asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that firms are not able to get fire watchers, even for high wages, because people still prefer to draw the dole rather than earn £4 a week and over doing a job possessing possibilities of danger; and whether he will advise local Employment Exchanges that in every case they should suggest to such unemployed able-bodied male workers that they should take up such employment?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Oldham (Mr. Hamilton Kerr) on 20th February of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether persons suffering illness other than physical injury caused by the carrying out of duties at their place of employment as fire watchers from exposure to the elements, or from fatigue arising from long hours without adequate rest will, as such risk is not part of the normal risk of their employment, be entitled to their wages during incapacity, or will they be covered by the provisions of the Personal Injuries (Civilian) Scheme; and what would be their position and rights under the National Health and Insurance Regulations?

The question is one of fact in each case, but I am advised that conditions, such as those referred, to, might be held to fall within the term "physical injuries," and as such to be considered under the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme if certified to have arisen out of and in the course of the performance of Civil Defence duties. Where such a certificate cannot be given any right to sickness or disablement benefit under the National Health Insurance Acts would not be affected.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many of the 42,319 claims for injury allowances, up to 1st February, 1941, from Civil Defence volunteers and other civilians, were rejected; and whether he will give similar information regarding the 5,483 claims for pensions?

Of the 42,319 claims for injury allowance recorded up to 1st February, 1941, 3,438 were rejected and of the 5,483 claims for pension, 615 were rejected.

asked the Minister of Health to what extent urban authorities are exercising their powers of compulsion in cases where accommodation required for evacuated persons exists but is not made available voluntarily, and to what extent rural authorities are not exercising their powers although accommodation is available in their districts, with the result that evacuated persons are being returned; and will he take such steps as are necessary to see that all authorities, urban and rural, exercise their full powers?

The extent to which it is necessary to exercise compulsory billeting powers depends upon the amount of accommodation required in any particular area and the willingness of householders to co-operate. Local authorities naturally prefer to billet evacuated persons in houses where they will be welcome; but all authorities are fully aware of my right hon. Friend's desire that they should not hesitate to exercise their compulsory powers wherever necessary. It is not open to a local authority to return evacuated persons sent to their area under the official scheme.

asked the Home Secretary whether recent increments of pay to the police force apply to the police first reserve; and what is the pay of an inspector attached to first-aid posts?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. As regards the second part, the remuneration of the personnel of first-aid posts is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has considered a resolution passed by the Glamorgan Higher Education Association regarding air-raid precautions in schools; and whether he has any statement to make thereon?

I have received a copy of the resolution passed by this Association, relating to air-raid precautions in schools. The questions raised in the resolution are dealt with in the Board's Circular No. 1535, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in many rural areas in Herts and Essex village air-raid precautions wardens receive no pay; that many of them have been on practically whole-time work during the last six months with constant night duty, and have incurred out-of-pocket expenses; and whether he will see that undue advantage is not taken of the willingness of these patriotic men?

I am aware that in these areas the majority of the A.R.P. personnel are unpaid volunteers and that during the last six months many of them have performed long spells of night duty. Their public spirit is, I feel sure, generally recognised and appreciated, and there is no wish to take advantage of it; and local authorities are authorised to refund the actual out-of-pocket expenses incurred by such volunteers in connection with the performance of duty.

asked the Prime Minister whether opportunity will be afforded to discussion of the effects experienced by the Excess Profits Tax before the Chancellor of the Exchequer opens his Budget?

No, Sir. Ample opportunity for discussion will arise in the course of the financial Debates.

asked the Attorney-General the names of the members of the advisory committee that makes recommendations for appointment as justices of the peace for Renfrewshire?

The members of the Renfrewshire Advisory Committee are as follow: Sir Hugh Shaw-Stewart, Bart., K.C.B., Alexander Archibald Hogart Speirs, Esq., Mrs. Margaret H. Brown, Robert Murray, Esq., Mrs. W. C. Simpson, John Stevenson, Esq.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will instruct the Scottish Board of Health to get from the medical officer of health for Edinburgh the information regarding diphtheria in immunised and unimmunised children in that city, which was omitted from the report of the sub-committee which recently inquired into the question of diphtheria immunisation, as the facts have been recorded and can be ascertained without difficulty?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I have given to-day to a similar question on this subject by the hon. Member for Central Bradford (Mr. Leach).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his advisers have foreseen the likelihood of the flotation of a number of unit trusts as soon as War Loan financial precautions can be relaxed; and whether he will, apart from taking action to control share pushing, provide in advance for the application of relative provisions of the Prevention of Fraud Act?

The provisions of the Prevention of Fraud (Investments) Act, 1939, relating to unit trusts depend on the enforcement of the main provisions of the Act regarding the licensing of dealers in securities and circularisation. On the general question of enforcement I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave on nth February to my hon. Friend, the Member for Lincoln (Mr. Liddall), but I will bear in mind the point raised by my hon. and learned Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there is apprehension among the smaller cotton mill owners and manufacturers in Lancashire that the new orders in the cotton industry may penalise the small private mill owners far more than the large combines; and whether he will bear this point in mind and see that justice is done?

In any matters falling within the scope of my Department, due consideration will be paid to the interests of the smaller firms.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there is a very serious shortage of alarm clocks in the country, that repairs are increasingly difficult, and that alarm clocks are a necessity to workers; and will he make an exception in this case and permit increased supplies?

I regret that for exchange reasons it has been necessary to limit the imports of alarm clocks. A good many clocks which have already been licensed should arrive within the next few months, and the position will be reviewed before the autumn.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons in the Metropolitan Borough of Hackney now in receipt of old age pensions, giving men and women, respectively?

I regret that the information asked for is not available as the records of old age pensioners are not kept on a territorial basis.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many male civilians under 30 years of age are now employed in his Department?

The following table shows the number of men under 30 serving at Admiralty Headquarters in London and Bath:

asked the Secretary of State for War how many male civilians under 30 years of age are now employed in his Department?

The headquarter staff of the War Office includes 502 male civilians under 30 years of age. Of this number, more than half are under 20 years of age and so belong to classes which have not been called up. Practically all the remainder are either medically unfit or in classes at present reserved.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many male civilians under 30 years of age are now employed in his Department?

The headquarters staff of the Air Ministry includes 1,464 male civilians under 30 years of age. Of this number 862 are under the age of 20.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction caused among parents who have lost their sons in the war by the fact that they are informed in the first place that they are not entitled to any pension or allowance, as was the case in the great war, unless they are in need; that, when need does arise, they are then told that they must prove that the need is of a permanent character; that, in order to establish a claim, medical certificates are asked for in some cases to show that the permanency of the need must be based on the fact that the parent is totally incapacitated from following any employment ever again; and will he take steps to relieve the situation in this connection?

The hon. Member has been misinformed as to the effect of the Royal Warrant and the practice of the Ministry. "Need" is indeed a condition of the grant of a parent's pension, but in all cases the existence of need is generously interpreted in the light of any contribution actually made by the deceased son to the parents support, or any contribution that might have been expected to be made had he survived. No such condition as that need must be permanent or that a medical certificate in the terms suggested must be furnished, has been imposed.

asked the Minister of Labour what officers or committees with adequate local knowledge is he appointing to judge which men shall be called up from the land and which shall be left because they occupy key or essential positions?

In the case of agricultural workers who are not covered by the Schedule of Reserved Occupations, it is the practice to consult the county war agricultural executive committees as to which men shall be called up and which shall be deferred on the ground of indispensability.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can assure all those interested in the ancient charter or other fairs that they will be in no way prejudiced by the temporary cessation of such fairs during the war?

I am in sympathy with my hon. Friend's anxiety about this matter and am considering whether any action may be necessary to safeguard the rights of fairs. If my hon. Friend has any particular fair in mind perhaps he will communicate with me.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with the operation of the regimental institutes; whether accounts are always audited and made public; and whether he will consider whether any administrative improvements could be made?

The answers to the first and second parts of the Question are in the affirmative. As regards the last part, I shall be glad to consider any suggestions which my hon. Friend may wish to make.

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether he will consider supplying the Home Guard with mobile shortwave transmitters?

I think my hon. Friend will agree that it would be very undesirable for me to disclose any information on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the provisions of Army Council Instruction 16/General/8710, paragraph 28, relating to recoveries from soldiers of amounts due in respect of barrack damages being inappropriate in the case of training units, owing to the rapid change of personnel, he will relieve officers commanding such units of the obligation to impose a general charge against the men of the unit for barrack damages which cannot be traced to individuals?

I am looking into this question, and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will instruct the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes to authorise and urge canteens throughout the country to buy local fruit and vegetables, particularly where there is a surplus, during the coming season and forbid their using tinned fruit and vegetables?

The Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes have been encouraged to buy produce locally as far as possible, but my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that their purchasing arrangements are governed by the same considerations as those of any other commercial undertaking which engages in wholesale buying on a large scale. As regards fresh vegetables, advantage is taken of a surplus so far as the limits set by the ration allow, and meetings are held locally between representatives of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes, the Ministry of Food and bodies representative of local growers to relate local demand to local supply. As fresh fruit is seasonal, it is not included as a fixed quantity in the ration scale. Messing officers may, however, purchase fresh fruit from the cash allowance when it is available locally. Such purchases may now be made direct from local growers as well as through the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes. I do not think it is desirable to interfere with the discretion of messing officers and the men's messing committees by forbidding the occasional purchase of tinned fruit and vegetables.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether in view of the recent drowning accident in Northern Ireland, he will make use this summer of any facilities available to teach all ranks who cannot swim to do so?

Yes, Sir. Wherever facilities exist, instruction in swimming is given by qualified instructors.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many resignations there have been by members of Voluntary Aid Detachments during the present war to the latest available date and during the last available month respectively; how many in each case are due to marriage and other private reasons such as difficulties resulting from the bombing of houses, respectively; what is the chief other cause of such resignations and what steps are proposed for its removal?

The figures from the outbreak of war to 31st December, 1939, are not available. The number of resignations, during the period 1st January, 1940, to 28th February, 1941, and in February last were 970 and 49, respectively. Of these, 85 and 8, respectively, were due to marriage, and 673 and 32 to family and compassionate reasons. With regard the last part of the Question, medical reasons formed the chief other cause of resignations.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now come to a decision on the representations that have been made to him concerning the loss of acting or temporary rank and pay and of staff pay by officers who have been wounded, taken prisoners of war, or selected for staff courses?

Officers who are made prisoners of war already retain during their captivity any higher paid acting or temporary rank which was held at the time of capture. Where an officer is wounded while holding such rank, it has now been decided that he may retain it while unfit for up to three months from the date of his removal from duty on account of wounds. In the case of officers selected for staff courses, there is no present intention of altering the existing rule under which such officers relinquish any higher acting or temporary rank they may hold unless their absence from their unit will not exceed 21 days. Any alteration of this rule could only be at the expense of the officer performing the duty in the unit for which the acting or temporary rank is given, who is at present entitled to the paid rank if he performs the duty for more than 21 days. Staff pay is a supplement to regimental pay which is admissible only while an officer is filling a staff appointment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that officer patients at the Cambridge Military Hospital, Aldershot, are being charged for treatment irrespective of whether their illness or injury is due to war service or other causes, and whether he will arrange that in those cases where illness or injury is due to service conditions he will arrange for free treatment at hospitals of this kind?

In no case is any officer charged anything in respect of treatment for wounds. In cases of other disabilities, the normal rule that officers admitted to military hospitals are charged 2S. 6d. a day in respect of maintenance and treatment conditions, and I see no reason to change it. While he is in hospital, an officer is relieved of subsistence expenses which he would normally incur in his mess.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there are periodical inspections by health authorities, other than Army medical authorities, of military hospitals; and whether such inspections consider complaints or suggestions from patients?

Apart from the periodical inspections by representatives of the Board of Control of those military hospitals which treat military mental patients, there are no periodical inspections of military hospitals by health authorities other than those carried out by Army authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether applications can be considered for transfer to other arms, from men in the Pioneer Corps who have special scientific, technical, educational or other qualifications; and, if so, whether he will let the possibility be generally known, and how such applications should be made?

Men of the Pioneer Corps are eligible for transfer in the normal way, except aliens and men with dual nationality. Applications from aliens and men with dual nationality are, however, considered, and instructions explaining the procedure to be adopted will shortly be issued. Subject to the fulfilment of security requirements, a number of such transfers are already in course of being effected.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will go into the case of Private James Nugent, 5252368, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, in view of the recommendations which have been made by the appeals committee in regard to this man's case for release from the Army?

I have been asked to reply. I do not know what the appeals committee is to which my hon. Friend refers, but, if he will be good enough to let me know when and to what authority the recommendation was made, I will make the necessary inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now state the total number of Italian casualties and prisoners in the Libyan campaign, and the number of British casualties?

According to my latest information, the number of prisoners of war taken is about 140,000. I have no information regarding other Italian casualties, and I do not think it would be desirable to give British casualties even when, as in this case, they are exceptionally light.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that there are several Czecho-Slovakian refugees who, through lack of knowledge of the English language or for other reasons, were not able to register their names or claims in time; and whether he will give instructions that, before settlement is made, another opportunity may be given to these people to register their claims and ensure an equitable distribution?

I am satisfied that the fullest opportunity was given for the registration of claims and the final date which was laid down cannot now be re-opened.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many recruits for the Royal Air Force since September 1939 have been passed as fit and subsequently discharged within three months, and six months, respectively, as unfit; how many of such were discharged as unfit owing to tuberculosis; how many such cases are now patients at Papworth St. Everard; and how many of such patients have been officially notified that their disability was not due to service?

I regret that to give the full information asked for would only be possible after much investigation, which could only be undertaken at the expense of urgent work.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of movement control officers employed by his Department; what qualifications were sought before men were selected for the work; what are their functions; and whether he is satisfied with the results achieved?

There are 55 movement control officers employed by the Air Ministry. They were selected in the main for their professional experience of transport problems and their functions are to co-ordinate and expedite the movement of equipment and personnel on behalf both of the Air Ministry and of the Ministry of Aircraft Production. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will take all possible steps to reduce the interval of months which takes place from the date a member of the Air Force is officially reported killed to the date his personal effects are returned to his family?

The importance of ensuring that effects of deceased R.A.F. personnel are released to the next of kin with the minimum delay is fully appreciated. A review is at the present time being undertaken to see what improvements in the system can be introduced.

asked the Minister of Supply the number of movement control officers employed by his Department; what are their functions; and whether he is satisfied with the results achieved?

I assume that the hon. and gallant Member is referring to the Transportation Officers employed by the Ministry of Supply in London and the provinces, of whom there are 36. Their functions are to facilitate the importation and movement of commodities for the Ministry of Supply, and certain traffics for the Ministry of Works and Buildings and the Ministry of Agriculture, and to ensure that ocean and inland transport are used to the best possible advantage compatible with the national interest. As regards the last part of the Question, I am satisfied that these officers are performing useful and necessary work.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that, while some local authorities have established a regular collection of kitchen waste for feeding stuffs, a considerable number have made no serious attempt to do so; and what further action he proposes to take?

Kitchen waste is now being regularly collected by 357 local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales, representing districts comprising a population of 22 millions. Returns are furnished monthly to the Salvage Department of the Ministry of Supply and the last returns showed that collections from these districts amounted to 9,300 tons; 1,086 districts report private collections. Within the past two weeks, the need for collection of kitchen waste has been emphasised at five large conferences of local authorities held in different parts of the country.

asked the Postmaster-General why the Post Office is now charging 6½d. for a 6d. registered envelope on the grounds that they have to cover the Purchase Tax; and whether the Post Office is paying the tax?

The price of registered envelopes has been raised to cover increased manufacturing costs and Purchase Tax. The Post Office pays Purchase Tax on these items.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) what steps he has taken to bring to the notice of relatives of men serving in the Merchant Navy that they must only send letters to them care of the head office of the shipping companies concerned; and whether, in view of the fact that a large number of letters still have to be returned to relatives because these instructions are not carried out, he will take additional steps to bring this matter to the notice of all concerned;(2) whether he is aware of the fact that a large number of letters addressed by relatives to men serving in merchant ships are wrongly addressed by them to the ship at some port with the result that they all have to be returned to the senders with instructions that such letters must be sent care of the head office of the shipping companies concerned; and whether, in view of the unnecessary labour and hardship this involves, he will arrange to give publicity to the procedure which must be followed both through the medium of the British Broadcasting Corporation, post offices, and the newspapers?

Notices have already been published in the newspapers to the effect that letters addressed to men serving in merchant ships, except ships taken up for naval or military service, must be addressed to them care of the shipowners or their agents in this country, and not to the ship at a port at which it is expected to call. Special arrangements have been made to enable the shipowners or their agents to forward this correspondence to the addressees. Letters which are incorrectly addressed to a ship at a foreign port are returned to the senders in order that they may be made fully aware of the correct procedure. Letters addressed to men serving in merchant ships which have been taken up for naval or military service must be addressed to them care of the General Post Office, London, and they are forwarded by the Post Office to the addressees at locations furnished by the Ministry of Shipping. I am about to issue a brochure giving full particulars regarding the method of addressing letters to men serving in merchant ships. This brochure has been prepared in collaboration with the other Departments concerned. It will be obtainable at the principal post offices; and, when it is ready, I will issue a notice in the Press and through the medium of the British Broadcasting Corporation.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the practice of sending reminders of expiration of licence to holders of wireless licences is still in operation; and if the method adopted for checking renewals and notifying licencees is carried out nationally or from local post offices?

The practice of sending reminders is still in operation: the work is done locally, from head post offices.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the reasons why the Government no longer intends to subsidise bacon prices; and what effect is this decision expected to have on the pricing and consumption of bacon?

The price of bacon has been out of scale with other food prices since 5th February, 1940, when it was reduced in order to ensure the consumption of the considerable stocks then available and to prevent waste of food. Supplies of bacon now available are more limited and my Noble Friend no longer feels able to justify the employment of Exchequer subsidy to maintain the price at an abnormal level relative to other prices. The new bacon prices are, for the cheaper cuts one penny, and for the others twopence per pound higher than those now ruling. It is not expected that these alterations in the prices will cause any reduction in the consumption of bacon.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether retailers are entitled to refuse to supply rations to their registered customers in cases when the latter have not paid for commodities already supplied; and what action his Department takes when such unreasonable conduct is brought to their notice?

Power exists for depriving a retailer of his licence to trade if he behaves improperly. The question whether a trader has behaved improperly depends upon the circumstances of the particular case. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind I shall be glad to look into it if he will supply me with details.