asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that some firms find difficulty in staggering holidays for their workpeople without a loss of production; and whether he will consider that closing for a week's rest may be the best in the long run?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the complete closing of selected works during successive weeks as an alternative to keeping works going uninterruptedly by allowing a proportion of workers off in successive weeks and so diminishing materially the effective supervision of the work and lowering the proportionate out put; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

It is not possible to lay down any rigid rule as to the most advantageous way of arranging the week's holiday. The circumstances of each case must be considered. I am arranging for the area boards to be brought into consultation in the various localities.

Is it not a fact that there may be a decrease in production if holidays are staggered? Is it not better on the whole in certain instances to arrange for a clear week?

No, I have explained that you cannot have a universal scheme. It may be that some of the works are on such priority work that even a week's holiday may be difficult to give. In some cases we cannot afford to stop work on the machine tools, and there must be staggering. In others it may be that the type of work is of such a character and the need for overhaul and renovation of such a kind that a week's stop may be preferable, but I must leave it to be adjusted by those concerned.

Will there be any objection to the workers and employers getting together to arrange it?

That is what I have asked them to do. I have also asked the area boards to get into consultation, so that the employers and trade unions may be advised of the urgency of the work upon which they are engaged.

asked the Minister of Labour, whether he can make a statement as to the transfer of labour, to other employment, from Lancashire textile mills, closed as the result of the concentration of industry?

Statistics are not yet available showing the transfer of labour to other employment from the Lancashire textile mills, but the unemployment register in Lancashire is continuing to fall and I have every reason to believe that the labour released from those mills which have closed is being absorbed rapidly.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of industrial organisations which he has so far scheduled under the Essential Work Order?

Up to 2nd May, 1941, the number of undertakings scheduled under the Essential Work (General Provisions) Order, was 1,299 and the number scheduled under the Essential Work (Shipbuilding and Shiprepairing) Order was 284, making a total of 1,583. The Merchant Navy has been scheduled as a whole by the Essential Work (Merchant Navy) Order, which comes into force on 26th May.

Can my right hon. Friend say that in all districts where he has scheduled undertakings there is a complete organisation, including the local appeals board?

I would not say that the whole thing is absolutely complete, but it is being built up daily.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he maintains a Register of retired scientists and other technical men who offer their services?

Persons with the requisite scientific or technical qualifications, whether retired or not, are eligible for enrolment on the Central Register maintained by my Department. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the leaflet which explains the scope and functions of this Register.

Is it not a fact that there has been no appeal to retired scientists and technical men to place their names on this Register, and that the Register is running very dry with regard to certain categories of scientists? Would my right hon. Friend, therefore, consider making an appeal to retired men or women to enter their names on the Register?

My predecessor made it clear when the Register was established that it applied to every person of all categories of scientists, whether retired or not, and there has never been any limitation. In fact, I was not aware that scientists ever retired, but there has been no distinction drawn between retired and unretired. In order to get over the difficulty about technicians, scientists and others of whom there is a shortage, an overhaul is going on in all the Departments in order to introduce a little dilution into the professions.

Does this apply to constituents of whom I know who are being called up and are doing donkey work in some Service or other, and who obviously might be usefully employed elsewhere?

As I say, a committee is going through the whole question of where these people have been placed, sorting them out and trying to use them in proper places. Even some of the donkey work may be scientific.

It may be scientific, but how are we to deal with these cases?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of engineers and other people with scientific attainments have been on the Register for over 18 months, and not the faintest effort has been made to use their services?

I do not accept that. I am constantly hearing these general statements without a single fact to back them up. The bulk of the people on the Central Register are in employment, but they have volunteered to help the State in any capacity. When those responsible for the Central Register are asked for a person, it would obviously be stupid to take a man away from a job which he is doing satisfactorily and merely put him somewhere else. It is not an unemployment Register. It is a Register of offers of service, and I can assure the House that it has been combed through time and time again.

How are we to deal with the case of a man, of which I can give instances, who is tied down in a particular Department and is doing work which the Department thinks is useful, but is not employing his scientific abilities?

If hon. Members know people whose services are being misused and will inform me, I will have the cases dealt with, but I cannot deal with generalisations.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will explain the arrangements now existing for Germans and Austrians working in industry to become members of appropriate British trade unions and also of the German trade union; what deductions from income are made for the latter, and to what purposes the money is applied?

I understand that certain arrangements have been made under the auspices of the Trades Union Congress for enabling foreign workers in industry to become members of the appropriate British trade union and also of their own national trade union group if such exists and is recognised by the T.U.C. My information is that these arrangements apply generally both to Allied nationals and to Austrians and Germans and that they include agreed voluntary membership contributions to the British union concerned, usually on the lowest scale permitted by its rules, and to the foreign trade union group. I am not in a position to give more detailed information, but I understand that the whole scheme has been carefully worked out by the T.U.C. in conjunction with the International Federation of Trade Unions, which is operating from this country. The constitutions of the foreign trade union groups concerned before becoming operative are approved by the T.U.C. and the International Federation of Trade Unions.

Does that agreement extend also to aliens who are neither Germans nor Allied nationals, but neutrals, as, for example, Spaniards?

The matter is governed, as I understand it, by the question whether a foreign country establishes a trade union group here through the International Federation of Trade Unions. I have not been in these discussions, and I cannot give any further details.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the use, or if necessary, the erection of further hutted camps for the reception of mothers and children, or children alone, in areas where they can be reasonably free from the mental and physical disturbance of enemy bombing?

I hope that further huts will be erected to meet a variety of needs in reception areas. The extent to which huts can be provided in these areas must, however, depend on the available resources of labour and materials, and I think it unlikely that these resources would be used to the best advantage in building camps for mothers and children.

As those camps so far tried out have been an outstanding success, affording as they do accommodation for teachers, nurses and so on, will my right hon. Friend make every effort to extend them as far as the material and labour are available?

Yes, Sir; that is implicit in my Answer.

As I gather from the Reply that the right hon. Gentleman is turning down this proposal, or, at any rate, holding out no hope, to build huts, may I ask whether the Government are taking a long view of the evacuation problem and whether the problem of providing working-class houses is not becoming serious?

Yes, Sir, but the issue in the Question related to hutted camps. It may be that we shall have to pool accommodation for all purposes, but that is a different issue.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider, in conjunction with the hon. Lady the Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security, the large-scale provision of at least improvised camps for people from heavily bombed towns until such time as our fighters are able to average 22 enemy bombers a night?

I think that question had better be put down.

Will my right hen. Friend" organise a mobile unit which can put these people under canvas during the summer months, so that there is not a trek out when there is an air raid?

I was asked about camps for particular purposes. There has been a large provision of centres for children, but the Question also asked about mothers and children. It is much easier to provide for unaccompanied children than for mothers and children. My answer was confined to the specific Question.

asked the Minister of Health whether arrangements have been made for the evacuation from London of the refugees from Gibraltar, especially children?

Accommodation of a type suitable for the reception of large family groups is not available except in London, and the mothers of the children would not consent to their evacuation unaccompanied by themselves.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these people are in an area which has been subjected to very heavy bombardment, so that it is most desirable that they should be got out of it if possible?

This problem has given us, perhaps, more difficulty than any other single problem that has been put on our shoulders by the war. We have organised 29 large centres, at which we have to arrange special feeding. We are providing at all of them measures of protection against air raids We have done our best, and it is quite clear that the only way to handle this difficult problem is, as we are doing it, by large units.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that large blocks of buildings in my constituency have been taken for this purpose, and does he not think he could get these people accommodation together somewhere outside London, so as not to disturb many people who are living in London because they are doing national work?

I am aware of the difficulties which my hon. Friend has pointed out to us. It is, however, quite impossible to billet these particular refugees separately in small houses in the country. There is always the difficulty that there must be special feeding arrangements. I have no doubt that the decisions we have made concerning them were the right decisions, and on the whole they seem to be settling down very happily.

asked the Minster of Health whether he can reconsider his previous decision and now make Romford and Hornchurch into evacuation areas?

The case for altering the classification of evacuation, neutral and reception areas is kept under constant review. The position as regards these two areas remains the same as set out in the reply given to my hon. Friend on 23rd January last.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that recent events have increased the demand in these areas for the evacuation of the children?

I am aware that there is a certain desire for it in hundreds of other areas, but there is a limit to the billeting accommodation available in the reception areas in this country.

Will the Minister take an early opportunity of stating upon what principle the Government decide whether an area shall be an evacuation, a neutral or a reception area, as we are constantly being asked about it, and I think a statement would be of advantage to the House?

It would also be of advantage to me to make a statement.

asked the Minister of Health whether in view of the Government policy that people should stay put in heavy raids, it is his policy to discourage the evacuation of large towns at such times?

The Government believe that the people of this country will not consent to be driven from their duties, in whatever area these duties have to be performed, by enemy attack. But it is the Government's policy to facilitate the organised evacuation of the priority classes from evacuation areas, though it is not practicable to declare in advance as evacuable every area that may be liable to attack. In all cases, however, it is the concern of the Government to ensure proper provision for the homeless.

In view of the fact that my right hon. Friend has already stated that he did not know on what principle evacuation is carried out—

I really must correct that statement. I have said nothing of the kind.

It is within the recollection of my hon. Friends, but I will not press the point.

What I did say was that it would be an advantage to me and also to the House if I made a statement.

In view of the representations which have been made from many sides of the House, will the right hon. Gentleman make a statement on this question, because he was reported to have said at Plymouth that it was not desirable to take action? A great many Members want to know if that is the case or not, because seven days afterwards a complete evacuation of the children there took place.

I cannot be held responsible for what is stated in reports. What happened at Plymouth is clear. I was investigating reception problems in the West Country at the time when the first big raid on Plymouth took place. I stopped there and attended the first meeting of the authorities concerned. The issue of evacuation was raised, and those concerned locally did not at that time desire it. My hon. Friend must under- stand that mothers and fathers, as well as politicians, have some views about this matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that all over the country many names of places have not been properly erased but merely covered over by a board which can be ripped off or by paint which can be removed by petrol and so display the locality, he will give instructions that names of places are to be obliterated in a manner that does not allow of sub sequent disclosure by any means?

No, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary whether members of the Women's Voluntary Service are free to express their political opinions and to engage in political activities when off duty, so long as they observe the limitations imposed upon the community, as a whole, in these respects, by law?

asked the Home Secretary whether there is any regulation which forbids the free expression of political opinions by members of the Women's Voluntary Service when off duty?

Except where the rules of a profession or trade to which an individual member of the Women's Voluntary Service belongs enjoin a measure of restraint, members of the society have, so far as I am aware, the same freedom of speech and action in regard to political matters as other members of the community.

Will my right hon. Friend make it clear to the county commandants of this organisation that it is his view and the wish of the Government that they should be free to express their political views?

Yes, Sir. The matter has been discussed at the headquarters of the W.V.S., and I do not think there is any disagreement between them and myself.

Is it clear that they should not be allowed to wear uniform when taking part in political demonstrations?

I think it is clear that, when they are on duty and in evening uniform, a certain amount of circumspection is desirable.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the misunderstandings which exist in the United States and elsewhere as to the character of aliens who have been temporarily interned in this country or in the Dominions, he will explain that such internment does not necessarily imply any stigma or disgrace, and that the subsequent release of the internee indicates that he has been subjected to a scrutiny which has satisfied His Majesty's Government that this can be done without prejudice to the national interest; and whether he will give an assurance that the same principle will be observed in the case of internees released for emigration?

I am obliged to my hon. Friend for giving me this opportunity of stating once more that it has always been, and still is, the considered view of His Majesty's Government that the general measures of internment which it was necessary to take in the interests of national security were of a precautionary character and were not intended to imply, and did not in fact imply, any reflection upon any loyal and friendly alien who was interned in pursuance of general directions. With regard to the second and third parts of the Question, I can assure my hon. Friend that in no case has the release of an internee been authorised, whether for emigration or for any other reason, unless His Majesty's Government had reached the conclusion, after investigation, that the alien might be at liberty in this country without prejudice to the interests of national security.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask whether he will, if possible, take immediate steps to ensure that his reply is made known in the United States of America and in Canada, so that the public there may not make any mistake about the character of persons who may emigrate there?

No doubt the Suppletary Question of the hon. Lady will have the effect of indicating "American papers, please copy."

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a case mentioned at Bow Street police court, on 25th April last, when it was stated by the legal representative of the police that a soldier, incapably drunk, was arrested in Argyle Street, and after his legs had given way under him was dragged through the streets by two police officers; and whether, with a view to safeguarding the dignity of His Majesty's uniform, he will give instructions that, when it is not possible or practical to summon a police ambulance in such cases, police officers are authorised to obtain a taximeter-cab, the cost of which to be borne subsequently by the guilty party?

I entirely agree with the view of my hon. and gallant Friend that every step possible should be taken to safeguard the dignity of His Majesty's uniform. The instructions of the Metropolitan Police are that drunken men, arrested at a distance from a police station, must be conveyed by police van, and that a van must be used even for a short distance if the prisoner is violent or incapable. I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that, in this case, the arrest took place at a distance of about a quarter of a mile from the police station. The police officers were of opinion that the prisoner was capable of walking to the police station. When, however, it became apparent that this was not the case, the journey was completed in a taxicab.

I am afraid there is some mistake, as my right hon. Friend has omitted to answer the point of my Question. Arising out of the answer which he has given, may I ask whether it is the case that these officers refused to take a taxicab for this purpose when first requested to do so by a member of the public, who was astounded at the scene, and that they consented to do so only when that member of the public offered to pay for the taxicab? Will my right hon. Friend give instructions that police officers should be authorised to take a taxicab when an ambulance is not available?

I have done so. I agree with the point that my hon. and gallant Friend is raising. There was a hiatus on this short journey. It is true that, as a result of the admirable and generous cooperation of a member of the public, help was given which solved the problem. I agree with my hon. and gallant Friend, and I have made suitable representations to the Commissioner. I think that the police did their best in this case.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to announce his decision upon the proposal submitted to him that the officers occupying a more responsible post in the Civil Defence services should receive increased remuneration?

I am afraid that I must ask my hon. Friend to wait a little longer.

Is the Minister aware that some local authorities have been waiting long for a decision on this matter?

I am aware of that, but it is the case also that other local authorities did not agree to the proposal. There is a difference of view among authorities, and even among Regions, which it is a little difficult to straighten out. Moreover, there is something else which will have to be straightened before this matter is settled. I assure my hon. Friend that I regard the matter as of some importance, but there are other matters in connection with Civil Defence which are more urgent.

Has the right hon. Gentleman yet accepted the principle, even though he may not be able to announce the details?

No, Sir, that is a question which I must not answer.

asked the Minister of Health, in view of the shortage of trained nurses, what is the policy of the Government in calling up for service those who have registered their names, at the outbreak of war, on the Civil Nursing Reserve?

I am anxious to utilise the services of any trained nurse member of the Civil Nursing Reserve not already in employment, and, partly with this in view, I have recently extended the scope of the Reserve to cover almost every type of hospital, including certain special hospitals where the shortage of nurses is acute. Where a trained nurse has offered whole-time service without reservation as to place, regional nursing officers can ordinarily post her without difficulty. This cannot always be arranged, however, where the member's offer is restricted either to part-time service or to service in a particular locality, or in some other way. Such members are now being approached and asked to offer service not subject to these limitations, and the use to be made of their services will depend on the replies.

asked the Home Secretary in what way, after the making of the Fire Prevention Orders, the arrangements for the provision of free steel helmets to fire-watchers and the grant of compensation for injuries sustained by them on duty were modified?

I am glad that the hon. Member has given me this opportunity of looking further into the matter. I find that before the making of the Orders some local authorities were informed that they might be authorised to issue civilian steel helmets to volunteers who were or who undertook to become members of supplementary fire parties. Subsequently, local authorities generally were given to understand that issues would be on a more restricted basis. I must, of course, honour the earlier assurance, although, on reflection, I think that it would have been better if it had been made a condition of a free issue that the volunteer should accept certain definite obligations, like other part-time Civil Defence volunteers. I hope that all who have enrolled as members of supplementary fire parties and are in a position to do so will assist local authorities to establish an effective service by undertaking, like other part-time members of Civil Defence organisations, to perform not less than 48 hours' duty per month where their services may be of most use. It is the occupier's responsibility to provide free helmets for persons working at business premises who perform duties on these premises under the Fire Prevention (Business Premises) Order.

As regards compensation, the assurance given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions, in reply to a Question on 20th February by the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr. Liddall), will be adhered to. Compensation for war service injuries will be made in accordance with the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme to all fire watchers who are duly enrolled or registered. In addition, those members of the local authority's Civil Defence organisation who undertake to do not less than 48 hours per month and to serve anywhere in the area of their local authority may receive an allowance in respect of loss of earnings. As a result, they will get their normal weekly earnings for a maximum period of 13 weeks, provided that these do not exceed the basic weekly pay of whole-time Civil Defence volunteers.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, while there is a considerable number of elderly people and women who are quite prepared to give their services for 48 hours per month, many of them do not feel capable of being or willing to be sent to other parts of London with which they are not familiar? They are quite willing to give their services in their own district or neighbourhood, but are not prepared to go to other parts of London in order to do fire watching in districts with which they are not familiar?

I understand that the undertaking would be, not to go to another part of London, but to serve anywhere within the Metropolitan borough in the case of the administrative county, as it is not quite so bad. Nevertheless, I hope the local authorities, in administering the Order,, will take account of exceptional cases of women with family responsibilities or of elderly people, and will administer the Order sensibly, and meet such cases as far as they can. With good will on both sides, it should be possible to cope with any difficulties.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of dissatisfaction about it, and is he prepared to give instructions to local authorities which, if carried out, would give satisfaction?

I will consider giving guidance, but it must not be too precise, because one does not want the matter confused. I will consider whether I can give guidance which, at the same time, will not run away with the situation.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury when the; hon. Member for the City of London can expect a reply to his letter of 21st March containing complaints with regard to a large number of Inland Revenue staffs at Empire House, E.C.2, engaged on fire-watching duties, to obtain food while on week-end duty; and whether the grievance complained of has now been remedied?

To-day, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has seen the unanimous statement of the Council of Ministers of the Polish Government that the activities of "Jestem Polakiem" are harmful to the British cause and should be condemned; and will he take steps to ban the publication of this paper, seeing that what injures the Polish cause must also injure Britain's?

The powers under the Defence Regulations to exercise control over newspapers can be exercised only where I am satisfied that there has been a systematic publication of matter which is, in my opinion, calculated to foment opposition to the prosecution of the war to a successful issue. After consultation with my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Information, I have come to the conclusion that I should not be justified, at any rate on the information before me at present, in taking action in respect of this publication.

Would my right hon. Friend give further consideration to this matter, in view of the fact that the activity of this paper has been commended in the Nazi Press and that it is being freely circulated among the Polish serving men in this country?

I will continue to keep the matter under review. The behaviour of the publication will be watched.

Can the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Polish authorities in this country that they should try to induce this paper to drop its anti-Jewish propaganda?

The matter has already been under consideration by the Polish authorities, and it would appear that the action which the hon. Member now suggests has already been taken.

Would it not be better to treat this paper with the contempt it deserves, and not give it too much publicity?

No.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that there is clear understanding on the part of the police and the Civil Defence services as to the nature and volume of light permissible to rescue parties at night during air-raid and all-clear periods, respectively?

I have no information which suggests that further guidance to the police and Civil Defence services in this matter is required, and no cases of difficulty under the existing procedure have been brought to my notice. I should, however, be happy to consider the matter further in the light of any information which my hon. Friend may be in a position to give me.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that in several incidents in the Metropolitan area, where rescue parties have been working with permissible lights, residents nearby have pressed the police to take action, the police have done so and rescue work has stopped, thereby possibly preventing the rescue of some who would otherwise have been saved, and does he not think that it is a matter which requires general clarification?

So far as is necessary, we maintain consultation with the police and the Civil Defence authorities to give them general guidance, but if you tied this matter up with the most meticulous degree of regulations, you would get into the realm of red tape in which nobody knows quite what to do. On the whole, it is. better settled on the spot between the police and the Civil Defence people.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case at Bow Street, on 3rd May, of a member of the Auxiliary Fire Service who pleaded guilty to a charge of looting; and whether he will take steps to have members of the Auxiliary Fire Service, who have been found guilty of looting, transferred when they have served their sentence to duties in which the opportunity for looting is not so easy?

I have seen reports in the Press on the case in question. The issue raised by my hon. Friend is for determination by the local authority concerned, and I am informed that it is the practice in London for a man to report back for duty after completion of his sentence. Careful consideration is then given to the question whether his services should be dispensed with or not, and, if he is retained, the nature of the duties which he should perform.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the magistrate's remark to the district officer? It makes one wonder whether the authorities appreciate the contemptible nature of this offence. Surely the right hon. Gentleman would agree that it is entirely wrong that a service which provides easy opportunities for looting should have restored to it men who have already committed that offence?

There is a number of people whose records are open to question—who even have criminal records— who have done a first-class job in Civil Defence. I have sufficient faith in the London County Council—and I know their standards quite well—that they will consider this matter in the most careful way possible before putting men in the Service. I respect the opinions of magistrates, but on this matter I would rather take the opinion of the London County Council.

Is the degree of opportunity to be looked upon as a deterrent against these offences? Would it not be better to hold over those convicted the prospect of being retained in places where opportunities are easier rather than where opportunities are more rare?

I think it would be the other way with the L.C.C.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the fact that large surplus supplies of cement are now available, he will at once encourage local authorities to strengthen materially their surface brick shelters by the application of a thick extra coating of cement and also by the use of a certain proportion of such metal as disused tramway lines, etc., as may be available, for strutting these and also basements now strutted with timber?

I am in touch with the appropriate local authorities regarding the strengthening of brick surface shelters, but pending the result of certain experiments which I hope will be completed in the near future I do not propose to issue any general advice to local authorities on this subject. If my hon. Friend has in mind any particular local authority which is in need of urgent advice, I shall be glad to arrange for the appropriate Regional Technical Adviser to confer with them. As regards the strutting of basements, suitable instructions have already been given to local authorities but I am advised that, where timber strutting of a satisfactory design has already been installed, it is not necessary to replace it by steel, provided that it is strengthened with additional bracing where necessary.

Is the Minister aware that, in connection with recent raids on the North-East coast, there is a general opinion that if these improvements could have been effected, life and limb would have been saved?

If I am given any specific information, I shall be glad to look into it. It is not too helpful to make representations on general impressions, and if I may say so, I do not think it is quite fair; but if any specific information is given, it shall be looked into carefully.

I will endeavour to be more fair in future.

asked the Home Secretary what Regulations he has made with a view to closing unauthorised shelters?

It has been decided to make a Defence Regulation enabling a Regional Commissioner to direct that the use of shelters of this kind by the public shall be prevented or restricted in any manner that he may require if, in his opinion, that use involves dangers to safety or health. I may add that the Regulation is aimed not at persons who use the shelter but at those who encourage or permit their assembly

I am very glad to hear that the Regulation has now been made. May I ask whether it will be applied immediately to a shelter well known to the Regional Commissioner, where, I understand this morning, scabies has broken out? This is a case in point.

If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of the case, I shall be glad to look into it.

asked the Home Secretary how many of the new domestic shelters are distributed to households; and what steps he has taken to provide more deep shelters?

As regards the first part of the Question, full delivery of all the components of the indoor shelter has only recently begun, and I regret that I am not in a position to give the information desired. As regards the second part of the Question, I explained fully, in my broadcast on 3rd November last, the general principles on which I am working: it would not be in the public interest to give details.

I do not want to press my right hon. Friend about the actual details, but do I understand that he is attempting to make provision not only for dispersal, but, wherever possible, for deep shelters?

As I have said, we are quite ready to consider deep shelter proposals on their merits, but questions of labour supply, materials, and so on must be taken into account. There are also problems of morale connected with deep shelters. I think, moreover, that it ought to be indicated that, whereas many people started the war on the basis that the deeper we went the better, the civil population has shown a tendency—and I am very grateful to them for it—to finish up on the roof, fighting fire bombs. I do not want to discourage that courageous spirit.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied with the demand for the new billiard-table shelter?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the non-delivery of certain parts of the new indoor shelters although other parts were delivered over a month ago; that local authorities are paying storage charges for the parts delivered; and, in view of the fact that shelters cannot be erected until quantities of such of the parts have been received, will he expedite delivery of the remaining components?

I am aware that delivery of some of the small components of the shelter has been slower than that of the larger parts. Supplies of these small parts are now being received in increasing quantities, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply is taking special steps to expedite their delivery.

asked the Home Secretary whether every class of person who is detained under the Defence Regulations has his case submitted to a tribunal?

I presume that my hon. Friend is referring to persons detained under Defence Regulation 18B. Under this Regulation any person aggrieved by the making of an Order against him has a right to make objections to the Advisory Committee appointed under the Regulation.

Is it not the case that some of the people who are detained have no rights of this kind?

Those detained under Regulation 18B all have those rights, and I assumed that the hon. Member was asking about those detained under that Regulation.

But are there not certain classes of aliens who have no such rights?

I think that the ground is pretty generally covered by existing provisions, save for exceptional cases. There are instances in which the police and the Regional Commissioners can apprehend, but the exercise of those powers is subject to confirmation by the Secretary of State, in which case the machine in due course picks up and the right of appeal is given.

Is there not a tribunal known as the Lindley tribunal?

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware of adverse effects upon opinion in the United States of America resulting from the Government's refusal to publish data showing the loss in transit, by enemy action, of war supplies from America; and whether he will make a statement on this subject in the near future?

My right hon. Friend is well aware of the considerations to which the hon. Member refers, and he is anxious to release as much information as possible on this and other aspects of the Battle of the Atlantic. It must however be borne in mind that information which is of interest to our friends in America may be of assistance to our enemies in Europe.

Is the Minister aware of the comments on this subject of journals in America which are very. favourable to our cause?

In view of recent speeches by American leaders, may I ask if this is not the kind of information which would have diplomatic advantage if it were given to America; and, further, will the Minister take into consideration that unless his Department does give this information to America, the American Press and people will be placed at the mercy of Dr. Goebbels' propaganda department?

That consideration is constantly borne in mind, but it is also most important not to give the enemy precise facts on matters in regard to which at present they can only make the wildest guesses.

Did not the Lord Privy Seal, in reply to a Question put down by me last week, say it was the intention of the Government in future to give fuller information, and is he going to carry out that promise?

Certainly, not full, but fuller information.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will reconsider the advisability of permitting his Regional committees to advise on and criticise the policy of his Department, with a view to increasing their usefulness?

Regional committees serving the Ministry of Information are not only permitted, but encouraged, to offer advice. No change of policy is required.

Is it not the case that the Regional advisory committees have unanimously recommended the Ministry of Information to abandon the system of a Member's veto on meetings? Is any notice to be taken of that advice?

It is one thing to offer advice and it is another to pass resolutions of disapproval against the Ministry of Information. The recommendations have been taken into consideration.

But, as a result of that consideration, have they been negatived?

asked the Minister of Agriculture the extent of the demands for the various advisory leaflets for farmers and allotment-holders issued by his Department?

There has been a marked increase this year in the demands for leaflets in the "Growmore" series for farmers and in the "Dig for Victory" series for allotment-holders and gardeners, and steps have been taken to ensure that these leaflets reach those who will derive benefit from them. From 1st January to 30th April this year, the demands for all "Growmore" leaflets totalled over 1,250,000, compared with about 400,000 for the same period in 1940. Nearly 250,000 leaflets on "The Early Bite," "Nitrogen—The Way to High Yields," and "Kale for Winter Feed" have been issued to date this year, compared with about 30,000 during the whole of last year. During March last, the Postmaster-General, at my request, arranged for a house-to-house distribution in rural areas of the principal "Dig for Victory" leaflet—"Vegetable Production in Private Gardens." Including demands from the urban areas, 5,000,000 copies of this leaflet have been distributed in the past two months, together with over 600,000 copies of a coloured cropping chart showing how to plan the production of vegetables for winter as well as summer. Over 1,000,000 copies of the various advisory leaflets in the "Dig for Victory" series have also been issued to date.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the advice given in these leaflets is generally followed by farmers and allotment-holders?

As a result of the propaganda campaign on the wireless and in the Press, more attention is being paid to, and more use is being made of, the advice made available for farmers and allotment-holders.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the progress being made in this country with regard to hydroponics, and other methods of soil-less culture?

The processes of water and sand culture under glass are being tested at several experimental centres aided by the Ministry, as well as by private persons and commercial firms. The results so far obtained are inconclusive.

Am I right in assuming that the committee of scientific men examined these new methods; and if so, will a summary of their conclusions be at the disposal of the House?

A summary of the experimental work up to 1938 was published in the ''Ministry of Agriculture Journal'' in November, 1938. Since then, certain articles have been published, notably one by Reading University and others in two numbers of the "Fruit Grower," in May, 1940. I will see that as the tests are concluded some information is published.

Does my right hon. Friend remember that many months ago he promised to give a summary of the most up-to-date conclusions? So far, I have not been able to trace them.

I am afraid the experiments have not yet reached the stage at which it would be possible to draw conclusions.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what opportunity is given to farmers to appeal against the ploughing-up orders of the war agricultural executive committees?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a Question by the hon. Member for the Isle of Ely (Mr. de Rothschild) on this subject on 27th February.

In the case of small working farmers who have been dispossessed, for various reasons—perhaps the lack of capital—is there any opportunity for them, in view of the shortage of labour, to continue working as cultivators, and to assist in food production?

There is nothing to stop them working as agricultural labourers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the qualifications for membership of a pig club; and the conditions which must be fulfilled before members can receive part of the pig meat so produced?

I am sending the hon. Member leaflets giving full information.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some villages of Essex people are evading these conditions, and are getting pig meat without having to keep pigs at all?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether national diploma courses are being continued in agricultural colleges; whether Ministry of Agriculture scholarships for the children of farm workers and others, to enable them to take such courses, still continue; and, if not, why?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. In reply to the second and third parts, although certain awards made before the outbreak of war are being continued, in existing circumstances the need for farm work is so great that the operation of the scholarship scheme has been suspended. I need not say that I shall keep the position under constant review, and restore the scheme as soon as the position justifies.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the decision has interfered with the scholastic courses of some young people who are actually in the middle of such courses? Is it not possible to allow them to continue to the end?

One of the main difficulties was the lack of teachers. As the House will be aware, last summer, in order to speed up the food production campaign, I was compelled to divert technical teachers to assist district committees in the actual food production campaign. Until we are a good deal "forrader," I am not prepared to allow them to go back to their normal duties.

Is it not a fact that the national necessity was greater than the personal one?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give any information in connection with the dismissal of 200 Suffolk farmers for bad cultivation; and what action he intends taking about the matter?

I assume that the hon. Member refers to statements appearing recently in the Press that 200 farmers in Suffolk had been turned out of their farms by the county war agricultural executive committees. This statement is not correct. In fact, I understand that the total number of cases in East and West Suffolk where owner-occupiers or tenants of farms have been dispossessed of their farms owing to failure to cultivate their land in accordance with the rules of good husbandry is not much more than half the figure stated. In all these cases the action of the committees was taken with my consent, and, therefore, the last part of the Question does not arise.

Even if only a certain number of the farmers had been dispossessed, what has become of the land which was being cultivated?

It was because the land was not being properly cultivated that the committee took possession of it. They are taking steps to see that it is now cultivated and brought back into production.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of these area committees in Suffolk are composed of men of the highest character and agricultural capacity, who are carrying out their difficult and disagreeable task only from a sense of public duty?

Yes; and I have already borne witness to the Government's appreciation of their efforts. In view of the food situation, we must back them up in everything that they do to encourage proper cultivation of the land.

Why has this county such a very large proportion of inefficient farmers as compared with any other county in England and with any in Scotland?

We must remember the difficulties of farming in East Anglia during the last 20 years. We are now trying to bring back the land into cultivation.

Is there any difficulty about getting people to take over these farms?

Not so far as I know.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that home grown tomatoes are being sold at 6s. 6d. per pound; and whether he will make an order forthwith fixing a maximum price, in view of the fact that this has already been done in the case of imported tomatoes?

English tomatoes are not yet in season, and prices are necessarily high. As the crop comes on to the market in increasing quantities in the next six weeks, prices are expected to fall substantially. The question whether in these circumstances a Price Control Order will be necessary is at present under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the grave abuses infesting the trade in unrationed foods, where in some instances prices have been doubled and even quadrupled, he will consider the advisability of granting in creased powers to the prices regulation regional committees, in order to stop this practice?

The prices of a wide range of foodstuffs are regulated by maximum price orders or some other form of control, and enforcement of price orders is actively undertaken by the Ministry's divisional and local organisations. Control will be extended to other commodities where such extension is necessary and practicable.