asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends again to call a meeting in Edinburgh of Scottish Members of Parliament?

It will be advisable that any meetings in Edinburgh should take place during a Parliamentary Recess, but I am not in a position to suggest any precise date. Meanwhile, I pro- pose periodically to issue invitations for meetings at the Scottish Office in London of Scots Members of Parliament. Members will be invited to these meetings on the basis of a regional or area grouping of constituencies. The gatherings will be quite informal, but I trust that the results will be of considerable benefit to all concerned and not least to the constituencies whom we represent.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has given agricultural executive committees in Scotland any instructions regarding the disclosure by their members and officers of information as to their proceedings, decisions and recommendations?

It has been made clear to these committees that they are Government representatives, and that their proceedings are confidential. I have not so far found it necessary to issue detailed instructions as to how this general principle of Government agency should be applied in particular instances. There may, indeed, be cases in which some publicity is not only unobjectionable but even desirable. The implications of membership of these Committees are generally understood and are for the most part loyally observed.

Does the light hon. Gentleman consider it inappropriate that a Member of this House should seek or obtain information from a committee as to their proceedings?

It will obviously depend upon circumstances. These committees have Government powers delegated to them, and it would be highly inappropriate that they should disclose matters relating to the Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that John Cairns, a dock labourer, 131, South Street, Lochgelly, was. sent to prison for 14 days at Dunfermline Sheriff Court, on 3rd November, for refusing to take a job as brusher at a colliery; and as Cairns did not refuse suitable work at the colliery, but stated he was not a brusher and was afraid to assume such responsibility, he will take steps to have this sentence remitted?

From inquiries I have made, I find that John Cairns was sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment for refusing to comply with directions given by the Ministry of Labour and National Service to take work as a brusher. I am informed that the local tribunal by whom his case was considered on appeal were satisfied that he had several years experience in such work and was fitted to undertake it.

Am I to understand from that answer that a workman being transferred to a colliery, after having been away for a considerable time, is compelled to do such dangerous and responsible work as that of a brusher?

The point is that the tribunal which heard this man's appeal decided on the evidence that he was an appropriate person to go, and I think a medical certificate was issued to that effect.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what is a brusher? Most of us do not know.

Since a brusher's job is one of the most dangerous and responsible in a colliery, do I understand that colliery managers are to be entitled to put a man on this job without his having a period in a colliery in which to recondition himself at the work?

I can only say that in these matters particular cases are referred to tribunals who hear evidence on these appeals. In this case they decided that the man was fit.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that in this case the tribunal was so composed as to be able to judge a matter like this?

I would like notice of that Question.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether negotiations are proceeding to establish coal stocking stations; how long have the negotiations been proceeding; and when are fully-equipped stations to be ready to operate?

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring, not to the general Government stocking programme, but to the special arrangements which my Department is making to stock coal in the colliery areas in order to minimise the effect on production of possible transport dislocation. These are intended to supplement the normal stocking by collieries at such times. Sites have already been acquired in South Wales, Durham and Northumberland and in each of these areas several sites are ready for use: the remainder are in various stages of completion. The work on these sites is being pressed forward, and I hope that they will all be fully equipped in the near future.

If these sites had been functioning, would it have been necessary for us to lose the time we have lost during the last week or two on account of the lack of empty wagons?

The purpose of providing these sites was to prevent loss of working time, but they cannot be made ready without site equipment, such as railway sleepers and machinery for handling the coal.

Is my hon. Friend aware that some of the sites for stocking coal were not used, and can he give a guarantee that this year, where local authorities have given sites, they will be used?

I was anxious not to confuse these two types of sites. The hon. Member for Morpeth (Mr. Taylor) called attention to sites for stocking output as it is delivered from the shaft, while the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson) is thinking of stocking near the point of consumption. Both these means of stocking are well in hand.

Were not these sites expected to be ready for this time of the year, so that they could be in operation on account of a possible shortage?

The answer is that we had not estimated that it would be so difficult to find appurtenances for stocking, as has since been discovered.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that mines were idle recently in Northumberland for lack of empty wagons; and why arc facilities not working to enable wagons to be emptied to enable mines to continue working?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has any explanation for the stoppage of certain coalmines in South Wales due to shortage of wagons; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this position?

It is unfortunately the case that some time was lost recently in Northumberland and South Wales through unavoidable transport difficulties. Collieries have been asked in such circumstances to put as much coal as possible to stock at the pithead, and further outlets have now been created in both districts by the provision of Government stocking sites near the collieries. I am in constant touch with my Noble Friend the Minister of War Transport with regard to transport both by rail and by sea, and, so far as the supply of wagons is concerned, a scheme of rationalised distribution of empty wagons to coalfield areas is now in operation.

Is my hon. Friend aware that stress is being laid now upon absenteeism? The Ministry of Transport is appealing to men to go to work, and they remain idle because there is a shortage of wagons. This is having a very bad effect. Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the facilities which exist at collieries at the present time are being fully utilised so that pits can be kept working?

It is intended that these men shall be kept at work every day, and in order that they shall be at work regularly it will be necessary to dump large quantities of coal at the new stocking places now provided.

Has my hon. Friend satisfied himself that the facilities already existing for dumping coal are being fully used, or is it being left to managements to dump coal?

No, Sir, it is not being left to managements. Stocking is being done at the expense of the Government and on the instructions of the Government?

But will my hon. Friend tell us—. [Interruption.] This is very important.

asked the Secretary for Mines what is the number of miners who have returned to work in the mines during the last three months; how many have been prosecuted for refusing to return; and how many have been certified as medically unfit to return?

I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Minister of Labour.

During the three months ending 6th November, 1941, just over 20,000 ex-miners reported for work at collieries. During approximately the same period eight ex-miners were prosecuted for failure to obey directions to return to the mines; in each case a conviction was secured. Prosecution is under consideration in 87 more cases. I regret that information is not available as to the number of men certified as unfit.

Will my hon. Friend convey to the Minister that there is deep resentment against the action of the Ministry in this connection, especially when men are directed to return to the pit, although they are already employed on work of national importance, and are asked to return to the pit at less than half the wages they are getting elsewhere?

Yes, Sir. I know that all those considerations have been taken into account.

Is my hon. Friend aware that 11,000 ex-miners have been promised to return to the Yorkshire pits, and that up to now only 3,000 have actually returned?

I am not aware of that, but I will convey the information to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to a fatal accident which happened at Mosley Common No. 4 pit, Manchester collieries, on 31st October, when it was stated in the evidence at the inquest that the working-place where the accident took place was in a dangerous condition; and will he have a full investigation made?

I have read the report of the inspector who investigated the accident and attended the inquest and the newspaper report of the inquest which my hon. Friend was good enough to send me. It was well recognised by both officials and workmen that the roof at the top end of the face needed special support, and, as stated at the inquest, this was in fact provided and particular care taken; but a small fall knocked out one of the supports and this brought down a larger fall which caught the deceased. This could hardly have been foreseen, and I find no evidence to indicate that before the accident the place was unfit to work in; but I have given instructions for a review of the system of support in order, if possible, to provide greater security from the risk of a breakdown in the system of roof support in this mine.

Will the Minister also investigate the question of the conveyor? I understand that the noise of the conveyor along the face was such that the break in the roof could not be detected. Would not the use of rubber conveyors help to avoid such accidents?

All relevant considerations will be submitted in the investigation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the recent decision of the Kinema Renters' Society to enforce percentage rates for the hire of films; and whether he is aware of the harmful effect of this move by this combine on the continued existences of independent cinema proprietors throughout the country?

I am not aware of any such general decision by the Kine-matograph Renters' Society. I understand, however, that members of the Society have indicated to one particular exhibitor that they will only supply his cinemas on percentage terms.

Will my right hon. Friend continue to keep an eye on the activities of this combine, in the interests of the independent proprietors?

Yes. Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the names of the directors of the United Kingdom Commercial Corporation; whether any of the shares are held privately; and what are the present functions of the Corporation having regard to the fact that the territories in which it was intended to function are now largely in German occupation?

The Directors of the United Kingdom Commercial Corporation are Lord Swinton, Mr. A. Chester Beatty. Mr. C. P. Lister, Mr. G. A. McEwan, Sir Frank Nixon, Mr. J. R Hambro, Mr. L. C. Paton. There are no privately held shares. When the functions of the Corporation were announced in Parliament on 4th April, 1940, in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Moseley (Sir P. Hannon), it was stated that the company would be primarily concerned with trade with certain countries which are now largely in German occupation. It was, however, specifically stated that the Corporation might conduct business elsewhere if appropriate occasions arose. In the opinion of the Government those occasions have arisen and the activities of the Corporation have been extended with excellent results.

Do the Corporation issue any reports on their activities, and, if not, would it not be advisable for them to do so?

I will consider that matter.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is considerable perturbation in certain circles about the competitive activities of this Corporation?

No, Sir. I am not aware that there is any perturbation any longer; there was, but I think the matter has been satisfactorily adjusted.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the Location of Retail Businesses Order, 1941, he is prepared to take steps during the duration of that Order to prevent multiple shop organisations from buying up the businesses of independent retailers?

As at present advised, I do not propose to extend the scope of the Order on the lines which my hon. Friend suggests.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is throughout the country considerable discontent, particularly on the part of small retailers who have been thrown out of business as a result of the war, when they see the chain stores and multiple shop organisations flourishing? Is it not possible in some way to protect the interests of the smaller people and curb the activities of these octopuses in business?

Is it not the policy of our party, the Socialist party, to eliminate the small man?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is no part of the policy of any party in the House to eliminate the small business man in order to give advantage to the multiple shop organisations?

This is obviously a very controversial question, but with regard to the specific point put to me, I would remind hon. Members that the Retail Trades Committee, which made a report on this subject, advised that it would be very unhappy if anything was done to limit the possibilites of sale for the independent traders.

Is it not the policy of the Government not to play into the hands of the multiple shop owners but to further the interests of winning the war?

This matter cannot be lightly dismissed; indeed, it cannot be dismissed at all.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the misunderstandings of the maximum gross percentage profits which wholesalers and retailers are permitted to retain under the Utility Clothing Scheme, he will re-state the position?

For a wholesaler the margin allowed on utility clothing must not exceed 20 per cent. of the price at which he buys from the manufacturer. For a retailer it must not exceed 33⅓ per cent. of the price, including Purchase Tax, at which he buys from the wholesaler or manufacturer. In either case the price thus calculated must not exceed the selling price laid down for the goods in question by the relevant Order.

Is the percentage fixed on the selling price or on the price which is paid to the manufacturer?

It is on the price which is paid to the manufacturer.

Will my right hon. Friend make it clear that in no circumstances can the retailer's profit include a percentage on the Purchase Tax?

That is the rule in the ordinary way where the prices were ruling before the Purchase Tax was imposed, but in this particular case the Central Prices Committee found it was a matter of great convenience that the Purchase Tax should be included in the cost before fixing the percentage. The percentage is correspondingly less than it would have been had the Purchase Tax been left out.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give an assurance that the Export Council remains actively in being; and that research into present and potential interests is being maintained?

Yes, Sir. The Industrial and Export Council continue to meet regularly, and the business members of the Council, who give their full-time services to the Board of Trade, are actively engaged, in close collaboration with the export groups, in watching the interests of our export trade.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that considerable anxiety exists in the country about our future export trade, and will he enter into friendly conversations with the United States, pointing out that any repayment of lease-lend, if proposed, would inevitably involve an expansion of export trade after the war?

Yes, Sir. I am well aware of the anxiety in many people's minds as to our position in post-war trade, but as I have pointed out on earlier occasions, our paramount duty at the moment is to concentrate on winning the war. No opportunity is being neglected for having those discussions with the United States authorities to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare, to what extent there has been a relaxation in the policy of His Majesty's Government in relation to intercepted Vichy ships and their cargoes?

There has been no relaxation. As I informed the House on 30th July, 1940, His Majesty's Government had decided that it was impossible, for blockade purposes, to distinguish between Occupied and Unoccupied France. Metropolitan France, as well as Algeria, Tunisia and French Morocco is, therefore, treated for the purposes of Contraband and Enemy Export Control, as enemy-controlled territory. Thus goods destined for these territories are liable to be placed in Prize. I regret that nothing has occurred since July of last year which would enable His Majesty's Government to modify their view or to regard Unoccupied France as being, for blockade purposes, in a different position from other enemy-controlled territory. Moreover, the British Contraband Control regards as suspect any consignment not wholly covered by navicerts or British export licences or other appropriate documents carried to or from ports in the Navicert Area, and under the Reprisals Order in Council of 31st July, 1940, cargoes and ships not covered by the appropriate navicert or pass are liable to be seized as Prize. This rule applies to French ships as much as to any others.

Prize Court proceedings are only appropriate in the case of vessels carrying cargo, unless the ship is an enemy ship or has resisted lawful visit and search. Such resistance has always been regarded as in itself sufficient ground for seizure. But, at the time of the Franco-German Armistice, the Vichy Government refused to hand over, and have since employed for their own purposes, a considerable number of British and Allied vessels, and neutral vessels chartered to the United Kingdom, which happened to be in French ports at the time. Accordingly, when French ships in ballast have been intercepted by our patrols, these have been retained, and have been put into our service as a measure of reprisal for the unwarranted and unlawful detention of our ships. If any further justification for our action were needed, it is provided by evidence which has recently come into our possession, shewing that some of these ships have been allowed to pass under the direct control of the enemy.

Do I understand that the position is that any cargo destined for or coming from France can be seized, and that any vessel going to or coming from France can also be seized?

Yes, Sir, that is so.

Good.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that recently the answers to two Questions, on which supplementaries might have been asked, were circulated with the OFFICIAL REPORT, he will give an assurance that he will not again ask the leave of the House to circulate replies to this sort of Question?

I do not know what particular Questions the hon. Lady has in mind, but I think hon. Members will agree that in view of the limited time available, the well-established practice of circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT answers that are long and detailed or contain a great many figures is one that suits the convenience of the House as a whole, and I see no reason to depart from the usual procedure in such cases.

In view of the fact that my right hon. and gallant Friend answered many Supplementary Questions concerning the pay of officers and other matters— and certainly Supplementary Questions would have been asked on this matter— may I ask whether in future he will give long replies at the end of Questions instead of circulating them in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

I think that when answers are long, especially when they contain figures, it is often best for the House to have the chance to peruse them so that Members can later put down any Questions they wish to raise and receive an answer.

What is the objection to following the usual practice by giving long answers at the end of Questions?

I wish to raise a point of Order relating to Question 82 on the Order Paper. I have always understood that it was the duty of the War Office to order the type and quantity of equipment required and for the Ministry of Supply to provide it, and as the use of brass buttons involves great waste of time, labour and metal polish, I naturally put this Question to the Secretary of State for War and I should like to ask why it has been transferred to the Ministry of Supply.

We did not reach that Question to-day.

On a further point of Order, Mr. Speaker, arising out of what you have just said. I originally put down this Question, quite reasonably as I thought, to the Secretary of State for War, but it has been transferred to the Ministry of Supply for a day on which it was most improbable that it would be reached. Therefore, I am asking you why it was transferred to the Ministry of Supply, and, when it was transferred, why it was not put down for a day on which it would be likely to be answered in the House?

I have often explained to hon. Members that a Question should be put down to the particular Government Department concerned with the subject, and in this case I imagine the Minister of Supply was regarded as the more suitable Minister to reply to it. As regards the position of the Question on the Order Paper, that is a mere matter of chance.

Is not this a Question which clearly should have been addressed to the War Office? The decision as to the kind of uniform worn is entirely within their responsibility.

That is not a matter for me.

Supposing I were to put down a Question to the Secretary of State for War asking why or whether snowshoes have been issued to the troops in Libya, could he possibly transfer it to the Minister of Supply?

I could not say without seeing the Question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the release from Army service of huntsman Harry Roberts to enable him to resume duties with the Plas Machynlleth foxhounds was made with his consent; and will he consider releasing miners rather than persons of such occupations?

As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Sudbury (Colonel Burton) on 16th October. As regards the second part, I would refer him to the statement by the Prime Minister on the coal situation on 12th November.

I am not at all sure whether that is the answer to my Question. My Question refers to two matters about which I have no knowledge whatsoever. I want to know why this man has been released, and whether my right hon. and gallant Friend will promise not to do this again in other instances.

The reply to which I referred my hon. Friend was made on 16th October, 1941, and I do not think that my hon. Friend can have seen it before putting down his Question. The answer was as follows:

"The soldier in question was released from the Army for a period of six months as a result of strong recommendations by the Ministry of Agriculture. In support of the application it was stated that these hounds were maintained for the sole purpose of protecting sheep and poultry from foxes, and that since his enlistment farmers had suffered severe losses. The Ministry are satisfied that in this mountainous district the only effective method of keeping down the foxes is to hunt them on foot with hounds and to drive them towards guns or towards their earths, where they are destroyed by terriers or other means."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 16th October, 1941; col. 1522, Vol. 374.]

I do not think my hon. Friend realised that this is not a question of hunts going out with huntsmen mounted and wearing red coats and so forth; it is really a matter of exterminating these foxes.

Is it the policy of the War Office to make further releases of huntsmen and not of miners?

asked the Secretary of State for War why 23s. 11d. is the billeting allowance for a soldier when the billeting allowance for an airman is 27s. 6d.?

The amount payable by regulation for accommodation, attendance and four meals a day aggregates 23s. 11d. a week both for soldiers and airmen. Additional payments are made for additional services when necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is prepared to appoint a court of inquiry into the circumstances of the requisitioning of the chattels at a camp of which he has been informed?

In the public interest it is proposed to requisition the chattels in question rather than continue the hiring agreement. I see no reason for setting up a court of inquiry in this case in which ordinary procedure would be followed.

Has an inquiry of this nature already taken place?

No, Sir, not so far as I am aware.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend find out whether there has been a partial inquiry?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the long delay which occurs in obtaining a medical board, and subsequent discharge, by men on home stations who are believed to be incapacitated for further service?

Steps have recently been taken to simplify and accelerate the procedure for bringing soldiers before a medical board and carrying out their discharge in order to prevent delays of the kind to which my hon. Friend refers. Revised instructions were issued on 1st November.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend consider whether it would not be better to send these men to depôts?

That is the effect of the new instruction.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make a full statement on the functions of the antiaircraft units; the work of the searchlight units; and is he satisfied with the coordination and organisation?

The anti-aircraft defences of this country are deployed for the protection of areas and centres of vital importance to the war effort. Abroad anti-aircraft units are an essential part of any field force for the protection of ports and bases, and forward areas. Searchlights are employed in co-operation with guns as well as with our own fighter aircraft to assist them in their task of destroying night raiders. The present system of co-ordination is working very satisfactorily, but steps are continually being taken to improve the organisation in the light of new methods and ideas.

Has the Secretary of State for War read the observations, which were made by Sir Walter Citrine, with regard to the efficiency and weight of the anti-aircraft barrage of Moscow? If so, is he satisfied that we have taken steps to benefit from our experience and improve our organisation?

As I say, we are continually doing all we can to improve our organisation, but no man in my position could ever be satisfied.

Are the men in these particular units, who are forced into long spells or short spells of inactivity, afforded practice in the use of other weapons?

I do not think I appreciate the hon. Member's point.

If these men are inactive for a time in certain parts of the country, are they afforded an opportunity to indulge in training in other weapons?

They would have their ordinary rifle training, but their job is to man the anti-aircraft guns.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make a statement on the educational facilities now provided in the Army?

As the answer is long and contains a great deal of detail, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the A.B.C.A. publications are stimulating, well compiled, and of great value?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether battle dress has been found satisfactory for all purposes?

Battle dress has been found satisfactory for all the purposes for which it was designed.

Have any representations been made to the right hon. and gallant Gentleman by commanding officers through the normal channels that the substitution of battle dress for service dress is perhaps deleterious as far as discipline and appearance are concerned?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War, why soldiers on leave are treated as being on active service for purposes of discipline and military law, whereas they are deemed not to be on active service so far as concerns their widows' right to pensions if they are accidentally killed while on leave?

I think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. Entitlement to pension under the Services war pension code, which is administered by the Ministry of Pensions, depends on whether the death or injury is attributable to military service, and the question whether the soldier is held to have been on active service or not at the time is irrelevant.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the conditions under which cinema exhibitions, for the benefit of enlisted men, are permitted to be held in camps, particularly on the two days preceding pay day, when there is a shortage of funds, calculated to discourage visits to public cinemas; and if, in view of the scarcity of projectors throughout the country, which would not permit of any serious competition with local public cinemas, he will review the present arrangements, particularly in the case where local cinemas are agreeable to such an arrangement, although such requests are opposed in principle by the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association?

If, as I assume, my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the agreement that films hired from the trade for exhibition to the troops should not be shown within two miles of a public cinema, I would refer him to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for West Bromwich (Captain Dugdale) on 15th July. No restrictions are, of course, placed on the exhibition of films owned by the War Office or Ministry of Information or of films hired from film libraries available to the general public.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether his attention has been called to vacant hotels in Piccadilly and elsewhere in London; and whether he will consider taking these over as hostels for officers or troops generally;

(2) whether he is aware of the serious shortage of accommodation for officers in London, particularly on Saturday nights; and whether there is any central authority to whom officers who are stranded can telephone for information as to vacant accommodation?

All suitable available accommodation in the Central London area is being surveyed at the present time in connection with a considerable expansion, recently authorised, of the scheme for provision of hostel accommodation for troops stranded in London. The provision at public expense of hostels for officers in London is not contemplated. So far as it is possible to have up-to-date information at one place, the various information bureaux, set up in connection with Army Welfare, are always ready to help officers, and a notice to this effect is posted in all canteens and at the offices of Railway Transport Officers.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers have been informed that their services are no longer required on the ground that they are over 41 years of age; and whether any alternative employment has been offered to these men?

No officers have been informed that their services are no longer required on the ground that they are over 41. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.

Surely the War Office has issued a circular to the various commands warning officers of 41 or over that their services are to be dispensed with?

No officer has been informed that his services are no longer required on the ground that he is over 41.

Great indignation is felt by physically fit men who won distinction in the last war and who have been discharged simply on the ground that they are 42 or 43 years of age. I have put a case before the right hon. and gallant Gentleman, and I hope he will look into it.

If a man over 41 is physically unfit for a particular job, will he be discharged from the Army?

Not at all. A man who is unfit for a particular job might be fit for something else.

I am thinking of a general circular which has been issued. An officer, Colonel Elliot, wrote to the "Times" about it.

There is no circular saying that a man has to go at 41.

asked the Secretary of State for War in what circumstances serving officers of field rank are retained on the active list for duty with their regiments when over 60 years of age; and whether this practice is to be discontinued forthwith?

As regards the first part of the Question, only in exceptional circumstances are officers retained in active employment beyond the age limits laid down for their respective ranks in Article 522 of the Royal Warrant. So far as field officers are concerned, the age for a lieutenant-colonel is 55 years. Exceptional circumstances are only held to exist when there is difficulty in replacing an officer who has reached these age limits. No change in the present practice is contemplated. So far as majors are concerned, they may be retained in employment up to the age of 55 provided that they are in every way suitable, but will not be retained beyond that age unless their retention is especially sanctioned by the Army Council.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there has been any alteration made in the age at which officers are eligible to command units of the Field Army; whether a reduction in the age of officers eligible to hold senior staff and administrative appointments under the rank of lieutenant-general is also contemplated; and whether opportunities will be given to officers in the early forties, who are to be relieved of their present commands, to fill these senior staff and administrative appointments provided they are fitted to do so as a result of their experience and satisfactory service in the present war although not physically fit for active service in the field?

The answer to the first two parts of the Question is "No, Sir." As regards the last part, every effort is made to find suitable re-employment for officers who for any reason other than indiscipline are removed from field force commands or staff appointments. My hon. and gallant Friend will, however, appreciate that physical fitness is as essential for staff officers of field formations, whatever their rank, as it is for regimental officers.

Are steps taken when officers are discharged as no longer useful in the service to pass them on to the Ministries of Labour and National Service for the use of their experience and ability in other spheres of the war effort?

We always do our best.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to supply those members of the Home Guard who have considerable marching to do with coupon free socks or, alternatively, to issue coupon free wool in order that their friends and relatives can knit socks for them?

I am afraid that in view of the supply position a coupon-free issue of socks or wool to the Home Guard could not be justified at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is any rule laid down as to the punishment a serving soldier receives for losing his identity card; and is it the same for all ranks?

The answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir"; the second part does not therefore arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that British prisoners of war in German hands are being treated in all respects in accordance with the Geneva Convention, in particular whether they receive rations at the standard of depot troops; whether they receive the specified clothing; whether then-is overcrowding in some of the camps; and whether collective punishment is inflicted contrary to the Convention?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the German Government's discharge of their obligations under the Prisoners of War Convention has not been satisfactory in certain respects. In particular, no information has yet been furnished by the German Government as to the scale of rations of depot troops in Germany, and I am not satisfied that British prisoners are receiving the full scale of clothing to which they are entitled. A few cases of overcrowding have been reported, and there have been one or two cases of action by the German authorities which appears to be an infringement of the provisions of the Convention relating to collective punishment.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend state why it was considered necessary to hand out a bouquet to the German Government recently by issuing an official statement to the effect that the Germans were carrying out the provisions of the Geneva Agreement?

I think a good deal of disquiet was created by an announcement which was made by someone about what took place before he got back within the orbit of the prisoner of war camps in Germany. It was felt that some reassuring statement on that point was necessary.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend explain why numbers of letters from prisoners of war, passed by the German censor, state that the Germans are not carrying out their obligations?

If we receive information of that sort, we at once inform the Protecting Power and try to get things rectified.

According to that statement, prisoners of war in Germany are not being so well fed as Hess.

With regard to overcrowding in camps, can my right hon. and gallant Friend state the reasons for changing over some 3,000 officer prisoners of war to a new camp, and can he assure the House that the conditions there are satisfactory and are not overcrowded?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will give me the particular instance, and I will make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether he has any information as to whether the British prisoners of war intended for exchange during the recent negotiations were brought to Dieppe ready for embarkation?

No information is yet available on this point, but inquiries have been made through the Protecting Power.

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes are to be reimbursed for stores commandeered from them by the Army during the battle of France?

This matter is under discussion between the War Office and the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes.

What is the purpose of that discussion? Is it for the purpose of reimbursing N.A.A.F.I. funds, which, in the main, belong to the Services who utilise N.A.A.F.I.?

We are looking into the whole position and seeing what is the best thing to do in the circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that those officers who have been appointed to the various commands in connection with the care of pigeons required for war purposes, are fully qualified for this service; and whether he is aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction among many of those who have loaned pigeons for this service at the manner in which birds have been injured and lost because of inexpert handling?

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." As regards the second part, if my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind, I shall be glad to look into it.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to make a further statement regarding the methods which have been introduced to effect an increased co-ordination between the Labour Ministry, the Labour section of the War Ministry, the Treasury, Board of Trade and the Army fighting needs?

I see no reason to make a further statement upon this subject in advance of the general Debate on man-power which will take place within the present month.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise how little has been done, and how much remains to be done, in the way of co-ordination? Surely he is aware that real co-ordination has never existed?

I am certainly not accepting any of those sweeping statements.

Nevertheless, they are true.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many women are at present, or according to the latest available returns, employed in the civil Departments of the Government in established and temporary posts, respectively, in the grades of Principal and above that of Principal, respectively, excluding posts requiring medical, scientific or similar professional qualifications, and excluding posts of purely advisory character?

On 1st October, 1941, 13 women were employed in the Civil Service in administrative posts above the grade of principal, and 59 in posts of principal or broadly similar grading. Of these 12 and 19 respectively were established Civil servants and one and 40 respectively were temporary Civil servants. These figures relate to grades in the administrative class and exclude executive, specialist and advisory posts.

Do not these figures reveal a very low proportion of women in responsible positions? In order to encourage their war effort, will my right hon. Friend consider revising his policy and giving larger responsibility to a greater number of women?

I think that our policy is moving constantly in that direction.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the Treasury regulation, whereby a civil servant falling temporarily ill before he or she has completed six months' service receives no pay for the period of absence, causes serious hardship on women censorship examiners and others, under present conditions, when they have to live away from home and are unable to pay for their board and lodging during their temporary illness; and whether he will take steps to modify these regulations at least for the period of the war?

I am aware of the regulation to which the hon. Member refers, but I do not think it unreasonable to require a temporary employee to serve a qualifying period before becoming eligible for paid sick leave. I would remind the hon. Member that temporary employees receiving not more than £250 per annum, among whom the examiners in the Postal and Telegraph Censorship are included, are compulsorily insured under the National Health Insurance Acts, and are accordingly entitled to sickness benefit, subject to fulfilment of the statutory conditions.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not realise the hardship suffered by, say, a censorship clerk who has been only five months in the service and is ill for three weeks and during that period is unable to claim board and lodging although she has been sent away to a distant town? The health insurance scheme does not cover that position.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend ask the Minister to look into this state of affairs, because this is a real hardship?

I think it was reasonable and proper, as I said in my reply, that there should be a qualifying period before sick leave is granted, among other reasons because there is no medical test before the engagement of temporary employees.

asked the Prime Minister whether the co-operation between the war executives of Great Britain and the Soviet are yet as close as they were between Great Britain and France when France was free and an Ally?

Yes, Sir, so far as geography and other conditions allow.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take an early opportunity of clarifying the rights of Members of Parliament to travel within and without the United Kingdom; and to suggest a procedure whereby any objections the Secretary of State for the Home Department may have to particular movements of any Member shall be communicated to that Member who shall then be entitled to refer them to a Select Committee of the House, appointed for that purpose?

I had hoped that, as a result of the Debate on 21st October, it had been made clear that there is no intention of using the control necessary for security reasons in such a manner as to put obstacles in the way of hon. Members carrying out their Parliamentary duties and that the relevant Regulations will be liberally interpreted in their application to Members of Parliament. If any case should arise in which my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary doubts whether he would be justified in granting an exit permit he will always be ready to discuss it with the hon. Member concerned. I do not think any further clarification of the position or the establishment of any new procedure is necessary.

asked the Prime Minister on what grounds he has satisfied himself that the powers granted by Parliament, under Regulation 18B, to the Secretary of State for the Home Department have not been abused, having regard to the fact that detentions under this regulation are at the sole discretion of the Secretary of State for the Home Department, who is not bound to disclose his reasons for any such detention?

This matter has been fully debated in the House of Commons on three occasions, and, having regard to the provision made by the Regulation for the hearing of objections by Advisory Committees and to the facilities afforded to persons detained to communicate with Members of Parliament, I have no doubt that if these powers had been abused, it would not have escaped the notice of Parliament or of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the widespread public uneasiness respecting the present position of Indian, Burman, Ethiopian and Palestinian issues; and will he consider making some far-reaching democratic declaration on each of them to fit in with the Atlantic Charter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made on 9th September, to which I have nothing to add. As regards Ethiopia, the attitude of His Majesty's Government was made quite clear in the statement which my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made in the House on 6th August last.

Does not the right hon. gentleman agree that the basis of sound strategy, whether it is in the East or anywhere else, is the willing cooperation of free peoples?

It sounds all right.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the sums paid to the banks in commission on the various 2½ per cent. and 3 per cent. loans?

The total commission paid to the banks on 3 per cent. War Loan, 2½ per cent. National War Bonds and 3 per cent. Savings Bonds issued since the commencement of the war amounts to £875,000 which represents commission at the rate of one-eighth of one per cent. on total subscriptions of just over £700,000,000.

Would the right hon. Gentleman tell us what service these sharks are rendering to the nation in return for this gift that is being fed into their capacious mouths?

I cannot accept my hon. Friend's statement. This is not a gratuity but is, as I stated before, for work done by the banks.

Is this 2s. 6d. per cent. the same as it was pre-war, and, if it is, does the right hon. Gentleman think, in view of the large amount of loans that are being issued, that we could possibly get this work done a little more cheaply in war-time?

I have looked into this matter. My hon. Friend will appreciate that there is a good deal to be done in obtaining subscriptions, and there is a certain measure of out-of-pocket expenses.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the need of avoiding waste of man-power, he will consider taking steps to simplify or curtail the method of calculation of capital now adopted by the Board of Inland Revenue to comply with the provisions of Section 29 of the Finance Act, 1941?

I am not aware that Section 29 of the Finance Act, 1941, has introduced any undue complication into the computation of capital for the purposes of E.P.T. The substance of the matter is simply that, subject to certain well defined exceptions, no deduction in respect of borrowed money is made in the computation and borrowed money is treated in the same way as other capital.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the changes which have taken place since the outbreak of the war, he will take some steps to define more clearly between earned and unearned income in connection with future taxation?

I am not quite clear what my hon. Friend has in mind. Perhaps he will communicate with me on the; matter.

asked the Chanceller of the Exchequer what is the total number of the staff in the United Kingdom which is employed in carrying out the War Damage Act; what is the annual cost; and how much has been expended to date in connection therewith?

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

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the completion of the stock conversion operations recently carried out by several local authorities, he is prepared to allow conversions of high interest-bearing securities issued by public utility undertakings?

Yes, Sir. I am satisfied, after consulting the Capital Issues Committee, that it would be in the national interest to allow public utility undertakings to convert issues bearing interest at over 4 per cent. to lower rates, by offers on terms and at dates to be agreed in each case, provided of course that the offers are within the terms of the prospectuses upon which the issues were originally made. In the first instance I propose to deal with those cases in which Treasury consent in principle has already been given: I must emphasise, however, that I cannot see my way at present to lift the present ban on other optional conversions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the policy that the people owning their houses and in receipt of supplementary old age pensions would have consideration given to them in respect to payment of war damage contribution, he will say what steps have been taken to make this effective?

Collectors of taxes, by whom the war damage contribution is collected, have been instructed that in cases such as those to which my hon. Friend refers payment is to be accepted in such instalments as the circumstances of the particular case may justify.

I do not think that the right hon. Gentleman has got my Question properly. I am dealing with those in receipt of supplementary pensions. I understood from a former reply that they would get some further relief when they applied for it. Some are getting the relief but not all, and if I send information to the right hon. Gentleman, will he examine it and give a general ruling as to what should be done?

I will certainly examine anything my hon. Friend sends to me.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in oases where banks transfer their lending to the Government from Treasury deposits at 1⅛ per cent. to National War Bonds at 2½ per cent., what steps are taken to ensure that the investments in War Bonds are restricted to genuine savings, resulting in the contraction of private spending, and that the Treasury is not paying the additional 1⅜ per cent. interest on bank-created credits?

The money out of which the banks lend to the Government is, broadly speaking, derived from deposits made by customers in the ordinary course of their business, and there is no question of banks creating credit for the purpose of lending money to the Government. I should add that only a part of such portion of the Treasury Deposit Receipts held by the banks as has been redeemed is on the banks' own accounts, the remainder being in respect of subscriptions by customers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any statement to make about the removal of import duties on goods imported for Government purposes?

Yes, Sir. Treasury orders have now been made exempting from duty under the Safeguarding of Industries Act and the Import Duties Act a range of goods the bulk of which are imported for Government use. The Orders will be published, and will take effect, to-morrow. I should like to take this opportunity to make it clear that the exemptions in question are unconnected with tariff policy and are designed as a war-time measure to save the labour involved in the collection of the duties from Government Departments. They are made possible by the fact that all imports are now subject to rigorous control, and in that connection I can state that all the Departments concerned with imports will maintain their close contacts with the industries. I would also add that when it becomes necessary to consider the post-war position of our external trade, the industries concerned will be called into consultation.

Are we to understand that no goods for the war effort which have ultimately to be paid for by the Government are to pay duties in future?

That is the broad effect of it, but if I have to amend that, I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can make any statement with regard to the progress of the negotiations between the Government and Courtaulds, Limited?

As was agreed at the time of the sale to the Treasury of the shares in the American Viscose Corporation, discussions have been proceeding with Messrs. Courtaulds Limited and the determination of the amount to be paid by the Treasury in respect of the acquisition of the shares has been referred to an Arbitration Tribunal consisting of two arbitrators and an umpire. I am glad to be able to say that Mr. Justice Gavin Simonds has consented to undertake the task of umpire and the arbitrators are Sir Alan Rae Smith, Chartered Accountant, of the firm of Messrs. Deloitte, Plender, Griffiths & Co., and Mr. B. H. Binder, Chartered Accountant, of the firm of Messrs. Binder, Hamlyn & Co.

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that in the arbitration proceedings the Treasury will not oppose in principle the inclusion of compensation for loss of the valuable influence in the viscose markets of the world which the American Viscoses holding gave to Courtaulds and will he also give an assurance that the submission to arbitration will be without any limit on the Government's liability?

The submission to arbitration will be based upon the letters which have passed between the Govern- ment and the company. Of course, I cannot give any undertaking as to the basis of determination.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the precise sum transferred recently by licence of the Treasury to Marshal Pétain; whether the licence covers any future or periodic payments, or will for that purpose be renewed; what is the name of the Canadian company concerned; and whether the approval of the Canadian Government was sought or obtained to the transfer?

The licence covered the instalments of the annuity of £6oo due for the half years ended 25th July, 1940, 25th January, 1941, and 25th July, 1941, and future instalments. In reply to the third part of the Question, the contract which was entered into in 1937 was with the London Office of the Confederation Life Association, a Canadian company. The reply to the last part of the Question is in the negative. The transaction was one for which the United Kingdom Government had to take the responsibility.