asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now, in the light of the information given him by the hon. Member for North Kensington, in a letter dated 21st February, 1941, willing to review the arrangements made for the payment of allowances and allotments to the next-of-kin of men missing from the British Expeditionary Force and North-West Expeditionary Force, so that these may be continued in full until the men are either discovered or presumed killed in action; and, in the latter event, will he see that no gap is left between the last payment of the allowance or allotment and the first payment of pension?

The arrangements referred to in the first part of the Question are under review. As regards the second part of the Question, every effort is already made to prevent any gap between the cessation of allowance or allotment and the issue of allowance at pension rates if pension is admissible.

Can my hon. Friend say when the review of the arrangements will be completed; if I put a Question down, say, in two weeks' time, will it be completed by then?

I should think that it would certainly be completed by then, if not before.

Is the Minister aware that this is a matter of very great urgency and that many people are looking forward to the results of this inquiry?

Certainly, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will ask for a return, not to be published, showing, for each zone of the Home Guard how many have been enrolled; and of these how many have passed through each course on rifle shooting, grenade throwing, bayonet fighting, field-craft, street fighting, signalling and gas drill, with a view to stimulating backward areas?

I am afraid that a return of this nature could not be compiled without throwing a disproportionate amount of clerical labour on Home Guard units. A system of inspection already exists, however, by which the standard of training in various parts of the country is kept under constant review.

Is there any method whereby the backward zones can be brought up to the standard of, say, the Eastern Command; is there any sort of comparison formed whereby people who are not doing their training and pulling their weight can be brought up to scratch?

Yes, Sir. There is a Director of Military Training who is responsible for Home Guard training and inspection, and who covers the whole country, and he, of course, can make his own comparisons and draw his own conclusions.

Is the Minister aware that members of the Home Guard coming under the jurisdiction of other Departments, such as the Board of Education, have instructions to rejoin their schools in the event of a grave emergency, and will he look into any possible depletion of forces of that kind?

I was not aware of that and will look into it.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that troops stationed at Timsbury House, Timsbury, Somerset, throw away a large proportion of the bread issued to them which is baked by the Army, as they declare it to be almost uneatable, and buy most of their bread from the village canteen; and whether he will take steps to put an end to this wastage of food;

(2) whether he is aware that the meat and vegetables issued to the troops stationed at Timsbury House, Timsbury, Somerset, are prepared by Army cooks in such a manner that the men find that they are almost uneatable, and have to buy food at a local canteen; and what steps he proposes to take to stop this wastage of food and to improve the cooking?

I have made very careful inquiries into the messing arrangements of the unit in question, and I have been unable to discover any grounds for the complaints referred to. A recent surprise inspection has confirmed that the fond of this unit is properly cooked and that their bread supply is satisfactory.

Does the Minister admit bad cooking and waste because of bad cooking in any unit whatever?

I have no doubt that there is —

The hon. Member cannot pursue that question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his inquiries into the publication of the article on Armistice Day, printed in a magazine described as the "Chronicles of No. 6 Company, Non-Combatant Labour Corps," have now been completed; and whether he can make a statement?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will repeat his Question on the first Sitting Day after the end of this week, my right hon. Friend may then be able to make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange to give further publicity, either through the British Broadcasting Corporation or in other ways, to the arrangements by which the relatives in this country of those serving abroad can enjoy cheap cable facilities in view of the anxiety caused by enemy air raids?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the cheap tele- gram facilities available to the next-of-kin of troops serving in the Middle East. Publicity has already been given to this scheme through the Press and the B.B.C., and I understand that it is being used to an extent which suggests that further publicity is unnecessary. Advice as to the details of the service can be obtained at any post office which accepts telegrams. Moreover, soldiers who do not receive telegrams by this service need feel no anxiety regarding their relatives if advantage is taken of the scheme whereby soldiers are specially notified in the event of a near relative becoming a casualty as a result of air raids on this country. I will send my hon. and gallant Friend full particulars.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men have been discharged, or granted leave pending discharge, under Paragraph 39c (XVI) King's Regulations, 1940, permanently unfit for any form of military service, from the November, 1940, and the December, 1940, intakes?

It would not be in the national interest to disclose the information asked for, since it might be of some value to the enemy.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why the sub-committee which recently reported on the practical application of diphtheria immunisation in Scotland, and ascertained the number of children immunised in Edinburgh and other particulars in regard to diphtheria immunisation in that city, did not also obtain details, known to be available in the medical officer's office, of the number of cases of diphtheria and deaths from that disease in immunised and non-immunised children?

In Edinburgh much of the diphtheria immunisation has been done by general practitioners, and accurate information whether individual children were or were not immunised was not available either to the Public Health Department or to hospitals where cases of diphtheria were treated. Such particulars as were available were approximate only and were therefore not regarded by the Scientific Advisory Committee as appropriate for inclusion in their report.

Will my right hon. Friend take care to be on the look-out for medical testimony which is suppressed when it turns against the particular views held by those suppressing it?

Yes, Sir, and I may say that since the start of the present immunisation campaign steps have been taken to see that Edinburgh maintains its record on a proper statistical basis.

Are not the doctors instructed to report all cases of immunisation?

I think that that is so.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that straw in Scotland was sold around 15s. per ton before the war; that it is urgently needed now for the manufacture of substitute esparto paper in Scotland, but that supplies for that purpose are not being made available because farmers are holding the straw for a price of £5 per ton; and what steps he proposes to take to end this profiteering?

Without further specification I would prefer not to comment upon my hon. and learned Friend's comparison of prices of straw. He will no doubt be aware that a large proportion of the straw produced in Scotland is required for agricultural purposes. I understand that there has been some difficulty in the supply of material for paper-making and I am in communication with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply on the subject.

Will my right hon. Friend keep in view this fact, that workers in the paper-making industry are being thrown out of employment through the holding-back of the supplies? Will he take steps to see that the workers in this industry in Scotland are not made scapegoats for the depredations on the farmers by the bankers, as alleged in this House?

I can only repeat that I am in communication with the Ministry of Supply on the subject and that I propose, after communications have been held, to write to my hon. and learned Friend.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is some surplus straw in Scotland that could be used for paper making but that is being withheld from the paper-makers through farmers not being willing to accept the English figures of 65s. and 70s. a ton for the straw? Is he aware that we are thereby losing a tremendous opportunity of exporting paper and that workers in the paper mills in my constituency are working only two days a week?

If my hon. Friend has any specific information of that kind, I shall be glad to have it.

Did my right hon. Friend look into the information which I sent him on this subject?

I did.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the scheme at Plymouth where all the coal coming into the city is pooled and distributed on a rationing basis to the dealers; and whether he will instruct the local coal controllers to institute similar schemes in other centres?

I have been kept fully informed of these pooling arrangements by my local representatives who have given them their full support, and I am glad to say that they have led to a considerable improvement in the distribution of house coal in Plymouth. These arrangements are voluntary; and I look forward to their extension to other suitable areas, through the operation of the House Coal Distribution (Emergency) Scheme. The authorities of the Scheme are aware of the importance which I attach to the matter.

Will the Minister convey those opinions of his to the local authorities?

Yes, Sir, I am in touch with them about the scheme, and they say that they are well aware of its importance.

If the scheme is such a success, will the Minister endeavour to utilise it elsewhere and, if necessary, use compulsory powers?

Yes, Sir, I shall not shrink from using compulsory powers if necessary.

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps have been taken to improve the position in the Nottinghamshire coalfield with regard to the shortage of wagons and the consequent limitation of coal production?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered an appeal from the Executive Board of the Midland (Amalgamated) District under the Coal Mines Act regarding the insufficient supply of wagons resulting in the under-production of coal and short time; whether he is aware that a relatively small number of additional wagons would enable the Midland collieries to produce the requisite tonnages; and whether he is taking steps to move wagons from South Wales and the South of England to meet the requirements of the Midland coal industry?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Normanton (Mr. T. Smith) on 4th February, and I am informed by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Transport that a special scheme of wagon control came into operation on 1st March which it is hoped will result in an improvement in the wagon position generally.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) what percentage of pit-props now being used for lining permanent roadways in damp coalmines is receiving any form of preservative treatment; and whether, in view of the rapid decay which occurs in such mines with the type of timber now available and the need for conserving pit-wood, he will consider insisting on some tested preservative treatment being applied before such timber is used underground;

(2) whether he is satisfied with the extremely low cost of preservative treatment of pit-timber claimed in the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Forest Products Records, No. 3; and whether, in view of the conclusions reached that this treatment improves and increases the life of the timber, he proposes to call the attention of the mining industry by circular or otherwise to the process?

Under present circumstances the preservative treatment of mine timber is a question of supply rather than of safety and is one which does not affect the mines only. Owing to the increasing use of steel arches on the main roads, less timber is being used for supporting such roads, and it is mainly on such roads that preserved timber is needed. No accurate figures are avail- able as to the percentage of timber that receives preservative treatment, but it is of the order of 2 per cent. of the quantity used in mines. I am in consultation with the Timber Controller on the matter which raises wider issues than mining.

Does my hon. Friend or his Department accept the conclusions reached by the Research Board, which have been public property for five years? Has the Safety in Mines Research Board taken this question into account?

It is largely a question of providing timber for immediate safety purposes. It is well known that certain timbers in certain areas require treatment and that they are receiving it.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that executive boards set up under the Coal Selling Scheme have adopted certain standard conditions for the sale of coal without any consultation with the owners of public utility undertakings, or anybody representative of any class of consumers; and what action he proposes to take to secure public protection and especially to public utility undertakings?

I understand that some consultation did, in fact, take place without, however, any satisfactory result. A further meeting to discuss this matter has now been arranged for 7th March between the Conjoint Conference of Public Utility Undertakings and owners' representatives of the colliery districts concerned.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the serious position which is likely to arise in Salford if supplies of coal are not available for the gas undertaking; that the Midland (Amalgamated) Selling Scheme refuses to accept the usual conditions of the corporation when placing contracts, including the fair wages clause; and will he give a general direction, under the Coal Supply Order, 1940, which will prevent coal- owners varying, to the disadvantage of the consumer, conditions on which coal is offered for sale during the present emergency?

The question of contract conditions is primarily one for discussion and settlement between the parties, and I trust that negotiations will not be so prolonged as to involve any dangerous diminution in stocks which at present are exceptionally good at Salford.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many tons of house coal and industrial coal, respectively, are now in Government dumps as a reserve for use in an emergency; and how many tons does the Government hope to accumulate before next winter?

There are now rather more than 1,000,000 tons of coal in Government stock, of which more than half is house coal. It is the intention to add considerably to these stocks during the summer.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in a speech he made in the recent coal Debate he misled the House into thinking that the Government and not private individuals had nearer 30,000,000 tons than 20,000,000 tons of coal stocked, and is it right that the Government should rely on private householders to get them out of their difficulties? Should not the Government have more adequate stocks themselves?

The hon. Member has been long enough in this House and present enough times during Debates to know thoroughly well that he is misleading the House at the present time. He is well aware that the best place to stock coal is at the point of consumption, and if private householders are to be supplied with coal, what is the good of stocking elsewhere?

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many licences for export of gears have been applied for by a firm of which he has been informed in the last 12 months; how many have been granted; and how many refused?

I regret that I cannot disclose information about the business of individual firms.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether, with reference to the Board of Trade Order which places all exports to Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Peru subject to licence, his attention has been called to the case of firms which have orders extending over prolonged periods and the limitation of whose business with those countries will mean inconvenience and loss; and whether he will consider such cases of hardship when brought to his notice;

(2) whether in the cases of orders in hand for South American countries which will become subject to export licence and where such orders relate to goods which are in process of manufacture. special consideration will be extended to the exporters to enable the orders to be completed;

(3) whether he is aware that many firms in Birmingham and the Midlands have built up efficient sales organisation in South American countries with local representatives and travellers sent from this country, and whether in the case of those countries to which licensing regulations will apply, he can give a general indication of the extent to which export limitation will be imposed?

I am well aware that firms in the Midlands and other parts of the United Kingdom have built up systems of trade in South America with great efficiency and success. We are, however, making more and more weapons and we can only use materials, productive capacity and labour on manufacture for export if the exports are necessary to secure indispensable goods. Exports to those countries must, therefore, be strictly controlled. I appreciate the need to give guidance to industries affected by the Order, and I am arranging to communicate information, confidentially, to Export Groups. While I am ready to consider special cases on their merits, I cannot undertake to issue licences automatically in the circumstances to which my hon. Friend refers.

Will my right hon. Friend keep in touch with the Associated Chambers of Commerce so that certain exceptional cases can be considered when they arise?

Certainly, Sir.

(for Mr. Rhys Davies)asked the President of the Board of Trade the restrictions already imposed on the Lancashire cotton industry and those which it is intended to impose in the near future?

On the restrictions imposed by the Limitation of Supplies Orders, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for East Renfrew (Major Lloyd) on nth February. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply that, in order to save shipping space and conserve supplies of cotton, it has been necessary to reduce the total quantity licensed for use by spinners during March to about 2/3 of the monthly consumption in the winter. The general basis for licensing has been the amount of Government and other essential orders, including export orders held by firms.

Having regard to the anxiety which the right hon. Gentleman knows is felt throughout the industry, would be expedite any statement which he proposes to make to the House, in order to show how the difficulties occasioned by this Order are to be apportioned?

I hope to make a statement to-day.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare what policy is being adopted by his Department towards Bulgaria; what departure from previous policy is covered thereby; when such departure was made; and whether he will make a statement regarding the immediate and the prospective courses respectively of the policy of his Department towards Bulgaria and other Balkan countries?

Since Italy entered the war, His Majesty's Government have authorised the import into Bulgaria of only two comparatively unimportant consignments of goods. Towards the other Balkan countries, except Greece, our policy has been and still is to let no imports through our controls where there is a risk of important goods falling into enemy hands. Nor have we authorised imports except in cases where the countries concerned have shown their independence by permitting the export of goods which we wish to deny to the enemy. On the other hand, we are doing all we can to meet Greek requirements both for war and for civilian needs.

Does the same apply to Turkey?

No, Sir. I was not intending Turkey to be included as a Balkan country. Of course, we are doing our utmost to assist Turkey.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he will give an assurance that there is no change of policy in regard to allowing ships from the United States of America to pass our blockade carrying food for enemy-occupied countries in Europe; and whether there have been any recent official exchanges between this country and the United States of America on this subject?

There is no change in the policy of His Majesty's Government in this matter. The question of allowing ships from the U.S.A. to pass our blockade carrying food for enemy-occupied countries in Europe is, of course, like other questions of common interest, discussed by His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington with the United States authorities from time to time.

Is it not a fact that but for enemy influence Europe would have no need to fear a food shortage?

The Germans have frequently stated that there is enough food to feed all their subject populations.

In that case, is it necessary to have any negotiations on the matter with other countries? Why should we allow any foodstuffs to pass?

Perhaps my hon. Friend did not listen to the Answer which I gave. I said that there was no change in the policy of His Majesty's Government on the matter referred to in the Question.

But the Minister did indicate that discussions might proceed on matters of common interest, which seemed to imply that this was a question which might be discussed. I ask him why, if the Germans say there is sufficient food for subject peoples, there should be a question of discussions?

Is it not a fact that the Germans sometimes do not tell the truth?

I was about to make the same sugestion to my hon. Friend, and I would also add that many discussions take place which, as he well knows, lead to no results.

May we take it that one of the hopes held out of starving the Germans into surrender is now completely gone by the board?

No, sir. No hopes that I have ever held have gone by the board.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why the price of sausages was recently advanced by 2d. per pound retail pork, and beef 1d. per pound; and whether there has been any advance in the price of the raw material?

The increase in the price of grade "C" sausage was authorised after an inquiry had shown that the previous price, which was fixed in March, 1940, was insufficient to allow a reasonable margin to the trade when unsupported by profits from the sale of grade "A" and grade "B" sausages, the manufacture of which is now prohibited. There has been no recent increase in the price of meat, but the cost of certain other items and labour has advanced.

Is it not somewhat significant that after the big sausage manufacturers got the trade into their own hands, an increase in price immediately took place?

When grade "A," "B" and "C" sausages were available, the amount of grade "C" sold formed a small proportion of the whole. It is not now practicable, when only grade "C" sausages are available, to retain the previous price of that grade.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us what are grade "C" sausages?

I suggest that my hon. Friend should buy some and find out.

How do the Ministry know that this percentage of meat is actually put into the sausages?

I should require notice of that Question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what steps he is taking to supply a ration of feedingstuffs to members of the National Homing Union; and whether he is aware of the grave difficulties being experienced by pigeon fanciers in feeding their birds which both actually and potentially are a valuable asset in our war effort?

Owing to the limited shipping space available for bringing foodstuffs to this country it is not possible to provide food for pigeons except those that are registered for the National Pigeon Service, which are required for the fighting Services. A limited increase in membership of the National Pigeon Service has been authorised. I am sending to my hon. Friend copies of recent Press notices giving further particulars.

If the priority pigeon corn is now available for birds on active service, will the balance of existing stocks be made available for other pigeons which may be wanted for service later on?

I am afraid I cannot hold out any hope of any balance existing, but the pigeons required for national service will be looked after.

Cannot the existing stocks be drawn upon for the other birds?

There are other more important uses for existing stocks. There has been a very drastic cutting down in feedingstuffs for pigs and poultry, and if there are any reserves they had better go there.

Why is there a limitation imposed in the matter of national service, since a good many pigeon owners want to join and are not able to do so?

The limitation is one of numbers, and is governed by the amount of pigeons required.

Are feedingstuffs earmarked for this purpose?

Is the Minister aware that only 5 per cent, of the total number of homing pigeons are in national service, and that all the others available are now to be deprived of any feedingstuffs?

I am not sure about the figure which the hon. Member has given, but I appreciate that there is great hardship upon the people who have these birds. However, we have to deal with the situation as it is, and the fact is that the feedingstuffs which are available can be better utilised in the national interest in other directions.

Are the birds to be destroyed?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what scale of rations is allowed to merchant seamen when on leave in this country?

Merchant seamen when ashore in this country receive the civilian scale of rations.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend see to it that merchant seamen, who go through such hardships and render such good services, are treated on the same basis as the three Services?

I fully share my hon. Friend's views with regard to the merchant service and I am anxious to treat them on the same basis. My hon. Friend may have observed during the last few days notices to the effect that men from the Services, when on leave, will get the same rations as the civil population.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, since the abolition of Import Duty on machine tools, a great deal of time has been saved at ports as a direct result; and whether he will now consider abolishing all Import Duties for the duration of the war?

The abolition of any Import Duty naturally results in some saving of time at the ports, but I could not for the sake of such saving contemplate the loss of revenue that would be entailed if my hon. Friend's suggestion were adopted.

Is it not a fact that every payment collected is paid back again by the Minister's Department, which is unavoidable? Is it not important that the three days saved by the abolition of Import Duties on machine tools should be saved now?

The hon. Member will appreciate that I must take into account the financial situation.

What possible advantage can accrue in relation to the war effort by retaining the Import Duties? Is it of any definite advantage to the Exchequer?

Yes, Sir. I must look after the revenue.

Does the Chancellor not realise that all the money goes back again from his Department?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that banks holding certain American securities on behalf of their depositors, and in the names of the depositors, have parted with those securities without any reference to their true and lawful owners; and whether it was with his authority that this action has been taken?

Yes, Sir. A full statement in this matter was made in my reply of 18th July last to my hon. Friend the Member for Colchester (Mr. Lewis).

Does not the Chancellor consider that this action of the banks will have a very bad effect, the result of which will be that people will remove their securities because they are no longer in safe keeping?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will look at the reply to which I have referred.