asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that a number of men employed at a factory, of which he has been informed, whose wages are £2 19s. per working week of 48 hours, have to pay 12s. per week travelling expenses; and whether he will take steps to make arrangements to meet this expenditure?

My information is that there are two such cases out of an establishment of considerable size. The question of what assistance should be given in these cases is now being investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether Rome has at any time been attacked by the Royal Air Force; and whether there are any objectives of military importance that would justify such an attack?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative and to the second in the affirmative.

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the fact that Vatican City is in close proximity to the city of Rome has some relationship to the avoidance of bombing in that area?

I do not think the hon. Member will expect me to deal with such matters in public.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will authorise all officers in command of Royal Air Force stations duly to certify on request the rate of pay and allowances of men under their command to any employer who is making up the peace-time wages of their employés who join the Forces, as the withholding of this Service certification to a local authority or other employer dealing with public funds may create a difficult situation?

Efforts are being made to resolve the question referred to by my hon. Friend, and I hope that satisfactory arrangements will be concluded shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether regular communication by air transport across the North Atlantic will be resumed this summer?

It is the present intention to provide the facilities referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Will my right hon. Friend assure the House that this service will be run by the British Overseas Airways Corporation, since this will meet a civil need and it was specially designated by this House for that purpose?

That also is the intention.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is satisfied that there remains in the British Airways services a sufficient number of experienced navigators to maintain these services in safety?

Yes, Sir.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that he has said that these services, which are of national importance, will be maintained, and will he therefore see that the temptation to take these navigators for wholly military duties is very carefully watched?

In view of the changes in civil aviation in this country, particularly as regards the European and overseas services, will the right hon. Gentleman see that skilled long-distance navigators are given every opportunity to volunteer for the work of ferrying bombers from America to this country?

Certainly, we shall make the greatest possible use of skilled and experienced navigators for ferrying machines across the Atlantic. As regards the Supplementary Question of my hon. Friend the Member for Duddeston (Mr. Simmonds), as I said before, we intend to maintain the existing civil services, but my hon. Friend must bear in mind the urgent requirements of the war. We, at any rate, have to bear them in mind.

Can the right ho Gentleman say whether British Airways have in operation a training scheme for navigators?

I think the hon. Member might put that Question down.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what role he desires the light aeroplane clubs to fill in relation to our war effort in the air?

Before the war, the light aeroplane clubs filled a valuable role in stimulating a general interest in aviation and in helping to build up a potential of war-time pilots and aircrews. On the outbreak of war it was necessary, for R.A.F. operational reasons, to close down this branch of civil flying, but the resources of the clubs in aircraft, personnel and aerodromes have been and are being used to the fullest practicable extent in the prosecution of the war effort.

Are we to understand, therefore, that these clubs are to remain permanently closed down, at any rate during the period of hostilities?

Yes, Sir, I think that, in all probability, that will be the case. My hon. Friend will remember that civil flying was prohibited at the beginning of the war under the Air Navigation (Restrictions in Time of War) Order, 1939.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that men who have been inoculated against typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever contract those diseases when exposed to them, as disclosed in reports on the health of the Navy, he will instruct those responsible for granting leave to withhold leave from the inoculated as well as the uninoculated when they visit ports in which there is any danger of infection?

No, Sir. Although inoculation against typhoid and paratyphoid fever does not confer complete immunity, naval experience shows that inoculated men run much less risk of contracting these diseases than men who have not been inoculated, and that if they do contract them they have better prospects of recovery.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that he is labouring under a great delusion?

I seem to be in company with a good many skilled medical men.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any increase has been sanctioned in the number of free railway warrants allowed each year to naval personnel proceeding on leave?

The number of free travelling warrants allowed each year to officers and men of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines going on leave has now been increased from two to a maximum of four for personnel serving afloat. Personnel serving on a T.124 Agreement are also included in this concession.

Will that grant be in any way retrospective?

Speaking from recollection, the leave year starts about 17th October in each year and will, of course, apply from October to October.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty in how many instances during the past 12 months have papers and documents concerning his Department been left in, or taken from, private motor cars and Admiralty or other Service vehicles, and how many were recovered?

In the time available I have been unable to trace any instance in which a document has been lost in these circumstances in the past 12 months. I am having further inquiries made, and if any instance of the kind is brought to light, I will inform my hon. Friend.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many shipyards were closed in this country since 1931 by the Shipbuilding Securities, Limited; and how many have been reopened since the beginning of the war?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. Maclean) on 10th December. My hon. Friend can rest assured that every practicable step is being taken to increase our capacity for merchant and naval shipbuilding.

Is the Minister aware of the facilities that exist?

Yes, Sir, I am aware of the facilities mentioned.

Is the hon. Gentleman making use of these facilities of which he said he was aware?

Yes, Sir. I said that every practicable step was being taken to use these facilities.

There are still some yards shut down.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the increase in road fatalities, he will take immediate steps to resume driving tests for applicants for driving licences?

No, Sir. I cannot undertake to resume driving tests at present. A number of driving examiners are now serving with His Majesty's Forces, and the remainder cannot he released from their duties in the Ministry's war transport organisation, which in present circumstances must have precedence. Special arrangements are made for the small number of tests required for disabled drivers and tests ordered by a court.

Does not the Minister agree that he would remove one of the factors leading to the increase of fatalities on the roads?

There would be a prima facie case leading to that conclusion, but I have never been convinced of it myself.

When the Minister reintroduces driving tests, will he consider introducing walking tests as well?

asked the Minister of Transport whether, under the new dock labourers pooling scheme, Liverpool, he is taking steps to facilitate special transport services to and from the outer areas of the city for those labourers registered?

Yes, Sir. The provision of transport facilities for the dockers is under consideration as part of the general scheme.

Is the Minister aware that dockers will willingly work all night if asked to do so, and that the difficulty of food supplies applies to the inadequacy of canteens?

What I have in mind is that these labour forces must be extremely mobile at any time.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will take steps to keep the highways in sufficient repair to avoid such serious deterioration taking place as would hinder their utility and necessitate their reconstruction at a later date at heavy expenditure?

Yes, Sir. That is precisely my aim, and I am doing all I can to achieve it.

Will the Minister take steps to retain essential key-men for this important work?

I will do my best.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, as a result of the war, Saturday is now a full working day for many Londoners; and whether he will accordingly consult with the London Passenger Transport Board for improvement of transport facilities in the early evening of that day so as to help these workers to get home, including the running of express omnibuses where the numbers travelling warrant it?

My right hon. Friend has no reason to think that transport facilities for London workers on Saturday evenings are inadequate, but if my hon. Friend has details of any specific case of difficulty, he will be happy to look into it.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether the validity of workmen's tickets on the railways will be extended to cover a period of two days for fire-watchers who have to spend the night at their works or offices;

(2) whether he can arrange that workmens' tickets on the railways should be available for fire-watchers proceeding to their duties in the evening?

My right hon. Friend is waiting a full report from the Railway Executive Committee upon the issues raised. If my hon. Friend will repeat his Question later, he hopes to be in a position to reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions took place during 1940 respecting excessive speed in the 20 miles per hour limit area during the black-out?

From 1st February, when the speed limit was introduced, until 31st December, 1940, the number in the Metropolitan Police District was 2,543. I regret that figures for other parts of the country are not available.

Is the hon. Gentleman personally satisfied that this very necessary speed limit is being observed by the great majority of motorists?

I think the figures which I have quoted show that the police are making every effort to enforce this speed limit.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, with a view to encouraging the rebuilding in small country towns of factories destroyed by enemy action in large cities, he will consider the reorganisation of the electric supply industry on a national basis, so that the charge for electric power will be uniform throughout the whole country?

It would not be practicable to undertake a reorganisation of such magnitude during the war.

Does not my right hon. and gallant Friend agree that decentralisation of industry will be impossible so long as certain towns are charged eight and ten times as much for electricity as other towns?

Is the increased charge for electricity due to the price of coal?

The increased charges can only be partly attri- buted to the increases in the price of coal. There are other factors, such as repairs, which come into it.

Is the Minister aware that the price of electricity from local authorities is very much below that of other suppliers?

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that the free Press in some towns are debarred from having Government advertisements; and what are the reasons for this discrimination?

No section of the Press is debarred from having Government advertisements. The second part of the Question, therefore, does not arise.

Does my right hon. Friend ask me to believe that the free Press, circulated in certain towns, is able to receive advertisements? Is he not aware that a considerable correspondence has taken place on this matter between his and other Departments?

I am not quite sure what the hon. Member means by a "free" Press. Does he mean a Press which is circulated free?

Yes, Sir.

Certainly they are entitled to receive advertisements, but advertisements are placed in papers where they are likely to command the widest publicity.

Does the Minister appreciate that in some towns the free Press is widely supplied to every householder within the borough, and that it is the one medium which appears to be what most advertisers want? If Government advertisements had been put in the free Press, it is possible that there would not have been so much delay on the part of certain householders in submitting ration cards.

I am quite prepared to look into this question and place advertisements where they are likely to do the most good.

asked the Minister of Information why he has given instructions that advertisements for dispensers and other employés required by the Leeds Hospital are to be inserted under a box number, having regard to the fact that the location of the hospital is plainly stated in the advertisement?

No instructions of the kind referred to in the Question have been issued. The Press have in fact been requested not to publish information as to the location of military hospitals, and the refusal to accept the Leeds Hospital advertisement except under a box number appears to have arisen through a misinterpretation of this request.

May we take it that it will not occur again?

asked the Attorney- General whether, in view of the inconvenience, delay, and expense, caused to the public in certain provincial areas of Britain in obtaining certification of a document before a notary public, he will introduce legislation and obtain, so far as is possible, international agreement to render a document sworn or declared before a British magistrate or commissioner for oaths as valid and operative in countries party to the suggested agreement as one similarly completed before a British notary public?

I should be glad to consider any evidence which the hon. Member may like to furnish to me in support of the view that there is in certain areas such inconvenience and expense as suggested in the Question. It is obvious that any alteration in the present law would, as my hon. Friend suggests, require some form of international agreement, which would present obvious difficulties at this time.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether is aware that a serving soldier whose widowed mother receives the customary payment of 18s. per week and to whom the son agrees to devote one half of his recent extra 6d. per day has had 1s. 9d. deducted from his pay; and whether he will state the position of the soldier whose pay is increased because of proficiency or of any other cause.

When a soldier has voluntarily allotted threepence a day to his mother, a sum of 1s. 9d. a week is deducted from his pay on that account, and his mother receives it in addition to any allowance otherwise payable to her. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing how the amounts which a soldier is required to contribute towards dependants' allowance vary according to his rate of pay.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think it most unfair that half of this 6d. a day is deducted from the payment made to the widowed mother by the serving soldier?

No, Sir. I do not think it is unfair. No deduction is made from the allowance to his mother, or from his pay unless the serving soldier asks that it should be deducted.

asked the Secretary of State for War in what circumstances, and when, an extra allowance of £10 is paid for uniform upkeep to officers commissioned since the outbreak of war who have received only £30 for outfit allowance.

The outfit allowance is given to meet initial expenditure and not for upkeep. The extra £10 is given to those officers who have received £30, when they are ordered to proceed to a country for which the initial outfit allowance would be £40.

Will this £10 be given again in the case of an officer who, having worn out his first uniform, must buy another?

No, Sir, there is no allowance for maintenance. It is only for the initial purchase.

Why are Territorial officers proceeding overseas not allowed tropical kit allowance?

I will look into that question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers holding temporary rank whilst serving in this country are required to revert to their substantive rank on proceeding overseas?

The retention of acting or temporary rank always depends on whether an officer continues to hold a post for which the rank is appropriate, and this applies equally when he proceeds overseas.

Am I not right in saying that in the last war officers holding temporary rank retained it when they proceeded overseas? Would it not be fairer to allow them to retain their rank at least until they arrive at the other end?

I think the position is quite simple. An officer retains his temporary rank while he is doing the job for which he was given temporary rank. He will continue in his temporary rank if he is doing the same job when he goes overseas.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will issue a White Paper explaining the furniture on loan scheme to be loaned to families who have been billeted in empty houses; and how the loan is to be repaid?

I have been asked to reply. Furniture required for houses which are to be occu- pied by homeless or evacuated people is supplied by local authorities and normally remains their property. There is consequently no question of the repayment of a loan and my right hon. Friend is not clear what scheme the hon. Member has in mind. If he will send him particulars he will be glad to look into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Mines whether he is aware that coal is transferred from one district to another, and coal is brought in to replace what has been sent out; and will he have investigation made to see if this excessive transport can be avoided?

I am not aware of any cases of the kind described by my hon. Friend which involve a waste of transport, having regard to the needs of the various consuming areas and to the widely different qualities of coal required for various purposes, but I shall be glad to consider any specific instance which he cares to bring to my notice.

If I provide instances where coal has been transferred from one district to another and other coal has been brought in to replace it, will my hon. Friend deal with it and put private enterprise on a better footing?

The considerations to which I referred in my answer will also require due attention. It is no use to complain of coal being brought in from one district to another if a particular quality of coal is required in that district.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that in November, 1940, the price of anthracite machine-made washed peas was 55s. 6d. per ton; that an advance of 1s. 8d. per ton was authorised in October; that a further increase of 2s. 9d. per ton was authorised by the Ministry on 1st November; that a 6 per cent. increase in railway rates occurred on 1st December, and that a further advance of 8d. per ton in the pit price was authorised on 1st January, 141; and why the price of this fuel has been increased by 5s. 1d. per ton, plus a 6 per cent. increase in railway rates since October?

The increase in price of 5s. 1d. per ton on the South Wales anthracite coal referred to is 2s. 8d. more than the sum of the increased authorised for the country as a whole during the period mentioned. The reasons for the additional increases authorised for this coal were the higher cost of production for machine-made sizes and the reduced proceeds from the sale of duff, due to the loss of certain markets abroad.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will take appropriate steps to ascertain the kind of British goods most likely to be in demand in such countries as China and Abyssinia after the war with a view to keeping our industries busy, particularly in different branches of heavy engineering?

Commercial diplomatic officers are very fully occupied with special duties arising out of the war. They have, however, received instructions to report upon major constructional works suspended owing to the war. In view of the uncertainty which must exist as to the purchasing power and productive capacity in different parts of the world when the war ends, no purpose would be served in trying to estimate what might then be the demand for consumer goods in such countries as my hon. Friend has in mind.

May I take it that the Government have fully in mind the supreme need for keeping our heavy industries busy after the war?

Oh, yes.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made with additional allotments; whether the progress is in keeping with his anticipation; and what steps will he take to improve the position?

Our intensive campaign for increasing the number of allotments has been conducted during the autumn and winter months, and the urgency and importance of the matter have been impressed on all local authorities, both by circular letter and by regional conferences throughout the country. The actual results of these efforts cannot as yet be precisely stated, but I have every reason to believe that they will be substantial.

If I put down a Question in a month's time, will the hon. Gentleman be able to give me a more definite answer?

I shall be very happy to provide the hon. Member with all the information at my disposal. I hope we may secure the assistance of every Member of the House in making the allotment campaign a success.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied with the activities of local authorities, and, if not, will he take steps to stimulate them?

The conferences referred to were all with members of local authorities, and in the vast majority of cases they were not only sympathetic but enthusiastic.

Is the hon. Gentleman proposing to ask for a return from local authorities of the increased number of allotments?

Presumably such returns will be sent in later, but it is too early yet to determine what the actual number will be.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in case of any changes in the prices of cattle, sheep and pigs in future, he will give at least four months' notice of any such changes in order that producers may be prepared therefor?

It is already the Government's practice to give producers as much notice as possible of future prices for livestock and other agricultural commodities. With this object the prices to be paid for fat stock for the ensuing twelve months were announced on 31st August last. Modifications are inevitable under war conditions, but the importance of enabling producers to plan ahead is well recognised.

If a change of prices is contemplated at any time at least four months' notice should be given, as many raisers of fat stock in Northern Ireland suffered considerable loss when a decrease was enforced some time ago.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that extreme difficulty is experienced in securing sites for new industries in the Glasgow area; and will he call for a survey of Ayrshire, which is eminently suitable for industrial purposes, especially those that can be converted to peace-time industry?

I am not aware that any difficulty has been experienced in securing sites for Ministry of Supply factories in the Glasgow area. As regards the second part of the Question, I will convey the suggestion to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in considering the matter, remember how much he owes to Ayrshire?

Will the right hon. Gentleman also, in considering the matter, bear in mind the report of the Committee on the Location of Industry, and that the diversion of a large number of new factories to Glasgow is going to recreate the problem which the intensification of industry has created in London?

I am sure the President of the Board of Trade will bear that in mind.

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember the state of devastation to which Ayrshire was reduced after the last war?

I am sure the hon. Member will give me credit for knowing something about Ayrshire.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is prepared to reconsider the case of Mr. Landon, which has been the subject of considerable correspondence and also discussion between his Department and the hon. Member for Abertillery?

I regret it is not possible to reopen the case to which the hon. Member refers.

As the reply is very unsatisfactory, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that grave disquietude prevails amongst the mining population of Ayrshire and Dumfriesshire at the scarcity of both rationed and unrationed food; that there is grave danger of loss of output if more nutritive food is not available; and will he now consider the advisability of making some allowance to miners engaged in this work who, because of atmospheric conditions, suffer considerable loss of weight during their working shift?

As regards sugar, fats, meat and tea, my hon. Friend is no doubt aware that the weekly rationed quantity is the same for all sections of the population. I am not aware of any special shortage of other staple foods in Ayrshire and Dumfriesshire. I would, however, refer my hon. Friend to replies which I am giving to other Questions to-day in regard to cheese supplies for miners and supplementary rations for special classes of workers.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman bear in mind that some of the mines in Ayrshire are very hot and that there is considerable loss of weight during the working shift? Will he take that into consideration?

Certainly, Sir.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman bear in mind also that considerable discontent exists among munition workers at the inadequacy of the meat ration and the inability to purchase cheese?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that cheese is a staple diet among miners, and will he undertake to provide a ration of at least 12 ounces a week to each person employed in the mines?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the fact that the failure to secure supplies of cheese deprives coalminers of one of the most important foods for the coalmine work; and whether he will take steps to secure a fairer distribution of cheese to coalminers?

As I have stated on previous occasions, the general public has been asked to reduce their consumption of cheese to enable more to be available for those who need it. The present shortage of cheese is due to seasonal factors, accentuated by shipping considerations but my Noble Friend is endeavouring to secure the maximum imports possible. The supplies at present available would not permit of the provision for specific classes, including miners, of an allowance at the rate suggested but the operation of cheese distribution is being closely and actively examined, and meanwhile coal-mining areas are receiving an equitable share of the available allocations.

While considering this matter will the Minister bear in mind that a tremendous number of diabetics cannot get cheese, which is one of their essential foods? I have scores of letters about it.

In view of the existing shortage and the difficulty of securing adequate supplies of cheese for miners, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider giving a priority ration for miners because nothing else can replace cheese for them?

This question, particularly with regard to what my hon. Friend has in mind, is being actively pursued. There are difficulties. For instance, the ration suggested by the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Sloan) in his Question would give 15 per cent, of the cheese supplies to 2 per cent. of the population. At the present time the South Wales area is receiving more than the average for the rest of the community.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that cheese is unobtainable in Ayrshire, and will he consider the complete withdrawal of cheese from restaurants and from the dining room of this House so that a larger ration may be given to such workers as miners?

I can assure my hon. Friend that we have this matter very much in mind and are most sympathetic to the point of view which has been expressed by hon. Gentlemen.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend remember that without cheese the agricultural worker's wife is unable to provide the basis of the ploughman's dinner?

That is one of the difficulties we have to face; once we start taking action, every section of labour wants special treatment, but agricultural labour does come in more than miners.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can arrange for a cheese ration to be issued in exchange for a meat ration for those who do not use the latter?

The Food Rationing (Special Diets) Advisory Committee of the Medical Research Council were recently asked to consider the present position of vegetarians and persons on special diets in the light of the restricted supplies of certain unrationed commodities, and their report is awaited. My Noble Friend will bear my right hon. Friend's suggestion in mind.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what arrangements he is making to set ma canteens on the line of docks. Liverpool, providing hot meals at reasonable prices for the dockers?

There are already a number of canteens supplying, the requirements of the area to which my hon. Friend refers, but my Noble Friend will be glad to co-operate with the local authorities concerned if an extension of existing facilities is considered desirable.

I am asking about canteens for the dockside. Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board and the Liverpool City Council do not accept responsibility, and that the trouble we are having with shipping in Liverpool is due to the men being unable to get adequate food at reasonable prices? Will the Minister set up such a system that Liverpool can be the western port?

We expect the local authorities to take the responsibility, but a large part of the financial outlay is furnished by the Government and a good deal of assistance is given for these canteens. We are anxious to see that these facilities are granted and I hope that local authorities will approach us.

As the question of canteens is closely allied to that of adequate production, would it not be desirable for the Government to accept full responsibility and not leave it in the hands of the local authorities?

As I know Liverpool, may I put it to the Minister that this is a matter of the utmost urgency and that the whole system of Liverpool on the dockside will break down unless this arrangement is made? Will he see that such provision is made and that both parties put it into operation?

I am most anxious to see this system extended satisfactorily. I have seen it working in other parts of the country, and it has been acceptable to all who are working it. Therefore, I am in favour of extending it, and if the hon. Gentleman would like to communicate to me what some of the difficulties are, I should be glad to co-operate with him.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that cheese and the full ration of meat valued at 1s. 2d. are unobtainable in several parts of the country; and can he do anything to remedy this?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the growing discontent in Glasgow at the failure to secure the amount of meat allowed by ration order, and that many families cannot secure their proper amount from the butchers, and in a number of cases no meat has been secured due to a very severe shortage; and what steps he is proposing to take to remedy this?

I am not aware that consumers in Glasgow are unable to secure their ration allowance of meat from their butchers. I recognise that for a few weeks difficulties have been experienced in the distribution of meat, but I am not aware that at the present time consumers in Glasgow or indeed anywhere else are unable to secure their ration of meat from their butchers. I welcome the opportunity of stating that the amount of meat distributed by the Ministry is in the aggregate after making necessary allowance for wastage in cutting, sufficient fully to meet the ration of 1s. 2d. In addition to this, in the event of any butcher finding himself towards the end of the week short on his ration the Ministry has arranged for a special reserve of canned meat which is, at the discretion of the deputy meat agent in the district, to provide for such special cases. In these circumstances, provided the butcher is carrying out his instructions, there is no reason for any consumer not being served with the full ration of meat. Cheese is in short supply at present, but I have no evidence that any area of the country is not receiving its fair share of the available supplies. Retailers have been advised to spread their sales as evenly as possible from one allocation to three.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that his reply will cause consternation in the country? Will he say, in view of the fact that it is possible to prosecute a butcher who gives more than 1s. 2d. worth of meat, who can be prosecuted if 1s. 2d. worth is not there?

The hon. Gentleman says that this will cause consternation, but it is about time it was stated that, at any rate as far as the distribution is concerned, the quantity of meat which will provide 1s. 2d. worth has been distributed. If there are cases where people are unable to get their supplies, I shall be grateful if hon. Members will bring them to my attention, because we are anxious that these inquiries should be pursued in the localities concerned.

How long has the supply of canned foods to augment the meat supply been in operation, because in my district 10d. worth of meat has been the whole of the ration?

I cannot say without notice, but it has been in operation for some time.

While I accept the Minister's word that the supplies have been distributed to the areas, can he assure us that those supplies are distributed equitably among the traders in the particular areas?

It is our object to see that the amount of meal available has been distributed, and it is our duty to see it is distributed fairly. That is why I am anxious for hon. Members to bring to my attention cases of which they know where it is not.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman know that anyone well enough off to dine each day at a hotel can get far more than his 1s. 2d. worth of meat, and is it not time that something was done in regard to that?

I cannot accept altogether what my hon. Friend says about that. As a matter of fact, canteens come in the same category as hotels, and what affects hotels affects canteens, which are very important to the working population. An Order will be issued shortly to make it prohibitive to provide more than one rationed dish at a time in restaurants.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that householders in Durham City can obtain only one egg per household in three weeks; and whether he will take steps to remedy this shortage?

My information is that although there is a shortage of eggs in Durham City, as elsewhere, the degree of shortage suggested in the Question is not general. Sellers of imported eggs in the City have received their fair share of the available supplies. There is a general shortage of eggs throughout the country, owing to the absence of imported eggs from the Continent, to the reduction of poultry stocks in this country due to the shortage of feeding-stuffs, and to the fact that we have been passing through the season when home production is low. Home production may, however, be expected to increase rapidly during the next few weeks, although supplies of eggs will continue to be much below normal for the reasons I have stated.

Is it not a fact that quotas were fixed taking into account imported eggs? Also, is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that Durham City is surrounded by areas where many fresh eggs are available, and that because of the shortage of eggs in Durham, these producers suffer very keenly?

I am not certain what the hon. Gentleman has in mind, but if it is a fact that Durham City is surrounded by egg producers, it has probably got its fair share of eggs. The position is that a scheme is in operation to encourage the distribution of eggs to industrial areas.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the prices fixed for eggs are uneconomic to the producer when his feeding costs are considered; and whether he will make a statement on future policy in this connestion?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies given on 5th February to my hon. Friends the Members for Stone (Sir J. Lamb) and Howdenshire (Colonel Carver).

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the gentleman recently appointed Commercial Secretary to the Minister of Food has ceased to have financial interests in concerns supplying foodstuffs?

With my Noble Friend's full concurrence, the Commercial Secretary to the Ministry of Food has not relinquished the directorships he previously held. Since the outbreak of war, however, he has ceased to take any active part in connection with his pre-war interests in regard to foodstuffs and has given full-time service to the Ministry, without remuneration, as Director of Bacon and Ham.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the number of luncheons held at City Chambers, Glasgow, since food rationing began where rationed foods have been supplied; and whether, in view of food shortage, he will take steps to abolish the use of rationed foods at all such public luncheons?

I am informed that three public luncheons have been held in the City Chambers, Glasgow, since 8th January, 1940, and that 95 per cent. of the food served was unrationed. I see no reason to take action regarding such public luncheons.

Would the Minister consider whether it is possible for coupons to be surrendered at such gatherings?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, the whole of that question has been under consideration, As I have already said, the question goes far beyond this kind of luncheon.

Will it be carried out in the Dorchester Hotel if it is carried out at Glasgow?

That is just what I said. If you carry it out in restaurants, it includes all canteens, and therefore the question has to be very carefully considered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is now prepared to reconsider the decision not to allot supplementary or priority rations of certain foods to those engaged in heavy work?

I am unaware that as a general rule there is any difficulty in obtaining the prescribed quantities of rationed food, though there may be occasional local delay on account of unforeseen circumstances, such as abnormal weather conditions. My Noble Friend has given careful consideration to the question of supplementary rations for special classes of workers, but has decided to adhere for the present to the principle of allowing the maximum possible ration for all consumers rather than a supplementary ration for particular classes at the expense of other consumers. The possibility of improving the distribution of unrationed foodstuffs is at present being closely and actively examined.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman undertake some kind of survey to discover whether, where rations are not being supplied in good quantities to heavy workers, it is having an effect upon production?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will have an investigation made into the practice of fruit importers in Glasgow determining which firms with retail shops shall be classified as wholesale merchants; and whether he is aware that this practice enables multiple shop companies to purchase at wholesale price and sell direct from their shops to the consumer at the controlled price, thus making a double profit and defeating one of the objects of control in fruits and vegetables?

The aim of the Ministry is to distribute imported supplies through the usual channels of trade. If my hon. Friend has reason to think that this is not being done in any area and will send me particulars, I will have them investigated.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the returns made by wholesalers include amounts of food that are sold by them retail?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is causing inquiry to be made into the methods of fish sales in the various fish markets in the country, as, owing to the demand for fish caused by the reduction of the value of the meat ration, fish prices have become prohibitive to large numbers of the people?

asked the Parliamentary, Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the following prices were being paid for fish on Monday, 3rd February, at Messrs. Sawyers, fishmongers, 89, Union Street, Glasgow, namely, filleted haddock, 4s. 9d. per lb., codling, 4s. per lb., filleted sole, 4s. per lb., boneless finnan haddock, 2S. 10d. per lb.; whether he is aware of the grave discontent concerning his failure to end this exploitation of necessary foodstuffs; and will he fix a substantially lower price forthwith and impose heavy penalties for any evasion of a controlled price?

My Noble Friend has told the trade that the prices of fish are too high, and within a limited time expects to receive their proposals.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why the Order giving maximum prices for home-produced apples which came into force on 26th December, 1940, fixed the maximum wholesale price at 50s. 2d. per cwt. from 20th January to 16th February, 1941, inclusive, and a later Order alters the maximum wholesale price up to and including 16th February, 1941, to 42s.; whether he is aware that such rapid alterations in price and during periods previously fixed is causing confusion in this trade; on whose advice such changes are made; and whether he will make an investigation into this matter with a view to greater stability in price and also quantity?

The figures quoted by my hon. Friend from the Apples (Home-produced) (Maximum Prices) Order (1940, No. 2121) and the amending Order (1941, No. 106) are not comparable, inasmuch as the former figure includes charges for carriage, while the latter is exclusive of such charges. The object of this amendment was to encourage the flow of apples to more distant markets. My Noble Friend is not aware that the amendment has caused any serious confusion in the trade. In answer to the latter part of the Question, the amendments were made by my Noble Friend after consultation with representatives of the trade, and he cannot agree that any useful purpose would be served by special investigation into this matter, but particulars of any disturbances with which my hon. Friend can furnish me will receive careful consideration.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware of the disturbance that is caused by rapid alterations in prices in food markets, where traders who have bought goods forward at one price subsequently find that Orders have been issued fixing reduced prices, which means that they are faced with a heavy loss? Will he go into the matter to consider whether such rapid changes in controlled prices is not inclined to disorganise some of the trades?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, as there is abundance of high-grade potatoes in Northern Ireland, he will make arrangements for the purchase of as large a quantity of these as possible for table use and seed purposes in Britain?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Press statement on this subject issued last week on my Noble Friend's behalf by the Minister of Agriculture for Northern Ireland. I am informed that the announcement referred to has given satisfaction to potato growers in Northern Ireland.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman take steps to see that these potatoes are taken up as early as possible, as we want to be in a position to prepare the fields for the next crop?

I will certainly look into that point.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will show in all future returns issued by the Treasury the cost of management of, and the interest on, the National Debt as separate items?

Full details of the cost of the management of the Debt are shown separately in the annual Finance Accounts. Payment is actually made to the Bank of England and the Bank of Ireland on 5th April each year, and no practical advantage would result from showing that figure separately in each weekly Exchequer Return for the remainder of the year.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that there is idle plant in Scotland for the manufacture of all kinds of cardboard boxes and other paper and cardboard goods, abundant supplies for which are available in Scotland; that the appropriate personnel is unemployed; that samples of such goods required by Government departments are available for inspection only at Edinburgh; whether he will see that such samples are made available in Glasgow; and what steps he proposes to take to encourage Government departments to place orders for such goods in Scotland?

I am making inquiries on this subject, and will communicate further with the hon. and learned Member as soon as I can.

asked the Minister of Labour, in conformity with his Liverpool dockers' pooling scheme, whether he is prepared to arrange an earlier pay-day than Saturday so as to enable the wives to have shopping facilities?

This question of an alteration in the payday at the Liverpool Docks is one of the matters at present under consideration by the parties concerned.

Do I take it that the hon. Gentleman is prepared to put into operation such a system as is referred to in the question? Is he not aware that Liverpool dockers' wives will not be able to get food supplies at all if such an arrangement is not put into operation?

I think the hon. Member can take it that the Minister will be quite prepared to accept the arrangement provided that agreement is reached between the parties concerned. May I further say that this question is under—I think the official term is—very active consideration?