asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement as to the purpose and scope of the mission of Sir Otto Niemeyer to China?

Yes, Sir. I am glad to have this opportunity of informing the House that, on the invitation of the Chinese Government, Sir Otto Niemeyer has undertaken, at the request of His Majesty's Government, a financial and economic mission to China. Sir Otto Niemeyer will be in a position to discuss any financial and economic questions which the Chinese Government may wish to raise.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now been notified that the export of cotton yarn and cotton manufactures from Shanghai has been prohibited by the Customs, acting under the direction of the Japanese, except under licence; on what conditions licences are being issued; and what proportion of the export trade in these goods, amounting to, approximately, £7,000,000 per annum, will be allowed to continue?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. As regards the second and third parts of the Question, the method of application of the new system and its probable effect on exports are at present under consideration.

Will my right hon. Friend remember the Question which I put to him some time ago, whether he has been able to make any progress with the idea that, in the absence of export licences in the ordinary way, it will be possible for the British Consul at Shanghai to grant clearances to British ships?

Yes. Sir, I have done something in that matter. Perhaps I can communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the nature of any changes in the relations between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the Emperor of Abyssinia; and when he will be able to make a statement as to His Majesty's Government's intentions regarding the future government of Abyssinia?

I have nothing to add at the moment to the Reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Derby (Mr. Noel-Baker) on 1st October.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is anxiety about our future attitude to Abyssinia? Can he reply to that point?

I have explained what our policy is. What the hon. Member wishes has already been clearly defined in the House.

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether the Ethiopian Government are now in a position to terminate the leases of land and minerals made to Italians by the former Italian rulers of Ethiopia; and, if not, when they are expected to be in such a position?

The Emperor will be in a position to legislate on this matter as soon as the agreement now under discussion between him and His Majesty's Government has been signed.

Are the relations between this country and His Majesty the Emperor a matter for the War Office or for the Foreign Office?

The position is that this territory which was under Italian rule is, until an agreement is concluded, being administered as occupied enemy territory.

Is there any difficulty in reaching agreement with the Emperor?

So far as I know, there is no difficulty whatever. The conversations are proceeding in a most amicable fashion. But there is a large number of complicated matters which have to be settled, and it takes time.

Is it not desirable that the body which will be normally responsible for the territory should take responsibility before the negotiations are concluded?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the disquieting reports of conditions in French internment camps and prisons, he will cause the Government at Vichy to be informed that, in the event of a British victory, its members will be held personally responsible for the lives of British internees and of French nationals imprisoned in consequence of their part in the Anglo-French Alliance?

His Majesty's Government are in frequent communication with the Vichy Government through the good offices of the United States Government, who are the Protecting Power, in regard to the welfare of British service personnel and other British subjects interned in unoccupied France and French African territories; and they are taking, in co-operation with the United States Government, whatever steps are most likely to be effective to ensure the proper treatment of these men. Experience has shown that representations on behalf of prisoners or internees of other than British nationality may well only worsen the lot of the persons concerned.

Will the steps taken include inspection of those camps?

That is exactly what I am asking.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he will ask the Government of the United States of America to give favourable consideration to the formation of a road and rail-making organisation on a large scale, to be derived from the United States of America civil engineering resources in men and material, so that the Allies may have at their immediate disposal an organisation superior to the Todt organisation?

An approach has already been made to the United States Government on lines similar to those suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend, and this has evoked a generous response.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise how immensely important it is to have something like the Todt organisation to improve the communications in Persia with our Russian Allies?

Of course, we do. It has been the basis of the policy we have been pursuing. As I explained to my hon. Friend, we have received the most generous and helpful response from the United States, but I think further particulars must be left for them to give.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that in sections of the Royal Air Force in the Middle East officer-pilots and sergeant-pilots are messing together; whether he agrees that those who hold commissions and those who do not should be allowed to mix in this manner; and whether he is satisfied that this mixing is not subversive of discipline.

I have no official knowledge of the arrangement referred to, but I am making inquiries and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will arrange for the publication of a pamphlet, similar to the "Battle of Britain," dealing with Balloon Command, in view of the fact that this command was entirely raised on an auxiliary basis; and that such a publication would be of great public interest?

The preparation of a pamphlet dealing with Balloon Command is under consideration with other proposals of a similar nature.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the Royal Air Force personnel now. operating in Russia was fully kitted for Russian winter conditions before embarkation; and whether necessary warm clothing, &c, will be supplied by the Russian authorities?

The first contingent of Royal Air Force personnel left before winter conditions set in in Russia, and was not fully equipped for these conditions. Adequate supplies of warm clothing have now been sent, and later parties have been fully kitted before embarkation.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is satisfied with the present rate of recruitment of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force balloon operators; whether the substitution of Women's Auxiliary Air Force personnel for these duties has proved satisfactory; and what further steps are being taken in this matter in order to release Royal Air Force personnel of all ranks for other duties?

The Answer to the first and second parts of the Question is in the affirmative. As for the last part, the possibility of extending the employment of women is under constant review, and substantial progress is being made.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that in many cases the clothing issued to members of the Royal Observer Corps is over two years old; and whether he has made direct inquiries to see whether there are legitimate grievances in the matter of suitable clothing?

The clothing issued to members of the Royal Observer Corps is replaced on demand if it becomes unserviceable owing to age or for other reasons. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the Reply which I gave him on 15th October.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman received the information which I sent him regarding some of the complaints that have been sent to me? Is it not true that warm clothing has not been issued to many of these men since the early part of the war?

I understand that warm clothing is available at all the posts. If the hon. Member is still not satisfied, I will look into the matter again.

Is not warm clothing available for only a certain number and is handed from one man to another when they go on watch?.

That is the best we can do at the present.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he is aware that, at a certain South Wales factory, some 90 men engaged upon aircraft production have been rendered idle for some time; that many thousands of skilled man-hours have been lost; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent this misuse of these national resources?

The firm referred to by my hon. Friend is not in direct contractual relations with my Ministry. I have ascertained that a shortage of materials at the firm's factory resulted in about 50 men being temporarily rendered idle. The supply position has now been remedied and all the men are back at work.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that because this matter was raised in the House of Commons this firm has had its contract cut by one half, and that only to-day the local Employment Exchange has been notified that a number of jigs had to be destroyed and that 60 skilled men will be unemployed at the end of this week?

I will look into that point, and I hope the hon. Member will consult with me.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether any changes are being contemplated for the reform of the Constitution of the island Colony of Barbados, especially from the point of view of widening the franchise, or whether the same bicameral system of the centuries-old unchanged Constitution will be allowed to continue?

No changes are in contemplation in the Constitution of Barbados.

Will two-thirds of the population be left in perpetuity without a vote?

That is the position, I have explained, at the present time.

Does the hon. Gentleman really mean in perpetuity?

No, Sir, but I referred to the first reply which I gave to the Question.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies how many houses had been built by the Government of Trinidad, British West Indies, up to February, 1939; whether the local municipality of Port of Spain, in spite of the absence of statutory powers, built nearly 40 houses; whether this state of affairs has continued; and what progress has been made on any Government housing scheme in the last two years?

My Noble Friend is making inquiry of the officer administering the Government of Trinidad as to the exact number of houses built in the periods specified. I will communicate with my hon. Friend when a report has been received.

Is there not an information bureau at the Colonial Office, so that we may get our information there and not by constant reference to the Governors?

It is impossible for us to keep a record of every activity of all the Governments in the Colonial service, and we must refer questions of this kind to the Governors.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether the Colony Hospital in Antigua, British West Indies, is still in the state it was in February, 1939, badly in need of repair, with rotten floors, leaking roofs, broken doors and poor sanitation; whether temporary repairs have yet been done; and when is it proposed to rebuild the hospital properly so that good medical work for the island inhabitants may be done?

Owing to the financial position of the Colony, it has only been possible in recent years to effect the minimum running repairs to the Holberton Hospital in Antigua. The question of rebuilding the hospital, which is agreed to be necessary, has been considered by the Comptroller for Development and Welfare in consultation with the Governor. Plans will be drawn up by a qualified hospital architect now in the West Indies. This architect will shortly be undertaking a survey of hospital buildings in the Eastern Caribbean Colonies and British Guiana, financed by a grant under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act.

May I take it that in the meantime repairs have been done to make this hospital fit for use?

As I said in my Reply, running repairs are being carried out.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether Miss Muriel Lester is still detained in the West Indies; what specific charge has been made against her; whether she has appealed to, or will appear before, the advisory tribunal; and whether a report of the proceedings before the tribunal respecting this and other cases will be published, or made available to Members of this House?

My Noble Friend understands that Miss Lester is still detained in Trinidad pending the necessary arrangements being made for her to travel to the United Kingdom. As regards the second part of the Question, Miss Lester was detained under the Trinidad Defence Regulations and no question of preferring a charge against her arose. As regards the third part of the Question, Miss Lester is entitled to make an objection to the Advisory Committee, but I am not aware whether she has done so. As regards the fourth part of the Question, it would not be in the public interest to publish or make available in any other way the report of the Advisory Committee in this or any other case of a person detained under Defence Regulations.

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that in fact no serious charge has been made against this lady, who is a person of the highest character; can he say whether anything is being done to provide her with proper accommodation and whether any steps are being taken to secure her transfer to some other country?

The question of transferring Miss Lester from the detention camp to a hotel is now being considered.

May I ask my hon. Friend to reply to the other question about her release and transfer to some other country if she wishes to go?

She will be released on the condition that she returns to this country.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement on the contribution which the Jews in Palestine have made to the war effort, indicating how many Jews in Palestine have joined the British Army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force; and what further steps are being taken to encourage recruiting among the Jews in Palestine?

The total number of Palestinian Jews now in the Services is over 9,000, including 1,505 who are missing or prisoners. Of this total 1,575 are serving in the Royal Air Force and the remainder in various branches of the Army. A campaign for more recruits for the Army is now in progress.

Can my hon. Friend give an assurance that no obstacles are now placed in the way of Jews in Palestine who are physically fit and who wish to join one of the Fighting Services?

I can give that assurance. As a matter of fact, a campaign is proceeding at the present time to obtain recruits for the Army.

Is there any chance of obtaining women for the A.T.S. in Palestine?

That is another question.

Why have so many attempts been made to hide the great contributions which the Jews are willing to make in this war?

No attempt has been made to hide any act which has been done by the Jews. That is a misapprehension.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will explain why publication was not permitted by the censor in Palestine of a Question relating to the attitude of His Majesty's Government to the policy of the Balfour Declaration asked by the honourable Member for Cheltenham on 30th July, and of the Prime Minister's reply; will he say if the objection was to the Prime Minister's answer or the honourable Member's Question or both; and will he take steps to see that the ban on publica- tion in Palestine of this Question and answer is removed?

I have no information regarding the matter raised in this Question, but my noble Friend will address an inquiry to the High Commissioner for Palestine.

Will my hon. Friend find out if this was a political or military censorship, and will he make it perfectly clear to the censor in Palestine that His Majesty's Government intend that the policy of the Balfour Declaration shall be implemented?

I must await the result of the inquiry before I can commit myself in any way.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give an assurance that point 3 in the Atlantic Declaration will be fully implemented respecting Native colonial peoples or whether, and in what respects, this is qualified by other references in that Declaration?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made on this matter by the Prime Minister on 9th September in this House, to which I have nothing to add.

May I take it that the hon. Gentleman agrees that references to our existing obligations will not prevent the application of progressive measures of self-government to Colonial peoples?

I can only agree with the statement as I read it.

asked the Prime Minister the names of the financial advisers who accompanied him on his visit to meet the President of the United States of America in the Atlantic?

No financial advisers attended the Atlantic meeting on either side; no financial issues were discussed.

asked the Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will consult with experts as to the best way of assisting passengers on the Underground Railway to identify stations as they pass, in view of the dim lighting of stations, the shrouding of carriage windows and the indistinct voices of women porters?

On open stations lighting and the size of lettering are restricted by regulation, but the lights are placed so as to make the best use of the permitted illumination, and staff have been instructed to announce stops clearly. The Board are considering altering the position of the openings in the protective netting on the windows and enlarging them.

Would it not be a good thing to supply women porters with megaphones so that they could be heard?

I do not think we ought to make aspersions on these women, who are doing extremely good work and are helping the railways very much in the present situation.

Why not supply some of the male porters with an interpreter?

Would it not be better if microphones were put in the trains to enable either the driver or the guard to announce the name of the station?

asked the Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport, whether he will state the personnel of, and interests represented upon, the local consultative committees in Glamorgan relied upon for advice by the Regional Transport Commissioner covering passenger transport?

As the answer consists of a two-page table of places and names, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, send it to him.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say whether the public are adequately represented on these committees?

There are columns in the list for railway interests, road transport undertakings, trade unions, the Ministry of Labour and general traders.

asked the Minister of Information whether he has considered the manifesto issued by the Lord Mayor of Manchester and the mayors of Salford and Stretford, a copy of which has been sent to him; and, in view of the national lead it gives and the responsible source from which it comes, whether he will ask the British Broadcasting Corporation to broadcast it?

When the manifesto in question was originally issued, the Ministry of Information took steps to bring it to the attention of religious leaders both at home and abroad. It also received considerable Press publicity. I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by broadcasting it now.

Does not the Minister think that a national lead of this kind should receive wide publicity over the air?

A courageous lead of that kind ought to receive the widest publicity.

Where can we get the text of that manifesto?

Could not a copy of it be placed in the Library?

asked the Minister of Information whether he will consult with the Ministers of Supply and Labour in order to establish a definite policy for the publishing and paper industries, in view of the importance of this question to propaganda?

Yes, Sir. I am fully aware of the problem presented by the industries in question and will certainly undertake to discuss it with my right hon. Friends who are primarily responsible for these industries.

Is the Minister aware that there is a growing shortage of technical books for the Forces, and will he do everything he can to overcome that difficulty?

I shall certainly do everything in my power, but I have to secure the consent of the Minister of Supply, and I cannot pledge him without his authority. I have also to get the consent of the Minister of Labour, but we arc going to have a meeting soon to see what we can do about it.

asked the Minister of Information whether the proposed sale of one-half of the issued shares in Renters, Limited, by the Press Association, Limited, to the Newspaper Proprietors' Association, Limited, as trustee for the London newspapers, has been considered in relation to Reuters being the main source of supply of overseas news to the British Broadcasting Corporation, and of home and overseas news to the Empire and foreign news agencies and newspapers; and whether, in view of this and of certain facilities which Reuters enjoy, His Majesty's Government have considered making the continuance of the supply to the British Broadcasting Corporation and those facilities being dependent upon the control of Reuters being representative of British interests and not merely of the Press?

His Majesty's Government are aware of these negotiations, but I have no statement to make at present.

Does my right hon. Friend consider it in the best interests of the public that the collection and dissemination, of news, especially to and through the B.B.C., should be in the hands of a few London newspaper proprietors?

I do not think that we should prejudge this question at the moment, because we are having meetings with all the parties concerned very soon, and I should not like to say anything that might prejudice any arrangement which might ultimately be effected.

Is it not the case that the final decision on this subject is to be taken to-morrow, and will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that no vital decision is taken until the Government have considered it?

I do not think my right hon. Friend is right in saying that the final decision will be taken to-morrow. To a large extent the parties concerned have sold the shares—the Press Association has sold the shares—but the Chan- cellor of the Exchequer and I are negotiating with the representatives of the Newspaper Proprietors' Association and the Press Association. The negotiations are rather difficult, and I think it would be liable to prejudice them if we were to discuss them now. I can give the House an assurance that we share the anxieties of hon. Members, and will do everything in our power to secure and protect the public interest.

Do the Government realise that this agency has now an almost complete monopoly of receiving and sending news, and that it is vital in the public interest that this monopoly should be under some kind of public control?

As a matter of fact, the monopoly has existed for quite a long time. Reuters have been owned by the Press Association practically 100 per cent. They now propose to sell, or have sold, 50 per cent. of the shares to the Newspaper Proprietors Association.

Is it not a fact that in the past the shares in this undertaking have been very widely held, through the Press Association, and that under the deal, if it goes through, the London papers will not only hold half the shares in Reuters but will, through their provincial editions and their allied newspapers, hold a large interest in the Press Association? Is he further aware that the trust which it is proposed to set up in connection with this matter has no real powers, that the trustees will not hold the shares, that the trustees, although they will appoint the directors, will have to appoint those nominated by the shareholders, that the trust is revocable, and that it is not representative of other newspaper interests?

Yes, I am quite well aware of all those points, and they are being very carefully considered by His Majesty's Government at the present moment.

Before anything is done which will destroy the independence of Reuters, will my right hon. Friend give this House an opportunity of expressing its opinion before any irrevocable step is taken?

As a matter of fact, Reuters at the present moment is a private business. The Government are big cus- tomers of Reuters, and that is the only influence which they can exercise over the concern, other than nationalising it or starting their own news agency. Hon. Members can see that these are very large points of principle. I share all my hon. Friends' anxieties about the future of Reuters, and the Government have borne all the points expressed this morning very much in mind.

Will my right hon. Friend answer my question?

In view of the last reply given by my right hon. Friend, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that letters despatched to addresses within 100 miles are frequently not delivered within 36 hours of collection; and whether he will give an assurance that, week-ends excepted, letters posted before a prescribed time on any day will normally be delivered in the course of the following day to addresses within 150 miles radius?

There may be isolated instances of such delay to letters posted in remote rural areas addressed to similar areas, but I am not aware of any general delay such as that mentioned in the first part of the Question. I am pleased to give the assurance asked for in the second part of the Question, except that I must exclude letters posted in and addressed to remote areas, and those which may be mistreated. If the hon. Member will write to me giving full particulars of any cases he has in mind, I shall be happy to make an inquiry.

While I will gladly supply my right hon. Friend with the particular cases, will he say whether any departmental check is kept on the normal times which elapse between collection and delivery?

Yes, Sir. A constant check is kept departmentally, and the general position, I am satisfied, is as I have said. I shall be glad to look into any cases where inquiry may result in a better service.

Is, the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some London suburbs deliveries are now an hour and a half or two hours later than previously?

There has been a change in the hours of collection in order to make the best use of the daylight that exists. While I cannot go into any individual question without particulars, I shall be glad to look into the matter if my hon. Friend will let me have details.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he will make a statement concerning the steps he has taken to improve the acoustics of the Chamber?

I presume that I am anticipating the wishes of the House if I speak up in answering this Question. I had the benefit of advice from officials of the National Physical Laboratory, and measures recommended by them were carried out during the recent Recess. The work involved fixing absorbent tiles in the windows, glass silk quilting in the panels at the south end of the Chamber and a sounding board over the Press Gallery. If hon. Members will make a point of addressing their remarks to the Chair it should be found that a considerable improvement has taken place. The technical problems presented are, however, extremely difficult, and it is to be doubted whether they can be completely solved.

Will the present arrangements, such as the sounding board, be permanent or temporary?

They will remain until something more effective is found.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that members of the Press Gallery at times have considerable difficulty in hearing Members' speeches, and often their reports are not fully published?

Is it not because some Members are too idle to speak up?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will inform the House of the terms of a Fleet Order dated 28th November, 1940?

Yes, Sir. The Fleet Order, which was printed for posting on Notice Boards, reads as follows:

"In the conviction that the present war is a struggle between good and evil, and that in the practice of the Christian Religion may be found to-day the same support experienced by our Forefathers in establishing in the Royal Navy those ideals of service and sacrifice which we have inherited:

Their Lordships, whilst appreciating that under conditions of war, the instructions regarding Sunday work can seldom be realised, wish to emphasise the need for observing the instructions for the holding of Divine Service and Prayers.

They further direct that in battleships and cruisers all possible steps should be taken to provide a space set apart for the worship of God.

Will my hon. Friend ask his right hon. Friend to bring that Fleet Order to the notice of the heads of the other two Services and his colleagues in the Cabinet, and ask them if they can issue a similar Order?

This Fleet Order was issued after consultation with, and advice from, the Chaplain-General of the Fleet. My right hon. Friend has no doubt that his colleagues in the other Service Departments have an equal opportunity of consulting with, and obtaining advice from, their Chaplains-General.

Is the hon. Gentle-man aware that some Members representing maritime constituencies have received letters from constituents complaining that denominational difficulties have arisen in regard to attendance at divine service, and can he say that these matters are receiving attention at the Admiralty?

They are constantly under consideration, but my hon. Friend will appreciate that there are considerable difficulties.

asked the Attorney-. General whether any rule obtains as to appointing a Member of Parliament to be a justice of the peace for the area of his own constituency; and whether it is usual for Members of Parliament, who were already justices of the peace for the area they represent before election, to remain as such and to sit on the local bench?

Successive Lord Chancellors have maintained a general rule that a Member of Parliament should not be appointed a J.P. for the area of his own constituency, and my noble Friend, the present Lord Chancellor, has directed that this rule should be maintained. There is, of course, no legal disqualification for an M.P. who is already a J.P. to act as a Justice of the Peace in his own area, and it must be left to individual discretion to decide whether he should take part in magisterial work during the period of his Parliamentary representation.

May I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman whether he considers it sound justice that the same individual should exercise both political and judicial functions in the same area at the same time?

I do not see any objection to a Member who has previously sat as a Justice of the Peace continuing so to sit when elected a Member of this House. If any Member thinks otherwise, I would not quarrel with his view.

Have not Members of the House been Justices of the Peace ever since there were Justices of the Peace?

That is one of the things I had in mind in expressing the view I did.

Is it not the case that Recorders are specifically prohibited by Statute from exercising their functions in the areas where they are Members of Parliament?

I had that in mind, but that is a different case. In the course of our history there must have been innumerable cases in which Members of this House were Justices of the Peace of the locality they represented and continued to sit as Justices of the Peace.

Is it the suggestion that Members of this House cannot be impartial?

asked the Attorney-General whether he has been made aware of the widespread activities of landowners and estate agents in seeking to compel owners of tenements to increase the amount of the insurances upon these properties upon the pretext that the cost of replacement in the event of damage by fire, &c, is now one-third in excess of pre-war costs; and will he take some steps to check the tendency of these people to make such increasing demands?

I am not aware of action of this kind on the part of landlords or their agents. If the hon. Member will send me particulars of the cases which he has in mind, I will be glad to consider them.

Has it not already been reported that this practice is widespread throughout the country? I shall certainly supply the information that the right hon. and learned Gentleman desires.

My noble Friend has had no information to that effect, but I shall be very glad to receive the hon. Member's information.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether Army and Air Force training schools for fitters for practical work in the field have been established in India; and whether he is satisfied that a long-term view has been taken; that the numbers under training are adequate; and that the instructional staff is sufficient and competent?

I have asked for a report on the subject from the Government of India. I know that such schools have been established and I am confident that both the Commander-in-Chief and the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief in India have taken a long view and are making the fullest use of the resources available.

asked the Secretary of State for War the appropriate organisation for dealing with conditions of service and grievances for constabulary stationed at Royal Ordnance factories; and what machinery is in operation for dealing with cases of discipline for the constabulary stationed at Royal Ordnance factories?

Representations with regard to conditions of service or grievances of War Department constabulary stationed at Royal Ordnance factories may be made by individual constables to the senior constabulary officer of the station concerned. Moreover, any constable may apply to see the Chief Constable of the Force on such matters. With regard to the second part of the Question, all breaches of the code of discipline laid down for these constables, are referred to the Chief Constable for decision.

Why is there no machinery for dealing with these cases in bulk, not only individually? Surely the same machinery could be put into operation as is in operation for the ordinary constabulary?

If my hon. Friend is referring to the question of whether an association could be formed to deal with these matters, the position is that the constables are at liberty to form an association within the force, if they so desire, but that in fact they have not as yet decided to do so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will reduce the number of coupons to be surrendered for a pair of men's socks below the three at present required, in view of the fact that a pair of average weight socks takes less than three ounces of wool and the present ration of wool is two ounces for a coupon, and a woman can obtain a pair of hip-length woollen stockings for two coupons?

No, Sir. The present supply position would not permit of such a reduction.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend explain how he comes to be a party to treating men worse than women in this matter?

I should be very sorry to admit being a party to any such thing

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any information in connection with the firm of Biggins and Company who were charged at the Mansion House, on Tuesday, 14th October, along with Biggins and Bouldstrige, for making a false statement, thereby obtaining a licence for the importation of 630 bags of Columbian coffee instead of 500 bags; and what action he intends taking about the matter?

This company applied for a licence for 500 bags, which was granted. They subsequently applied for an additional licence for 130 bags, supplying false information in support thereof. Proceedings were taken and a conviction obtained. No further action is contemplated.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that no further commitments with regard to the leasing of naval, military or air bases to the United States of America will be made without first consulting this House, and that wherever advisable the free use of such bases shall be granted?

As regards the first part of his Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal on 3rd December last; as regards the second part, he may feel assured that His Majesty's Government are bearing this consideration in mind.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, while probably everybody agrees with our giving the use of the bases freely to the Americans, there is a growing body of opinion opposed to the leasing of such bases?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this House has never had any opportunity of discussing the matter?

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether the educational investigation now being conducted by the Nuffield Survey is undertaken with his official sanction; whether it also has the sanction of the Board of Education and other Departments concerned; and what is its object?

The extension of the Social Reconstruction Survey conducted by Nuffield College to cover certain aspects of education is undertaken with the approval and full sanction of the Board of Education. The programme of inquiry, which is concerned in the first instance with the effect of war conditions on the service, was drawn up in consultation with the Board.

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether any decision has been reached on the advisability of setting up a central planning authority; whether it is proposed to appoint two sets of regional officials from two Government Departments to advise on land planning; and to whom such officials are responsible?

I hope to have an early opportunity of making a statement to the House on certain aspects of my work, including the issues which my hon. Friend's Question raises. Perhaps he will be good enough to await the statement.

Will my right hon. Friend see that there are not two different sets of regional officials appointed, as such a method would be extremely wasteful and inefficient?

I think that when the hon. Member hears my statement he will see what is to be done.

Will the statement be made on the introduction of the proposed legislation?

I would not like to say without notice, because I have to consult about it, but it is very possible.

Could my right hon. Friend say, in general, how many advisers go to the making of one plan?

Not without notice— and not even with notice.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether, in view of the present limitations of the smaller manufacturer, he is satisfied that the existing machinery and organisation of the Department of Scientific Research provide adequate facilities for the experimentation and manufacture and test of likely inventions and forms of apparatus which may be submitted to it for war purposes; and whether he will procure and make available in approved cases a number of small factories able to undertake general development of work of this kind?

Inventions and suggestions for war purposes submitted to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research are immediately sent forward for expert examination by the appropriate Defence or Supply Ministry. I am satisfied that the existing organisation of the Department is adequate to carry out the preliminary sifting required. Responsibility for further action on such submissions, including experimentation, manufacture, or testing, rests on the Ministry concerned. The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the present obstacles which appear to be put in the way, on every hand, of members of the public in this matter?

I have given very close personal attention to this matter myself. I am aware of the feeling to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. There is, in fact, in my opinion, no justification for it. If I may give my reasons in a few words, they are that, in the first place, a great many people who come forward with suggestions, who think they have a useful idea, have really travelled a very short distance along an already well-trodden road, but, for reasons of security, it is in most cases quite impossible for the Department to explain to those persons exactly what is being done and what has been achieved. Almost inevitably, some sense of frustration is caused when that happens. The other kind of case in my experience is where someone comes forward with a proposal or an idea which undoubtedly is soundly based, but the Department after considering the extent to which resources, material and knowledge and skill might have to be employed to develop the idea to the full, come to the conclusion that those resources, materials, and knowledge and skill might be more profitably diverted to other channels.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is aware that the Carlisle Corporation has been refused a permit to obtain the necessary material to erect barriers in order to regulate omnibus passenger queues in the interests of public safety; that during this last month this corporation was compelled to agree to 16 applications for enclosing grave spaces with iron railings because they possess no legal powers to refuse same; and what action does he contemplate taking in these matters?

The first part of the Question is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport. As regards the second part of the Question, the Town Clerk of the City of Carlisle has been asked to furnish particulars in order that the matter may be taken up.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he can give any information in connection with two officials of his Ministry who were charged at South-end, on Thursday, with stealing, and wrongfully disposing of, 232 tons of molasses belonging to the Government; and whether any organisation was connected with the stealing?

The two persons who have been charged with larceny of molasses are not officials of the Ministry of Supply. It would not be proper to make any statement on the matter whilst the criminal proceedings are in progress.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why surface workers in mines are not permitted the same extra food rations which are accorded to underground workers in mines?

The special ration of cheese was provided to meet the needs of categories of workers for whom the provision of adequate canteen facilities was impracticable and who required to take suitable food with them to their work. I think my hon. Friend will agree that in this respect the surface mine worker is not in the same position as the underground worker.

Does not my right hon. and gallant Friend know that surface men in many coalfields consider that they have as severe work to perform as those who work underground, and is there not a case for looking into their condition in this respect?

I am sure that my hon. Friend appreciates that it is almost impossible to draw a satisfactory line. We have done our best with the advice available to us, and we hope very much that the canteen programme that we have in mind will do a lot to meet the need for surface workers' meals.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why the use of national wheatmeal flour is not made compulsory if, as stated in the Ministry of Food public announcements, its use would effect a saving of 20 per cent. in shipping space?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 8th October.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that it is often impossible for customers to get this bread from bakers, and is there no way of telling them of available supplies?

I should be grateful if my hon. Friend would let me know of any cases. I shall be very glad to take action.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the policy with regard to the production of wholewheat bread, embodying the advice of the scientific advisory com- mittee, is being carried out; and whether specific instructions have been given to the millers that flour for the 85 per cent. loaf is to include all the valuable nutritional constituents of the wheat and exclude the bran and pollards?

I presume the hon. Member in referring to wholewheat bread has in mind the national wheatmeal loaf of 85 per cent. extraction, the specification for which was approved by the Scientific Food Policy Committee and the Medical Research Council. Precise instructions on how to prepare this particular type of meal were circulated to all millers. These instructions lay down that the flour should contain the greater part of the germ and that the coarse bran and part of the pollards should be excluded.

Is the Minister aware that some of the millers are not carrying out this instruction, and will he consent to meet me and the hon. Member for Cambridge University (Prof. Hill) in the Strangers' dining room after Questions, when I can demonstrate to him and any other Members that the proper instructions are not being carried out?

I cannot say that there is not one that is not carried out. You do, of course, come across cases where the instruction is not carried out, and we take action. We have a system by which we do take it, and I can assure my hon. Friend that action is taken.

Why are not people told on the B.B.C. that the wheatmeal loaf is infinitely superior to any white bread?

We have used every kind and system of publicity, and while I myself have not heard it on the B.B.C., I have certainly seen advertisements which have definitely drawn attention to the merits of wheatmeal.

Is the Minister aware that many people apply for wheatmeal bread and cannot get it?

If my hon. Friend will be good enough to let me know of any cases, I will look into them.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say why it is possible to obtain a large number of different samples of so-called wholemeal bread containing anything from none up to the whole of the grain, and why is it so difficult for anyone but one of the larger bakers to obtain the proper stuff?

If my hon. Friend will give me any information, I shall be glad to look into it.

To what extent does the conflict between animal feeding-stuffs and human feeding-stuffs cause short supplies to bakers?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has any statement to make in respect of the cessation of deep-sea fishing by the Iceland fishing fleet as a result of the level at which fish prices have been fixed by his Department?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food how the decision of the Icelandic authorities to lay up their entire deep-sea trawler fleet owing to the unprofitable sale of fish owing to price regulation will affect British supplies of fish?

For a variety of reasons the deep-sea trawler fleet of Iceland has taken only a small part in catching fish for the British market since the spring of this year. I am satisfied that the level of maximum prices now fixed is fair and reasonable.

Has the Minister seen the public statement that the laying-up of this fleet was due to the fact that they cannot get adequate prices in this country?

I am very sorry, but I cannot accept that statement. This laying-up has been going on since last March, as I said in my Answer, due to a variety of reasons, and the question of price should not be one of them, for I should say that, generally speaking, they are about double what they were before the war.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say whether any steps are being taken to encourage the restarting of this fleet, especially when there is such a shortage in the country?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the public complaints as to the short supply of fish; is he satisfied that the scarcity of fish is not caused by faulty co-operation of his Department with Icelandic fish interests; and whether he will take all possible measures to accelerate the transit of fish from Iceland?

I am aware that fish supplies, both British caught and imported, during the month of October, have been below normal and that this has given rise to public comment. The shortage in recent weeks is largely due to the weather conditions prevailing around Iceland since mid-September. It is not due to lack of co-operation with the Icelandic authorities. Everything possible is being done to accelerate transit of fish from Iceland.