asked the Minister of Labour how many labour disputes there are at the present moment in any part of Scotland; what is their nature; and what steps are being taken to settle them?

According to my information, there was on 14th July one dispute involving interruption of work in Scotland. This dispute, in which 400 workers were concerned, began on 14th July, following a decision by the employer to stop Sunday work. Work was resumed on the following day.

asked the Minister of Health what action he is taking to pre vent and deal with profiteering in the letting of furnished accommodation?

As my hon. Friend will be aware, I recently asked all local authorities to furnish me by 15th July with a special report on this subject covering the nine months ended 30th June, 1941. As soon as the outstanding reports have been received—and they are coming in rapidly—I shall consider what further action, if any, is called for.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider issuing a report to show what is the information supplied to him?

I shall certainly consider the best way of making the country aware of the facts revealed by these reports. I have received 741 replies already.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take further action to protect tenants of houses, damaged by blast, against their land lords who, by refusing to pay the rates, even when the local authorities reduce these and by demanding full rent for un inhabitable houses, have denied to tenants the protection which Parliament has endeavoured to give to sufferers from enemy action?

I have no reason to suppose that the practice to which my hon. Friend refers has been in any way common. I would refer him to the provisions of the Landlord and Tenant (War Damage) Amendment Bill now before Parliament.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this is taking place all over the country, and particularly in London, and will he look into the matter?

If my hon. Friend will enable me to do so by presenting me with the facts of some particular cases, I shall be glad to look into them.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider issuing, as soon as the Landlord and Tenant Bill becomes law, a leaflet explaining clearly and concisely the protection afforded to tenants whose landlords demand rent for uninhabitable houses, refuse to make proper repairs, etc., and the steps that tenants should take to obtain that protection, as, in the absence of any such explanation, many poor persons will continue to suffer injustice?

I can assure my hon. Friend that adequate publicity will be given to the provisions of the Bill. So far as the responsibilities of local authorities under the Bill are concerned, I propose in due course to issue a Circular to them on the matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is in a position to report on his recent visits to the reception areas; and whether it is his intention to set up local committees for the purpose of encouraging the closest co-operation between evacuees and residents, and the carrying out of general instructions in the event of attempted invasion?

In the course of recent Debates, I referred at some length to conditions in reception areas as I found them in the course of my recent visits. There are, for instance, as I mentioned, 660 hostels for difficult children, 731 special hostels for family groups who cannot readily be billeted in the ordinary way, 730 social centres, 483 communal feeding centres, 638 occupational clubs and 389 nurseries and playing centres. In view of the welfare committees and organisers and voluntary workers already in the field, I do not think there is a need for setting up further committees for the purposes suggested by my hon. Friend. The House will be glad to know that this work is proceeding rapidly.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will amend the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme in order to cover a Civil Defence volunteer against injury during the period when he leaves home to report to his post for duty and when he leaves his post to return to his home?

A Civil Defence volunteer going to and from duty is covered by the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme for injuries caused to him by enemy action. For other injuries the Personal Injuries (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1939, requires that the injury shall have arisen "out of and in the course of" duty, a requirement similar to that laid down by the Workmen's Compensation Acts. This requirement would not be satisfied during the periods in question under the Personal Injuries (Emergency Provisions) Act any more than under the Workmen's Compensation Acts. If, however, the journey is made in response to an emergency call (for example, an air-raid warning) the injury can be brought within the scope of the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme.

Will my right hon. Friend once more look into the case of an air-raid warden in my constituency who sustained a fracture of his leg in the early morning of 13th March while going to ordinary duty as an air-raid warden, and received no compensation, and who cannot work yet?

I am certainly prepared to look into any cases which my hon. and gallant Friend submits to me, but I have to take into account whether the man was going on duty as a result of an emergency call, or just proceeding along the street in the ordinary way.

Why does the right hon. Gentleman tie this scheme to workmen's compensation, when he knows that the State has to have regard to these injuries to civil defence workers, whereas the workman has to challenge capitalist insurance companies for his rights under workmen's compensation?

These conditions were laid down after close consultation with the Trades Union Congress representatives and representatives of the employers' associations, and with the agreement of all concerned. That is all I can say about it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied with the air-raid precautions arrangements for the different counties of Scotland?

I am not aware of grounds for dissatisfaction in this connection, but, if my hon. and gallant Friend will let me have details of any particular case which he has in mind I will have inquiry made.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider delivering the greatest number of pumps possible to the supplementary fire parties in residential and industrial districts, and informing fire parties in agricultural districts that the best way to dispose of incendiary bombs is to cover them with earth or sand, instead of issuing stirrup-pumps to agricultural districts?

The issue of stirrup-pumps to street-fire parties is being made on as large a scale as is practicable. The issue of these pumps in the corn-growing areas is specifically directed to the protection of farm buildings and stacks, and it has been indicated that it is on a temporary basis only. Fire parties both in agricultural and urban districts have already been informed that special equipment is not required for dealing with incendiary bombs dropping in the open, where the best method is the use of sandbags partly filled with sand or earth.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can yet say when further powers relating to fire-prevention measures in unoccupied houses will be made available?

It is intended to submit, at a very early date, to His Majesty in Council for approval a draft Regulation on this subject. The actual application of the powers of the Regulation will be by an Order to be made under the Regulation, and the drafting of this Order is being pressed on with all possible speed.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the issue, on 4th July, of a publication called "Reality," and especially an article headed "Propaganda, Then and Now "; and what steps he is taking to prevent this paper impeding our war effort?

My attention had not hitherto been called to this issue of this publication, which I understand has only a limited circulation. I am having inquiries made, but I should be glad to consider any information of which my hon. Friend may be in possession.

Does not this matter exist in the main in order to show up the present financial racket?

That may be so, but it is publishing some curious things.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make regarding his recent visit to Northern Ireland and, in particular, what further steps are being taken to make espionage impossible; and whether he will close the border between Northern Ireland and Eire to all except those possessing British passports?

As the Home Secretary is responsible for matters affecting Northern Ireland in its relations with the United Kingdom Government, I thought it desirable to visit Belfast for the purpose of establishing personal contacts and also for the purpose of maintaining touch with those who are concerned in measures of civil defence. Amongst a number of subjects which were discussed in the course of my visit was the question whether further measures are desirable and practicable for the control of communications between Northern Ireland and Eire, a subject to which much expert consideration has already been given. On grounds of security it is undesirable, at any rate at this stage, that I should make any further public statement on the matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that anyone can cross over to Northern Ireland, take a ticket to Dublin, and go straight into the German Legation there with any information he may have about this country or Northern Ireland?

That point and a number of others are at present the subject of consideration.

Has the Minister any power with regard to the censoring of correspondence between Eire and Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom?

There is much more going on than my hon. and gallant Friend knows. If I may say so, there is more going on than it is desirable to say. I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that everything possible is being done in this matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the advertisements now appearing in many newspapers of offers of loans of money up to £10,000, and, as this is having a detrimental effect on savings being invested with the Government, and as doubt is being caused, will he make a statement on this matter?

:I have seen no evidence that the advertisements to which my hon. Friend refers are affecting the success of the War Savings Campaign.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it to the public good that these advertisements should appear?

I have not any evidence to the effect the hon. Member suggests. In fact, there does not appear to be any noticeable activity on the part of moneylenders just now.

Is it not a fact that some of the persons who have to borrow money to-day are borrowing it to pay their taxes?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to which group or groups of investment bankers in the United States of America His Majesty's Government sold 95 per cent of the Courtauld holding in the American Viscose Corporation?

As the reply contains a list of the names of 17 firms, I am having it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give the names and occupations of those who counselled him in the sale of the American Viscose Corporation?

No, Sir.

Should I be wrong in suggesting that possibly it was Sir Edward Peacock who advised the Chancellor?

No, the hon. Member must not put too much faith in his own accuracy in the matter.

Does the right hon. Gentleman pay any regard to what is stated in reputable American newspapers as to what has been going on?

I give due weight to all these matters, including representations made to me by the hon. Member.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the average, or highest, rate of interest on tap bills issued between 1st January and 30th June, 1941; and how the interest so charged accrues to the benefit of the Treasury.

The highest rate was 1 per cent. The Treasury in the case of most of the funds concerned either receives the surplus income or ultimate profits, or is liable to meet any deficit.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what proportion of the £4,000,000 that he mentioned the other day does not accrue to the Treasury?

I could not say. The hon. Member had better put a Question down.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food when he expects to be able to announce the amount of sugar which will be avail able during the winter months for bee keepers?

An allowance of 10 lbs. of sugar per colony will be made to bee-keepers during the period 1st August to 31st October for autumn and winter feeding of bees in repetition of the arrangements made last year.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what is the approximate gross percentage of profit allowed to retailers of meat under the present scheme?

After allowing for a loss in weight from cutting, shrinkage, etc., of 5 per cent. the gross percentage of profit allowed to retailers of meat under the present scheme is approximately 23 per cent. of sales.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the difficulties experienced by consumers who have registered for butter with far-away dairymen, in regard to the announcement that cooking fats should be obtained from the same dealer; and whether, since many of these dairymen cannot supply lard, he will, in the circumstances, reconsider his decision?

For the current rationing period consumers must have registered with the same retailer for butter and margarine. These retailers, if they so desire, will be licensed to sell cooking fats. I do not therefore understand the difficulty to which my hon. Friend refers, but if he will send me further particulars I shall be glad to consider them.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can give any information in connection with the price to be paid for the new potatoes to the growers; and whether any restriction is being put upon the sale of small potatoes?

The maximum prices which may be paid for new potatoes are as set out in the Schedule to the New Potatoes (Maximum Prices) Order, 1941. But in this connection I should state that it has been decided to continue the prices in force for the present week until 27th July, when the Maximum Price Schedule for new potatoes is due to expire. The conditions which must be observed on the occasion of sales of new potatoes are also set out in the Order. There is at present no Order in force which prescribes the size of potatoes of the 1941 crop that may be sold. Restrictions are in force regarding the sale of small potatoes of the old crop.

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman received the report that I sent him, and what does he think about it?

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there was always a difference in price between large and small potatoes, and that there seems to be a tremendous lot of small potatoes being dumped on the market?

These are the new crop. There is no restriction on that, but there is on the old.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in any scheme to control the price of raspberries, he will take into consideration the outlay of the producer, especially the cost of picking?

Yes, Sir. The price of raspberries will be controlled under the Soft Fruits (Maximum Prices) Order as from 20th July, 1941. The maximum growers' price of £47 10s. per ton was fixed after due consideration had been given to the representations of the growers regarding their costs including the cost of picking.

Is not there a danger, if the price is fixed too low, that the fruit will not come on the legitimate market, but will be diverted to the black market?

That is why we consult with the growers and producers generally before we come to a decision as to what the price should be.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the urgency of maintaining the availability of fried fish to the working population of this country in the present situation, he will immediately release extra supplies of fat to fish friers; and whether he is aware that fish and chip shops arc at present closed on the North-East coast several days each week through shortage of frying fat?

While I regret to learn that fish friers on the North-East coast are compelled to close one or more days a week, I fear that owing to the supply position it is not possible at present to release extra quantities of fats to them.

In view of the great importance of this question to large numbers of industrial workers, does the Minister hope for some material improvement?

Every possible step has been taken to improve the position, and I am very hopeful that it will be possible to give a better allocation.

Is there not very much more fat in the country available to-day than two or three months ago?

I would not like to answer that Question without notice, but I can say that steps are being taken in the matter, and I am hopeful that before long we shall be able to improve supplies.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is satisfied that the present policy of making all purchases of pulses from the Dominions pass through the normal trading channels to the Cereals Import Board is satisfactory to all concerned?

Yes, Sir.

Do I gather that no change is contemplated or under consideration?

I think my hon. Friend may take it that is the present position.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will consider the immediate installation of an egg-grading machine at the Newport egg collecting centre, and so expedite the distribution of eggs to the public and avoid the waste of effort and food by the present procedure of transferring eggs to Cardiff for the purpose of grading?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will consider instituting some method of procedure to avoid food queues which should, in general practice, be unnecessary; and whether he is aware that queues are encouraging a few householders to obtain an unfair advantage and additional supplies over the general public who cannot afford either the waste of time to themselves, or obtain various members of their household to queue up for multiple supplies?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Tam-worth (Sir J. Mellor) on this matter on 8th July.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that certain local food officers are issuing notices in forming individual shopkeepers with less than 25 customers that rationed goods will not be distributed to them; whether this is the correct method of notification; whether the customers are to be told; and whether any official announcement has been made?

Yes, Sir, whenever a retailer does not secure a minimum of 25 registrations for any rationed food the appropriate food executive officer, after notification to the retailer, has been instructed to invite the consumers concerned to register with another retailer. In rural districts the food executive officer has, however, authority in exceptional cases to accept less than 25 registrations if he is satisfied that only by this means will, certain members of the public be able to obtain supplies. In reply to the last part of my hon. Friend's Question, a general Press announcement on the foregoing lines was issued on 4th July.

How many shopkeepers are likely to be involved, and has any estimate been made of the saving in transport costs as a result of this drastic action?

I could not say without notice the exact numbers involved, but I can assure my hon. Friend that it does mean a saving. Any saving, however small, if we see that a certain method of distribution is wasteful, should be taken advantage of.

Is there any estimate of the number of shopkeepers who will be put out of business as a result of this step?

I have no estimate, but I should think that it is extraordinarily small.

Is it proposed to give compensation to those who have their livelihood taken away by this action?

If my hon. Friend will consider what this means and will work it out, he will see that it will involve 25 registrations, which means at most six families. It means 25 books, not 25 families. My hon. Friend will see what that means in the volume of trade, and I do not think compensation is required.

If my hon. and gallant Friend will look further into the matter, he will find that people are being forced to close their businesses and become a burden on the rates. Will he consider what effect that has on the morale of the people?

I do not understand how people can be forced to close their businesses and go on the rates before this has come into operation.

Will the Minister bear in mind that when customers are forced away from these small businesses they will not go to them for anything else and that the shopkeepers will have to close?

I would point out that not all the rationed commodities are sold by any one of these people. We must get a proper sense of proportion. The question of hardship has been mentioned, and let me give one example, that of sugar. The gross profit to a shopkeeper selling sugar to 25 people is about 7d. a week.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will take steps to ensure more adequate supplies of beer for men harvesting in the months of August and September; and whether, in this connection, he will pay special attention to more adequate supplies being available in the country public houses for farm-workers, in order to enable them to carry out more efficiently the heavy work of harvesting?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Epsom (Sir A. Southby) on 8th July. I have no reason to expect a shortage of beer in country districts in August and September, but I will certainly look into the matter.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that in the Vale of Evesham farm workers cannot get beer now, and will he look into this important matter?

I have said that I will look into it, but it has not been confined to the Vale of Evesham. The exceptionally hot weather as well as transport difficulties have contributed to the shortage.

In view of the number of teetotallers who will be working at harvest time, will it be possible for them to get cider?

I have yet to learn that cider is a teetotal drink.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the fact that the shortage of the fruit crop this year may be as much as 50 per cent., he will stimulate the autumnal collection of blackberries for jam-making by a special grant of sugar?

The possibility of making special arrangements for the collection of blackberries is under consideration. The shortage in the fruit crop will in any event stimulate the collection of blackberries for jam making and it is not proposed to make a special grant of sugar for this purpose.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend consult with the Board of Education on the question of getting children to collect blackberries in the autumn?

We have consulted with the Board of Education on that point.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the hill- grazing subsidy for cattle and sheep, which is now limited to Scotland, is working satisfactorily; and whether he will consider extending it to Wales?

The scheme for subsidising cattle on hill-grazings in Scotland with a view to encouraging the improvement of hill pastures was only recently introduced, and I am advised by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland that it is too early to report on its progress. I am considering whether a similar scheme is needed in England and Wales.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the danger of loss of soil fertility through over-cropping with straw crops, he will advise war agricultural executives to recommend that farmers lay dawn their old arable lands to temporary grasses and clovers of approved mixtures for one, and in some cases two, years?

In April last I intimated to all county war agricultural executive committees that, as regards land that had borne one or two white straw crops, a considerable proportion should be under-sown and that a one year ley would in most cases suffice to restore the necessary fertility. I indicated, however, that longer leys, where they were appropriate, could be sown with the permission of "the committee.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the war agricultural executive committees are aware of the importance of this use of temporary ley in order to keep up the fertility of the soil?

I think so.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in connection with increased food production, he will circulate an appeal to all industrial employers throughout the country asking them to ascertain whether there is any adjoining land which can be borrowed and made available for their employees as allotments?

I am anxious to secure a further large increase in the number of allotments under cultivation next season, and my Department is actively considering the various means by which this end may be achieved. Many employers have already done much to encourage the cultivation of allotments by their workers, but I will certainly consider the possibility of taking further action on the lines suggested in the Question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what directions have been issued to war agricultural executives as to the numbers of agricultural workers who are to be called up after harvest?

County war agricultural executive committees have been instructed to do their utmost to ensure that, by means of substitution and, if necessary, by the re-organisation of work on farms, some 10,000 men, or about one in six of all the workers affected by the raising of the age of reservation, shall be made available for military service. Committees have also been instructed to recommend for retention all workers below the age of reservation in the main agricultural occupations who are essential key men and virtually irreplaceable.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that laying down a definite proportion of one to six is likely to result in the farms which are most intensively cultivated, and, therefore, employ more men, being the very ones which are likely to lose their labour?

No, Sir. In the case of a great number of farms they are the very sort where the substitution of male by female labour is most easily to be effected.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will set up an Anglo-American bureau for the dissemination of war news and information to the United States of America for the arranging of wireless talks, the making of films, and to invite the co-operation of American war correspondents and journalists such as Mr. Quentin Reynolds, Miss Dorothy Thompson, and Mr. Raymond Gram Swing, as well as film experts and propagandists for this purpose?

All the activities the hon. Member mentions are already being undertaken by the Ministry, and I gratefully record the most valuable help and co-operation we receive from the distinguished Americans he names and from many others, but I am satisfied that the official association of American citizens with the Ministry of Information in executive responsibility has for the present nothing to recommend it.

Is my hon. Friend aware of the considerable dissatisfaction among American journalists and war correspondents with the arrangements at the Ministry for the dissemination of war news, and will he consider giving American journalists and war correspondents special facilities to get their communications to America before those from Dr. Goebbels?

This matter is under constant consideration.

Will my hon. Friend also remember that distinguished Dominion journalists feel that very often they are put in a position, of inferiority to other correspondents in the facilities for the dissemination of news?

Will my hon. Friend see that something is done, and not that the matter is merely considered?

asked the Minister of Information whether the statements concerning Hungary made by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday, 9th July, have been broadcast in the Hungarian transmissions of the British Broadcasting Corporation?