asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the result of his inquiry as to the stoppage of news in Central China through Japanese action; and, in particular, what is the present position of the "Central China Post"?

The employees of the "Central China Post" struck for increased wages some 10 weeks ago and have not yet resumed work, and they continue to occupy the office building. The staff of Messrs. Reuter's Hankow agency ceased work at the same time, and the Agency has now been closed down. Representations to the local Japanese authorities made by His Majesty's Consul-General have elicited the reply that they do not regard themselves responsible for what is clearly a labour dispute. The Consul-General remains in close contact with them and with the Chinese authorities with a view to promoting a satisfactory settlement. In the meantime the circulation of British news by this means in the Hankow area remains temporarily suspended.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now give any information as to the result of his protest to the Japanese Government at the denial to British firms of the use of their properties at Hankow and other places along the Yangtze?

His Majesty's Consul-General at Hankow has continued to press these cases with the Japanese authorities. These representations have so far been unsuccessful. In certain cases formal claims have been lodged with the Japanese Government and in others negotiations are still proceeding with some hope of settlement.

Is it not possible to come to some arrangement with the United States in order to put joint pressure on Japan and make it clear that we do not intend to have our rights disregarded like this?

I agree that this is an unsatisfactory state of affairs, but it is, of course, related to the general Japanese problem in the Far East, in respect of which my hon. and gallant Friend knows what steps we are taking.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received the report asked for on the steps taken or contemplated for securing adequate supplies of rice for the poor classes in the Shanghai International Settlement; and whether he has represented to the Japanese Government that their policy of buying up and exporting to Japan all visible supplies of rice is depriving the working-classes in Shanghai of their only means of subsistence?

Yes, Sir. The Shanghai Municipal Council and the authorities of the French Concession at Shanghai have been importing rice in bulk from Hong Kong and Indo-China. This has resulted in an increase of stocks of rice at Shanghai with a consequent decrease in prices. As regards the second part of the Question, I understand that the Settlement authorities do what they can to keep the facts before the notice of the Japanese authorities with a view to securing a relaxation of the present restrictions on the supply of rice to Shanghai from the interior. Rice even now has to be imported for neighbouring zones in Japanese occupation, and in the circumstances it would not appear that representations in Tokyo would serve any useful purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign, Affairs the position with regard to the ex-Mufti of Jerusalem; and whether he has been interned in Persia?

The Mufti has not as yet been caught. The Persian authorities are fully aware of the importance which the Allied Governments attach to the arrest of the Mufti, and all possible steps are being taken to secure him.

When he is caught, shall we treat him as what, in fact, he is —an open and declared enemy of this country?

I would like to catch him first.

I think you will have a job; he is a "Slippery Sam."

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what European Governments retain diplomatic representatives in Iran?

The following European Governments retain diplomatic representatives in Persia: His Majesty's Government and the Governments of the Soviet Union, Turkey, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Nor- way and Yugoslavia. The Persian Government have been asked to close the Vichy Legation and are, I understand, taking steps to do so.

May I ask whether any official diplomatic representatives have been allowed to resign but unofficially to carry on their activities in Iran?

Not that I am aware of, and in any event those I have just read out would be the only representatives who would have any facilities, either telegraphic or otherwise.

Are the Japanese Government still represented there?

That is another question, but I understand they are.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many ex-Ambassadors are now employed on full pay at the Foreign Office; and what duties they now undertake?

On the Foreign Office staff in London the only official who has held an Ambassadorial post is Sir Alexander Cadogan, the Permanent Under-Secretary of State. The only other officials employed on full Ambassadorial salary in England are Sir Lancelot Oliphant, Ambassador to Belgium, and Sir Cecil Dormer, Ambassador to Poland.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will make a statement relative to the damage known to have been done to German war potential by aerial bombardment from British aircraft during the period of intensive attack in the last few months?

Information on this subject is released as frequently and as fully as considerations of security permit, and I have at present nothing to add to what has already been published. My hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that the evidence at our disposal gives conclusive proof of substantial damage.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has considered a resolution from the West Lancashire and West Cheshire Labour Women's Advisory Council on the subject of allowances for the wives of Service men; why a reply was sent stating that the Liberal Party at its Annual Assembly a fortnight ago passed a resolution in favour of allowances for children, and that therefore the resolution from the Women's Labour parties is met by the policy of the Liberal Party; and whether this reply represents the policy of the Government?

The resolution will be carefully considered. The reply to it was sent owing to a misunderstanding, for which I have expressed regret.

Do I understand, therefore, that my right hon. Friend will cause a letter to be sent to this organisation stating the official position of the Department in this matter?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the total number of enemy bombers destroyed over this country and France during September; and how many enemy fighters were destroyed, or probably destroyed, in the same period over the same area?

An analysis of British official communiqués shows that 123 enemy fighters and 11 enemy bombers were destroyed on the Western Front during September. It is not the practice to publish numbers of enemy aircraft classified as probably destroyed which, however, are often considerable.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether, in view of the outstanding success of the "All Tanks for Russia Week" stimulating production, he has considered establishing a similar week of all planes for Russia?

I have already considered the form of publicity suggested by my hon. Friend. Indeed, I am glad to be able to tell the House that the keenness of the workers in the aircraft industry is such that I had already received a similar suggestion from them. In spite of the urgent desire to help Russia, however, I have decided not to adopt the suggestion. It would be misleading to all concerned to suggest that the total aircraft production in this country in any one week could be earmarked for Russia, as this would include a large number of types which, for operational reasons, would be more of an embarrassment than a help. The paramount importance of the steady production of the maximum possible number of aircraft in this country is well appreciated by the workers in the aircraft industry, who are deserving of the highest praise for the excellent results they are now achieving, particularly in each of the last two months.

asked the Minister of Information what is the present position with regard to the control of personnel of the War-time Social Survey set up under the auspices of the National Institute of Social and Economic Research; why this institute withdrew its support in September, 1940; why the then Director of Home Intelligence, who had built up the Survey, resigned in April, 1941, and was replaced in the directions of the Survey by an official associated with a body whose methods, purpose and standing were quite different; and why, then, all but two of a staff of 24 resigned, left or refused reappointment?

asked the Minister of Information what is the number of persons at present employed in the various categories of the War-time Social Survey; on whose advice were they selected; what are their respective qualifications; and on what work are they now engaged?

The personnel of the War-time Social Survey numbers 29, including clerical staff. They work under the general supervision of the Head of the Home Intelligence Branch of the Ministry of Information. As the qualifications of the individual officers are necessarily detailed I will, with my hon. Friends' permission, circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The support given to the Survey by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research was withdrawn because the then director of the Home Intelligence Division proposed to extend the Survey beyond what the National Institute regarded as its scope. The resignation of the then Director of the Home Intelligence Division was a consequence of the amalgamation of this division with another to form a single home division under a new director. Certain members of the staff of the Survey resigned because they were dissatisfied with the directions given by the Ministry concerning their work. The Survey is now engaged on various investigations for the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Food and the Board of Trade.

Is the Minister satisfied that this body continues to exist independently of the Ministry of Information, and is satisfactory from that point of view?

Is it not the case that many duties have been stuck on to the Ministry of Information in addition to its real duty of foreign propaganda?

We are, of course, beasts of burden, and we can carry the burden very well.

asked the Minister of Information what matters have been inquired into in the past three months by the Social Survey and regional, or any other section, of his Ministry; what use has been made in these surveys of the local knowledge and experience available at the centre of the war effort through elected Members of Parliament and municipal bodies; and whether he will place copies of the resulting reports in the Library for the information of Members?

During the past three months the War-time Social Survey has carried out inquiries for the Board of Trade about the rationing of clothes, the difficulties of clothes retailers, and the shortage of tobacco; for the Ministry of Food about the B.B.C.'s Kitchen Front broadcasts; and also about the public reaction to films produced by the Ministry of Information. Since the material collected by the Survey is entirely statistical they have not found occasion to consult Members of Parliament or any municipal bodies, but town clerks, medical officers of health, and other municipal officials have provided statistical assistance. In reply to the last part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given him on 18th June last.

Does my right hon. Friend consider it is really necessary to maintain this elaborate official organisation for this purpose? Could not the information be far better gathered through the responsible elected representatives of the people in this House and in municipal bodies?

If the responsible elected representatives in this House were willing to travel round the country every day for at least eight hours a day, and if they had the qualifications as statisticians for this sort of work, we should be glad to economise by making use of them, but a large number of Members of Parliament are not in this country and cannot go to their constituencies owing to their being on active service.

Does not the Minister consider that, even as it is, the House of Commons is far more representative of the people than are these local regional committees?

I was speaking in terms of statisticians and not of representatives.

Will not the Minister give an opportunity to Members of Parliament who are frequently in their constituencies to send in reports on the same lines as those provided by these people?

I could not welcome anything more, because it would be a very good check on the work of our officers.

Does not the Minister think that the opinions of elected Members of Parliament and municipal bodies might not be always impartial, especially when it was a question of points critical of themselves; and therefore, is not this body much more suitable?

The hon. Member is treading upon delicate ground.

asked the Minister of Information what steps are being taken to keep the Chinese people fully informed of the state of the war in Europe and what Great Britain is doing, in view of the Japanese Pro-Axis propaganda and the suppression by Japan of the British Central China Post and Reuter's News Agency at Hankow; and what arrangements have been made to supply the Chinese Government with British news for broadcasting in China by its daily radio service?

The Ministry of Information maintains four Press Attachés in China, and there are also news Bureaux attached to the various Consulates. Full use is made of all appropriate channels of publicity, particularly broadcasting. Reuter's news service is delivered to the Chinese Government News Agency in Chungking and goes to all Government Departments. I am satisfied that, thanks to the efforts of the officers concerned, these arrangements are yielding good results in spite of the many difficulties encountered.

Will my right hon. Friend consider whether it is possible to give a little more information through the Chinese Government's radio system, in view of the shutting down of Reuter's and other services?

Certainly, I will look into that matter.

asked the Minister of Information whether he has satisfied himself as to the value, both for military and civilian training in total war, of the "Soviet War News"; and whether he is taking any steps to get this publication into the hands of the Army and civilian services in the Near East and in this country?

Arrangements for the distribution of this journal are, I understand, made by the Soviet Embassy and I feel that it is no part of my duty to intervene.

asked the Minister of Information whether he has considered the photograph published in a national daily, a copy of which has been sent to him, of four Italian prisoners of war, arm-in-arm with three English girls, headed with the caption, "Girls English—Men Italian war prisoners"; and whether he will take steps to prevent further publications which have an evil effect upon our men serving abroad and give the enemy an opportunity of using it for propaganda?

The Ministry of Information have not, of course, assisted the distribution of this photograph in any way. But I am afraid that to accept the hon. Member's suggestion would be to abandon the present basis of censorship which allows freedom of publication except on grounds of security.

Are we to understand that the Minister had no control over the publication of these photographs, and that they were published without his knowledge?

Certainly, they were published without my knowledge. The newspapers do not bring to me every day all the photographs taken in this country.

Ought not the Government to take steps to stop this sort of thing?

No, Sir, the Government ought not to take steps to stop it. The freedom of the Press is as important as the freedom of Parliament, and I think it would be a great mistake for the Government to take steps to interfere with it.

Have any steps been taken with regard to the distribution of this photograph in Italy?

No, Sir.

Is the Minister aware that it was published in the United States, where it led to a good deal of misunderstanding?

I dare say, but the publication of this photograph is a matter of taste, and I am not the corrector of taste in this country.

asked the Minister of Information whether, in the public interest and for the security of the United Kingdom, he will now establish a censorship of all correspondence passing both ways between Northern Ireland and neutral Eire in order to avoid asking for and receiving information which could be used by enemy agents to our disadvantage in the war?

As my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has already indicated, close attention has been given to the ways and means of preventing leakage of information from Northern Ireland. But I am informed that the adoption of this proposal would not be effective for the purpose in view.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that three months ago his predecessor in office informed the House that he was in touch with the Home Secretary with a view to preventing anything like this from occurring, and that nothing has been done in three months?

I will consult again with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and bring my hon. Friend's representation to his attention.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he is aware that the allowance granted to workers at Royal Ordnance Factories of all over 3s. a week travelling expenses, does not apply to those employed on constructional work under private contract, even if it is within the same enclosure; and will he examine this position so that all can be placed on the same footing?

The provision of free or assisted travel facilities is dependent upon the agreements in the various trades, and under the rules of the Uniformity Agreement, constructional workers in the building and civil engineering industries employed in connection with Royal Ordnance Factories and other Government building jobs are provided with free travel, when they travel four miles or over each way to their work. If the hon. Member will give me details of any particular cases he has in mind where the workers are at any disadvantage in this respect, I shall be happy to look into them.

I will send the information.

In all cases of building construction under Government control, are the rules and regulations carried out in accordance with agreements between the building trade representatives and the employers' representatives?

That is so. I should like to associate myself with the general cheers of congratulation to my hon. Friend on his birthday.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he will make a statement regarding the resignation of Mr. Mitchell, of Wimpeys, Limited, from the post of Controller of Building Trades Material; and whether the office is now extinct?

Yes, Sir. Before the introduction of the system of payment by results at the beginning of July, it was decided to take special precautions to prevent risk of shortage of materials on sites. This was a matter of organisation and transport and Mr. Mitchell was invited to take on the job for the specific purpose, and for a period of three months, subject to review at the end of that period. At the end of the period, Mr. Mitchell was, I am glad to say, able to report that in his opinion no serious risk any longer existed of shortage of principal materials. In these circumstances he felt that he had completed his task. The Minister is much indebted to Mr. Mitchell for giving his time to this important work.

Am I to take it that Mr. Mitchell has left with the Ministry a complete scheme for the elimination of any system whereby there will be created a shortage of building materials? Have the Ministry got that scheme?

I think it would be assuming too much if I agreed with what the hon. Member has said. A scheme was in existence before Mr. Mitchell came to the Ministry. He was put in charge of it to see that it was perfected. He worked at it for three months, and was able to report that, in his opinion, no shortage was immediately likely to arise.

May I take it that there is a scheme in the Ministry definitely for the purpose of avoiding any wastage or any lack of building trade materials being brought about?

Yes, Sir.

Is the Minister aware of the widespread dissatisfaction that exists that the representative of a firm holding contracts to the value of £40,000,000 should have had such a position?

That does not arise out of the Question, but it is fallacious to make such a statement about a firm having £40,000,000 of work.

Can the Ministry deny it?

Certainly.

Does the Minister bring in the subsidiary companies of Wimpeys?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings how many Government and private factories are still in the process of erection; and what is the number of people that will be required to, man them when they are completed?

I regret that it would not be in the public interest to give this information; but I am glad to be able to assure my hon. Friend that careful consideration is being given to every proposal for a new factory, and the question of the labour to man it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether, since post-war planning will be on a scale never before seen in this or any other country, he will take steps to establish a Welsh Advisory Council to assist him in his task, similar to the Advisory Council which has already been set up in Scotland to deal with the Scottish aspect of the case?

In framing the planning machinery for physical reconstruction, my Noble Friend is giving careful consideration to the arrangements necessary to ensure that planning reflects the requirements of particular areas. The Scottish Council, to which my hon. Friend refers, deals mainly with problems of economic and social reconstruction not included in my Noble Friend's field of responsibility.

In view of the fact that the Minister has stated this work would be on a scale never before seen in this or any other country, is my hon. Friend of the opinion that it can be satisfactorily carried out in the absence of a Welsh Advisory Council, so far as the affairs of the Principality are concerned?

Our scheme, which has not. yet been launched, will include the appointment of regional representatives, and the representative of Wales, when appointed, will gather around him such consultative machinery as he may think desirable.

Can my hon. Friend indicate when the Welsh representative will be appointed?

No, Sir.

Is it being suggested that the Noble Lord's Council will super- sede the Department of Health in Scotland, so far as Scottish reconstruction is concerned?

The Council of the Secretary of State for Scotland will survey all problems of post-war reconstruction. My hon. Friend will see the statement he made on nth September in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

On what authority does my hon. Friend say that the Scottish Council will mainly take charge of social and economic reconstruction?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether it is the intention of his Department to requisition five houses in Colwyn Bay; whether better alternative premises are available; and whether any arrangements have been made to secure accommodation for the householders who will be displaced and the evacuees who are billeted on them?

The problem of finding accommodation is one of great and increasing difficulty. I am advised that no better alternative premises are available, but I am anxious to avoid inflicting hardship if at all possible, and I am, therefore, endeavouring to find a solution which will not involve the requisitioning of these houses. I cannot, however, promise that this attempt will prove successful.

Will my hon. Friend be able to give me a more definite reply later, in view of the anxiety among the people concerned?

I would point out that I am being pressed by the Departments for accommodation.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Ministry have taken over every hotel, every boarding-house and every public school, and will he see that people are not displaced from their houses without consideration?

In how many parts of the country are the personnel of the Ministry of Works distributed?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put that Question down.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether he will make a statement on the recent attack on Gibraltar Harbour by Italian naval forces;

(2) the cause of the delay in issuing the British communiqué regarding the attack by Italian grasshopper boats on Gibraltar as a result of which the Italian version of this incident was circulated on 22nd September and the British version on the following day?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave on 2nd October to the hon. Member for Stourbridge (Mr. R. Morgan). It was considered desirable in this case to limit publicity to comment on any claims which might be made by the enemy.

Is it not a fact that on previous occasions when the enemy have got in first with their communiqués, the excuse advanced by the Admiralty has always been that our ships were at sea and had to maintain wireless silence? Is it not a fact that in this case the Italians were at sea and that Gibraltar is still on the land?

I do not dispute what my hon. and gallant Friend says, but in this case the method adopted was based on the desirability and necessity of denying information to the enemy.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many of the ex-American destroyers are being manned by the Royal Canadian Navy; whether these have been transferred to His Majesty's Government in Canada; and, if so, on what terms?

Seven ex-United States destroyers have been transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy, namely, "Annapolis," "Columbia," "Niagara," "Hamilton," "St. Clair," "St. Croix" and "St. Francis." The transfer of these vessels is not regarded as a commercial transaction, but as the arrangement for the disposal of the vessels best fitted to help the common cause. The vessels are regarded as having become the property of His Majesty's Government in Canada from the time they were taken over from the United States.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any change or adjustment in the salaries of the governors of the West Indian islands is being proposed, especially in view of the statement made by an ex-governor, as a member of the Moyne Commission in 1939, that the request of medical men for remuneration at £500 per annum was excessive; and whether it is proposed to reduce governors' remuneration to that standard?

No, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, as in 1939, only one district nurse is still employed by the Government for home visiting in the whole island of Barbados, population 160,000; how many other visiting nurses for the sick poor are now employed; and what ameliorative changes in this regard have taken place since the visit of the Moyne Commission in 1939?

My Noble Friend is making inquiries of the Governor of Barbados in the matter, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend when a reply is received.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there is any record of any employer or planter being prosecuted and sentenced in Barbados, British West Indies, for recommending, asking, or urging his confreres in public or in private to join an employers' or planters' association; and why there is differentiation when a worker asks his colleagues to join a trade union and so incurs a penalty of imprisonment for 10 years?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. With regard to the second part of the Question, my Noble Friend cannot accept the suggestion that any persons have been imprisoned for engaging in political or trade union activities in Barbados.

Is it not the case that Grant was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment for asking his confrere workers to join a trade union?

No, Sir. Grant was sentenced for seditious practices.

Was it not definitely stated in the charge sheet that he asked his fellow workers to join a trade union?

Will my hon. Friend say what were the seditious practices for which this person was sentenced?

For rioting.

Was it rioting in connection with trade union organisation, because that has sometimes occurred in this country, although it has not been regarded as sedition?

It has occurred in this country, and, unfortunately, people have been imprisoned for it.

Is it not a fact that on the case sheet this man was charged with encouraging workers to join a trade union?

According to my information he was sentenced for sedition.

Will my hon. Friend make further inquiries into this case in view of the statement made by a member of his own party?

This case is constantly receiving the attention of the Colonial Office.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies what schemes have been submitted to, and recommended by, Sir Frank Stockdale, as Comptroller in the West Indies; and whether any report will be made available to Parliament?

As this Question presents a convenient opportunity for describing for the information of hon. Members the procedure followed by the organisation of the Comptroller for Development and Welfare in the West Indies, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in Jamaica for the preparation of dried bananas and their marketing and consumption in large quantities in this country; what difficulties stand in the way; and whether energetic steps will be taken to develop this product for consumption in this country?

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Food has decided that the nutritive value of dried bananas is not sufficient to justify the allocation of shipping space for their import to this country, so that there is no object in the organisation of their production in Jamaica. I am glad, however, to be able to assure my hon. Friend that the whole of the Jamaica banana crop for which export markets cannot be found is being utilised locally in one form or another.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Governor of Jamaica has recently authorised the wharf owners in Kingston to increase their wharfage charges by 50 per cent.; that these increased wharfage charges make a substantial addition to the cost of imported goods; that the cost of living in Jamaica is now 37 per cent. above the pre-war level; and will he have inquiries made as to the equity and wisdom of the increased wharfage charges?

No, Sir, but inquiries are being made of the Governor of Jamaica, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend when a reply is received.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies what is the extent of the concessions made to the Demerara Bauxite Company in British Guiana; whether any other companies have applied for and been given concessions; on what terms are these concessions made; and whether any stipulation is made as to the period in which the rights so granted are to be exercised?

The Acting Governor of British Guiana is being consulted on this subject, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend when his reply is received.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement regarding the composition of the Executive Council in the proposed British Guiana Constitution; and whether he will reconsider the official proposal that membership of the Executive Council should not necessarily be limited to members of the legislature, in view of the constitutional difficulties likely to arise from insufficient contact between the executive and legislative bodies and in order to inaugurate the beginnings of responsible government?

The Executive Council will consist of the Governor and a certain number of official and unofficial members. As regards the second part of the Question, the proposal follows the more usual practice whereby selection of members of the Executive Council is not necessarily limited to members of the Legislature. It is considered that this proposal is desirable in order to avoid serious inconvenience. It is contemplated that there will still be unofficial members of the Legislative Council appointed to the Executive Council. The proposed changes are now before the Legislative Council of the Colony.

Does not my hon. Friend fully recognise the danger of separating the executive from the legislative members?

It is deemed necessary to have certain unofficial members, particularly as the official membership on the Council is reduced to three.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any licences for the export of rubber, tin and iron-ore from British Malaya to Japan have been issued since Japanese assets were frozen on 26th July, 1941; and, if so, the quantities involved in each commodity?

No rubber or tin has been exported from Malaya to Japan since the measures referred to by my hon. Friend came into force. Exports of iron ore fell to 38,000 tons in August, and during the first half of September, which is the period for which the latest information is available, there were no exports at all of iron ore.

Are the same economic measures as are taken by this country also being taken in respect of the Colonial Empire?

I think my reply indicated that that is so.

Are all the measures taken being taken by the United Kingdom Government?

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered copies of resolutions respecting Colonial policy adopted by a recent conference of West African students; and whether the proposals contained therein will receive sympathetic consideration in relationship to future Colonial development?

Copies of the resolutions referred to have been received in the Colonial Office. The subjects dealt with, many of which present problems of considerable difficulty and complexity; are receiving careful consideration.

Is the hon. Gentleman likely to forward to this group of students any considered reply or observations?

These resolutions take up no fewer than 12 foolscap pages and cover very many intricate and difficult questions. I have no doubt that a reply will be sent.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of difficulties and misapprehension likely to arise from the fact that the last economic survey of the Colonial Empire refers only to the years 1936–37 and preceding years, he appreciates the pressing need of at least an abbreviated report of essential social and economic statistics for recent years; and whether the publication of such a report is likely to be issued before the end of the war?

The decision to suspend the publication of the Economic Survey of the Colonial Empire was taken as part of the general policy of reducing the number of Government publications in order to economise paper. A further consideration was that the staff normally available for the work of compilation and editing were engaged upon work vitally necessary for the conduct of the war. My Noble Friend cannot undertake to resume publication of the Survey until after the end of the war, but the more important statistics of trade, etc., are still published in separate reports, where it is possible to do so without disclosing information useful to the enemy.

May we take it that the Secretary of State will have published such figures as he has in his possession, and will he realise that it is very difficult to consider the general development of the Colonies unless some rudimentary statistics are in our possession?

I will consult with my hon. Friend as to the statistics that are being published.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether in view of a recent decision of the judicature, he proposes to amend the Highway Code rule about a driver driving within the limits of his vision?

No, Sir. Certainly not. The advice to drivers in paragraphs 10 and 11 of the Highway Code hold good under black-out conditions.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the decision mentioned laid down the duty of anyone walking in the road in the black-out to look behind as well as in front? Is not that asking too much?

It would not be right for me to comment on a case in the High Court, but there was some question of contributory negligence on the part of the cyclist, who had not a light on his bicycle.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of a recent decision of the judicature based on the assumption that the present regulation side-lights are merely to indicate the position of a vehicle to other persons at night, he will make compulsory the use at night of a masked head-lamp, except when during an alert an order is given by a competent authority for the head-lamp to be extinguished?

From the point of view of road safety it is most desirable that drivers of motor vehicles should use their head-lamps during black-out hours, except when the police give instructions to the contrary. At present we do not propose to make their use compulsory as there may well be occasions during the actual progress of an air raid when both drivers and public would be strongly opposed to headlights being on.

In view of the first part of the answer, will my right hon. and gallant Friend ask his Advisory Committee on Road Safety to consider the point and see whether there is not a case for making masked headlamps compulsory?

I do not think I will ask them to consider it again. They did consider it, and we took their advice.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport when the full text of the complete revised financial arrangements with the railway companies will be published?

I am afraid that I am not yet in a position to give the precise dale when the full text of the agreement will be published, but I am having the matter pressed on as much as possible.

As the railway companies' position will be so much affected by the contents of the Public Utilities (War Passage) Scheme, will my right hon. and gallant Friend say whether they are committed to the present financial arrangements, independently of what the contents of that scheme may be?

What happened was that the railway companies agreed to come under the same provisions with regard to war damage as public utility undertakings.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in order to give effect to the nation's determination to bring the war to an early and victorious conclusion, he will introduce a measure of compulsion for all services connected with Civil Defence, including the Home Guard?

So far as the Civil Defence Services are concerned, men may be posted under the National Service Act for whole-time duty with the Civil Defence Services, including the National Fire Service. Under the Fire Prevention (Business Premises) Order or the Civil Defence Duties (Compulsory Enrolment) Order men between the ages of 16 and 60 are required, in places where it is considered by the Regional Commissioner to be necessary, to undertake part-time duties as Fire Guards. The question of applying the Civil Defence Duties (Compulsory Enrolment) Order to the other Civil Defence Services is under consideration. So far as the Home Guard is concerned, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War in answer to a similar Question on 21st January last.

In considering this matter will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that if compulsion is applied, as it is, to the fire-fighting services, it is surely logical that it should be applied to all the Defence Services as well?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will instruct the committee which is considering the case of the dependants of serving men to consider also an increase in the supplementary allowances granted to old age pensioners, rendered necessary by the rise in the cost of living?

I do not think that the question of old age pensions properly falls within the scope of the inquiry to which my hon. Friend refers.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that some other body will inquire into the already unhappy position of old age pensioners due to the rise in the cost of living?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is becoming a very urgent matter for the old folk, and will he not promise to do something about it?

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether he is now in a position to issue an interim report on his proposals for post-war reconstruction?

At this time when so much is uncertain, it would be premature for me to attempt to deal comprehensively with the problems of reconstruction. I should be ready, however, when an opportunity presents itself, to explain in outline the methods and machinery of study which we are using.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he will make a statement which will give hon. Members a picture of the chain of authority and division of duties of all officials and officers of the rank of director or brigadier, upwards, who are responsible under the Minister for the production of tanks?

The responsibility under the Minister for the production of tanks rests with the Director-General of Tank Supply, the Deputy Director-General of Tank Supply and three Directors of Tank Supply (A), (B) and (C). The division of duties between the three Directors is: (A) supply and delivery of raw materials; statistics and co-ordination; liaison with the Raw Materials Controls; (B) erection of tanks, and ordering and servicing tank supplies from overseas; and (C) ordering of components and spares; tank repairs; control of Tank Production Area Organisation; plant extension schemes.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply what progress has been made in the obtaining of scrap-metal since the order for such acquisition was issued; and how many times it has been applied?

As regards the progress made in obtaining scrap metal, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answers given on nth September to the hon. Member for Stoke (Mr. Ellis Smith) and on 1st October to the hon. Member for Stourbridge (Mr. R. Morgan). No Order has been made specifically dealing with the acquisition of scrap metal, but the Minister of Supply has exercised his powers of requisition under Regulation 53 of the Defence (General) Regulations, 1939, in connection with iron and steel scrap in fifteen cases.

Is there not too much delicacy and delay about this question? May I inquire why all types of railings are lying idle when they are urgently needed for war material? Why does not the Minister take them wherever they are whenever he wants them?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that local authorities do not quite understand why you are asking for all these railings while there are thousands of tons of scrap iron lying about?

The system with regard to railings is first to make the survey. This is to be done in six weeks, and secondly to acquire the railings, stage by stage, as they are needed. In regard to the removal of bombed scrap, that is a separate problem. Very great steps forward have been taken in the removal of bombed scrap but it involves very difficult labour and transport questions. The advance in the last few weeks and months has been very substantial.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply what returns have been sought, and for what purpose and within what time, from local authorities with regard to railings of metal in their respective areas; and why compulsory acquisition is being withheld in respect of this metal wanted for war purposes?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Stourbridge (Mr. R. Morgan) on 1st October.

Has my hon. Friend's attention been called to the recently erected railings round the Milk Marketing. Board offices at Thames Ditton and the waste of money and metal involved thereby, and will he take steps to end this gross public scandal?

I will look into that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether, when local authorities requisition railings for scrap purposes, they consult, or must first consult, the owners as to their suitability for removal; and whether in all cases such owners are entitled, when compulsory powers are exercised, to appropriate compensation should it be necessary after the war to replace such railings?

My Noble Friend has directed local authorities in England and Wales to survey the iron and steel railings in their areas and to schedule for removal all railings except those of artistic merit or historic interest or such as are required for safety purposes or to prevent livestock straying, or may otherwise serve a useful function and would require to be replaced by other materials. The local authority decides whether particular railings are necessary, but appeal against the scheduling of particular railings may be made where they are claimed to be of special artistic merit or historic interest. Any such appeals will be dealt with through machinery which my Noble Friend the Minister of Works and Buildings is setting up. The actual requisition and removal of unnecessary railings will be undertaken by the Ministry of Works and Buildings as agents for the Ministry of Supply.

My Noble Friend the Minister of Supply feels confident that owners in general will wish to make a free gift of any requisitioned railings as a contribution to the war effort. Where claims are made under the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939, local authorities are being authorised to settle them on behalf of the Ministry of Supply, where possible, at the flat rate of 25s. per ton. In general, it is the owner and not the occupier who is entitled to the compensation. The occupier is relieved by paragraph 3A of Regulation 50 of the Defence (General) Regulations, 1939, from any obligation under any lease or other instrument to replace any railings that have been requisitioned. The scheme will shortly be extended to Scotland.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he will make immediate investigations in regard to Mr. J. Clark, a chemist at a Royal Ordnance Factory, who alleges he was dismissed because he exposed inefficiency in the administration of the factory?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is aware that Mr. Clark, of Bryn Mally Hall, Wrexham, has been dismissed for urging, in a well-known periodical, greater efficiency in a Royal Ordnance Factory in which he was employed; and what steps he intends to take to avoid victimisation of this kind?

This chemist was serving on probation, and his services were terminated before the period of probation expired, in view of reports by his superior officers indicating that he was not likely to prove suitable" for retention in the particular factory at which he was working. These reports were made before the article referred to was published. I am informed that the National Service Officer, acting under the Essential Work (General Provisions) Order, accorded his permission, and that Mr. Clark intends to appeal to the local appeal board.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the allegations of inefficiency in this factory were supported in a written statement by 10 out of the 14 chemists working there, and that one of the charges against these chemists by the superintendent was that they were displaying misplaced sympathy with working people? In view of the important principles raised in this case, will my hon. Friend's Department make a special inquiry into the facts?

I am dealing not with 10 chemists but with one, and the allegations made on the Paper and made generally is that he was dismissed because of an article he wrote in a newspaper. I pointed out, however, that his services were terminated before and not after the article.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is not the only case?

Is the Minister certain that the dismissal was before publication? Has he personally seen the records on that point? My information is that by a strange coincidence this chemist's inefficiency was discovered only after he had criticised the inefficiency of his superior officers.

Are there not other cases of people who have been dismissed, and will the Minister have an inquiry made?

This Question is about one definite case, and we cannot go into others.

May I have a reply to my Question?

I have answered it. The facts as they were stated to me are as I have said in my reply. If my hon. Friend says that he has different information, I will, of course, make further inquiry to assure myself that the facts given to me are correct.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply approximately how many motor-vehicles, including motor-cycles, have been returned from Service use to industry and the public, respectively, this year to date; upon what basis such sales have taken place and by what qualified assessors and upon what terms have the same been arranged and whether by advertisement or tender or private transaction; what conditions have been imposed thereon for their ultimate use; and what steps have been taken to secure the removal in every case, of camouflage and divisional and all other Service distinguishing marks prior to the non-official utilisation of such vehicles?

Between 1st January and 1st October, 1941, approximately 14,300 War Office vehicles were returned from Service use. Of these, 3,500 were repaired by the Ministry of Supply and allocated to the Ministry of War Transport for use by other Government Departments. A further 10,000 were sold by tender, and no conditions were imposed as to ultimate use. The remaining 800 have been disposed of under an agreement made in August last between the Ministry of Supply and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Limited, whereby disposable vehicles are sold to their original manufacturers for resale to the public under controlled conditions. It is intended that this system should replace sale by tender. The prices paid both by the Society and by the public are determined by an agreed formula, and the employment of assessors is not, therefore, necessary. Instructions have been issued for the obliteration of divisional and all other Service distinguishing marks before the vehicles are handed over to the Ministry of Supply, who have also taken steps to ensure that this obliteration is complete.

Will my hon. Friend give the formula by which prices are fixed and some idea of the firms which have had this large number of vehicles from the Government, and their location, and state whether they are in or outside the council of that society? Will he also give the prices paid?

By the earlier system they were sold by tender. That has been replaced by a system whereby the prices, both for the manufacturer and the public, are controlled. The prices are fixed by a complicated formula which I will send to my hon. and gallant Friend if he desires. It relates to the condition of the car, its date, horse-power and so on, and it is meant to cover every possible variety of case.

Will my hon. Friend publish it in the OFFICIAL REPORT, with specimen prices that have been received?

Does the hon. Gentleman intend to do away with the salvage depot in Berkshire?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is aware that discontent exists at some of the Royal Ordnance factories because of proper facilities not being afforded to workers to have grievances dealt with, and that it would be helpful if he would make known what machinery can be used to take such complaints to the proper quarter?

No, Sir. The rule book of the Royal Ordnance factories, of which a copy is issued to each entrant, makes clear the right of every worker to represent any grievance to his superior officers. In addition, works committees composed of representatives of the managements and trade unions, upon which complaints may be ventilated, exist or are in process of formation at many of the Royal Ordnance factories, and I am only too anxious to facilitate the setting up of similar committees where they do not already exist. A Ministry of Supply Joint Industrial Council, on which the principal trade unions are represented, has been set up under my chairmanship to deal with general questions affecting the workpeople at the Royal Ordnance factories and other Ministry of Supply industrial establishments.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary deal with this matter as one of urgency, because, experience has shown that where works councils have been set up all interests are able to pool their experience and ideas and make suggestions with a view to getting maximum production?

I will certainly do so. My hon. Friend's purpose and mine are exactly similar.