asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the existing system of wool rationing, he is satisfied that the Navy will this winter be provided adequately with comforts?

Yes, Sir. Wool rationing will not involve any reduction in the issue of warm clothing from service sources; nor will it lead to any cut in the supplies available for purchase by ratings out of their kit upkeep allowance. The Navy is, however, very grateful for the extra comforts which the public have so generously provided, and the wool rationing scheme provides facilities for obtaining coupon free wool for this purpose.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent orders have been issued that no maize is to be sold for feeding livestock in Southern Rhodesia; and whether that indicates that more of this commodity is coming to this country for use for feeding-stuffs here?

I have been asked to reply. No information is available here regarding the issue of an order prohibiting the sale of maize for feeding livestock in Southern Rhodesia. It is known, however, that there is a shortage of maize in Southern Rhodesia and that none is likely to be available for export to any destination.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the terms, salaries and conditions of appointment of the members of the Electrical Commission and the Central Electricity Board, each separately in respect of both age and tenure of appointment?

The answer is necessarily somewhat long and I am accordingly sending my hon. and gallant Friend a statement giving the facts.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether his attention has been called to the serious condition obtaining in some rural areas, owing to the shortage of skilled craftsmen, such as blacksmiths, painters, plumbers, bricklayers, slaters and thatchers, in consequence of which normal damage by gales and exposure is causing serious risks to crops stored in barns and to the health of workers in cottages; and whether he will consult with the regional commissioners, with a view to seeing that there should be a minimum quota of skilled men in every group of villages, and that the necessary material is available for urgent repair work?

I am not aware of any serious difficulty of the kind referred to in the Question, but if the Hon. Member has in mind any special cases perhaps he will be good enough to send me particulars, and I will investigate. Meanwhile, I can assure my hon. Friend that the necessity of maintaining a minimum quota of skilled building labour to carry on the maintenance work in country districts is very much in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can indicate the approximate cost, to date, of newspaper advertising in respect of those published messages for recruitment that are specially directed to persons in reserved occupations?

Newspaper advertising for recruits for the Royal Air Force from among men in reserved occupations has to date cost approximately £47,000. Of this, £15,000 has been spent on advertising for ground tradesmen and the rest on advertising for air crews. Advertising for the former has now been discontinued.