asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements exist for leave for those soldiers who have now been in Egypt and the Middle East for the past two years?

I am afraid that in present circumstances it is not practicable to grant leave to this country from the Middle East, but local leave can be given at the discretion of the military authorities.

asked the Secretary of State of War what is the position of those soldiers who enlisted in the Regular Army before the passing of the Military Service Act of 1939 and whose term of enlistment has now expired; are such men automatically retained in the Forces; and, if so, are they entitled to a leave on the expiry of their period of enlistment?

Under the Military and Air Forces (Prolongation of Service) Act, 1939, the term of service of members of the Regular Army and the Army Reserve is deemed not to expire until the end of the emergency. Soldiers retained with the colours under that Act are not entitled to any special leave on the expiry of their period of enlistment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the low standard of organisation of the Home Guard in a certain county compared with adjacent counties; and whether he proposes to make changes in certain highly placed officers so as to secure more competent people in organising and administrative posts?

The organisation of the Home Guard in the county to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers has recently been the subject of a special inquiry by the War Office and steps are being taken to effect improvements, where necessary.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that Home Guard volunteers detailed for duty on Saturdays and Sundays are unable to obtain from the railway companies the reduction in fares which is given to air-raid precautions and other workers employed in Civil Defence services; and whether steps will be taken to put members of the Home Guard on the same footing as air-raid precautions workers so far as railway fares are concerned?

The same reductions in fares as are given to Civil Defence workers are available to members of the Home Guard subject to the same conditions. If my hon. Friend will let me have particulars of any cases in which Home Guards have been unable to obtain the concession, I shall be pleased to make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the estimated daily basic ration of tobacco which governs the supply of this article to the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes for the troops serving at home?

There is no daily basic ration of tobacco. The actual amount allocated to the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes varies from time to time according to the quantities available for the country as a whole.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that at Warrington youths of the ages of 16 and 17, employed by contractors on Government contracts, are receiving weekly wages of from £4 to £6 15s.; on what work such youths are engaged; and for what reason they receive such high remuneration?

My hon. and learned Friend has sent me particulars of a number of cases of boys aged 16 or 17 who are stated to have been employed on public works at hourly rates ranging from is. 2d. to Is. 7d. and with weekly earnings amounting to £4 and upwards. I have brought this information to the notice of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works and Buildings within whose province it is to make any necessary investigation.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is the policy of his Department to prevent mineworkers, now graded fit only for service work, taking up other employment available for them; and whether he has reason to believe that such men will ever be given suitable employment at any mines in this country?

I presume my hon. Friend means surface work. Unemployed miners who are regarded as fit only for surface work will be placed in such employment, in so far as it is available. Otherwise endeavours will be made to find them alternative work of national importance with the least possible delay.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the shortage of boot repairers, especially in the rural reception areas in Wales; and whether he is taking any measures to remedy this situation before the coming winter?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply given on 26th June when I stated that there was a general shortage of boot and shoe repairers. I have no knowledge of any exceptional shortage in the rural reception areas of Wales. The number of vacancies notified to local offices in Wales during the period 7th June to 5th July, 1941, was seven.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether, when undertaking the construction of housing accommodation for factory workers, his Department consults the local authorities in whose areas the houses are to be built to ascertain whether they have any plans either in hand or' in partial execution; whether these can be utilised by his Department or whether it evolves its own plans using its own architects and staff in London without prior local consultation; and what has been its practice hitherto in Lancashire?

Consultation always takes place in cases of this nature when the site of such accommodation is being selected, and no difficulty would occur at that stage in utilising the plans made by a local authority, in connection with a housing project, so far as roads and services are concerned. Plans actually prepared for houses could not, however, be made use of as the accommodation for factory workers being constructed by the Ministry of Works and Buildings consists either of hostels for single persons or of married quarters of a simple and standardised one-storey type. This type of temporary construction is essential to secure economy in labour and materials, which cannot be achieved by ordinary housing accommodation of a permanent character.

asked the Minister of Labour how many poultry farmers have been called up for military service this year; and whether, in the interests of food production, all such workers will in future be treated as agricultural workers?

The information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available. In reply to the second part, I cannot see my way to alter the present ages of reservation for poultry farmers which were fixed in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is now in a position to make a further statement with regard to the future of the Tamworth Colliery?

This colliery is working on a reduced scale and I am endeavouring to bring about suitable arrangements under which it could continue operations.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether arrangements have been made to ensure an adequate supply of suitable coal for the pottery industry?

I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade regarding the establishment of machinery for securing a suitable allocation of coal supplies for the pottery industry.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can now give the figures for house coal disposals to Coventry for the month of June, 1941, showing how they compare with those of May, 1941, and June, 1940?

The figures for which the hon. and gallant Member asks are now available but it would not be in the public interest to disclose them. I am, however, sending them, in confidence, to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary for Mines what arrangements have been made to adjust the recent general restrictions on the delivery and stocking of domestic coal for domestic purposes to the special circumstances of individual consumers, especially those living in isolated premises in rural areas?

While the stocking and delivery limits recently introduced are intended to cover the great majority of domestic consumers in areas with regular coal deliveries, I recognise that there will be a considerable number of cases requiring special treatment. A wide discretion has accordingly been given to local fuel overseers to allow larger quantities on application in individual cases, and in dealing with such applications they have been instructed to have regard not only to consumption needs but also to any special difficulties of transport. It is not intended, however, to regard those discretionary adjustments as establishing a definite rationing scheme: those restrictions are intended to be temporary and their object remains that of securing the best possible distribution during the summer months of the supplies available for stocking. With this end in view consideration should clearly be given to premises which are difficult of access, especially under winter conditions.

asked the Secretary for Petroleum whether, in view of the fact that divisional petroleum officers already have power to refuse supplementary rations to persons who are unwilling to furnish full particulars of their journeys and that the compulsory keeping of logbooks would be an unnecessary addition to the motoring regulations, he will reconsider this proposal?

I am considering, in the light of records of journeys which are now being called for in certain cases, what, if any, modifications are desirable in the content of the record before determining the question of a more formal requirement.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Henley Rural District Council has abandoned the collection of house refuse owing to labour and petrol difficulties; and whether he will assist them to maintain this sanitary service?

I understand that the council have found it necessary to reduce their refuse collection service. The salvage and refuse department of the council is, however, being provisionally scheduled under the Essential Work (General Provisions) Orders, 1941, as from Monday, 4th August, 1941. I am informed that no representations from the council as to petrol difficulties have been received by the Petroleum Department.

asked the Minister of Health whether, to maintain essential sanitary services, particularly in districts where there are a large number of evacuees, he is satisfied that sufficient petrol rations are supplied to the local authorities concerned?

My Department has no information indicating that there is any dissatisfaction with the petrol allowances made to local authorities to enable them to maintain essential sanitary services. If my hon. Friend will furnish me with particulars of any district he has in mind I shall be glad to make inquiries.

asked the Secretary for Petroleum whether he is aware of the burden on householders in rural districts in the reception areas imposed by the 20 per cent. reduction in the amount of paraffin available, in view of the additional number of people to cook for, and the fact that in many rural parishes the paraffin stove is the only available means of cooking; and whether he will go further into this matter?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on the same point to the hon. and gallant Member for Petersfield (Sir G. Jeffreys) on 17th July, of which I am sending him a copy

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is now in a position to give the information respecting political prisoners requested by the hon. Member for Leyton, West?

No, Sir. I have telegraphed for the desired information but the hon. Member will appreciate that its collection from all the Provinces concerned may take a little time.

asked the Minister of Agriculture on what grounds, in view of the present situation, rations are to be granted for steeplechase geldings?

As my right hon. Friend the Minister of Home Security stated in reply to a Question on 1st May, the continuation of racing next winter will be considered in the light of the situation then prevailing.

asked the Home Secretary the number of interned refugees whose release has been authorised in Canada and Australia, respectively; the number who have applied for release; and the number who have returned to this country?

Apart from volunteers for the Pioneer Corps and men whose releases have been authorised to be effected as soon as they can complete their arrangements for emigration to other countries, I had up to the 26th July given authority for 308 persons to be returned to the United Kingdom for release from Canada and 173 from Australia, if they were willing to undertake the voyage. No statistics are available of the number of applications for release made by or on behalf of internees. 891 persons have been brought back from Canada, of whom 579 have already been released and 196 are on their way from Australia.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the extent to which evacuees are returning to the urban districts from which they were originally evacuated, he will consider the adoption of some identification system under which it would be made impossible for such evacuees to benefit by a second evacuation unless entirely at their own expense?

While fully in sympathy with my hon. and gallant Friend's desire to discourage the return of those who have been evacuated, I do not think that I should be justified in adopting a solution which might have the effect of penalising children for the action of their parents.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Home Security Circular, No. 149/1941, which makes provision for free railway fares for whole-time members of the civil defence services in heavily raided areas, includes within that classification members of the war reserve police?

The concession to which my hon. Friend refers extends to members of the Police War Reserve, and the necessary instructions have been given to police authorities.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the number of voluntary workers attached to air-raid precautions posts where there is little at present to do, he will suggest to the local authorities concerned that the existing work should be transacted by the paid employees and the voluntary workers retained on the call system with the object of liberating the latter temporarily for more urgent war work?

The general policy has always been that the A.R.P. duties of part-time volunteers should be so arranged as to interfere as little as possible with their civil occupations, day duty being normally performed by paid whole-time personnel or by volunteers in their leisure time. Suitable arrangements are made for securing the attendance of others should occasion arise.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is in a position to disclose to a suitable meeting what arrangements have been made, or are in contemplation, to deal with civilian casualties in the event of enemy action by invasion or otherwise causing a serious breakdown of communication?

I do not think that such a meeting would serve any useful purpose. The arrangements in each of the areas concerned, which vary with the local conditions, should be known to those responsible for carrying them out. If my hon. Friend has in mind any area where this is not the case, I should be glad to be informed.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a British-born subject, now serving in the Royal Air Force, has been barred by the British Boxing Board of Control from competing in British boxing competitions on the ground of colour; and, having regard to the harmful reactions on the war effort among our many coloured subjects such a decision will have will he take steps to discourage such discrimination against British-born subjects solely on colour grounds?

While I am in entire sympathy with my hon. Friend's view that there should be no discrimination against British subjects on colour grounds, I understand that there are differences of opinion on the question whether spectacular fights between opponents of different colours ought to be encouraged; and that it is for this reason and not from any prejudice against coloured boxers that there is a rule of the British Boxing Board of Control applying not to all boxing competitions but to the contestants for the championship of Great Britain.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, before transferring recently imported lemons from fresh fruit markets, he has satisfied himself that the manufacturers to whom they were offered were in a position to handle the fruit with sufficient speed to prevent deterioration and waste?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why recent importations of lemons were withheld from consumers and sold directly by his department to processors and soft drink manufacturers; and what quantity such processors and soft drink manufacturers, respectively, have purchased from the Ministry?

Out of 182,261 cases of lemons which arrived in Great Britain between 9th June and 23rd July, 88,459 were sold to marmalade manufacturers, 14,688 to fruit drink manufacturers and 79,114 cases to the fresh fruit trade. Those cases which were sold for making marmalade were disposed of in this way in order to augment the supplies of marmalade to meet the increase in the preserves ration which came into force this week. Those which were sold to fruit drink manufacturers were intended to supplement their stocks of lemon juice which are now much reduced owing to the cutting off of the main pre-war source of supply of this commodity.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that Widow McCrindle, Pinwherry, Ayrshire, a retailer licensed to sell eggs, received two cases rattling and unfit for sale from the Government egg-packing station, Ayr; that these eggs were unstamped and therefore untraceable; that others distributed in the Girvan district have been equally bad; that the Government packing-station, Ayr, reported condition of eggs for distribution to the sanitary inspector, Ayr, who refused to take action; and what action is to be taken to end such a state of affairs?

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

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the Thames Valley Poultry Producers, Limited, a farmers' co-operative society, serving Berkshire and Wiltshire, on 28th July had had tested and graded eggs in store for 12 days after packing awaiting a release note from the Ministry of Food or London port egg agent; and whether steps will be taken to remove such delays?

As my hon. Friend put down his Question only on Tuesday I have not had an opportunity of looking into the matter. I am however having inquiries made and will communicate with him as soon as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has considered any action to meet the complaints from small traders regarding existing restrictions on their supply of rationed goods and the difficulties they are experiencing in the matter of supplies for new customers in their competition with street traders using motor vehicles for the sale of such commodities as matches, aerated waters, etc.?

In view of the answer which I gave on 22nd July to a Question put by my hon. Friend the Member for Kettering (Mr. Profumo) I cannot accept the suggestion that small traders with bona fide food businesses should now experience difficulty in obtaining supplies of rationed foods for their registered customers whether new customers or not. The remainder of the Question does not therefore arise.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he is aware that the firm of Messrs. Short and Harland, Belfast, refuse to recognise the National Foramen's Association, and. threaten foremen with victimisation if they do not leave the union; and what steps does he intend taking in the matter?

I am having inquiries made in conjunction with the other Departments concerned, and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that Messrs. Harland and Wolff, Shipbuilders, Belfast, refuse to recognise the National Foremen's Association, and threaten foremen with victimisation if they do not leave the union; and what steps does he intend taking in the matter?

I understand that this firm does not recognise the National Foremen's Association because the majority of their foremen are members of their respective trade unions. The men concerned have not been threatened with victimisation if they do not leave the association nor have they been requested to do so. The matter is left for the foreman himself to decide.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare what recent improvement there has been in connection with the prevention of enemy trading to Marseilles?

As the House is aware, His Majesty's Government attach the greatest importance to checking traffic to and from Marseilles, since the bulk of cargoes landed there are seized by the Germans and Italians, and outward-bound ships carry enemy exports. While the position is still not satisfactory, I am glad to say that a steady toll is taken of ships attempting to evade control. During each of the months of May and June, six ships trading between metropolitan France and French colonies have been intercepted, and there have so far been four interceptions this month. Two of these ships have been intercepted by units of the Netherlands Navy, and I should like to take this opportunity of acknowledging the valuable assistance which the Netherlands Navy is giving us in the enforcement of the blockade.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he will give an assurance that effective steps are being taken to bring economic pressure to bear upon Japan by cutting off imports likely to be of value for war purposes, and particularly oil?

:As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs announced yesterday, the steps already taken give His Majesty's Government complete control of all financial transactions between the United Kingdom and Japan, including the financing of trade. Similar measures have been adopted throughout the Empire. In exercising this control it will be necessary to maintain the closest touch with the United States Government and Allied Governments, and of course with His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions, India and Burma.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, with the successful conclusion of military operations in Abyssinia, Eritrea and Italian Somaliland, a demand from these territories for Lancashire cotton goods is beginning to spring up; that the existing system of quotas affords no opportunity for these markets; and will he make some special arrangements to prevent these commercial advantages being lost to this country?

Arrangements are being made to ensure that essential supplies will be available in occupied enemy territories from convenient sources.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement regarding the supply of knitting wool without coupons to persons wishing to make comforts for relations in the Forces?

Yes, Sir. Arrangements are being made with certain national organisations having local branches, under which on and after 18th August persons wishing to knit comforts for near relatives in the Armed Forces serving away from their homes may obtain wool from local retailers without necessarily surrendering their coupons. The wool may be so obtained on condition that satisfactory evidence of despatch of the finished article to a member of the Forces is provided to the organisation handling the scheme. The first list of these organisations will be published during the course of next week. I shall be prepared to consider application for similar arrangements from other large organisations possessing local branches throughout the country provided satisfactory arrangements can be made for checking the destination of the comforts. At the same time I hope that in the interests of fair distribution and economy in the use of wool the main efforts of knitters will be directed towards supplying the common pool administered by the Navy, Army and Air Force authorities.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why young persons under 14 years of age, who wear the smaller sizes of boots and shoes, have to provide the same number of coupons as adult persons wearing larger sizes; and can he consider making some distinction for young persons under 15 or 16 years of age?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Romford (Mr. Parker) on 22nd July.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that small traders benefited little through the promise given some time ago of certain supplies without coupons and that those who failed to get supplies in June, as the quotas were filled up, have now some of these goods offered to them but have not sufficient coupons to take up the goods; and whether he will see that these traders obtain the goods they were unable to get under the coupon-free arrangement?

No, Sir. The increase in the index of wholesale trade in textiles in June shows that considerably increased supplies went to the smaller shops. I am of course aware that some wholesalers were for one reason or another unable to provide additional supplies for all their retail customers and no promise was or could have been given that all retailers would obtain a certain quantity of goods without surrendering coupons. The difficulties of the supply position are such that an extension of the concession on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend is impracticable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to announce his decision respecting the suggestion made by the hon. Member for Deritend of making concession to ex-service men with artificial legs in order that they can secure the extra trousers and socks necessarily required without forfeiting coupons to purchase the goods?

Stump socks and certain other garments needed by disabled ex-service men have recently been exempted from rationing. Arrangements will be made in due course to meet any further needs of persons who for medical or other special reasons require more than the normal clothing ration, but I cannot say at present whether persons with artificial legs are likely to fall into this category.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, since the war, more than £ 700,000 worth of foodstuffs and animal fodder has been refused admission to this country from Eire; and whether he is prepared to take the initiative in discussing with the Eire Government a trade treaty to bring to an end this situation, and thus ease the position for the people of both countries?

I am unable to accept the figure quoted in the first part of the Question. It has been the policy to take from Eire the maximum quantities of essential foodstuffs subject to price, and the second part of the question therefore does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the peace-time occupation of the recently-appointed Regional Controller for the Leeds area; on whose recommendation was he appointed; at what salary; and what expert knowledge or qualifications he has for surveying and requisitioning properties?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the Regional Controller of Factory and Storage Premises for the North-Eastern Region, Mr. G. E. Naylor. This officer was appointed by the Board of Trade to be responsible in this region for finding and allocating accommodation required by Government Departments for factory or storage purposes; it is not his duty to survey or requisition premises, this being a matter for the staff of the Departments which require accommodation or of the Ministry of Works and Buildings on their behalf. Mr. Naylor has considerable practical experience of the wool industry with the premises of which he is likely to be largely concerned in Yorkshire. He is unpaid.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when it is expected that Mr. Morris will make his report of his inquiry into the requisitioning of houses?

I understand that I may expect to receive the report shortly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings what Departments are authorised to find and requisition buildings; whether there is any central authority or register; and whether he is aware of the conflict and overlapping which is taking place in this matter?

The Departments authorised to requisition buildings are those specified as competent authorities under paragraph 49 of the Defence Regulations. A Central Register of Accommodation is maintained in my Department for the co-ordination of accommodation requirements except factory and storage premises. The finding and allocation of premises required by Departments for factory and storage purposes is undertaken by the Factory and Storage Premises Control of the Board of Trade, which, I understand, is compiling a register of such premises. I am not aware of material overlapping and the few instances of conflicting claims have so far been settled.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings for what Department he recently requisitioned Pearl Chambers, Leeds, at short notice, causing great inconvenience to the many old-established occupants; and why other and more adequate premises known to his Department were not taken?

The premises were taken for use by the Ministry of Supply. Alternative premises were considered, but, having regard to all the circumstances, Pearl Chambers appeared most suitable.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in regard to the proposed requisitioning of a certain hotel, he will take into account the grave effect on the livelihood of many inhabitants of the district, and also the great expense in which it will involve the country on account of the exceptionally costly nature of the decorations, fittings, furniture and various effects; and whether he will ascertain the opinion of a reputable firm of estate agents before proceeding further in the matter?

The requisitioning of this property has been suspended while possible alternatives are being further examined. I can, however, give no assurance that it may not eventually be necessary to proceed. The views of all parties concerned, including a local firm of estate agents, were fully represented and most carefully considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the Mechanised Transport Corps, of 14, Woodland Road, Bristol, have offered to supply transport and drivers to certain training aerodromes, of which he has been informed; and what is causing the delay in arriving at some decision in this matter?

Offers have been received from the Mechanised Transport Corps to supply transport and drivers to certain training units. While I am grateful for these public-spirited offers, it is not considered practicable to rely on voluntary organisations to meet the transport: requirements of the Royal Air Force. The commandant of the corps has now been so informed. I regret that an earlier reply was not given.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he will name the next new design of fighter and bomber machines, whether of British or American manufacture, the V fighter and the V bomber?

My hon. Friend's suggestion conflicts with the present system of naming fighter and bomber aircraft, but I will certainly bear his suggestion in mind.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will invite the Russian ambassador, or persons suggested by him, to give a series of talks over the radio on political, economic and social conditions in Russia to-day?

Within the limits of the time available in the B.B.C. Home Service my right hon. Friend desires that full information should be given to the public about Russia as well as the many other countries associated with us directly and indirectly in the struggle against Germany. The Russian embassy is being kept informed of important items in our broadcast programmes in the same way as the representatives of other Governments.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is satisfied with the showing of his short propaganda films in the cinemas of the country; and whether he will take powers to make their showing compulsory in every programme?

I am satisfied that the agreement made with the Cinematograph Exhibitors Association was a good one and that the majority of its members are loyally observing it. I also know that the Ministry's short films are not being shown as widely as I should like and I am considering what more can be done by persuasion to ensure that all members keep to the agreement. If the proposed further efforts should fail to bring about the desired results, I shall then consider taking compulsory powers.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will arrange for the recent broadcast by Mr. Quentin Reynolds, known as "Dear Doctor," to be recorded in German and broadcast to that country at regular intervals?

A translation of Mr. Quentin Reynolds' postscript was broadcast in the B.B.C.'s German programme on the day after its delivery, and it can be repeated as and when repetition would be effective. I do not consider that automatic repetition would be effective.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will cause an examination to be made at Farnborough Hospital of the accounts and books relating to the issue of rations in order to ascertain whether the 16s. 6d. ration for doctors and 13s. 6d. ration for nurses is being fairly and equitably apportioned?

In the absence of any specific complaint as to the apportionment of the rations I am not prepared to undertake such an examination.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the number of posts held by Miss Iles, the matron at Farnborough Hospital, since she qualified, giving details as to the duration of the tenure of each post, the position she held, and the name of the hospital, institution or organisation?

The following are particulars, as supplied by Miss Iles, of posts held by her, including non-nursing posts which I am advised have afforded her valuable insight into the administration of hospitals.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has given consideration to the resolution, sent to him from Atherton Urban District Council, asking for indemnity from the Government to be paid to local authorities for loss of rateable value through enemy action; and what action he proposes to take?

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Tamworth (Sir J. Mellor) on 13th May, which shows the action taken by the Government in this matter. A copy of this answer has been sent to the local authority mentioned in the Question.

asked the Minister of Health what proposals he has to make to local authorities respecting the payment of the premiums under the War Damage Act, 1941, in respect of the houses owned by them?

I have nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to the Question put by my hon. Friend the Member for Wednesbury (Mr. Banfield) on 10th April last.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that local authorities are being circularised for their support by a body calling itself the National War Emergency Council; and whether he is prepared to sanction the payment by the authorities of the expenses incurred by their delegates in attending meetings of this council?

Local authorities have from time to time brought to my notice communications they have received about this body and I have advised them that in the opinion of the Government no useful purpose would be served by their joining it. According to my information this body is not representative of local authorities, and I am not prepared to sanction any expenses incurred by local authorities in connection with it. Regular contact is maintained between the Government, both centrally and regionally, and representatives of local authorities and their associations and officers of my Department are attending meetings of a special sub-committee of the Association of Municipal Corporations, which has been set up to consider the problems of towns which have suffered from air raids.

asked the Minister of Health how many cases of, and deaths from, diphtheria have occurred in fully-immunised children in Leicester, Norwich, Newcastle-on-Tyne, York, Sheffield and Bedford, from the time immunisation was introduced, up to date?

The information desired by my hon. Friend would involve an amount of retrospective investigation which I do not feel could be justified under present conditions. Immunisation against diphtheria has been used, to some extent, for several years past; and apart from the time and labour which the necessary investigations would require, it is doubtful whether the desired facts could now be accurately established. Statistics are to be obtained from all local authorities in due course which will show, as from 1st January, 1940, to what extent notification of diphtheria has occurred among children under 15 who have been immunised.

asked the Minister of Health whether, having regard to the experience of the last war, when the incidence of tuberculosis among women increased with the entry of large numbers of women workers into industry, he will indicate what measures are being taken to prevent such an increase in this war?

The prevention of tuberculosis depends on a number of factors such as the conditions of housing and the adequacy of diet, coupled with the segregation of infective cases. These services have been much developed since the last war and the importance of maintaining them to the fullest possible extent so far as war-time conditions permit is fully recognised.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from old age pensioners' associations asking for an increase in the rate of old age pensions; and what reply has been tendered to such representations.

I have been asked to reply. I have received a letter from the Bolton branch of the Old Age Pensioners' Association. So far as this relates to the old age pension itself, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 17th July. So far as it relates to supplementary pensions, I am in communication with the Assistance Board, who inform me that they have received a similar letter the answer to which is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Health whether the work of providing piped supplies of potable water to country districts where water supplies had heretofore been very limited or non-existent is still being vigorously pushed forward; and what steps have been taken to interconnect the supply mains of different but contiguous areas of the companies or authorities concerned in order to provide additional security against the fire risks following air-raids in the future?

:Proposals for new works at the present time have necessarily to be considered in relation to the need to conserve labour, materials and money for work which is more closely associated with the national war effort. On the question of security against fire risks I would refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and Minister of Home Security.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that much dissatisfaction exists with the constitution of local emergency committees for the nursing profession in the Civil Nursing Reserve; that, in several areas, the committees are irregularly constituted and are not representative of the nursing profession; whether he will institute certain reforms so as to secure that not more than one matron shall represent the matrons of hospitals under the local authority; that hospital nurses in the area shall have the right to elect one trained nurse; that the commandants of the British Red Cross Society and St. John Ambulance Brigade shall be ex-officio members of the committee; that no medical practitioner and no local organiser shall be eligible; and that no member shall be paid or receive any emolument?

I am not aware of any dissatisfaction or irregularities such as my hon. Friend suggests. A substantial discretion was left to the local authorities to consider what is the most suitable local machinery. The services of members of the Committees are given voluntarily, but some organisers who have been selected from the members of the Committee are paid small salaries for their work of organisation. The local emergency committees have been very effective in the purpose for which they were set up, and I see no reason for giving the further directions suggested.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Governor of Jamaica has made use of the services of the trade union leader, Alexander Bustamente, during his internment to induce discontented workers to remain at work and strikers to return to work, thereby maintaining peace and good order in the island; and whether, in view of these services, he will consider with the governor the release of Bustamente?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. The Governor of Jamaica in reporting the matter, is unable to recommend the release of Alexander Bustamente at the present time; but he has undertaken to keep the case constantly under review.

asked the Home Secretary how many aliens have been given permission to leave this country for overseas; and their destination since the war began?

The number is about 88,000. Particulars of the ports of destination are not tabulated but about 52,000 embarked for ports in Europe or on the Mediterranean while about 36,000 sailed for ports outside Europe or the Mediterranean.

asked the President of the Board of Education what are the proposals for post-war education which have been circulated; to what educational bodies or individuals have they been sent; and why secrecy in regard to them is desired?

On the instructions of my predecessor, a memorandum has been prepared by some officers of my Department setting out their personal views of the directions in which the educational system stands in need of reform, and their suggestions as to ways in which such reform might be effected. This memorandum was designed to serve simply as a basis for the discussion of educational problems of the future with the representatives of local education authorities, teachers and other bodies, with which the Board are associated in the service of education. It will be appreciated that the proposals in the memorandum may be subject to reconsideration and modification in the light of these discussions, and the memorandum is therefore not suitable for issue as an Official publication of the Department, or as a statement of Government policy. It has accordingly been circulated confidentially for consideration by the representatives of the bodies to which I have referred. Following is a list of the associations to which it has been distributed:

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, what progress has been made with regard to the suggested exchange of internee women, children and old men, in Palestine and Germany, respectively, made last January to the German Government through the United States Embassy; and whether steps can be taken to expedite the matter before the coming winter?

Negotiations are in progress and the lists of persons to be exchanged are in course of preparation. The desirability of effecting the exchange before winter sets in is being kept in mind.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether, in fulfilment of the promise given some time ago, he has now had samples of iron-ore taken from the mine in County Down; what has been the result of the testing process; and, if found satisfactory, whether work will be proceeded with at once?

Further expert examinations have been made, but these deposits are still partially waterlogged and satisfactory sampling has not yet been possible. Arrangements have been made for a further examination to be carried out when conditions are more favourable.

asked the Postmaster General whether an issue of air-mail letter-cards will be obtainable shortly for posting to troops abroad, similar to the one which can now be sent to this country from over seas?

The air mail letter-cards to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers are issued to our Forces in the Middle East and East Africa and to personnel of H.M. Ships in the Eastern Mediterranean on a rationed basis of one per week, and the mail loads are controlled by this means. A similar rationing system is impracticable where the general public is concerned, and I regret that, owing to the very limited aircraft accommodation available for mails, I am unable to introduce this facility in the outward direction. My hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware of the special air mail postcard service at 3d. which enables family news to be sent speedily to H.M. Forces in the. Middle East; and I may add that I hope to introduce an Airgraph service to them during August.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what form of arbitration he proposes to offer Courtaulds, Limited, failing agreement, as to the price to be paid for the American Viscose Corporation shares?

The arbitration will, if necessary, be entrusted to a suitable tribunal, the composition of which would be agreed between the Treasury and Messrs. Courtaulds.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the inconvenience to old pensioners in the compulsion to obtain signatures of responsible citizens on the forms required for any change over in pension pay-books as well as the annoyance which often results from such visitation for signatures to those who are asked to sign; and whether some better system can be introduced by diminishing or eliminating this cumbrous procedure?

The purpose of the procedure to which' my hon. Friend refers is to secure periodically independent evidence that the person applying for renewal of the order book is in fact the pensioner entitled to it, and that the pensioner has not become disqualified by reason of change of circumstances since the previous order book was issued. It has been in force for a number of years in connection with pension payments of all kinds. The classes of person qualified to certify offer the pensioner a wide range of choice, and I am not aware of any procedure which would provide this necessary safeguard with less inconvenience.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that blind persons over 40 years of age in London, in receipt of a blind pension as well as 10s. old age pension, who have recently been granted 2s. extra by the London County Council for cost of living reasons,, are, in consequence, having their old age pension reduced by 2s. to 8s., thus being deprived of the extra relief granted by the local authority; and whether he will take steps to prevent this reduction being made?

Under the Old Age Pension law the yearly value of any benefit or privilege enjoyed by a pensioner must be taken into account in calculating his means for pension purposes. Allowances from a municipal authority fall within this category and I have no power to say that account shall not be taken of them.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has considered the representations of the British Legion (Scotland) for the establishment of appeal tribunals, on lines similar to those adopted in respect of claims arising out of the last war; and what decision has been reached?

Yes, Sir. I explained fully to the House in the course of the Debate on the Motion for the Adjournment on 16th July why a general system of appeals to independent pensions appeal tribunals would be impracticable under the conditions of this war. The reasons have been made known to the Scottish Legion quite recently.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will consider introducing a scheme of alternative pensions, such as was provided by Royal Warrant in 1919, in respect of casualties arising out of the present war?

No, Sir. The alternative pensions provisions of the Great War Royal Warrant proved gene rally unsatisfactory, being both difficult to administer and unsuccessful in achieving the desired results.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether any dependant's allowance is payable to a widow in receipt of a pension under the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme, in respect of an in valid or mentally deficient child over the age of 15, who had been supported by the husband prior to his death; and, if not, whether he will consider the desirability of amending the scheme so as to enable allowances to be paid in such cases?

The provision made in the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme for dependent children is considered to be reasonably adequate having regard to the existing facilities available for defective children out of public funds.

asked the Minister of Pensions why pensions are not allowed to dependants of seamen who may lose their lives while engaged homeward bound with a war cargo, and whose ship may founder owing to storm and tempest; and, as these men risk their lives in the country's service, will he see that adequate provision be made for dependants?

While the Mercantile Marine schemes make special provision for the dependants of merchant seamen who lose their lives at sea through enemy action, the results of the normal perils of their calling rightly continue to be compensated under the Workmen's Compensation Act, as in the case of other civilians employed on war work.

asked the Minister of Pensions what steps are being taken for the rehabilitation of men who have suffered injury in this war?

I am glad to be able to inform the hon. Member that both in the hospitals under the control of my Department and in those under the control of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, effect is being given to the recommendations of the Medical Advisory Committee on Rehabilitation set up by my right hon. Friend at the end of last year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of a leaflet issued by his Department stating that, while a voluntary hospital would probably not have made any formal charge for treatment rendered, the patient should make a voluntary contribution; and whether he will consider in all cases where the State assumes responsibility treatment should be free?

The leaflet refers to certain classes of patient for whose treatment I have no statutory responsibility, but who are in present circumstances being admitted to hospitals administered directly by the Department of Health for Scot land. If the hon. Member will refer to the third paragraph of the leaflet he will see that the intention is that, in regard to any payment for the cost of their treatment, such patients should be in substantially the same position as if they had been admitted to a voluntary hospital.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he is aware of the protest of the Wiltshire Education Committee against the charge of 6d. per head for Wiltshire children visiting the national monument at Stonehenge; and whether children in charge of teachers or parents will in future be admitted without fee?

The answer to the first par of the Question is in the negative. it regard to the second part, parties o children, accompanied by teachers, an admitted free of charge to all monument under the control of my Department Children under 14 years of age, accompanied by parents, are admitted at half the normal charge.