asked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements he has now made with retail sports goods dealers and the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes for open and competitive equality in supplying Service Departments with their requirements; and is he aware of the growing difficulties in carrying on their businesses for the tax and ratepaying sports goods shopkeeper throughout the country by the fact they are shut out of one of the few present-day markets for their goods?

The supply of controlled articles such as sports goods to the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes is a matter which I have under discussion with the Service Departments, but it has not yet been possible to reach a decision.

What is the reason for the delay, and who is responsible for it?

There have been changes on the Board.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what the home trade quotas will be after 31st March for goods controlled under the Limitation of Supplies (Woven Textiles) Order?

After consultation with the Minister of Supply, I have decided that because of increasing demands for essential war purposes the quotas for cotton, linen or silk piece goods and made-up goods must be reduced to 20 per cent. and the quota for rayon goods to 40 per cent.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view in of the restricted opportunities for trade with foreign countries and as the Export Council working in collaboration with various Government Departments has reduced the Department of Overseas Trade and its Minister and Trade Commissioners to a position of desuetude, he will consider the amalgamation of the Department of Overseas Trade with the Board of Trade till after the war, and thereby avoid redundancy of staff and waste of energy.

As the published figures indicate, the war has necessarily limited the volume of our exports, but export trade is still of the greatest importance as an essential part of our war effort. The difficulties which confront exporters are many and complex, and it is the function of the Department of Overseas Trade to assist exporters to overcome these difficulties. This entails a heavy burden of work on the Department, and particularly its overseas officers, as is demonstrated by the fact that the number of inquiries reaching the Department is as great as before the war. The Department works in the closest collaboration with the Board of Trade and the Export Council, of which body the Secretary of the Department of Overseas Trade is the Vice-Chairman. Special care is taken to ensure that there is no overlapping, and no advantage would result from the amalgamation suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, owing to shortage of staff, he has been compelled to postpone three times the latest date for application for licences under the Prevention of Fraud Act until next March; and will he ask the Bar Council and the Law Society each to nominate now three of their members to assist him to abolish the need for another postponement?

No, Sir. I have received no serious complaints recently of the activities of share-pushers, and section 12 of the Prevention of Fraud (Investments) Act, which contains wide general provisions against fraud, is already in force. To enforce the licensing provisions would involve putting into force the other complicated provisions of the Act, and I do not think I could justify this in present circumstances. But if share-pushers again become active, which I regard as unlikely in war-time, I will put the full provisions of the Act into force as soon as possible.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that stock and share dealers are very much interested in the fixing of the appointed day, and that there is a general feeling that there should be no further delay?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the commanding officers-in-charge of a headquarters company of which he has been informed are intimidating rank and file who refuse inoculation with threats of stoppage of leave, proficiency pay, etc.; and will he take steps to put a stop to this practice?

I am having inquiries made and will inform my hon. Friend as soon as I have the necessary information.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many skilled engineers, and how many skilled capstan turners, respectively, are employed in the Army, and the Royal Army Ordinance Corps, respectively, solely for dishwashing and small fatigue purposes; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that these skilled men are put to the work in which they can best help the war effort?

I cannot give any figures in reply to the first part of the Question, but all soldiers have to take their turn at duties of the kind mentioned. Every possible step is being taken to make the best use in the Army of skilled men. Instructions were issued some months ago that any soldier with special qualifications who was not already mustered as a tradesman should submit particulars through his commanding officer to the War Office. Thousands of applications have been received, and large numbers of men either have been mustered as tradesmen or are now undergoing training at technical establishments. The scheme is being continued and extended, and any soldier with technical qualifications can apply for trade testing.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that when a man is reduced on medical inspection from Category A to Category C, he is put on to fatigue duties that do not bring into play his skilled experience? Will the Minister take steps to see that when a man is so reduced in category he will be given the opportunity at once to be put on to work where he will be able to assist in the war effort?

That is what my answer said. I said that all soldiers have to take their turn at duties of the kind mentioned by the hon. Member, but that we are doing our best to muster tradesmen and that there have been thousands of applications for these specialised jobs.

My Supplementary Question was rather directed to the cases of men who are reduced in medical category, because these men are then put continuously on such fatigue duties? Will the Minister look into that matter?

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to make the utmost use of agricultural land and particularly of the gardens of houses now occupied by the Army; and whether such steps will include cropping and supervision of such areas by experts who can arrange for distribution and marketing of foodstuffs?

Agricultural officers have been appointed on the staffs of the War Office, commands, areas and districts to ensure the cultivation, so far as possible, of all land in military occupation and particularly to arrange that, when houses with gardens attached have been requisitioned, the soldier occupants should cultivate the gar- dens if the owners cannot continue to do so. The bulk of the labour will be supplied by the troops, but a nucleus of trained men is being provided to give advice and to maintain cultivation where soldiers are withdrawn and not immediately replaced. Advances of cash are being made for the purchase of seeds and tools, and the expenditure incurred will be repaid from the proceeds of the sale of produce. As a general rule, the produce will be sold to the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes. The fullest use is being made of the advice and co-operation of the local representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries throughout the country and with the War Agriculture Executive Committees. When land can best be cultivated by being let to local farmers and market gardeners, this is being done.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman bear in mind that, in view of the constant changes of military units, there is necessity for continuity of supervision and responsibility, otherwise this system may fail?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Public Relations Officer of the War Office is a military or a civil appointment; and whether he will give the House the status and remuneration of the present occupant?

The appointment is a military appointment. The present holder is a colonel and is receiving the pay and allowances of a colonel serving at the War Office. These approximate in his case to £1,200 a year.

May we take it that there has been no change in status as a result of the new occupancy?

None whatever.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that hardship is caused to the families of serving men as the children's allowances now paid cease at the 14th birthday and not at the end of the term they leave school, which is often many weeks later; and whether he will arrange for them to be extended to cover this period?

I think my hon. Friend is under some misapprehension. The allowances in respect of soldiers' children are, under existing regulations, continued after such children attain the age of 14 years so long as they are in whole-time attendance at a school, procided that the conditions governing the allowance otherwise continue to be fulfilled.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the mother of E. A. Eckersley, 1907614, Royal Engineers, has been informed by the Pay Office that an amount of 5s. per week which she receives from her son's employers from a fund raised from contributions by the employers and their work-people has to be taken into consideration in assessing the amount of her dependant's allowance; and whether this decision is in conformity with the regulations?

I am not aware of the particular case referred to. Dependants' allowance can be issued only in cases where a soldier's dependant is placed in circumstances of hardship through the soldier's inability to continue to make, after he joins the Colours, a contribution to the maintenance of the dependant on the same scale as before his enlistment. In order to determine whether hardship exists in any case, the resources of the dependant after the soldier joins the Colours are assessed in accordance with rules which were set out fully in the White Paper of March, 1940 (Cmd. 6186). Subject to the limitations there described, all sources of income in the dependant's household are taken into account in determining the eligibility of the dependant for an award.

Does my right hon. and gallant Friend appreciate that these contributions by employers and workmen are intended to be in addition to what they receive in the ordinary way? May I send particulars to my right hon. and gallant Friend?

Certainly, Sir.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that because the War Office takes into account ex-gratia payments made to serving men by some employers those employers are considering reducing such payments or stopping them altogether?

asked the Secretary of State for War the weight of the respective daily issues to members of His Majesty's Forces of the various rationed commodities allowed to civilians?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Do these figures show any marked discrimination between the amount of food allowed to the Civil Defence Services, which are in the war all the time, compared with soldiers, who are actually only preparing for war?

My hon. and gallant Friend had better look at the figures.

asked the Secretary of State for War the authority which decides the composition and quantities of the rations issued to the Forces, and on whose advice this decision is taken?

The responsibility for the composition of the various Army ration scales rests with the Army Council, who are advised by the military medical authorities, military and civilian catering advisers, various scientific and other bodies, and the Ministry of Food. The scales vary according to country, nationality and the availability and suitability of different types of food, and are designed to maintain the necessary standard of health and military efficiency under all conditions of service. For native troops, the best local advice is taken.

While a certain amount of food is necessary to feed one individual, would not any housewife tell us that to feed 500 men requires far less food per man, and will that be borne in mind in the question of rationing?

The Army ration has been reduced from time to time, and I do not exclude from my mind that process being continued.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend consider putting a thoroughly competent house manager in this section of the Army?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the national interest, he will circulate to troops operating over the countryside instructions as to how to avoid unnecessary damage to woods, fields and farm buildings, besides danger to cattle, for which quite unintentionally they are sometimes responsible?

A pamphlet containing appropriate instructions on the subject, and prepared in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Department of Agriculture for Scotland, has been widely distributed in the Army. In addition, commanding officers are instructed to take every possible step to minimise damage and to impress on all ranks their responsibility in this matter. Further, compensation officers, with a thorough knowledge of farming requirements, have been appointed to corps, divisions and brigades, and they act as advisers to commanders and give lectures to the troops. They are also to give lectures to Officer Cadet Training Units.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with the use of the port of Marseilles as a landing place for parcels for our prisoners of war or whether he is considering another route?

The use of Marseilles has been satisfactory, and there has not, so far, been any appreciable congestion or delay there. No other port is being considered at present. Parcels are still going by rail via Lisbon, Madrid and Basle, and an experimental route has been inaugurated via Lisbon, Madrid, Occupied France and Cologne.

asked the Secretary of State for war (1) what is the number of parcels for prisoners of war that have been moved from Lisbon to Marseilles;

During the months July, 1940, to January, 1941, inclusive, 714,800 food parcels and 29,400 clothing parcels were handed over to the General Post Office. During the same period, 151,711 food parcels and 1,122 clothing parcels have been forwarded from Geneva to the camps in Germany. As regards the balance and on such information as is available at present, I can give my hon. and gallant Friend the following figures for parcels of all kinds:

Will the parcels that are now at Lisbon be sent to Marseilles or across Spain?

We shall use whatever routes are open to us, either Marseilles, according to the number of ships we can employ, or, if some of the parcels can be sent across Spain, that route will be used also. We want to get the parcels on their way as soon as possible.

Has the Minister any information at his disposal as to whether the ordinary rank and file in the prisoners' camps are receiving the parcels that are sent?

I am always willing to give to the House information on the number of parcels that are actually re ceived. I recognise how anxious the House is about this matter. Whenever I get information I am only too willing to give it to the House.

Is the Minister aware that it is stated that in many cases the rank and file are working in mines in various parts of the country? Has he any means of getting to know whether the parcels reach these men?

I have not that information at the moment. If the hon. Member will put down a Question on the matter, I will do my best to see whether I can give him the information.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether consideration has now been given to the statement presented to Mr. Paterson by an internee during his visit to Canada containing serious charges with respect to the treatment of aliens on board the M.S. "Ettrick" on the way to Canada; and whether he will cause an inquiry to be held?

Neither my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary nor I has yet received the statement referred to, but inquiry is being made of the internees who have returned from Canada, and I shall be glad if my hon. Friend will let me have any information in his possession.

I should be glad to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why, in the statement on diphtheria immunisation drawn up by the sub-committee of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Scottish Board of Health, no figures were given regarding diphtheria in immunised and unimmunised children in Edinburgh, seeing that immunisation has been practised in that city from the time it was first introduced?

I am informed that the figures desired by the hon. Member are not available for the City of Edinburgh.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, since the method of reckoning the amount paid by the Exchequer into the Scottish Education Fund is based on the assumption that the educational expenditure of Scot-lands bears a fixed relationship to the educational expenditure of Great Britain as a whole, and since because of recent events this fixed relationship has been interrupted, he will take steps to avoid injustice to Scottish education authorities through the operation of the so-called eleven-eightieths principle?

My right hon. Friend is not aware of any circumstances which make it desirable to disturb the method of calculating Scottish education grants which was embodied in the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918. The effects of this financial arrangement are under constant review.

Will my hon. Friend give an undertaking that Scottish local authorities will in no way suffer in consequence of the diminishing expenditure of education authorities during the war?

I am afraid that that question is based on the wrong assumption that educational expenditure is decreasing in England, whereas my advice is to the contrary.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the resolution, passed by the Greenock Trades Council, regarding proposed amendments to the Local Elections and Register of Electors (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1939, a copy of which resolution was intimated to him by Mr. Samuel McLaren the secretary; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

My right hon. Friend has considered the resolution referred to, but for the reasons indicated when the Act of 1940 was passing through Parliament, I am unable to hold out a prospect of further legislation as suggested. I regret that in one case since the issue of the recent circular the truce has not been observed, and my right hon. Friend is in communication on the subject with the local authority concerned.

Is my hon. Friend aware that lack of good faith in carrying out this arrangement has a ruinous effect on cooperation in Civil Defence matters? Will he bring that to the notice of those interested in it?

I am aware of the need for local authorities to play the game, as the great parties of the State are playing the game in national affairs.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the report of the Forth District Salmon Fishery Board complaining of the pollution of the River Forth, causing high mortality among fish; and whether he can announce any measures to remedy this nuisance and prevent the consequent loss of food?

I am aware of the report referred to. I am advised that the mortality in 1940 did not differ materially from that in previous seasons. In any case it would not be practicable under present conditions to undertake the extensive works which would be required to prevent pollution.

Is the Minister aware of the difficulty, under present legislation, of dealing with pollution? May it not be possible to take advantage of the Bill on the Order Paper, the Land Drainage (Scotland) Bill, to obtain further powers?

I am not sure that the Bill referred to will enable us, even because of its Title, to deal with a problem of that kind, but there were difficulties, and they were being considered by the Rivers Pollution Prevention Committee, which carried out extensive inquiries as far as the River Forth was concerned, but which, because of the outbreak of war, had no opportunity of presenting its report.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the continual increases in the price of coal to public utilities; and what steps he is taking to prevent further increases?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson) on 5th February.

Is the Minister aware that this progressive increase in the cost of coal to public utilities is increasing the cost of production and is affecting the cost of living all over the country, which is the best way of bringing on inflation? Does he not think it is time for some modification of the sliding scale governing miners' wages to be considered?

It would he quite improper to suggest that miners should not be given the same allowances to meet the increased cost of living as is given to other workers, and that is all that is taking place.

Is the Minister taking no steps whatever to prevent this increase in the cost of coal, which affects industry and the cost of living and so leads to a progressive rise in both cases?

The hon. Member should know that the cost of coal is rising less in proportion to many other major commodities in the country.

Is the Minister aware that a lot of the coal being submitted at these present costs to the consumer is mixed with a lot of stone which will not burn?

Unfortunately, all coal is not perfect, but I think on the whole the quality is good.

Does the Minister recall that for 10 years public utilities obtained coal at competitive prices and that in those days they did not comparatively reduce the prices of their services to the public?

I am afraid that conditions in the industry in regard to prices and wages would be reduced if it were left to depend on the public utility companies.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that after some improvement there is again delay in the supply of coal to Kidderminster and Stourport; that certain wagons which left South Wales on 24th December have not yet arrived and that the position is made more acute by reason of the necessity of providing for a number of refugees from bombed areas; and what steps he is taking to improve conditions in this area?

I am aware that special difficulties are still being experienced in the supply of coal to certain areas, including Stourport and Kidderminster, and arrangements have recently been made which should result in a substantial increase in coal traffic to those areas from the Midland (Amalgamated) District. As a result of special measures taken during the last few weeks, railway deliveries from South Wales have also been considerably increased.

When the Minister says that there have been considerable increases in the delivery of coal wagons, presumably by quicker movement, does he consider that a coal wagon which started on 24th December from South Wales, and only reached the Midlands on about 28th January, is acceleration?

My hon. Friend refers to a coal wagon; perhaps he would be easier in his own mind if he knew that 300,000 wagons of coal are moved each week in this country. To impute the tardiness of delivery of one coal wagon to a body generally responsible is really making a mountain out of a molehill.

Does the Minister really consider his reply absolutely fair? It must be quite clear to him and to the House that the wagon to which I referred in my Supplementary Question was given as an example. I can tell him of hundreds of wagons which have been delayed for long periods. There is no doubt that there is a very strong public feeling in some parts of the country against the continual delay in the transport of coal.

I am quite ready to answer any strong public feeling, but I feel that it should be well informed.

Is the Minister aware that Evesham and Pershore are both suffering from the same difficulty?

I am very sorry about Evesham and Pershore, but we are up against local difficulties which cannot be immediately overcome. We are doing better than we did, but there is still room for improvement.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether any deer-forest land in the Inverness district and in the Black Mountain area is suitable for afforestation; and whether he is interesting himself in getting the land planted by private owners, with or without State assistance or, alternatively, by the Forestry Commission?

Some deer-forest land in Inverness-shire is suitable for afforestation, the Forestry Commissioners owning 53,000 acres of such land. Black Mount deer forest was offered to the Commissioners, but, as it contains only a small proportion of land suitable for afforestation, the area was not acquired. The Commissioners are interested in getting any suitable land planted by private owners and provide grants for planting.

Have any trees been blown down by enemy action?

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman see to it that land suitable for growing food under the Forestry Commission will be used for that object?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make representations to the Canadian Government to remove elsewhere the anti-Fascist Italians in S camp, in view of the fact that the great majority of internees in this camp are Fascists?

I have no knowledge that the majority of the internees in this camp are Fascists, and I shall be glad if my hon. Friend will furnish me with the information which he has to this effect.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make representations to the Canadian Government with a view to a reorganisation of Camp R for aliens sent to Canada from this country, in view of the fact that there are approximately 1,000 Nazi seamen in this camp and 100 Jewish refugees, and that a promise was given by the commander of the camp in September that the refugees would be sent elsewhere?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the first part of the reply which I gave to my right hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Wedgwood) on 28th January.

asked the Home Secretary what is the present position as regards reservation of full-time air-raid wardens; and what steps he is taking to ensure the permanent maintenance of a nucleus of fit and fully active men for this service locally, in view of the claims of military service on the one hand and war work in industry on the other.

(Mr. Mabane): In order to make the best use of man-power it was always intended that the wardens' service should be recruited mainly from men and women giving part-time service, and that the men should either be over military age or be men whose primary occupation was reserved. In this way youth and maturity would be properly combined in a service in which judgment is no less important than vigour. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service has agreed to the deferment of the calling up of full-time wardens in key positions over thirty, on the individual merits of particular cases. In general, where there is an undue proportion of full-time wardens liable to be called up for military service in the near future and the substitution of older men or women cannot be speedily effected, my right hon. Friend proposes to invite the Minister of Labour and National Service to agree to the necessary periods of deferment.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now make any statement in regard to the provision of indoor shelters; and whether he can say whether any change is proposed in the standard of eligibility for the provision, at the public expense, of these or other shelters?

Yes, Sir. The course of events in the past few months has given strong emphasis to the advantages of shelter within the home. It achieves not only dispersal, but warmth and dryness, and it avoids the discomfort of leaving home at night and the dislocation of family life. Experience of the effect of the bombing has shown that houses afford more protection than was at one time supposed and that the risks of installing indoor shelters are less than was formerly believed. We have, therefore, turned to the question of designing a shelter suitable for installation indoors which should afford protection against the consequences of being pinned under the debris of a house brought down by a bomb exploding near it. We have reached a stage where I am justified in informing the House that we have succeeded in achieving a satisfactory design for a shelter of this kind, particulars of which, with the Speaker's permission, I will make available in the Tea Room. It is designed for installation on the lowest floor of a house of two or three storeys and will accommodate two adults and one older child or two younger children. It will not be practicable in the early stages of distribution to cover anything like the whole country and I have accordingly, in consultation with the Regional Commissioners, selected a number of areas to which priority will be given. These have been selected with due regard to shelter needs based on recent experience and estimated vulnerability: for obvious reasons I do not propose to give their names, but steps will be taken for suitable local announcements at a later stage. Information will then be given as to the procedure to be followed by those desiring to obtain these shelters, and in the meantime no application by members of the public for shelters should be made or can be entertained.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that one of the least satisfactory aspects of the issue of the Anderson shelter was that even in the most vulnerable areas it was not possible to purchase such shelters until the whole of the free issue of the shelters had been delivered? Will he therefore see, in the case of these indoor shelters, that in the most vulnerable areas a percentage of those which become available shall be purchasable by those outside the income limits for the free issue?

My hon. Friend will realise that that might involve many administrative complications, but I should certainly wish to do that.

Are these shelters now in production?

No, Sir, not yet, but they will be, I hope, round about the end of March.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say anything about the materials of which they will be made?

There will be a considerable steel element.

Is it not true that the authorities in some of the most vulnerable areas had to send back Anderson shelters because the people would not take them, and is not that one of the reasons why we have had so much trouble?

If there is anyone who does not want his Anderson shelter I should be very glad to have it back.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any statement to make on the subject of eligibility for these shelters?

Yes, Sir, the income limit has been considered. Broadly speaking, people got a free issue of the Anderson shelter if the income was below £250. With the concurrence of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, that limit has now been increased to £350.

Will it be necessary for a tenant to obtain consent from a landlord before the shelters can be erected?

No, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings what organisation exists within his Ministry to deal with air-raid precautions?

I have been asked to reply. The Ministry of Works and Buildings is responsible for the provision of shelter accommodation in civil Government buildings and for the supply of firefighting, first-aid and black-out equipment; it provides rescue and clearance, decontamination and demolition and repair parties for all civil Government buildings in London and in certain provincial centres; training in fire-fighting is provided for Government staffs generally in the Ministry's instructional schools. In addition, for the buildings occupied by the Ministry's own staffs, wardens, firefighters and first-aid personnel have been recruited and trained and arrangements for the observance of the Fire Precautions Orders of the Minister of Home Security are being made with all possible speed.

Is there in the Ministry a professional organisation for dealing with air-raid precautions in the buildings which the Ministry are constructing and will construct?

I cannot say that offhand, but I will make inquiries.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the present policy of his Department is making the production of eggs unremunerative; and what steps he is taking to alter this?

No, Sir. The maximum prices for home-produced eggs are regarded as generally remunerative for producers, but it is recognised that poultry keepers who are dependent on purchased feeding-stuffs will have to reduce their flocks very considerably below pre-war level owing to the shortage of supplies of feeding-stuffs.

On the other hand, is it not regarded by many poultry keepers that the present prices they may charge are unremunerative, and is it not exceedingly important that the Ministry of Food should encourage eggs on to the market and make the keeping of poultry remunerative, particularly to those who can use swill and not other feeding-stuffs?

The price that has been fixed for eggs has been based on the increased costs which poultry have incurred, taking into consideration the average of the last three years before the war.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman watch the availability of these eggs and see whether in fact his policy is keeping eggs on the market?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether a larger ration of butter can be provided for patients suffering from tuberculosis as the present two ounces is insufficient for nourishment purposes?

The Food Rationing (Special Diets) Advisory Committee of the Medical Research Council is considering the position of invalids, including tuberculosis patients, in the light of the present food restrictions, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as the review is completed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, whether, in view of the recent arrival of a consignment of bananas, similar small quantities are likely to be despatched when cargo space is not otherwise fully utilised; and whether he proposes to take any steps to control their distribution and sale when available in small lots?

No, Sir. The present demand for shipping space for more essential purposes is unlikely to allow of any further shipments of bananas. The second part of the Question, therefore, does not arise.

Do I understand from the hon. and gallant Gentleman that no steps will be taken to provide for the transport of bananas?

Yes, if it is possible, but it is not likely to be possible in many cases in the future. It is a matter for the authorities at the port of loading. If there should happen to be a little cargo space available, they would rather load bananas than waste it, but it is most unlikely in present conditions that such a situation will arise.

Do I understand that if there is that possibility, the Minister of Food will control the supply?

I could not say that. It does not follow that bananas would be the best thing to put into the space available.

In the event of a load of bananas being sent to one particular individual, what can be done to ensure their proper distribution?

In the particular case under discussion there were only very small supplies. In such a case there is no possibility of securing equitable distribution. There were not nearly enough to go round.

asked the Minister of Information whether, to obviate the delay in censoring correspondence from Iceland and Faröe Islands, he will take steps to remove the locus of this censorship from Liverpool to Edinburgh?

There is no avoidable delay at Liverpool in the censoring of correspondence from Iceland and the Faröe Islands, and no advantage would be gained by transferring this censorship to Edinburgh.

What does the hon. Gentleman mean by "avoidable delay"? Is he aware that when goods come to Leith from these countries the documents accompanying them do not reach the consignees till weeks afterwards? Will he look into the matter from that point of view?

I will, certainly.

Is the hon. Gentleman also aware that there is available linguistic talent in Edinburgh?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give the House an assurance that, with the exception of the necessary consideration of security in war time, the recent practice by certain Ministers of the Crown of answering Questions which have appeared on the Order Paper by writing to the Member concerned and not circulating the reply, shall be discontinued?

Apart from the considerations of national safety to which my hon. Friend refers, there is no intention of departing from the well-established practice whereby answers to Questions are circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT. There are cases, however, where the matter is not of general interest or importance, or the information asked for is detailed and not immediately available. In these cases a reply by letter is, I think, not without precedent. Even so, it has always been open to any hon. Member to ask for the Answer to be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT or placed in the Library for reference.

Will the right hon. Gentleman have the answer given to the hon. Member for West Birmingham (Mr. Higgs) recently in connection with the appointment of Mr. Michael Arlen circulated, as it is of great interest to Members of Parliament for the Midland Region?

Certainly, if it is asked for.

Is it not the case that a Written Answer was given on the subject?

Is it not a fact that that answer was not specific?

asked the Prime Minister what exactly is to be the alarm signal for invasion; whether anything is to precede the church bells, especially in London; and whether those in the Services or civilians are to receive any general advice as to action or inaction, whether by day or night, whether at work or at home.

My right hon. Friend may be sure that these matters are not neglected, but I hardly think that they are conveniently dealt with at the present moment by Question and Answer in the House.

The right hon. Gentleman realises, I hope, that it is urgently important that civilians as well as military people should know what the signal would be?

At the proper moment that information will be imparted.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of broadcasting as soon as he knows that there is an invasion?

I have no doubt that some public comment may be made about it.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will provide facilities for the discussion of the Motion in the name of the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton on the subject of peace aims in view of the widespread public interest on this subject?

The terms of the Motion standing in the name of my hon. Friend illustrate the very large measure of comprehension of British peace aims which prevails in this country and elsewhere. I do not think there is the slightest need for a Debate on this subject at present.

May we take it that the Prime Minister will see no objection to a Member taking such opportunities as are available to initiate a short Debate on the subject?

Not at all. This is a free country.

I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in connection with the rise in deposits at the clearing banks which has taken place, and is continuing, he can state approximately the percentage or amount of these deposits upon which the clearing banks are not paying any interest to depositors; and whether he can state the amount or approximate percentage on which they are paying interest at the rate of 10s. per cent.?

I regret that this information is not available.

Is it not a fact that in the large majority of cases the interest paid to depositors by the banks does not exceed 10s. per cent.? Why should the banks make a charge of 5 per cent. to agricultural borrowers? Is my right hon. Friend aware that agricultural production has been handicapped by the excessive charges to agricultural borrowers? Why does not the Treasury take power to insist that banks should reduce their rate of interest to agricultural borrowers in their time of need in war?

The Minister of Agriculture and I have given many answers on that subject.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that he has never given a satisfactory one?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his atten- tion has been drawn to a scheme for the control of cold stores, whereby it is proposed to divert excess and other profits from the Exchequer; and does he contemplate extending this procedure to all other industries?

I am having inquiries made regarding the scheme for the control of cold stores to which my hon. Friend has drawn my attention. As soon as they are complete, I will communicate with him.

Is it not a fact that I drew the Chancellor's attention to this matter six weeks ago, and does he realise that the situation does not warrant the use of drastic emergency powers to override major Acts of Parliament without debate in this House?

I will look into what my hon. Friend says.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish a memorandum setting out the powers conferred on the banks for the creation of credits throughout the country as the impression that the banks are able to create costless credit is hindering our war effort?

My hon. Friend's Question is, I think, based on a misapprehension, for no powers of the kind suggested have been conferred on the banks. Any impression such as that to which he refers in the latter part of his Question is, of course, erroneous.

My right hon. Friend would not disagree with me that purchasing power, newly created to finance the community and based on the Government credit, should not bear more than the most nominal rate of interest?

I do not disagree with my hon. Friend any more than I can help.

Then my right hon. Friend does agree that it should not bear more than a nominal rate of interest?

Not necessarily.

In view of the widespread misinformed opinion about the financial system which is undermining the capitalist system, will my right hon. Friend call the Governor of the Bank of England to the Bar of the House to make a statement?

No, Sir; I think I should prefer to rest on the pamphlet which my hon. Friend has issued on the subject.

Surely if there is nothing to hide, there is nothing to fear?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent totalities in casualities by enemy action have tended to show the need for amendment of the law in regard to the incidence of Estate Duty; and whether measures have been, or will be, taken to prevent undue hardships?

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

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, with the double view of discouraging extravagant consumption and of increasing revenue, he is prepared to consider a tax of 6d. on all meals in public restaurants, hotels, clubs, etc., costing over 4s., is. on meals over 6s., and 2s. on meals over 8s., and so on?

I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion, but he will not, of course, expect me to anticipate the Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his attention has been called to a recent case in which an individual was convicted of an offence against the Defence (Finance) Regulations for arranging for his wife to receive funds in Canada from a person for whose benefit he agreed to make a sterling payment in this country; and whether lie is satisfied that the regulations are adequate to prevent this and similar types of abuse?

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for having put this Question, which gives me an opportunity of making a general statement on the position. Every resident who goes outside the sterling area, otherwise than on national service or on business of national importance, is required before going to sign a declaration that he will not have any funds remitted, either directly or indirectly, from this country for his maintenance abroad, and will not seek to divert dollar income which would have been surrendered to the Treasury had he remained in this country. So far as I am aware, the Regulations are adequate to prevent any attempts to evade these stipulations, and I am advised that it is an offence—for which heavy penalties are laid down—for a resident in this country to utilise foreign currency which he should surrender for the maintenance of his wife or family outside the sterling area, or to procure foreign currency for this purpose either by promising repayment at a later date (e.g. when the currency restrictions are lifted) or by undertaking to make a payment in this country on behalf of a resident abroad or by other similar devices. I would emphasise that such arrangements deprive the nation of currency assets, notwithstanding the fact that at first glance no money appears to leave the country. I need hardly say these provisions will be most strictly enforced.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement on the currency position in Shanghai and the Yangtze basin, having regard to the competition of the fapi (Chinese national currency), the extensive note issue of the Japanese military authorities, the Huahsing notes issued by a Japanese-controlled bank in Shanghai, and the new notes recently issued by the Nanking Puppet Government; and what are the reactions on foreign trade of these four conflicting currencies in the same district?

My right hon. Friend is aware that the different currencies mentioned by my hon. Friend are circulating in Central China, the latest addition being the note issue of the Central Reserve Bank established by the Japanese sponsored regime at Nanking. It is too early to forecast what effect the latter will have on the currency and trade situation, but every attempt to supplant the national currency of China cannot but do some further harm to the interests of all countries trading with China.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the purpose and scope of the mission recently sent to the British Virgin Islands; whether he will give an assurance that the inhabitants will be informed and consulted before any decision is taken; and to what extent it is hoped to develop economic relations with the island of St. Thomas?

I presume that the hon. Member alludes to the United States Economic Mission, headed by Mr. C. W. Taussig, which visited the Virgin Islands in the course of its tour of the British West Indian Colonies. The object of the Mission was to study social and economic conditions in the British West Indies in order to assist them in considering similar problems in the American islands. There was no question of any proposals or decisions, and the second and third parts of the Question do not therefore arise in this connection.

This Question as it appears on the Order Paper is not as I drafted it. I asked whether, in view of the statement made by the Under-Secretary of State for Air that there are too many Members in this House, etc.

I see no need to set up such a committee. If it were set up, it would certainly have to inquire, among other things, into the evils of the selection of candidates who might be mere pawns and utensils in the hands of foreign organisations.

I want to ask the Prime Minister whether he is not aware that the speech made by the Under-Secretary of State for Air, coupled with the statement of the hon. Member for East Aberdeen (Mr. Boothby) that "we all know what is going on in this House," and the fact that the Prime Minister's own immediate colleagues have continually referred to Members on the other side as "Yes men—

The hon. Member cannot make a speech at Question Time.

On a point of Order. I want to ask a Question.

No point of Order arises. The hon. Member was making a speech, and I called him to Order.

On a point of Order. I am very anxious that this Question should be corrected. The Question that I put down was:

"to ask the Prime Minister whether, in view of the statement made by the Under-Secretary for Air that candidates for this House are too often,"

The hon. Member must not read the original Question that he sent in.

If a Members puts a Question relating to a statement made by another Member, is it correct to turn it into a statement made by himself?

The hon. Member must remember that I am responsible for the form in which a Question which he hands in appears on the Paper. He is not entitled to read to the House his original Question in the form in which he handed it in.

Further to that point of Order. If the effect of a correction were to impute to the Member who put a Question something which he did not desire should be imputed to him and for which he was not responsible, would that not be an unfortunate result?

The hon. Member could take his Question off the Paper if it were in a form which he did not like.

I desire to make a short personal statement. In the Debate upon the Conduct of a Member which took place on 28th January I made a reference to certain evidence given by the hon. Member for East Aberdeen (Mr. Boothby) before the Select Committee. In connection with that I have received a letter from him. It has appeared in the Press, but it seems to me that, owing to its nature, it ought to be on the records of this House for future reference, and with your permission, Mr. Speaker, I should like to read it:

"I have read with careful attention your observations in the Debate on the Conduct of a Member in the House of Commons last Tuesday. I hasten to assure you that the passages in my final speech to the Select Committee to which you referred dealt solely with the question of the obligations of Members of Parliament with regard to disclosure; and that I was making no charges, either of a general or of a specific character, against the integrity of any Member. I had in mind such questions as the disclosure of an interest in a trade or industry, or a shareholding in a company, and the difference which has hitherto been made between public and private companies—upon which there appear to be no clear precedents or rulings. It seems to me that there must inevitably be a somewhat wider application of the obligation to disclose personal interests in the case of a Minister of the Crown than in that of a private Member, by reason of the different functions they discharge. But I would like to make it quite plain that I was not suggesting that any different standards of conduct should be laid down, nor was it my intention to cast the slightest reflection either upon the House as such, or upon any individual Member. I shall be glad if you will make whatever use of this letter you may wish to do."