asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the representation made by the Ammanford Urban District Council, urging the establishment of suitable industries in the area to provide suitable work for the increasing number of men disabled from working in the coalmines by silicosis and now unemployed, who could work in suitable occupations; and whether he will take steps to assist in this direction?

Yes, Sir. I recognise the desirability of providing local work for these men so far as this is practicable. My hon. Friend will appreciate, however, that the establishment of new factories in any area is a matter for the Supply Departments, whose decision must be subject to strategic and technical requirements. I am discussing with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture whether these men might be employed in agricultural work.

The Minister will recognise that the number of these men is growing, that they are deeply anxious to serve the country in these days, and that it will be a matter of very great satisfaction to them if they are given the opportunity?

I appreciate that; and I trust that I shall have the assistance of everybody concerned in organising these men and in transferring them to useful work.

Does the Minister realise that this disease is growing in the mining industry, and that if something can be done, it will be of value, not only for the present time but for the future?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour whether clerks employed by trade union approved societies, whether those societies are approved as a whole or are separate sections, are reserved occupations like trade union clerks?

The ages of reservation for clerks of approved societies and for whole-time clerks of trade unions are shown in the Schedule. The question of the occupation, if any, in which a particular man may be reserved depends in every case on the nature of the duties which he performs.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the duties of an approved society clerk are quite as important as those of a trade union clerk? Approved society clerks, however, do not seem to be reserved at all.

With reference to the comparative importance of the two, I think that my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. Both are treated alike. It depends on the work they are doing, and not merely upon the fact that they are clerks.

asked the Minister of Labour whether a man losing his present reservation is at liberty, on his own initiative, to transfer to alternative employment with a lower reserved age?

I would refer my hon. Friend to paragraph 15 of the explanatory memorandum to the revised edition of the Schedule of Reserved Occupations and Protected Work, dated 10th April, 1941.

Will the Minister let me have a copy?

It is in the Vote Office.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the great dissatisfaction, owing to many workshops and factories suitable for producing war and building materials, situated in the less dangerous areas and provided with adequate transport facilities, being laid idle or only on part-time employment; and what action he proposes to take to bring them into full employment?

If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any cases which he has in mind, I will gladly have inquiries made.

I will gladly do that. Will my right hon. Friend consider getting a register of these factories?

There is a register, on an entirely new basis, which I think will remove some of the difficulties. As I understand my hon. Friend's Question, he wants me to deal with specific cases, and to provide that work should be carried on in particular places.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the resolution communicated to him, on 10th April, by the Joint University Council for Social Studies and Public Administration, asking for the reservation from National Service of women students proposing to enter on recognised courses of training for social work; and whether he has been able to agree to this?

Yes, Sir. Women taking vocational training courses in social service, including housing estate management, or work as hospital almoners, club leaders, health visitors, welfare workers, child guidance workers and home teachers for the blind, will not be asked to abandon their studies as a result of their registration under the Registration for Employment Order, 1941. In my view these students will in general best serve the national interest by completing their courses of study.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make it compulsory for householders who have voluntarily absented themselves to take adequate precautions to facilitate the work of fire-watchers, and to make financial contributions towards the employment of paid fire-watchers in areas where the supply of volunteers is of necessity insufficient?

I sympathise with my hon. Friend's desire that unjustifiable absenteeism should not enable householders to transfer to others the responsibility for fire-bomb fighting, which would otherwise fall to them, and I am watching the position carefully I do not think, however, that a cash contribution, applicable to particular areas, is the right solution of the difficulty. Apart from the undesirability of constituting a special paid class of substitute fire watchers for residentail areas, in an organisation intended to function without payment for the benefit of the whole locality, there would be practical difficulties in determining the cases to which any arrangements on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend should be applied, and in distinguishing between circum- stances in which absence is justifiable, or, indeed, in the public interest, and those in which it is not.

asked the Home Secretary what arrangements are in force or prospect to enable fire-service officers employed by different local authorities to receive recognition and exercise authority when they are called upon to assist in quelling fires in districts other than their own?

All fire brigades have been instructed to provide a distinctive armlet for use by such officers, to show that they are acting under proper authority.

Is this particular aspect of fire fighting now functioning perfectly?

Nothing is ever working quite perfectly in these circumstances, where things cannot be exactly planned in advance, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that in the whole of this business we are not only studying, but planning and revising in every possible way, to make the best of a difficult situation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a pretty big measure of public opinion which thinks that his Department is not functioning well on this subject?

I can only say that I do not agree with it.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that it is impossible to carry out adequately the recommendations with regard to the provision of refreshments of fire-watchers contained in the memorandum on the Fire Prevention (Business Premises) Order, 1941, owing to the fact that the use of rationed foods, including tea, is not permitted; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will assist the successful operation of the Fire Prevention (Business Premises) Order, by ensuring that fire-watchers at night have refreshment facilities such as are obtainable by air raid precautions, Auxiliary Fire Service, and other services?

The provision of amenities for fire watchers at business premises is primarily a matter for the occupiers of the premises concerned. I am aware that there may be some difficulty with regard to the provision of refreshments by occupiers in present circumstances and the matter is under consideration by my Noble Friend the Minister of Food. I may point out that it has been explicitly stated that an allowance may be provided in lieu of refreshments.

What are firms to do if they are told that they must provide refreshment and the food control department refuses to give them facilities to do so?

I have said in my answer that that point, which is an important point, I agree, is under consideration by my noble Friend the Minister of Food, with whom we have been in communication.

Is the Home Secretary aware that they are not allowed to provide tea for fire-watchers although roof-spotters and others can have it?

I will keep that point in mind.

asked the Home Secretary whether a decision has now been reached on the question of enabling fire-watchers, under the compulsory scheme, to obtain their out-of-pocket expenses and, in particular, their travelling expenses from the owner or occupier of the premises concerned?

Yes, Sir, occupiers of business premises have been asked to reimburse such expenses. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the memorandum in which this request was made.

Is it in the nature of a Regulation or is it an Order? Are they compelled to pay it?

They have been asked to do so, and there is a recommendation in the Order. Perhaps my hon. Friend will have a look at the Order, and I will consider that point.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in the case of large-scale enemy air-raids, such as the one on Wednesday, 16th April, investiga- tions are made in all cases where buildings have been burned out to ascertain whether the existing system of fire watching in respect of such buildings was adequate and, so far as possible, effective?

The general efficiency of the existing fire prevention system under raid conditions is reviewed as necessary by my officers. It is, however, for the appropriate authorities under the Business Premises Order to satisfy themselves that arrangements for fire prevention at individual premises are adequate. Inspections can be made at any time to see whether the Order is being complied with. Such measures are more likely to be effective than investigations after a building has been burned out, when it may be difficult to establish the facts.

Is the Minister aware that many people are greatly disturbed about our present fire fighting arrangements, and will he have the whole matter reviewed?

I have already informed the House that fire fighting has been reviewed ever since I have been at the Ministry, and I understand that it was reviewed under the jurisdiction of my predecessor. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that every day this matter is considered. Great changes in the fire fighting department have been made, both nationally and locally, and there Has been much improvement. Further changes are under consideration, and I can assure the House that they need not suspect me of suffering from any complacency about this very dangerous matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the question of a national rehabilitation scheme for persons injured, either in the civil and military services or in industry, by enemy action; and whether he is instituting comprehensive medical services for this purpose?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the full statement on this subject which I made on 3rd April in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Gateshead (Mr. Magnay).

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate the need for urgency in this matter?

It is for that reason we worked out the scheme which is fully outlined in that long statement.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the shortage of working-class accommodation in many areas, he will consider prohibiting the alienation of any such accommodation from its present purposes except under the certificate of the local authority?

A local authority has power to billet compulsorily and to requisition premises for the accommodation of such categories of persons as evacuated mothers and children, families rendered homeless by bombing, and transferred war workers, and I do not consider that my hon. Friend's suggestion, which would be difficult to administer, is necessary. If, however, he will let me have particulars of any difficulties which have come to his notice, I will be happy to have inquiries made.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that hardship is being caused to many owners of small dwellings whose property has been requisitioned for housing homeless persons by delay in determining the rent to be paid, and thereafter, by payment on a scale inadequate to meet building society payments; and will he investigate the position with a view to speeding up decisions of district valuers and permitting local authorities to pay rent which will meet the commitments of the owner in respect of his property?

As my hon. Friend will appreciate, district valuers are at present working under great pressure but I am assured that the need for speed in dealing with the valuation of requisitioned premises is fully recognised and everything possible is done to avoid unnecessary delays. Advances on account of compensation can be and are made where the final settlement is likely to be unduly delayed. If my hon. Friend will send me particulars, I shall be glad to examine any cases he has in mind. The amount of compensation is governed by the terms of the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has yet decided upon the advisability of issuing identity cards for the whole population, bearing the photographs of their owners?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply of 20th March to a similar Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing (Sir F. Sanderson).

Is the Minister aware that in the event of invasion these identity cards would give no proof at all, but would be a positive danger? Would he not take into consideration—because it would not be expensive or difficult—having a properly attested photograph attached to the inside of each identity card?

If my hon. Friend had read the answer given by my predecessor, he would have seen in the long statement he made that it was not considered necessary. After all these and other suggestions had been borne in mind, the conclusion arrived at was that the adoption of this suggestion would be no greater safeguard than the present identity card.

But does the Minister know of any country where there are identity cards with no photographs?

How many people working how many hours would it take to photograph 48,000,000 people?

I could not say.

What is the use of these cards at the present time?

Proceedings have been instituted and penalties have been imposed in a number of cases of infringements.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give the percentage of parents who arc contributing the full amount for the billeting of evacuated children, the percentage of those who are paying the minimum and the percentage of those who are paying nothing at all?

A payment of 6s. per week for an unaccompanied evacuated school child is accepted from the parents as a full recovery, although voluntary contributions of additional amounts are made. Parents unable to pay 6s. per week per child are assessed at lower figures arrived at by the application of a uniform scale, and parents in receipt of assistance pay nothing. Information giving the number of parents and the different rates per child which they pay is not available, and I do not feel justified in asking local authorities to undertake the analysis of their records which would be necessary to obtain it. The latest returns show that nearly 30 per cent. of the evacuated children are on "nil" assessments owing to the operation of the scale or because their parents are in receipt of assistance, and that the average payment in respect of the remainder is about 3s. per week.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the long period of their detention, arrangements can be made for husbands, wives and children, detained under Regulation 18B to live together?

I am afraid that in present circumstances it is impracticable, on security and other grounds, to arrange for married quarters to be provided for husbands and wives who are both detained under Regulation 18B. There are no children so detained.

While it may be the right thing to detain these people, will my right hon. Friend look into the matter again, because this is a very serious matter for the people concerned?

I will not entirely close my mind on the point, but there are real difficulties. Moreover, there would be some cases of inequality as between cases where both husband and wife are interned and cases where only one is interned and where they are separated anyway.

Has my right hon. Friend not yet had time to ameliorate the punitive conditions under which so many people against whom no charge has been preferred, are detained?

I do not think that that is a subject raised by the Question on the Paper.

asked the Home Secretary whether inquiries and investigations are now being undertaken, in conjunction with the Air Ministry, with the object of an amelioration in our system of public lighting during next winter, in order to mitigate the disadvantages of the black-out which existed last winter?

An investigation was made last year into the possibility of providing somewhat stronger street lighting, but it was decided that this could not be pursued in the situation obtaining last winter. The question whether any steps can be taken to provide better street lighting for next winter must depend upon the strategical situation.

While I appreciate that, would my right hon. Friend do everything possible to investigate the matter, in view of the fact that the Prime Minister at the beginning of last winter informed the House that an amelioration of street lighting conditions would be affected?

That is true, but my hon. Friend will remember that that statement was followed by the very heavy air attacks at night, which altered the situation. We are watching the question, but I think public opinion would be rather apprehensive, as things are, about any increase in street lighting.

Having regard to the fact that the Germans light up the towns during air raids, could we not light them up when there are no raids?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that great distress has been caused to interned refugees of enemy extraction by learning that although originally placed in category C or B by tribunals, they have since been reclassified, with or without rehearing by a later tribunal, in category A, a classification generally believed to imply either bad character or established hostility to the cause for which we are fighting; whether he will, therefore, state what interpretation is attached by the Home Office to classification as A, B or C, respectively; and whether he is satisfied that the tribunals and officials engaged on classification have been guided by this interpretation?

A German or Austrian in category A is one who is interned, not in pursuance of the policy of general internment adopted last spring, but as a result of examination and consideration of the circumstances of his individual case, either by a tribunal, a committee, or the police, acting under the general instructions of the Secretary of State or by the Secretary of State himself. While in each case it is considered that, having regard to the available information about the alien, he cannot safely be left at liberty, the circumstances of the individual cases vary considerably, and it does not necessarily follow that an alien in category A is of bad character or has been proved to be hostile to our cause. The Germans and Austrians originally placed in categories B and C by the tribunals and Regional Advisory Committees were those whom, before the policy of general internment was adopted, it was not thought necessary to intern, although some of them have subsequently been interned on grounds personal to themselves and transferred to category A. Classification in category B meant that exemption from the special restrictions imposed on enemy aliens by the Aliens Order was not granted; classification in category C that exemption from such restrictions was granted. Generally speaking the grant of exemption depended upon whether or not the available information showed that the alien was a trustworthy and reliable person and either a refugee from Nazi oppression or a person with firm ties of association and sympathy with this country. As regards the last part of the Question I am satisfied that the general principles governing this classification were, and are, well understood by the various tribunals, committees and officials concerned.

Will my right hon. Friend make this reply widely known to the internees? Is not the distinction between categories B and C that he has enunciated out of date, as the conditions which apply to the restriction of the movement of B category aliens also apply to C category aliens? What is the distinction in the present terms?

I think I have stated the distinction, and it is being operated. I will consider the suggestion of the hon. Lady as to the possibility of making this known among the persons concerned.

Are we to understand from what my right hon. Friend has said that a person who is classified as B or C can have that classification altered to A without a hearing?

I think not; there is an opportunity of a hearing.

asked the Home Secretary whether representations have been made, and with what result, to the Australian Commonwealth authorities concerning the desirability of revoking the rule which forbids alien internees in Australia from sending cables, and the more recent rule which limits their letters to 24 lines, as the prohibition of cables is a hardship to internees desiring rapid communication with their families concerning release applications, business affairs, emigration plans or serious sickness; and will he endeavour to secure permission for cables at least in such cases?

The Australian authorities have under consideration a modification, so far as internees sent from this country are concerned, of the regulation which prohibits internees in Australia from sending cables overseas. The rule as to the number and length of letters is similar to that applying to internees in this country but camp commandants in Australia, like commandants in this country, have discretion to relax these limitations in special circumstances. There is no restriction on internees letters relating to release and associated matters sent through official channels.

Can my right hon. Friend use his good offices with the Australian Government to expedite their discussions on the question of cables? It is a cruel hardship for these men, who have been torn from their families at a moment's notice because they cannot get a reply to a letter in less than four months and sometimes six months.

I have said that the Australian authorities have the matter under consideration, but I will keep the hon. Lady's point in mind.

asked the Home Secretary under what authority a Regional Commissioner postponed from day to day, for a total period of 56 hours, the rescue work of women and children imprisoned under air-raid debris in spite of protests of wardens and others willing to carry on the work; and will he take away such powers at once pending inquiry?

No such instructions were issued by the Regional Commissioner. I understand that in view of the extreme improbability of any living persons remaining under the wreckage and of the imminent danger of collapse of the surrounding buildings, the rescue parties were withdrawn on two nights. The decision whether to suspend or continue operations in such circumstances is always a difficult one and must rest with the officers of the local authority concerned. On the information at present before me I do not think any special inquiry is called for.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state whether he secured information from both sides, because there is an overwhelming amount of information which he could have obtained from the police and others in adjoining places; and is he aware also that it is rumoured that the Regional Commissioner himself or one of his representatives was physically present, or that at any rate they were working under regulations that he had issued to the effect that a dangerous-looking wall should be avoided?

There were no instructions issued by the Regional Commissioner, and as far as I know there is no regulation which governs that particular kind of thing in particular cases. 1 fully understand that there is some feeling in Brighton about the matter, and I appreciate the point. If I was convinced that the local authority were giving a general instruction on this point that parties should not work after dark, I would certainly intervene, but the whole issue here is whether, in the particular circumstances of this incident, the people in charge were wrong or right. I do not think that at this stage and time I could reconstruct it, and there is not enough evidence before me to make a prima facie case against the judgment of local officers. The responsibility really is theirs and not mine.

Who gave the order? If there are printed instructions issued by the Regional Commissioners, it does not require anybody to give an order. It simply says, "Knock off work," and as a result of knocking off work, two wardens resigned, and hundreds of people were willing to take on the work in spite of all.

I cannot believe that there were any printed instructions which involved leaving off work in this case. It is the case all over the country that repeatedly rescue parties work on all through the night in order to get something cleared away, but there were circumstances in this case in which officers of the local authority on the spot took the view"that there were no live persons left —that turned out to be wrong, but that was their view—and that there was an imminent danger of a crashing of the wall which' would have killed the rescue party. They may have been right or wrong about it, but that was their judgment on the merits of the case at the time. I do not think that the Minister can be called upon to conduct inquiries into particular incidents of this sort, which are the responsibility of the local authority, unless he thinks their general policy is wrong, and I have no evidence to that effect.

On a point of Order —

rose—

asked the Home Secretary whether he will sanction payment of remuneration to district wardens in excess of the warden's rate, in view of their greater responsibilities, or whether local authorities may pay 5s. per week extra for this work from their own resources?

asked the Home Secretary, whether he has now come to a conclusion upon the proposal submitted to him, that the officers occupying a more responsible post in the civil defence services should receive increased remuneration?

I hope to be in a position to announce a decision on this matter very shortly.

Will it be any good my putting down a question next week?

I do not think that it will be next week, but I will try and keep in touch with my hon. Friend on that point.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that Miss Unity Mitford has now recovered from her illness; and whether he has considered the desirability of detaining her under Regulation 18B on account of her past close associations with Nazi leaders and her declared pro-Nazi views?

My information as to the condition of this person's health and the circumstances under which she is living does not indicate that there is at present any ground which makes it necessary in the interests of national security to exercise control over her.

Would my right hon. Friend say whether the illness from which this woman is suffering is called "Quis-lingitis," and would she not derive beneficial treatment by being transferred to the Isle of Man for a short period?

The sole consideration for me in this case, as in all such cases, is whether it is necessary in the interests of national security that a person should be detained. In this case I am not convinced that it is necessary, and, therefore, I do not propose to detain her. If circumstances should change, however, I should reconsider the matter.

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that this case makes people less convinced of the necessity for keeping hundreds of others in detention?

That is a debating point. What my hon. Friend is putting to me is that I should put people I do not like under detention, and I cannot do that.

Can my right hon. Friend say why this particular woman should have special privileges?

It is not a special privilege for a British citizen to be at liberty. Nobody will suggest that the Home Office have come to that point yet. The sole point for me in all these cases, as I have said, is whether in the public interest and the interests of security a case requires detention. If it does, I detain, and if it does not, I do not.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a very widespread feeling, in view of this person's record, that special consideration has been given?

I can assure my hon. Friend that I have given no special consideration, and I would not do so. I am exercising here a quasi-judicial function, and I could not allow myself to be influenced by popular feeling. I must do what is right in the interests of the security of the State.

Why does not the right hon. Gentleman like her?

Hitler does.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what steps he is taking to prevent the waste of food in Covent Garden market?

A certain amount of waste is unavoidable in fresh fruit and vegetable markets, but any person who fails to take reasonable steps to prevent the waste of food of which he has control is liable to prosecution under the Waste of Food Order.

Have the Department any knowledgeable inspectors to see that waste does not take place at Covent Garden market?

Yes, Sir. We have a case under investigation now, and I hope to get a report in a few days.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what action it is proposed to take with regard to an application for a licence to trade applied for by "Welldun Family Pies," Wellington, Salop; and whether he is aware of the serious allegations made against the local food controller in connection with the matter, and the great delay and expense in which the firm has become involved?

The Wellington Urban Food Control Committee have refused to grant a licence to "Welldun Family Pies "to sell pies by retail in the area of that Committee and my Noble Friend sees no ground upon which he would be justified in reversing their decision. He is aware that serious allegations were made against the Local Food Executive Officer in connection with the subject matter of the appeal. The delay of dealing with the appeal was due to the impossibility of arriving at a conclusion until those allegations had been investigated.

What has been the result of the inquiry into the allegations?

After taking all the advice we can, we do not think that the facts before us justify any further action being taken.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the local food controller, Mr. Simpson, said that the application could be granted provided that he was made a partner in this firm and paid 50s. a week, and is not that a matter which requires action and not merely consideration?

It is equally possible that Mr. Simpson did not say that, and that is what the question under investigation was. After investigating both sides of the case, we have come to the conclusion that the facts do not justify proceedings.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether war emergency agricultural committees have the necessary authority to order the ploughing up of deer parks or their use as grazing land for cattle?

Yes, Sir, subject to my consent to any direction for the land to be ploughed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is still a certain number of committees which apparently are unaware of this power, and will he see that they are kept better informed, as they are under the impression that they cannot do anything in this matter?

If my hon. Friend will be kind enough to give me the names of any such committees, I shall be glad to look into the matter.

In the case of large landowners and local authorities not carrying out these Regulations, does my right hon. Friend dispossess them as in the case of small cultivators?

Yes, Sir, if they refuse to carry out their duties.

What is the acreage of deer parks in this country?

I cannot say without notice.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the ploughing up of suitable waste common land, especially in Wales, has been prevented in many cases by the difficulty of getting approval from the lord of the manor, and that county agricultural committees have not been active in overcoming this difficulty; and whether he will take steps to overcome such difficulties?

I am not aware of the difficulty referred to, especially as a lord of the manor would ordinarily have no power to approve the ploughing of common land. County war agricultural executive committees have power, with my consent, to take possession of such land under Defence Regulation 51 and to arrange for its cultivation as a war-time measure, and in numerous instances this power has in fact been exercised.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this refers not only to Wales, but to waste common lands in Sussex, Surrey and Berkshire, and cannot he take some steps to get them ploughed up?

The question was discussed in a recent Debate, and I said then that on balance I thought the available supplies of fertilisers, labour and machinery were better employed in improving existing land than in bringing new land under cultivation. In 34 cases in England commons have been ploughed up.

Does not the question of common grazing rights very often complicate the issue?

Very often, and even in those cases we have often succeeded in getting over the difficulties.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made relative to the Rothamstead experiments in growing soya beans; and, in view of the nutritive value of this product, are steps being taken to produce substantial crops?

Experiments on the growth of soya beans have been made at Rothamsted and at its Woburn substation since 1934 by Professor W. South-worth, who, while in Manitoba, had produced one of the most successful varieties; and by Dr. H. N. Mann, an expert on the crops of warm climates. These experiments showed that the conditions necessary for successful culture are: (1) absence of late frosts in spring; (2) warm summers; (3) dry autumns. In most parts of the country these conditions cannot be assured, and in consequence yields have not usually exceeded 6 or 7 cwts. clean beans per acre, which is less than those obtainable from ordinary field beans and from linseed, in many respects comparable crops for animal feeding. The search for more productive varieties is bound to be slow.

Is the Minister aware that there is a considerable amount of in formed opinion in favour of an extension of this experiment?

Yes, Sir, but as I have said, experiments have been carried out by leading experts, and have failed to produce results.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the important work upon oyster culture carried out at the Ministry's laboratory at Conway, he will take steps to encourage the planting out of young oysters in localities round our coasts rendered suitable by purity of the sea-water and abundance of the plankton upon which oysters subsist?

Owing to the loss of supplies normally imported and the mortality caused by the severe frosts of the winter of 1939–40 young oysters are very scarce and although the breeding experiments conducted by the Ministry at Conway have been expanded this year to the fullest extent possible, the crop of young oysters is unlikely to be more than about one per cent. of the number formerly imported from France. The general shortage is such that the supply will not suffice to keep the present oyster beds in full cultivation, and in the circumstances 1 cannot see any early prospect of planting out new beds. I will, however, keep the possibility in mind pending the time when imports can be resumed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now make a statement on the result of the recent court-martial on certain officers and non commissioned officers of the Pioneer Corps, on charges of ill-treatment of conscientious objectors?

Any sentences which may have been awarded by the court-martial to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers have not yet been promulgated, and I am not therefore in a position to make a statement.

Is it not a fact that a very large number of these officers and N.C.Os. are not guilty in regard to these charges?

Yes, Sir, that is a fact.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that difficulty is caused, on occasion, to soldiers abroad by the rule which forbids a soldier in receipt of family allowance to make a voluntary allotment from his pay to any person other than the recipient of the family allowance; and will he take steps to remedy this?

Arrangements have been made under which a married soldier who is serving outside the United Kingdom may make allotments from his pay to certain near relatives, namely, father, mother, brother or sister, in addition to the allotment accompanying his family allowance, provided that the aggregate amount of the two allotments does not exceed the prescribed proportion of pay.