asked the Minister of Labour what are the local rent rules recommended by the various Assistance Board advisory committees in Glamorgan under the Determination of Needs Act, 1941; and what are the acceptances or otherwise by the Assistance Board?

The recommendations made by the advisory committees in Glamorgan are substantially the same as those described on pages 174–175 of the Board's Annual Report for 1936, subject to alterations in form made necessary by the new method of calculating the standard rent embodied in the new Regulations. All the recommendations, a statement of which I am sending to my hon. Friend, have been accepted by the Board.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in order to procure a greater absorption of ex-service men in industry, he will consider the advisability of extending the work of the King's National Roll?

The question of extending the King's Roll Scheme has recently been under consideration by the King's Roll National Council and I am now awaiting a report on the Council's views. I would point out that there has been a substantial reduction in the number of disabled ex-Service men from the last war registered as unemployed, the latest figure being 7,942 as compared with 26,220 in 1939. I have every hope that this improvement will continue.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the Government's policy of requiring all the available man-power, he will request all Government Departments to prepare a report showing where the need for man-power, irrespective of age or qualification, is required, in view of the fact that the Employment Exchanges, in different parts of the country, are unable to place men, except those specifically qualified as motor mechanics, farm labourers and builders; and whether he will confer with the Secretary of State for War with a view to seeing whether the services of many of these men could be utilised by increasing the strength of the Pioneer Corps by the formation of units specially formed for the purpose of agricultural drainage and other urgent requirements?

I am in constant touch with Production Departments as to present and prospective labour requirements. I cannot accept my hon. Friend's suggestion that the Employment Exchanges are unable to place men in work unless they are specifically qualified as motor mechanics, farm labourers or builders. Any fit man whose availability is not restricted can be placed in employment. I am not prepared to adopt the policy of enlisting men in military units for the express purpose of being employed on civilian work.

asked the Home Secretary whether the specific allegations made against citizens of friendly countries detained under Regulation 12 (5A) are communicated to the aliens concerned, and, if so, by whom?

The grounds on which orders are made for the detention of aliens under Article 12 (5A) of the Aliens Order vary according to the circumstances of the particular case. As my hon. Friend is aware, aliens detained under this provision have, with very few exceptions, an oppor- tunity of appearing before an Advisory Committee and I am anxious that they should be given every opportunity of knowing the nature of the allegations made against them and of explaining their activities. But in the interests of national security the right must be reserved to withhold particulars which, on security grounds, should not be disclosed.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the shortage of medical men, he will now consider the application made by the Royal Society, on 22nd November, 1940, for the release from internment of Dr. Roberto Bolaffi, a doctor of British parentage, who served, before his internment, as medical officer in a British ship?

I am advised that Dr. Bolaffi's nationality is Italian. His case has been fully reviewed by the Italian Advisory Committee and I am glad to say that I authorised his release from internment on 22nd May.

asked the Home Secretary what is the present position of R. A. V. Herz, a German subject with British connections, educated in this country, who was interned and deported to Australia, was informed, on 30th November, 1940, of his impending release but, according to the latest information, is still interned?

As my hon. Friend knows, release cannot be effected in Australia, and involves the return of the alien to this country. The shipping accommodation is limited, but as I stated in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Rhys Davis) on 27th May, my representative in Australia is endeavouring to take advantage of any shipping facilities available for the return to this country of aliens whose release I am prepared to authorise and who are willing to undertake the voyage.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give an assurance that adequate steps are being taken against the danger of incendiary bombs on growing crops?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I have given to-day to Questions asked by my hon. Friends the Members for North Aberdeen (Mr. Garro Jones) and Peters-field (Sir G. Jeffreys).

asked the Home Secretary what action he proposes to take in connection with the destruction of a building of the first historical and architectural importance in the City of London by fire in a recent raid, as a result of the disclosure, in a statement sent to him, made by a responsible eye witness, that nothing was done for 45 minutes towards putting out an incendiary bomb lodged on the roof despite the fact that its position was notified to the post concerned by a watcher on an adjacent roof within two minutes of its falling and action was promised; and whether he will see that the lessons of this incident are brought to the notice of those responsible for fire-fighting with a view to preventing a recurrence of this tragedy?

Inquiry is being made to establish the cause of the delay in dealing with the incident described. This particular affair provides a further illustration of the need for ensuring that incendiary bombs are speedily dealt with, and I will see that the importance of this continues to be emphasised.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware the men who are liable for fire-watching duties, and who have received medical certificates that for health reasons they are unfit for such duties, are required to appear before a hardship committee, and, if too ill to attend their application for exemption is rejected; and whether he will take appropriate steps to have this procedure changed?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. If my hon. Friend has a particular case in mind I will ask the Ministry of Labour and National Service who are responsible for the Military Service (Hardship) Committees to inquire into the facts.

asked the Home Secretary what is the present position with regard to the provision of food and the granting of subsistence allowance by local authorities to fire-watchers and other civil defence workers?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which I made in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for North Tottenham (Mr. R. C. Morrison) on 22nd May on the subject of conditions of service for Civil Defence personnel.

asked the Home Secretary whether the claim of Mrs. Atten-borough, a member of the Odiham first-aid staff, for settlement of the cost of replacement of a number of new garments ruined by disinfection as a result of her using unclean official blankets, has now been definitely settled, since it has been before his regional officers for some months; and if not, when is it expected to be settled?

In the time available it has not been possible to trace any record of this case as having been received by my Department, but I am having further inquiries made and will communicate the result to my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Minister of Health whether there is, at present, any comprehensive scheme formulated and notified to all civilian members of the medical profession, whereby their services are available, and their precise duties known, in case of emergency, whether due to air raids or invasion?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to a similar Question asked by him on nth March. I have every reason to believe that satisfactory progress has been made in completing the plans referred to in the latter part of that reply.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the distress caused to householders in reception areas upon whom verminous or diseased adults are billeted, he will consider giving householders the right to refuse accommodation to such people until they consent to undergo appropriate remedial or medical treatment?

Under the Government evacuation scheme and other organised schemes under which adults may be billeted on householders, hostels are provided for persons who are unsuitable for billeting. It will be appreciated that such arrangements are not always practicable in respect of homeless persons, as a prolonged and concentrated attack might leave considerable numbers without shelter and it is imperative that they should be accommodated without delay. If my hon. Friend will give me details of any cases which have come to his notice in which verminous adults have been billeted in private houses I shall be pleased to look into the matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in the interests of conserving the maximum of available rural accommodation for evacuees, he proposes to issue any general advice as to where residents of urban areas should, or should not, go for their holidays?

In view of the very short holidays possible this year, I do not think that objection need be raised to holiday-makers occupying accommodation which is not already in use for evacuated persons in any country district, always provided that no lengthy journey is involved. But should it come to notice that evacuated persons were being sent home to make room for holiday-makers, immediate action would be taken to deal with those responsible.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that certain prison doctors, irrespective of their capabilities or willingness, are being retired under peace-time regulations; and whether he will consider waiving these regulations in view of the fact that there is a shortage of doctors in the country?

The regulations relating to the retirement of prison medical officers are the same as those relating to other Government servants. They give discretion to retain an officer for a period after he has reached the pensionable age if, owing to war conditions or to any special circumstances, it is desirable that his service should be extended. The fact, however, that the officer himself does not want to retire is not by itself a reason for such extension.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider, when Royalty or other official personages of public interest visit a county that, in addition to the rota of London newspapers, Press agencies and London photographic agencies, representatives, including photographers, of the leading county newspapers, not exceeding two in number, and one local newspaper, be also permitted to attend, particularly in days when telephonic communication with London is sometimes impossible?

This is, I understand, a matter of arrangement in each case, and I am not aware of any difficulty.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will, in conjunction with the Minister of Labour, take steps to safeguard the interests of the smaller local authorities and the maintenance of their essential services arising from the raising of the age of reservation of many of their staffs; and whether he is aware that small authorities are in a difficult position in recruiting suitable labour to replace men who may be called up for military service?

On the general issue involved I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on 13th March to my hon. Friend the Member for West Birmingham (Mr. Higgs), and I am sending him a copy of the circular subsequently issued to local authorities. I may add that, in deciding what recommendation I can make to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service in individual cases, special consideration is given to the difficulties of smaller authorities.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the considerable increase in diphtheria notifications and deaths in the 126 great towns of England and Wales in the period December, 1940, to March, 1941, as compared with the corresponding period of 1939 and 1940; to what extent this increase corresponded with a large increase in the number of children immunised; whether he is aware that many doctors have produced evidence of immunisation causing outbreaks of diphtheria through the creation of carriers; and whether he will have a thorough investigation made into the causes of the serious increase in diphtheria following the drive for immunisation?

I am aware that the number of deaths from diphtheria in the 126 great towns during the first quarter of 1941 was greater than in the corresponding periods of 1939 and 1940. The number of notifications in the same period was greater than in the first quarter of 1940, but less than in the first quarter of 1939. I have no figures, as yet, to show the increase in the number of children immunised during the first three months of 1941. In any case this cannot be related to the total of deaths from diphtheria in persons of all ages: nor can the effects of the disease over a short period be related to the number of inoculations carried out in that same period, immunisation being essentially a prospective and long-term safeguard. I am not aware of any facts which suggest that immunisation causes outbreaks of diphtheria, but there is ample evidence that in places where it has been widely applied to children under 15 the disease has been practically eliminated. The answer to the last part of the Question is No.

asked the Minister of Health what percentage it is estimated of the child population must be made immune if diphtheria is to be eliminated; whether it is expected that this percentage will be achieved in a reasonable time by persuasion, in the face of hostile propaganda; and, if not, what objection exists to compulsory immunisation?

It is estimated that if three-quarters of the number of children at each year of age below 15 were immune against diphtheria, and this level were maintained year by year, the disease would be practically abolished. It would be premature to forecast the result of the steps now being taken to promote immunisation, but I trust that the good sense of parents will in the great majority of cases lead them to secure for their children this vital protection.

asked the Minister of Health whether the plan outlined in his announce- ment on 3rd April for the provision of up-to-date fracture and rehabilitation facilities is now ready, or, if not, what progress has been made in the preparation of the plan and when does he think it will be ready; and is it intended to publish the plan or will copies be made available to Members of this House and to interested parties outside?

Hospital authorities were informed by circulars of the 24th April of the inclusion in the Emergency Hospital Scheme of fracture cases occurring among industrial workers and Civil Defence workers, in accordance with the statement which I made on 3rd April in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Gateshead (Mr. Magnay). Further details of the arrangements for treating these cases, whether occurring amongst the workers referred to or amongst other classes included in the emergency scheme, are contained in a circular which is being issued in a few days. Copies will be made available at the Vote Office and sent to bodies known to be interested in this subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the policy of charging Death Duties only on property, passing on the death of individuals, is becoming impaired by recently increased investments in national debt securities and real estate for the benefit of non-trading, corporate and similar forms of undying ownership; and whether he will introduce legislation to prevent such loss by evasion of Death Duties, or arrange that undying ownership of all non-trading income-yielding capital shall share its burden of war-time taxation?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Windsor (Sir A. Somerville) on 13th May to a similar Question. I am sending him a copy of that reply. As at present advised, I see no reason for the introduction of legislation in the sense suggested by him.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, when proposals are put upon the Order Book of the House by private Members recommending increased public expenditure, his Department will, so far as possible, issue memoranda setting out the exact cost of such proposals, so that the public may be well informed as to the ability of the nation to finance them?

While I am in sympathy with my hon. Friend's object in making this proposal I should not feel justified in committing my Department or other Departments to the expenditure of time and labour which it would involve, if adopted as a general rule. Important individual cases can, if necessary, be given special consideration as they arise.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he has any statement to make with regard to Customs duties on imports for Government use?

Yes, Sir. After consultation with the Departments concerned my right hon. Friend is satisfied that there is scope for the abolition in present conditions of the duties on a number of articles, the bulk of which are imported for Government use. While the saving of time and labour to be gained thereby must not be exaggerated, my right hon. Friend considers that for what it is worth it should be secured. The list of duties involved is nearly completed, but before it is finally settled it is proposed to consult industrial representatives.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an assurance that Treasury consent, as required by Regulation 6 of the Defence (Finance) Regulations, 1939, to borrowing by a company in order to redeem maturing debentures, or to an arrangement for postponing the date of maturity of debentures, will not be refused when the company can show that such refusal would involve its default or the depletion of its necessary cash resources?

Applications for Treasury consent under Regulation 6 are considered individually on their merits by the Capital Issues Committee, who make a recommendation to the Treasury. While I cannot give the categorical assurance which my hon. Friend requests, I am sure that the Committee would view sympathetically cases such as those referred to in his Question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on whom the liability falls in respect of contributions under Part I of the War Damage Act, 1941, and the War Damage (Business Scheme) Order, 1941, on account of land and goods, respectively, which have been requisitioned on behalf of His Majesty's Government throughout the risk period?

In respect of requisitioned land contributions under Part I are payable by the owners of the property in the ordinary way, the Crown having no proprietary interest. The Order referred to exempts from compulsory insurance under the business scheme goods owned by a person or in his possession which are not being used by him because they have been requisitioned on behalf of His Majesty. If, in such cases, insurance is effected voluntarily under the business scheme, it would have to be effected by the owner of the goods.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will consider the advisability of reconstituting the war pensions committees throughout the country; and, when doing so, will he take steps to ensure that the British Legion is adequately represented on those committees?

War pensions committees have remained in being and there is, therefore, no need for their reconstitution. I am satisfied that members of the Legion have an adequate share in the membership of these committees as representatives of disabled men and of widows and dependants, but if the hon. Member has any particular case in mind perhaps he will let me know.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will consider the advisability of establishing independent appeals tribunals throughout the country to enable men discharged from service, who have been denied compensation, to appeal independently as was done in the Great War?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Stoke (Mr. E. Smith) on 23rd April, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether steps are being taken by legislative action in the Straits Settlements to prohibit the traffic in boys, who are sold for employment in factories and industries outside the territories, for domestic service and for training in circuses and theatres?

Inquiries made by the Straits Settlements Government in collaboration with the authorities in Hong Kong have shown that since the extension of hostilities in the Sino-Japanese conflict to South China there has been a traffic of some extent in boys from China ports to Malaya. The Straits Settlements Government have decided that steps must be taken to prevent this and my Noble Friend is at present awaiting the Governor's recommendations on the details of the necessary legislation and on the enactment of similar measures in the Malay States. In the Colony of the Straits Settlements itself children under 14 may not be engaged in any form of labour or employment under any conditions or circumstances prohibited by the Government and no children under 16 may take part in any public entertainment without a licence from the Government.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what powers to prosecute alleged offenders are given to local food investigation committees; and what are their other powers?

The committees are charged to keep under review in their area the price levels of foods which are not price controlled, to investigate complaints made to them regarding the prices of these foods and to report the facts to the Ministry, They have been authorised by my Noble Friend to compel disclosure of books and trading accounts if this is necessary for the purpose of their investigations.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what steps he has taken on the representations made by various food price investigation committees?

The representations made by food price investigation committees are in all cases carefully examined. The making of a Maximum Price Order is considered in all suitable cases.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, to assist those animal owners who are not well off, he will investigate the charges of profiteering in the prices of food for dogs and cats?

I shall be pleased to investigate any specific cases of alleged profiteering which are brought to my notice.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food who are his directors of the meat supply to manufacturers of cooked meats and sausages; and whether they have given up all association with private companies?

The director of manufactured meat is Mr. A. O. Short and the deputy director is Mr. S. J. Pink. These officers are giving full time to the work of the Ministry and have disassociated themselves from any executive control of their pre-war businesses.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the tonnage of corned beef allocated by the director of manufacturers of meat supplies to the two firms of Wall and Son, Limited, of Acton, and Poulton and Noel, Limited, of Southall, and the next largest quantity supplied to any other firm; and whether he is aware of the anxiety of the members of the Sausage and Cooked Meat Manufacturers' Association at the present allocations?

Two hundred and eighty-four tons of canned corned beef were allocated by the Ministry jointly to the two firms mentioned for the production of canned meat roll and hash which was urgently required by the Ministry for emergency feeding services. The next largest allocation of 202 tons was to Heinz, Limited. I am not aware of any anxiety having been caused by these allocations.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether there is any shortage of saccharine; and what retail prices are regarded by his Department as equitable?

I understand that the amount of saccharine released to tablet manufacturers is about 20 times the pre-war figure, but there is evidence of an unsatisfied demand in certain localities. The question of regulating retail prices has already been referred to the Central Prices Regulation Committee set up by the Board of Trade to adminster the Prices of Goods Act, 1939.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether arrangements have now been made for the importation of dried bananas into this country to aid our food supplies and increase employment in the Colonies concerned?

No, Sir. The proposal to import dried bananas on a limited scale is the subject of discussions now proceeding with my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonial Office.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that milk cannot be dealt with at some cheese-making creameries owing to shortage of labour, largely because it is being taken away from cheese-making creameries by camp contractors who pay 3d. per hour more than is allowed in the labour unit cost estimated by the Ministry for cheese production; and whether he will devise remedial measures?

I have no evidence that, except perhaps in isolated instances, the dairy industry has been affected by labour shortages to a greater extent than have other industries. Skilled workers in the industry are protected in the highest degree consistent with national policy, and cheese making concerns can secure admission to the protected list under the Schedule of Reserved Occupations arid Protected Industries if they apply to the appropriate divisional controller of the Ministry of Labour and National Service.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why persons over 70 years of age are not eligible for the special agricultural cheese ration; and if he will reconsider this where such persons are doing full-time agricultural work?

Such persons are eligible for the special ration of cheese if they hold the combined contribution card (which replaces the unemployment insurance book for all employ6s over 65 years of age) bearing stamps marked "Agriculture"

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that a number of local government employés, who devote their whole working time to agriculture on farms owned by local authorities, are debarred from receiving the extra cheese ration; and will he devise some method to improve the identification of these workers in order to bring them within the scheme?

I appreciate that the existing method of identification leaves out certain agricultural workers, for instance, those who are employed by local authorities and who contribute to superannuation schemes. Ways for improving the identification are at present being considered, and due regard will be paid to the claims of such employés.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what has been his attitude towards a request from the National Federation of Fish Friers for a deputation to put before him their difficulties and disadvantages?

A deputation from the National Federation of Fish Friers was received yesterday. I have not yet had an opportunity of studying a report of the meeting.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can state the latest controlled prices for roasting and boiling chickens; and whether these prices are being enforced in the country as well as in the towns?

The current maximum prices for both roasting chickens and boiling fowls are at the rate of 1s. 6d. per pound on a sale by the producer to a wholesaler, 1s. 7d. per pound on a sale by wholesale, and 1s. 10d. per pound on a sale by retail. These prices are being enforced everywhere, but present control arrangements are continually under review and more effective measures to prevent evasion are under examination.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that 1s. to 1s. 3d. is being charged retail for lettuce; and, as this is out of all proportion to the cost of production, whether he will take action in the matter?

No, Sir, I have heard of no case of such prices being charged in the last few weeks. Most greengrocers are now offering lettuces at less than half that price, and as supplies are increasing and prices falling, I do not consider that any action is necessary.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department on how many occasions, since his appointment to office, has he been present at the meetings of the committee of the Exports Credit Guarantee Scheme; and how many times has the committee met?

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to the Export Guarantees Advisory Council which is appointed by the Board of Trade under the Export Guarantees Act, 1939. The Department of Overseas Trade is represented on the Council by its Comptroller-General. The Export Guarantees Advisory Council, which was formerly styled the Advisory Committee, has held 219 meetings since it was first constituted. I am not a member of the Council, but I was present at the invitation of the chairman at a special meeting on the 15th May, 1941.

asked the President of the Board of Trade Whether he is aware that the lack of definite information as to the method of assessing value of chattels lost or damaged through enemy action; the amount payable now, and the method of payment, is causing much discontent amongst the poorer classes; and whether he will arrange for full information on these matters to be available in a form more easily understood?

Full information on the private chattels scheme is contained in various memoranda which have been issued by the Board of Trade, particularly Notice No. 123, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy. I have, however, given instructions for the immediate preparation and wide distribution of a short but comprehensive pamphlet in simple language on the points to which attention is directed in the Question.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the Royal Air Force has the same powers in regard to compulsory billeting of personnel in private houses as those possessed by the Army?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men serving in the Army who are agricultural members or trained in agriculture can assist farmers and small-holders in the areas to which their units are stationed; and what steps are being taken to help in food production in this way during the coming season?

Instructions have been issued which permit trained soldiers accustomed to agricultural work to assist farmers in the areas in which they are stationed when they are not required for military duties; Farmers wishing to avail themselves of such assistance should apply direct to the local military authorities.