the Minister think that, where there are good basement shelters in strong buildings, they could be utilised for a few hours in day-time to accommodate children under five?

I think the proper place for these children and their mothers is in the reception areas, where they would be safer. In any case it would be difficult to obtain the staff, because they have been evacuated with the children.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of children of school age still in the London area and the London region; and the number receiving full-time and part-time education?

The estimated number of children of school age now in London is about 84,000. Of these 67,000 are enrolled for full-time education and 2,500 for half-time education. Similar figures are not available for the London region, which does not correspond with local education authority areas, but I shall be happy to furnish my hon. Friend with figures for areas adjacent to London as on 6th December last, the latest date for which returns are available, if she will send me the names of the areas which she has in mind.

Have any transport facilities been arranged by the London County Council?

That is a matter for the County Council. I have not the details.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of children of school age still remaining in Islington and Finsbury; and the number receiving full-time and part-time education?

The estimated number of children of school age now in Islington and Finsbury is about 8,200. Of these, 7,500 are enrolled at the schools, all full-time.

asked the President of the Board of Education what steps he is taking to see that supplies of fresh milk are available for children attending elementary schools; and whether he is satisfied that, in areas where there are a large number of evacuees, additional supplies are obtainable.

My Department is in close touch with the Ministry of Food, who are taking all possible steps by priority arrangements and otherwise to secure adequate supply of milk to schools. The Ministry have made arrangements for transferring available supplies from one district to another in accordance with local needs, and these arrangements take account equally of the requirements of evacuated and local children.

Is the right hon. Gentleman also aware of the shortage of milk substitutes and can he arrange that the schools have the first call on them?

I should much prefer fresh milk if it is possible to get it

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there has been very great delay in providing adequate supplies of milk in many of the evacuated areas, particularly in South Wales, and that often children have gone without milk for weeks on end—a very undesirable state of affairs?

I am aware of that, and we do our utmost to increase supplies.

— To ask the Prime Minister on what dates, and in what circumstances, representatives of the "Daily Mirror" and "Sunday Pictorial" were officially interviewed and warned about the political attitude they were adopting; what was the precise objection taken to their attitude; and whether any other papers, apart from those recently suppressed, have received warnings?

As the Prime Minister is unavoidably detained, though he will be present a little later, will you, Sir, allow this Question to be repeated at the end of Questions?

I can take that course under the Standing Orders.

Sir, I am not prepared to give any information about confidential communications passing between His Majesty's Government and those who control or conduct newspapers. I must ask the House to support His Majesty's Government in this decision, which is necessary for the effective prosecution of the war.

Is it not the case that unofficial representations were made through certain newspaper proprietors to the "Daily Mirror," on the strength of which it obtained an interview with the Lord Privy Seal and was told that its activities were subversive, but when asked in what way they were subversive, the Lord Privy Seal was unable to give any information? Is it not reasonable that a newspaper should be told in what way its activities are considered prejudicial to the public interest?

I do not at all accept this one-sided account of what was undoubtedly a confidential conversation. I do not accept it. But who has ever heard of its being suggested that the Government are not entitled to have confidential conversations with persons connected with the newspaper Press or almost any other form of legitimate activity?

On the other hand, is it not extremely undesirable that the editors of any newspapers should be under a misapprehension as to where they offend? Is not the main complaint here the ambiguity of the charge brought by the Government against the newspapers? If the Government think the newspapers are behaving improperly, why do they not prosecute on specific charges, so that the newspapers may know where they are, and not use this weapon of secret terror?

I do not at all accept the version which has been given. As far as I can make out from the hon. Gentleman's Supplementary Question, the Government would only be entitled to prosecute newspapers, and would never be entitled to have, even unofficially, confidential conversations with their owners or controllers. Such an idea is altogether foolish and has no relation whatever to the way in which affairs are conducted in this country.

But does not this make the position of the Press somewhat uncertain, because they are unaware whether their contents are pleasing to the Government or not, and are only made aware when they receive a friendly visit, not from the police, who are directly responsible, but from others?

I think that contention is utterly absurd. Persons, whether Ministers or otherwise, are fully entitled to talk to newspaper people, and very considerable latitude should be allowed on such occasions.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the total production of wheat, oats, barley and potatoes in 1939 and 1940, respectively, compared with the average of the preceding ten years?

It would not be in the national interest to disclose statistics for 1940. The production of corn and potatoes last year was, however, substantially greater than it was before the war.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has now considered the difficulties of allotment holders respecting the high price of seed and the discouragement this gives them; and whether he is taking steps or is encouraging schemes by which allotment holders can secure seed at reasonable prices related to their small incomes?

Now that many of our normal sources of supply of vegetable seed are cut off, some increase in price is inevitable, but I am keeping the matter under close review. Having regard to the comparatively small quantities of seed required for an allotment, these increases should not seriously discourage the allotment holder. Allotment societies affiliated to the National Allotment Society can in fact obtain supplies of seed for their members on special terms, and Local Authorities can take advantage of Section 21 of the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act, 1919, which empowers them to provide seeds at cost price to allotment holders where there are no adequate facilities for purchasing from a society on a co-operative basis.

The right hon. Gentleman will appreciate that it is precisely through the concern of local authorities and allotment associations that this matter has been raised. In fact, several local authorities are most anxious regarding the high price of seed for allotment growers.

The facts of the matter are that in peace-time large quantities of seed are received from Holland, Hungary, Italy and Morocco, and all those sources are cut off. Almost our only source of supply is now the United States, where last year they had a very bad seed harvest. Prices in the United States have risen considerably and I am afraid it is inevitable that they should rise here, but there is no reason why local authorities should not take advantage of the facilities that exist in order to provide seed at cost price.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will arrange for extra feeding rations to be issued to farmers for fat stock which, though ready for slaughter, is left on their hands owing to foot-and-mouth restrictions being applied in their district?

Arrangements have already been made for farmers to be able to draw additional supplies of rationed feeding-stuffs when such additional supplies are needed in the circumstances described by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what action he proposes to take to put a stop to the attempts made by certain landlords to prevent the creation of agricultural tenancies by granting holdings of 364 days or less; and will he give powers to war agricultural executive committees to terminate any such holdings should they consider such a course desirable?

The grant and acceptance of tenancies of agricultural land for 364 days or less cannot be prevented, but it in any particular case it appears that the holding of land on so short a tenancy is detrimental to food production, I shall be glad to consider, in consultation with the County War Agricultural Executive Committee, whether the powers already available to those committees under the Defence Regulations should be exercised in order to ensure occupation of the land by a suitable tenant for a period not less than that of the present emergency.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied that the executive officers appointed to the county committees of the Women's Land Army have had the training and experience necessary for such important posts; and whether he will obtain the views of the various chairmen of committees thereon?

The responsible officer of the Women's Land Army in each administrative area for England and Wales is the county or area secretary. In general, I am satisfied that Women's Land Army secretaries are adequately qualified to carry out their duties.

The Question asked whether the Minister is prepared to consult chairmen of committees to see whether they are satisfied. Is he aware that some of the officers who have been appointed to these positions are quite unfit for them and that great dissatisfaction is caused in some areas?

If the hon. Member will let me have particulars, I will look into the matter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider prohibiting hunting of carted stags in view of the cruelty inflicted and the fact that the only damage to crops, etc., is caused by the hunters?

I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department that it was not before the war, and is not now, an offence to hunt carted stags. I have no information that appreciable damage is done to crops or food production by stag hunting.

Can nothing be done to prevent this cruel, brutal thing, which is so contrary to the idea of real sport?

It is primarily a matter for the Home Secretary.

I put the Question down to the Home Secretary, but it was transferred to the Minister of Agriculture.

asked the Minister of Health (1) the number of married couples who made application for supplementary pensions in Northumberland; how many received supplementary pensions; and what is the average amount paid the recipients;

(2) the number of single pensioners who made application for a supplementary pension in the county of Northumberland; how many received supplementary pensions; and what is the average amount paid to the recipients?

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that small houses in North Devon which were let pre-war at 7s. to 10s. per week are now being offered at 30s. per week, payable quarterly in advance, plus rates and interior repairs; and what steps he proposes to take to stop this form of profiteering?

I have not received any report that excessive rents are being charged in North Devon. But if the hon. Member can let me have further details, I will at once examine them. I am having careful investigation made into all cases of this kind in consultation with the local authorities, who have power under the Rent Restriction Acts to take legal action, and I have requested local authorities to take proceedings in appropriate cases.

asked the Minister of Health, whether he anticipated the shortage of imported medicines by arranging with the Board of Agriculture or the Forestry Commission last autumn to plant medicinal herbs, and with what results for the coming year; and what other steps did he take after being warned last year of the probable shortage by Members of this House?

As stated in a reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Halifax (Mr. Gledhill) on 1st August last, steps had then been taken to encourage the cultivation of the more important plants. This action is being continued in collaboration with manufacturers of pharmaceutical products and growers in order to increase production of certain herbs which can usefully be grown in this country. I am not aware that for the purpose of manufacture of medicinal preparations considered to be essential in war-time there is any serious shortage.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any details of the results?

I will send them to the hon. Member. They are too many to be given in answer to a Question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now make any statement concerning the posi- tion of licensees in an evacuation area who have been hard-hit as a result of the war; and what steps the Government proposes to take to mitigate such hardship?

I have approved in principle the suggestion that licensees whose trade has suffered considerably as a result of the war should be afforded some relief in regard to Liquor Licence Duty, and this matter is being discussed with the representatives of the interests affected.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, as part of the post-war reconstruction policy, he will take steps to ascertain whether the strain of examinations and preparations on persons between their 14th and 22nd years, desirous of entering the higher grades of the Civil Service, tends in any appreciable degree to engender cerebral apathy and loss of initiative or willingness to accept responsibility?

As and when open recruitment for the Civil Service is resumed, every endeavour will be made to ensure that the method of appointment secures candidates of the desired calibre, but I doubt whether an attempted inquiry of the kind suggested would be practicable or would serve any useful purpose.

If my right hon. and gallant Friend doubts whether it would serve a useful purpose, will he at any rate try it?

It is because I do not think it is worth doing that I do not propose to do it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in deciding that the old building between St. Patrick Square and Buccleuch Street has not sufficient architectural or historic interest to justify preservation, His Majesty's inspectors of ancient monuments were consulted; whether the neighbours were given any opportunity of expressing their opinion as to preservation; and by whose neglect the fabric is in its present condition?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. Representations by neighbours for the building's preservation were considered by the corporation before they decided to demolish it. The present condition of the fabric is due to its age and to the settlement of its front walls which, I am informed, renders reconstruction impracticable.

Are not the Government seriously concerned at the way in which the Council of Edinburgh is pulling down, one after another, so many old buildings that give that city special character?

The Corporation of Edinburgh gave full consideration to the petition that was presented. This building was erected in the seventeenth century. The Corporation got an improvement order in 1930, and as the property was acquired for demolition purposes in order to carry through an improvement, the question of maintenance did not arise.

Do not other cities manage to keep their ancient monuments?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, as representing the Ministry of Food, whether, in the event of an attempt at invasion of this country by the enemy, any special arrangements have been made for the provision of food in country districts while a partial or complete reservation of roads and transport facilities for troop movements is in operation?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade as representing the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that, as a result of Circular C/3/Z/653, general butchers using less than one ton of boneless meat per week must cease the manufacture of sausages and are thereby placed in an inferior position to larger firms; and whether he will consider an early modification of this requirement?

General butchers who do not receive allocations of manufacturing meat as Group 1 meat manufacturers are entitled to an allowance of carcase meat for the manufacture of sausages and other meat products of 2½ per cent. of the value of their buying permits. The revised arrangements set out in the circular mentioned by my hon. Friend for the classification of general butchers as Group 1 meat manufacturers, had to be made owing to the limited supplies of manufacturing meat, some of which has now to be diverted to the pork butchers to compensate them for their loss of sales of fresh pork which are now restricted to general butchers. These revised arrangements have been generally approved by the Ministry's consultative conference of the retail meat trade and the advisory committee on meat manufactures. Both of these bodies include representatives of the national organisations of butchers.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the effect of this circular is that many family butchers are now unable to obtain sausages for their customers, while grocery shops in the neighbourhood have plenty for sale?

If my hon. Friend will bring to my notice cases he has in mind, I shall be glad to look into them.

Is the Minister aware that in many areas, what are described as "general butchers" are, in fact, the main pork butchers in the area and have the largest and most efficient meat manufacturing plants, and that the present arrangement which discriminates between pork butchers and general butchers puts runny general butchers in a disadvantageous position?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, as representing the Ministry of Food, whether he is aware that some shopkeepers do not sell coarse oatmeal because there is no profit on its sale; whether he is aware of the evidence given before the Food Control Committee, Guildford, about the matter; and what action he intends taking to get the course oatmeal in shops for sale?

My Noble Friend has no reason to believe that shopkeepers in general are failing to stock coarse oatmeal or are dissatisfied with the margin of profit on its sale. The case referred to has not yet come to my notice but I am making inquiries, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Attorney-General when the committee inquiring into the question of the payment of rents for bombed premises will present their report?

The existing legislation dealing with this matter is contained in the Landlord and Tenant (War Damage) Act. The Government are considering whether this Act requires amendment on the point raised in the question and also in the light of the War Damage Bill at present before Parliament. The matter is being considered by Ministers and their advisers, but I am unable to say when the Government will be in a position to announce their decisions. The importance of these questions is fully realised.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the possiblity of handing over the whole organisation for the supply of food and clothing parcels to our men in Germany to the American Red Cross?

No, Sir.