asked the Secretary of State for War how many men, skilled in the work of industries in the production of war material, have been released temporarily from the Army for such work during the months of May, June, July and August and up to date in September, respectively; and how many more are available temporarily?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many of the 1,541 Palestinians, presumed prisoners of war, were left in Greece unsurrendered; whether they were left without arms to defend themselves; whether British officers were in command, if so, did they stop with their men; and what proportion of the Palestinians left in Greece and Crete were Jews and Arabs, respectively?

I am ascertaining the facts from the Middle East, and will communicate with my right hon. Friend as soon as possible. I can only say at this stage that I regret that my right hon. Friend has seen fit to give publicity to suggestions which I am confident will prove to be entirely without foundation.

May I ask my right hon. and gallant Friend why he could not tell me that when I asked him privately?

asked the Secretary of State for War in what circumstances 3386493 Private J. Grogan met his death; whether he died while under detention by military police; whether his death was the result of violence committed upon him by the guards responsible for his safety; whether his relatives were represented, or had the opportunity to be represented, at the subsequent inquest; and whether he will now order a general inquiry into all the circumstances?

The finding of the coroner's court was that the soldier in question died by justifiable homicide as a result of injuries received from military policemen whilst attempting to escape from custody. So far as I am aware the relatives were not represented at the inquest, but my hon. Friend will appreciate that the arrangements for an inquest are not a matter for the military authorities. The most searching inquiries have been instituted by the military authorities and the civil police into the circumstances of this case, and, while I have the greatest sympathy with the soldier's relatives, there is no reason to suppose that further inquiries would bring any new facts to light.

Is the right, hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that 11 soldiers stationed at this point wrote to the parents of the dead soldier, protesting, and can he say whether at any of the investigations the evidence of these 11 soldiers was taken?

I understand that these II soldiers afterwards denied that they had understood what they had signed

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the inquest took place within less than 24 hours of the death, and that the parents could not possibly have had any opportunity of being represented at the inquiry?

As I said in my answer, I think my hon. Friend will appreciate that the arrangements for inquests are not a matter for the military authorities.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that in any case, where a person has died as the result of the action of his guardians, it is in the public interest, and as much in the interests of the Army as anyone else, that there should be the fullest and most public inquiry possible?

I agree, and I have every confidence also in the coroner.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I propose to raise the matter again.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the position of all ranks when a particular place is put out of bounds; does it apply to all; and, if not, who are those to whom the ban does not cover?

It is open to a commander to impose restrictions of this kind on all or any ranks under his command, and exceptions may be made at his discretion. If my hon. Friend has in mind a particular case in which an instruction of this nature appears to have worked unfairly, I shall be glad to look into it.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the information that I have is that the ranks are put out of bounds and the officers are not put out of bounds, and that this is causing discontent between the parties?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will let me have particulars.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say whether a commander is to be of any lower rank than a general officer?

I understand it is the commander of the unit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that in order to make the recently announced increase in the allowances paid to married officers in the Army under the age of 30, the rates to be paid in the future to married officers, as and when they reach the age of 30, are to be reduced, and in view of the fact that this constituted, in effect, a reduction in the allowances to be paid to officers over 30 years of age as compared to the rates they now enjoy, he will reconsider the whole question of pay and allowances, not only to the officers, but also to the men in the ranks of the Army, having regard to the large rewards now paid to those engaged in industrial employment, and the recently announced increase in bonuses to be paid to Civil servants?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the latter part of the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 30th September to the hon. Member for London University (Sir E. Graham-Little). I am unable to accept my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion that the recent revision of family lodging allowance rates for married officers involves a decrease in the rates for all officers over 30 or that officers already serving will have their allowances reduced.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that not only in the Services but among the public there is growing dissatisfaction at the scurvy treatment meted out to officers and men and to their wives and dependants by the Treasury?

No doubt my hon. and gallant Friend saw the Reply which the Prime Minister gave the other day on the subject, in which he said:

"My colleagues and I are examining suggestions that the families of other ranks are in certain cases experiencing hardship and difficulty in meeting their obligations."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 30th September, 1941; col. 501, Vol. 374.]

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that, while this examination is taking place—it could have taken place some time ago—the dependants of the officers and men are suffering?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether in view of the considerable hardship now often suffered by wives of soldiers who are expectant mothers, he will take steps to see that they receive grants sufficient for their needs from Army funds prior to the birth of their child?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Normanton (Mr. T. Smith) on 5th August.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a widow with a son in the Army who goes to work either to help the State or to earn an adequate livelihood suffers the deprivation of her dependant's allowance if she earns more than 14s. a week; whether, in view of the fact that the normal soldier's allotment plus her allowance is inadequate to meet her needs, he will, as in the case of wives of soldiers, remodel the existing practice and abstain from penalising her industry in the way mentioned?

The dependants' allowance scheme is designed to meet cases where hardship would be caused to dependants other than wives or children as the result of a man joining the Colours. It would therefore be inconsistent with the purpose of the scheme to grant dependants' allowance without reference to the dependant's income from other sources. It is, however, by no means true that a woman with no other source of income would be deprived of her allowance if she herself earned more than 14s. a week, and if my hon. and gallant Friend will Jet me have details of any particular case he has in mind, I shall be glad to look into it.

Is it not a fact that, if a widow earns more than 14s. a week, she has to inform the paymaster and her allowance is at once withdrawn?

That is not the fact, and it is for that reason that I said that if my hon. Friend had a particular case, I would be glad to look into it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is arranging with our Russian Allies that key British officers may have the opportunity of personal participation in the war on the Russian front in order that they may study at first hand German tactics and the best ways of defeating and countering them?

The best method of securing the maximum co-operation between the Russian and British Armies is being carefully examined in consultation with our Russian allies, and my hon. Friend's proposal will certainly be borne in mind. As has already been announced, General Mason-Macfarlane, the head of our military mission in Moscow, has himself visited the Russian front and obtained first-hand knowledge of the fighting there.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is a fixed ration of cigarettes per week that soldiers can receive from their canteens; and, if so, how many the ration is?

There is no fixed ration of cigarettes that soldiers may receive from their canteens.

In view of the very meagre rations that are at present issued at most canteens, should there not be some uniformity in all canteens of the number of cigarettes that the soldiers receive?

I think that that would be very difficult to administer, especially at this time.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the practice on the arrest of a Regular regimental officer to suspend the issue to him of his pay pending his court-martial?

The pay warrant provides that, when a Regular regimental officer is under arrest, his pay shall be issued in arrear instead of monthly in advance. The normal practice in such cases is for pay to be issued monthly in arrear, but in cases of hardship issue may be made at more frequent intervals.

Is it not rather unfair that in certain circumstances these funds that may be urgently required by an officer for his defence are withheld until he has proved himself not guilty?

I think that it works out fairly, as my hon. and gallant Friend knows.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will reconsider his decision that members of the Women's Land Army shall not be allowed to obtain food at Auxiliary Territorial Service canteens, in view of the fact that considerable hardship is caused by this prohibition to land girls, who often have to take long cross-country journeys, sometimes late at night, and are unable to get anything to eat or drink on the way?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the canteens for the Services which are operated by various philanthropic organisations. I am in touch with these organisations on the question of allowing members of the Land Army to use their canteens and hope to be in a position to make a statement shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Miss Susan Train, 12, Townholm, Kilmarnock, was knocked through the parapet of a bridge on the 17th of July last by a service lorry driven by a corporal of the Army Service Corps, receiving injuries from which she died the next day; that to date her parents have not even received an expression of regret for the occurrence; and will he consider the question of the War Office paying at least the funeral expenses?

The necessary investigations into this case have only just been completed, and a representative of Scottish Command is having an interview with Miss Train's parents this week, at which the whole matter will be discussed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether an order was issued saying that brasses on equipment were not to be polished; whether this order was in any way qualified in such a manner as to give officers in command power to ignore the order; and will he say whether equipment, including respirator case, as part of the order, should, or should not, be blenched?

Instructions were issued in November, 1940, that all webbing equipment brasses and other brass parts of arms and equipment used or worn, or likely to be used or worn, by troops during active service operations should be left unpolished. This order has not been qualified in any way and was, in fact, reaffirmed in July last. As regards the last part of the Question, existing instructions provide that the webbing parts of equipment including the respirator haversack should be cleaned and blancoed in order to preserve the qualities of the material.

Is not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is much dissatisfaction because brasses are cleaned in one unit and not in another, especially around Edinburgh, where it is being insisted upon by commanding officers?

I was not aware that there was great dissatisfaction on this point. As I said, this order was reaffirmed as lately as July last.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman look into the question of various colours and expense, according to the taste of the individual commanding officer?

Is it not true that some units like to be slovenly and that some like to be smart?

asked the Secretary of State for War for what reasons Eritrea has been moved from the jurisdiction of the Middle East High Command; who is now responsible for the administration and control of that area; and what is now the status of the Fascist organisations and authorities formerly exercising authority there?

It is intended that Eritrea shall form part of the new East African Command, which has been created in order to relieve the Commander-in-Chief, Middle East, of administrative work and to free him for operational responsibilities in the more active theatres of war. This transfer will take place by arrangement between the two Commands at a suitable date. I am not clear what organisations are referred to in the last part of the Question, but there is, of course, no question of any part of the Italian civil administration continuing to exercise authority.

asked the Secretary of State for War what facilities are given to soldiers who so desire and who are suitable, to transfer to the Navy or to the Air Force?

The facilities for transfer from the Army to the Royal Air Force have been brought to the notice of all ranks in recent instructions. In general, applications may be submitted by officers up to and including the rank of substantive or war substantive lieutenant and by other ranks up to and including the rank of serjeant, but it has been necessary to except certain categories of personnel of which I will send my hon. Friend particulars. Applications for service in the Royal Navy are considered only if the applicant has sea qualifications of an exceptional nature.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is. aware that the recruiting office of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry rejects British citizens born of American mothers; and whether this discrimination has his approval?

The First Aid Nursing Yeomanry is not administered by the War Office, and I am afraid that I cannot accept responsibility for the restrictions which a private organisation of this kind sees fit to impose on its members.

In view of the close association between the A.T.S. and the F.A.N.Y.s, will my right hon. and gallant Friend draw the attention of this organisation to this rather lamentable fact?

I should be both to interfere with a private organisation, but possibly the publicity that the question has received to-day will come to their attention.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the financial result of the planting and disposal of crops by the Milngavie Town Council on lands belonging to the burgh?

I am informed that in the year ending 15th May last the total expenditure of the town council on the cultivation of crops on land belonging to the burgh amounted to £1,419 and receipts from the sale of crops totalled £1,642. This expenditure, however, in-cluded the cost of seeds and ploughing for this year's crop, and if allowance is made for these factors, it is estimated by the council that the profit on last year's crop would amount to approximately £450.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what complaints he has received from Glasgow on the widespread sale of alleged Irish whisky; and will be take steps to ascertain the origin of the said whisky so that the consuming public may be protected?

I have received no such complaints. If my hon. Friend can send me evidence that whisky is being sold under a false designation, I shall be glad to communicate that evidence to the appropriate authorities.

I must apologise; I am no judge. Is my right hon. Friend aware that the allegation is that this is imported American whisky and is redesignated in Ireland before it arrives here? Will he have some inquiries made?

All I can say is that I have made inquiries of the Scottish Home Department, the town clerk's office, the police and the Crown Office, and none of them has any information.

Is it not a fact that water is often sold for whisky?

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of food canteens at the collieries in Lancashire and Cheshire; and what action he is taking to bring about a rapid increase in the number?

Thirty-two collieries have canteens, of which at least seven have been registered by the Ministry of Food for supplementary supplies of rationed foods. The Lancashire District Miners' Welfare Committee have decided in favour of the establishment of central kitchens to supply food to collieries and three of these —to supply 42 collieries—are in process of establishment and will soon be at work.

Will not my hon. Friend take some action to increase the supply of these canteens?

My hon. Friend must know that there is no delay at all. This matter is under the care of the Miners' Welfare Commission, upon which the Miners' Federation and the mineowners have representatives. There are also three independent representatives and an independent chairman— Member of this House. They are pushing on; they have a programme costing £1,500,000 which will cover the whole industry.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of canteens and British Restaurants, respectively, and the proportion of workers supplied, now established in the mining centres of Northumberland and Durham, respectively; and what is the anticipated numbers by the end of the year?

Forty-two British Restaurants serving 7,700 meals daily have been established in 20 towns and villages in the mining areas of Northumberland and Durham. As these are open to the public generally it is not possible to say how many workers are actually served by them. There is steady development in the opening of further centres and it is anticipated that at least another 20 centres, that is 62 in all, will be opened by the end of the year. Fourteen canteens have been established at collieries in Northumberland, and 37 at collieries in Durham providing food for 40 and 48 per cent. of the workers employed at collieries in those districts respectively. Others are in preparation at 29 and 49 collieries providing for 42 and 35 per cent. of the workers respectively, and should be established by the end of the year.

Will my hon. Friend expedite the provision of these canteens?

There is no delay. There are nearly 2,000 pits in production, and something is being done and will be done this year for all of them.

Why does my hon. Friend say there is no delay in providing these canteens when in the whole of Durham and Northumberland not 10 per cent. of the miners are supplied with these canteens, in spite of the fact that this matter has been before him for more than 12 months?

I do not think I was at all backward. We all suggested more rations for miners in their homes. That is how it began, and then we switched over to the improvisation of arrangements at pits. There has been no delay. More than 10 per cent. of the miners have been provided for in these counties.

As to the statement about more than 10 per cent. being provided for, I challenge my hon. Friend to demonstrate that—

Order!

In view of the very unsatisfactory nature of my hon. Friend's reply, I give notice that I intend to raise this matter again at a suitable opportunity.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that there is a feeling of apprehension in the minds of the mine workers that acts of gallantry and heroism in recent underground accidents in mines are not fully reported to his Department, and that many who are deserving of recognition have been overlooked; and will he give personal attention to this matter, to show there is full recognition to both officials and workmen who help in the rescue operations?

The Inspectors of Mines have a standing instruction to send me a full and confidential report whenever they hear of any act of outstanding gallantry in saving or attempting to save life in mines and quarries, and in all cases in which a coroner makes a recommendation for bravery. These reports include statements taken from all the persons concerned in the rescue operations and all persons who are in any way able to throw light upon them. All such reports and evidence are most carefully examined in my Department with a view to appropriate recognition being recommended or accorded, and I personally see and consider all cases that merit serious consideration. I think the hon. Member may be assured that, through the various channels I have mentioned, all such exceptional and outstanding cases are brought to my notice, and receive the full consideration they deserve.

Will my hon. Friend try to get a little more information from the trade union side, because we are inclined to think that the inspectors do not get the whole facts which do justice to the workmen?

We do not exclude information from any source. The men who are active in pit rescue work are members of the Federation, and they or their representatives are entitled to speak on their behalf. I give an invitation to any Member of the House from any mining area to come and see me, and I will show him the papers before any steps are taken.

Is my hon. Friend aware that recently officials of a colliery were recommended for awards and that workmen who took quite as much part in the rescue work were not recommended?

If my hon. Friend has any particular cases in mind, I shall be glad to have them. I will give him access to all the papers and go through the cases with him.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that nucleus cotton spinning companies in Lancashire engaged on urgent Government work have been stopped owing to inadequate and unsuitable supplies of coal; and what steps he is taking to prevent this interference with the national war effort?

Under the programme of coal supplies for the cotton industry recently organised by the Department's Regional Officers and the Cotton Control Board, certain re-arrangements of supply were necessary in the general interest. In a few cases these changes led to complaints that the coal supplied under the programme was unsuitable. All these cases are being investigated by technical experts, and it is hoped that any difficulties that have been experienced will speedily be overcome.

Is the Minister aware that in some cases the coal allocated is so bad that it puts out the fires and that in consequence the mill is stopped and the operatives have to be sent home, and will he look into this matter, in view of the fact that it is stopping urgent national work?

It is because of the complaints that the steps indicated in my reply have been taken. There is good coal and bad coal; it is our intention to supply suitable coal, and it is for that reason that this technical advice has been given.

Is the Minister aware that these matters have been brought to the attention of the Department concerned, that in spite of representations by everybody in the industry the coal is unsuitable, and that, in fact, the technical officers have not made the change in allocation which is necessary? Is it not rather scandalous that mills should be stopped because of this fact?

I am not quite sure that it is possible to arrange everything without there being a risk of an occasional stoppage owing to unsuitable or insufficient coal. I can assure the hon. Member that we are guilty of no lack of attention. The problem is one of greater, production, and within our supplies we are doing everything we can to see that coal of a satisfactory nature is sent to all classes of consumers. We are paying attention to this matter, and I am sure that the hon. Member will be satisfied.

asked the Secretary for Petroleum what steps he has taken to check and control the utilisation of petrol for undisclosed or unnecessary journeys through the system of drive-yourself hiring of motor-cars with petrol supplied?

Following consultation with the Government Departments concerned, as well as with the associations representative of the trade, I have had a suitable Order prepared which I expect to issue shortly.

Arising out of the fact that these consultations are taking place, and that this abuse has gone on for a long time, is it not the case that now, in the third year of the war, nothing has been done but that an Order is under consideration?

I gave a promise to deal with this matter, and these consultations have been going forward, but in this matter, as I have explained before, speed in the remedying of small abuses is less important than care to see that important public facilities are not impaired.

Does my hon. Friend realise that this abuse is widespread throughout the country? Why cannot something be done immediately without further consideration being given to the matter?

asked the Secretary for Petroleum whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction caused by the letter of the Divisional Petroleum Officer, at Reading, refusing to grant a small additional petrol supply to the Southampton Corporation in connection with a reconstruction scheme which it had been advised to undertake by the Minister of Reconstruction with the approval of the Minister of Health; and whether he intends to take steps to prevent, in future, the recurrence of this kind of action by this officer?

Yes, Sir; and I much regret that a mistake was made in the Divisional Petroleum Office. Instructions have been issued which should prevent its recurrence.

Does not my hon. Friend realise that letters written by the Divisional Petroleum Officer at Reading in reply to the very explanatory letters of the Town Clerk of Southampton, in reference to work undertaken by the Southampton Corporation on the advice of the Ministry of Reconstruction and with the approval of the Ministry of Health, that these letters were the cause of delay on the one hand, and were curt, arrogant and dictatorial on the other, and more in accord with other manners and usages than with the principles we, in this House, constantly proclaim we are fighting for?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can inform the House on what date the Government of Australia officially inaugurated the Big Ben silent minute observance?

I have been asked to reply. I am informed that the Australian Broadcasting Commission has, since 29th September, 1941, observed on all its stations a daily pause for private prayer in the minute preceding noon.

Is the Minister aware of the widespread nature of this observance, and will he take steps to make it still more widely known?

I hope my Reply to the hon. Member's Question will do that.

asked the Minister of Information, on what occasions, and to what extent, his department controls or intervenes in the presentation of speeches made, in this House, as reported by the British Broadcasting Corporation?

The B.B.C. broadcasts of Parliamentary proceedings are taken from the agency reports, and the inevitable and severe measure of compression involved is carried out by the news staff of the B.B.C, who receive advice and information from officers in close daily contact with my Ministry. The aim of these reports is to present a fair and objective summary.

Are we to understand that the Ministry of Information decide whose speeches should be cut down and whose should be reported, or is that left to the discretion of the B.B.C?

In practice the Ministry hardly ever interfere with these reports. Our one aim is to give a fair and objective summary, and we have every confidence in the responsible B.B.C. officials who are carrying out this work.

What does my hon. Friend mean by "hardly ever"? Does he suggest that if the Ministry of Information dislike some particular Member, they can expurgate his speeches?

It is only in abnormal and exceptional circumstances that they interfere at all.

Is it not unprecedented for a Government Department to attempt to interfere with the dissemination of news concerning the proceedings of this House? Is there any precedent for it, and do they propose to introduce this novel principle?

I can only repeat that it is only in very exceptional and abnormal circumstances that there is any interference.

Can we have some cases of the exceptional circumstances? To whom do they refer, to Members on that side or to Members on this side? Can we have an answer, as it is an important question?

I suggest to my hon. Friend that if he has any specific report in mind which he considers was unfair, he might put down a Question.

Does not my hon. Friend realise that it does not lay with me to indicate a specific case? He has himself referred to exceptional circumstances. What are they?

Could not the Members who speak in a Debate set up a committee to indicate what parts of their speeches should be reported?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to assisting small shopkeepers throughout the country, he will take steps to introduce regulations or legislation to prevent shops and stores throughout the country selling articles during the war period that they had not sold previous to the outbreak of the war, in view of the fact that many of the stores who had not previously sold anything above 6d. now display on their counters many goods, and commodities which they had not previously had on sale?

I understand that the Retail Trade Committee, appointed by my predecessor, have this problem under active consideration.

Does not my right hon. Friend realise that it is no longer a question that something should be done to protect the small retail shopkeeper, but that something must be done to see that his livelihood and the whole of his future are not threatened?

What must be done is under active consideration at the present time.

Has this Committee had any sittings?

Very frequent sittings.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the schemes which are being formulated for rationalisation of industry throughout the country, the Government will take adequate steps to ensure the prevention of middle-class unemployment before universal reconstruction absorbs displacements?

The policy of concentration has been applied to a number of industries to meet the circumstances created by the war and is not designed to lead to permanent changes in the industrial structure. The policy is being operated in close co-operation with the Minister of Labour, who is taking the necessary measures to provide for the re-absorption into employment of all types of displaced workers, including middle-class workers.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that compensation is no solution for these problems?

Yes, I do.

Does my right hon. Friend realise further that there is not really sufficient support for the middle classes from hon. Members belonging to all parties in this House?

If a shopkeeper is thrown out of business through no fault of his own and because of some act on the part of the Government, why should not he be compensated for it?

This question has no relevance to shopkeepers.

Has it not relevance to the concentration of industry and the displacement of shopkeepers?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that many members of the public, whose clothing coupons have been lost or destroyed, are suffering hardship through their inability to obtain clothing and footwear; and whether he is now able to state when declaration forms for replacement will be ready?

Declaration forms enabling the public to obtain replacement of lost clothing coupons may now be obtained at all money-order post offices, local W.V.S. centres and Citizens' Advice Bureaux. These forms should be completed in the presence pf a justice of the peace and forwarded to the appropriate Area Office of the Board of Trade, of which the address will be found on the back of the form.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will confer with the appropriate authorities at the Royal Mint with a view to the issue of pennies and halfpennies bearing the emblem of the Spitfire and Hurricane, as a tribute to the Royal Air Force?

My hon. Friend's suggestion has been considered, but owing to the need to economise labour and material it will not be desirable to make any changes in the design of our coinage under present circumstances.

Would it not be appropriate to have some memorial to the gallantry and heroism of the Royal Air Force and perpetuate that for all time by placing an emblem on our coinage?

I am afraid there would be no logical stopping ground to such suggestions.

Then my right hon. Friend does not entirely turn down the idea?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, in spite of repeated assurances that have been given by the Government in respect of the early payment of cost-of-works compensation under the War Damage Act, many house owners are unable to have their repairs undertaken by builders owing to the apparent persistence of the impression that such compensation will only be paid after the war; and will he consider what further steps can be taken towards informing everyone concerned of the correct position with a view to encouraging the prompt carrying out of necessary repairs?

I am not aware that the position is as stated. The War Damage Commission inform me that they are in touch with organisations representing building trade employers and building societies and are satisfied that the conditions of payment generally are well understood, particularly now that cost-of-works payments are being made in considerable numbers. The Commission make available an explanatory pamphlet to everyone who has suffered war damage, and this pamphlet states that cost-of-works payments will be made after the completion of the work as soon as the Commission has satisfied itself that the cost of the work is reasonable. The Commission will be glad to send a copy to anyone desiring an authoritative statement on the position.

Is it necessary to get the permission of the War Damage Commission before such works are undertaken, or can the applicant get the work done and then send in a bill?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that Question on the Order Paper.

As there is a good deal of dissatisfaction about delay in making payments in these cases, could not payments be expedited?

I will communicate the hon. and gallant Member's Question to the Chairman. A very large number of payments have been made.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of these claims have been in for over a year and have not been paid? If he wants to get a good name for the Government paying their debts, will he look into this matter?

I think the Government have a very good name in that respect.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that hardship is caused to many old age pensioners, who own the house they live in, being called upon to pay the war damage to property contribution; and will he consider whether some alleviation can be made to this class of case?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given to similar Questions asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Abertillery (Mr. Daggar) on 5th August, and by my hon. Friend the Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 7th August.

Would my right hon. Friend mind telling we what was in those replies?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will look at them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will given an assurance that British subjects who have gone abroad will, by their residence abroad, not be given exemption from all or any part of the Income Tax and Surtax for which they would have been liable if they had continued to reside in this country, or that such exemption will be given only to members of the Armed Forces serving outwith the country; and whether he will make such changes as will make a full contribution to the nation's effort a condition of the retention of British nationality?

My hon. friend is no doubt aware that persons not resident in the United Kingdom are liable to United Kingdom Income Tax and Surtax on all income arising in the United Kingdom, except income from certain British Government securities which were issued with the condition that the interest should be exempt from tax if the securities were in the beneficial ownership of persons not ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom. The question of extending the scope of the tax so as to apply to income arising to non-residents from foreign sources in such cases as those to which my hon. friend refers, has been raised on more than one occasion in recent months and has received my careful attention, but, as I have previously indicated, I cannot see my way to propose legislation to that end.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is considerable feeling that certain people have gone abroad not only to be safe from the dangers which people who reside here have to face, but also to avoid the payment of full taxation for which they would be liable if they lived in this country?

I have no evidence to that effect.

Sir Thomas Moore asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how he reconciles his refusal to increase the pay and/or allowances to the Fighting Services with his decision to grant a bonus to the Civil Service?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the latter part of my reply to the Question asked on 30th September by my hon. Friend the Member for London University (Sir E. Graham-Little).

Would my right hon. Friend mind telling me what was contained in the latter part of that reply?

I will send my hon. and gallant Friend a copy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will authorise the spending Departments, when requisitioning premises, to pay to the occupier the amount of any loss occasioned by a sale of his stock, for the purpose of giving vacant possession in compliance with an Order, unless the Department has previously offered to the occupier suitable storage space on reasonable terms?

It is the practice of Departments, under Section 2 (1) (d) of the Compensation (Defence) Act, to pay the expenses of removal and of storage, and this should serve in most cases to obviate the risk of loss of the kind to which my hon. Friend refers. If immediate sale were necessary the expenses of the sale could be claimed under the same Section as an alternative to those of storage.

May I point out to my right hon. Friend that my Question refers to loss on a sale and not to expenses in connection with a sale? I asked him whether the Department could be authorised to pay the loss on a sale—that is to say, the difference between the amount realised and the valuation.

No, Sir. I should not be able to do that.

If someone loses as a result of requisitioning and because of a forced sale of stocks, is there any reason why the Government should not come to that person's assistance?

There are many losses of that kind which have arisen as a result of the war which people, unfortunately, have to pay.

Why not make an attempt to establish equity? Why should some have to bear these losses and others not?

That, unfortunately, is the position.

Has my right hon. Friend considered the comments on hardships caused in these cases which are contained in the report of Mr. John Morris, published recently in a White Paper? Is my right hon. Friend going to do anything to implement the recommendations of Mr. John Morris?

I have already given a reply to the House and stated that I propose to implement the recommendations.

Has my right hon. Friend considered the many questions of hardship which have been brought to his notice by his right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal?

No cases of hardship have been brought to my notice by my right hon. Friend.

Then will my right hon. Friend make inquiries from the Lord Privy Seal?

I am sorry that I did my right hon. Friend an injustice. He brought a number of cases to my notice which I referred to Mr. Morris and which he has dealt with.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some of these cases have not yet been dealt with?

As I have said, I am going to adopt the recommendations of Mr. Morris.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he is satisfied that the buildings and hotels allocated to the staffs of the various Ministries, in different parts of the country, are fully utilised; and whether a number of these buildings would be suitable for hospital accommodation in case of an emergency?

Yes, Sir. We endeavour to make the maximum use of the buildings in our charge. The total number of premises held by the Ministry for the staffs of other Departments exceeds 20,000, and the hon. Member will appreciate that, owing to new services and the expansion of staffs, together with the need for reserve accommodation, it is inevitable that a certain number of premises must always be either temporarily vacant or in process of re-allocation. In regard to the second part of the Question, hospital accommodation for emergency needs is continually under review by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health and a number of buildings have been earmarked for this purpose.

Is my hon. Friend aware that in a coastal town in the North-West it is thought that the accommodation taken over is far too large for the needs, and is he also aware that in that town the Secretariat of the Air Force are doing their work in basements?

I am aware of the criticisms.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many men under 30 years of age are now employed in the Civil Service; and how many civil servants under 30 years of age are serving with the Fighting Forces?

I regret that it would not be possible, without a great deal of investigation, to give an accurate reply to the points raised by my hon. and gallant Friend. There is no readily accessible information concerning civil servants under 30 who are reserved under their occupational classification, e.g., chemists, surveyors, at the same age as in outside industry. There were, however, on 1st September, 1941, 6,400 civil servants under 30 in the administrative, executive, clerical and analogous grades, and in professional and technical grades not specifically reserved at a lower age. Of these some 1,100 were awaiting call up. In addition 2,601 were deferred and 1,759 were reserved and the position of these is being examined by the Kennet Committee. On 1st July there were 58,717 non-industrial civil servants serving with the Forces; but it is not possible to say how many of these are under 30.

In view of the known anxiety of these young civil servants to be released from their present occupation so that they can join the Fighting Forces, and in view of the fact that most of their work is of a clerical nature, would it not be possible to satisfy their desire by replacing them with women?

My hon. and gallant Friend must not overlook the fact that we have had a committee, under Lord Kennet, sitting on this matter, and that it has made certain recommendations which have been adopted.

What is the difference between awaiting calling up, deferment and reservation? Is there any difference?

Oh, yes, there must be.

Has my right hon. and gallant Friend considered the possibility of introducing more normal methods of administration in Government Departments so that about half their present staffs can run them?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what effect has been given to the recommendations of the Kennet Committee for the combing out of men and women from the Departments for war service?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to his Question of 9th September. Instructions have been issued to Departments to apply for the retention of the minimum numbers of essential staff on the lines indicated in the Interim Report of Lord Kennet's Committee, and the operative date for the. new ages of reservation will be 15th December. I should like the opportunity of adding that Lord Kennet and his colleagues have consented to act as the Advisory Committee on the deferment of the calling up of civil servants. His Majesty's Government are most grateful to them for undertaking these further duties.

Did not my right hon. and gallant Friend inform the House of Commons last summer that the Government regarded these matters as matters of urgency, and does he not think that that idea of urgency might be used in carrying out the recommendations of the Kennet Committee?

It was because of the urgency of the matter that the Kennet Committee was set up and made recommendations, which we have accepted and are carrying out.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can give any information in connection with the charge made against John Linday, Cyril Manuell and Sydney Cyril Zeitlin accused of asking £1,876 for tinned fruit worth £667, who were charged at Bow Street Police Court on Friday, 19th September; and whether they were charged also with conspiracy?

As the case to which my hon. Friend refers is sub judice, it would not. be desirable for me to give at present the particulars asked for. I will, however, communicate with him in due course.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that queueing for food, and other essentials, in many parts of the country is causing much dissatisfaction, especially amongst the married women workers engaged on war work; and whether he will take action to ensure a fair share of the goods available to those who are unable to stand in queues?

I mentioned in the course of the Debate on 2nd October that a new scheme for the rationing of certain unrationed foodstuffs will be introduced in the middle of November. This scheme, when in operation, will assist in providing a fair share of the foods concerned to those who are unable to stand in queues, and in the meantime the local officers of the Ministry of Food and Ministry of Labour have been instructed to do what is possible in consultation with local organisations to bring about an improvement in shopping conditions.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why instructions have been given to military personnel permitting the flying badge of the Royal Air Force to be worn by those who have qualified for it but not the observer's badge?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Gloucester (Mr. Leslie Boyce) on 15th July.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in connection with the precautions to be taken for keeping roads open for traffic in times of heavy snowfall or severe frost in the approaching winter, he has recently received reports from his local officers concerned stating whether or not adequate provision for the purpose has been made by all highway authorities within their respective local areas; and whether any of such reports indicate that the highway authorities concerned have not yet provided themselves with an adequate supply of snow-ploughs or other equipment which past experience has shown to be necessary for keeping the roads open?

I do not consider it necessary that every highway authority should possess snow-ploughs or similar snow-clearing equipment. At the present time the competing claims for war equipment would in any event make universal provision impossible. We are, however, satisfied that such equipment is available in areas where it is most likely to be needed, and 100 highway authorities who were not fully provided have taken advantage of an offer recently made by the Ministry of a grant towards the cost, and have ordered equipment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to an announcement that irritant gas was to be released in a North Midland town for a fortnight, beginning on 27th September, without further warnings or notices being given; and whether he will issue directions with regard to the conditions under which any gas tests which may be decided upon should be conducted?

Yes, Sir. Such tear gas exercises are an important element of the process of educating the public in the use of their respirators. As regards the second part of the Question, scheme-making local authorities know that they cannot release tear gas in public without prior consultation with the Regional Commissioner's officers, who have already been fully informed of the conditions under which these exercises should be conducted. In addition, detailed instructions will be made available to local authorities in a pamphlet to be issued shortly.

Is not the exercise of tear gas experiments without warning or notice likely to cause serious hardship to invalids, children and animals?

Particular care was taken in this case to secure that there was no hardship to old people or children.

In view of the fact that Hitler will give no notice when he is going to use irritant gas, is it not wise to hold these tests from time to time in order to compel people to carry their gas masks with them ready for emergency?

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information as to the charge made against Frank Kelly, a butcher's manager, of Wendover Road, Harlesden, N.W., who, on 30th September, gave boys £20 to steal drapery from their employers for him; and how the boys were dealt with?

I have made inquiry and am informed that Kelly was convicted of receiving property valued at £100 which had been stolen from certain stores at Burnt Oak on 19th August, and also, in conjunction with two boys aged 16 and 14 and their mothers, of conspiring to receive and steal the property of the stores on various dates. Kelly was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment; the two mothers were fined £50 and £30 respectively; the two boys were bound over and placed on probation.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the failure of the Carmarthenshire County Education Committee to provide meals at their schools; and whether he will take steps to secure a reconsideration of the matter?

Yes, Sir. The Board have strongly pressed the authority to extend their provision of meals for school children, and my right hon. Friend is pursuing the matter.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether in view of the reduction some years ago of the pensions of officers on account of the fall in the cost of living, he will now, in view of the increase in the cost, at least make good the reduction in question?

There has not at any time been a reduction in the rates of retired pay for disabled officers laid down in Part 1 of the First Schedule to the Royal Warrant of 2nd July, 1920, nor in the rates of additional retired pay for disablement in the case of regular officers, and these rates were based on a cost of living figure higher than that now prevailing. I presume the hon. and gallant Member is referring to the adjustments in the rates of Service retired pay, and I would refer him to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to a Question on this subject by the hon. Member for Abingdon (Sir R. Glyn) on 30th September.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that answer amounted in effect to a refusal to reconsider these rates which were stabilised at a rate 11 per cent, less than the original basic rate, and in view of the fact that increases of wages and salaries have been widely given on account of the increase in the cost of living, will he do bare justice to these officers, who are in many cases suffering real hardship?

The rates were based upon a cost of living figure higher than that now prevailing.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that officers in the Service had a cut in basic pay at a time when no senior civil servant had had any cut at all?

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the low assessment of the pensions of widows of officers killed on active service, and especially in view of the comparison of such pensions with others awarded in civil life, he will approve their early increase?

My right hon. Friend is of the opinion that the existing rates of pension for the widows of officers whose death is attributable to service bear a proper relation to the rates laid down generally in the various pension instruments and do not, accordingly, call for revision.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these rates of pension compare unfavourably in many cases with wages paid to unskilled labour under war conditions? Is he also aware that if these ladies possess, or their husbands possessed, any private means, they are called upon to pay Death Duties on them?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give consideration to the matter of making a declaration of policy that, so far as possible, after the war, those responsible for murder, cruelty and oppression committed on persons such as hostages and others in enemy-occupied territories for deeds over which they had no control, will be brought to trial and, if found guilty, punished according to their offence?