asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether his attention has been called to the case of a young man aged 30, employed as an inspector of small arms in his Department, who was recently convicted and sentenced at the Central Criminal Court; what qualification this man has for this appointment, and by whom was he chosen for the small arms inspectorate; whether his name was on the Central Register, and by whom was his character vouched; and whether he will now consider a general re-examination and overhaul of all temporary, and not definitely technical, employees of his Department under the age of 41?

My attention has been drawn to the case to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. I find that the man in question was never employed as an inspector, but was engaged through the local Employment Exchange in an industrial capacity at a weekly wage of 65s., and was subsequently employed at 78s. a week. I cannot see my way to institute a general inquiry of the kind suggested by my hon. Freind.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the duties of the public relations officer of the Ministry?

The duties of the Director of Public Relations of the Ministry of Food and his staff are to explain to the general public through the medium of the Press, broadcasting and films, the policy and work of the Ministry, and to arrange for lectures and demonstrations throughout the country on best methods of using the foods that are available from time to time under war conditions.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that 77 senior officers, in the Ministry proper, receive £ 1,000 a year or more, with a total staff of 2,300; whereas only 13 senior officers in the postal and telegraph censorship section of the Ministry receive £1,000 a year or more, with a total staff of 7,600; and why these latter officers are so badly paid compared with the former?

I do not know on what basis the-figures given by my hon. and gallant Friend are calculated, but I cannot accept them as accurate. It is, however, the case that the proportion of officers who receive £1,000 or more is very much higher in the Ministry proper than in the postal and telegraph censorship. The reason is that the work of the former is largely administrative and technical, while the latter is executive in character, with large blocks of repetitive duties.

asked the Minister of Information how many officials in his Department are, or were until recently, directors of the New Trading Company; and what positions in his Department are held by these officials?

To the best of my knowledge no officials of the Ministry of Information are or have been directors of the New Trading Company

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider recognising officially the Mechanised Transport Corps and carrying the insurance of these vehicles whilst on official business, as this corps provides over 1,000 vehicles and over 2,000 personnel in Great Britain, 40 vehicles with 70 personnel in the Middle East, and are used daily by every Government Department, the Home Guard, regional commissioners, Scotland Yard, etc., the drivers receiving no salary nor hire payment for the use of their vehicles, but only getting a mileage allowance, which is insufficient to cover the cost of petrol, oil, maintenance of motorcar expenses, and insurance?

I have no reason to suppose that the mileage allowance which takes account of overhead expenses including insurance, is inadequate. I do not think that any question of official recognition arises.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that, since September 1939, the official cost-of-living index figure has risen by 45 per cent., he can indicate to the House the practical steps which are to be taken by the Government to reduce substantially the cost of living?

My hon. Friend overstates the increase in the cost of living index, which is 29 per cent. A substantial reduction in the present level of the index cannot be expected in wartime. Government policy, however, aims at holding prices of articles in common use at about their present level, though this does not exclude minor variations from time to time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Government proposes to introduce legislation for the continuance of Part I of the War Damage Act after 31st August, 1941?

Part I of the War Damage Act makes provision for payments in respect of damage to land only if it occurs during a risk period ending on 31st August, 1941. I propose, there-fore, at once to introduce a short Bill to ensure that payments are made available in respect of damage occurring during a further year after that date. The Bill will make no change in the existing position with regard to contributions, which will remain payable as at present in respect of the risk period provided for in the War Damage Act. The contributions to be payable in respect of the new risk period provided for in the Bill will be left for Parliament to determine at a later stage when more comprehensive legislation relating to war damage is undertaken.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that the catering at a hospital, of which he has been informed, is carried out on strictly economic lines; what is the average daily weight of kitchen refuse and swill; and what are the methods adopted for their disposal?

While there have been grounds for criticism in the past, the whole question of the catering arrangements and the prevention of waste in the hospital referred to has been energetically tackled by the authority administering the hospital and recent reports show that there has been a considerable improvement in the position, which my right hon. Friend is keeping under review. He cannot say what weight of refuse and swill is produced, but he understands that it is used in the piggery maintained by the hospital.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a considerable number of residential properties in urban areas are being used as furniture repositories; that the fire risk is thereby materially increased; and whether he will consider giving local authorities effective control over the use of such property?

Residential properties used as furniture repositories are treated as business premises under the Fire Prevention Orders and the occupier is responsible for making proper and adequate arrangements in regard to fire prevention. Where arrangements cannot be made without the assistance of the local authority, the authority may assume control under Defence Regulation 27B (3) to such an extent as it considers necessary of any arrangements made by the occupier.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the attitude of a Congregational minister in Scunthorpe regarding fire-watching services, of which he has been informed; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

No persons are exempt from registration under the Civil Defence Duties (Compulsory Enrolment) Order, 1941, except those falling in certain categories specified in the Schedule to the Order. These categories do not include ministers of religion. Any person not exempted who refuses to register renders himself liable to prosecution under the Defence Regulations.

asked the Home Secretary who bears the cost of the camouflage of private buildings and natural objects, such as chalkpits, which might assist the navigation of hostile aircraft?

The incidence of the cost of camouflaging private buildings or natural objects which are considered to assist the navigation of hostile aircraft can only be determined after consideration of each case. In many instances, however, the whole cost is paid out of Government funds.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that persons detained in Brixton Gaol under Regulation 18B, are locked in the building at 4 p.m. summer time; and whether, in view of the long hours of daylight, he will have this regulation altered to 8 p.m., or other later hour than 2 p.m. sun time, and also modify the time fixed for the final meal?

Arrangements have already been made that until the end of August persons detained in Brixton Prison under Defence Regulation 18B will be allowed to remain in the prison grounds, when the weather permits, until 7 p.m. and thereafter will be allowed one hour's association inside the prison. It is not proposed to modify the time fixed for the final meal.

asked the Home Secretary how many people have been killed and injured in the last 18 months?

The hon. Member's Question is somewhat wide and I regret that the information is not readily available. If, however, he refers to civilian air-raid casualties, approximate figures from 1st January, 1940, to the end of June, 1941, are 41,900 killed and 52,678 injured and detained in hospital.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is still prepared to make grants to local authorities for the construction of deep shelters in danger areas; and why, for a limited scheme for Ipswich, a proposal was turned down by the Regional Commissioner because he had no money, materials being available locally?

There has been no change of policy in this respect. We are prepared to consider schemes for deep tunnel shelters in places where the technical conditions are favourable. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a circular which was sent to local authorities for their guidance in this matter. As regards the proposal referred to by my hon. Friend I am informed that the rejection of the project was not based on financial considerations. The scheme was carefully considered on its merits but the Regional Commissioner came to the conclusion that it was wholly unsuited to the local conditions and circumstances.

asked the Home Secretary whether the wireless sets now held in storage and which formerly belonged to interned enemy aliens, can be released to the Red Cross and St. John Ambulance for use in hospitals and convalescent homes, where they are needed, and which otherwise are practically unobtainable?

I am advised that any wireless sets which have; not already been disposed of under arrangements made by their owners remain in law the property of the aliens concerned and my right hon. Friend has no authority to dispose of them in the manner suggested.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Trans- port whether the 5s. weekly rise, applied for last December by the auxiliary coastguardmen in Arbroath, and granted, will take effect from February, bringing them into line with other Civil Defence workers?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is satisfied that the raincoats supplied to auxiliary coastguardmen in Arbroath are adequate for coast-weather conditions?

Either mackintoshes as supplied to regular coastguards or oilskins of Admiralty standard have been supplied to the auxiliary coastguards at Arbroath and other stations. I am satisfied that these garments are of good quality and are adequate.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that famous London statues are grouped together in their wartime retreat; and whether he will consider having them so dispersed that they would not be liable, as now, to destruction by a single bomb?

Yes, Sir, and I am taking steps to ascertain whether the statues in question can be so dispersed as to ensure less risk of air raid damage whilst at the same time preserving adequate supervision.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the circumstances which led to the removal of Mrs. Councillor England from her post as district warden for Kennington; whether any appropriate inquiry was held; and whether the lady in question was given adequate opportunities to defend herself against any charges that were made?

The appointment and dismissal of air-raid wardens are matters for the local authority concerned. I understand that the circumstances of this case are as follow. In November last the Regional Commissioners requested the principal warden to inquire into complaints received by them affecting the wardens' service in Lambeth and Mrs. England's district in particular. Arrangements for the inquiry, which was held by the deputy principal warden, were made with the town clerk, who was asked to inform Mrs. England of the substance of the complaints made against her and to secure her attendance. Mrs. England was called and gave evidence at the inquiry in addition to a number of post wardens selected at random from her district. As a result of the evidence given at the inquiry the Commissioners informed the town clerk that in their opinion Mrs. England was unfitted for the post of district warden and would be well advised voluntarily to vacate her post. She did not do so, and the local authority relieved her of it.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will indicate the policy that is being pursued in relation to the disposal of the potential scrap metals still lying untouched, uncut or unsorted in damaged areas; and whether, after due consideration of charges involved and availability of labour and transport, he will issue guidance by circular to the local authorities and others concerned, at an early date, to advise the steps to be taken in the matter for best national utilisation?

Yes, Sir. There is continued need for iron and steel scrap and further arrangements have been made to ensure that full use is made of materials which can be recovered from buildings damaged by air raids which are beyond repair or require demolition on grounds of public safety. Where the recovery of iron and steel by local authorities is incidental to the work of clearance or demolition of damaged sites, the material will be made immediately available to the iron and steel control of the Ministry of Supply. Also, the Ministry of Works and Buildings will act on behalf of the Ministry of Supply in arranging for the salvage of iron and steel from damaged sites which would not otherwise be cleared, and the Ministry of Supply will be responsible for disposal. The Minister of Works and Buildings has already made a preliminary survey of the scrap steel likely to be made available in this way, and a weekly programme of recovery will be arranged. Special arrangements have been made k the London Region and an officer of the Ministry of Supply has been attached to Sir Warren Fisher's organisation specifically to deal with and to expedite the recovery and disposal of iron and steel from bombed sites.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with the raid by the police on the Vanity Fair Club, Stratton Street, Mayfair; how many automatic gaming machines were found on the premises; what was the estimated value of the machines; whether the machines were destroyed; and what was the membership of the club?

The club, which when last registered had 1,479 members, was entered by the police on 20th June, 1941. Three gaming machines were seized. Summonses were issued under the Gaming Houses Act, 1854, against the Stratton Catering Company, Limited, owners of the club, and two directors of the company for unlawful gaming. The case was heard on 10th July, 1941, when fines and costs amounting to £145 were imposed and the destruction of the machines, probably worth about £50 each, directed. A further summons' to show cause why the club should not be struck off the register was adjourned until 11th December, 1941.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the nature of the medical examination on which a gunner of an anti-aircraft Z battery, Royal Artillery, of whose name and unit he has been informed, who is stated to have been born with no fingers on his left hand, to be blind in one eye, to be subject to periodical deafness associated with chronic catarrh, and to be backward in mental development, was accepted for the Army?

This man was examined in the usual way by one of the medical boards set up under the National Service Acts and was placed in Grade II. The Board found his right eye to be defective and were aware of the congenital absence of fingers on the left hand. I may add that he has now served in the Army for 10 months and has not, so far as I am aware, been discharged.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what quantity of potatoes, held by the Ministry in different parts of the country, have been spoiled as a result of careless storage and other causes; and why, before being condemned for all purposes, these supplies were not made available as pig-food?

So far as I am aware no losses were incurred through careless storage or other neglect on the part of the Ministry's officers. My Noble Friend is however having inquiries made in all Areas and when these investigations arc complete I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether any agreement has been made with the Eire Minister of Agriculture to supply old and new potatoes during the next few weeks?

Yes, Sir. Arrangements were made by my Department with the Government of Eire for the shipment of the maximum quantity of old and new potatoes which could be spared from the country during the latter part of June and the first few weeks of July. Shipments of old potatoes have been completed and shipments of new potatoes are now coming to an end.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that, owing to the action of his Ministry in the allocation of potato supplies in Liverpool the week before last, one merchant, who does not normally sell in Liverpool, was allocated a large consignment intended for Liverpool, and that the" whole of this consignment was sold to a multiple shopkeeper whose shops were overstocked whilst many small traders, as well as wholesalers, were without supplies, and the public thereby inadequately catered for; and will he look into this, with a view to preventing similar occurrences?

I have looked into this matter but I have been unable to identify the merchant referred to in the Question. I presume my hon. Friend has in mind certain supplies of potatoes recently imported from Eire. These supplies have been distributed equitably among the wholesale trade in Liverpool. If my hon. Friend will give me further details of his complaint I will look into the matter and communicate with him as soon as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that road transport drivers are frequently unable to obtain suitable meals at roadside eating-houses intended specially for their use in consequence of the available supplies of food at those houses having been used in supplying meals to the general public and to members of the armed forces; and whether arrangements can be made on important traffic routes to ensure that sufficient food shall be reserved by the managers of those houses for supplying meals to road transport workers?

I am aware that in some cases road transport drivers have experienced difficulty in obtaining meals at roadside cafes. Arrangements have recently been concluded with the Service Departments for members of the armed forces when travelling by road to be provided with the necessary supplies of food wherever possible. It would not be practicable to impose restrictions on roadside cafes in regard to the classes for whom they should cater. No catering establishment should experience difficulty in obtaining rationed foods, but in the prevailing shortage, difficulties may be experienced in regard to unrationed foods. Any catering establishment, however, in serious difficulties in regard to supplies should approach the local food executive officer who will render any assistance possible.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider the adoption of measures to improve the effectiveness of the cancellation of postage stamps used for the prepayment of postage?

I am arranging for the printing of stamps up to and including 3d. in value in lighter shades. New stamps of the 2½d. value will be issued on Monday, 21st July. They will be on sale at the more important offices for one week from that date, but their sale will not become general until stocks of the current stamps are exhausted. The other values will be put on sale later and their issue will be announced in advance of the selected date. These changes will make the cancellation of the postage stamps more effective and at the same time effect a very desirable reduction in the consumption of valuable dye.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered a petition signed by wives, mothers and sisters, of men serving in His Majesty's Forces, and residing at Ferndale, Rhondda, asking for the release of wool without coupons so that they may be enabled to make comforts for their own folk directly; and whether he intends to grant the concession asked for?

I have nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to similar Questions on 15th July.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent on 2nd July arrangements had been made, and officials appointed, in connection with the scheme of standard clothing announced publicly on nth July?

As I stated in reply to a Question by my hon. and gallant Friend on 2nd July, there is no evidence to show that the introduction of standard clothing is either necessary or desirable. My right hon. Friend recently appointed Mr. Metford Watkins as Director General of Civilian Clothing, to deal with questions arising on the supply and distribution and to make what arrangements are necessary to secure that adequate supplies of clothing, and in particular working-class clothing, are available for the population. The powers taken under the Goods and Services (Price Control) Bill will help to ensure that these supplies are available at reasonable prices.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to economy, he proposes to introduce the sale of cigarettes loose and not in cardboard containers?

The quantity of cardboard available for packing cigarettes is being reduced from 1st September and I understand that this reduction will make it necessary for the manufacturers to pack a proportion of cigarettes in large boxes for sale loose. My hon. and gallant Friend will realise that existing machinery is designed only for packing in small cartons and that continuity of distribution must be maintained. Changes therefore will be gradual.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply the result of salvage work for each Metropolitan borough and for the large cities outside London, respectively, for the months of May and June, 1941?

As regards the figures for May, I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the answer I have given to-day to the hon. Member for Balham and Tooting (Mr. Doland). The figures for June are not yet available; I will circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as all the returns have been received.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether use is being made of the number of fully-qualified development officers throughout the country who are" in the best position to advise as to the industrial capacity available in their various areas?

I am confident that on questions relating to industrial capacity the regional representatives of the Ministry will make full use of the knowledge and experience of local development officers as occasions arise.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is aware of the considerable spare engineering capacity available in Leeds, particulars of which have been supplied to his Department for many months; and what action is proposed to make use of such capacity?

I am aware that there is certain spare capacity in Leeds, not all of it suitable for the production of modern munitions of war. The regional representative of the Ministry of Supply. who maintains comprehensive records of all available capacity in his area, is making every effort to see that it is put to the best possible use. These records are also available to the Regional Production Board, and through them to all Supply Departments.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport why the authorisation given on 17th June, 1940, by his Ministry for either the upper or lower half of each traffic light signal lens to be shown during the day-time so as to render the signals more conspicuous has not been implemented?

The authorisation given on 17th June, 1940, was permissive. As I explained on 1st July, in answer to a Question by my hon. Friend, there are considerable practical difficulties involved in the general adoption of the half face signal.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will take action to prevent persons whose houses have been demolished by bombing from having to pay electricity charges or the like for any of the time after the bombing; and is he aware that cases are occurring in Clyde-side where charges for as much as four months are being made since the bombing took place?

I am having inquiries made and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in any scheme for the stabilisation of wages, he will see to it that the standards of remuneration of the rank and file of His. Majesty's Forces approximate to those enjoyed by the rank and file in the reserved occupations?

I have been asked to reply. The pay and allowances of other ranks of His Majesty's Forces have more than once been adjusted in the light of war conditions. No direct comparison can be made with civilian wage rate but the present scales do not seem to me ungenerous

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies why he has sanctioned a 7s. flat rate poll tax in the Ilesha district of Southern Nigeria; whether its legality is contested; and what is the official decision on the request for a fiat for a petition of right which has been requested?

The Governor of Nigeria is being asked for information to enable a reply to be given to the hon. Member's Question, and I will cmmunicate with him as soon as the desired information is available.

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the total sum expended in building grants made to voluntary schools under the Education Act, 1936?

The total sum approved by the Board in respect of estimated expenditure by local education authorities under the Education Act, 1936, on work which has been proceeded with is £425,174. I am not able to state the actual sum expended by local education authorities, as particulars of the final cost have not yet been received.

asked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the number of poor persons cases, which cannot at present be proceeded with, owing to the shortage of counsel, especially on the Midland and Oxford circuits, he will consider taking steps to enable solicitors acting in cases certified by the appropriate poor persons committee, to have audiences in the High Court for the duration of the war?

I am aware that owing to the very large increase in Poor Persons Divorce cases after the passing of the Matrimonial Causes Act, 1937, and the number both of barristers and solicitors who are serving or engaged in war work, there is considerable delay in getting these cases disposed of. I am in touch with the two circuits mentioned to see whether a larger number of cases can be undertaken. In view of the depletion of the number of solicitors and their staff I doubt if the suggestion made in the Question would appreciably affect the position. It would in any event require legislation.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the great need for more remand homes for juveniles in the West Riding; and what actual steps are in progress to increase the number of these homes in this district?

I am informed that the West Riding County Council at a meeting to be held to-day will be recommended to approve the purchase and acquisition of premises to take 50 boys on remand, which will be large enough to meet the estimated needs of the other local authorities of the district which have not already established remand homes.