asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has yet completed arrangements with the Minister of War Transport to ensure the prompt clearing of coal wagons in sidings by coal merchants, and others, both in towns and rural areas?

Yes, Sir, and the figures of clearance show that there has been progressive improvement in this matter since the beginning of the year.

Subject to war circumstances, can the hon. Gentleman say what steps will be taken to safeguard the position as compared with a year ago?

If by a year ago my hon. Friend means last winter, there has been some improvement. I cannot guarantee that it will be maintained, but there is an abundant supply of empty wagons at the present time, and there is likely to be for some time.

Considering that in some places coal is being sold at 3s. a hundredweight and that prices above that figure are due to the cost of freightage, can he not have something done in regard to cheapening the cost of transport?

I cannot do that.

Is my hon. Friend aware that unless something is done with regard to the distribution of coal, it will not be long before some munition factories have to close down?

asked the Secretary for Mines, in view of the position of coal supplies and distribution, what arrangement or co-ordination exists between his department and the Ministry of National Service and the War Office for the utilisation in the industry of persons normally employed therein and recommended for retention by him.

Reservation from service in the Forces, or deferment of calling-up for the Forces, is regulated by general principles which are decided after general discussion between all the Departments concerned. As regards release of individual men already in the Forces, the Department responsible for their industry may make recommendations, but the final decision rests with the Service concerned.

May I ask whether the hon. Gentleman has any power at all, in cases where he thinks the retention of a man is fundamentally important to the national interest, to take a stand and get the matter adjusted, or is he going to leave the wastage of man-power entirely in the hands of the Ministry of Labour and National Service?

I have already given the answer that the final decision does not rest with me.

Has not the hon. Gentleman sought any powers in this matter, because there is wastage in this nationally fundamental industry?

I have made recommendations, but I am not responsible for the balance of general considerations, and there are other considerations which might outweigh the recommendation I make.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether, in a case which he knows of where the excuse was given that the man was wanted for motor-driving service and in which he satisfied himself that that was quite inaccurate, he had any power to take any steps in the matter whatever?

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps he is taking to supplement the coal reserves for the coming winter in view of experiences in preceding winters and the chaos then existing; and whether he is now satisfied that he has all reasonable powers to conserve labour in coal-getting and coal distributing in the requirements of the national interest?

The House is already aware of the Government's plans to accumulate large stocks of coal throughout the country, mainly in the hands of consumers but also in merchants' yards and in Government-owned dumps. The fulfilment of this programme depends almost entirely on the necessary increase in output. The House has also recently approved financial arrangements enabling the Essential Work Order to be applied to the mining industry. On other aspects of the question I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Answer to Question No. 4.

May I ask whether the hon. Gentleman is quite powerless in the matter, because unless he gets some real authority to take a firm stand, this chaotic position will arise year after year?

Is my hon. Friend aware that some action should be taken—his Reply theoreticaly is just wonderful, but in practice it does not work out—and that the building-up of coal reserves is absolutely necessary? What is he going to do about it?

May I ask whether the industry will not very much welcome this new interest in the mining industry shown by people who have shown no interest in it for over 20 years?

Is not that a highly irrelevant and objectionable remark?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has any statement to make on the fatal accident at the Lindsay Pit, Kelty?

I regret to say that five men—three of whom lost their lives—were buried by a large fall of top coal in a 10-feet seam known as the Lochgelly Splint Seam. The face, which was only started about a fortnight before the accident occurred, was supported by props, bars and wooden pillars—a system which had worked satisfactorily in two neighbouring faces in the same seam; but that system having proved inadequate in certain special conditions which arose on the new face, it must be strengthened, and that is being done. The House will join with me in expressing our sympathy with the families and friends of the men who were killed.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that in spite of all that has been said and all the efforts that have been made to provide safety, fatalities are occurring with terrible regularity in the mines, and will he not, in order to take the necessary fundamental steps to get greater safety, forthwith take the mines out of the hands of the profit-making mine-owners?

That has nothing at all to do with this Question.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Reply, I wish to give notice that I intend to raise the matter at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that in the Bourton-on-the-Water district merchants had only sufficient coal to supply their registered customers one week with ½cwt., and another week with 1½ cwts., while the Country Gentlemen's Association was able to send two trucks of coal, containing more than 20 tons, to one customer, and another firm also sent a truckload to another customer; and whether, until supplies become adequate, he will consider placing some limitation on what favoured customers shall receive?

In order to ensure a more equitable distribution of the available supplies, restrictions on delivery have now been imposed in this area and measures taken to control the disposal of truckloads; I am glad to say that the latest figures indicate some improvement in the supplies position.

Will the hon. Member see. that at all times when supplies are short distribution is as equal as possible?

That is being done. The hon. Member can rest assured that I took up that matter a very long time ago.

asked the Secretary for Mines, whether, in view of the closing down a few months ago of two seams of the Haunchwood Colliery in Warwickshire, and the closing of the Tam- worth Colliery at the end of the present month, he has made any special arrangements to ensure the supply of coal to the counties of Berks, Bucks and Oxon, which have been hitherto supplied from War wickshire, and in which there are now serious fears of a shortage of coal?

Yes, Sir, and I am glad to say that the latest reports indicate some improvement in the position in this area. We shall continue to give special attention to its needs.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that last year—he may remember the many letters I wrote to him—conditions in that area were very bad, and will he do his best to see that such a state of affairs does not arise again?

I am sure it will be of comfort to my hon. and gallant Friend to know that the receipts of merchants now exceed their disposals, and that at the present time stocks are rising.

Will the hon. Gentleman also give an assurance that the requirements of local consumers in Warwickshire will also receive full consideration?

There is a further Question on the Order Paper on that subject.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether there is yet any improvement in the quantity of household coal available for the citizens of Coventry?

The latest figures available for this area show a slight increase in supplies and a slight decline in demand. The position continues to receive the special attention of the Department's local officers.

Arising out of that answer, is the hon. Gentleman aware that a considerable part of the hold-up is due to the totally inadequate supply of road transport to convey this coal, and that the working of the pool transport is exceedingly unsatisfactory, the wagons not being available to start work in many cases until 10.30 in the morning?

I know there are shortcomings in transport even yet in certain areas, due to special cases, but I can assure my hon. Friend that supplies do for the moment exceed demand.

asked the Secretary for Mines what progress there has been with the plans being made by his Department and the Minister of Labour for improving the output of coal in the Warwickshire district?

The general situation in the mining industry and the steps that are being taken to increase output were reviewed in the course of the Debate in the House on 28th May. Since that date arrangements have been made for a special survey of all men registered as unemployed coal miners with a view to the re-employment of all suitable men. It is also hoped to secure the return to the industry of a number of men who have left it to go into other industries.

Is the Minister aware that the country is getting sick and tired of these constant references to a survey that is going to take place, and that this shortage has existed for over 12 months and no adequate effort has been made to deal with it?

The hon. and gallant Member must be aware that I have myself pressed this matter as strongly as anyone can, and that, in answer to a previous Question, I said that other Departments were involved and that the final decision does not lie with me.

Can we rely on the hon. Gentleman to place before the Cabinet this great need, in order to get concerted action?

I can give that assurance, because I have already done so.

Last week the hon. Gentleman referred to plans, not to surveys. What plans has he?

The plans have been published. There is a specification of them. They are known to this House.

Is there any real prospect of increasing the number of men in the mines?

I hope so.

asked the Secretary for Mines what quantity of coal was exported from the Warwickshire area in the month of May, 1941; and whether this coal was unsuited for household use in the Coventry district?

While it is undesirable to give precise figures, speaking in general terms, rather less than one-third of the production of the Warwickshire coalfield is sent outside the immediate area, and a considerable part of this is suitable for house coal. The tonnage despatched to other areas, however, is substantially less than it used to be.

Is the Minister still aware of the great shortage of coal in this district and of the need to retain a great proportion of household coal, and of the great difficulty that the industrialists of Coventry are having in getting coal supplies?

I am fully aware of conditions throughout the country, but the hon. and gallant Member will not claim that Warwickshire should be a separate economic department in the country.

Is the Minister aware that much of the bad coal production arises from the sabotage of the coal owners, who refuse to have the industry treated as a national industry?

rose—

On a point of Order. Is it out of Order to make a reference of that kind?

rose—

May I state my point of Order?

I know what it is.

You cannot know what it is until I have stated it.

I have heard enough of it to know that it is not a point of Order.

I want to deal with alleged sabotage by workers.

There is nothing about sabotage by workers in this Question.

Am I not in Order in raising the fact that the mineowners will not allow the mining industry to be treated as a national industry, but insist on treating it as a county industry?

Certainly not, on this Question.

asked the Secretary for Mines, whether he. is aware that though the miners in Northumberland decided to work on Whit Monday the Choppington Coal Company refused to allow the men at three collieries to work on that day; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent a repetition of this action?

I am aware that these three pits were idle for one day during the week ended 7th June. I am in communication with the colliery company in the matter, and will let the hon. Member know the result.

As the Minister is aware, when a man avoidably loses a day under the bonus system he loses 6s. for that week. In making his inquiry, should he not determine what the penalty should be for a company which deliberately makes 1,500 men idle and loses 2,000 tons of coal in one day?

All I can say is that I am making my inquiries. I very much deplore the fact that when men offer themselves for work an employer does not give them the chance.

Should not steps be taken to compel a company to work its pits?

Will the Minister put the House in possession of the facts when he has them?

Yes, I will do that if the House desires me to do so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he will consider the provision of extra clothing coupons for women in the London Auxiliary Ambulance Service who are not provided with uniform by the Government and have to provide suitable clothing for wearing while on duty from their ordinary supply of clothing coupons?

I understand that a uniform coat provided coupon-free through the Government is already available for members of the London Auxiliary Ambulance Service and improved uniforms will be provided, as already announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Home Security. The arrangements to be made regarding coupons for uniform clothing concern many services and are under consideration. An announcement will be made as soon as possible.

Am I to understand that it will not be necessary for women in this Service to wear their own clothing when doing the very dirty work they have to do at night in garages?

I cannot give a specific answer until I know what the uniform provided by the Government will be.

When the right hon. Gentleman publishes these details, will he not forget the evacuated children under the care of foster-mothers throughput the country?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the position in the rationing of clothes about expectant mothers securing cloth and wool for making garments for their babies?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will issue extra coupons to expectant mothers for the purpose of purchasing wool and material for making the layette?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether on receipt of a note from a doctor or an infant welfare centre, he will grant extra coupons to the expectant mother, so that she can get the necessary wool to knit the baby outfit, etc.?

I have agreed in principle to make a concession to enable ex- pectant mothers to obtain additional supplies of coupons. The details are being worked out, but there are great difficulties of administration, and I am afraid that it will not be possible to make an immediate announcement.

Will the Minister make the announcement as soon as possible, in order to save expectant mothers from worry and suffering?

The announcement will be made as soon as I can get the details worked out.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements he has made for the supply of rationed clothing to persons whose clothing has been destroyed by enemy action prior to the introduction of rationing but who had not actually clothing on order at that time.

The arrangements whereby the Board of Customs and Excise and the Assistance Board may issue coupons to persons whose clothing has been destroyed cover the cases mentioned by the hon. Member.

Will people whose clothing has been destroyed receive payments under the chattels scheme, so as to be In a position to buy the clothes authorised by these coupons?

Where they are insured, they are entitled to have their claims met.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of a case the other day in which payment was refused because it was not considered desirable for a bombed person to buy any more clothes?

If my hon. Friend will send me particulars, I will look into the case.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give consideration to the granting of a limited number of coupons for rationed clothing to men and women in the Forces who desire to wear civilian clothing when on leave.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he has now issued instructions regarding the issuing of clothing coupons to officers and other ranks serving in the Army, to personnel of the Auxiliary Territorial Service and to members of the Auxiliary Services; and how many coupons each of the above categories will receive yearly.

The question of the arrangements for the issue of clothing coupons to officers, cadets and other ranks of the Services, including the A.T.S., the W.R.N.S. and the W.A.A.F., is receiving detailed consideration in conjunction with the Service Departments. In the meantime, as a temporary measure, officers may obtain supplies of rationed goods by signing a statement on the back of the trader's bill that the articles mentioned represent their essential personal requirements, and other ranks can get supplies by producing a statement signed by their commanding officer and testifying that the goods represent essential personal requirements of types not supplied to them by the authorities. Officers and other ranks recently discharged or temporarily released from the Services should apply by post to the nearest collector of Customs and Excise for extra coupons for any essential articles of civilian clothing they may require. Officers and men on leave will normally be able to use the civilian clothing which they already possess, and I regret that the supply position would not permit the purchase of new civilian clothing.

Will it be permissible for the adjutant to decide, as is usual, on behalf of the commanding officer?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the position of suppliers of clothing in certain areas, who are at present meeting a concentrated demand which would normally have been met by stores no longer in business; and whether he will consider increasing the basic rations to such suppliers so that coupons presented may be met?

The problem stated by the hon. Member is mainly one of obtaining a larger distribution of goods to the smaller and medium sized shops, and special arrangements have been made to encourage wholesalers and manufacturers to divert supplies to these shops from the larger concerns which are in general well stocked. These initial supplies will not require the surrender of coupons by the retailer.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that this Question relates to areas where there has been considerable destruction? Will he make further inquiries?

Certainly; we have made special arrangements in bombed areas. If I am given instances of cases where those arrangements are not working, I shall be glad to know of them, and I will take special measures.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the adoption of a point rationing system for clothing in Germany resulted in a concentrated demand for the most durable articles and the accumulation of masses of unsaleable articles of less durable and cheaper character; and whether he is taking steps to prevent a similar development in this country?

Yes, Sir. The tendency towards more durable articles is not, of course, one to be discouraged. I am considering the problem of articles which may have been rendered unsaleable, in consultation with the clothing and footwear trades.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the appointment of a committee, jointly representative of employers and workpeople, to advise him as to the need for the issue of supplementary coupons for occupational clothing?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the effect of the Clothes Rationing Order upon men engaged in the steel and tinplate industries will be such that they will not be able to replace their working boots and clothes on the number of coupons allowed; and what steps he is taking to remedy this grievance?

I recognise that workers in certain industries may require more clothing and footwear than the annual ration of 66 coupons permits, and discussions are now taking place with representatives of the industries concerned, including the workers.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman anticipate any of these difficulties when he prepared his scheme, and does not it occur to him that he is making so many exceptions now that there will be precious little left of the scheme itself?

I cannot accept that statement for one moment. Some of these arrangements required special investigation which could only be made after the event.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, in connection with the Rationing of Clothes Order, a brochure, entitled "Notes to Traders" was issued; that on page 5, Section 22, retailers are requested to take coupons in parcels containing 500 coupons to the Post Office and exchange them for vouchers; why two firms, each presenting 10,000 coupons to the General Post Office at Leeds, were informed they could not be accepted as they knew nothing about any arrangements for the exchange of coupons for vouchers and had received no instructions to receive them; who has been guilty of this lack of foresight in not making the necessary arrangements; and whether the Post Office have yet been advised to issue vouchers in exchange for coupons?

Yes, Sir. I regret that it was not made clear in the "Notice to Traders" that vouchers exchangeable for coupons were not immediately available for issue. A notice was issued in the Press to that effect on 7th June, and traders were asked to defer applications to post offices until 16th June. Vouchers should now be obtainable in exchange for coupons at all the larger post offices.

Will my right hon. Friend state who is responsible for this lack of foresight?

The Board of Trade.

Are there no penalties to be attached?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he realises that: certain firms which, in accordance with the Government's policy of stimulating exports, have sent travellers to tropical America and elsewhere to explore the possibility of demand for their products with encouraging results, are now granted no special consideration in the allotment of export licences with the result that the fruits of their efforts are likely to be lost to the commercial rivals of this country; and will he see that progressive firms striving to discover new markets for British goods are given every support. by the Government?

Much as I appreciate the efforts of these firms and regret the hardship which a selective policy in exports undoubtedly entails, I fear my hon. Friend's suggestion is not practicable, since it would involve discrimination which would be unfair to other sections of the export trade. Our export policy at present has to be governed by the considerations set oat in the statement which I made on 29th April.

Are the Government aware that a Bilston firm, at great difficulty and expense, obtained an order for heat-resisting glass in tropical America, in accordance with the Government's scheme for boosting exports, and that now an export: licence is refused?

War brings changes.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that at the end of last year very large orders were obtained in Lima, Peru, and that those goods are lying in this country at the present time, waiting for the exporters to get a licence? Will my right hon. Friend grant special facilities for the liquidation of those orders?

That has already been done.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that some tobacconists are refusing to supply women with cigarettes; and whether he will take steps to prevent this sex discrimination?

I do not think that discrimination of the kind to which the hon. Member refers is taking place on a wide scale or that any special steps are needed.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that action of this kind is rather a reflection upon men, as it is suggested that they need tobacco to soothe their nerves and women do not?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Ship ping how many ships have changed hands between British owners since the outbreak of war, giving pre-war and present values; and on what basis Government charters are arranged?

From the outbreak of war up to 31st May, 1941, sanction was given to the transfer of 229 ocean-going and coasting registered British ships from one British owner to another under the Ships and Aircraft (Transfer Restriction) Act. This figure does not include vessels of other descriptions, such as fishing vessels, tugs, barges, yachts, etc. As regards the second part of the Question, ships purchased after 8th May, 1940, to replace lost British ships to which the Government Tonnage Replacement Scheme applies, are dealt with in accordance with the terms of the Scheme, of which details will be found in Appendix 2 of the Memorandum on war-time Financial Arrangements between His Majesty's Government and British Ship owners (Cmd. 6218). As regards the last part of the Question, by hon. Friend will find information about the charterparty conditions applicable to requisitioned British ships in the same Memorandum.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping whether he can indicate the average cost per ton for building cargo vessels, and the price at which ships have changed hands during the last year?

I have been asked to reply. The cost per ton of new merchant construction varies considerably according to the speed, size and equipment of the vessel concerned. It is not, therefore, possible to strike an average cost per ton which would have any significance. I can, however, say that the general level of prices for cargo vessels completed to Government account up to the end of 1940 is about 16 per cent, above the prices prevailing in April, 1939. With regard to the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer to a similar Question addressed by him to my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping whether, at the port of which he has been advised, steps are now being taken to augment the. personnel at the repairing yards with a view to ending the undue detention of merchant vessels?

Efforts have been made, and will continue to be made, through the appropriate authorities, to hasten the repair of ships at the port referred to by my hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping whether he has satisfactorily settled the controversy which has arisen over the non payment to Chinese seamen of the full war bonus accorded to seamen of Aryan descent?

As has been previously stated, rates of pay, including bonuses, are not a matter for determination by the Minister. The Minister of Shipping discussed the question very fully with the then Chinese Ambassador before the latter left this country. I am glad to say that there have been no recent difficulties with Chinese crews in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for War the age and previous searchlight experience of the officer who was appointed to command a Surrey Anti-Aircraft Searchlight Regiment on which the right hon. and gallant Gentleman has been informed, in April, 1940; what period had elapsed since this officer had been employed actively; and also how his age compared with the officer whom he superseded?

The officer in question, an able and experienced gunner officer, was 59 years of age at the time of his appointment. Six years had elapsed since his last active employment, and he was six years older than his predecessor. Lack of practical experience in searchlights, however, showed that, in spite of his many admirable qualities, the officer should not have been appointed to this particular post, and he was in fact relieved of his command after a tenure of two months.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the interests of hygiene and comfort, he will allow soldiers to dispense with the web anklets during the summer months when off duty?

I have no reason to think that, in general, the wearing of anklets is detrimental either to the soldier's health or to his comfort, but instructions will be issued shortly permitting anklets to be dispensed with by soldiers attending a dance.

While I thank the right hon. and gallant Gentleman for that small concession, does he not agree that on a day such as to-day soldiers, who are marching in thick socks, heavy boots and thick trousers bound round by anklets, should be given some relief from wearing these anklets apart from when they are dancing?

My information is that which I have given in the Answer today, but I will naturally keep my eye on the position.

Give them kilts.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now decided what compensation will be paid to the widow of William J. Seals, who was killed by an Army lorry driven on the wrong side of the road and without lights, during an air-raid in Portsmouth; and whether, in view of other prosecutions of Army drivers by the civil authorities for driving without lights in similar circumstances to the danger of the public, he will take appropriate steps to prevent such incidents?

A letter was sent to Mrs. Seals on 3rd June explaining that, while the War Department could not accept any liability in this case, they would be willing to consider a claim for an ex-gratia grant on compassionate grounds. A reply to this letter is now awaited. As regards the second part of the Question, the question of lighting on War Department vehicles during air-raids is at present under review, and further instructions will be issued shortly.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that ex-gratia payment means something just for expenses and no more?

That may be so, but in this case the War Office do not admit liability.

If this man had been a civilian driver, would he have been treated with the same consideration as an Army driver?

Yes, Sir, with exactly the same consideration.

If on the facts stated in the Question the War Office do not admit liability in this case, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us upon what facts the War Office would accept liability?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt by members' of the Home Guard at the decision to charge those who attend the week-end training camp at Chigwell 12s.; whether he is aware of the strong resentment felt by officers and non-commissioned officers at the interference by senior officers in the holding of meetings; and what steps he is taking to remedy the grievances?

No charge is made for attendance at approved courses of instruction for the Home Guard. The course to which my hon.: Friend refers was started on an unofficial basis by members of the Home Guard themselves who fixed the charge of 12s. to cover their expenses. The course has now been put on an official footing, however, and the charge has accordingly been abolished. As regards the second part of the Question, I do not know what meetings my hon. Friend has in mind, but, if he will let me have particulars, I shall be very glad to look into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that although the Fire Watching Order was issued in the middle of January by the Ministry of Home Security the Army Council's instructions applying the Order to War Department buildings was not issued until the middle of May; and whether he will assure the House that the lack of co-operation between the War Office and another Government Department, shown in this case, will not be repeated?

I am aware that there was some delay in issuing these instructions, although it was not so great as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests, but it should not, of course, be assumed that in the meantime no arrangements for fire prevention had in fact been made at premises occupied by the War Department. The issue of comprehensive instructions that would cover the many types of building in occupation by military or civilian personnel of the War Department, by the Home Guard or by Territorial Army Associations, was necessarily a matter of some complexity, and this factor rather than any lack of co-operation between Government Departments was largely responsible for the delay.

As my right hon. and gallant Friend admits there was lack of co-operation, will he see that this sort of thing does not happen again?

I want to make it perfectly clear that there was no lack of co-operation. There was delay, and one wants to do everything one can to see that delays do not recur. As I have said, I want the House to understand that there was no lack of co-operation.

:Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say whether, in the case of private houses in residential areas being requisitioned for the military, orders are issued to the occupiers to co-operate with the civilian authorities in their district?

I should like to see that Question on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the disappointment among men who served in the Forces during the 1914–18 war, in capacities not carrying the right to wear ribbons, at his decision not to grant a special medal-ribbon; and whether he will consider the issue of a ribbon, marked 1914–18, to satisfy their desire of recognition?

The question of the grant of medals for service during the last war was very fully considered after the conclusion of hostilities, and it was decided that with one small exception such awards should be confined to those who served overseas. The difficulties which led to the refusal of a medal for home service generally have certainly not diminished with the passage of time, and it is clearly impracticable for me to re-open the matter now.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this small concession of allowing these men to have a label "1914–18" on their chests, if they so desired, would give them pleasure and satisfaction, and does he still persist in believing this is undesirable?

After the long lapse of time, I do not think we can re-open the question, which has been gone into very fully during the last 20 years.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that financial accommodation is arranged for school bodies sent to America and Canada, he will arrange similar facilities for individual children and family groups?

No, Sir. I fear that I cannot extend to individual children or family groups the special concession made to schools.

Does not my right hon. Friend think it very undesirable that this unfair strain should be put upon the hospitality of friendly Americans and Canadians?

This question has been already fully answered.

Cannot my right hon. Friend look into it again, in view of the facts?

No, Sir; I have already given an answer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the exemption of all clothing now rationed by coupons from Purchase Tax?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the rationing of clothing, he will arrange to remove clothing from the operation of the Purchase Tax?

No, Sir. The rationing scheme limits the quantity of clothing that can be purchased by an individual, but does not limit the amount that can be spent on clothing within the ration. In view of the vital importance of financing our war effort, I cannot in the present circumstances forgo the revenue derived from such purchases.

Is not the Minister aware that since clothing is necessary for working people, this leads to increased wages to meet the cost of that clothing and that the Purchase Tax simply raises the quantity of money required without making any difference to the consumption?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will be able to argue that point later.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much of the £120,000,000 contributed to the London War Savings Week was in sums of £100 and less?

I am afraid that the information for which my hon. Friend asks is not available.

Is the Chancellor aware that it is quite improper to refer to this £120,000,000 as savings? Does he agree that the effect of this form of borrowing is to increase the charge on the Exchequer by hundreds of thousands of pounds a year?

:. I cannot accept that.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in which Departments the Treasury investigation section have applied their work; and in which Departments they have been unable to complete their work because of difficulties arising in the Department?

The Treasury investigating section has made investigations in 13 of the principal Departments. Investigations of amore limited scope have been made in the case of a number of other Departments. In two cases (a section of the Ministry of Shipping where reorganisation was in progress, and a section of the Ministry of Supply where inter-Departmental discussion was required) the work of the investigating section, has not been completed: arrangements have now been made for it to proceed.

Could the Chancellor define exactly what he means by investigations of a limited scope?

I should like to think that over very carefully.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the resolution from the Association of British Chambers of Commerce relating to the recent increases in the costs of coal and transport; and whether he proposes now to take action to ward off the effects of inflation and prevent increases in the cost of living?

Yes, Sir, and I agree that an increase in the cost of coal production, if it led to any substantial increase in the charges to the public for rail transport and other services, would be likely in present circumstances to have an injurious effect. The policy of His Majesty's Government in this matter was fully set out in my Budget statement of 7th April. That statement did not imply an immediate and absolute ban on all increases in the price of coal irrespective of every other consideration, but it did express the intention of His Majesty's Government to endeavour to secure the greatest possibly stability in the cost of living. That intention is being steadily pursued. In particular, I have under close consideration, in conjunction with the Departments concerned, the application of the policy to transport and other services. I would point out that there has not been any recent increase in rail transport charges.