asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the fact that no promise has been given by the Air Ministry to men who have volunteered for instructional duties in Rhodesia and South Africa to the effect that wives would be able to join them at an early date, he will take immediate steps to inform all officers in training command of this fact, in order to prevent any further misunderstanding on this subject?

R.A.F. personnel proceeding to Southern Rhodesia and the Union of South Africa have been duly warned that the delay in obtaining passages for their families will be long and may be indefinite.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what future employment it is proposed to offer to Air-Marshal Sir William Mitchell?

This officer has been offered an appointment in connection with Civil Defence.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the maximum speed of the Miles Master II, at low and high altitudes, when powered by the Bristol Mercury engine; and whether this type of aircraft is now in production?

This aircraft is now in production, and a general description of it containing certain performance figures has already been released for publication by the Ministry of Aircraft Production. It would not be in the public interest to give the further details for which the hon. Member asks.

asked the Secretary of State for Air when his Department will be in a position to issue uniforms to all members of the Air Training Corps in view of the disheartening effects observed by reason of the lack of uniforms?

Contracts for the supply of over 200,000 uniforms for the A.T.C. were placed early in the year and every effort is being made to expedite delivery. While some thousands of uniforms have already been received and distributed to cadets, and deliveries are coming forward in increasing numbers, this supply must be judged in the light of our increasing total cloth requirement for all Service and Civil Defence forces. Cadets are required to serve for a probationary period of three months before being issued with uniform and in consequence there will always be a number of cadets without it.

asked the Home Secretary what conclusions have been reached, and what action has been taken, as a result of the inquiry dealing with the destruction of the Temple Church?

I regret that the inquiry is not yet complete but I will write to the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that reports of the inspectors under the Food and Drugs Act in Glamorganshire, dated April, 1941, showed several convictions against persons for selling milk containing 4 per cent., 5 per cent., 17 per cent., 2o¾ per cent., and 60 per cent. of added water; that concern is felt by the county public health committee with this adulteration of a vital food; and, in view of the nature of the offences and the importance of enforcing an effective deterrent, will he draw the attention of magistrates to the need of imposing the severest penalties upon offenders who adulterate milk with added water?

I understand that this matter has been under consideration by the public health committee of the Glamorgan County Council and that the committee have submitted a resolution on the subject to the county council. When an offence is proved it is for the court to decide what penalty is appropriate, having regard to the circumstances of the individual case; but it is of course the duty of the magistrates in these cases—as in all cases—to bear in mind the importance of taking adequate steps to enforce the law.

asked the First Lord of the Ad- miralty whether, in view of the arduous and responsible duties which are being efficiently carried out by convoy leading signalmen, he will provide facilities for these men to pass for advancement to the rating of convoy yeoman of signals after 12 months' service if recommended by the commanding officer of their base?

Consideration is already being given to this matter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that farmers in parts of the country are asking about £20 per ton for hay; what is the normal peace-time price; and what advice has been given to farmers in the national interest about holding their ricks and charging high prices?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative, and if my hon. Friend is aware of any case in which a price of £20 per ton has been asked for hay, he should bring it to the notice of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food, who is responsible for the enforcement of the Hay (Control and Maximum Prices) Order, 1941. The average peace-time wholesale price of first-quality meadow hay varied between £3 15s. and £4 per ton, and of clover hay between £4 15s. and £5 per ton. Farmers have been advised that it is in the national interest that this consideration has been borne in mind in fixing the maximum prices prescribed under the Order referred to above.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the present average price of hay per ton; and what average price is regarded as likely in the coming winter months?

Prices of hay are laid clown in the Hay (Control and Maximum Prices) Order, 1941. The maximum prices on sale by a grower in stack or loose are £7 10s. per ton for meadow hay and £8 5s. per ton for clover hay. An addition of 16s. per ton is permissible when the hay is sold baled or trussed. Distributor's margins are also prescribed. Discussions are now proceeding regarding the price of hay from the 1941 crop, and an announcement will be made shortly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the increase in the prices of salad and other vegetables and, particularly, to the fact that the wholesale selling price of spring onions is now 3s. per pound, whereas the price a year ago was about 3d. per pound; to what extent in this term and at 3s. per pound young onions are being sold, whereas the maximum retail selling price, when fully grown, is fixed at 4½d. per pound; and what steps he will now take for public protection against this form of profiteering?

I am aware that prices of salad vegetables and other spring vegetables generally are much higher this year than last. This, in the main, is due to the exceptionally unfavourable weather this year, which has resulted in retarded growth and greatly reduced supplies as compared with the corresponding season of last year, which was unusually favourable. I have made inquiries, but have ben unable to verify my hon. and gallant Friend's comparative figures for spring onions. Spring onions are generally sold, not by weight but by the bunch, which is not uniform in size or weight. In regard to the last part of the Question there is no evidence so far of premature marketing of spring onions.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the ambiguous nature of some of the regulations now displayed relating to maximum prices for food and the variations of wording in them; and whether, in view of the difficulty of shopkeepers in understanding what they must do, and the fact that some shopkeepers keep within the letter of the regulations and yet evade the intention, he will revise the regulations so that the same wording is used in all regulations, free from ambiguity, and clear to the general public and shopkeepers?

The possibility of securing uniformity of practice in the display of price lists and price tickets for a wide range of commodities under the Ministry's Maximum Prices Orders is under consideration. For the other provisions in the Ministry's Orders common from articles are used as far as possible, but the provisions of the Orders must vary considerably where the circumstances are widely different. If my hon. and gallant Friend will let me have particulars of what he has in mind, I shall be glad to consider the matter further.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what salt of calcium it is proposed to add to the fortified loaf and in what proportion; what are the reasons for further delay in providing the fortified loaf and when its provision may be expected?

As regards the first part of the Question, pending the results of tests now proceeding, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 19th February and, as regards the second part, I would refer him to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Newport (Sir R. Clarry) on 20th May. The fortification of white flour will be proceeded with by districts and fortified flour will be available shortly in the first district selected.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the action of specialised traders in endeavouring to add to their normal sale of articles the trading in other commodities not in any way connected with their existing activities; what action he has taken or what advice he has tendered to the food executive officers on this innovation in trading; and whether, in any action he does take or advice he may tender, he will consider sympathetically the position of the small trader.

The Food Control Committees (Local Distribution) Order, 1939, provides that except under the authority of the Minister no person shall sell by retail any food specified in the Schedule to the Order at or in connection with any premises or business within the area of a Food Control Committee except under and in accordance with the terms of a licence granted by such committee. Food Control Committees have been instructed that applications for new licences should be determined with particular regard to the convenience of the public. Applications in respect of new or extended businesses succeed only in exceptional circumstances but in considering such applications Food Control Committees do not discriminate against any type of trader and my Noble Friend would not feel justified in instructing them to do so. The interests of the small trader in all matters connected with retail distribution always receive sympathetic consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (1) what quantities of imported and home-grown grain are allowed for consumption by horses normally used for racing and hunting purposes; and what percentages these quantities represent as compared with the last pre-war year;(2) what quantities of imported and home-grown grain arc allowed for consumption by racing pigeons; and what percentages these represent of pre-war consumption.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 10th April, 1941; Col. 1713, Vol. 370] supplied the following statement:It is not possible to give any figures of current annual consumption by race horses and hunters owing to the rapid changes in numbers and the variations in ration scales. The quantity of home-grown imported grain and other cereal foods allowed for race horses amounted in the month of May to 386 tons. This is estimated to be about 17½per cent. of the average monthly quantity consumed before the war. No rations were provided in May for hunters but the total "quantity of cereal foods allowed for in hunt stables in April was about 78 tons or approximately 10 per cent. of pre-war figure. The maximum quantity of imported or home-grown grain and maple peas that will be allowed for consumption by racing pigeons when the National Pigeon Service reaches its full permitted strength, will be about 7,400 tons per annum. Whilst definite figures of pre-war consumption are not available, this figure is estimated to represent about 16 per cent, of the pre-war usage.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now amplify the recent announcement regarding trade and financial facilities in connection with the promotion and development, for which the Government are formulating a scheme for trade between this country, Europe and other countries after the war?

While this is a question which is naturally receiving the closest attention of His Majesty's Government, I do not think that my statement can appropriately be amplified for the time being.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the statement made by the Prime Minister, on 18th July, 1940, it is correct to assume that His Majesty's Government will, by unilateral action, and without getting anything in return other than the good-will of the Chinese people, abolish extra-territoriality, and give all remaining British concessions back to the Chinese Government on the conclusion of hostilities on Chinese soil?

The relinquishment by His Majesty's Government of their special rights in China would naturally form the subject of negotiation with the Chinese Government, as I indicated in the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the member for Romford (Mr. Parker) on nth June.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will make inquiries as to the results achieved by the issue of special defence postage stamps in the United States of America with a view to considering the advisability of an issue on similar lines in this country?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he can give a report upon the work accomplished to date by Mr. Frank Pick?

I am unable to add anything to the answer I gave on 28th May to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Pudsey and Otley (Sir G. Gibson).

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that men employed in the mobile building squads are to be given free travel home for a week-end every eight weeks and that the present regulations re free travel when on leave to soldiers inflict material financial hardship, he will grant free travel from their stations to their homes to soldiers on all occasions when leave is granted?

All serving personnel are allowed two free travelling warrants a year for ordinary leave, and, in addition, free warrants are issued for embarkation leave, sick leave, and compassionate leave granted when a soldier's home has been damaged or his relatives injured as a result of enemy action. For other leave journeys soldiers may use concession vouchers which enable them to make the return journey at single fare. I regret that I am unable to extend these concessions which I think my hon. Friend will agree are not ungenerous.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the proposal to requisition a large part of Royal Holloway College, a school of London University, for housing 300 members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service, will make the resident population of the college three times as large as the building was designed to house; that the administrative staff of the University of London was assigned about one-third of the accommodation existing at the college where the business of dealing with the requirements of 24,000 registered students of the University has been carried on since the war; that the proposition now made by the War Office must further hamper this work; that structural alterations required to house these additional numbers must be costly; and whether, in view of these facts, he will reconsider this decision as other accommodation is available?

As my hon. Friend is aware, I have given my personal attention to this case, and I have had the advantage of discussing it both with him and with representatives of the university and college authorities. While 1 much regret any inconvenience to which the college may be put by the requisitioning of part of their buildings, I am satisfied that no suitable alternative accommodation exists, and I am afraid that the present decision must stand.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will cause inquiries to be made into the case of Sergeant. No. 7604309, A. E. Greening, a prisoner of war at Stalag XXB, who, up till the end of March, had received none of the four clothing parcels sent to him by his relatives and passed the winter with inadequate clothing and who stated in his letter of the 17th March that, up till that date, only six parcels of food had been received from the Red Cross in his camp.

I am aware that the delivery from Geneva to the camps of parcels sent by next-of-kin has not been as satisfactory as the delivery of bulk assignments despatched by the British Red Cross Society, but I am informed that the position has recently shown some improvement. As regards the last part of the Question, receipts from the men's representative at Stalag XXB show that 21,700 food parcels were received in that camp between 18th January and 19th March, 1941, an average of half a parcel a man a week, and that the average rose in May to 1¼parcels a man a week. Sergeant Greening's statement that only six parcels had been received up to 17th March is therefore difficult to understand.

asked the Secretary of State for War the total number of Italian prisoners now in our hands; and what number of these are native troops?

According to my latest information, the number of Italian officers and other ranks now in our hands is 177,937, in addition to 66,010 native troops.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will review the situation of Mr. J. A. H. Ogdon, a graduate of London University, now detained at the Nottingham County Mental Hospital, Radcliffe-on-Trent, both as regard his original certification in May, 1939, and his continued detention?

I am making inquiries, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the Select Committee's proposals on patent medicines and the approval given to them by the House in 1939 when deciding to repeal the patent medicine duties, he will give further consideration to the proposals for a revised method of taxation as suggested by the Proprietary Association of Patent Medicine Manufacturers itself?

I can assure my hon. Friend that these suggestions were among the many matters considered before my right hon. Friend announced the decision to repeal the Medicine Stamp Duties.

asked the Home Secretary when the next Aliens (Naturalisation) Return is to be issued, having regard to the fact that the last return issued is dated 24th July,1939; and whether, in issuing the next list, he will cause to be inserted the date from which each person granted naturalisation became resident in the United Kingdom?

The next return is in process of being issued, and I regret it is not practicable to adopt my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion in connection therewith.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the recent observations made by His Majesty's judges from the King's Bench, he will give instructions that all British citizens and friendly aliens now detained are to be informed of the specific allegations or charges made against them and given some opportunity of reply?

I am most anxious that in such cases proper opportunities shall be given to persons who are detained to answer any allegations made against them and to explain their activities, and I indicated the arrangements made for this purpose in my reply to my hon. Friend's Question on 8th May.