asked the Minister of Labour whether he is yet in a position to make a statement on the measures he contemplates for the rehabilitation in industry of men discharged by reason of wounds or sickness from the various services of the Crown and of Civil Defence?

The facilities for vocational training provided by the Ministry's existing training schemes are open to all men who are fit to undergo the training, and it is hoped that considerable numbers of the men discharged in the circumstances indicated by the hon. Member will, after treatment, prove capable of this training. For those of them who require training but are not fit for the existing courses, special courses will be provided as required, either in the Ministry's own training centres or in other institutions or with employers. Details of these courses will be announced in due course.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what measures he pro- poses to take for the medical treatment of these people, what information will be at their disposal, and what method they are to pursue to obtain treatment?

That matter has been the subject of consultation between us, and if my hon. Friend will address a Question to the Minister of Health, he will be in a position to give an answer.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the discontent among munition workers at men of military age being brought over from Northern Ireland to work in munition factories; and is he in a position to say how many have come over since the war started?

A considerable number of workers have been transferred from Northern Ireland to work of national importance in Great Britain. I have had no information that the presence among them of men of military age is generally resented by their fellow workers. As regards the second part of the Question, the information for which my hon. Friend asks is not available.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take it from me that there is resentment? This resentment is caused because in many cases these men have been billeted on families whose sons have gone to war. One can understand the feelings of these people in the matter. Can nothing be done to examine this question and put these men in the same position as our lads?

The question of conscripting men in Northern Ireland is not a matter for my Department. It raises political issues which cannot be answered in reply to a Question. However, if the hon. Member will give me particulars of resentment or difficulties, I will cause my local welfare officer to investigate.

I will do that.

Would it not be better, and much fairer to all concerned, if conscription was applied to Northern Ireland, in conformity with the rest of the United Kingdom?

Is the Minister aware that the reason for these men coming from Northern Ireland is that they are refused unemployment benefit unless they come and work in this country? Is not the difficulty the result of the action of the.Ministry of Labour rather than that of the men concerned?

I am not responsible for the administration of the Unemployment Acts in Northern Ireland, and therefore I cannot give an answer.

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent gas workers and electricity workers are exempted from military service?

The principal occupations in gas manufacture and in electricity supply are at present reserved under the Schedule of Reserved Occupations at the age of 25 or 30.

Is the Minister aware that some of the smaller gas undertakings are concerned about the loss of men who may be urgently required as a result of enemy action?

It is now possible for these undertakings and public services, if they will use their initiative, to come forward and meet me and discuss their problems under the Essential Works Order.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in revising the Schedule of Reserved Occupations, he will have regard to the increase in the number and magnitude of the responsibilities entrusted by Parliament and by the Government to local authorities, whose staffs are already depleted; and whether he will give an assurance that women employed by local authorities will not be diverted to other work before there has been consultation with the authorities concerned?

I have fully considered the matters referred to in the first part of the Question, in consultation with my right lion. Friend the Minister of Health. As regards the second part of the Question, it is not the intention to move to other work women who are in the full-time employment of local authorities, and whose qualifications are being properly utilised.

In the circumstances, will the right hon. Gentleman advise other Government Departments to be cautious with regard to the amount of work they put on to local authorities?

That is not a question for me.

asked the Minister of Labour what action he proposes to take for the reabsorption into industry of the displaced juvenile labour, consequent upon the curtailment of non-essential industries?

The measures for the re-absorption of displaced labour outlined in recent announcements will apply to juveniles as well as to adults. My hon. Friend will appreciate that in addition to the expanding requirements of war production, the calling-up of young men for the Forces causes a demand for juveniles as substitutes. I will, however, keep a special watch on this matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind the fact that this affects Lancashire to an extraordinary degree?

Yes, Sir, I am aware of that, and in view of the effects of the concentration of industry on young people I have directed that special consideration be given to this case.

Have any steps been taken by my right hon. Friend towards the absorption into industry of golf caddies who are not now required?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings, what steps are taken by his Department to ensure continuity of work in establishments engaged on contracts, particularly contracts involving processes of brass-finishing, for his Department; and whether he has any statement to make regarding co-operation between his Department and other Ministries to achieve the optimum employment of such establishments in the war effort?

I have been asked to reply. In industries where capacity is limited, requirements are estimated well ahead, and repeat orders are placed whenever possible in time to prevent breaks in production. Close contact with other Departments concerned is maintained, and the Ministry is co-operating in the scheme for the concentration of production which, by eliminating surplus capacity, will make the placing of continuing orders increasingly necessary.

Would the hon. Gentleman draw the attention of the Ministry of Works and Buildings to the fact that, when a contract placed by that Ministry for auxiliary fine service equipment comes to an end, very valuable skilled labour and essential equipment, specialised plant, are thrown out of work, unless there is co-ordination, so that the labour and plant can be kept in use? Will he see that something is done to prevent that loss to the war effort?

I will ask my Noble Friend to look into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps have been taken to explain to the Australian authorities in charge of internment camps there the difference between victims of Nazi oppression and pro-Nazi, and to secure special treatment or release for the former?

The Australian authorities were given, before the arrival of the internees, such available information as would assist in their classification. As regards arrangements for release, I would refer my right hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to my hon. Friend the Member for North Lambeth (Mr. G. Strauss) on 21st January, and would add that, my representa- tive, Major J. D. Layton, is now in Australia.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at present the treatment in the camps is on all fours with that of prisoners of war May I ask whether Major Layton has instructions to make a change, or urge such a change, so that there is a distinction between those who are our friends and those who are our enemies?

I can assure the right hon. Member that, if Major Layton sees things which are capable of improvement and adjustment, he will make friendly representations to the Australian authorities.

Is it not possible to make it clear to the Australians that here we made a distinction between those who are our friends and those who are our enemies before these people were sent out, and that the authorities in Australia might well follow our example?

Major Layton will be familiar with that fact, and I can assure my hon. Friend that he can rely on his taking suitable friendly action if that is necessary.

Can any of these people make direct representations to the representative who has been sent there?

Yes, Sir. He will be in direct touch with them in the same way as internees are in touch with Mr. Paterson in Canada.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in suitable cases and when recommended by the camp commandant, reliable released internees can be allowed to retain, or resume, as salaried employés, posts of a responsible character which they had filled unpaid during internment?

I doubt whether what the hon. Lady has in mind is practicable, but if she will submit particulars of any case or cases in which she suggests that the course indicated might be followed, I will consider the matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the gradual release of the most reliable internees is depleting seriously the services of the camps and the retention of some of these as salaried workers would be very helpful to the commandants in keeping up the morale and exercising a very useful influence on the remaining internees? I thank the right hon. Gentleman for undertaking to consider cases.

asked the Home Secretary under what circumstances release from internment is granted to refugees from Nazi oppression in Category C conditional on their remaining in the employment of a particular firm; and how many have been dealt with in this way.

Nearly 300 aliens of enemy nationality, whose cases do not fall within any of the categories of eligibility for release set out in the White Paper, have been released under special schemes for employment in work of national importance. These men, being released for special purposes, are required on release to work for a specified employer but may change their employment with the consent of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.

Do I understand that there are no persons who have been released solely on condition that they must remain with a particular employer and cannot change?

They have been released for special purposes on the understanding that they go to work for a particular employer, but they can transfer with the consent of the Minister of Labour. It will be seen that, if aliens are released on certain conditions, it is only fair that we should see to it that those conditions are observed.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has seen a circular, of which a copy has been sent to him, dated 12th February, from the National Society of Operative Printers and Assistants, giving advice to its members as to the terms on which they shall undertake fire-watching duties; and whether he is satisfied with the spirit and degree of cooperation shown in this circular?

I have received a copy of the circular, but I understand that it was issued before the recent consultations between Ministers and representatives of the Trades Union Congress and employers' associations. In the course of these discussions general agreement was reached regarding a number of the matters mentioned in the circular, and certain misunderstandings were removed.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention had been drawn to the prosecution, last week, at Southampton, of a Miss Mary Tuk, for flashing a torch towards the sky during an air-raid on Southampton, who violently resisted arrest, assaulted a policeman, and shouted abuse of England; and will he, at the expiration of the four months' imprisonment to which she was sentenced, either have her put under restraint or deported to Eire, whence she originally came under a different name?

I have had inquiry made in this case. The offences committed by this woman have been dealt with by prosecution and conviction, and I have no doubt that the sentence imposed by the justices will have a salutary effect. On the information before me, the case is not one in which the public interest requires any such action on my part as my hon. Friend suggests.

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that a woman who behaves as this woman behaved on this occasion will be a constant public menace if she is allowed to be free?

This was a case where the woman was very naughty and said things she ought not to have said, but the fact is that she has been given four months' imprisonment for the offence. While I reserve the right of internment, if, on security grounds, I think it is necessary, nevertheless I think I must be very careful in accepting the principle that if a citizen has been punished and imprisoned, I should go further.

My right hon. Friend has made no effort to refer to the alternative, that of deporting this woman to her country of origin. Is it right, with losses to civilian life of men, women and children continually taking place, that we should keep at liberty a woman who has deliberately signalled to German airmen when raiding Southampton?

The answer in regard to deporting her to Ireland is that I have no powers to do so.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the question again at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make an immediate review of the Civil Defence services on Clydeside and also the arrangements for evacuation and communal feeding with a view to securing a greater measure of efficiency and co-ordination?

The experience of the recent raids has already been the subject of close examination and is being examined in all its aspects by the Departments concerned, in consultation with the Regional Commissioner and District Commissioner.

Will the right hon. Gentleman pay particular attention in the examination to a closer relation between the Civil Defence services proper and those coming under the Department of Health? Also, who is responsible for seeing that feeding arrangements, which are now under voluntary, statutory and industrial supervision, are co-ordinated? Who is responsible for evacuation? Is it the Regional Commissioner or the local authority, because these questions are exercising considerable attention on Clydeside?

Supervision of communal feeding is the responsibility of the Ministry of Food. Evacuation is the responsibility of the Department of Health in Scotland. Co-ordination will be effected in Scotland as a whole through the Regional Commissioner. There is the closest relationship between the Secretary of State and myself and the Scottish Department at Edinburgh and the Regional Commissioner. I am shortly going to Scotland, and I hope to confer with all the authorities on the spot.

Would it not be more effective and more efficient if the whole matter was dealt with by the Secretary of State for Scotland?

Will the right hon. Gentleman acquaint himself with the remarks of the Minister of Labour yesterday with regard to the serious shortage of canteen arrangements in the docks in that area?

That would not be my responsibility, but that of the Minister of Transport. It is quite impossible to centralise every function which has any bearing upon Civil Defence. You would just get the machine choked. On the point raised by my hon. and learned Friend opposite, I do not think there is any need for any change in that respect. The appropriate Department does the appropriate job. While I would not press the analogy too far, it might be as unwise to split up the security and strategical considerations of Civil Defence as a national concern as it would be to disconnect the Army in Scotland from its proper contacts with the Imperial General Staff at the War Office.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will instruct the civil police to pass on to the War Office and Air Ministry, for disciplinary action, proved complaints of local residents about faulty black-outs of premises under the control of those Departments?

The instructions given to the police provide that when lights are observed in a Service Department's establishment, the matter is reported by the police to the Officer Commanding the establishment or unit concerned. The Service Departments have issued instructions to secure that these reports receive proper attention, and that any necessary disciplinary action is taken.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is in a position to say what further steps are to be taken to instruct the public in the correct use of their respirators, and to ensure that they are properly fitted?

A campaign which will be progressive and will include broadcasts, leaflets and other suitable measures has already begun.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many gas respirators do not fit? Will he in the next few weeks instruct wardens to give new fittings?

That must be done through local channels, and instructions have been given. If hon. Members know of places where it has not been done, I shall be glad to look into it. No doubt, if it is in their own constituencies, they will take it up with their local authorities.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that Members of Parliament are giving a suitable lead in the matter?

I have communicated privately with hon. Members. I think it is, in a sense, a duty on their part to set a good example to the public.

asked the Home Secretary what steps are being taken to ensure that adequate supplies of ointment for dealing with the effects of blister gases are made readily available to the public in case of emergency?

Bleach ointment has been on sale for some time, and anti-gas ointment No. 2, which is better, is now procurable through any chemist. To meet the needs of those members of the public who do not provide themselves with a supply of ointment, arrangements have been made for bleach cream, which cannot readily be carried in small containers, to be available in the event of emergency at chemists' shops.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Czecho-Slovakia before Munich every citizen was given a small pocket outfit? Would it not be possible to supply such an outfit to wardens and other Civil Defence workers?

I will consider the point, but I think the arrangements that we have made are satisfactory.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the results of recent counts made at Manchester of the number of civilians who were carrying respirators, particulars of which have been sent him; and whether he will consider the advisability of making the non-carrying of respirators a punishable offence?

My hon. Friend's suggestion has already been considered, but the difficulties in the way of an order which would be workable and enforceable are great. It has been thought preferable, at any rate for the time being, to rely on the good sense of the public once the urgency of the matter has been brought home to them by the measures which are now being developed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his broadcast last Sunday has already had an excellent effect, and will be continue the good work until the percentage of people carrying respirators is raised to a much higher figure?

I am much obliged to my hon. Friend. Testimonials are always grateful.

asked the Home Secretary the cost of public air-raid shelters which, owing to poor material and bad construction, are unfit for use; and who was responsible for the preparation of the specifications of these shelters and, therefore, for the waste of a considerable sum of public money?

I presume my hon. Friend is referring to brick surface shelters in the construction of which lime-mortar was used. In answer to a Question by the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher) on 20th March, I explained the circumstances in which these shelters were constructed and I cannot add anything to that Answer.

In view of the fact that these shelters have proved unsatisfactory and that at the time of their construction the local officials knew that the specifications were unsatisfactory, will the Government agree to pay a 100 per cent. grant of the cost, since the Government were responsible?

I will consider that point, but I do not think it would be fair to pay local authorities a 100 per cent. grant in all cases. Not all this particular type of shelter are objectionable. Quite a number are all right, but we are taking a survey and weeding out those that arc objectionable.

Why blame the local authorities for a shortage of cement?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that certain day nurseries have been closed for lack of air-raid shelter provision, and that, due to this, mothers employed in ordnance factories have been compelled to leave their employment; and whether steps are being taken to remedy this deficiency?

I am not aware of the closure of any day nurseries for the reason mentioned, but if my hon. Friend will let me know of specific instances, I will have inquiries made.

While expressing respectful surprise at the Minister's statement that he is not in possession of this information, I shall be glad to supply him with it.

I will receive it respectfully.

asked the Minister of Health why families driven by bombing from Whitstable are not given billeting allowances equally with those who are evacuated from London, in view of the financial difficulties that this involves upon the poorer classes?

It is not the case that persons whose homes in Whitstable are rendered uninhabitable by enemy action are treated differently in the matter or billeting allowances from those whose homes are in London. Persons in these circumstances are, wherever their homes may be, entitled to be billeted, though for reasons of national security persons coming from other areas cannot be billeted in certain towns. If my right hon. Friend will let me know of an particular case he has in mind, I shall be glad to look into it.

Is it not the case that people evacuated from London, although their houses had not been destroyed, receive a billeting allowance, but that people evacuated from parts of Kent, where the situation is quite as bad, do not?

If my right hon. Friend will study my Answer, he will see that there is no differentiation on the point put in his Question. The issue he had in mind, I understood, is where people who were evacuated from one area where a scheme applies have gone to an area where for security reasons the Government do not desire them to go.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the exorbitant rents that are being charged for domestic and business premises in areas affected by enemy action; and whether he will take steps to stop this form of profiteering?

Yes, Sir, and in the case of houses I have in every case communicated at once with the local authority concerned. The question of business premises is one primarily for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. Persons who charge extortionate rents for furnished lettings are liable under the Rent Restrictions Acts to a fine not exceeding £100, and as the hon. Member knows, I have urged local authorities to prosecute in these cases. Some authorities have already taken successful action, and a number of prosecutions are impending. I am about to issue a further circular to local authorities emphasising the increasing need for vigilance, and I shall be glad to have details of any cases which have come to the notice of my hon. Friend or, indeed, of any other Members of this House so that I may look into them.

In sending out the circular, will the Minister bear in mind that these things are happening not only in the towns immediately affected but in the areas outside, and see that the circular goes to the other authorities as well?

It will be sent to all authorities concerned.

Will the right hon. Gentleman act in conjunction with the Secretary of State for Scotland in this matter?

indicated assent.

asked the Minister of Health what steps are taken to protect the homes of soldiers whose wives become liable for compulsory service; and whether he can give an assurance that their homes will not be commandeered and abused by careless and thoughtless people?

I would emphasise that the requisitioning of houses for occupation by the homeless and by other classes of persons is restricted in the main to unoccupied and unfurnished premises, and that furnished premises are requisitioned only in the last resort when other suitable accommodation is not available. Whilst I sympathise with the objects which my hon. Friend has in mind and I am sure local authorities will give all possible consideration in circumstances such as those which he mentions, I do not think it would be practicable to exclude from requisitioning, where this is essential in the public interest, the houses of any particular sections of the community. With regard to the last part of the Question, compensation is payable under the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939, for the use of the property.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the advisability of making arrangements for special food, such as eggs and fruit, to be supplied to children needing it for health reasons, through the clinics or some public agency, with a view to making it unnecessary for mothers with children, who are ill and require attention, to stand for hours in queues?

I have been in consultation with my Noble Friend the Minister of Food, and I understand that he has under consideration the special needs of young children for such foods.

Can my right hon. Friend say when a definite statement will be made as to the arrangements?

I cannot say that. My hon. Friend will understand that this is really a responsibility of my Noble Friend, but I thought the hon. Member would be glad to have the information I have given.

asked the Minister of Health how many deaths from diphtheria were registered in the year 1939, and how many in 1940; how many in each year were of children under five years of age; and how many from 5 to 10 years of age?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is now able to make a statement on the steps proposed for securing that modern and properly organised treatment is provided for fracture cases occurring amongst industrial workers?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have consulted the Minister of Labour and other Ministers concerned, and propose to provide for these cases as far as possible under the Emergency Hospital Scheme. The hospital accommodation available under this scheme includes a large number of beds in hospitals and orthopaedic centres which are, or will shortly be, specially equipped for dealing with cases of fracture. In these hospitals and centres there are available, in addition to surgical skill of the highest class, the most modern forms of treatment by physio-therapy—including massage, electricity, and remedial exercises—and occupational therapy. For the purpose of treating war casualties, both military and civil, these facilities are welded together into a comprehensive organisation, supervised by the consultants in orthopaedic surgery employed by the Ministry of Health and the Department of Health for Scotland, so that the patients can be sent to the hospitals best suited for dealing with their injuries and, if necessary, transferred from one to another in the course of their treatment. The treatment of casualties is and must remain the primary purpose of the Emergency Hospital Scheme. But, in order to secure the fullest possible use of the organisation which has been provided, the Government have decided that in so far as there are vacant beds not likely to be required for the treatment of war casualties, they should be made available for fracture cases occurring amongst certain classes of the civil population whose early return to work is of special importance to the national cause.

Accordingly, cases of fracture sustained, whether in the course of their work or not, by manual workers engaged in any of the following employments, namely, munition work—including ship-building and ship-repairing—building and civil engineering, mining, agriculture, fishing, public utility undertakings, shipping and transport, will be eligible for treatment in hospitals or centres under the emergency scheme, in so far as facilities are available. Whole-time paid civil defence personnel will also be included in these arrangements. As in the case of certain classes of the civil population who are under existing arrangements admitted to hospitals in the scheme for general treatment, the patient admitted under the new scheme will be expected to contribute through any contributory association to which he may belong, or if he is not a member of such an association, to pay such amount as he can reasonably afford towards the cost of his treatment, according to ordinary hospital practice. I may also add that the ordinary practice in Scottish hospitals will continue.

Will the same opportunities be available for Civil Defence workers?

I have said so—for whole-time Civil Defence workers.

Will they not be available for part-time Civil Defence workers?

No, Sir.

Will these excellent arrangements be extended not only to fracture cases but to many other cases which require the same treatment, and rehabilitation, and are equally important, and will my right hon. Friend avoid a duplicate organisation?

There has been no duplicate organisation. My hon. Friend will know that the number of first-class hospitals with first-class equipment and surgeons with special qualifications is limited. What we have to do is to use those le-sources to the maximum extent in order to get those injured in industries vital to the war effort and whole-time Civil Defence workers back to their posts at the earliest possible moment. That is the prime intention.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider if any assistance can be given to farmers on non-potato growing ground who are ordered to grow so many acres of potatoes and who may, in consequence, be involved in a loss?

Under the Agricultural Requisites Assistance Scheme, potato growers can obtain assistance from their war agricultural executive committee in regard to the supply of seed potatoes, fertilisers, implements, etc. Prices for this year's crop will be fixed at a level which will ensure to growers a remunerative return on their crop as a whole, and the principle of relieving individual growers of a risk of being unable to find a market will be maintained. While, therefore, variation in yield is to be expected as between established potato-growing areas and new areas, I do not think that any class of grower is being called upon to undertake undue risk in cultivating potatoes this year or that there is need for further measures of assistance.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the very large loss of foodstuffs involved in the slaughter of stock on account of foot-and-mouth disease, he is exploring every avenue in search of possible cures; and whether his Department has accepted offers of demonstrations of cures for this disease by the late lecturer in special pathology, University College, Dublin?

It is not the fact, as suggested in the hon. Member's Question, that very large losses of foodstuffs are involved in the slaughter of stock on account of foot-and-mouth disease. As I have already stated, the majority of the carcases are salvaged for human consumption. The gentleman referred to in the last part of the Question was afforded an opportunity by the Food-and-Mouth Disease Research Committee of proving his claim to have solved the problem of preventing and curing foot-and-mouth disease.

Is the Minister aware that the professor had a letter recently in the '' Times '' in which he said he had offered the Ministry of Agriculture demonstrations of a cure, but was refused?

Yes, Sir, but I think the hon. Member has been long enough in public life not to take notice of every letter in a newspaper and not to assume that what a writer says is correct.

May I say that I have every reason to believe that in this case it is correct?

While the Minister is exploring every avenue, will he take care to see that he leaves no stone unturned?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will take action in the case of a Buckinghamshire mansion, of which he has been informed, where a head gardener and 15 gardeners are employed; where no efforts to grow foodstuffs, except food for the house, are made, and flower beds are camouflaged with inter-sown lettuce; and whether he will take steps to put an end to this defiance of the national interests?

I have no information as to the facts beyond what have been brought to my notice by the hon. Member, but I will inquire into the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman draw the attention of his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the fact that there are still people who can afford to keep 15 gardeners? Does he not think it rather discreditable and that the facts, as put forward in my Question, reflect very badly upon the Astors of Cliveden?

I would much rather await inquiry to see whether the facts brought to my notice by the hon. Member are correct before I express any opinion.

Would the Minister make inquiries as to whether this Buckinghamshire mansion is now used as a private residence or as a military convalescent home?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, for the duration of the war, he will, for Income Tax purposes, assess the earnings of women engaged on work of national importance separately from those of their husbands?

My hon. Friend will not expect my right hon. Friend to anticipate his Budget Statement.

Is not my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that, realising the calls upon his Department at the present moment, I couched this Question in extraordinarily moderate language and that I expected some justice in his reply?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the position of Canadians who are serving in United Kingdom Forces and, owing to exchange regulations, are unable to remit part of their pay to dependants in Canada; and whether he will seek an arrangement with the Canadian Government for some special provision of exchange to relieve this hardship?

Yes, Sir, Arrangements are being made whereby Canadians resident in Canada, who have come to this country for war service, should be in a position to arrange for remittances to be made for the support of dependants in Canada.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he pro poses to make provision for 1941–42 and subsequent years on the lines of Sub section (5) of Section 17 of the Finance Act, 1940, so that rents under long leases and other annual payments in respect of land in Scotland for the period ending on the 15th day of May in any year, shall be treated for the purposes of the Section as if they had become due at the commencement of that period?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, following the passage of the Lease-Lend Act, he will consider consulting the American Government as to the desirability of making substantial modifications in the law relating to the holding and use of dollar currency by British nationals in the United States of America and also inquire into the advisability of creating generally a freer exchange of currency between Great Britain and the United States of America?

No, Sir. I must emphasise the fact that, notwithstanding the passage of the Lease-Lend Act, our overseas commitments to be met in gold or dollars remain very large. It therefore remains essential to our war effort that our exchange resources should be conserved to the maximum degree, and that the Exchange Control regulations should be strictly complied with by all concerned.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food when he proposes to investigate the working of the new marmalade-jam Orders; and whether experience has already shown that the supplies of jam will be excessive unless they are rationed separately from the other commodities which are now included with it?

The scheme, as my hon. Friend will be aware, is of very recent inception, and its working is being kept under continuous review. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what steps he has taken, or proposes to take, to make the premises of ice-skating rinks available for cold-storage of foodstuffs during the war emergency; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

The technical difficulties of converting ice rinks into cold stores are such that it is cheaper and more satisfactory in every way to build new buildings. The machinery from ice rinks will, however, be used in new cold stores whenever this can be done.

Is it a fact that there is a shortage of cold storage at the present time?

That is another question, but the position could not be improved by using ice rinks.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in excluding the colliery surface worker from the higher ration of cheese granted to the mineworkers, regard was had to the heavy nature of the work many surface workers are engaged upon; and whether the Minister would be prepared to meet representatives of the coal industry to discuss this question?

The higher ration of cheese is to meet the special case of underground miners who require to take suitable food with them. It is not a supplementary ration in respect of heavy work. My noble Friend keeps in close touch with the T.U.C. and he feels that discussion with them is the proper course, in view of the representative mature of that body.

In view of the deputation received by the noble Lord and the undertaking given as to canteens for surface workers, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman and the Secretary for Mines press forward for the provision of such canteens?

Yes, Sir. I shall be very glad to do so.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that certain schools which provide midday meals are experiencing a difficulty in obtaining supplies from the usual sources and that this is also hampering the extension of school dinners; and whether he will arrange for school authorities to obtain what they require by direct supply through the local food executive officer, when circumstances make this desirable?

I am aware that some schools have experienced difficulty in obtaining supplies of meat, but I have no information to indicate that difficulty has arisen regarding other foodstuffs. Supplies of food are normally furnished to schools through trade channels and it is not practicable to depart from that procedure, but if my hon. Friend has any particular schools in mind I shall be glad to make inquiries.

What is the objection, since local authorities are getting this food direct through the local food offices for their communal restaurants, to the schools being able to get their food from the same source?

I will look into that point.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give figures showing the amount of tobacco imported and the value of the retail sales of tobacco during the last four six-monthly periods for which such figures are available?

The latest figures that can be published regarding imports of tobacco relate to the year 1939. In the first and second half years of 1938 and 1939, total imports of tobacco into the United Kingdom amounted successively to 125.8, 220.3, 97.9 and 114.7 million lbs. Corresponding information about the value of retail sales is not available.

Is the Minister satisfied that the imports are decreasing and are not putting an undue burden upon our shipping facilities?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement about the effect on the United Kingdom export policy of the Lease-Lend Act?

Yes, Sir. This country needs more and more supplies of every kind from the United States. His Majesty's Government are grateful for the ungrudging aid which they have already received, and are fortified by the assurance which the Lease-Lend Act provides for continued supplies of essential goods. Our need for dollars, however, remains very great and anything which adds to our dollar earnings is a contribution of first-rate importance to our cause. That is one reason why His Majesty's Government still regard it as a necessity for this country to maintain and extend its exports to the United States, and continue to give every assistance to that trade. The extent to which this purpose can be achieved, of course, depends largely on the response of buyers in the United States, and I trust that they will continue to ask for our products. Experience will, I think, have demonstrated to them our ability to produce and deliver the goods and to maintain their traditional high quality.

asked the Minister of Supply, in view of the urgency of the matter and the pressing local demand, what steps the Government have taken towards the erection and equipment of munition factories in Northern Ireland, in view of its security hitherto and the available labour?

As already indicated in answer to a Question by my hon. Friend on 30th January, I do not think it advisable to make any public statement regarding steps taken to erect and equip munition factories.

Will the hon. Gentleman push forward the erection of these factories in order to provide work at home for our Ulstermen instead of bringing them across to this country?