asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consider the advisability of ascertaining the views of the Chinese Government on the Atlantic Charter?

All reports indicate that the Anglo-American declaration was welcomed by the Chinese Government. His Majesty's Ambassador at Chungking telegraphed that it had been warmly received there and that the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs had issued a statement expressing his gratification. In the circumstances I do not think it necessary to pursue by hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has recently been in communication with the Government of the United States of America with a view to endeavouring to reach a peaceful settlement of the Sino-Japanese war?

No, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to say that, if he has any information on such a subject in future, he will be ready at the right time to bring it to the notice of the House?

Is it not the case that the war could be brought to an end directly the Japanese evacuated Chinese territory?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the foundation of the Chinese Republic, he will send to Marshal Chiang Kai-shek a message of congratulation from His Majesty's Government?

Yes, Sir. A message of warm congratulation and good wishes for the future of China has been sent to the Chinese Government by His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs whether he will consider the advisability of insisting on the closing of those legations in Teheran of Powers known to be under Axis influence; and in this connection what restrictions have been imposed?

My hon. Friend may be assured that this matter has been fully considered and the necessary action taken. The Hungarian, Bulgarian and Rumanian Legations have all been closed, and their staffs left Persia when the German and Italian Legations were expelled. In the case of certain other Legations, cypher and bag facilities have been withdrawn.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to the negotiations for the removal of all Italian civilians from Abyssinia?

The position remains as described in the reply that I gave to my right hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Wedgwood) on both September.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman say whether any progress has been made? He indicated on the previous occasion that, if the Italian Government did not send ships, other steps would have to be taken.

The position is that we made this very generous offer, but alternative steps are being considered. The hon. Member will realise that it is not an easy matter to handle.

Is it not obvious that if the Italians do not send ships to take their nationals away, they may prefer them to remain there until the end of the war?

There is certainly no question of their being in a position to fulfil the kind of result to which the right hon. Gentleman refers.

In view of the great desirability that this evacuation should be rapid and complete in order to promote economic readjustment, will the right hon. Gentleman do everything he can to expedite it?

I entirely share the hon. Gentleman's desire, of course. The difficulty is one of means and resources.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will publish as a White Paper the full text of the declaration made recently by Lord Halifax concerning military action by this country on the Continent of Europe?

The occasion to which I think my right hon. Friend refers was an informal one, and I doubt whether any full text exists. The circumstances do not seem to warrant the step suggested.

Is it not desirable that this unfortunate indiscretion should be forgotten as soon as possible?

It seems to me that an exaggerated significance has been attached to it.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the reasons governing the regulation that Royal Air Force officers must not smoke pipes in public?

The practice referred to, while generally discouraged, is not the subject of any regulation in the Royal Air Force.

Why should it be discouraged? Is it not a direct reflection on the officers of one Service against those of another?

There is no question of disciplinary action or of regulation. It is a matter of taste and opinion.

Surely it is going to the limit of absurdity that in these little matters there should be this dictatorial and didactic attitude on the part of senior officers?

There is no dictatorial attitude. I have made it clear that there is no question of discipline or regulation. It is a matter left purely to the taste of the officers.

Would the Air Ministry be just as pleased to see a man smoke a pipe in public as a cigarette?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will reconsider the question of issuing uniforms to the Royal Observer Corps, particularly in view of the approach of winter and the desirability of the Government accepting responsibility for providing members of this corps with warm uniforms to mitigate the effect of exposure?

This matter is being reconsidered. I should add that I cannot accept the suggestion that the clothing already in issue to members of the Royal Observer Corps does not provide adequate protection against the weather.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman appreciate that complaints would not have been made by members of the Observer Corps if they were satisfied? Does not the first statement of the right hon. and gallant Gentleman mean that in due course these observers could have issued to them the clothing that they desire?

The special clothing provided consists of waterproof and fleece-lined storm coats, oilskins, sou'-westers and gum boots These are all available for personnel on duty. There are other grounds for a reconsideration of the problem which I will not go into in answer to a Question.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider the publication of a pamphlet similar to the "Battle of Britain" and "Bomber Command," concerning the operations of the Royal Air Force Coastal Command, having regard to the fact that the latter command were engaged in active operations against the enemy from the first day of the war?

A pamphlet dealing with the work of Coastal Command is in course of preparation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether special shipping facilities will be granted to British women wishing to return to this country from the United States of America and Canada?

In view of the heavy demand for shipping for military and other Government requirements, I regret that special provision for British women wishing to travel from Canada and the United States to this country cannot be arranged for the time being.

In view of the fact that British women are not allowed to take up any employment in America or to receive any money from this side, would it not be possible for those who wish to return to be granted A priority?

I am afraid not. We have such pressure on our cabin accommodation to bring back Government officials and other persons that I am afraid we cannot give that priority. I wish we could.

Will an exception be made in the case of highly qualified women whose services would be particularly useful or where there are special grounds of hardship in remaining across the water?

We do everything we can to bring them back. There is a system of working out priorities with our agents on the other side, both in Canada and in the United States. Such passages as are available are allocated according to a system of priority.

Would it be possible to bring these women back and put them on war work?

No, it is a question of priority. I am dealing with the question of cabin space in ships coming across the Atlantic.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether it is his intention to extend the one-class railway travelling outside the London area; and, if so, will he say when and to what extent?

No, Sir.

Since this has been so successful in London, cannot it be extended to other parts of the country?

London is a different problem. In London we do it with trains that start or finish their journey within a special area. In the provinces there arc very few such trains. Most of the trains run right through, and what we call in London suburban traffic is dealt with in most provincial towns by trams or buses.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman send some of his people from his office to travel on these trains and get opinions as to what people think should be done, and I will depend on that?

I do not think so. The people in our office have a great deal to do at the present moment. We are very well advised by our Regional Transport Commissioners and others in the provincial districts.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that when sailors are off sick they receive only National Health Insurance benefit, while officers, mates and engineers, when sick, are made up to full wages out of pool; and will he have inquiries made into the reason why such difference exists?

Under the agreements recently negotiated by the National Maritime Board, officers who are sick receive 85 per cent. of basic pay for a period of two months in any 12 months. I am informed that this arrangement was made because, unlike the ratings, many officers are not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme.

asked the Minister of Information at what date the practice commenced of reading extracts from articles in the Sunday newspapers as part of the British Broadcasting Corporation news bulletins; and whether he will take steps to prevent strongly political propagandist views from being given further publicity over the wireless in the news?

The B.B.C.'s practice of quoting from the British Press, either by individual extract or by Press summaries, is of long standing. The choice of such references is determined by their value as news, and my right hon. Friend is not prepared to impose any further general rule regarding this practice.

Has my hon. Friend made inquiries with regard to the publicity given by the B.B.C. to an article in "Reynolds," which was strong Communist propaganda in a paper with the smallest circulation?

I presume the article in question was included on account of its news value. My right hon. Friend has complete confidence in the objectivity of the B.B.C. officials who are doing this work.

Can my hon. Friend make representations to the B.B.C. that when the news is being read the public in general want the truth and nothing but the truth and not the comments of the people who read the news or extracts from newspaper articles?

Is the decision as to which newspaper extracts should be read taken by the B.B.C. or by the Minister of Information?

It is taken by the officials of the B.B.C. and not by the Minister of Information.

Will the hon. Gentleman encourage the B.B.C. to advocate the lifting of the ban on the "Daily Worker" and publish extracts from that very valuable paper?

asked the Postmaster-General the cost of a telegram to a soldier in the Middle East from his wife or relatives?

Any member of the public may send a telegram to a soldier serving with the Middle East Force for a flat charge of 2s. 6d. The texts of telegrams sent by this service, which is conducted by Cable and Wirelelss, Limited, must be chosen from a list of standard phrases and one, two or a maximum of three phrases may be used in any one message. The registered next-of-kin may send a restricted number of telegrams on matters of urgent domestic importance at the inland telegraph rate of 1d. a word. Forms for this purpose may be obtained by the next-of-kin from the Army authorities. The normal public telegraph service may also be used. The rates are: ordinary telegrams, 11d. a word; deferred telegrams, 5½d. a word; night letter telegrams, 7s. 3½d. for 25 words or less.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Question was put down because a soldier's wife was asked 9s. 6d. for a telegram that could have gone under the special rate, and will he take steps to see that in all post offices the attention of soldiers' wives is drawn to this privileged form of telegram?

Instructions have been issued that this privileged form of telegram shall be made well known to the public, and, indeed, great use is made of it by the public. If my hon. Friend can give me particulars of the case he has in mind, I shall be glad to look into it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at Liverpool telegrams have been handed in and the officials have said that they do not know whether the stations to which they were addressed were on the list; and that the telegrams have been returned after four weeks, the senders being told that the stations are not on the list? Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that the officials have information as to where telegrams can be sent?

I am aware that some telegrams have gone astray because they were insufficiently addressed. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of what he has in mind, I will look into them.

The question I asked was whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware that at the head office in Liverpool they accepted telegrams when they did not know whether the addresses were on the list, and that at the end of four weeks the telegrams were returned and the senders informed that the addresses were not on the list? Will he see that at the head office in every town they have knowledge as to where telegrams can be sent?

If my hon. Friend will give me particulars, I will take such steps as are necessary.

Does this concession apply to all His Majesty's Forces?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that there is considerable feeling in the Post Office service that sales representatives, although called up or transferred for the duration to other work, are refused establishment when it would normally be granted; and whether this unfair differentiation will be terminated?

The establishment of a number of unestablished sales representatives has been deferred owing to a redundancy on the grace of sales representative, which results from the suspension of active canvassing for the telephone service. It is true that use is being made of their services—generally speaking on duties other than those normally proper to their grade—but I regret that the redundancy within their normal sphere is an insuperable bar to their establishment.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to see representatives from the union which represent these men and discuss the matter?

I am always willing to receive representations on behalf of the staff.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings how many regional officers for propaganda purposes his Ministry have decided to appoint; what will be their duties; what salaries it is proposed to pay; and how these officers will be selected?

My Noble Friend is not yet in a position to make an announcement, but he hopes to do so shortly.

In view of the fact that the announcement of the appointment of these officials was made by the Minister in another place, and of the fact that the appointments are regarded by many as being totally unnecessary, will my hon. Friend give the House an opportunity of expressing an opinion before any appointments are made?

I am quite willing to convey my hon. Friend's request to my Noble Friend.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why members of the Women's Royal Naval Service receive a smaller allowance of both bacon and jam than that supplied to members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service and of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force?

There is no desire that the W.R.N.S. should suffer in any way by the allowances of bacon and jam being fixed below those of any other Services, but it would be wasteful to fix the allowances to W.R.N.S.'s messes above those which have proved to be the average consumption. The authorised rates are, of course, always subject to review.

Is my hon. Friend aware of the reply recently given in the House by the Secretary of State for War setting forth the allowances to members of the women's Services, from which it appears that a member of the Women's Royal Naval Service has a daily ration of four-sevenths of an ounce of bacon as against one-and-one-seventh to members of the other two Services, and an ounce of jam as against one-and-a-half-ounces for the other two Services? Is there any reason why women in the Senior Service should have less bacon and jam than those in the other Services?

As I have said, the amount issued equals the average consumption in the W.R.N.S. The House will realise that rations are drawn for messes as units, and it may be that if one member has a sweeter tooth than another, she will consume more jam in that mess than another. We do not want to issue more jam and bacon than are normally consumed, and we have had no complaints.

Will my hon. Friend consider issuing to the W.R.N.S. the increased allowance, and see whether they eat it?

Will my hon. Friend ask the Government what makes them think that women eat less than men? I eat far more than my husband.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies what are the terms of the concessions to the Anglo-American Corporation of South Africa to exploit bauxite in the Mlaye Mountain in Nyasaland; and whether any royalties or percentage of profits will be earmarked for Native welfare purposes?

No concession to exploit bauxite has yet been granted. The Corporation holds an exclusive prospecting licence over certain areas in the Mlanje district, but they are still engaged in exploratory work. In any concession which may be granted to the Corporation it is certainly proposed to secure from the industry an adequate contribution to the revenues of the Protectorate which will be available for social and economic developments, including social services for the benefit of Africans.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies what proposals for the reorganisation of local government in Jamaica are being submitted by the Governor of that Colony for local consideration; and whether the Colony can have the assistance of an experienced administrator in local government from this country?

The Local Boards have been invited to submit schemes, and one constructive scheme, drawn up by the Trelawney Board, is to be considered by a small unofficial committee appointed by the Governor. The committee's report and recommendations, after discussion by all the Local Boards, will be placed before the Legislative Council. The Governor has reported that the assist- ance of an experienced administrator in local government would be welcomed, and this matter is engaging my Noble Friend's attention.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the coaling system in vogue in the Island of St. Lucia, British West Indies, by which local women are employed like slaves to tramp and mount ship's gangways in scanty clothing with heavy basket loads of coal on their heads, urged on by male foremen", for the ships' bunkers; whether a system of mechanical loading has ever been proposed, if not, why not; and whether this undesirable coaling method will now be changed?

My Noble Friend is in communication with the Governor of the Windward Islands regarding the practicability of dispensing with the employment of women in bunkering in St. Lucia. As regards the second part of the Question, the volume of bunkering is not sufficient to justify the provision of mechanical loading. Moreover, the introduction of mechanical loading would probably be opposed strenuously by the workers themselves. It would be a very doubtful benefit to St. Lucia to introduce labour-saving machinery in advance of some measure, which is not at present in sight, for employing the labour so displaced.

In view of the absence of trade union organisation, how do the Government know that the workers themselves will object to the change in the system?

Is it not more than likely that if my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies were to enter the dress-designing business in the West Indies, it would prove to be disastrous and would be hotly resented by the ladies in question?

Would trade unionism be disastrous to the profits of the hon. Member for Bournemouth (Sir L. Lyle)?

Does the hon. Gentleman approve of this system? We abolished this kind of thing in this country 100 years ago, and is it in accord with our democratic principle that it should continue in one of our Colonies?

Personally I do not approve of the system.

But you are a member of the Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the desirability and advisability of preparing, for the benefit of Parliament, a brief account of the finance and financial methods adopted in the formation and readjustment of the St. Kitts sugar factory according to the evidence given before the Moyne Commission in 1938; what dividend has been paid in the last three years on the real, not nominal, capital; whether steps are being taken to prevent action on similar lines in the West Indian colonies; what are the present rate of wages to the factory workers; and when was the last claim made by the workers for a wage increase?

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

Does the answer include the present rate of wages?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many inmates there are at present in the lazaretto on the Island of St. Christopher, British West Indies; whether the institutional dietary there has recently been reviewed and improved; whether treatment is proving effectual; and whether it is proposed to extend the institution?

The information desired is not available in the Colonial Office. My Noble Friend has, however, asked for a report from the Colony on the matter, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend when the Governor's reply is received.

I will put down another Question

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the trades unions of Jamaica have been refused their request for consultation as to labour conditions and wages in connection with work upon the United States of America bases; and, as this attitude is contrary to the undertakings given, will he take steps to have the unions taken into consultation?

This question was brought to my notice when I was in Jamaica. I was informed that the Colonial Government offered in February of this year to set up a consultative committee, on which the Jamaica Trade Unions Council would be represented, to deal with such matters as labour conditions and wages in connection with work on the United Stales bases. No reply had been received from the Council to that offer when I left the Colony.

Is it not a fact that negotiations between the trades unions and the United States authorities are not permitted? Will the hon. Gentleman note that the real trouble is that direct negotiations are banned, and that the trades unions want access to the authorities in order to discuss both wages and working conditions?

That matter was put to me when I met the trades unions in Jamaica, but, as I have said in my reply, the Government did offer the trades unions an advisory committee. I should say that no representative of America was appointed. I am hoping that that advisory committee will be set up, and that will be a step towards recognition.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the basis of my Question is a complaint by the trades unions in Jamaica that they are not permitted to negotiate, although they applied to do so?

I have seen a representative of the trades unions since they wrote the letter to my hon. Friend.

I should explain that my Question refers to Southern Rhodesia.

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the native administrations of the Rhodesias and Nyasaland. Lord Hailey's report has been received and it is being printed with a view to copies being sent to the Governments of Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland. The question of publication of the report will be considered with the three Governments concerned as soon as they have received copies.

Will a copy of the report be placed in the Library of the House?

I will consider that.

In view of the great importance of this report, ought not copies to be made available to the general public; and will the hon. Gentleman say whether the Secretary of State has as yet considered any action on the report, in view of the speech which was recently made By Prime Minister Huggins?

The question whether the report shall be made available will be considered. I cannot reply to the other part of the hon. Member's Question.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether, before taking any steps to unite the Rhodesias and Nyasaland, safeguards will be obtained for granting the franchise to native and coloured peoples on a common roll of electors on an educational basis, as being the only sufficient safeguard for justice?

My right hon. Friend may rest assured that, in any consideration of the possibility of amalgamating the territories to which he refers, the interests of the natives concerned will be fully kept in mind.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that the only real safeguard for our trusteeship for these communities is that they should have the power of self-government and not be subject entirely to class rule?

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies how many schools for girls above and below the age of 10, respectively, exist in Northern Nigeria and the number of girls in attendance; what steps are being taken to develop education in that area; whether there is any resistance to development; and what steps are being taken to secure an expanding supply of trained teachers?

As the answer is rather long and contains figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is it not correct that educational development in this area is, in fact, inadequate, and could the hon. Gentleman at least indicate whether any special steps' are taken to encourage educational development?

The hon. Member will see from the reply what steps are being taken.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether arrangements are now being made to develop the Dead Sea oilfield, in view of the threat to other sources of supply?

No, Sir. It has not yet been proved that an economic oilfield exists in the Dead Sea area, and the plant and skilled personnel which would be required for the purpose can be better employed elsewhere on fully developed oilfields.

Does not the geographical position of this oilfield offer many advantages? Have not experiments already carried out shown that there is an oilfield in this area, and can the hon. Gentleman give some assurance that the development of this oilfield will not be prevented by interlocking international vested interests?

At the moment it is a question of personnel and machinery.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can give information in regard to the numbers employed at the German Legation in Eire?

I have been asked to reply. I understand that the official staff of the German Legation in Eire is composed of six persons, together with three typists.

Can my hon. Friend say what is the nationality of these employees?

No, Sir. I could not say without notice.

Could the Minister say what the unofficial staff consists of?

No, Sir. I have no knowledge of the unofficial staff. I am dealing with the official staff.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me what use they are there?

Can the hon. Gentle-may say whether the German Government also maintain consulates in different parts of Ireland, including the ports?

Can my hon. Friend give any information as to whether the employees have passports allowing them to cross over the Ulster border?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether progress has been made towards the establishment of apprenticeship in the coal mining industry?

The subject has been under discussion with my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Labour and National Service, and I am asking the two sides of the industry to assist us in framing a long-term policy to deal with this very important problem.

Does the Minister expect to have a report at an early date?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that matches are practically unobtainable by the general public; and whether he will take steps to increase the supply available?

The supply of matches is now about half pre-war consumption and production could be materially increased only at the expense of direct war needs. As my right hon. Friend stated yesterday in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Tamworth (Sir J. Mellor), steps are being taken to produce a mechanical lighter of a simple and economical type.

In view of the fact that matches are practically unobtainable under the present system by householders, will the Minister consider a system of registration; and will he say what would be a reasonable weekly ration for each house?

I am afraid the rationing of matches would not be the best way to meet the present shortage. If my hon. Friend will send me particulars of any town in which there is a particular shortage, we will look into the matter and see what can be done.

Is not my hon. and gallant Friend aware that it would be more difficult to name a town where matches were available at the present time?

In consequence of the big demand for mechanical lighters, how is it proposed to prevent prices from jumping up?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that exorbitant prices are being demanded for vegetable seeds for next season's crop; and what steps are being taken to ensure adequate supplies at reasonable prices for allotment holders and others?

Now that many of our normal sources of supply of vegetable seeds are cut off, some increase in price is inevitable, but I am keeping the matter under close review and, up to the present, I have no evidence that the trade generally are charging unreasonably high prices. A system of strict supervision of prices, including those of packet seed, is being instituted for the forthcoming season.

Is the Minister satisfied that allotment holders will get an ample supply of seeds at reasonable prices?

Yes, Sir, if they take advantage of facilities that exist. They should apply to their allotment society, or through the National Allotmentholders' Society.

Seeing that a shortage of supply in other directions has not meant increases in price, why should a shortage of seeds be followed by an increase in price?

Human nature.

We used to draw seeds from near sources like Holland and France, but now we have to get them from distant sources like Australia and New Zealand.

Could not any allotment holder tell the Minister that that reason is absurd?

Why are these facilities confined to allotment holders who are members of allotment associations? What about the large number who are not members?

They ought to join.

They may have gardens and not be recognised as allotment holders.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has recently made any inquiry to ascertain how the increase in the cost of living has operated in respect of the billeting allowances for both children and mothers; and, if not, whether he will do so to avoid families having to contribute to the upkeep of such evacuees out of their own resources?

Mothers and accompanied children are billeted for lodging only. I assume, therefore, that my hon. Friend has in mind billeting allowances for unaccompanied children. The question of the adequacy of billeting allowances is kept under constant review and certain aspects are receiving attention at the present moment.

Is it not a fact that the Minister of Health has received representations from many local authorities and individuals, asking that these allowances should be increased?

No, Sir, from very few.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied that adequate arrangements have been made to protect our stocks of food from fire; and whether he has taken steps to provide suitable living accommodation, if necessary by requisitioning premises, for those engaged in fire-protection duties?

Where the Business Premises Order has been applied, responsibility for settling the fire prevention arrangements to be made by the occupier, including the provision of sleeping accommodation, rests with the appropriate authority; and it is the duty of the occupier to give effect to those arrangements. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.

Is the son. Lady aware that two and a half months ago a firm storing 8,000 tons of food on behalf of the Ministry of Food approached me to seek powers to requisition premises for the housing of the fire-protection staff? This firm have, incidentally, spent large sums of money on fire arrangements. I wrote to the Ministry to take action, and nothing has been done for two and a half months.

It is hardly right to say that nothing has been done. There has been a considerable amount of inquiry into the matter and consultation with the Ministry of Food, which is not the proper authority. The local authority is the proper authority. The question arises as to whether these premises are necessary for these fire-prevention arrangements.

Is the hon. Lady aware that inquiry will not save premises from fire?

That is true, but the point is whether the requisitioning of these particular premises is really necessary.

When there is no authority on the spot to give the right of salvage when shops are burning, will the hon. Lady take steps to see that the A.R.P. shall have authority, if the police are not present, to protect the building?

That is another question.

I am asking the hon. Lady —and this is dealing with steps to safeguard stocks of food—whether she will take steps to see that if the right authority is not present to salvage stock, she will give authority to other services that are present?

The whole question of salvage is very much under our consideration, and a great deal has been done to sec that the very thing the hon. Member asks for is carried out.

I am asking the hon. Lady if she will take steps to see that authority is given to enable salvage to be undertaken.

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether he has considered the advisability of setting up a Royal Commission that would consider local government, rating, etc., in order that local government may be put on modern lines as soon as possible after the termination of hostilities?

In the view of the Government it would not be advisable, at any rate in present circumstances, to set up a Royal Commission to consider the subjects to which my hon. Friend refers. These subjects are, however, under active consideration, and in this connection I am already in touch with associations representing local authorities in England and Wales. The question of Greater London, of course, raises special problems and will require separate examination. The position in Scotland is being considered by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.

Will my right hon. Friend take care during his investigations not to do anything to destroy the democratic nature of local government?

Most certainly, Sir, and the fact that we have taken the earliest possible opportunity of discussing this matter with local authorities is evidence of it.

Are we likely to have a provisional report on the possible developments in the future?

I should not like to say so, at the moment. There can be no alteration of the structure of local government authorities without their consent and we have to get an agreement acceptable to the Government before any statement can be made.

Does the Minister mean the consent of the local governments or of the local governed?

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether it is his intention to set up a Welsh council for economic and social reconstruction questions; and if so, when?

I am always prepared to seek and accept the advice of persons whose expert knowledge would be of assistance on particular aspects of reconstruction, and I am already in touch with persons who have a special knowledge of Wales. If at a later stage it proves desir- able to make more formal arrangements for securing the advice and assistance of persons having expert knowledge of Welsh problems I shall certainly be ready to make them.

In view of the fact that the Minister has considered it necessary to set up such a Council in Scotland, will he bear, in mind that the Principality of Wales has problems and aspirations as well as Scotland?

I should not like to be drawn into a discussion of Welsh Nationalism, but I must point out that the position in Scotland is rather different. The Secretary of State for Scotland has enormous authority. He has, combined in himself, the powers of the Minister of Health, the Minister of Agriculture and some of the powers of the Home Secretary. I am willing to receive representations from people experienced in matters of Welsh Government.

I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of large sales to the public of articles described as egg substitute; that these substances, often being sold in small packages, obtain high prices from the public; and whether he will take steps to ensure either that they contain a specified percentage of egg, or that they shall carry labels making it clear to the consumer that they do not contain egg?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in taking decisions regarding the prices charged for food substitutes, he will take into account the genuine attempt to evolve a product containing all the active properties of the original except its full food value; is he aware that certain local authorities are trying to set a standard for egg substitute based on coloured baking powder, and prosecuting firms making a more efficient egg substitute; and has he any statement to make?

An Order has recently been made which provides that no person shall, by way of trade or business, engage in the manufacture of any food substitute except under, and in accordance with the terms of a licence; and that no person shall sell any food substitute except in the same container in which, and under the same label and description under which, it was sold by the manufacturer. Steps will be taken to ensure that manufacturers of satisfactory substitutes only will be licensed, and I have every hope that this Order will put an end to abuses of the type mentioned by my hon. Friend the Member for Consett (Mr. David Adams) of which I am well aware. Consideration will be given to the point raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Mathers) when licences to manufacture are granted. I am not aware of the practice of certain local authorities to which he refers, but I will be happy to consider any further particulars he is able to send me.

Can the Minister say what penalties are associated with this type of fraud?

No, Sir, I cannot.

Would the Minister be willing to see those who are interested in this matter?

indicated assent.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the. Minister of Food whether he is now able to make any statement regarding the proposal that vendors of food substitutes should be required to disclose on each package the precise composition of the article sold?

It is considered that the provisions of the Food Substitutes (Control) Order will provide adequate and effective means whereby the exploitation of the public can be prevented. This will not necessarily be accomplished by the disclosure of the composition of food substitutes upon the package but by preventing unjustifiable and extravagant claims being made for the products.

Is it not as necessary that people should know the composition of food substitutes as of drugs and medicines?

Certainly, though I would remind my hon. Friend that when the requirement to specify on the outside of a patent medicine what was inside was introduced, to everybody's consternation it rather increased the sales.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in any scheme to increase rations for heavy-manual workers, he will consider the case of operative bakers employed on continuous nightwork in an atmosphere of 90 degrees or more on shifts extending at week-ends to 12 to 16 hours and for whom neither canteens nor restaurants are available?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the particular strain and responsibility experienced by drivers and male and female conductors of public-transport vehicles, he has made any special inquiries in consultation with their trade unions respecting the effect of the present rations on their health and stamina; and whether he will consider diving special attention to the nutritive needs of this class of worker with a view to some concession being made?

In such matters, my Department have the benefit of the advice of the special advisory committee set up by the Trades Union Congress. As I mentioned in the Debate on the 2nd of this month, every possible encouragement has been given to the setting up of works' canteens and British Restaurants and measures for improving the supply of foods to establishments catering for workers are under consideration. I appreciate that there are categories of workers in whose cases the provision of canteen facilities involves some difficulty and I shall be happy to have inquiries made in any such cases if my hon. Friends will furnish me with the particulars.

Is not the Minister aware that, in the case of many bakeries, canteens are not a possibility? He must recognise that. If that is so, will he not give special consideration to this matter?

Yes, Sir, I shall be very happy to do so. We have in view other arrangements whereby people who are in a position where canteen facilities cannot be made available, will be catered for in a different way.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food to what extent his inquiries show that any additional trading in articles of foodstuff has been, or is being, carried on by departmental and other stores not formerly engaged in such type of trading, to the detriment of the small established trader; and what steps are proposed for the latter's protection?

I have no information regarding the extent to which departmental stores or other stores have undertaken the retail sale of additional types of food; but I would refer my hon. gallant and learned Friend to the answer which I have given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Holland with Boston (Lieutenant Butcher) which shows that licences from the local food control committees are required before a retailer can sell the principal foods. In considering the granting of such licences the committees give special attention to the convenience of the public. They have not been instructed to take any action specially designed to protect a particular class of trader.

In view of the very great burdens which the small shopkeepers have to bear all over the country, will the Department take steps, when representations are made by them, to give consideration to this point of view?

My hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that the granting of retail licences to trade in any commodities—or at least in most commodities—can only be carried out by the local food committees. I can assure him that they are not given unless it is in the public interest.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman bear in mind that in fact many departmental stores have been trading in foodstuffs only since rationing was introduced, and that it is to that fact that the sufferings of the small traders are largely due?

I should be very glad to know of particular cases, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the interests of the trader are pretty well looked after by their own organisations.

We all represent small shopkeepers, and not of any one particular section.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that most of these departmental stores applied for their general licences in 1939, and is not that the simple reason why they are able to trade in such varied articles as are referred to in the Question?

I understand that under the 1939 Order a licence to sell by retail certain specified articles has to be obtained, and that licence can only be given by the local food control committee.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what bodies or persons representing the interests of in-shore line fishermen were consulted before it was decided to reduce the maximum price paid to fishermen for round fish; whether the increased cost of fishing gear was taken into consideration in determining the new prices; and why the whole burden of the reduced price to consumers was thrown upon the men who risk lives and capital in catching fish and none of the burden upon fish merchants?

As regards the first part of the Question, the reduced maximum prices for fish which were brought into operation on 29th September were decided upon in the light of experience of the working of the original Maximum Prices Order, and of the full and prolonged consultations with all sections of the industry which preceded that Order. It was neither practicable nor necessary to repeat those consultations before revising the Order, but my hon. Friend may rest assured that all relevant factors, including the increased cost of gear, were taken into consideration in fixing the new prices. As regards the last part of the Question, the original Order effected a drastic reduction in the ruling margins of profit obtained by the distributive sections of the trade. The results of the first few months of fish price control showed conclusively that any further reduction in the price to the consumer could only be made by reducing the maximum price to the producer.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that at least the in-shore line fishermen of the East of Scotland contend that they had no representation at any conference held by the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's Department, neither were they consulted?