asked the Minister of Health whether the fact that Newquay has bean set apart for the reception of mothers and children will interfere with pupils from the West Ham seconday school who are now billeted there?

No, Sir. Any reception area where sufficient accommodation is available is liable to receive parties of mothers and children from central London and, in deciding the numbers to be sent, account is taken of the numbers of children and other members of the priority classes already billeted in the area.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to Lord Horder's Report, on 4th March, in connection with children living in public shelters in the provinces; and what action he intends taking in the matter?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has recently himself inspected some of the shelters which Lord Horder has in mind, and has under active consideration proposals for dealing with the matter.

asked the Minister of Health(1) whether any comprehensive scheme has yet been formulated and notified to all civilian members of the medical profession whereby their services are available, and their precise duties known, in case of emergency, whether due to air-raids or invasion?(2) What are the plans for calling on civilian medical practitioners in case of emergency, including military operations in this country, which the Central Medical War Committee have announced as under consideration; and, in order to form these plans satisfactorily and efficiently, will he consult with the practical medical bodies such as the Medical Practitioners' Union?

As regards plans for utilising the services of civilian doctors in an emergency due to air raids, I would refer my hon. Friend to the Reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Rochdale (Dr. Morgan) on 6th March. It is obviously impossible, however, to assign precise duties in advance to every civilian doctor. The plans for reinforcing the hospital and first-aid post services in the event of military operations in this country are, as announced in the medical press last month, being worked out in conjunction with the appropriate R.A.M.C. officers and also, in order to secure consultation with the practical medical bodies, with the secretaries of local medical war committees. I have every reason to believe that this procedure will produce satisfactory and efficient schemes.

asked the Minister of Health on how many occasions has the Advisory Emergency Hospital Service Committee met since the beginning of September, 1940; and how many of the members have attended all meetings?

The committee has met twice since the date mentioned. Nine of the members attended both meetings.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, since a large proportion of the oats to be planted this spring will never pass through seedsmen's hands, he will take steps to ensure that these are tested for germination, and are treated with one of the known compounds for the prevention of plant disease?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to his question on this subject on 20th February. The requirements of the Seeds Act apply equally to sales of seed oats by the grower or by the seedsman. Farmers sowing seed oats of their own production are under no obligation to have them tested for germination, but many of them, of their own accord, send samples to the official seed testing station, which tests them and supplies reports for the farmer's own guidance.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will arrange that wagons used by local contractors for taking farmers' stock to market and bringing goods to and from railway for their farms, be not taken without consultation with the local agricultural executive committee as the scarcity of wagons may soon imperil the farmers' ability to produce food?

The position regarding the requisitioning of vehicles used for the transport of agricultural products is governed by Treasury circulars. It is provided thereunder that vehicles

"normally used wholly or mainly for the conveyance of raw materials for food manufacture, of agricultural products and of livestock, for the bulk or wholesale distribution of foodstuffs and for the essential retail distribution of foods "

may not be reserved or requisitioned by any service. My Department is prepared to take up with the Ministry of Transport any cases in which the reservation, requisitioning or commandeering by any service of vehicles covered by the above description can be said to have a detrimental effect on food production. The particulars required for this purpose are the registered number of the vehicle, the purpose for which the vehicle is ordinarily used and, if practicable, the name of the requisitioning or impressment officer.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether arrangements are being made for the collection of surplus vegetables, perishable and other, not only from established growers but from the innumerable small growers and allotment holders who have been stimulated by the."Grow More Food" campaign and who are preparing to grow more vegetables than are necessary for their own households?

I have not encouraged the small grower and allotment holder to grow the maximum quantity of vegetables indiscriminately; such a policy would almost certainly lead to the production of a large unconsumable surplus of summer vegetables of the perishable type, and to disappointment and discouragement. The policy I advocate for the amateur grower is one of orderly cropping, with the cropping so planned that a succession of vegetables is obtained all the year round, that over-production of summer vegetables is avoided, and that any production surplus to the grower's own requirements is of non-perishable vegetables which can be stored for use during the winter months. I have commended this policy to the organisations concerned in advising amateur growers throughout the country. Should it prove that surpluses of storable vegetables are in fact produced, I am satisfied that the machinery of committees now established is sufficient to carry out any arrangements for collection which may be decided upon. As regards commercial growers, I have no reason to suppose that the established trade is unable to handle their produce, but any special arrangements would fall to be considered by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he will now initiate plans for reconstituting, at the earliest post-war date, the bombed and surrounding areas, and that the plans shall be published for scrutiny and criticism by the public well in advance of final adoption?

My Noble Friend is considering, in consultation with the Departments concerned, the administrative and legislative measures required for the reconstruction of war-damaged areas, and has instituted for this purpose certain preliminary inquiries, notably test surveys of, actual conditions in certain heavily damaged areas. It is contemplated that local authorities will be asked to prepare provisional plans for the re-development of these areas. Facilities for public scrutiny and criticism would be afforded before any such plans were finally adopted.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he will warn purchasers of real estate and of property leases in or near war-damaged areas that ownership titles dated after Michaelmas, 1940, will be held invalid if the related property should be required for a reconstruction scheme, or, alternatively, that the property will be requisitioned at a price less than the last purchase price?

My Noble Friend is aware of the problems of land acquisition which arise in connection with the reconstruction of war-damaged areas and is giving them his urgent consideration. I would draw my hon. Friend's attention in this connection to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for St. Ives (Mr. Beechman) on 29th January containing the terms of reference of the Committee set up under the chairmanship of Mr. Justice Uthwatt, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a number of persons employed in war factories have been obliged to cease employment owing to muscular strains and neuritis due to constant application to unaccustomed work; that they cannot obtain any compensation or special remedial treatment for such injuries, as in many industrial centres adequate and appropriate treatment facilities are non-existent; and what steps he is taking to remedy this state of affairs?

In the great majority of cases workers adjust themselves to unaccustomed work after a short period and are not obliged to cease employment during the period of adjustment. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any cases such as those referred to in the Question I shall be glad to consider them in consultation with those of my colleagues who are also concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that well-known proprietary brands of cigarettes which are on sale in the Metropolitan area are practically unobtainable in Warrington and the surrounding districts; and whether he will accordingly arrange for a more equitable distribution of such stocks as may be available?

Manufacturers are rationing their customers throughout the country on the basis of past trade, allowing for movements of population, and retailers are at liberty to take their ration from each manufacturer in any brand they choose. I have no reason to suppose that retailers in the Warrington area are receiving smaller proportionate supplies of the well-known proprietary brands of cigarettes than retailers in the Metropolitan area. While I do not think therefore that any useful purpose would be served at present in asking manufacturers to change their existing distribution methods, I can assure my hon. and learned Friend that the Board of Trade are keeping this matter under constant review.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that welfare officers are being consulted in an increasing number of matrimonial cases and are unable to deal with them owing to the inability of serving soldiers to provide the sum necessary for court fees under the Poor Persons' Rules, even where the wife is cohabiting with another man with the children of the marriage; and whether he will take steps to secure the remission of these fees in appropriate cases?

Under the Rules of the Supreme Court relating to poor persons' proceedings no court fees are payable by poor persons, and, except in special circumstances, no costs are payable by poor persons. The hon. Member may be referring to the deposit payable by poor persons to cover the necessary disbursements incurred in connection with the proceedings, which usually vary between £3 and £5. I would point out to my hon. Friend that the services of the conducting solicitor and of counsel are given free of charge.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies why, in the new Constitution announced for the government of the Island of Trinidad, British West Indies, it is laid down that there shall be no further constitutional changes till 1948; whether the present comparatively high property franchise is still to hold; whether he is aware that the announcement of this Constitution has been received with great misgiving and resentment; and when will copies of the proposed constitutional changes be available for Members of the House?

I am glad to have this opportunity of removing a misapprehension which appears to have gained currency regarding the scope of the proposed reform of the Constitution of Trinidad. As my lion. Friend is aware, Lord Lloyd accepted for early action certain recommendations submitted by the Governor of Trinidad with the agreement of the Unofficial Members of the Legislative Council. These were that the Legislative Council should be reconstituted, first, by the removal of nine out of 12 Official Members now on the Legislative Council, and secondly by the addition of two Elected Members, and that there should be set up a Franchise Committee which should also consider the question of Members' qualifications. It is not intended that action on the findings of the Franchise Committee should be deferred until after 1948, but that if possible they should be put into effect in time for the next elections which are due in 1943. It was suggested by the Governor, with the concurrence of Unofficial Members of the Legislative Council, that apart from the matters mentioned above, any further constitutional changes should be deferred until after 1948, that is until there had been five years' experience with the reconstituted Council elected on such new franchise as may result from the work of the franchise committee. While the proposals have been generally welcomed in Trinidad, I am aware that there has been some criticism, but some at least of this appears to have been based on misapprehension of their nature. I am not at present in a position to say when it will be possible to give the House any further particulars.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies in which of the Crown Colonies of the West Indian Islands legislation exists for the appointment of the office of public trustee on the lines obtaining in Great Britain; when such legislation was passed; how many public trustees have been appointed; and whether any reports are available of any work done in such trusteeships?

Laws providing for the appointment of public trustees exist in British Guiana, Trinidad and Barbados and date from 1910, 1930 and 1936, respectively. A public trustee has been appointed in each of these Colonies. Reports are available for British Guiana and Trinidad and copies will be sent to the hon. Member.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the office of public trustee does not exist in the island of Grenada or the other islands of Windward Island Group of the West Indies; whether there is any existing legislation under which such an office could be established, either for the Windward Island Group collectively or separately; and whether he will consider, as an urgent matter, the great desirability of the passing of such legislation in the respective legislative councils of these islands?

With regard to the first part of the Question the answer is in the affirmative, and with regard to the second and third parts, my noble Friend will consult the Governor of the Windward Islands and I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with the treatment being accorded to the small number of British prisoners of war in Italy; and what facilities exist for the despatch of parcels of food and clothing to them?

Reports from the protecting Power and the International Red Cross indicate that the treatment accorded to British prisoners of war in Italy is satisfactory. The facilities for the despatch of parcels of food and clothing to them are the same as those for British prisoners of war in Germany.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the information so far received indicates that Air-Marshal Boyd and other Royal Air Force officers, who are prisoners of war in Italy, are being well cared for and receiving all consideration and proper treatment?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction among numbers of relatives in this country and the long delay experienced in receiving letters from prisoners of war in Germany; and whether he can make arrangements to expedite mail as many letters take as long as six months to arrive?

I am aware that letters from prisoners of war in Germany take from six to 10 or 12 weeks to reach this country. I was not aware that many of them-take as long as six months. Every effort is being made to improve this service in both directions, though as my hon. Friend will understand, the matter is not entirely within my control. A major improvement was recently introduced whereby all these letters are to be brought to this country from Lisbon by air.

asked the Secretary of State for War the reasons for the delay by his Department in dealing with a claim for the injury and disfigurement received by Miss Lilian Morgan, of Newport, due to the accidental firing of a rifle by a soldier over six months ago; and when will the matter be settled?

This unfortunate accident, which occurred when the soldier was on leave, is not one in which any liability for compensation rests on the War Department, and Miss Morgan's solicitors have twice been so informed. They have, however, submitted a statement of her expenses in order that the possibility of some purely compassionate grant might be considered. I cannot prejudge the decision on this point, but I hope it will be reached very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether he has considered a letter from the hon. Member for South Nottingham dated 4th February, drawing his attention to the dismissal of Mr. C. H. Markham from the Home Guard on the grounds of his services with air-raid precautions; and whether an answer can now be given?

I am afraid that I can find no trace of the receipt of my hon. and gallant Friend's letter of 4th February. I have, however, now looked into the case to which he refers, and I find that Mr. C. H. Markham was discharged from the Home Guard on the ground that his duties as an air raid warden would prevent him from carrying out his Home Guard duties in an emergency. This decision was taken after consultation with the local air-raid precautions authorities. It was not confined to Mr. Markham, and is in no way a reflection on his services as a member of the Home Guard.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Haverford Silvester Ward, aged 18 years and two months, son of Lieutenant and Quartermaster Ward, wishes to join the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, armourers branch, as a regular soldier, but has been refused enlistment on the grounds that he is not yet 19 years of age; and, in view of the fact that he can strip and do repairs to.303 service rifle, is an expert shot, is a member of the Home Guard, is physically fit, and he wishes to make a career in the Army in which his forefathers have been serving regular soldiers since the battle of Waterloo, he will reconsider his decision?

The minimum age for enlistment in the Army on a normal regular engagement has been fixed, after careful consideration, at 19 years, and I do not think that it would be desirable to lower this limit. Youths of 18, however, if medically fit, may be enlisted for the duration of the war for training as tradesmen in certain trades, with the prospect of subsequently transferring to a normal regular engagement in the arm to which they are allotted after the completion of their training. Full particulars of this scheme may be obtained at any Army recruiting office.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with the existing machinery for finding suitable employment in the Army for officers and men who are specialists or technicians, or who have particular qualifications; and what is the best way to bring such particular qualifications" to the notice of the proper authorities?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the Question, officers and men possessing special qualifications of which use can be made by the Army are invited to submit particulars to their commanding officers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the orderly room clerks of the Pioneer Corps are not paid tradesmen's rates of pay, while this rate is paid to orderly room clerks of all other corps; and whether he will inquire into this matter with a view to seeing that the Pioneer Corps orderly room staffs are put upon the same basis as similar staffs of other corps?

This matter has been under consideration, and it has been decided to allow an orderly room clerk, paid as a tradesman, at group headquarters of the Pioneer Corps in addition to the orderly room sergeant tradesman already allowed. This will put the Pioneer Corps headquarters on the same footing as that, for example, of an infantry battalion.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the general prin- ciples applied by the Army Medical Department when it overrules the opinion of civilian doctors in connection with the examination of recruits for the Army and Auxiliary Territorial Service; when does overruling take place, at medical boards or subsequently; in how many cases has the civilian medical opinion been overruled; and have the civilian doctors been consulted before their opinion has been overruled?

The opinion of civilian doctors regarding the physical fitness of recruits for the Army and the Auxiliary Territorial Service is overruled only after careful consideration of each individual case by the Army medical authorities, and, if necessary, after obtaining specialist advice. Apart from the examination of a recruit on joining, a disability may come to light during training; on the other hand, the conditions of Army life may improve the physical fitness of a recruit to such an extent as to justify transfer to a higher medical category. Information regarding the number of occasions on which the opinion of the Army medical authorities has differed from that of the civilian medical board is not readily available. It is not considered practicable for administrative reasons to consult the civilian doctors on these occasions.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction of the men of the London Scottish regarding the food and billeting arrangements at a place of which he has been informed; and will he institute immediate inquiries?

I am having immediate inquiries made and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as they are completed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an average specimen, giving quantities, of the dietary in a prisoners of war camp in Britain?

I append a specimen weekly menu. The quantities consumed at each meal are approximate, as rations are issued for the day in bulk and prisoners of war decide themselves at which meal they are eaten. The menu is taken from a camp at which the

Breakfast.

Dinner.

Tea.

Monday—

Coffee

…

…

…

¾oz.

Potatoes

…

…

16 oz.

Coffee

…

…

¾ oz.

Bread

…

…

…

8 oz.

Goulash

…

…

(veg. as required)

Bread

…

…

8 oz.

Margarine

…

…

¾oz.

Margarine

…

…

¾ oz.

Marmalade

…

…

¾oz.

Cabbage

…

…

8 oz.

Meat Loaf

…

…

3 oz.

Tuesday—

Coffee

…

…

…

¾oz.

Potatoes

…

…

16 oz.

Coffee

…

…

¾ oz.

Bread

…

…

…

8 oz.

Stewed Meat

…

6 oz.

Bread

…

…

8 oz.

Margarine

…

…

¾oz.

Cabbage

…

…

8 oz.

Margarine

…

…

¾ oz.

Jam

…

…

…

¾oz.

Bacon

…

…

2¼ oz.

Cheese

…

…

2 oz.

Wednesday—

Coffee

…

…

…

¾ oz.

Potatoes

…

…

16 oz.

Coffee

…

…

¾oz.

Bread

…

…

…

8 oz.

(in jackets).

Bread

…

…

8 oz.

Margarine

…

…

¾oz.

Salted Herrings

…

8 oz.

Margarine

…

…

¾ oz.

Jam

…

…

…

¾ oz.

Cod

…

…

4 oz.

Thursday—

Coffee.

…

…

…

¾oz.

Potatoes

…

…

16 oz.

Coffee

…

…

¾oz.

Bread.

…

…

…

8 oz.

Minced Meat

…

6 oz.

Bread

…

…

8 oz.

Margarine

…

…

¾ oz.

Cabbage

…

…

8 oz.

Margarine

…

…

¾oz.

Marmalade

…

…

¾ oz.

Meat Roll

…

…

3 oz.

Friday—

Coffee.

…

…

…

¾ oz.

Potatoes

…

…

16 oz.

Coffee

…

…

¾ oz.

Bread.

…

…

…

8 oz.

Meat Rissole

…

6 oz.

Bread

…

…

8 oz.

Margarine

…

…

¾oz.

Carrots

…

…

8 oz.

Margarine

…

…

¾ oz.

Jam

…

…

…

¾oz.

Sauce as required.

Cod

…

…

4 oz.

Saturday—

Coffee.

…

…

…

¾oz.

Potatoes

…

…

16 oz.

Coffee

…

…

¾oz.

Bread.

…

…

…

8 oz.

Corned Beef

…

3 oz.

Bread

…

…

8 oz.

Margarine

…

…

¾ oz.

Cabbage

…

…

8 oz.

Margarine.

…

…

¾ oz.

Jam.

…

…

…

¾ oz.

Sausage.

…

…

4 oz.

Meat Pie

…

…

1 each

Sunday—

Coffee.

…

…

…

¾oz.

Potatoes

…

…

16 oz.

Coffee

…

…

¾ oz.

Bread.

…

…

…

8 oz.

Cabbage

…

…

8 oz.

Bread

…

…

8 oz.

Margarine

…

…

¾oz.

Dates and Dried

4 oz.

Margarine

…

…

¾ oz.

Jam.

…

…

…

¾ oz.

Apricots.

Bacon

…

…

2 ¾ oz.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an assurance that in future any deductions in pay of a junior officer in the Royal Air Force in respect of Income Tax arrears will leave the officer sufficient money to live in reasonable comfort in his mess?

I have been asked to reply. The question whether the amount of a deduction from pay on account of Income Tax constitutes a hardship depends upon the particular circumstances of the officer concerned, and in any case in which it is represented that deductions

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the many complaints of difficulty in obtaining supplies of cheese which have resulted in the Minister of Food preparing a scheme for better distribution, he as taking any steps to secure an increased production of this highly nutritious commodity?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I gave on 19th February to the hon. Member for the Forest of Dean (Mr. Price).

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the hardship suffered by small confectionery businesses on account of the virtual stoppage of supplies of sweets and chocolate, and of the sense of unfairness felt by such businesses when ample, and often excessive, supplies are known to be provided for soldiers' canteens; and, since these small businesses contribute substantially in rates and taxes to the upkeep of the country, whether he will take steps to effect a more equitable distribution of the goods by the sale of which such businesses live?

My Noble Friend is well aware of the difficulties at present facing the small retailer of confectionery, and efforts are constantly being made to ensure that equity of distribution is maintained and improved. Whilst there is an undoubted shortage, however, there is no question of a virtual stoppage in supplies. The latest production figures show that many of the most important lines, such as block chocolate, are actually being produced on practically the same scale as before the war; and the proportion of this production going to Services canteens and other priority omlets. is only a comparatively small proportion of the whole. The main origin of the shortage lies in the very great increase in demand under war conditions. My Noble Friend., in agreement with the Services Departments concerned, has recently arranged for a considerable reduction in supplies to military canteens. But it must be realised that the quantities so released for sale through the retailer, when spread over the whole country, will be far too small to overcome the general shortage of supply.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will authorise for local issue a stamp to commemorate recent British victories in the Middle East?

I assume that the Question refers to a stamp for use in the Italian territory now occupied by the British Forces in the Middle East. The postal administration to be set up in that territory will not be under my control but under that of a military administration; and I am unable therefore to say whether such a stamp will be issued.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has any information showing whether smoking by a driver of a motor-vehicle at the time of an accident has been a contributory cause of such accident; and whether he will obtain this information in the case of accidents in future?

The investigations already made into causes of accidents have not furnished any evidence that smoking is a contributory cause. I cannot undertake a further special investigation for this purpose at the present time.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will make arrangements for reflector discs to be fitted to the centre line of the main trunk roads before the winter months of 1941–2, and in any case for such discs to be fitted on the centre line of bends so as to assist motor traffic by night to proceed with safety and expedition?

Considerable use is being made of reflecting studs in conjunction with traffic lines. I cannot undertake to extend their use on the centre lines of all trunk roads, but they will be provided at bends so far as is practicable.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare what information he has as to the amount of tonnage which was cleared from the port of Marseilles during the months of January and February, 1941; and how this figure compares with the corresponding figures for the same months in 1939 and 1940.

Reliable information for the months of January and February is not yet available. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.

asked the Attorney-General whether the registrars of county courts have been empowered to advise tenants on the position under the Rent Restriction Act of the houses in which they live and the rent which can be legally demanded, in view of the receipt by the tenants of billeting allowances for evacuees?

I am informed by my Noble Friend that the answer is in the negative.