Except for one Amendment providing that the Bill shall be deemed to come into operation on 30th June, there are only drafting Amendments.

Before a decision is taken, may J put a question based on the fact that the evidence in support of the Preamble of the Bill was taken, for security reasons, in secret in Edinburgh? May I ask whether that evidence will be made available to Members of the House?

I understand that the minutes of evidence are available in the Library.

asked the Secretary for Petroleum whether his attention has been directed to the strong and still growing indignation of the people who see the lives of sailors of the Mercantile Marine being sacrificed in bringing petrol to this country at the evidence that it is being squandered in large quantities in pleasure riding by the motor-using section of the community; and will he take whatever measures may be necessary to end this evil forthwith?

I am glad of this opportunity of stating the policy of the Government on this matter. Of the two forms in which petrol is supplied to motor cars, namely, the basic ration and the supplementary ration, the latter has already been substantially reduced. The Government have now decided to reduce the basic ration also, by the equivalent approximately of one-sixth and this will become operative in the next ration period. I am in agreement with the hon. Member in holding that all petrol should be remarried as issued to meet real needs, whether national, business or domestic, and to be used with strict economy. The reductions I have indicated, combined with other measures I am taking to prevent the misuse of petrol will, I hope, substantially reduce the abuse of which the hon. Member complains.

While thanking the Minister for the steps which he is proposing to take may I ask that he will lose no time in taking much more drastic steps, seeing that the present position is making a hollow mockery of official expressions of sympathy with the dangers and hardship encountered by our merchant seamen?

I am proposing to take strong measures against the misuse of the supplementary ration. I am doubling the inspectorate of my Department, and through the courtesy of the Home Office and the Commissioner of Police I am arranging to have the services of a superintendent of the Metropolitan Police as chief inspector, and he will establish close o-operation between Scotland Yard, my Department and chief constables throughout the country. Further, the latest issue or supplementary ration permits has been accompanied by notices warning those who receive them that they must keep a log of their journeys, and 1 am proposing shortly to issue an order making the keeping of a log compulsory upon motorists who receive supplementary rations.

In his definition of "real needs" in relation to the use of petrol, does the hon. Gentleman include the attendance of persons with their cars at race meetings, dog-race meetings and spectacular football matches?

That is another question, and I understand that the hon. Member has given notice that he intends to raise it in Debate.

Can my hon. Friend say what has been the percentage reduction in the supplementary ration?

Between 10 and 20 per cent.

Has the attention of the hon. Gentleman been drawn to the very much greater public indignation at the appalling waste of petrol by military authorities all over the country?

That is not strictly within my province, but I may say that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War has taken very strong measures to deal with that aspect of the matter.

Is the hon. Member proposing to take steps to stop the present method by which private persons can hire cars from firms for a week without a restriction on petrol?

Yes, Sir, we are introducing much stricter control.

Does the hon. Member not agree that the abuse is not of the supplementary ration but of the basic ration?

No, Sir, I would not say that. On that matter I should say that our twin policy should be relentless pursuit of the "wanglers" and stricter control of supplementary rations. But I would also say that in present circumstances a great public benefit is conferred by our being still in a position to allow a certain small amount of petrol and mileage to be within the free use of the individual according to his own conscience, because, after all, he knows much better than anybody else could tell him how best to use it.

Is it not true that there is behind this the ulterior motive of getting motor-car licence fees?

Will any opportunity be given to the House to consider the question of making still more drastic recommendations than those the Minister has now outlined?

That depends upon the attitude of the House. I have explained the policy of the Government in present circumstances, but that does not exclude the possibility that if circumstances change, more drastic measures will be brought in.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to put into full operation the provisions of the Prevention of Fraud (Investments) Act, 1939?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on nth February to my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr. Liddall).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the difficulties of missionaries who have been away from this country for many years obtaining clothing by the coupon system when home on furlough and who have to lay in a stock of equipment for several years on their return to the mission field; and will he make special provision for such cases?

Yes, Sir. The Board of Trade are prepared to issue coupons to meet all reasonable requirements of this kind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that under the Milk and Dairies Order the wearing of milking smocks and caps is compulsory if the milk is to be sold to the public, he will issue an instruction making it clear that these garments may be bought without coupons?

As was stated in reply to Questions on 24th June, discussions are now proceeding about provision under the clothing rationing scheme for special occupational needs. Caps are exempted from the Rationing Order.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what decision has been reached with regard to the question of the surrendering or otherwise of coupons for knitting-wool purchased in the ordinary way by women desiring to use it to make comforts for their friends and relations in the forces?

I am sorry that I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman likely to be able to make a statement in the near future, because there is a lot of women who want to start knitting?

"The near future" is rather a vague term. The consideration of this and other matters is being actively pursued, but it is very difficult to get a solution which will give general satisfaction.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether steps are being taken in connection with the concentration of industry to prevent machinery rusting or being sold for scrap; and whether anything is being done to make it possible for factories now being closed to restart operations at the close of the war?

I would refer the hon. Member to paragraph 9 of the Explanatory Memorandum on the Concentration of Production (Cmd. 6258). It is there stated that one of the conditions which a nucleus firm must satisfy is that it must provide for the plant of the closed firm to be kept intact, unless the premises should be requisitioned. A register of firms who are parties to concentration arrangements is being kept, and the Government departments concerned will take all measures open to them to assist the speedy reopening after the war of firms closed as a result of these arrangements.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement on the proposal to establish marquee markets, to enable bombed-out traders to continue their business after raids?

I cannot, of course, speak for food shops, which are the concern of my Noble Friend the Minister of Food. As far as other shops are concerned, my right hon. Friend is not prepared to make any statement on the matter at present. My hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that the provision of adequate shopping facilities after raids is a problem that varies with local needs and conditions.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with the Dartmoor convict trouble; how many of the prisoners were injured; and whether he will have circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT the prison daily dietary?

I think that my hon. Friend must be referring to reports of disturbances which took place, not at Dartmoor but at Parkhurst Prison, on 3rd June. These arose out of complaints about a meal which the convicts refused to eat. They were given another meal instead, but some of them refused to go to their work or to return to their cells. A few of them had to be removed with the help of prison officers brought from the neighbouring prison of Camp Hill. No one was hurt. These disturbances had nothing to do with the new dietary scale which my right hon. Friend has approved as an experimental measure for three months. The scales are to be reviewed shortly, though it is unlikely that it will be possible to introduce any fundamental changes since the scale is based on the rationing scheme which is applicable to the general public. Particulars of the present experimental scheme will be given in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is any inquiry being made whether the meals were really uneatable and whether some change was made in the kitchen arrangements?

The governor of the prison has gone into those questions very carefully.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware of the difficulty, particularly in sunny weather, in seeing the traffic regulation lights; and whether he will consider that the light be a half-disc as in the case in the provinces and districts near to the London area?

The exposure of a larger disc oflight during daylight hours than can be allowed at night involves the adjustment of a mask on each light. It has not so far been found possible to instal generally an automatic device for this purpose, and it will readily be appreciated that manual adjustment night and morning of the large number of traffic lights in London is hardly practiable.

Is there any reason why there should be a distinction between London and some other towns?

London has a very much larger number of signals. We asked the police whether they could help us in the matter, but they said they were afraid it would be impossible to go round and adjust every light. Where it is a question of only one or two lights the task is comparatively easy.

Is the Minister aware that many people only desire to avoid being converted unwittingly into offenders because of their inability to obey signals which they cannot see?

Yes, Sir. I nearly did it myself the other day.

Is not the position particularly dangerous on roads where there is no 30-mile speed limit, and would the Minister reconsider the question as it affects such roads where there are traffic lights?

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he is aware of the uneasiness that is created amongst people engaged in the industry because they are not fully employed; and whether he will take steps to see that the reasons are fully explained, where possible, to the representatives of men engaged in each factory?

I am satisfied that every effort is made by firms to eliminate fluctuations of work, in the factories as entities and in the different parts of the factories; my Department gives all assistance in its power to that end. I believe that the majority of the men realise the efforts that are being made and recognise that fluctuations cannot be entirely eliminated; the explanation of the position in individual factories is a matter for the discretion of the managements.

Is not a good deal of the misunderstanding and friction avoidable, and will the Minister use his influence to get the maximum consultation between managements and all interested in the factories, in order to bring about the maximum production?

I am personally pressing that policy, with considerable success.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider also pressing upon the factories concerned that they should appoint production and economy committees to which representations could be made by the men?

The idea is certainly in my mind.

Is not the best way the setting-up of joint committees in each factory between the men and the management, and will the Minister use the power which he already has in order to do this?

The problem is rather involved.

Is it not the fact that forward programmes are not given to managements and that this omission hangs up production and creates short time? If a little more vision and foresight were used, would not such a state of affairs be avoided?

We try to act with vision and foresight, but the number of advance programmes —

We cannot hear. Is it in order for the Minister to conduct a private conversation with hon. Members behind him?

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he is aware that in many factories production could be increased if modern methods of production were introduced; what steps is he taking to check up in each factory; whether surveys are carried out and, if so, what action is taken on the results of the survey; and whether he is satisfied that we are obtaining the best results?

Undoubtedly there are certain factories where improvement could be effected by the institution of more modern methods. The matter raised by my hon. Friend is constantly under review and examination, and experts are frequently consulted by the Ministry in order to improve the efficiency of production. It must be remembered, however, that in many cases it is necessary to make the best possible use of existing plant.

Has not the Minister a system of delivery days, and, if so, are steps taken to check up those delivery days; and would he consider organising a corps of production engineers with full authority to take steps to increase production?

All such matters are taken into consideration.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he is aware that the hon. Member for Stoke was assured, 12 and 18 months ago, that there was a satisfactory organisation for the provision of spare parts; and whether the organisation is working to enable all available aircraft to be used when required?

Yes, Sir, without detriment to the output of complete aircraft, steps have been taken to provide spare parts up to the amount requisite.

Am I to understand from that answer that no aeroplane in any part of the world has been held up for lack of spare parts?

I cannot answer that question.

Is it hot a fact that our own pilots and American pilots have recently been very indignant because they were not able to use aeroplanes in parts of the world where they might have been of assistance, because of the lack of spare parts?

That is a general assertion. People are often not satisfied with all that happens in the course of a very complicated process. We have our experts, and we know our machinery. We do the very best we possibly can to adjust the spare parts position.

When the Minister says that steps have been taken, does he mean that those steps include the instruction of persons responsible for production graphs and statistics of production that no aeroplane or tank, and particularly no aeroplane, shall be counted unless there are produced at the same time the appropriate number of tools and spare parts?

The answer is in the affirmative. The hon. Member will realise that aircraft construction is subject to changes of type and that, in some cases, there are difficulties in respect of the adjustment of spare parts. I do not think there is any serious reason for a general contention that sections are held up in consequence of a lack of spare parts.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he can give any information in connection with the need of collecting the girders and iron from bombed buildings in and around London whether this scrap iron is now wanted for the making of steel; and whether he has been in consultation with the steel control contractors about the matter?

There is a continued need for all the iron and steel scrap available to ensure present and future production of steel. The Iron and Steel Control are working with the London County Council and the special committee set up by the London Defence Authority for the clearance of the bombed sites to secure the removal and utilisation of the steel as rapidly as practicable, and the fullest use is being made of the available facilities of demolition contractors and scrap merchants.

Can the House be assured that the steel furnaces are not held up for the lack of scrap iron?

The flow of scrap is satisfactory, and as regards this particular scrap it is flowing now at the rate of about 3,500 tons per week from London alone, which is about three times the rate which obtained about a month ago.

asked the Minister of Labour whether firms conducting work which they deem to be of national importance in the building industry should apply for registration as protected establishments on Form NS 169; if so, when these forms will be available; whether he will undertake that, till they are so available, firms and their employés will not be prejudiced; and, if the matter is to be dealt with under the Essential Work Order, whether merchant stockholding is covered by its language where it refers to any process, operation or manufacture incidental to, or necessary for, the carrying out of any of the said activities?

The effect of registration as a protected establishment is to secure reservation of men for whom there is a dual age of reservation at the lower of the two ages. The proposed dual age for building trade operatives has been cancelled and the present single age of reservation is to remain in force. Accordingly, Group 4, relating to the building trades, has been deleted from the Schedule, and the corresponding forms N.S. 169 are not necessary and will not be issued. If building employers employ men other than building trade operatives who are in dual age occupations affected at Stage B, it is open to them, as it is for any other employer, to apply on form N.S. 168 for admission to the register under Group 2, provided that they are qualified to do so by reason of their Government contracts. The Essential Work Order has no effect in relation to reservation for military service.

What is the answer to the last part of the Question?

The answer to the last part of the Question is that the Essential Work Order has no effect in relation to reservation for military service.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in considering means of helping Russia, he will, as a measure of mutual help, investigate the possibility of arranging free passage to Russia for skilled workers in the railway, transport, engineering and other civil or armed services in cases where such workers are adherents of the Community Party professing their first loyalty to Soviet Russia?

No, Sir.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, the Question is put by a renegade Communist who never had loyalty to anybody or anything, not even to his own colleagues when he was a conscientious objector in Calton Gaol—

rose—

On a point of Order. Is it in order for an hon. Member to use the Order Paper to make what are meant to be slanderous statements about a Member of this House or about ordinary citizens of the country, in view of the rotten record as a belly-crawler that the hon. Member himself has always had?

Order.

On a point of Order. After what has been said I think I ought to be allowed a Supplementary Question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his Department will give further consideration to the recent proposals for the rationing of eggs, so far as the population in rural areas is concerned, in view of the curtailment of the milk supply and the fact that in country districts people cannot procure fish or eat in restaurants?

The scheme which has recently come into operation is concerned only with bringing home-produced eggs under control. An interval must occur before detailed plans can be prepared for the rationing of eggs, both home-produced and imported. My hon. Friend's suggestion will be considered in connection with such plans. In the meantime distribution of eggs under the Ministry's control will be made on the basis of consumer registrations.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that in some rural areas people are unable to get the proper quantities of even rationed foods like milk, eggs, cheese and jam, and because of petrol restrictions they are unable to procure fish from the nearest town, and that the rationing scheme as at present working is weighted against the rural dweller?

The hon. Gentleman did not quite hear my answer. There is no rationing of eggs at the moment. The only thing at the moment is that there is a scheme to control and buy eggs, and I have said that my hon. Friend's point will be considered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether retailers are entitled to insist on customers registered with them taking American eggs instead of British; and whether, in that case, they are expected to state to the purchasers that these eggs, having been in cold storage, will not keep in hot weather for more than a very limited period?

The answer to the first part of the Question is, "No, Sir" But, of course, retailers can only supply their registered consumers with the eggs which they receive for this purpose; in existing conditions these will include a considerable proportion of imported eggs. In reply to the last part of my hon. and gallant Friend's Question, all home-produced eggs sold by retailers will be marked. The position with regard to imported eggs will be no different from what it was before the war.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that new laid eggs will be unobtainable from retailers in the country under his scheme, and was the Ministry of Agriculture consulted before the proposal were made?

Yes, Sir, and I think my hon. and gallant Friend is a little pessimistic about the position.