asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state whom he consulted with regard to the Clothes Rationing Orders and the schedules of coupons required for articles of clothing covered by the Orders; whether any organisations of working women have been consulted on the matter; and what was the basis upon which the various schedules were compiled?

The schedules of coupons required for the articles of clothing covered by the Clothes Rationing Order are based in general on the amount of cloth in the garments concerned. The present schedules have been based on the technical advice received from advisory committees of traders, including traders with a special knowledge and long experience of workers' requirements.

When the right hon. Gentleman says that coupons are based on the quantity of cloth in the garment, does he realise that women who have been in the habit of making their clothes at home find it impossible to obtain the necessary materials upon the present coupon basis?

There have been difficulties, but I understand they have been overcome.

Do I take it that people who are conversant with the wear and tear properties of materials have not been consulted and that only traders' organisations have been consulted?

No, Sir, I did not say "traders' organisations," but traders with great experience of workers' requirements.

Do they include those who have actually got to wear the garments?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the need of cotton spinners of white factory drawers which they wear at work, and because of oil getting on them they require frequent washing and do not last long; and will he consider allowing this particular article additional coupons?

The special needs of cotton spinners submitted by the Trades Union Congress are now being examined by the Board of Trade. Additional coupons will be awarded to them if their clothing needs are found to exceed substantially those covered by the normal civilian ration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman pay greater attention to the needs of the workers? Does he not realise that the better-off people can do with fewer clothes and that the workers need more because of being at work?

Very close attention is being paid to the special needs of workers, and, as I have already explained in the answer, the Trades Union Congress have submitted particulars of most of the trades.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make available supplies of knitting wool to organisations devoted to supplying knitted garments to expectant mothers, wives of men serving in the Fighting Forces, in view of the difficulty of getting such supplies and the needs of expectant mothers?

I am not aware of any general shortage of white "baby wool," but shall be glad to investigate any cases which the hon. Member has in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the difficulty in obtaining mustard; what is the cause of the shortage and will steps be taken to increase the supply to retailers; and will he also state the result of his inquiries as to the shortage of matches for household purposes?

I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food that he is not aware of any general shortage of mustard in the hands of retailers. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Gravesend (Sir I. Albery) on 14th October.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that if he were to pay a visit to shops, he would find great difficulty in getting any mustard at all, and that if he did succeed in buying any, it would probably be only about an ounce?

Could my right hon. Friend say where the matches are to be found?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that some insurance companies have recently lowered the surrender value of long-standing policy-holders; and what steps he intends to take to prevent the past savings of policy-holders from being reduced and confiscated in this way?

I have no information to the effect suggested in the first part of my hon. Friend's Question, but, if he will send me particulars of any case which he has in mind, I will have further inquiries made.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I know of a case of an insurance company which has already done this, and does he not realise that the effect on policy-holders is almost as severe as it would be if the Government were suddenly and harshly to reduce the value of War Savings Certificates?

I shall be very glad to look into any case which the hon. Gentleman submits to me, but according to the inquiries already made there is not evidence that what he complains of is happening.

I will send the right hon. Gentleman the particulars.

Is not the reduction in the value of policies a sequel to the policy of cheap money?

asked the Secretary of State for War the reason for the discharge from the Army of Corporal Mick Bennett?

I have had some correspondence with my hon. Friend on this subject, and there is nothing that I can usefully add to what I have already told him.

Is it not the case that on his discharge paper this corporal is given the highest possible character as a soldier and a corporal, and that the discharge paper says that his services are no longer required? Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us under what paragraph in King's Regulations this discharge was made?

It is always open to the Army to dispense with a soldier's services because they are no longer required, and it was under that paragraph that action was taken.

May we have the information as to the paragraph in King's Regulations under which this man was discharged? Am I not right in assuming that there is an appropriate paragraph, and that it would probably give an indication of the reasons for the action taken in this case?

There is an appropriate paragraph, but I am afraid I have not got particulars of it now.

Is it not the case that this man was an exemplary soldier and corporal, and that he was discharged, not for anything that he had said or done and not for neglecting his duty, but simply because somebody did not like the politics he had before he joined up?

It had nothing to do with politics.

Well, give us the reason. It is a scandal. In view of the totally unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I shall raise this matter later.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that visitors to Barlinnie detention camp have to speak to the detained soldiers through iron bars; that the soldiers are in small cubicles three feet away; that as many as four visits may take place at a time with visitors and soldiers trying to make themselves understood above each others voices; and can modern methods be introduced instead of this method of dealing with visitors?

I am aware that the facilities for interview at the military prison and detention barracks to which my hon. Friend refers have been unsatisfactory, and the construction of alternative accommodation was put in hand some time ago. I am glad to say that the new premises have now been completed and are already in use.

Are we to understand that this method of receiving visitors will be stopped? It is only two weeks since I was there visiting, and I had this experience.

I hope the new arrangements will be found to be much more satisfactory.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information in connection with a number of Home Guards who were killed and injured at a demonstration held at Horam, Sussex, on Sunday, 12th October?

This case is at present the subject of a court of inquiry, and I am not therefore in a position to make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the War Department Constabulary Auxiliary, stationed at Royal Ordnance factories, are only paid at a flat rate of £5 per week, plus war bonus of 10s. of 48 hours consisting of six shifts, which include Sundays, with extra time payment only made at the ordinary rate; and will he take immediate action to bring the rates of pay up to the general standards operating in Royal Ordnance factories?

I am at present looking into this question.

Will a reply be sent to me?

Yes, Sir, when my inquiries are completed.

When may we expect that to be?

I am doing my best to expedite the reply.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that soldiers who are billeted-out, and who volunteer for fire-watching in buildings where they are employed receive payment of is. per night-duty, and each duty entails the private purchase of two meals each, one at night and one in the morning, at their own expense, whereas civilians, in similar circumstances receive 4s. 6d.; and whether he contemplates issuing orders to prevent such additional duties with the costs entailed being undertaken in these circumstances by soldiers?

I do not consider that the position of soldiers and civilians can be compared precisely in this respect, but I am looking into the facts.

Does any consultation take place with the Treasury, in view of the fact that the Home Office scale for Home Guards is 3s. and for Civil servants 4s. 6d., whereas the soldier gets only is.?

As I say, I am looking into the facts in this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any review has been made of officers holding administrative posts who are under the age of 35 years, and of a high medical category; and if so, with what result?

The qualifications of holders of administrative posts are constantly under review, and, so far as possible, officers under 35 years of age and of a high medical category are not employed on administrative duties except in field force formations. My hon. Friend will, however, appreciate that young officers must receive some training in administrative staff duties, in order to enable them to fill the more senior posts in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of officers employed in London and throughout the country in work of the Judge Advocate-General's Department who are under the age 35 years and of an A medical category; and what steps he proposes for their replacement by older officers similarly qualified, or of a lower medical category?

Nineteen officers of the age and medical category in question arc at present serving in the United Kingdom on the military staff of the Judge Advocate-General, and two of these will attain the age of 35 within the next few days. In view of the fact that these appointments carry with them the obligation to proceed overseas at any time, I do not consider that this figure can be regarded as unduly high.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether relatives of soldiers reported missing still apply for further information to the casualty Department of the War Office or to the Fed Cross Society?

As soon as any reliable information about a missing man comes to hand it is immediately conveyed to his next-of-kin by the appropriate record office. No application by the relatives is necessary.

As the relatives of British prisoners of war are continually writing to Members of Parliament and making various applications, ought we to send the applications to the War Office or to the Red Cross?

They should be sent to the War Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the unit or department known as the Special Investigation Branch now operating within the Army; and what are its duties, under what officers does it function and why it has been established?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the Directorate of Investigation and Statistics, which was formed in April, 1940, in order to undertake inquiries into questions of administrative organisation and to assist in the compilation of statistics. The Directorate is administered, under the Permanent Under-Secretary, by a Director and a Deputy-Director.

Has this organisation anything to do with the treatment of crime in the Army?

Nothing whatever.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is in a position to make any further statement regarding the whereabouts of the officers in the various camps in Germany who have lately been moved?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can ascertain through the Protecting Power the reason for the transfer of British prisoners of war from certain camps, namely, Oflags V.B., VII.C, VII.D and IXA, and to which camps these men have been sent, as the British Red Cross, which is overwhelmed with inquiries from relatives has, though it has repeatedly tried, been unable to obtain this information from the International Red Cross at Geneva?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can inform the House as to the removal of large numbers of British officer prisoners of war from their previous camps to unknown destinations; whether such prisoners of war were compelled to leave behind them most of their personal property as well as Red Cross food parcels, in breach of Article 26 of the Geneva Convention; when were such removals reported to the War Office; and what steps are being taken to ascertain the present addresses of these officers, who are, meantime, cut off from receiving Red Cross parcels and supplies of food and clothing?

Information was received from the Protecting Power on 17th October that British prisoners from Oflags VII.C and VII.D had been transferred to Oflag VLB. The British Red Cross Society were at once informed of this move In order that immediate arrangements might be made by the International Red Cross Committee for parcels to be sent to the new camp. Unofficial reports have also been received that prisoners are to be moved from Oflags V.B and IX.A, and further inquiries with regard to these two camps are being made through the Protecting Power. I have no information that any prisoners of war have had to leave their property behind. Such reports as I have received suggest that arrangements have been made for prisoners' personal property and Red Cross parcels to be despatched to their new camp and for the issue of special cards in order that prisoners may notify the International Red Cross Committee of their new address on arrival.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not agree that in view of this incident it would appear that the. usefulness of the Protecting Power is somewhat limited owing to the fact that it is no longer regarded as being strictly a neutral, and might it not be a good thing to ask the Portuguese Government to act as assistant Protecting Power?

No, I could not accept that statement at all. We owe a great deal to the Protecting Power for the work it has done.

Has the right hon. and gallant Gentleman obtained a list of the names of the prisoners who have been transferred, so as to enable their relatives to send them special parcels?

No, Sir; I have not yet been able to obtain a list.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman try to obtain it, because some of these officers are very ill?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any consideration has been given to the possibility of the conclusion of an agreement under Section 72 of the International Convention for the transfer to a neutral country of prisoners of war in good health who have been a long time in captivity?

I do not think it desirable to make any statement on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is approximately the present number of British prisoners of war; whether he is satisfied that an International Red Cross inspectorate of four persons is adequate for the supervision of 3,000,000 prisoners; and what is the result of recent representations made to the Protecting Power with regard to a necessary increase in their inspectorate?

The total number of prisoners of war from all parts of the Empire in enemy hands is estimated to be about 66,000. I have no knowledge of the numbers of prisoners of war of other nationalities, nor of the camp inspectorate system so far as they are concerned. I am informed that, for the purpose of visiting camps in which British prisoners are detained, 10 inspectors have been appointed by the Protecting Power and six by the International Red Cross Committee. No representations have been made to the Protecting Power with regard to an increase in the number of their inspectors, which is considered adequate.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman think that six inspectors under the International Red Cross are sufficient to supervise and inspect camps in which there are about 3,000,000 persons of different nationalities; and that 10 inspectors under the Protecting Power for our 66,000 prisoners are enough?

As I say, I do not know what arrangements are made about other prisoners of war, and I am dealing at the moment only with those belonging to the Empire. I think that the visits by the Protecting Power authorities are about every five or six weeks in each camp and the visits of the International Red Cross Committee about every three months.

While I am glad to hear that the visits are so frequent, may I ask how such frequency is possible with so small an inspectorate?

Did the right hon. and gallant Gentleman include Palestinian prisoners, and, if not, will he give the figures?

I have not the precise information. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put a question to me.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of taking steps to see that all enemy prisoners in our hands are given a full and truthful account of the origins and course of the war, as a beginning of the process of re-education of enemy peoples in general?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bilston (Mr. Hannah) on 25th February, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any information about the alleged shooting of 25 British prisoners of war at a camp near Munster in Germany?

According to my latest information, there are no British prisoners of war in the neighbourhood of Munster, and the suggestion that 25 prisoners have been executed there is entirely without foundation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give in detail the daily food supplied to Rudolf Hess guards?

The guards in question receive the home service ration scale. I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate full particulars of this scale in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

I take it for granted that when I see the details of the food they will show that the man in question is getting more food than thousands of the internees?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in what districts in Scotland has the largest percentage increase in infant mortality taken place?

The latest figures available are those for the first six months of this year. Comparing these rates with the average of the rates for the first six months of the three years 1937, 1938 and 1939, the burghs showing the largest percentage increases are Dumbarton, Rutherglen, Hamilton and Paisley. Considerable increases are found in the counties of Nairn and Sutherland, but the small number of births in the first six months of 1941 renders any comparison unreliable.

In view of this high rate of infantile mortality in Scotland, may I ask whether the Department are taking any steps to investigate the causes or are doing anything to prevent this terrible wastage of child life?

The answer to both parts of the Supplementary Question is in the affirmative.

What is the reason for the increase of infantile mortality in Dumbartonshire?

I am afraid that the Supplementary Question would entail a very long supplementary answer, but, in my view, the increase arises from a very large number of causes, all directly attributable to war conditions.

In view of the alarming statement made by the Secretary of State for Scotland, will he arrange for a series of meetings to discuss the matter with Scottish Members, to be held in St. Andrew's House, Edinburgh?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in what districts in Scotland has the increase in notified cases of tuberculosis taken place?

As the answer involves a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate a table showing the incidence of tuberculosis in the five Civil Defence districts in Scotland, in the years 1938, 1939, 1940, and the first 41 weeks of 1941.

Is the Minister aware that the rate has gone up in Glasgow by 20 per cent., and that the increase has been mainly among the young working population; and does he not think that steps ought to be taken to look into the causes with a view to remedying them, particularly as the figures are still rising?

Yes, Sir; we are taking what steps are available, although they are very limited, to examine this matter. The Medical Research Council have had their attention drawn to the matter.

Will the Secretary of State for Scotland inform the House whether he can give any reason for the increase in tuberculosis since the war began?

I should say that housing difficulties, evacuation difficulties, blackout difficulties, war strain and a number of other causes have contributed to the increase.

Why should the increase be so much greater in Scotland than in England, where conditions arising out of the war arc even worse?

If the reasons given by the Secretary of State are right, why should the increase be larger among women?

I cannot give an adequate answer within the normal limits, of a reply to a Supplementary Question. I can only say that it is possible that the strain of war conditions is greater upon women than upon men.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that he is using all the means in his power to counteract these causes? I am satisfied that it is not so.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will give the number of children on the registers of public elementary schools in Scotland who are in attendance at school for five hours or more per day, and the number in attendance for less than five hours per day?

I regret that the precise information asked for is not available. Approximately 84 per cent. of the children in primary schools in Scotland are now receiving full-time education.

Has the Minister any hope of getting the other 16 per cent. back to decent conditions?

There, again, I can give only a problematical answer. So far as it is possible to get useful buildings with the greatest possible despatch, that will be done.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of local authorities which have submitted plans for war-time nurseries under Circular D.H.S. No. 146/1941, 9th June, 1941; the number of schemes which have now been approved; the number of nurseries which are now in operation; and the number of children being cared for in there nurseries?

Ten local authorities in Scotland have submitted definite proposals for the establishment of war-time nurseries, and these proposals, which provide for 39 nurseries, have all been approved. Of the 39, two, each accommodating 40 children, are in full operation, and 14 which were already in partial operation at the date of the circular are being brought into fuller operation.

Is the Minister satisfied that 39 nursery schools in the whole of Scotland really meet the need?

No, Sir, and that is why we are pressing on.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the serious discontent amongst Scottish agricultural workers at the low rate of wages paid them in comparison with the wages earned by workers in other industries; and does he intend to consult with the Wages Board in Scotland with a view to instituting a higher minimum wage for agricultural workers in Scotland?

I am aware of the disparities referred to in the first part of the Question. Agricultural wages committees, however, are now engaged in revising existing minimum wage rates. It is preferable that this statutory machinery for the fixation of wages should be allowed to function. This, I understand, is the attitude of both farmers and farm workers.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state when he is likely to receive a report from the wages boards, because agricultural workers in Scotland are showing serious signs of discontent?

I cannot answer as to a precise date upon which an announcement will be made, but it will not be unduly delayed.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, having regard to the fact that such a record could be easily kept, he will instruct his Department to keep a record of all purchases of agricultural land in Scotland of over, say, 200 acres that are made not for occupation but for prompt resale; and whether he will thereafter publish periodical lists of the agents and principals concerned in such transactions?

The question of dealing with speculation in agricultural land is presently being considered by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and myself. But the remedy, I am afraid, is not that suggested in my hon. and gallant Friend's Question. I could only obtain particulars of purchases from the Register of Sasines, possibly at considerable periods after the transactions had been effected.

Will my right hon. Friend look into the case, of which I gave him some particulars last week, of a speculator who recently received unfavourable attention from this House in connection with a munitions scandal, and who lately bought a large agricultural estate in the south of Scotland and resold it within a few days, and will he not see whether he can check this type of monstrous speculation?

I would like to thank my hon. and gallant Friend for giving me particulars of that case. We have already caused urgent inquiries to be made into the facts.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also make a record of all the land taken from the people by the enclosures?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will consider introducing legislation to provide for statutory meetings of Scottish Members of Parliament in Scotland with powers of legislation for Scottish affairs, including control of finance, or, if not, in view of the inadequate time for the discussion of Scottish government in the Imperial Parliament, what steps he proposes to take to remedy the present position of affairs?

My own views upon the desirability of more adequate time being found for the discussion of Scottish affairs are well known, but I am persuaded that it is not possible during the grave perils and anxieties of the war emergency to raise great constitutional issues such as are indicated in the hon. Member's Question. I hope, however, that it may be found possible to secure more time for the discussion of the Scottish Estimates next year than we had allotted to us in 1941.

Can the Minister give any reason why we should not have a meeting of the Scottish Grand Committee at St. Andrew's House next week in order to discuss the very urgent matters that confront the Scottish people, particularly infant mortality and tuberculosis?

No question that involves legislation can be dealt with at this moment; and I am advised that the suggestion would involve legislation.

It would not involve legislation if we discussed means for dealing with infant mortality and tuberculosis. Cannot we have a meeting next week? If not, why not?

It is the summoning of the meeting at St. Andrew's House that would require legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he proposes to take any steps to develop the school meals service in Scotland with a view to better nutrition of school children?

Yes, Sir. I hope to secure an immediate and substantial development of this service by arranging for advantage to be taken of facilities provided by the Minister of Food, and, where these are not available, by encouraging education authorities to make their own provision. For these purposes the financial aid available to education authorities is being increased. Parents who are able to pay will be expected to pay. Scots law presently permits food to be provided for necessitous children only when the individual child is unable, by reason of lack of food, to take full advantage of the education provided. But malnutrition should be prevented, and a short Bill, designed to give education authorities power to supply food free of charge to necessitous cases without waiting for evidence of malnutrition, will be introduced in the near future.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the difficulty and expense incurred by workers transferred to the mining industry in securing outfit of suitable clothes and tools; and whether he will consider the possibility of making a grant to enable them to secure this equipment?

I am not aware that difficulty has arisen in actual supply: special arrangements were made for supply of working clothes free of coupon, and the few minor difficulties which arose regarding supply of tools were readily surmounted. Colliery owners were asked to make advances to men who needed them.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that many of these men have been compulsorily transferred and have to face this expenditure before they can start work, and is he prepared to reconsider the matter?

My hon. Friend knows quite well that the equipment required by men who have been several years away from the industry varies very much. So far as I know, we have met the hard cases.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I recently sent him details of the case of a miner who was asked to report at a pit and was only given one day's notice and had to spend £3 out of his own pocket to obtain clothing and instruments?

The men's needs are varied; men who have been away six months may have all their gear, while men who have been away longer periods may have lost part of their gear. We take every case on its merits.

Have not these men been put to expense already in the industries in which they have been working, and in so far as they have to provide new kit will my hon. Friend provide for them?

We have given instructions to the owners to that effect.

(for Mr. James Griffiths) asked the Secretary for Mines whether a limit has been put to the expansion of the industry in South Wales; whether, in consequence, men are being transferred to other areas; and whether he can state the reasons for this action?

The arrangements for the return of men to the mining industry under the registration scheme have been under continuous review by the Coal Production Council, on which both sides of the industry are represented. While it was decided that as far as possible men should be allotted to the districts, or even to the pits, in which they formerly worked, it was impossible to disregard the question of transport facilities for the coal; otherwise, men who had been required to return to the industry might well find themselves idle at times during the coming winter. On this account, it was necessary to limit the number of men to be re-employed in South Wales, and in a number of cases suitable men have been transferred to the Midland coalfields, where coal transport presents less difficulty and the men could, therefore, give better service to the country in these critical times.

Does not the Minister's reply indicate that transport difficulties in Wales are bringing about a reduced output of coal?

Not yet.

Does not the Minister's reply mean that an area which has suffered already from economic conditions over which it has no control is to be further handicapped for the sake of districts which already had artificial assistance?

My hon. Friend knows that there has been already considerable rehabilitation of the industries in South Wales since the collapse of the export trade 12 months ago.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has any information to give to the House regarding the explosion at Bullcroft Main Colliery on Sunday.

I regret to have to report that an explosion occurred at Bullcroft Main Colliery on Sunday morning which caused the deaths of six men, all trained members of a colliery rescue team which was on duty at the mine that morning. I am awaiting further details of the circumstances, and will again report to the House when these are available. I feel sure the House will desire to join in expressing sympathy with the relatives of the men who lost their lives.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is his intention to continue to charge manufacturers for materials used in production of soap for Government contracts £4 per ton more than they charge for civilian requirements?

There is no difference in the prices charged by my Department for oils and fats used for soap for Government contracts and those used for soap for civilian requirements.

If I send my right hon. and gallant Friend particulars of cases where soapmakers are charged £4 extra per ton for materials used for Government contracts, will he look into them?

I have had information about the sort of case my hon. Friend has in mind. It is an arrangement made among the members of the Soap Makers' Federation themselves.

Is it not a fact that materials used for Government contracts cost £4 a ton more than those used for other contracts?

It is a very complicated question, and I can explain to my hon. Friend the procedure adopted by the Soap Makers' Federation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why, in view of his undertaking that if the trade would undertake to supply priority consumers he would restrict all United States of America evaporated milk for distribution to the public to milk distributors as compensation for the loss the trade would incur in redirecting the turnover of milk, he has now decided to entrust such milk for wholesale distribution to grocer-wholesalers and not to wholesale milk distributors?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why, in view of the unsatisfactory results arising from the official mixing of the sale of commodities by firms which have not previously handled them, he proposes to distribute evaporated milk, to be sold at the door to supplement liquid milk, through the wholesale grocers who have hitherto only sold condensed milk in across-the-counter trade?

United States evaporated milk will be handled by the normal trade channels accustomed to deal in condensed milk, except at the point of sale to the consumer. The decision that it should be sold through the retail dairyman rather than the retail grocer was taken solely to ensure that it is distributed to non-priority consumers in direct association with liquid milk. There is no question of compensation for loss of turnover, as the whole of the supply of liquid milk available during the winter will continue to be handled by the wholesale and retail milk distributors.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, when cases affecting the activities of the Unemployment Assistance Board are referred by Members to his Department, he can state the exact procedure followed in making inquiries; and whether he will consider short-circuiting much of the letter-writing entailed so as to relieve the pressure on the staff?

My right hon. Friend has already taken steps to reduce the amount of correspondence involved in dealing with such inquiries by arranging that, unless an inquiry raises a point of special importance, the reply is to be sent direct by the Board to the Member concerned. In dealing with inquiries regarding individual cases the Board must of course obtain the necessary information from their local officers but every effort is made to reduce such correspondence to the minimum.

Cannot my hon. Friend make arrangements to send these inquiries direct from London to the area concerned, rather than through half a dozen offices where copies have to be made each time?

I am not aware that inquiries are sent through any more channels than are absolutely necessary.

Perhaps I may send my hon. Friend some details.

asked the Minister of Pensions why 2013426 Sapper A. Holloway, of S.M.E. (T.T. Wing), Brompton Barracks, Chatham, was refused assistance by the War Service Grants Committee on behalf of his wife who is an expectant mother?

This is a case of the kind to which I referred in the Debate on 16th October where the low wages earned before service precluded any grant. Under the improved arrangements described in Cmd. Paper 6318 I am now in a position to make a grant and this will be put into payment as early as possible.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will find time for a Debate on the Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member for Evesham relating to the limitation of chain stores?

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister regrets that it is not possible to provide a special opportunity for a Debate on the Motion standing in the name of my hon. Friend. An opportunity will no doubt present itself for a discussion on this subject at a later date.

Would my right hon. Friend assure the House that he appreciates the urgent need that the situation should be dealt with speedily, in view of the fact that the livelihood of over 1,000,000 small shopkeepers is at stake?

I cannot help thinking that the importance of the small shopkeeper in the economy of our social structure is pretty well recognised. There will be an opportunity at no distant date to debate this matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the insufficient time now available for discussion of questions raised on the Adjournment of the House, he will consider the possibility of sitting one extra day each month on which a number of such questions might be dealt with?

I do not think that my hon. Friend's suggestion would commend itself to the House. The present arrangements are elastic and would appear to meet the general convenience of hon. Members. Many subjects have been raised on the Motion for the Adjournment during the Session. Whole days have been given for debate, in addition to the opportunities which occur when Government Business has finished early.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a widespread feeling in the House that the hours during which the House sits at present stifle proper democratic expression, and will the Prime Minister consider whether he cannot offer alternative facilities at some time if this suggestion does not commend itself to him?

The hon. Member will recognise that the normal hours are frequently suspended where there is a special reason for taking that course.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that while many people think that Ministers should be expected to attend here in the House, they are in fact employed elsewhere in their Departments?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in connection with any Adjournment of the House in future, he will consider the advisability of following the precedent of 19th December last, when a Resolution was passed in Public Session with regard to the Christmas Adjournment to an unstated date?

My hon. Friend's suggestion has been noted and will receive further consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is following up the recommendations submitted in the White Paper [Cmd. 6294], on the stabilisation of prices, and arranging where increases are necessary to provide a subsidy to meet it; is he aware that coal prices in Lancashire have increased by 1s. 8d. per ton; and will he consider granting a subsidy in this case?

The Government are adhering to the policy stated in my Budget speech and in the White Paper. As I have previously explained, this does not imply that a subsidy must be provided in every individual case where an increase in costs would justify an increase in the price of goods or services. An increase of 1s. 6d. (not 1s. 8d.) a ton on Lancashire coal prices has recently been approved. I do not consider that its general effect will be such as to justify the institution of a subsidy on pit-head prices.

Seeing that price stabilisation has been approved and recognised, is it not time that action was taken on the lines suggested in my Question? If the Government do not do that, prices will rise and people will demand increases in wages, and poor people, old age pensioners, cannot afford to pay the price increases. This is a grand opportunity for the Government to deal with all essential commodities, and I hope they will take advantage of it.

Is the Purchase Tax part of the subsidy scheme for reducing the cost of living?

I seem to have heard that before from my hon. Friend.

I am still awaiting my right hon. Friend's answer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sums have been contributed to Government loans by the various banks and their branches and by the various insurance companies and their branches, respectively, during War Weapons Weeks; and what is the total sum loaned from the various banks and insurance companies to the Government since the outbreak of war?

In reply to the first part of the Question, I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by the very large expenditure of time and labour which would be necessary to examine all subscriptions during each War Weapons Week. As regards the last part of the Question, I gave certain information as to the position of the banks up to December, 1940, in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Moseley (Sir P. Hannon) on 4th February, 1941, and if it is so desired, I should be ready to bring that information up to date. Similar information as to the position of the insurance companies is not available. I am, however, satisfied that the insurance companies as well as the banks are supporting Government war issues to the best of their ability.

With regard to the first part of the Question, is there any difficulty in getting these insurance companies and banks to make their own returns instead of the Treasury? It is perfectly simple, but there is not the will to do it.

I have given the total amount so far as the banks are concerned. I would be prepared to bring it up to date.

Would it not be of value to get these figures, to show that the banks and insurance companies are carrying on a profitable racket?

They are giving very valuable service.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the peace-time system of Treasury control has been adapted to war-time requirements; and whether he has any statement to make?

Yes, Sir. Any suggestions to the contrary are not well founded. I doubt if the wide differences between the war-time organisation of the Treasury and the traditional peace-time arrangements have been generally appreciated. A primary function of the Treasury in the midst of a vast conflict is to ensure that money requisite for the successful prosecution of the war is available without delay as it is required. Delegated powers are given to the War Departments accordingly within limits agreed with the Treasury, and thus over a wide field Departments have authority to incur expenditure without prior reference to the Treasury. Where reference is made to the Treasury, there exist special arrangements, brought into operation before the outbreak of war, designed to secure the utmost expedition by the substitution of informal discussion for official correspondence, wherever possible. I have every reason to believe that those arrangements are working satisfactorily. None of this is inconsistent with another function of the Treasury, that of enjoining and seeking to secure the elimination of avoidable extravagance and waste in war-time expenditure. The expenditure of money implies the expenditure of labour, material and productive capacity, and as our resources are not unlimited, it is necessary to ensure that the best use is made of them. The war-time organisation of the Treasury has been framed with these two objects in view.

Does the Chancellor agree that any undue relaxation of Treasury control, leading to unlimited expenditure, while there is a limited measure of saving, would inevitably mean that dreadful state which even the Governor of the Bank of England dared not name?

It is a matter of holding the balance between the two considerations I have mentioned in my reply.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether arrangements can be made so as to permit the entry of small presents of cigarettes, etc., duty free, into this country from relatives and friends in Eire addressed to Irishmen serving in the Armed Forces of the Crown?

At present, where a man serving in the United Kingdom Forces proves to the satisfaction of the Customs that he is a national of Eire, duty is repaid on any parcels sent to him. Payment and repayment of duty would, however, be avoided if an organisation could be set up in this country which would undertake the delivery of gifts and would verify the nationality of the addressee. Duty-free entry would then be sanctioned for gifts sent through that organisation to nationals of Eire serving in our Forces. Such arrangements have already been made in the case of nationals of other Dominions so serving.

Arising out of that decision, does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman mean that a soldier receiving a small packet of cigarettes has to apply through the normal channels for the rebate of 2s. 2d., or whatever it is? Does it not reduce the thing rather to an absurdity?

No, there is a way out, if an organisation were set up, as has been done by the other Dominions.

Who is going to set up the organisation?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman would like to do so.

asked the hon. Member for Dulwich, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, whether he will consider the advisability of adopting a British Restaurants policy for all meals served in Members' dining rooms and staff canteens in the Palace of Westminster, with uniform prices for meals and standard menus?

I am sure the Kitchen Committee will be glad to consider the suggestion made by the hon. Member, but I would not advise the adoption of the British Restaurants policy for the Members' dining rooms if this involved the employment of voluntary or cheap labour, or the supply of free equipment. Experience has also shown that Members still desire some variety in the bill of fare.

Will the hon. Gentleman accept the invitation I gave him some days ago to visit some of the pit canteens which are not staffed by voluntary labour; and, in view of our urgent appeal for the limitation of spending and for economy, would it not have a beneficial influence on the community and all caterers, club and restaurant proprietors, to adopt the same policy?

That is a matter of opinion.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport, whether he is now able to state the full terms of the arrangements with the railway companies for Government control?