asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he has yet received any reply to his recent representations to the Japanese Government on their failure to keep their promises that there should be no discrimination against the trade of other Powers in the occupied districts of China;

I have indicated on recent occasions that Japanese discrimination against our interests in China is at variance with numerous assurances of the Japanese Government, and that in the view of His Majesty's Government the Japanese Government cannot divest themselves of responsibility. I have stated that representations have been addressed to that Government and to its representatives, the outcome of which has been unsatisfactory. To this I must add that I have now instructed His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo to reply to Japanese complaints of economic restrictions in British territories by saying that, while our main object is to conserve supplies for our war effort and to prevent these supplies from reaching our enemies, we are naturally influenced in deciding our economic policy by the attitude of the Japanese Government towards our interests in China.

Arising out of that reply, with which I am sure we shall all feel satisfied and for which the House will be very grateful, because it shows a determination of policy which is very desirable, can the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that the policy will be pursued with determination in future?

:My hon. Friend may be assured that we will do our best. The position is plain. If the Japanese complain to us of our economic policy, they can expect no help in that direction until they treat our interests in China with proper consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he has taken with reference to the declaration made by the chairman of the Peking People's Anti-British Association that no leniency should be shown to anybody openly selling British goods?

I have called for a report, and will then consider what action may be appropriate.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement on the relations between His Majesty's Government and the National Government of China at Chungking?

The relations between oar two Governments remain, I am happy to say, on terms of the closest cordiality and co-operation. Engaged as we are in a life and death struggle against aggression in Europe and in the Middle East, the efforts of China to resist foreign domination and to preserve her independence have a natural appeal to the people of this country. His Majesty's Government have done what they could in the past, and will continue to do what they can in the future, to help China to maintain her independence.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will give an assurance that instructions have been given to searchlight unit brigadiers and sector controllers in the Royal Air Force, to co-operate to the fullest possible extent in joint practice in defence against night attack and in conference on the problems as they arise and experience gained, and that the appointment of liaison officers for this purpose will be considered.

My hon. Friend can rest assured that constant attention is given to the problem of cooperation between searchlights and night fighters. With regard to the last part of the Question, arrangements have been made for an exchange of officers between the Services concerned. These officers are being appointed to executive posts, in which their experience can be used to better advantage than if they were employed only on liaison duties.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman bear in mind, with regard to co-operation between the two sides of the Service, that there appears to be considerable room for improvement in the minds of those who are actively connected with the work, and will he give it his close attention?

Certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider the advisability of publishing, together with the nightly number of enemy aircraft destroyed, the approximate number of enemy machines taking part in the raid.

It would not be in the public interest to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Cannot the hon. and gallant Gentleman give some sort of statement on the subject, in view of the fact that the figures lose a great part of their value if nothing is said about the percentage brought down?

On the other hand, the hon. Member will appreciate that it is an elementary principle of security that no commander should give a public estimate of the strength of the enemy opposed to him, because it at once gives the enemy an appreciation of the value of your own Intelligence system.

Do not the Germans know how many they have sent over?

Very likely.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whethere he is aware that it is the practice at many aerodromes for men to use high octane fuel for cleaning machines and floors; and whether he will issue directions that such practice must be stopped, and that officers or men permitting it shall be punished?

Regulations are in force which expressly forbid the practice referred to in the hon. Member's Question. If the hon. Member has any evidence that these regulations are being disobeyed and will let me have particulars, I will certainly make inquiries. As regards the second part of the Question, the attention of all concerned was recently drawn to the need for strict enforcement of these regulations, and a further reminder is now being prepared for issue to units.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that a month or two ago I sent him some correspondence which came to me from several sources and that he promised to take more determined action, and is he further aware that in recent weeks I have checked this up with a good many Service men to whom I have given lifts on the road, every one of whom confirms that there is considerable waste of petrol, and will he make this reminder very strong indeed?

We will certainly make it very strong indeed. The hon. Member did send me particulars, and I had them investigated, but I could not find any confirmation. If he will send me particulars of any particular unit concerning which this allegation is made, I will certainly have it looked into.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings (1) what steps are being taken by his Ministry to enlist the support and advice and collaboration of the building industry in regard to the Government building programme; and

Among the recent steps taken to enlist the support, advice and collaboration of the building industry, my Noble Friend has arranged for an investigation to be made into the best means to secure a united body fully representative of all interests connected with building and construction work. Also, the Minister of Works and Buildings has, with the Minister of Labour, initiated discussions with the building industries which have now reached a stage when it will be possible to take effective action to secure the maximum effort of which the building industry is capable; and I would like to pay a tribute to the patriotic and unselfish attitude exhibited by many in the industry in this matter.

:Will my hon. Friend keep in mind, when he sets up this body, that it is essential that it should have the full confidence of all operating in the building industry?

We hope for that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he can give the House any information on the activities of the air-raid reconstruction organisation of the Ministry which was established recently?

:The Emergency Repairs Organisation is now practically complete, and emergency works officers have been available for some time in about 30 important industrial centres Some 70 heavy air attacks have been dealt with and useful assistance, both technical and in labour and material, has been given in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, to local authorities in connection with housing repairs. The arrangements for repairs to war factories and for supplies of labour and materials have worked smoothly and satisfactorily in association with the Emergency Services Organisation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he is aware that the total cost of manufacturing cement at certain factories is not more than 20s. per ton; and whether he will seek powers to control the selling price so as to avoid excessive prices being fixed by the cement combine?

I am not aware of any case in which cement manufacturing costs are as low as 20s. per ton. As regards the last part of the Question, the industry has submitted to a voluntary control of prices, which has been in operation for a considerable period, and the Ministry are satisfied that current price levels are not excessive.

:Can the hon. Gentleman say what that controlled price is to-day?

It varies. Of course, there is a controlled price at the works, but it varies, by units of 5 miles, according to the distance which it is conveyed from the works to the job. But there is an independent technical examination given at my Ministry to all changes of prices, which are constantly checked.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he is aware that the cement combine representatives hold all the controlling positions in Government departments, which is preventing unbiased and constructive proposals being fairly considered; and whether he will provide for the highest positions dealing with special interests being held by disinterested persons?

:No, Sir; so far as the Ministry of Works and Buildings is concerned, the only responsible post in this Ministry connected with cement is that of Director of Cement, and the holder ceased to act as independent chairman of the Cement Manufacturers' Federation on appointment to his present position. I may add that my Noble Friend some months ago appointed an independent committee to inquire into cement production in relation to current and potential future demands. This committee has taken evidence from all the interests concerned; its report has been received and is now under consideration.

Is it not a fact that the controller is still paid by the cement combine, and that the effective controller, who is usually in attendance with the Director, his immediate chief, is known, as has been pointed out in the Press recently, as the Danish Quisling, and does not the Minister of Transport think that that is a dangerous situation?

I cannot accept the implications of my hon. Friend's suggestion. I can only say that the Director of Cement was appointed by my right hon. Friend the Minister, and he has no longer any effective control of the cement industry. He is working voluntarily, and he is supposed to understand—and I think he does understand—the industry, and I thought one of the best efforts in this war was to find people who know their job.

Is he not still paid by the cement combine?

He is not being paid by the Ministry of Works and Buildings.

But is he not paid by the cement combine?

I cannot answer that.

Can my hon. Friend find out whether he is being paid directly by the trade concerned in matters on which he is now asked to adjudicate?

:If my hon. Friend will put that question down, I will endeavour to answer it.

But does not the hon. Gentleman know?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he has yet received the interim report of the committee sitting under the chairmanship of Mr. Justice Uthwatt; whether it is to be published; and what action he is pro posing to take?

:Yes, Sir. My Noble Friend has received an interim report from the committee which is receiving immediate consideration by the Cabinet Committee on Reconstruction Problems, and will be presented to Parliament at an early date.

:Can my hon. Friend say whether it is proposed to introduce legislation, or whether action is contemplated?

We are hoping to get the report about the end of the month, and it will then be a matter for Parliament to consider.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether any kind of seating arrangements are provided for women motor-omnibus conductors?

:As a rule, no special seating arrangements are provided for women omnibus conductors; in general there is no room to construct a seat on the platform of a bus. A conductress is, however, allowed to occupy a vacant seat in the bus provided that using it does not interfere with the execution of her duties.

:Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that many of these bus conductresses seem to be unaware of that?

Perhaps my hon. Friend's Question will have given the necessary publicity.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that fatigue caused by unaccustomed duties is causing absenteeism among women bus conductresses, and cannot he give attention to the subject with a view to seeing that some device can be introduced to lessen fatigue and improve the efficiency of women conductors?

I quite appreciate that, but it is difficult, as everybody knows who has travelled on a bus, to put an extra seat on the platform. This privilege or right given to the conductresses to sit down when there is a vacant seat will, I think, very largely meet the case.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us if that applies to Scotland also?

I do not think it does.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he is aware that the present rule whereby return tickets on omnibuses and tramcars are only available on the day of issue is creating hardship in many cases owing to the present emergency; and whether representations can be made to transport undertakings, throughout the country, in favour of a more flexible arrangement, as is done in certain cases with respect to workmen's tickets?

If my hon. Friend will send me particulars of cases where hardship arises, I will certainty look into them.

It is the general principle, not particular cases, upon which I would like the Minister to reply.

These cheap return tickets are available for a reasonable period after the end of the shift, even if the end of the shift comes upon the day after the ticket is issued.

Is the Minister aware that much greater privileges than this exist in other transport services? Cannot he extend them to the trams and buses?

I thought my hon. Friend's Question referred to all transport services. I will look into the position in regard to trams and buses.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he is aware that prices for used motor cars have risen in some cases 35 per cent. above makers' list prices; that the motor trade admit this is due primarily to speculation in anticipation of future demand; and whether, as this may lead to the payment of war damage compensation based on inflated values, he will reconsider introducing some control of prices for used motor cars?

:There have, of course, been cases in which purchasers of second-hand cars have been prepared to buy them at prices considerably above makers' list prices. I am not aware of what my hon. Friend suggests in the second part of his Question. In regard to the third part, I have nothing to add to what my right hon. and gallant Friend, now the Minister of Aircraft Production, said in answer to a similar Question by my hon. Friend on 9th April.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that from the motor trade itself, as well as from elsewhere, there is a very strong demand for some kind of control of prices for used motor cars; and that it is held to be possible to surmount the difficulties of which he is no doubt aware?

:It is rather difficult, because some people use their cars so much more than others. The value of used cars, even in their second year, is not the same, because of differences in the amount of use and in the manner of driving them.

:Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the motor trade are thoroughly familiar with those

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he is aware that many professional and other citizens continue to use large high-powered motor-cars, which could, with equal efficiency, be replaced by low-power motor cars; and whether, as in the national interest many users have voluntarily made this change, he will now make it obligatory for this to be done in all appropriate cases?

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the industry were never able to fix the value of second hand motor cars because of variations in the amount of use?

That, of course, is true. There have to be variations in the prices on motor dealers' lists, which are only rough average prices.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport what salaries are paid to the chairman, vice-chairman and members of the London Passenger Transport Board; and what changes have been made since the reply given on 22nd May, 1933?

As the reply contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

:Are any of these persons allowed to take other paid jobs in addition to these posts?

I should want notice of that question.

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer which I gave on 6th May to the hon. Member for Finchley (Mr. Crowder), of which I am sending him a copy.

:I have seen a copy of that. In view of the fact that the Minister does not seem to be accepting the valuable suggestions that I have made in the Question, would he say what other steps he proposes in order to deal with the position?

:No, Sir. The regulations already go a considerable way, accord-to the Answer.

asked the Minister of Information the number of films produced under the auspices of his Department shown to the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, respectively, during the past month?

The showing is under the control of the Service Departments, and I have no records. During the last month the Film Library of the Ministry of Information has lent 269 copies of films to the War Office, 20 to the Admiralty, and 90 to the Air Ministry, each of which will have been shown a minimum of three times and a maximum of perhaps a dozen times, before being returned. In addition, the Army owns 101 copies, the Navy 69, and the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes 18 copies of films obtained from the Ministry; but I have no information how often they are shown.

:Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many units are informed that, as the War Office refuse to pay for such films, they cannot be shown to them; and that therefore many units are deprived of the opportunity of seeing the films?

:As far as I am aware, those units are misinformed.

Have all of those films been produced in this country?

Yes, Sir.

:Will the right hon. Gentleman make it perfectly clear that, in fact, these films are available for these units?

I will do my best.

asked the Minister of Information the languages in which the European news service is broadcast?

I will circulate in the Official Report particulars of the 25 European languages in which the B.B.C. now broadcasts.

asked the Minister of Information why it is proposed to discontinue the British Broadcasting Corporation broadcasts to Switzerland; and on what date?

:In view of the fact that the French, German and English transmissions of the B.B.C. are listened to in Switzerland, it was felt that the time allotted to the broadcasts addressed directly to that country might be more profitably utilised in other directions. These broadcasts were accordingly discontinued on 7th May.

:In what language are these broadcasts to Switzerland made?

:In French, German, and Italian.

:Is not the decision to discontinue the broadcasts due to German pressure upon the Swiss Government?

Not so far as His Majesty's Government arc concerned.

:Have representations on the subject been received by the Government from anybody in Switzerland, either the Swiss Government or private persons?

:I should want notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Information whether it is the practice of his Ministry to issue questionnaires to the public; what have been the subjects of questionnaires during the. present year; to whom they have been sent; and what use is made of the results?

:It is not the practice of the Ministry of Information to issue questionnaires to the public, and the remainder of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

:Was not a questionnaire issued on the subject of the Sunday closing of theatres, asking people whether they did or did not approve of the action of the Government and of the House of Commons? Is it the business of the Department to intervene in this way between Members of Parliament and their constituents?

:No such questionnaire was issued by the Ministry of Information.

Is the Minister still carrying on his mass psychology investigation?

I still think it my duty to keep myself informed of public opinion; but no such questionnaire was issued.

Is the observation still being carried on by the Minister's experts?

:Certainly, observation is carried on, and reports are being obtained by local committees of the Ministry.

rose—

:The Question before the House is whether any questionnaire was issued. The Answer was in the negative, and that ends the matter.

That is the point upon which I am trying to get an answer.

:That is another point altogether.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will encourage regional committees of the Ministry of Information to invite local Members of Parliament to address lunch-hour meetings of workers and staffs in factories in their own constituencies, in order to express appreciation of the magnificent services which are being rendered by the factories to our war effort, and to encourage the workers concerned to still further efforts in the future?

I am informed that meetings of the kind suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend are being held in many parts of the country, with excellent results, and I shall be glad to do anything in my power to assist in the organisation of such meetings wherever the need for them is felt.

:Does the Minister accept the position that such speakers should make statements that often reflect in a derogatory manner upon certain opinions held in this country? For instance, does he take the view of a recent speaker at Hamilton that people in the West of Scotland who are having large families are not the right type of people to have them and that it would be better for certain other people to have large families?

:I cannot answer offhand for the views of the anonymous speakers to whom the hon. Member is referring. If he has any complaint about any speaker on behalf of the Ministry of Information, perhaps he will let me have particulars.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is satisfied that adequate facilities are being granted to correspondents of the United States Press in London to pay constant visits to this House?

:I had recently, owing largely to your sympathetic support, Mr. Speaker, been able to arrange a new system under which United States correspondents attending the debates of this House would have been given greater facilities and enjoyed greater amenities. I regret that altered circumstances now present a fresh problem, but I shall do my best, in existing circumstances, to meet, so far as possible, the convenience of American correspondents.

When the right hon. Gentleman is able to give those facilities, will he see that facilities are also provided for American correspondents to release news in time for them to get it into the American papers?

I always try to release the news as soon as I get it.

asked the Minister of Information what steps he is taking to counteract German propaganda and influence in the Middle East; and whether he is satisfied that the work of his Department is not being in any way restricted through lack of adequate finance?

All possible steps are being taken by news services, broadcasting, films, and by literary and pictorial publicity, to see that the truth is known over the Middle East. It would not be in the public interest to describe the methods in detail, but they are not hampered by lack of adequate finance.

asked the Post master-General whether, in view of the unsatisfactory, and ofter conflicting, in formation supplied to inquirers at post offices, he has considered the desirability of informing the public, by poster display in post offices and by broadcast, instead of by circulars to postal officials, of salient matters of postal importance to the community?

A great deal of postal information is already given by means of notices displayed in post offices, but if the hon. Member has particular items in mind, I shall be happy to consider suggestions. The fullest possible use is also made of broadcast and Press announcements.

As the information 1 have received comes from a leading postal official, I shall be very happy to supply it.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is satisfied that the recent rearrangement of postal collections and deliveries will result in quicker and more efficient postal services for the public?

Yes, Sir.

Can my right hon. Friend then give an assurance to the House that actually to-day letters which are posted in London are delivered in London the same day, and delivered the following day outside London?

Yes, Sir, but it depends when they are posted. My hon. and gallant Friend and the House can be assured that everything possible is being done in existing circumstances to give a speedy delivery of letters.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is satisfied that he is obtaining all available steel and iron scrap for the prosecution of the war effort?

I am glad to be able to say that we have not yet experienced any stringency in supplies of iron and steel scrap. Our plans for collection of home scrap have been based upon requirements, and the reserves known to be available at home will be drawn upon as and when required, having regard to the supplies available from abroad.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of the delay that is being made in surrendering certain required railings in Fleetwood; whether, in view of past events, he will no longer acquiesce in this or any other delay of such material wanted for the war effort; and whether he will use his compulsory powers for acquisition of these railings forthwith?

:I understand that the Fleetwood Council are reconsidering their decision not to surrender certain ornamental railings belonging to them. In general, substantial quantities of railings for use as scrap are coming forward steadily under the present arrangements, but I shall not hesitate to use compulsory powers as and when necessary.

In view of the fact that my right hon. Friend wanted these railings and asked for them for war purposes, why on earth should Fleetwood Council or any other council stand in his way; is not. this just a repetition of the delay that occurred in reference to Berkeley Square, which he said he would not countenance, and will he drop this "flag-day" attitude on this matter?

:There is no flag-day attitude on this question, which is an ordinary business operation. The moment we find that it is necessary to use compulsory powers to obtain the scrap required for our manufacturing purposes, compulsory powers will be taken.

Will the right hon. Gentleman write to local authorities and request them to consider whether they cannot surrender more railings than they have already done?

Yes, Sir, we are in constant communication with local authorities and different Departments on the question of railings.

:My right hon. Friend has powers, has he not?

We have powers, but we require more powers of compulsion, and those powers will be asked for as soon as it is felt necessary.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he has now had an opportunity to consider fully the report of the special committee on kitchen waste; whether he proposes to publish the recommendations; and what steps have been taken to put them into effect?

I have now been able to consider, in conjunction with the other Ministers concerned, the report of the special committee on kitchen waste, and a Waste Food Board is being set up to carry out the recommendations contained therein. A copy of the report has been placed in the Library of the House.

Has the right hon. Gentleman issued instructions to the Board telling them of the need for energetic action and warning them that the delay each day is equal to the sinking of a food ship, with a cargo of 1,000 tons?

No instructions have yet been issued to the Board, but I hope that the personnel of the Board will be such as to give complete confidence that all these factors will be kept well in mind.

And the right hon. Gentleman will tell them that delay is dangerous?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that much disquiet is prevailing in the minds of the workmen of certain Royal Ordnance Factories at what they believe to be excessive waste of material; and will he consider allowing either workers or their representatives to go round with one of his officials to point out to them where such waste is taking place, as this would prove or disprove the allegations?

The hon. Member has been good enough to furnish me with particulars of the case he has in mind, and I will communicate with him as soon as my inquiries are complete.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what steps were taken on the representations made over a year ago by the North Midland Shop Traders' Federation against the profiteering by several middlemen in respect of the sale of foodstuffs and the need for the licensing of dealers?

:In the course of its administration, the Ministry of Food is continually regulating by Order and Direction the prices and distribution of foodstuffs. In the year ending 4th April, 1941, 324 Statutory Orders were made with this object. These Orders cover all essential, and most other, important foodstuffs. Where the price of a commodity is controlled by Order, profiteering becomes a criminal offence. In the case of all commodities owned by the Ministry, distribution is carried out through approved wholesalers and other recognised distributors. In the case of other commodities I fully recognise that existing traders would, speaking generally, favour a system of licensing which would restrict distribution to firms already in business. My Noble Friend is not, however, satisfied that it is desirable in the national interest to make this restriction universal, although as control is extended the licensing or selection of distributors becomes more complete.

In view of the statement that my hon. and gallant Friend made a week ago, that he had not heard of this matter a long time since, will he now alter that statement and say that this matter was brought forward by this body over a year ago to stop the profiteering of which the Minister now complains?

I have no recollection of saying what the hon. and learned Gentleman says I said.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it was by his instructions that a statement to the effect that inquiry into profiteering in tinned soup had been completed by the Ministry of Food was issued coincidentally with the report of the Food Price Investigation Committee, North Midland Region; whether that investigation was to the knowledge and with the co-operation of the same committee; and whether this report is to be made public?

The Press notice issued on 1st May was issued on the instructions given by my Noble Friend. The investigation referred to in the notice was conducted by officials of the Ministry based on information received by the Ministry from a member of the public. As information which was found to relate to the same transactions was received from the North Midland Price Investigation Committee some days after the investigation had started, a copy of the report was, as a matter of courtesy sent to that Committee. It is not proposed to publish the report on the investigation which was conducted in order to ascertain whether there had been any infringement of the Food (Current Prices) Order. In so far as the report disclosed prima facie infringements, the matter is sub judice, and in so far as the transactions took place prior to the Order—which was made with the express object of stopping speculators' transactions coming into operation—no useful purpose would be served by its publication. My hon. and learned Friend will remember that such investigations can only be made because of the emergency powers granted to Government Departments to compel traders to produce their records. While it is proper to use information thus obtained in legal proceedings, it is clearly against public policy that it should be used to create prejudice against any section of the community.

:Is it not the fact that the matters which were brought to light by the North Midland Committee some two weeks ago were investigated by them at the instigation of certain citizens of Nottingham who had written to the hon. and gallant Gentleman telling him that the statement with which he was supplied to contradict me was quite inaccurate?

:The Question of the hon. and learned Gentleman refers specifically to allegations regarding tinned soup, and the information which I have given in the Answer to this Question is the correct information, that this investigation was in progress nine days at least before similar allegations from the investigation committee were received.

:Can my hon. and gallant Friend say how it was that this matter was taken up by the North Midland Committee while the Ministry of Food was supposed to be dealing with it?

:If allegations about profiteering are found subsequently to be substantiated, is it not desirable in the public interest that the report should be presented to this House?

:No, Sir; we act on information after investigation has taken place, and surely it is not in the interests of justice that such information should be given before these proceedings have been taken.

My hon. and gallant Friend misunderstands me. If the allegations have been substantiated or disproved, as the case may be, is it not desirable that the report should be made public?

:No, Sir, because as a result of the report being received we may or may not take action in the courts, and therefore, surely, it would be most undesirable that publication should be given of facts before the people implicated in the case appear before the court.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can make a further statement about the profiteering in live chickens; and what steps the Ministry are taking?

:Information has reached me that in order to avoid the provisions of the Poultry (Maximum Prices) Order, purchasers at certain auction marts, when buying live chickens for killing for food, are giving written declarations that the birds are bought for breeding, laying and rearing. Cases are now under investigation with a view to legal action.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food when he proposes to fix reasonable prices for spring onions, lettuces and tinned carrots?

:My noble Friend does not see any need at present to control the prices of those fruits and vegetables of which ample supplies may be expected. The price of canned carrots is controlled by the Canned Vegetables (Maximum Prices) Order, 1941, which came into force on 5th May last.

:Does that Answer cover home tomatoes, which are costing is. for a two-ounce tomato?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the,Ministry of Food whether he is aware that some hundreds of birds have been slaughtered owing to the shortage of bird seed, and that the importation of a quota would prevent the destruction of the most valuable birds; and whether he can arrange for something being done towards obviating further slaughter?

:I would refer my hon. Friend to the Reply given to the hon. and learned Member for Greenock (Mr. R. Gibson) on 18th March. I am sending him a copy of the Press notice referred to in that Reply.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has any information respecting the sale of horseflesh for human consumption; and what restrictions exist for the prevention, control or restriction of the sale of horseflesh for this purpose?