asked the Secretary of State for Air whether lads between the ages of 18 and 18½ years, if suitable and willing, may be enrolled in the Air Training Corps; and whether he will revise the age limit so as to include them?

The basis of the Air Training Corps scheme is the provision, with financial assistance from public funds, of instruction in air matters for boys between 16 and 18 who intend to serve in the Royal Air Force, and the scheme cannot usefully be extended to permit of the enrolment of older youths. Nevertheless, certain facilities are available for young men between the ages of 18–18½ who wish to serve in the Royal Air Force. Those who are actually serving in the Air Training Corps are eligible to continue serving until called up. Others may receive technical instruction with the Corps if they can be accommodated; but no grants from the Exchequer are payable in their case.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will improve the allowances for meals to drivers of Royal Air Force vehicles when having to seek accommodation before the completion of their journey, seeing that the rates now in force are inadequate to meet the cost of the necessary meals?

The information available in my Department does not suggest that the present allowances are inadequate. If, however, the hon. Member has any particular cases of hardship in mind and will give me particulars, I will have them looked into.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in the light of present-day necessities, he considers the continuance of Belisha beacons necessary; and whether, in the national interests, he will take steps to abolish them, and make the material available for war purposes?

In my opinion traffic beacons now serve a definite and useful purpose, and I do not therefore think that they should be removed. Were it decided to remove them the labour and the expense involved in their removal and in the necessary repairs to the footways would be considerable, while the quantity of scrap material made available would be relatively small.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps have been taken to encourage the growing of tomatoes in this country, either inside greenhouses or outside them, during the coming summer?

Horticultural Cropping Orders have been issued requiring tomatoes to be substituted in part for flower crops both under glass and on open land. By this means tomato supplies from home sources have already been increased by one-third, and a further 20 percent. increase is expected this year.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it will be made clear that the special cheese rations will be available for small farmers working their own farms, who often work long hours for small reward and have no unemployment insurance benefits?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether arrangements have been made for the supply of special cheese rations to small working farmers, many of them working one-man farms, especially in Wales, on the same lines as supplied to employed agricultural workers?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether smallholders working on their own land will be eligible to receive the extra cheese ration in the same way as an agricultural worker?

No, Sir. The special ration will be limited to workers who hold agricultural unemployment cards.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the great strain and arduous conditions under which engine drivers and firemen, especially of goods trains, are now working, carrying on for long spells, often through enemy air attacks, he will consider including them among the special classes of workers to whom extra rations of cheese are to be granted?

My Noble Friend has already received representations in favour of the grant of supplementary rations of cheese to additional classes of workers, including railway engine drivers and firemen. These representations are being actively considered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that one effect of fixed maximum prices for eggs is that it is usually less profitable to sell them in the larger towns, owing to cost of transport and packing, than nearer a source of supply; and whether, in order to encourage the better distribution of eggs, he will permit some local addition to maximum prices to cover transport and packing costs?

My Noble Friend regrets that he is unable to adopt the suggestion in the Question as such a provision would lead to a wide variation in the permitted maximum prices for eggs, the consumer would not know what prices ought to be paid for the eggs and the maximum prices Order would be impossible to enforce. With a view to encouraging the sale of eggs at points distant from the source of production, the Home Produced Eggs (Maximum Prices) Order already permits higher maximum prices for eggs that pass through licensed packing stations, these higher prices provide a margin to the packing stations to cover the cost of collection, grading and testing of the eggs, and delivery to purchasers' premises.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the grievance of egg retailers in Northern Ireland which has been brought to the notice of the Ministry, he will give instructions that purchasers of eggs at the prescribed maximum price should be freed from any additional payments on these eggs?

I presume that my hon. Friend refers to the levy of one farthing per dozen on eggs sold by retailers in Northern Ireland. This levy is part of the licence fee charged to retailers of eggs in Northern Ireland under the Marketing of Eggs Act (Northern Ireland) 1936. This is a matter for the Minister of Agriculture for Northern Ireland.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that, in order to receive eggs, queues numbering some hundreds of people have been compelled to stand before the shops, sometimes in the rain; and whether he will take steps to put the matter right?

I am aware that in some instances people have formed queues in order to obtain eggs. In almost every case these queues have appeared at shops dealing mainly or wholly in eggs where sales are made on the basis of "First come first served" and where the question of distributing the available supplies equitably by the retailer amongst regular customers does not arise. The Ministry is considering a scheme for controlling further the distribution of eggs, but the problem is difficult owing to the very large number of producers and the many different channels of distribution.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether having regard to the lack of proper facilities and suitable premises in many rural areas, he will consider some modification of the Co-operative Fruit Preservation Scheme for 1941, whereby jams may be made in the producer's own home, and the resulting preserve, surplus to the Household ration, requisitioned by his Department at a fair price?

My hon. Friend does not consider that the requisitioning of small quantities of home-made jam from private houses would be practicable, and he is satisfied that the difficulty of obtaining suitable premises and facilities in rural areas can be effectively overcome.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, as the potatoes in Northern Ireland are now in excellent condition for processing purposes, and will, as the year advances, deteriorate considerably, he will immediately have factories established there for the manufacture of potato flour?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to his Question on this subject on 26th February.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, as the nation is being asked to economise in the use of food, while feeding-stuffs for cattle is being cut by 50 percent. and the quantity granted for pigs and poultry is considerably less, he will, in order to avoid a shortage of food for the people and in the interests of our livestock owners, fix the allowance of cereals and sugar for brewers at 50 percent. of pre-war consumption?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Wrexham (Mr. Richards) on 12th March. The supply of cereals and sugar is under constant review, and I shall bear in mind the suggestion made by my hon. Friend, if the need arises.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the serious discontent amongst the heavy steel workers in Middlesbrough regarding the inadequacy of their food ration, it is his intention always to include this class of worker among those who are to have special rations?

The present policy is not to grant supplementary rations to heavy workers but to allow the maximum possible ration to all consumers. Should it be decided to depart from this policy the question of steel workers will receive every consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food when supplies of block chocolate will be on sale to the public; and whether the two-ounce block will still be retailed at 2d.?

Supplies of block chocolate have never ceased to be on sale to the public. The total production has, however, fallen substantially as a result of the reduction of supplies of sugar, milk, nuts and dried fruits, and after meeting priority requirements, which take from 20 to 25 percent. of the output, the quantity of block chocolate available to the public is little more than half the pre-war quantity. The two main ingredients are sugar and cocoa beans and as sugar for manufacture is more than two and a half times and cocoa beans more than twice the pre-war price, chocolate cannot be sold at pre-war prices. A price control scheme is being agreed with the industry.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, in many instances, persons who are getting disablement benefits under the National Health Acts find them insufficient to live on and apply to the Poor Law relief for assistance, and when they do so, the income of their married children is taken into consideration by the authorities; and will he consider removing the family and household means test, and increase benefits?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend is of course aware that some persons in receipt of disablement benefit find it necessary to apply to the public assistance authority for further assistance, but he has no information as to the number of such cases. He is not yet in a position to make a statement on the matters raised in the last part of the Question.

asked the Minister of Health how many were on National Health Insurance disablement benefit during the year 1940, and what were the figures for the months of January and February this year?

My right hon. Friend regrets that the information asked for by my hon. Friend is not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the forthcoming review of the cost of distribution in the working of the Prices of Goods Act, he will analyse the factor of expenditure on advertising, in order to discover the extent to which cost of advertising is reflected in the retail price of consumption goods; and to what extent advertising expenditure diverts retail sales of nearly similar goods from one competing firm to another without corresponding benefit to the consumer?

The Central Price Regulation Committee are considering the whole field of costs in relation to prices, and will no doubt draw my right hon. Friend's attention to any specific cases of extravagant expenditure.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the altered conditions, he will now introduce legislation to amend the Price of Goods Regulation Act, so as to invest the central committee and/or local committees with powers to fix minimum prices and maximum profits of all commodities?

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the answer which was given to my hon. Friend the Member for Eccles (Mr. Cary) on 25th March last.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the special position of the pottery industry, the carrying on of which does not conflict with the national requirements, does not import or utilise in manufacture any raw material required in the war effort; and will he apply a special policy to the industry or adapt his policy to the industry, having regard to the fact that it can make a great contribution in the export trade?

Concentration of the production of the pottery industry is necessary to secure the maximum release of labour for munitions work and premises for storage and other essential purposes. In applying that policy due weight is being given to the considerations mentioned by the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether the letters sent out by the Export Council had his approval; why were proposals made that would lead to the complete disorganisation of the pottery business in Peru, Colombia and Brazil, and the wrecking of the selling organisations and the manufacturing plants that cater for export trade; if this action was necessary, why were the firms involved not consulted; and will he reconsider this aspect of the policy;(2) whether he is aware that, in their determination to increase the export trade, the pottery industry have sent out agents and set up selling organisations in many parts of the world, from which they are now receiving substantial orders; that in other cases, while negotiations were proceeding for an exports credit, an export licence was refused; what is the advice to be given to the industry about agents and selling organisations; and will he consult the whole industry, with a view to arriving at a satisfactory understanding?

I assume that the hon. Member refers to the letter on the selection and direction of exports issued by the Industrial and Export Council on 15th March and to the Export of Goods (Control) (No. 6) Order, 1941, which applies licensing procedure to exports to Brazil, Chile, Peru and Colombia. The letter has my right hon. Friend's complete approval. With the growing intensity of the war, the selection and direction of exports become imperative; as my right hon. Friend explained in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Moseley (Sir P. Hannan) on 4th March, exports to the countries named must be strictly controlled as we can only use materials, productive capacity and labour on manufacture for export if the exports are necessary to secure exchange for the purchase of indispensable goods. I am well aware of the steps taken by the pottery industry to promote exports. Its success has been gratifying and will, I am sure, continue under well-considered direction. I cannot deal with all the points raised by the hon. Member within the scope of an Answer, but the Board will gladly give information and advice to exporters on licensing procedure and export policy.

asked the Minister of Health how many doctors of enemy alien nationality it is intended to permit to practice in Great Britain under the Medical Practitioners (Temporary Regulation) Order, 1941; and how many have to date been permitted to practice under the provisions of that Order?

The Order referred to, and the Defence Regulation under which it is made, provide for the registration of doctors of certain alien nationalities not possessing British medical qualifications, if they are employed or have been selected for employment in an approved hospital or other institution or service not involving domiciliary practice. It is not intended to fix a maximum number of doctors who should have the benefit of the Order. Up to date 28 doctors of enemy nationality have been selected for employment in accordance with the Order.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the cumulative effect of bombing in the future, and the consequential increasing nervous and mental strain to be experienced by large numbers of people, he is considering any new departure or comprehensive development in shelter policy?

The object of the present policy of my right hon. Friend is to secure that the best use is made of the limited labour and material resources available for shelter construction. This policy is under continuous review in the light of the changing strategy of the war. New designs and improvements are being constantly introduced. In this connection I would refer to my right hon. Friend's recent announcement in regard to the indoor steel shelter. I do not think, however, that there will in the near future at any rate be much opportunity for further new developments of a comprehensive character. We recognise, of course, that the attacks which the British people may have to face in the future may be on a greater scale than those we have hitherto encountered, but the experience of this winter has afforded magnificent proof, if proof were needed, of the ability of our people to stand up to the strain.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is issuing any further guidance to local authorities respecting the problem of waterproofing steel shelters before next winter; and whether he can arrange for an adequate supply of the new indoor shelter devices for the borough of Leyton?

The Department has been working energetically on the problem of flooded outdoor steel shelters. An expert technical report has been obtained as a result of a special enquiry. A memorandum embodying these views and recommendations is just being sent out. In addition contact has been made with local authorities where the problem has been specially serious. As regards the indoor steel shelters, a fair share of the first deliveries has been allotted to Leyton.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of a shortage, in certain areas, of stirrup pumps, metal helmets, and other equipment for firebomb fighting, and that there is a persistent demand for these; and whether he can give any indication of the possibility of the demand being met?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 27th March to the hon. Member for West Willesden (Mr. Viant).

asked the Home Secretary what facilities his Department has offered for the development of an air-raid precautions service for animals throughout the country; and what grant has been made towards the upkeep of the organisation developed?

In the summer of 1939 the National A.R P. for Animals Committee was called into being by the then Lord Privy Seal. This Committee, made up mainly of representatives of the animal welfare societies and the veterinary profession, undertook to develop and finance air raid precautions for animals in towns. My Department and other Departments were represented on the Committee. The Treasury made an initial grant of £1,000 and a further advance of £1,500 towards the purchase of equipment. Later the scope of the scheme was extended to deal with animals on farms. This side of the organisation is at present under review, and I am not at present in a position to make any statement about the financial arrangements.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in semi-destroyed houses in which tenants have been killed, or from which, if injured, they have been removed to hospital, furniture, including carpets, is allowed by demolition workers to be heaped up with debris in the street; and whether he will try to find some way of salving the effects of the victims, so that when the injured recover they may recover as much of their belongings as possible?

Local authorities have been asked to do all they can to assist householders to recover their private chattels and to protect them against further damage. Such assistance must, however, be subject to the primary tasks of saving life, succouring the homeless and removing the dead.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the instruction made by the London Regional Commissioners in connection with fire-watchers, and of the fire-watchers' objection to the new instruction; and what action he intends taking about the matter?

Yes, Sir. I understand the objection raised by volunteers is to performing fire prevention duties in parts of the area of their local authority at a distance from their own homes. Unless an undertaking to do this is given it may be difficult to cover the area without recourse to compulsory enrolment. Accordingly, it is not right that persons unwilling to give the undertaking should be granted the full privileges of Civil Defence volunteers. Further instructions, however, are being issued to make it clear that those not giving this undertaking but prepared to perform 48 hours fire prevention duty a month in the neighbourhood of their homes will be eligible for equipment and for compensation in respect of injuries sustained on duty.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether veterinary surgeons, animal service helpers, and animal Stewards, who have enrolled with the National Air-raid Precautions Animals Committee are covered for the purposes of Civil Defence service injuries in the performance of their important duties concerning casualties due to enemy action among the animal population of the country?

The Schedule of Civil Defence Organisations attached to the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme includes "any organisation established and maintained by the National Air-raid Precautions Animals Committee for the purpose of protecting the public from animals which become panic-stricken or contaminated with gas as a result of enemy action." Members of such an organisation are therefore eligible for compensation as Civil Defence volunteers in respect of war service injuries.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he is satisfied that the roofing felts, the use of which is being extended, are relatively non-inflammable; and, if not, whether they are specially treated to render them relatively resisting to incendiary bombs?

The nature of roofing felts unfortunately prevents them from being non-inflammable and there is no treatment that will make them really resistant to a flame in direct contact or to the heat generated by an incendiary bomb. Their improvement in this respect has been and is receiving attention; and roofing felt will not ordinarily support a flame by itself. If the hon. Member has any suggestions to make in this matter I will gladly consider them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the instructive brochure on the ploughing campaign in North Wales, prepared by the staff of the school of agriculture of the University College, Bangor, and the agricultural organisers of the counties of Anglesey, Carnarvon, Denbigh and Flint; and whether arrangements can be made to ensure that all engaged in food production over a wide area may have a copy sent to them?

Yes, Sir, I have seen this pamphlet and have no doubt that it will find a ready distribution among the Welsh farmers to whom it is specially directed. The recommendations are in line with those contained in the free leaflets issued by the Ministry, of which I am sending some examples to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for India what steps are now being taken by the Government of India to encourage and turn to the practical advantage of Britain and India the growing feeling and increasingly influential movement in favour of co-operation in a National Government?

I have already made it clear that His Majesty's Government are keeping open the far-reaching and constructive proposals which they themselves put forward last August, and they and the Viceroy will continue to examine sympathetically any suggestions within the scope of these proposals which may help to surmount the difficulties that have stood in the way of political advance in India. The offer made in August presupposes a sufficient measure of political support and of mutual agreement in India which to our great regret has not so far been forthcoming. If developments should indicate that advance can profitably be made on the basis of that offer, with the support of the leading political elements in India, the House may rest assured that the Viceroy will not fail to take the practical steps required.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any statement to make as to the observance of the Easter holiday by the general public and by workers on work of national importance?

My hon. Friend will by now have learnt of the Government announcement on this subject, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the reason for a proportion of the subalterns serving with the Royal Army Pay Corps receiving commissions as lieutenants on first appointment; and what is rate of pay for such officers?

In the period before and immediately after the outbreak of war, a limited number of members of the Army Officers' Emergency Reserve were selected for emergency appointments as lieutenant and paymaster in the Royal Army Pay Corps with a minimum rate of pay of 16s. 4d. a day rising according to service. When this number was exhausted, all new entrants to the corps were offered emergency commissions as second-lieutenants on regimental rates of pay at us. a day, unless they had sufficient prior service to reckon for promotion under the terms of the pay warrant. Officers in the latter category are commissioned as lieutenants at a minimum of 13s. a day and are required to serve on regimental rates for 18 months. Upon the satisfactory completion of that period, they are graded as paymasters with the rank of lieutenant with pay at 16s. 4d. a day.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many persons and bodies, including regimental associations, have subscribed to relief work for British prisoners of war; whether the Red Cross have published a balance sheet showing how these funds have been used; and, if not, will he make arrangements for them to do so?

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." As regards the second and third parts, I am informed that the accounts of the War Organisation of the British Red Cross Society and Order of St. John, which will show donations received for prisoners of war and expenditure under the appropriate headings, are at present being printed and will shortly be available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what quantity of industrial spirit was produced in the United Kingdom during 1940 and during 1939, respectively;(2) what quantities of industrial alcohol were produced in the United Kingdom during the years 1938, 1939 and 1940, respectively; and what steps are taken, when a firm stops producing industrial alcohol, to ensure that its remaining stocks of raw materials are made available for other processes of national importance in relation to the war effort?

It would be contrary to the national interest to publish the figures for which my hon. and learned Friend asks. With regard to the second part of the Question my right hon. Friend understands that the stocks of raw materials remain under the control of the Ministry of Supply and are available for use at other distilleries or for other essential purposes.

asked the Minister of Supply whether, as a point of public policy is raised by the non-retention of a skilled engineer at a Royal Ordnance Factory, he will state why the services of Mr. H. Edington were not retained as chief draughtsman; is he aware that Mr. Edington was in the employment of the former owners of the plant for 33 years, and at the time of the take-over by the Government was formally appointed to the incoming staff of the Royal Ordnance Factory?

Yes, Sir. Mr. Edington's appointment to the staff of the Royal Ordnance Factory was subject to one month's notice of termination on either side. Shortly after his appointment, it was found that Mr. Edington's experience as a locomotive designer had not rendered him suitable for the different class of work required of the senior draughtsman of the Ordnance Factory. I regret that on this account he could not be retained in the post and that it was not possible to make use of his services at any other Royal Ordnance Factory.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of the large extent of unemployment in Northern Ireland; and whether he can see his way to provide the Province with a further share of Government orders?

I am aware of the employment position in Northern Ireland, and the possibility of placing further orders in the Province is being constantly reviewed.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will take steps to expedite the supply of spare parts for the repair of motor vehicles, owned by civilians, when used for purposes of national importance?

These steps are already being taken. The Ministry of Supply and the Ministry of Transport are at the moment considering a system which will ensure that a priority is given to vehicles engaged in the more urgent forms of national work.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that, after protracted negotiations, the metal railings in Berkeley Square have been made available for national purposes as war material; and whether he will take steps in future to acquire forthwith, by the exercise of compulsory powers, all such material anywhere, so as to avoid the delay caused by protracted negotiations?

Yes, Sir. Supplies of railings for scrap are coming forward steadily, but if the voluntary means fail my right hon. Friend will not hesitate to use compulsory powers.

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in his consideration of the waste of paper, print and labour involved in the production and distribution of trade catalogues advertising consumption goods such as clothing, fancy articles and alcoholic beverages and as such catalogues can have no other object than to stimulate expenditure or to induce the customer to give preference to one retail establishment over another, he will devise measures to stop this waste in time to prevent the preparation of such catalogues for advertising the July sales?

As the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) was informed on 26th March, proposals for the extension of existing restrictions on the use of paper for advertising are under consideration. The approach of the July sales will be borne in mind.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the reason for the serious deterioration in the postal deliveries within the last week or two?

I am not aware of any general deterioration in the postal service, but if my hon. Friend has any particular cases in mind I shall be glad to make inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, what was the sheep population grazed on deer forests in Scotland in 193S, and what is the corresponding prospective figure aimed at by his Department for the current year?

The number of sheep grazing on deer forests at 4th June, 1938, as shown by the agricultural returns, was 62,334. No limit has been fixed nor is any special figure aimed at. My desire is to secure that deer forests will be stocked to the fullest extent to which suitable stock are available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many sheep are being grazed on the forests of Killilan and Benmore as at the last available date; and what were the corresponding figures for the equivalent date the previous year?

Some 2,200 sheep are at present being grazed on Killilan deer forest as compared with 158 in June 1940. Parts of Benmore deer forest are grazed by sheep from the adjoining farm of Invercassley on which there is at present a permanent stock of some 4,600. Steps are being taken to increase this number. The forest will also be grazed this summer by farmer's cattle and sheep, but I am not yet in a position to say the numbers to be put on. No return of the number of stock on the forest a year ago has been received.