asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether steps have yet been taken to deport the Italians, whom we are maintaining in Ethiopia, if only to Egypt, where their co-nationals can support them, or whether we contemplate preserving them in Ethiopia?

I would refer my right hon. Friend to the Reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander) on 6th August. I then explained that the evacuation of the Italians which was proceeding was necessarily governed by the factors of communications and transport, and that negotiations were in progress. There is no question of asking the Egyptian Government to receive any of these Italians. It is hoped to send the Italians back to Italy, but this depends on the Italian Government providing the necessary shipping.

Is it not possible for many of those Italians to march, and in that way not have to wait for shipping—to march into Egypt or Nairobi? In default of that, cannot the Ethiopian Government take charge of them and support them instead of leaving it to the British taxpayer?

As I say, some of them are being evacuated to Kenya now, and the plan, which I hope will be worked out, is that they should go back to Italy in ships provided by the Italian Government.

But in the event of the Italian Government being unwilling to supply transport, will not these people be disposed of in Kenya or elsewhere?

I do not wish to contemplate that position, and I hope that it will not come about.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that the Ethiopian Government are primarily responsible and may as well look after these people instead of putting the burden on our shoulders?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether concessions of land and minerals in Ethiopia to foreigners can be prevented pending the restoration of that country's independence; and whether such concessions made by the late Italian Government are now invalidated?

No concessions of land or minerals have been or will be given in Ethiopia by the British military authorities. Concessions granted by the Italian Government remain technically valid in law unless and until terminated by an act of the Ethiopian State.

The hon. Member says that no leases are granted by the British military authorities. Can leases be granted by the Ethiopian Government with the permission of the British military authorities?

It is not the wish of His Majesty's Government that such concessions should be granted. It is shortly intended to set up a joint Ethiopian-British Commission of Control of Enemy Property. The Commission will have to deal with this and other questions.

Do I understand that the Ethiopian Government are now free to terminate these leases to Italians?

I should require notice of that Question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consider the advisability of now breaking off diplomatic relations with Vichy France and according full recognition to General de Gaulle and those associated with him on behalf of Free France?

As regards the first part of the Question, the Vichy Government broke off diplomatic relations with His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom in July, 1940, and they have not been resumed. In regard to the second part, I have nothing to add to the reply given to a similar Question on 27th May last.

But if the bitter hostility of the Vichy Government towards this country all over the world is continued, does not my right hon. Friend think, in view of the support given to us by the Free French, that we ought seriously to consider giving recognition to that body?

There are no diplomatic relations between us and Vichy, and we have recognised General de Gaulle as the leader of all Free Frenchmen, wherever they may be. I do not know what more my hon. Friend wants.

Can the right hon. Gentleman consider going further in due course and recognising de Gaulle's organisation as the Government of France?

Is it not a fact that General de Gaulle has never asked for any such status?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the German Legation in Iran has been closed?

The terms put forward by His Majesty's Government and the Soviet Government, and now accepted by the Iranian Government, provide that the German Minister and his staff must leave Teheran at once and that the German Legation must be closed. This also applies to the Italian, Hungarian and Rumanian Legations. The Iranian Government state that the four Legations have been informed of this decision and requested to comply forthwith. Orders have also been given by the Iranian Government to stop the facilities of the Axis Legations for communicating in cypher or by wireless. I take this opportunity to add that steps are being taken by the Iranian Government to hand over the German community in Iran to the British and Soviet Governments.

Are those legations being closed under British supervision, and will the Vichy Government be permitted to have diplomatic representation in Persia?

I must have notice of the second part of that question.

May I have an answer to the first part?

Soviet representatives and British representatives are in Teheran, of course, and they are in consultation with the Iranian Government about the method.

In the event of any reluctance by the Iranian' Government to remove those gentry, are we going to take steps to kick them out ourselves?

The hon. Member may be certain that we have had in mind the necessity of taking action ourselves were it not taken otherwise. Personally I welcome this method, but we have insisted to the Iranian Government that they must be expeditious.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very large number of Germans in the Embassy at Teheran, and are they being handed over to the British or Russians for internment?

That is- exactly what I have said. I said:

"I take this opportunity to add that steps are being taken by the Iranian Government to hand over the German community in Iran to the British and Soviet Governments."

Including those who have taken refuge in the Embassy?

Yes, Sir.

Is the Japanese Legation to be allowed to continue to operate?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can inform the House of the progress being made in the negotiations between representatives of Poland and Czechoslovakia; and whether he is using his good offices in promoting an agreement?

I have no statement to make on a matter which is the primary concern of the two Allied Governments, but my hon. Friend will recall that His Majesty's Government welcomed the Polish-Czechoslovak declaration of November last concerning the future policy which the two Governments intended to pursue.

While appreciating what my right hon. Friend has said, may I ask whether he is keeping in friendly contact with the two parties on this subject and doing everything that he feels he can?

Naturally, my good offices are always available, but I think we must allow the two Governments to speak for themselves.

Hear, hear. There are too many "Nosey Parkers."

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is satisfied that all steps are taken to review the civil and educational experience and qualifications of men, after joining the Royal Air Force, with a view to full utilisation of each man's skill and attainments to the greatest advantage during his service, and thereby ensuring the most effective use of manpower?

Yes, Sir. Every effort is made by constant review and inquiry to ensure that the skill and experience of officers and airmen are used to the best advantage.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether it is the rule or custom to hold an)' inquiry into cases where pilot or crew abandon an aeroplane in the air, either by reason that it is no longer navigable or that landing would be too dangerous?

A Court of Inquiry is held in the cases referred to by my right hon. Friend, except that: —

(a) If the Air Officer Commanding considers that the circumstances of the accident are sufficiently straightforward for one responsible officer to reach a finding, he may appoint an Investigating Officer in lieu of a Court of Inquiry.

(b) If the Air Officer Commanding is satisfied that there is no doubt what- ever as to the cause and circumstances of the accident, he may call for a full report from the Commanding Officer concerned in lieu of a more detailed report by an Investigating Officer or by a Court of Inquiry.

(c) A Court of Inquiry or an investigation is not held if a summary of evidence is taken as a preliminary to a Court-Martial when matters of discipline are involved.

Is any investigation going on in connection with the unfortunate accident at Blackpool?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether any aerodromes and, if so, how many, have been constructed for less than 25 per cent. increase over the original estimate?

In a very large number of cases the original estimates of cost had to be increased owing to a subsequent decision to provide hard runways and later to extend the runways to meet operational requirements. Where, however, construction has proceeded on the basis of the original requirement, some 80 per cent. of the aerodromes have been completed at a cost less than the original estimate plus 25 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the rapid expansion of the Royal Air Force and the permanent nature of their stations, he will consider, in order to alleviate the growing pressure on civil laundries, the establishment of Royal Air Force laundries at each permanent aero drome capable of dealing with the washing and cleaning of all equipment on the station?

In general, the establishment of R.A.F. laundries would not be an economic solution of the difficulties referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend. The question of the supply of labour for maintaining the laundry services of the country is under consideration by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he proposes to send fighter planes to Soviet Russia with their pilots; and whether the necessary Royal Air Force personnel will also be sent to the Soviet Union?

I regret that for the present, it is not possible for me to add to the statement which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made yesterday in regard to supplies to Russia.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will make a statement with regard to the two fatal crashes of Atlantic aircraft, resulting in the loss of 44 lives?

The accidents referred to have been fully investigated. The inquiry into the first was carried out by a senior member of the staff of the Chief Inspector of Accidents. When the second occurred, my right hon. and gallant Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State went immediately to the scene, accompanied by the Chief Inspector, who carried out the inquiry himself. I have now received the reports.

The first accident is attributed to an error in navigation. This resulted in the aircraft striking a mountain in conditions of bad visibility which were not, however, such as to have justified the cancellation of the flight. The mountain is many miles from the track which the aircraft should have followed. From the evidence available, it is impossible to explain how the error occurred. The navigational instruments had been fully and satisfactorily tested and the aircraft properly inspected before the flight took place.

As regards the second accident, the finding of the Chief Inspector is that it was due to errors of judgment on the part of the Captain, first in taking off along the wrong runway, presumably through an oversight as it was not the one which he had declared his intention of using; secondly, in allowing the aircraft to swing to port, with the result that it left the runway and took to the grass; and, thirdly, in not shutting off his engines immediately this occurred.

The House will wish to know that in neither case was there any evidence of negligence on the part of the authorities or of sabotage or mechanical defects. The organisation of this service is under constant review and every step which is immediately practicable is taken, and will continue to be taken, to improve it in the light of operational experience.

The further accident which has unhappily occurred to an aircraft on a flight to this country is now being investigated. I will make a statement with regard to it as soon as possible after the report has been received.

The House will, I am sure, wish to join with me in extending heartfelt sympathy to the relatives of those who have lost their lives in these tragic occurrences.

Did all these accidents take place in connection with the same aerodrome?

Yes, Sir. One accident took place on the aerodrome and the other some miles from it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the situation of the aerodrome and its general atmospheric conditions make it the best place that can be found for such important flights?

That is exactly one of the things which occurred to my mind when I heard of these accidents, but I am advised that the aerodrome and the aerodrome adjoining it are two of the best in the country, in respect of the absence of fog on most days.

Was it possible, by examining the aeroplane which struck the mountain, to ascertain whether the navigational instruments were in order?

The instruments were checked on the morning of the flight.

What time elapses between the checking of instruments and flights from the aerodrome?

If my hon. Friend wishes to have details, perhaps he will be good enough to put down a Question. In regard to these particular accidents, the instruments were checked on the morning of the day on which the flight took place.

How long afterwards did the flight take place?

The instruments were checked on the particular morning, and the flight took place that evening.

Is there any truth in the rumour that is abroad around that aerodrome that aeroplanes coining from America have to circle for perhaps 35 minutes before they are sure of a landing?

That must depend upon circumstances. Sometimes, when clouds are low, aeroplanes will have to circle while they get into a position to land, but there is no particular reason why they should have to do so at this aerodrome— in fact, rather less in the case of this aerodrome than in the case of others.

How many accidents have taken place there?

I must have notice of that Question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the patriotic contribution of Cypriots to the war effort of the British Empire, he will consent to name a cruiser of the "Fiji" class, or other similar ship, "Cyprus"; or, if this be not possible to allot the name "Nicosia" or "Famagusta" to some other of His Majesty's ships?

Since the names for all projected cruisers have already been approved, I cannot offer any immediate prospect of meeting my hon. and gallant Friend's wishes as regards the name "Cyprus." That name, and the other two mentioned have, however, been noted for consideration should a suitable opportunity arise.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any recent contracts have been placed on a cost-plus-percentage basis; and whether he can give an assurance that all future contracts will be made either at a fixed price or on a cost plus fixed profit basis?

No recent contracts have been placed on a cost-plus-percentage basis, the disadvantages of which are fully realised. It is Admiralty policy to place contracts oh a fixed price basis as far as possible. The chief exception is ship repair and conversion work, the great bulk of which is done on a cost basis under the terms of the Emergency Repairs Agreement. This provides for payment of a fair and reasonable profit. In reply to the second part of the Question, I can assure my hon. Friend that, save in exceptional circumstances, no contracts will be placed on a cost-plus-percentage basis.

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Mr. W. A. Domingo, arrested and interned at Kingston, Jamaica, upon arrival of the American vessel "Veragua," has yet been released, or what further steps are proposed relative to the same?

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any further information respecting the detention of the Rev. W. Domingo; and whether any further detentions of West Indian political or working-class spokesmen and leaders have taken place?

I have been asked to reply. Mr. Domingo has not been released; but the Governor of Jamaica has reported that he has revised the relevant Jamaica Defence Regulation to correspond exactly with the United Kingdom Regulation 18B and has brought the procedure of the local advisory committee into line with the procedure in this country. The Regulation is now so framed that Mr. Domingo will be able to have his objection heard by a new committee and in accordance with the revised procedure. As regards the second part of Question No. 18, my Noble Friend is not aware of any further detentions.

Will this person be charged before the committee at an early date, in view of the fact that three months have elapsed since he was arrested and without any charge being made against him?

He has the same right as any British citizen in this country to appeal. The ultimate decision rests, of course, with the Governor.

Were the activities of Mr. Domingo calculated to impede or to help our war effort?

Is it not a fact that, when he was in the United States, Mr. Domingo gave his whole-hearted support to our war effort, and is it not about time that the hearing of his case were expedited by the Governor of Jamaica?

I take it for granted that the Governor would not exercise his power unless he had good reason for doing so.

Is it not the case that in the West Indies and in America the arrest of this man has given rise to very considerable resentment and to the impression that the arrest was due to political bias?

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the continued serious shortage of labour in the Jewish mixed farming settlements in Palestine, due to the virtual suspension of labour immigration during the last year; and whether, as at least 5,200 additional workers are required to carry out essential schemes for the immediate agricultural needs of the country, it is intended to meet this new demand?

I understand that there has recently been a marked decrease in rural unemployment in Palestine. In recognition of this fact, the High Commissioner has recently announced the issue, for the period July to September, of a quota of 750 certificates, in the distribution of which preference will be given to agriculturists. The position will be further reviewed when the question of the issue of a quota for the ensuing six months is under consideration.

In view of that answer, which indicates that the Minister does not appear to be as fully advised of the situation as I am…

rose—

asked the Cinder-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the resolution passed by the assembly in Bermuda deprecating the proposed change in the Governorship of the Colony, and asking for renewed assurances that no change in the sovereignty of the islands is contemplated now or in the future; and what answer has been given?

My hon. and gallant Friend has been misinformed. The Governor of Bermuda has received a message from the House of Assembly, in which the recent decision regarding the Governorship of the Colony is loyally accepted, and the House undertakes during the continuance of the present emergency to make the necessary provision for a civilian Governor and his establishment.

Is it a fact, then, that the widely spread Press reports in the sense of my Question were inaccurate, or is the Minister referring to some subsequent resolution passed?

The accounts that I saw in the Press were only partial, but they certainly did not coincide with the facts as I knew them.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware of the difficulties experienced by the railway companies in finding adequate siding accommodation for empty railway wagons; and whether it is anticipated that the accelerated production of coal will absorb this surplus wagon supply at an early date?

No serious difficulty has been experienced by the railways in finding adequate siding accommodation for empty wagons. I anticipate that the surplus will be absorbed as winter approaches.

Arising out of that answer, there appears to be abundant evidence that on the North-East Coast it is extremely difficult to find accommodation for these surplus wagons, and would it not be desirable to utilise some of them in the meantime for the short journeys prevailing in the shipyards?

I think they could carry all the traffic we have at the moment, but, of course, when the days became shorter and it is not possible to travel so fast in the black-out, more wagons are needed because they are longer on the line.

Do I gather from that reply that, having regard to the experience of last year, the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's Department is entirely satisfied that there is adequate siding accommodation?

I would not say that, but we are making immense improvements, doubling lines in various places— which for obvious reasons I will not disclose—and also installing marshalling yards.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is now able to state the number of additional passenger trains run during the August Bank Holiday weekend; and the additional amount of coal consumed?

There were 2,000 relief trains, and the amount of coal consumed was 5,500 tons.

Do not these figures suggest that the announcement that no additional trains would be run was an unfortunate piece of bluff?

I do not think so. I think a certain number of people were discouraged from travelling by the announcement which also in advance gave us a very good ground for dealing with any complaints which might have arisen.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will publish the full terms of the agreement recently entered into between His Majesty's Government and the railway companies?

Yes, Sir, and at an early date.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport the amount received by the honorary treasurer of the Merchant Navy Comforts Service by way of voluntary subscription up to 30th June, I94I, or near date; the amount expended by that organisation in advertising and overhead expenses; and particulars of any amounts over £500 a year paid to any of the administrators of the fund?

I am informed that the total amount received by the Merchant Navy Comforts Service to date is approximately £89,000 and that the amount of advertising and overhead expenses has been approximately £5,700. All the administrators of the fund give their services voluntarily, but under their general direction the fund is, of course, in part operated by a paid staff.

Arising out of that reply, is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman able to state whether any members of the staff are paid more than £500 a year?

Yes, I believe one gentleman is.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say how much?

I should want notice of that Question. I can, however, say that there is one man, an organiser, who is the highest-paid member of the staff, and he practically runs the whole appeal for the Comforts Fund.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the air-mail to Malaya has been suspended; and, if so, why is it that letters are still accepted with air-mail surcharge when they are forwarded by ordinary ships mail, which takes between two to three months to reach its destination?

There has been no suspension of the air-mail service to Malaya. The normal route is by sea to South Africa and thence by air, but, owing to a temporary interruption of the air service which occurred during the hostilities in Iraq, a few air-mails which were at that time already on their way had to be re-forwarded from South Africa by surface route in order to minimise delay.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will consider issuing an order to provide that, in the case where an agreement of tenancy exists between landlord and tenant in respect of a private dwelling-house wherein there is a clause prohibiting sub-letting on the part of the tenant, such agreement shall not operate where a tenant affords accommodation to any person or family whose home has been rendered uninhabitable by enemy action?

My hon. Friend will be aware that there are already on the Statute Book provisions designed to afford relief to tenants whose leases contain covenants not to sub-let without the consent of the landlord. I am not aware that these provisions require strengthening in order to afford further protection to tenants in the present circumstances. But if my hon. Friend will send me particulars of any cases which he has in mind, I will certainly consider the matter further.

I think hon. Members all round the House will be able to supply my right hon. and learned Friend with an abundance of evidence of cases where landlords and their house agents are securing ejectment orders through the courts, almost daily, despite the appeal to public opinion and to local authorities to resist such cases.

No one has drawn my attention or my Noble Friend's attention to cases of that kind.

I do so to-day.

asked the hon. Member for Dulwich, as chairman of the Kitchen Committee why his Committee have refused to make any payment to the temporary members of the staff during the Recess at a time and under conditions when it was difficult for them to obtain casual employment; and whether the matter can be reconsidered as not being worthy of the dignity of this House as a model employer?

Members of the temporary staff in the Kitchen Depart- ment are engaged for the Session only, and were given a week's notice to terminate their engagement on 9th August. The majority of these were able to obtain part or full-time employment during the Recess. The matter cannot be reconsidered, and, in the opinion of the Committee, the question of the dignity of the House does not arise.

Does my hon. Friend realise that conditions existing today are entirely different from those in peace-time, that these employees of the House cannot get casual work—it appears that some of them have not done so—and does he not think that this is not in accordance with the tradition of this House to set up the highest possible standard as employers?

I have already assured the House that most of the members of this particular section did get employment.

Sixteen out of 18, I think.

Will representations be made in the proper quarter as to the totally unsuitable arrangements which at present exist?

Will my hon. Friend make representations to the Treasury for a subsidy if it is required? There would be widespread support in the House for such an arrangement.

Such representations have already been made.

Will the Chairman make application…

rose…

Mr. Speaker, may I respectfully draw your attention to the fact that this is a matter which concerns all Members of the House and which is very seldom raised, and may I ask whether, in the circumstances, we cannot be given some further opportunity to go into it?

No, I cannot discriminate between one Question and another.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he is prepared to refuse any facilities for further shipments of any kind of oil to French North Africa until existing stocks of all kinds of oils in that country are exhausted or reduced to negligible quantities?

As the House is aware, discussions have taken place between the United States Government and the French authorities with a view to facilitating shipments of urgently needed supplies, including oil, to French North Africa. Throughout these discussions the United States Government have kept His Majesty's Government informed. As in the case of all goods passing through our controls, it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to ensure that the quantities imported should not be sufficient to render possible the maintenance or accumulation of large stocks. This consideration is always borne in mind when reviewing the quantities of any commodity to be shipped to North Africa.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the engagements undertaken by the Vichy Government on this matter up to date have been carried out in every respect?

That, I think, is a separate Question, of which I should require notice. It does not arise out of this. But I would remind my hon. Friends that the distribution of those goods is subject to the surveillance of the United States, who are in a position to know whether the engagements are being carried out.

Has the Minister represented to the American Government that the stoppage of these oil supplies would be much the strongest guarantee against a Nazi occupation of Dakar or of any of the African ports?

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he can give information as to whether oil at French North African ports has been used to bunker French ships engaged in the North African trade and in trade with metropolitan France or French warships engaged in convoying such ships; and in what quantities during the months of June and July?

Yes, Sir. The supplies of bunker fuel oil in French North Africa are used not only for local trade but also for bunkering ships engaged in trade between Metropolitan France and North Africa, West Africa and beyond. My information is that during the months of June and July 23 vessels burning heavy fuel oil and five vessels burning diesel oil, engaged in other than local trade, bunkered in French North African ports and took on not less than 2,900 and 200 tons of bunkers respectively. In addition, units of the French Navy based in North Africa fuelled there and some of these ships are used for escorting French merchantmen. It is not, however, possible to say what quantity of oil is taken on board by warships employed in this particular way. The stocks of fuel oil in French North Africa have not been replenished since the Franco-German armistice.

Surely the Government do not agree with the provision of oil from any part of the world for the use of warships under the control of a Government with which we have no diplomatic relations, and surely the time has come when we should protest vigorously against the transport of oil in this way?

I think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. His Majesty's Government have never agreed to the transport of fuel oil to French North Africa.

Are we to understand that the United States Government persist in sending oil to French North Africa in spite of our protests?

No. This Question refers to fuel oil used by naval or merchant vessels. The cargo of oil which went through on the steamship "Scheherezade" did not include any fuel oil.

What is the object in granting any facilities to a Government which is bitterly hostile to this country?

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether, in view of public anxiety, he can make any statement on the trade-barter agreement with Japan; and why it is regarded by His Majesty's Government as necessary?

No general barter arrangement, nor anything inconsistent with the strict enforcement of the freezing Order, has ever been contemplated. The use of frozen funds for new exports to Japan is not permitted. If it should be found desirable exceptionally to license any particular imports from Japan, it would be a matter for consideration what exports should be allowed against such imports and how payments should be effected. It is probable that this would best be done by setting up a separate clearing account, if and when the need for it should arise. At present, however, no such imports have been licensed and consequently no question of payments arises.

As Japan is a partner in the Axis, would not such a proposal be almost equivalent to trading with the enemy? Would it not be unwise for the Government to be a party in any way to a transaction with Japan?

I think it is clear from the terms of my answer that no trade is taking place between the two countries at all.

Does that also apply to the Colonial Empire?

This Question refers only to the United Kingdom. In these matters the Colonial Empire generally follows suit. Perhaps my hon. Friend would put a separate Question down.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, to what extent it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to reduce exports from this country to States other than the United States of America, in order to obtain maximum temporary advantage from the Lease-Lend Act?

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he can give an assurance that goods obtained under the Lease-Lend Act, or goods of a similar nature produced in Britain, are not sold in foreign markets in competition with American merchants?

An announcement is impending.

What does the hon. and gallant Gentleman mean by "impending"? Will it be made during the next few days? Is he aware that considerable damage is being done by suggestions inspired by the Nazis that we are using such goods in this direction?

I am certainly aware of all the circumstances which surround this question, but no announcement can be made until an agreement has been arrived at between the United States and ourselves.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that several trade associations are already circularising their members to the effect that export is to be greatly restricted on account of the Lease-Lend Act? Is it the Government's intention to abandon the export trade?

It is not the intention of the Government to abandon the export trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the report of the Essendon Committee on the question of redundancy in the tinplate industry; what their recommendations are; and whether he will indicate the step to be taken to use the redundant premises for war production?

The Essendon Committee has not yet made its report, but substantial progress has been made. Although the full extent to which redundant premises will be usable for war purposes cannot yet be determined, the Regional Controller of Factory and Storage Premises, in close consultation with the Committee, has already authorised the taking over of 26 works mainly for storage purposes.

Is it intended to publish the Essendon Report when it is available, as it will affect the lives of many communities?

I would like notice of that Question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that British prisoners of war in Germany are receiving food and attention equivalent to what the German prisoners receive in this country; and, if not, whether he will take steps to have this set right?

Under the Geneva Convention the obligation of the detaining Power is to give prisoners of war a food ration equivalent to that of its own depot troops. No information is yet available as to the scale of rations of depot troops in Ger many, but they are undoubtedly lower than the corresponding scales in this country. As regards the treatment ac corded to our prisoners generally, conditions vary very much from camp to camp. The reports from the Protecting Power and the International Red Cross Committee are very carefully examined and immediate representations are made whenever they disclose that the German Government are failing to fulfil their obligations under the Convention. My hon. Friend will, however, appreciate that the steps which His Majesty's Government ran take in this matter are necessarily limited.

I should like to know whether the War Office will keep this matter under the closest possible notice?

I can assure my hon. Friend that we watch this matter very closely. We analyse diet sheets whenever we receive them, and there is no delay whatever in making representations when we notice deficiencies in rations or other matters requiring protest.

Is it a fact that we have lodged through the Protecting Power a protest as to the insufficiency of food being provided for our prisoners of war in the last month or so? What has been the result of representations made in this matter by the Protecting Power?

We have made a very large number of protests about a large number of different questions connected with our prisoners in Germany. If my hon. Friend wishes to have a detailed answer, perhaps he would put a Question on the Order Paper.

asked the Secre tary of State for War whether it is now considered possible to extend the principle of giving free travelling warrants to officers and men stationed in this country going home on privilege leave so as to cover the four yearly occasions on which this leave is granted?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson) on 18th June last, of which I am sending him a copy.

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that it is impossible for Scottish soldiers and North Country soldiers on lower rates of pay to afford to pay their fare home when stationed in the South and that they are deprived of the benefit of this leave?

I fully realise how welcome such a concession would be to the troops. If financial considerations could be left out of account, no doubt this and other similar concessions would readily be granted.

Is the question going to be reconsidered?

I am afraid I am not in a position to extend any hope that this concession will be granted in the near future.

Does it not mean that this answer gives rise to the very grave anomaly that men in the Forces who can afford to go on leave are able to do so, and others who are poorer have to remain in camp? As this grave injustice gives rise to considerable dissatisfaction, will the hon. Gentleman realise that the House will not accept the reply he has given and will insist upon the matter being reopened?

Is the hon. Gentle man aware that there are North of England soldiers in the South of England, and that married soldiers not far away from home in camp have the privilege of two days' leave of which soldiers far removed from home are unable to take advantage simply because they cannot afford it?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the increasing pressure on civil laundries and the necessity for the Army being self reliant in the field, he will consider the possibility of increasing the establishment and production of mobile field laundries?

Action has already been taken to provide the full number of mobile laundries considered adequate to meet the requirements of the Army in the field. Full use is being made of those at present stationed in this country to relieve pressure on civil laundries.

Will my hon. Friend tell us how many field laundries are in fact in existence? Does he really think they are sufficient for the scale of our Army?

We are governed by the number which are necessary for the Army in the field, and we are using those in this country to assist civil laundries. There has been no suggestion that we should create additional mobile laundries for use primarily in this country.

That is the suggestion I made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply when he expects to complete his negotiations with the steelmakers to give munition makers a break clause in their contract, which has now been under consideration for a considerable time?

Representatives of the steel makers have agreed to the principle of giving to munition makers a break clause in their contracts, and it is expected that the remaining difficulties will be settled very soon.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is satisfied with the recent reports made to him concerning the collection of salvage by local authorities?

The reports of salvage collections by local authorities show that since last December there has been a considerable increase in the quantity of the principal salvage materials collected. All possible steps are being taken to stimulate further improvement.

My hon. Friend has not said whether he is satisfied.. I understand that in many private households the com plaint is that they cannot get salvage collected.

The question whether the Minister is satisfied is rather like the other question, "Have you stopped beating your wife?" No Minister can be entirely satisfied, and I am sure my hon. Friend would object to complacency in this matter.

Is the hon. Member aware that in Bermondsey many thousands of tons of scrap have been waiting for months to be removed; that inquiries have been made, and promises given to take it away, but that it is still there?

My hon. Friend will know that scrap is capital and non-recur ring salvage; and we must remove it having regard to the need for scrap and also having regard to imports and likely imports of foreign scrap.

My point is that you have not removed the scrap.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply the extent to which a reduction in the amount of forms and statistics required by his Department can be expected?

My noble Friend addressed recently an inquiry on this subject to over 13,000 firms working on Ministry of Supply contracts. As a result, although the complaints of unnecessary forms were comparatively limited, he has been able to make definite reductions in the returns called for.

Will this experience be offered to other Departments?

My right hon. Friend is always willing to co-operate with all other Departments.

When will firms receive notice of the change in the instractions in this regard? Such notice has not yet been given.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the recent Icelandic fish purchase is of fresh fish; and, if not, what proportion, approximately, is preserved and how is it preserved?

The Ministry's purchase of Icelandic fish covers existing stocks and future production up to 30th June, 1942. The whole of the existing stocks is preserved, mainly by wet-salting. Of next season's production it is expected that about one third will be preserved, mainly by wet-salting but also by freezing and canning.

Will it be salt herrings?

Most of it, I think, will be cod.

Is the right hon. and gallant Member aware that during the last war thousands of barrels of salt herrings had to be destroyed, and that there is very little market in this country for salt herrings in any case?

I can assure my hon. Friend that, so far as possible, there will be no wastage of fish in this country.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what arrangements have been made for extra food rations to meet the circum stances of railwaymen working on a double homo turn of duty when they have to take food with them to last for pro longed turns of duty away from home?

As from 22nd September the special cheese ration of 8 ozs. per week will be available in place of the ordinary ration to train crews, excluding dining car staffs. In addition the Railway Executive Committee have made arrangements for providing meals for railwaymen working on a double home turn of duty when they book off at depots after completing their outward journey.

asked the Parlia mentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what amount of compensation has been claimed from his Department since the commencement of the egg-rationing scheme, in respect of eggs which have been found unfit for human food; and how have these claims been disposed of?

In order that each consumer may receive his due share of eggs a quantitative margin is; provided by the Ministry with each allocation sufficient to replace any eggs found unfit for consumption. Claims for compensation do not, therefore, normally arise under the egg control scheme. In the case of home-produced eggs the proportion found bad is very small, and an allowance of one per cent, is normally sufficient to cover breakages, as well as eggs found to be bad.

What quantity of eggs was rendered unfit for human consumption by inadequate arrangements for collecting them and for dealing with them at the collecting stations after collection?

I have no information to suggest that the proportion was any worse than is normal in peace time. My hon. Friend is probably right in regard to imported eggs. I have already explained in this House the difficulty about imported eggs. But practically not a single complaint in regard to eggs produced in this country has been substantiated, and I have no reason to think that the figure of one per cent. is very far out.

Is the right hon and gallant Member aware that the eggs collected by packing stations in this country were allowed to stand outside in sun and rain, with the result that they became unfit for human consumption?

I absolutely refuse to accept that as a general statement. Many complaints such as the hon. Member is making now have been found on investigation to be entirely unfounded. With regard to home-produced eggs I still say that a figure of one per cent. is not far wrong.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that when families are unable to get their rations of eggs for any particular week owing to insufficiency of supply the retailer is not given sufficient additional eggs the following week to make good the shortage?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will now make a statement as to the present position regarding the better distribution of eggs; and whether consideration has been given to the question of the importation of eggs and feeding-stuffs for poultry?

The scheme for the controlled distribution of eggs has overcome many initial difficulties and regular allocations of eggs to retailers are now being made as supplies become avail able. Feeding-stuffs are being and will continue to be imported at the highest practicable level.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that all packing stations without exception are whole-heartedly within the scheme? What decisions have been reached with regard to the importation of feeding-stuffs as opposed to the importation of eggs?

With regard to the first part of the supplementary question as to my being satisfied about every packing station, I cannot say that about any thing. There are bound to be some troubles, especially in the early weeks of a scheme of this sort, but I am satisfied that distribution generally is going on fairly. In regard to feeding-stuffs, I can do no more than add that we shall continue to import to the highest possible level.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, for purposes of comparison, he will state the cost-of-living index figure two years after the start of the 1914–18war,and the amount of State subsidy at that time granted to food and food production, with the corresponding figures to date in this war?

The Cost-of-Living Index (July, 1914 = 100) had risen by 45 to 50 per cent, by July 1st, 1916. Between 1st August; 1939, and the same date in 1941 the increase was 28 per cent. For food only, the corresponding increases are 61 per cent. (July, 1914, to July, 1916), and 22 per cent. (August, 1939, to August, 1941). The total net expenditure on food subsidies up to 31st March, 1941, was approximately £80,000,000. Similar figures are not available as to expenditure incurred since that date, but the present rate of expenditure is in excess of £100,000,000 a year. These figures include certain subsidies such as cattle sugar beet, which were payable before the outbreak of war, and the cost of the national milk and other milk schemes, but exclude the cost of the ploughing-up grant and similar items which fall on the Votes of the Agricultural Departments. No subsidies comparable with those at present borne by the Ministry of Food were in operation during the first two years of the last war. The first Ministry of Food was not established until December, 1916.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the number of small shopkeepers in the city of Leicester from whom licences to trade with registered customers have been withdrawn and for what reasons?

The number of small shopkeepers in Leicester from whom the supply of one or more rationed food has been withdrawn is 179. The reason for the withdrawal is that the traders concerned are not regarded as fulfilling the conditions mentioned in the instructions to food control committees referred to in the answer which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Kettering (Captain Profumo) on 22nd July.

In view of the serious state of affairs disclosed, will my right hon. and gallant Friend look into this matter on behalf of the small shopkeepers?

Of course, I am prepared to look into any case which my hon. and gallant Friend puts to me. But very special steps have been taken to avoid causing hardship to these small traders. It is not the intention or the wish of the Ministry that any legitimate trader should be barred from trading, and it is open to any trader in such circumstances to make a complaint.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that between the dates upon which the statement was made that the less than 25 rationed customers were to be taken away from shopkeepers and the official statement about considering cases of hardship later, many small shopkeepers have seen their businesses destroyed altogether?

I could not possibly accept that statement. [Interruption.] It is not altogether so, because even in cases where the figures do not come up to the requisite amount and in cases when the trader himself has thought it not worth while proceeding investigations have been made. Where genuine hardship is involved, the business in rationed commodities will not be taken away.

How does my right hon. and gallant Friend reconcile the statement that no hardship shall be caused to these small shopkeepers with his admission that in many cases he is shutting them up?

My hon. Friend must not mix up the genuine traders with the large number of people who are trading only to get extra rations for themselves. The sole purpose of this order was to put out of business people who are not genuine traders. It was not the wish or the intention of the Ministry that genuine traders should suffer.

Has my right hon. and gallant Friend any information as to how many people fall into the category of not being genuine traders? The statement has been made, and I ask him to justify it.

I have not the figures with me, but I will certainly get them. I ask my hon. and gallant Friend to accept my statement that we do not intend to put genuine traders out of business.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food how soon he expects to realise his hope of increasing the meat ration of miners and industrial workers; whether agricultural workers will be included; and whether, in order to expedite such an increase, he has considered narrowing the present wide disparity between the quantity of meat and bacon issued to men and women in the Forces who draw rations in kind and the quantity obtainable by heavy workers?