asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he proposes to take to secure the better organisation of street fire parties; and whether he will insure that volunteers for this service will be issued with steel helmets, as was promised by the Regional authorities on 9th January, 1941?

The organisation of such parties according to local requirements has been entrusted to local authorities, who are responsible for the administration of Civil Defence services in their areas. General guidance has already been given to them, and I shall continue to give it in the light of experience gained either generally or locally. In regard to the latter part of the Question, I would refer to the Reply given on 27th March to my hon. Friend the Member for West Willesden (Mr. Viant).

The Minister does not seem to understand that local authorities are directed by precise instructions which limit their powers, and that the original instructions issued have been so hedged about that they have produced what almost amounts to a revolt among a large number of people in the London area. These people say that these conditions are unfair and amount to a breach of faith, and will the Minister not take some action, as he is the responsible person, to organise this service adequately, so that it will function properly?

I am not sure that I see any need for so much heat. Directions have been given, but I gather that the controversy arises in this way. The local authority say they will give the degree of protection under the Civil Liabilities Act, and that they will supply equipment to fire parties, to those who officially sign on to the scheme, but some people do not want to serve anywhere except in their own streets. I can understand that feeling, but, on the other hand, we must have power to place fire-bomb parties where they are needed, according to the number of people available and the amount of property to be protected. I think that is the fundamental point in dispute.

Is the Minister aware that there is a considerable number of women who have volunteered for this service who are prepared to do fire watching in their own street, but who do not desire to go to another part of the town which they do not know?

I will consider that point, but the House must face the fact that if property is to be protected against fire, we must have people where they are needed. We cannot run this war on the basis of everyone deciding in which particular street he will serve.

I cannot accept this as an adequate explanation of a very serious situation, and I would press to be allowed to ask a further supplementary question.

Everyone is always dissatisfied with the answer he gets. We have a great many Questions on the Order Paper, and we must get on.

In that case I will give notice that I will raise the matter again on the Adjournment.

asked the Home Secretary what steps he proposes to take to change the anomalous situation in which the same fire-fighters may be eligible for Civil Defence rates of compensation for death or injury in one area and not in another?

If my hon. Friend has particular cases in mind, perhaps he will give me details.

Is not the Minister aware that he is asking residents in my own constituency, for whom I am speaking at the moment, to do fire watching when they have already undertaken to do it at their places of business? Is he aware that he is refusing the compensation which they get when working in their business premises when they fire watch in their streets? Is not that a ridiculous example of the bad organisation of the fire-fighting service?

The hon. Member is in a very fierce mood to-day.

My constituency is in a very fierce mood, and—

We must pass on to the next Question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied with the present system of fire fighting under the Regional scheme, and whether he is aware that on many occasions great confusion and hardships have resulted when assistance has been called in by an attacked city?

I am aware that some difficulties have arisen, but the Regional scheme is, on the whole, fulfilling the object for which it was designed. It is being revised, as more pumps can now be made available, and the arrangements for handling the reinforcements have been developed and improved, in the light of experience, in many areas in order to meet any grounds for criticism which may have become apparent.

Does not the solution really lie in a much more uniform handling of this great menace of fire?

It may be, but there is history behind it under which uniformity is not so easy to apply.

asked the Home Secretary what arrangements he has now been able to make to ensure that night fire watchers have reasonable refreshment facilities?

I have been asked to reply to this Question. I am at present unable to add to my reply on this matter to my hon. Friend the Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander) on 23rd April.

Is the suggestion of mobile canteens being considered

I cannot say that it is being considered in respect of this particular aspect, because most of our mobile canteens are required for other purposes, but the extension of existing canteen facilities is being considered.

How long will it be before the right hon. Gentleman comes to a decision, in view of the fact that thousands of fire watchers in works are not even allowed to have tea?

There is nothing to prevent existing works canteens providing a certain amount for these fire watchers.

Are we to understand that existing canteens can draw a ration for fire watchers?

No. I said we are considering given that extension to them.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the shortage of steel helmets supplied to the Kensington Air Raid Precautions Committee, especially for the fire-watching service, less than one-third of the number applied for having so far reached the committee; and what steps he is taking to expedite further deliveries?

My hon. Friend will appreciate that it is impossible to meet the full demands of all local authorities simultaneously. The first instalment of helmets recommended by the Region was for half of what Kensington, asked for, and these have been supplied. Another instalment is being supplied at an early date. Further supplies will be sent as soon as the Region has ascertained the number of members of fire parties who have given the necessary undertaking of service.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that, where there are no helmets available, people, many of them women, are not prepared to go to other parts of London with which they are not familiar, while they are prepared to guard their own streets?

There must be some check somewhere. One cannot issue steel helmets at will and on application. It is not unreasonable that there should be registration by local authorities. On the question of the supply, in view of the fairly recent development of the demand for fire-bomb fighting, I think the Ministry of Supply has done a very fine job in producing the quantities it has at great speed.

If it is a fact that there must be a check on the issue of steel helmets, why did the right hon. Gentleman issue a circular promising them to all fire fighters in January? That is one of the great causes of the difficulty.

We must know who the volunteer is, and there must be some registration, otherwise there would be no check at all. The hon. Member is wrong in assuming that there was an unconditional promise to issue steel helmets to any who asked for them.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman know that the promise was made and that no condition was attached?

asked the Home Secretary what action he is taking to compel owners of houses and flats, who have left them empty to find safer lodgings elsewhere, to play their part in fire watching, either by personal service or by paying for a substitute?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware in many towns which have been bombed it has become a custom for people with means of transport and wealth to leave the area each night, thereby leaving their houses and business premises unprotected and placing an extra burden upon those who remain who take up the duty of fire-watching; and whether he is prepared to make it compulsory that these people should either remain or make provision for fire-watching of their homes or business premises?

I-would refer my hon. Friends to the Reply which I gave on 24th April to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgwater (Mr. Bartlett).

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that persons who have left the neighbourhood will either have to watch personally or pay for a substitute? That is not being done at present.

The second is not a practical solution. If one contemplates the enormous employment of full - time fire watchers for residential property, one is contemplating something which, in the present labour situation, we could not live up to. On the other point, there are many difficulties in compelling people to come back from a distance, some of whom may have gone away in the national interest, but there are cases where people are coming back voluntarily to do their firebomb duty, and I hope that many will feel it their duty to do so, but it would be difficult administratively to apply compulsion.

My question was based on a voluntary system. Most streets are organised on a voluntary basis, and people who do a day's work are prepared to go fire watching while others who can afford it can go out of the town.

Is there any obligation on owners of property at all with regard to fire watching?

No, the obligation is on the occupier.

That is a scandal.

But it is so, and there were reasons why it should be so.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make it public that local authorities have a right to prosecute owners of property who fail to carry out their responsibility as fire watchers?

No, not the owners, but the local authority can make compulsory schemes, and the initiative is in their hands. If they wish to go in for compulsory enrolment, the proposal will always receive sympathetic consideration.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the very successful scheme which has been organised at Coventry in recent weeks?

I will consider that.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the considerable increase in the number of cases of looting; and whether he will circularise magistrates with a view to imposing severe penalties on looters, in order to deter others from committing this crime?

The information available in the Home Office does not support the suggestion made in the first part of my hon. Friend's Question. As regards the second part, a Home Office circular was sent to magistrates in October last reminding them of the importance of making it clear that a serious view must be taken of looting offences.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, instead of being shot for these atrocious offences, small fines and sentences of a few weeks' imprisonment are being imposed? Will he not take strong action to ensure that the punishment is made to fit the crime?

We have done our best in the matter by communicating to the courts our view that this is a serious offence. On the other hand, one receives complaints that, in certain cases, the penalties have been too high.

asked the Home Secretary how many of those detained under Defence Regulation i8b have been brought to trial?

The object of Defence Regulation 18B is to provide in time of war power to detain on grounds of national security persons whom it is not possible to deal with by means of criminal proceedings. As a general rule, therefore, no question arises of instituting criminal proceedings against persons so detained, but there have been two cases in which, after a person has been detained under this Regulation, further information has resulted in the institution of criminal proceedings.

Can the Minister say on what grounds these two cases were selected? Are they particular cases?

Yes, Sir. They were particular cases, and there were particular circumstances, but it would be a misinterpretation of Regulation i8b if it was assumed that there should be proceedings in the courts.

Was this House fully acquainted with the fact, when it gave authority for this Regulation, that persons arrested on suspicion would never subsequently be brought to trial?

I am perfectly sure the House was aware of that. The Regulation was perfectly plain. It was duly authorised, and I think it is wrong now to raise issues which were perfectly clear at the time, and to have these afterthoughts.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that one urban district Council has decided to close 92 air-raid shelters because of their unsafe condition; and what steps he is taking to find out who were responsible for the specifications and materials they were constructed with?

I presume that this is one of the cases where, at my instance, the local authority has reviewed the condition of its shelters and found a. proportion to be in such a condition as to necessitate their closing. On 20th March I explained in detail, in answer to the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher), the facts in regard to the official specifications issued during the period of cement shortage. There are, however, indications that in some areas the defects may have been due to bad workmanship and, as my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary stated in answer to a Question by the hon. Member for West Bristol (Mr. Culverwell) on 23rd April, I am looking into this aspect of the matter.

May we take it that the persons guilty of misdoing will be dealt with?

The hon. Member will appreciate, that there must be some relationship to the legal advice that I may get. If I find cases which would be subject to appropriate action, that action will be taken.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the general opinion of the man in the street is that someone ought to be put in prison?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the grant of £1,000 and £1,500 for equipment is entirely inadequate for the efficient operation of the committee set up to deal with air raid protection for livestock; and whether, in view of the fact that this organisation comprises 1,500 veterinary surgeons and 10,000 assistants drawn from the agricultural community and general public in all parts of the country, he can arrange for more adequate support for the working of this body?

I regret that I am not in a position to add anything to the answer which my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary gave to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Stour-bridge (Mr. R. Morgan) on 2nd April last.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this is a very important service in connection with the livestock industry and that, if more money is not available than has been afforded up to now, there will be complete inefficiency in the matter of dealing with the protection of livestock?

I will keep that point in mind. We are in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture on the matter, and their views must be taken into account.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in a certain Durham village, of which particulars have been supplied to him, a colliery company turns out all lights from the main whenever there is an elert, plunging the whole village of 9,000 inhabitants in darkness; and whether he will endeavour to ensure a more satisfactory method of securing an adequate black out?

I understand that the practice to which my hon. Friend refers has been adopted at this village as the result of representations from the local miners' lodge. I am, however, making further inquiry into the matter and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the excessive charges that are being made for accommodation in reception areas; and what measures he is taking to deal with this profiteering?

I am sending my hon. Friend copies of Answers recently given on the subject, together with copies of the relevant circulars. I shall be glad to have details of any cases which have come to the notice of my hon. Friend so that I may at once look into them.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is a general complaint all over the country and that consideration of isolated cases will not meet the difficulty? Is he aware that exorbitant rents are being charged in many cases for very poor accommodation?

I hope that my hon. Friend will read the documents which I am sending him. There are many cases. I have this matter very much in mind, and I have circularised the local authorities twice on this matter, and that means the whole country. I ask for individual cases, because I am only too keen to follow them up, on this very grave issue.

asked the Home Secretary why, in view of the policy announced on 21st January and 6th March last, there are still no mixed camps for internees on the Isle of Man?

The married camp at Port St. Mary in the Isle of Man is to be opened on 8th May.

asked the President of the Board of Education the average number of children attending the 86 nursery centres; the age range of the children; and the ratio of trained and voluntary staff at each centre?

It is not possible to give the number of children actually in attendance at these nursery centres, but they provide accommodation for about 2,700 children. The age range of the children is from two to five years. Local authorities are not asked to supply particulars of the voluntary helpers appointed, but there are at present about 50 teachers working in the centres, the majority of whom are trained. One teacher may, of course, have charge of several centres.

Has my hon. Friend any idea of increasing the numbers of the nursery centres?

Yes, Sir, and they are increasing very rapidly.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether substantial progress is now being made in the provision of additional nursery centres and nursery schools?

The number of nursery centres approved has risen from 15 in December last to 94 to-day. It is not contemplated that additional nursery schools should be provided during the war.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether full compulsory education, the provision of requisite school meals and milk, medical inspection and attention are now being provided generally throughout the country as the deprivation of these since the war is a material cause of juvenile delinquency?

Full compulsory education is now being provided generally except in a few areas where for special reasons arising out of the war this is not at present practicable. There has been a great expansion in provision of meals during the past nine months and this is still continuing; difficulties have arisen in regard to supplies of milk, but these have been largely overcome. Medical inspection and treatment have been and are being provided generally throughout the country.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, owing to the improved price paid for corn and the lack of encouragement given to the dairy farmer, a large number of important milk producers are selling their herds and going out of production; and does he intend to take any action in the matter?

Substantial encouragement is being given to dairy farmers both in the matter of milk prices, and in preferential treatment for rations of feeding-stuffs. The culling of poor yielders from the dairy herd is desirable in the national interest in order that the limited supplies of feeding-stuffs may be used to the best advantage. I am not aware, however, that a large number of important milk producers are giving up their herds, but if my hon. Friend will give me particulars I shall be happy to have inquiries made.

Will my right hon. Friend reconsider the advisability of encouraging the reduction of herds, in view of the fact that it is possible now to retain existing herds and also to increase the output of human food by an effective method of culling?

There is a certain number of animals in herds which are such poor yielders that in the national interest it would be better to slaughter them and have the available foodstuffs spread over the rest. The result of this might well be on balance, not a decrease in milk production, but an increase.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that there is, especially in the home counties, a large number of commons, once closely grazed by stock, now mainly covered with bushes and gorse; and whether, in view of the shortage of grass-keep likely to result from the ploughing campaign, he will tale' steps, when prisoner-of-war labour is available, to have these commons cleared?

I will certainly bear in mind my noble Friend's suggestion for this use of prisoners of war.

Will it be possible for these common lands to be cultivated on a communal basis?

Yes, Sir, in suitable circumstances under the control of my county war agricultural committees.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that there are a number of fields in various parts of the Wealden district of Kent, Sussex and Surrey which once grew corn and which are now covered with gorse and thorns; and whether he will instruct the war agricultural committees in the counties in question to call upon the owners or occupiers to clear these fields or, alternatively, have them cleared by the labour of prisoners of war, when available, and recover the cost after the war?

County war agricultural executive committees are fully aware of their powers in relation to the cultivation of the lands referred to, and these powers are already being exercised as freely as the circumstances will permit, bearing in mind the available resources in regard to machinery, labour and fertilisers.

Will my right hon. Friend also call for a report in the late summer or autumn of the number of such fields in the counties in question, which are very considerable? What steps are being taken to deal with them, in view of the fact that they are causing a good deal of public comment?

I hope that before next season we shall have got under cultivation, under the plough, all the fields that have ever been cultivated in history and a good number that have never been cultivated.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the theft of a lorry load of 73 bales of bacon in a North London street during one night; and whether food lorries are allowed to go out with one man only in charge?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. Officers of the Ministry are cooperating with the Police Authorities in investigating this matter, and I am informed that the lorry and more than two-thirds of the bacon have been recovered. In reply to the second part of the Question, there are no regulations requiring specifically that there should be an attendant in addition to the driver on any road vehicle which may on any occasion be employed for the carriage of food, other than those applicable generally to all mechanical road vehicles. The safe custody of goods in transit is normally the responsibility of the carrier concerned.

Does not my hon. and gallant Friend think that it would be advisable to bring in such regulations, in view of the experience he has got? This is the second case of the kind.

The problem of the available labour is a very difficult one.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is now able to make a statement with regard to his proposals for dealing with the special needs of young children requiring such food as eggs and fruit; and whether these will be made available through clinics or through some other channel?

No, Sir. A statement will be issued on this subject as soon as possible.

Does that mean next week, or in a month's time, or when?

It will not be as soon as a week, but it will be done as soon as the arrangement is complete.

Will the hon. and gallant Member consider making special arrangements for the distribution of the limited supply of oranges among children under five years of age?

Yes, the suggestion will be considered, but up to date the supply of oranges available has not been sufficient to ensure that there would be an equitable distribution.

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware of the fact that the black currant, which is a heavy cropper in this country, can supply the same vitamin as is supplied by the orange, and will he take steps to see that that crop is reserved for the use of young children, because it will replace the orange, which certainly they will not get in sufficiently large numbers?

That question is under consideration now.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that some poulterers are seeking to evade the regulations of his Ministry by selling poultry alive, and thus avoiding the price limitation which is, presumably, based on weight; and what steps are being taken to prevent this evasion?

The fact that some poultry is being sold alive does not necessarily mean that such transactions are evasions of the Poultry (Maximum Prices) Order. In the case of a sale of live poultry, it is provided that the maximum prices applicable under the Order shall be calculated on a weight ten per cent, less than the actual live weight of the poultry. The only exception is where live birds are sold or purchased for breeding, laying and rearing, and it is provided in the Order that in such a case the purchaser shall have declared in writing to the seller that the purchase is made for one or other of such purposes.

Has my hon. Friend no knowledge of any breach of these regulations?

I should like to have notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will give the names of the members appointed on the Advisory Committee for Wales; what organisations were consulted; and who decided the proportionate basis of the representation on the committee?

The basis of the political representation upon the Advisory Committee was fixed after discussion with the headquarters of the political parties concerned. The remaining members of the committee were nominated in order to provide a body representative of the main interests in Wales not neglecting the variety of outlook between the North and South. As the list of names and the organisations represented is somewhat long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that nine or ten members of this committee are residents of Cardiff, whereas there are whole areas of Wales— for example, all the area West of Swansea —without a single representative? Further, may I ask whether it is true that the body described as the National Labour Party has been given a representative on this committee and that no one in Wales knows of its existence?

In answer to the first part of the Supplementary Question, it is always possible for the committee to opt further members if they feel that they are not fully represented or do not cover a sufficiently wide area of the country. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative?

Is the Minister representing that it is propaganda for his office to put forward a particular organisation?