asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that the Government is calling for more women on the land, that those now serving have been specially trained at Government expense and have in many cases gained valuable experience at their work, he will consider classing members of the Women's Land Army in the same category as women in the Armed Forces and full-time paid nurses and not require them to register, as they will be presumably required to remain on the land?

Women actually serving with the Armed Forces either in the women's services or in the nursing services, are excluded from the Registration for Employment Order by the terms of the Order itself. No exceptions are being made to the requirement to register which is being placed on all women of the age classes 20 and 21 to whom the Order applies. Members of the Women's Land Army must, therefore, register but it is not intended to send them to other work unless they leave that service.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the great shortage of sanitary inspectors; that the depleted staffs are engaged to a great extent on civil defence work in addition to their own important duties; that quite a number were formerly employed in the shipbuilding industry and are therefore registering for employment in that capacity; and whether, in the interests of public health and civil defence services, he will not approve the transfer of these men?

In considering whether the national interest would best be served by transferring to shipyard work men who registered under the Industrial Registration (No. 1) Order, 1941, regard will be had to the relative importance of their present work. Each case will have to be considered on its merits and it is not possible to give a general assurance of the kind asked for by my hon. Friend. We must remember that the thing of paramount importance at this moment is the battle of the Atlantic.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that many fit men are still engaged on work unhelpful to the national interest such as ornamental gardening on large estates; and will he take measures to deal with the matter?

Yes, Sir, the Registration for Employment Order will be used for this purpose.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any special efforts are being made in the war effort drive to utilise the services of limbless ex-service men on light work, such as lift attending and time-keeping?

There are a number of cases in which the engagement of limbless men or men with other severe disabilities would release others for the war effort. The Employment Exchanges and the King's Roll Committees give special attention to this matter. I may mention that arrangements have been made with two institutions for the training of crippled men for munitions work.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in revising the Schedule of Reserved Occupations, he will give consideration to the increase in the necessary work of laundries which will result from the calling-up for National Service of women who normally wash for their households?

All relevant factors, including that mentioned by my hon. Friend, are receiving consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will take steps to give further publicity to the desire of the Government that young women should not give up their present employment, or transfer to what they consider more essential occupations, in anticipation of being called up for National Service?

Yes, Sir. It is very desirable that young women should not give up their present employment without first consulting the Employment Exchange. The scheme of registration of young women is so designed as to leave those who arc already employed in a useful capacity in their present work so far as national requirements permit.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has seen a leaflet, B.L. 20, entitled "Assistance Board." recently issued by that organisation; by what authority has the Board misquoted its terms of reference as laid down in the 1934 Act by omitting the words relating to the fitting of persons for return to regular employment; and whether he is satisfied that this omission implies no desire on the part of the Board to minimise their responsibility for rehabilitation of the unemployed?

I have seen the leaflet and am informed that the usual typographical sign that the quotation was not complete was omitted by inadvertence. The leaflet will be suitably revised on the next reprint. The answer to the last part of the hon. Member's Question is in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will extend the winter allowance of 2s., paid to unemployment assistance applicants, which normally will be withdrawn in the holiday week commencing 7th April?

The Assistance Board inform me that they do not feel justified in continuing beyond the period already proposed the additional allowances granted to meet special needs due to winter conditions.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will consider the advisability of establishing in Wales a Welsh Department of Education, to function in a similar way to the Welsh Board of Health; and is he aware that, under the present emergency, it would be a great convenience to the administration in the Principality?

As my hon. Friend is aware, the inspectorate of the Welsh Department is stationed in Wales, and the Permanent Secretary of the Department spends a considerable time there and is thus kept in close touch with Welsh thought and opinion on educational matters. In these circumstances, and having regard to the inconveniences which would result from the separation of the Welsh Department from the administrative branches of the Board, and from the executive and clerical grades the staffs of which are common to England and Wales, I do not think on the information before me that the adoption of my hon. Friend's suggestion would conduce to the more efficient conduct of the business of the Department.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the advisability of putting on the pensions list such insured men and women as are approaching pensionable age and are physically, and permanently, disabled and in receipt of health or other public benefit, so as to simplify and cheapen administration?

I am doubtful whether the adoption of my hon. Friend's proposal would have the desirable administrative effects which he suggests. Moreover, it would involve fundamental changes in the financial structure of existing schemes of social insurance and I feel that it could more usefully be considered in connection with a general review of the social services undertaken as part of post-war planning.

asked the Minister of Health the weekly value of cash, clothing, food and other allowances received by nurses employed by the London County Council; and whether, in view of the substantial wages paid to female omnibus conductors employed by the London Passenger Transport Board and other women workers, he will take steps to increase the remuneration of the nursing profession?

I understand that the weekly value of cash, clothing, food and other allowances paid by the London County Council to their nursing staffs varies from £3 2s. 3d. for probationers in training, non-resident, to £5 is. 5d. for sisters. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the speech made by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary in the course of the Debate on 20th March last.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that local authorities, such as Ross and Whitchurch Rural District Council, are issuing misleading appeals to parents to have their children inoculated as a preventive against diphtheria, informing them the injectons are painless, produce no disturbance and prevent diphtheria; and will he take steps to discourage such authorities, as the circulars are worded to convey the impression of action under Ministry co-operation?

I have seen a number of the appeals to parents issued by local authorities, and I do not think they are misleading. I have not yet seen that of the Ross and Whitchurch Rural District Council, but I am obtaining a copy and will examine it.

asked the Minister of Health, if a decision has been reached in regard to the increasing of benefit under the National Health Insurance Acts?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this subject but I hope to be able to do so shortly.

asked the Minister of Health whether adequate arrangements have been made to ensure that the services of essential key men will be retained by local authorities so as to enable such authorities to perform efficiently the many duties placed upon them by Parliament or by the Government?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for West Birmingham (Mr. Higgs) on 13th March.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the anxiety being displayed by squads of fire-watchers at the delay in the supply of helmets and other equipment; and is he in a position to dispel such anxiety by an announcement in regard to such equipment?

The issue of steel helmets and stirrup pumps is proceeding steadily and satisfactorily. I do not think it would be in the public interest to give figures, but I may say that as regards fire bomb fighting parties who are entitled to free helmets, issues have been authorised and should have been despatched by the end of this week to meet the requirements of all the most important areas from which particulars have been received This is a very substantial figure.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make a statement indicating what further steps are being taken to improve the shelter provision in the Welsh region following upon the investigation by the Parliamentary Secretary and Lord Horder?

I am in communication with the Regional Commissioner and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Home Secretary what arrangements have been made with laundries for decontamination services in the event of chemical warfare developing?

The decontamination of protective clothing of services under the control of local authorities will be carried out mainly in special tanks provided for the purpose. Civilian clothing may also be decontaminated in these tanks, at municipal wash-houses or in steam disinfectors, but in most areas it has also been necessary to make arrangements with commercial laundries. My Department is in close touch with the Institution of British Launderers in this matter for the purpose of perfecting arrangements, and the Service Departments are also cooperating with a view to co-ordinating requirements and avoiding overlapping.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Richard Barrett, who was recently convicted and fined by the Peterborough magistrates for an offence under the Fire Prevention (Business Premises) Order; whether he is aware of the extenuating circumstances of the case and whether, as Barrett lacks the necessary financial resources to appeal against the conviction, he will review all the facts of the case with a view to remitting the fine?

My attention had not previously been drawn to this case. I am making inquiry, and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take steps to release Hans Wistuba, now interned at Onchan camp, in view of his anti-Nazi record in Germany prior to 1933, and in Czechoslovakia subsequently?

This man's case has recently been the subject of exhaustive inquiries and his case has been investigated by the Category 19 Tribunal. After reviewing all the circumstances I regret I am not satisfied that it would be in the interests of national security to release him.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that the civilian population is sufficiently alive to the danger and effects of mustard and similar liquid gases, particularly as they affect eyesight; and why no issue of eye-shields has been made to civilians?

On the general question of anti-gas precautions I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement I have made to-day in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Duddes-ton (Mr. Simmonds). As regards the last part of the Question, it was not considered necessary to make a general issue of eye-shields to the public at large.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is the intention to publish the Annual Return of Experiments on Living Animals for 1939, and, if any reasons of national economy are weighing with him, will he, in view of the fact that public money is granted for these experiments, consider publication even in abbreviated form?

My hon. Friend is mistaken in thinking that economy of money is the sole consideration. The important point is to avoid diverting labour and effort to objects which are not essential to the needs of a nation at war. This return is one of many valuable publications of which the issue must in present circumstances be subordinated to other claims.

asked the Minister of Labour in what circumstances a large number of shipbuilding apprentices in the West of Scotland came out on strike; how long the strike lasted; what machinery exists for the avoidance of such stoppages; and why it was ineffective in this case?

The stoppages of work by shipbuilding apprentices cannot be dissociated from a series of similar stoppages by engineering apprentices which began at Kilmarnock on 28th February. Constitutional machinery for the settlement of disputes existed in both industries under agreements between the employers' organisations and trade unions concerned, but as soon as it became evident that the stoppages of work were extending, I appointed a Court of Inquiry on 13th March to inquire into the causes and circumstances of the dispute. Following hearings by the Court certain discussions took place which resulted in a general resumption of work on the 20th March. I have received an interim report from the Court of Inquiry but I would prefer not to make a statement on the last part of the Question until I have received their final report.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, with reference to the Department of Health for Scotland Circular No. 50/1941, dated 28th February, 1941, whether the British Medical Association was consulted on the subject-matter of the circular; and whether in conference or by correspondence?

As stated in paragraph 3 of the circular in question, the British Medical Association was consulted before its issue. The consultation was by correspondence.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what success his Department has had in inducing fruit and flower growers to take up honey production as a permanent source of home food supply, and in which localities; and whether the matter is under further consideration?

My right hon. Friend has not thought it desirable to take special steps to stimulate the production of honey during the war, but facilities have been provided to enable honey production to be maintained as far as possible at its pre-war level. He is also proposing to take steps in the near future to arrest the spread of brood disease of bees, which is becoming a serious menace to beekeepers in many parts of the country.

asked the Minister of Agriculture why poultry keepers who grow their own food for their poultry are to be compelled to surrender most of it to the State?

My hon. Friend no doubt refers to the recent Order prohibiting the use of wheat for feeding to livestock. I would point out, however, that unless the poultry keeper has grown more feeding stuffs than are required for his poultry, in accordance with the provisions of the Animal Feeding Stuffs Rationing Scheme, he can obtain, in exchange for his sales of wheat, coupons enabling him to buy an equivalent tonnage of alternative feeding-stuffs.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if his attention has been drawn to the recent rise in the price of coffee; and what steps have been taken to secure compliance in respect of this commodity with the conditions of the Food (Current Prices) Order, 1941?

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to the wholesale prices of coffee when sold by auction. I am aware that a rise in the general level of these prices has occurred. The Enforcement of the Food (Current Prices) Order, 1941, is difficult when a commodity subject to wide variations in quality grades and varieties is sold by auction and I understand that for much of the coffee put up to auction in recent weeks there is no guide as to comparable values under the Order. If my hon. Friend has any information of specific cases where prices have been charged in excess of the "current price" as defined by the Order I shall be glad if he will pass particulars to me so that they may be investigated.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, before raising the reserved age for funeral directors, assistant funeral directors, branch managers, coffin-makers and motor-hearse drivers, he will give special attention to the circumstances which may result, particularly in highly vulnerable areas, where the funeral service is already being operated with depleted staffs?

Representations on this subject have been made to me and are under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that Mr. Hugh Slater, one of the founders of Osterley Park training school for the Home Guard, and since then, a paid full-time servant of the War Office as lecturer in the War Office school, has now been conscripted for military service, he will take steps to secure the reservation of Mr. Hugh Slater and others in similar positions, so that they may be enabled to continue to serve the Army in the capacity for which their special experience and abilities best qualify them?

It is the aim in every case to secure that those who are called up for military service are employed in the Army to the best advantage, and my hon. Friend can be assured that this principle will be followed in making use of the services of Mr. Hugh Slater.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is satisfied that the new wage regulations for dock labourers at Liverpool are giving satisfaction; and, if so, will he extend the regulations to other ports, including the port of Hull?

The reports with regard to the Mersey side which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and I have received are encouraging. Arrangements are in hand for introducing a similar scheme on Clydeside and the arrangements to be made at certain other ports are under consideration.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that during business hours there was recently seven hours' delay in telephone calls to the Manchester area from London; and whether, in the public interest, he will take such steps as may be necessary to accelerate such service?

I am aware that there has recently been heavy delay on calls from London to Manchester. This is largely due to the temporary interruption of lines serving the North-West of England, and my hon. Friend may rest assured that all practicable steps are being taken to effect an improvement.

asked the Minister of Shipping whether it is with his sanction, and under what regulation, that Chinese seamen, who think they have been unfairly treated in respect of the non-payment of the £5 war risks bonus, are being repatriated to China?

These seamen refused to serve in accordance with their contract of service and their places had therefore to be filled. Under the Aliens Order the liability for repatriating them rests on the owners of the ships concerned, and I am informed that the owners are making arrangements for their repatriation as early as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the great delays in arranging schemes for the concentration of industry, due to the responsible staffs in his Department being situated out of London; and will he look into the matter with a view to making better arrangements?

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension; all the officers dealing with concentration of production are in London.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings why an expensive block of flats in Portman Square has been commandeered, while another block in the same square, requisitioned some months ago, is still unoccupied; and whether he will endeavour to get equivalent accommodation at a much less cost to the taxpayer?

Additional accommodation is necessary to house increased Government staffs, to rehouse staffs from bombed buildings and to provide alternative accommodation for staffs if their present offices should be damaged. The other block of flats referred to was requisitioned on the 20th February; vacant possession of the whole of the flats was not obtained until 18th March, and they are now being prepared for Government staffs. The net rent asked for fats of a suitable character compares favourably with that asked for modern office blocks.

asked the Secretary for Petroleum what qualifications are required for appointment as area control officer: and is he satisfied that the conditions required are fulfilled in all cases before appointments are made?

The principal qualification for divisional petroleum officers is administrative experience, and every effort is made to obtain the best qualified men for these posts.

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements he has made for more extensive employment of military bands during the summer, both in London and the provincial centres, in view of the psychological effect of military music on the general public?

The number of Army bands has been increased, and instructions will shortly be issued authorising a very substantial addition to their free travelling facilities, which should greatly extend their opportunities of employment.

asked the Secretary for Petroleum whether he has any information as to whether the oil-producing wells in Rumania which are owned by the British and French companies are now being worked, and the amount of oil that is being exported?

According to my information, the oil-wells in Rumania owned by British and French interests are still being worked. The publication of figures of Rumanian oil exports has ceased since the German occupation of that country.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of sheep owned by his Department; and whether it is proposed to market them all this year?

I assume my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the hill sheep which were kept on lands in the North of England taken over for military purposes. The object of the acquisition by my Department of some ten to eleven thousand sheep in this case was to ensure the retention of the valuable acclimatised flocks in the area, and it is not therefore proposed to dispose of them all this year.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received the expected report on the facilities allowed to British shipping for loading and unloading cargoes at the Chinese coastal ports in Japanese occupation, with particular reference to Tsingtao and Chefoo.

Yes, Sir. The latest information received indicates that the position at the principal coast ports is as follows. At Shanghai there is no interference with British shipping. At Tientsin the situation is generally speaking satisfactory. At Chefoo conditions are on the whole worse than in 1937, but there has been no discrimination for the past 18 months, in which period working conditions have remained the same. At Tsingtao the additional wharves are still available and improved conditions continue, but the berths allotted to Third Power shipping are very exposed and have inadequate go-down accommodation, so that some delay is being experienced by British shipping. At Canton weekly sailings under the agreement with the Japanese are at present suspended by mutual arrangement, but negotiations are still proceeding.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received a report on the freedom of transit available for British ships through the inland waterways of China other than the Yangtze?

Yes, Sir. According to my latest information, there has been no change in the situation during the past year and all inland waterways remain closed to British shipping.

asked the Minister of Health whether, as the present arrangements for allowing alien Allied doctors in this country to help in the joint cause by becoming temporarily registered medical practitioners are slow and unsatisfactory, the committee which makes these recommendations will now accept, and recommend, the names sent to them by the Allied government concerned in London?

The Central Medical War Committee, which acts as a clearing house for supplying alien doctors to hospitals and other authorities desiring to employ them, has received a large number of names from various sources and will, of course, be glad to receive others from the Allied Governments concerned, with some of which it is already in touch. My hon. Friend will appreciate that the procedure necessarily took some time to set in motion, including as it does the steps necessary for registration with the General Medical Council and for satisfying the general requirements relating to aliens. I am informed that it is now working smoothly, but if my hon. Friend has in mind any particular case where there seems to have been undue delay I shall be pleased to bring it to the notice of those concerned.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he can state the nature of the terms offered to the members of the Liverpool Cotton Association in recognition of their ceasing to function for the duration of the war?

Circumstances have rendered it necessary for the Government to become the sole importer and distributor of cotton. Arrangements are being made with the Liverpool and Manchester Cotton Associations to form a company which, by using the merchants' services, will act as the Government's agents for this purpose