asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the number of persons working in that portion of Chatham House evacuated from London; and whether that number has increased during the last six months and, if so, by how much?

The total paid staff of the Foreign Research and Press Service in Oxford on 10th November was 144; unpaid members of the staff and members paid by Oxford University and colleges amount to a further 18. The increase of the total number since 10th May amounts to 15, and consists of four translators and 11 junior members of staff. The increase has not necessitated any expenditure outside the present grant-in-aid.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that they are doing work which, if they did not do it, would have to be done by Government Departments?

Certainly; if the work was not being done by them, it would have to be done by other Government Departments, and, on the whole, I think the present system is the best one.

In view of the considerable change in the status of the staff during the last year or so, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is worth reconsidering the whole matter?

That is another point.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the work?

The work they do covers a large number of Departments. They do research work, and they supply information. For instance, they do translations from the foreign Press, which the Departments must have, and if they did not do it, I am satisfied that an organisation would have to be set up in other Departments.

Are not they duplicating work that ought to be done by the Foreign Office?

I think not.

Is it not the case that many Departments are in the habit of sending inquiries to Chatham House instead of using the publicity departments attached to all Government offices?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he can state the arrangements made in Birmingham for the training of Government staff in the use of fire-fighting apparatus?

A school for the training of Government staff in the use of fire-fighting apparatus was opened at Macdonald Street, Birmingham, on 26th July last and since that date a total of 1,300 Civil Service personnel has been trained. The instruction includes practical training in the use of all fire-fighting equipment from first-aid appliances to trailer pumps. The facilities provided at Birmingham are available to all Government staffs in the Midland Civil Defence Region.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the hostile attitude generally adopted towards this country by the Vichy Government, he will use the railway and port facilities of Jibuti as much as we require and, if any hindrances are placed in our way by the Vichy Government, remove them?

His Majesty's Government are taking appropriate steps to achieve the solution which they and my hon. Friend equally desire.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the seven French citizens were interned in Syria for which action the Vichy Government have interned 14 Englishmen; and what action does he propose to take against the Vichy Government for their unwarranted reprisal?

The French citizens in question were interned in Syria by the Free French authorities as hostages for an equal number of French officers who had been sent by the Vichy authorities from Syria to France before the Syrian Armistice because they wished to join the Free French Movement. While negotiations on this subject were still in progress the Vichy Government arrested and interned 14 British subjects. It has been made clear that whatever the outcome of the negotiations, which are continuing, the release of the Vichy citizens in Syria is contingent upon the simultaneous release of the British subjects at present interned in France.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken with regard to our relationship with Finland, in view of the request made to His Majesty's Government by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the announcement made by Mr. Cordell Hull?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make on the relations of the United Kingdom with Finland, Rumania and Hungary?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any decision has yet been reached to re-define the relations of this country with Finland, Hungary and Rumania?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what date the Soviet Government requested the British Government to declare war on Finland, Hungary and Rumania; what reply was sent; and whether he will now comply with the request without further delay?

I am not at present in a position to make any statement on this subject, and in the circumstances I hope that the House will not press me to do so.

In view of the fact that it is now more than four weeks since our Soviet Allies asked us to take action on these lines, and that this is a simple thing we might do to help our Allies right away, does not my right hon. Friend think he ought to come to a decision in the near future?

As soon as I am in a position to give the House information, of course I shall do so, but, meanwhile, I am convinced it would not be in the public interest for me to add anything to what I have said.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that, in principle at any rate, any country attacking Soviet Russia is attacking us and that any enemy of Soviet Russia is our enemy?

All military and naval action, and so on, is taking place against these countries.

What advantage is derived from hesitating to regard Allies of Germany as enemies of this country?

While I understand my right hon. Friend's caution, may I ask whether it is not true that the only possible basis of an alliance is common friends and common enemies?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is able to give any information in regard to the progress of the mission undertaken by Sir Otto Niemeyer to advise the Chungking Government against inflationary tendencies in time of war; and was this mission undertaken with the knowledge and approval of the United States Government?

As regards the first part of the Question, I have at present nothing to add to my reply of 22nd October to my hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne). The answer to the second part of the Question is "Yes, Sir."

In view of the fact that the Chungking Government have spent already this year, I believe, about double what they did before for military purposes, will my right hon. Friend assure us that the British Government, in conjunction with the United States Government as far as possible, will do all they can to prevent an acute inflationary position occurring in China which might affect China's internal stability and hamper their magnificent war effort against the aggressor in the Far East?

It is a much wider question, but it is clear from what I have said that our purpose in sending Sir Otto Niemeyer to China is to help the Chinese Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make it clear that any threat to close the Burma Road by force of arms would create a grave situation?

It is, I trust, already clear to all concerned that an attack on the Burma Road would create a grave situation.

Is it not a fact that if the Burma Road were closed, it would be a grave disaster to British, Russian and American interests in the Far East?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will do all in his power to obtain permission for a mission from the International Red Cross to visit the camps for German prisoners of war in Russia, and equally to obtain permission for a similar mission to visit the camps for Russian prisoners of war in Germany?

His Majesty's Government for their part are deeply grateful for the good work done by the International Red Cross Committee for British prisoners of war. The Question raised by my hon. and gallant Friend is, however, one for the Governments concerned to decide, and there is no reason to think that they are not already aware of the various considerations involved.

Is it not true that the Germans are particularly anxious for an International Red Cross mission to go to Russia to visit the camps for German prisoners there, and will my right hon. Friend use that as a bargaining counter in order to get permission for the International Red Cross to send a similar mission to Germany to inquire about the camps for Russian and Polish prisoners there?

This must be a matter, in the first instance, for the two Governments mainly concerned.

Is not a representative of the International Red Cross, Dr. Burkhardt, coming to England to inquire into this matter, and will my right hon. Friend give him every assistance and seek to secure permission for a similar mission to visit Germany?

Dr. Burkhardt is coming here in connection with the position of our own prisoners in Germany and German prisoners here. The other question which my hon. and gallant Friend raises concerns another country which must make its own decision in the matter.

Can the Germans be trusted in anything at the present time?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether a bomber pilot can use his powers of discretion and return to his base without reaching his objective if he is of the opinion that from the weather or from the state of his machine it would be unduly jeopardising the aeroplane and its crew?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that officers in the Royal Air Force are penalised compared with other ranks, as well as in comparison with other Services, by the Royal Air Force system of billeting officers without subsistence; that in some cases Army officers in the same billet being boarded draw a higher rate of rations and allowances than those of the Royal Air Force; that other ranks of the Royal Air Force being billeted with subsistence are similarly able to draw more generous rations than officers; and whether he will take steps to end this unsatisfactory state of, affairs?

The Royal Air Force system of billeting officers without subsistence is common to the three Services. Army and R.A.F. officers when billeted make their own arrangements for food and the rates of ration allowance in issue to them are in general the same. The conditions of entitlement to ration allowance may, however, vary according to circumstances. Rations in kind are not drawn by airmen who are billeted with subsistence. If my hon. and gallant Friend has any cases of unequal treatment in mind and will let me have details of them, I shall be glad to have them investigated.

Does not the practice between the Services differ in such a way that the Royal Air Force are placed in a worse position?

No, Sir. I understand that is not the case, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will give me any details, I will have them investigated at once.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will reconsider his recent decision to deprive, as from 1st September, 1941, all officers in the Royal Air Force, other than those in the general duties branch, of any increase in pay for a period of 12 months after promotion; and whether he is aware that such treatment, which is peculiar to the Royal Air Force, is causing great discontent?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider the desirability of altering the present arrangement by which officers of the Royal Air Force, other than those on general duties who hold an acting rank two grades above their substantive rank, do not receive the pay of their acting rank until after a period of 12 months; and whether this period could with advantage be considerably reduced?

The Order referred to is of limited scope. It applies only to officers holding acting rank more than one step above their basic rank and it does not affect officers promoted to temporary rank. A number of temporary promotions are under consideration and will shortly be published. The decision to promulgate the Order was only reached after careful consideration of the position in regard to the promotion of officers in all branches of the Royal Air Force. I believe that the Service understands the reason for the change and I am not prepared to reverse it.

Has my right hon. Friend not had representations from Groups as well as from Commands on this matter, and will not the effect of the Order be that in 12 months' time there will be no officers, other than officers of the General Duties Branch, who will be paid for the rank in which they are serving?

No, Sir. Possibly my hon. and gallant Friend has not fully understood that part of my answer in which I referred to the temporary promotions.

Is there any class to whom this country owes more, and is it right that their undoubted loyalty should be taken advantage of by depriving them of pay appropriate to their responsibilities?

I do not think my hon. and gallant Friend quite appreciates the issues involved in this matter. Briefly, the position is that at the beginning of the war we had to make a large number of appointments in the administrative and special duties branch. Officers with flying experience were required for operational work and a number of gentlemen who volunteered were given these appointments without any previous experience. Officers from fighting squadrons whose tour of duty has expired are now becoming and will increasingly become available to occupy these posts. Up to now promotions for officers who came forward without any service background has been in many cases more rapid than in the case of the fellows who are doing the fighting in the squadrons. We want to maintain the balance.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall raise the matter again at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider granting an allowance to officers in order to buy tropical outfit, particularly in view of the fact that the great majority of officers are now commissioned from the ranks and very often possess no private means?

A grant of £5, in aid of the cost of tropical clothing, is already payable to officers who have received outfit grants not exceeding £40 (or £45 in the case of officers commissioned on or after 1st January, 1941) and who are posted on or after 30th May, 1941, to countries where such clothing is necessary. If they so desire, officers are free to purchase airmen's pattern tropical clothing from R.A.F. stocks.

Does my right hon. Friend think that £5 is sufficient to cover the cost for officers who have no financial means of their own?

Actually the amount is more than the cost of the clothing purchased from Royal Air Force stocks.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the recent revision in agreement with the staff side of the National Whitley Council of the mileage allowances payable to civil servants who are authorised to use their private motor-cars on official business, which provides for 6d. a mile in respect of motor-cars of over 10 horsepower for the first 3,000 miles each year, so as partly to reimburse to the motorcar owner that proportion of his annual overhead expenses which his official mileage bears to his private mileage as restricted by the petrol rationing scheme, and in view of the fact that officers on Royal Air Force duties receive only 3d. per mile, he will revise to a more equitable level Royal Air Force mileage allowances?

By the terms of an Air Ministry Order promulgated on 5th November, 1941, the new motor mileage allowances referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend were applied to Service as well as to civilian personnel with effect from 15th October, 1941.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the possibility of obtaining commissions straight from civil life into the administrative branch of the Air Force is causing concern in the Service, particularly as it is now the policy of the Air Force only to grant commissions to those who have passed through the ranks; and whether he will put an end to this practice?

Officers are obtained to the maximum possible extent by promotion from the ranks, but it is not possible by this means to meet all requirements, particularly in the case of posts demanding special qualifications. It is therefore necessary to supplement the flow from the ranks by granting commissions to persons entered direct from civil life who possess the special qualifications required. It is not practicable, even if it were desirable, to discontinue this arrangement.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, having regard to the fact that members of the Home Guard are issued with overcoats, he will arrange for an adequate supply of warm clothing to be issued to members of the Observer Corps who put in a certain minimum of time in manning posts?

A personal issue of a waterproof, fleece-lined storm coat is being made to every observer and will be completed shortly. In the meantime, as I informed the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 22nd October, an adequate supply of warm clothing is available at all the posts for men on duty.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will state the approximate percentage of night bombers, now being used for raiding Germany, which are fitted with de-icing equipment for wings, tailplane and airscrews?

Protection against icing is given in various ways to all of our night bombers flying over Germany, but it would not be in the public interest to give details.

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that hon. Members in all parts of the House have from time to time stressed the importance of this matter, and will he personally look into the question to see whether matters are even now not as satisfactory as his reply seems to indicate?

I should be very sorry if my reply indicated that matters were not satisfactory. I can assure the House that we are constantly improving our de-icing arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has considered the petition sent to him by the committee for the abolition of night-bombing; and what reply has been sent or what action taken?

No petition has been sent to me, but I understand that such a petition has been received by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. It has already been made clear in reply to Questions in this House that His Majesty's Government are not prepared to entertain any proposal of this character.

Is it not very desirable that in regard to this petition His Majesty's Government Should make it clear to the country the reasons for their objection to this proposal? Will His Majesty's Government take an early opportunity to make these two facts clear? Firstly, that our night bombers could not be used for day work without tremendous sacrifice—

rose—

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will, during the duration of the war, extend the payment of fares to air cadets from the age of 16 to 18 considering the number of cadets who have joined at the later age and who have, in many instances, to make long journeys to their headquarters?

A review is shortly to be undertaken of the financial arrangements governing the Air Training Corps, and my hon. Friend's suggestion will then be considered.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he is aware of the harm done to war production in this country and in America by the circulation of stories in the Press alleging that shipments of American bombers and fighters are still lying in Britain in their unopened packing cases; that the Atlantic ferry service is inefficient, and that American aircraft are subjected to needless alterations; and what steps his publicity staff take to put an end to such harmful stories?

With the exception of one particular type of aircraft, which was originally ordered by the French Government, machines shipped from America do not remain crated for more than a few days. Any modifications to American aircraft are limited to those which are considered essential in the light of the latest fighting experience to bring the machine up to the required standard of operational efficiency. I am aware of certain Press comments on these matters and a full statement of the facts was sent to the newspaper concerned. To enable Press representatives to obtain a true picture of the position, I am making arrangements for them to visit a depot where American aircraft are being assembled. I am not responsible for the Atlantic Ferry Service, and particulars on that subject should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production, in what cases the scale of pay for personnel of the Air Transport Auxiliary is higher than in the Royal Air Force; whether a special bonus is paid for landing aircraft on particular aerodromes in the South of England; and whether he will review these scales of pay and bonus so that they do not exceed the corresponding pay in the Royal Air Force?

As regards the first and third parts of the Question, it is not possible to give a straightforward comparison between the rates of pay of personnel in the Air Transport Auxiliary, a civilian organisation, and the Royal Air Force, owing to differences in rank and conditions of Service, involving such things as subsistence allowances, pensions and medical attention. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the negative.

Will my right hon. Friend give an undertaking that he will look into this matter with a view to seeing that civil pilots are not paid a higher rate compared with pilots in the Royal Air Force, whose skill is frequently higher and who are exposed to much greater dangers?

I will certainly look into the question, but I cannot give any guarantee in the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to. the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he will state the qualifications of the members of the committee recently set up to consider conditions which should govern building and other developments in country areas; and, if no town and country planning expert has been appointed, will he make such an appointment?

I am giving in the OFFICIAL REPORT the list of members of the committee. For this task it was felt best to invite persons with actual experience of the relevant activities. The committee will consult planning experts and the services of the technical Government staff are available to them.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that if a married man joins the Navy on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday instead of Thursday, Friday or Saturday, he forfeits up to 10 days' allotment; and what steps does he propose to take so that a man who presents himself for duty in the early part of the week is not so penalised?

A man entering the Navy on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday may declare an allotment from his pay through official channels to begin on the second Thursday following his day of entry. The man is not in any way penalised by this rule, as he receives his full pay from the day of his entry into the Service. My hon. Friend may, however, have in mind the method of payment of marriage allowances. Under recent arrangements marriage allowance starts from the day of entry instead of from the following Thursday, so that whatever the day of entry the arrangements for payment of marriage allowance are the same.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether ships presently building on the Clyde, on orders placed within the last six months, are ordered on the basis of fixed price:; or on cost plus percentage terms?

The orders to which my hon. Friend refers are on a fixed price basis.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any action has been taken on the Seventh Report of the Select Committee on National Expenditure; and whether he can now make any statement on ships being repaired on the cost plus percentage basis?

I can assure my hon. Friend that the views expressed by the Select Committee have been carefully considered by the Admiralty, and have formed the subject of further reports to the Committee. As regards the second part of the Question, while steps are taken whenever possible to fix a lump sum, there are in repair work many instances where it is impossible to agree a price beforehand. It will be appreciated that normally it is not possible to determine the extent of the necessary repairs before the ship docks or is opened up, and the need to return her to service with the minimum of delay precludes negotiation of a fixed price before the repairs are started. The Admiralty are, therefore, operating an agreement with the Industry which safeguards the interests of the Government very strictly, and limits the remuneration payable to the repairer to a fair and reasonable profit. There is no question of the profit taking the form of an automatic percentage on cost.

Is the hon. Baronet satisfied that supervision is taking place afterwards in the scrutinising of costs, because there is grave dissatisfaction?

Yes, the costs are very carefully scrutinised by our own professional accountants.

Is any check on costs made during the progress of the work as well as after it has been concluded?

No, I think the check is made after the work has been completed.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of his record in the last war, Mr. Constantinesco, the inventor of the acoustic mine in that war, is now being provided with sufficient money and with facilities to pursue his work?

I am aware of no ground upon which Mr. Constantinesco might claim to have invented the acoustic mine in the last war, or that British mining technique owes anything to work done by him. He is not being provided with money or facilities for investigations on acoustic mines.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether, as the Government is the largest user of cement in Jamaica and British and Canadian supplies are now difficult to obtain, it is intended to erect and manage a cement factory in Jamaica, thereby meeting urgent demands and contributing towards a reduction of unemployment in the islands?

For the reasons given in answer to a Question by my hon. Friend on 7th August, it has not been found possible to proceed with the proposal for the erection of a cement factory in Jamaica at the present time, but this decision is subject to review from time to time in the light of changes in the supply situation.

In view of the fact that this matter is looked upon as an urgent one in Jamaica, is it likely that a change will take place if a Question is put down subsequently?

Not for some time, I am afraid. There is the difficulty of obtaining machinery and steel and there is also the difficulty of the dollar exchange.

If a cement factory were fixed up, would it mean that cement would have to be imported into this country? Are not we in a position to supply it in this country?

I understand that there is no difficulty about supplying the cement from this end.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether the sugar interests in the various West Indian islands have now been united in the British West Indies Sugar Association; whether, as Jamaica is the only Colony with a cost-of-living wage agreement, it is intended that labour conditions throughout the islands will be made uniform by bringing lower standards up to the highest wage; and what results the recent conference has had upon the British Government's Sugar Purchase Scheme?

My Noble Friend understands that it is proposed to establish a West Indies Sugar Association with headquarters at Trinidad for the purpose of consultation on matters of mutual concern, such as research and scientific work and the various other aspects of the development of the sugar industry in the West Indian area. The maintenance and improvement of the standard of living of the labouring population are under the constant review of the Governments concerned and of their Labour Departments, as well as of the trade unions, but circumstances vary so widely in the various Colonies that complete uniformity of labour' conditions is difficult to attain. The answer to the last part of the Question is that the formation of an Association will not affect the sugar purchases of His Majesty's Government in any way.

In view of the fact that the absence of a cost-of-living agreement in many of the West Indian islands is the cause of very depressed wages, do the Government intend to institute a cost-of-living wage in all the Colonies?

It is not for the Government to deal with the matter in the first instance. It should come from the people on the spot.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, while a certain number of British women and children have been compulsorily evacuated from Hong Kong, 950 British women and 400 children, many European and American women and children, and 750,000 Eurasians and Chinese still remain; and will he either allow the evacuated families to return if they wish or else, if military necessity demands it, order a general evacuation by women and children?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements have been made regarding the return to Hong-Kong of the wives and children of British residents compulsorily evacuated more than a year ago, particularly in view of the fact that compulsory evacuation was subsequently stopped and other women allowed to enter the Colony, and that a considerable number of European and American women are still permitted to reside there?

The policy of His Majesty's Government in this difficult problem is explained in the answer which I gave on nth November to the Question by the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher). The political outlook in the Far East has not so far improved as to warrant the return of the women and children who were evacuated, nor, on the other hand, is my Noble Friend advised that a general evacuation is now desirable. The admission of British European women to Hong-Kong is at present strictly conditional on the needs of the defence and other public services in the Colony.

Are not Americans being allowed to land?

I cannot say whether they are allowed to land, but the American Government have advised American women to leave and have offered to provide ships for the purpose.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will now take measures to correct (he disparity of reward paid to the workers in industry and to the men serving in the ranks of the fighting services?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave on nth November to similar Questions by my hon. Friends the Members for Finchley (Mr. Crowder) and Swindon (Mr. Wakefield).

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that was a negative reply? When the workers are being rewarded so generously how can the right hon. Gentleman defend the pay of the private soldier?

The Prime Minister indicated in reply to a Supplementary Question that the matter could not be gone into fully in reply to a Question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we raise these matters in Debate but we get no satisfactory answers? Have the Government considered the post-war consequences of this disparity, and are they not aware that at the end of the last war we were faithfully promised that this kind of disparity would not be allowed to recur?

Will the Government consider as a first step regulating the payment of young persons under 18?

Does it not suggest to the Government they never had a proper wages policy?

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind that these high wages refer to very long hours?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now amplify the official statements so far made relating to the motives which actuated the prisoner Hess to come to Great Britain?

No, Sir.

Would any harm be done by saying whether this odious creature came to tell us anything further than the decision of Hitler to starve us into surrender?

The Prime Minister indicated that he would make a statement on the subject when he considered it necessary. I have no doubt that he will take notice of the points that have been raised.

Will the right hon. Gentleman arrange for the hon. and gallant Member to have a nice cosy chat with Hess himself?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that from the Prime Minister right down to the ex-Lord Provost of Glasgow we have had statements regarding Hess? Is it not time that some form of White Paper was issued to show the people the object of the visit, as they are not informed except by periodical outbursts? Could we have a complete statement?

Did this man come with the admitted collusion of Hitler or on the invitation of the hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Epsom (Sir A. Southby)?

On a point of Order. Is it in Order for the hon. and gallant Gentleman to make a suggestion which is as fantastic as it is peevish?

I can hardly rule a tit for tat out of Order.

asked the Minister without Portfolio the names of the members of the committee of which he is chairman to advise upon reconstruction after the war; and the terms of reference to that committee?

As stated in my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ayr Burghs (Sir T. Moore) on 8th October, I hope, when a suitable opportunity arises, to explain the methods and machinery which I am using in the studies for which I am responsible.

Is my right hon. Friend likely to make a pronouncement in the near future?

That is a matter of the Business of the House, over which I have no control, but I hope so.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether, as the Corporation of the City of London is collecting iron and steel debris in their area, he will suggest to all other local authorities that they should adopt the same policy?

As I explained to my hon. Friend on 2nd October, the responsibility for the clearance of iron and steel debris rests with the Ministry of Works and Buildings, in conjunction with the Ministry of Home Security and the local authorities. Local authorities who are able and willing to do so assist with the work at the request of the Ministry of Works and Buildings.

In view of this somewhat odd reply, could not my Question have been passed to the Ministers responsible for this matter to answer?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he will consider removing all Belisha Beacons throughout the country, in order to utilise them as scrap in aid of the war effort?

If my hon. Friend will put down his Question again in a fortnight's time, I hope I shall be in a position to give him an answer.

May I ask my hon. Friend to bear in mind that these public eyesores should be moved at the earliest possible date in the public interest?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply how much was spent on the reconditioning of a factory of which he has had notice; why it was decided to proceed no further within a few months of starting the reconditioning; and how much female labour it is estimated would have been employed had the factory come into production?

The total commitment entered into in connection with the site in question is approximately £130,000, of which however it is expected some £30,000 to £40,000 will be recovered through adjustments with contractors and utilising some of the plant on order for other requirements. The work has been stopped owing to a decision not to proceed at present with the store in question. If this decision is final, the factory will be available for other work. It is estimated that about 250 women would have been employed.

Has any payment been made or will it be made to the late proprietors of the factory, or are the same people in possession of it?

Are we to understand that this large and important factory, upon which a large amount of time, money and labour has been spent, is not to be used in the near future fully for war production purposes?

No, Sir; the factory will be used for the purposes for which it was originally intended. If the decision not to proceed is final, it will be used for some other purposes.

May I have an answer to my question?

Is the factory to be closed?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he can now make a full report of the relations between the Ministry and the machine-tool manufacturers since 1939, including an explanation of the Treasury auditor's report; what are the names of the firms that created difficulties; and what is the present position?

I would refer the hon. Member to the Report from the Commitee of Public Accounts dated 30th July, 1941. The members of the Machine Tool Trades Association, to which most of the firms in the industry belong, have now accepted a costings clause in all contracts for supplies of machine tools on Government account and, in addition to or in the place of the costings clause, price fixing methods, as described in paragraph 45 of the Report, have been adopted. Having regard to the wiling co-operation which the industry as a whole is now displaying, it would not I think, serve any useful purpose to give the names of the firms who raised difficulties in the past.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply the present quantity of paper granted for hoarding advertisements; and whether a further reduction will be considered in the national interest?

During the past six months no licences have been issued for the supply of new poster paper, except for Government contracts. There are, I understand, some small stocks of poster paper and of obsolete posters in the hands of printers and others.

Would it not be better if the Government were to claim these stocks, which are being used for purposes which are not in the national interest?

The problem of collecting small stocks is a serious one, and we do not think it worth while.

If it is not possible to use the hoardings, will the hon. Gentleman consider collecting the hoardings as well?

That has been considered, and in some cases it is worth while but in some others it is not.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is aware that in a certain ordnance factory bomb-gauges have been in demand for 10 months, and no progress seems to have been made as regards their production and what steps he is taking to accelerate them?

I am not aware of any shortage of gauges for bomb production at the factory in question. In no instance has bomb production suffered from lack of any gauge.

Is it not an actual fact that this has occurred in this factory and others that I have mentioned to the hon. Member? Will the hon. Gentleman say whether there has been an investigation into the mismanagement that has been going on in this factory?

I have made special inquiries, and the facts are as stated in my reply.

Has the hon. Gentleman had interviews with the employees in the factory, particularly the shop stewards?

We are always ready to do that.

Has the hon. Gentleman had interviews with them since he received the information he has given?

I obtained my information by the ordinary procedure. The superintendent has seen the accredited representatives of the factory and is always prepared to do so.

Has the hon. Gentleman had reports from the shop stewards of the factory who know the conditions and know that what they have stated to me is a fact?

I told my hon. Friend when I saw him that I proposed to maintain the procedure in this factory which has been agreed with great care between the stewards and trade unions, and it would be a great mistake if Ministers were to go behind that procedure.

Since that is the attitude taken up by the hon. Member, what was the use of setting up a Select Committee on National Expenditure?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply-how often the administrative offices in a certain factory have been changed; what has been the cost on each occasion, and particularly if, on one of those changes, the estimate for erection was £300 for each of three places, and the final cost approximately £1,000 each; and how long those three places were occupied before being destroyed; and upon whose advice, and/or orders such contracts were made?

There have been two changes in the administrative offices at this factory. The first office was a building which was found more suitable for production staff offices. Temporary offices were then built and these have now been in part reconstructed into more satisfactory buildings.

Can the hon. Gentleman state the estimated cost and the building cost?

The estimated cost was £565 and the actual cost proved to be £567.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is aware that in the Ordnance factory, of which he has been informed, two men are employed full time removing faulty bands at the rate of 250 per shift; that at one time 30,000 were lying in the shop and five men were employed on them; that after nine months this is still going on, and, as the men think it can be avoided, whether he will set up the investigation asked for?

There was difficulty at this factory some months ago due to the change over from the use of one type of band to another, which resulted in a higher proportion of rejects than had formerly been the case. This was due to the inexperience of the operatives in the manipulation of the new type of bands. The management gave immediate attention to the difficulty, which was never so great as is suggested, and the figure has been reduced to a very small proportion of the factory production.

Is it not admitted that considerable wastage was going on in this factory in the early stages and that an investigation should go on as the employees are totally dissatisfied?

The remarkable feature in this case was the rapidity with which the untrained personnel learned the new process.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is aware that a number of commercial vehicles are at present unusable owing to short supplies of rubber tyres; that this shortage is largely due to the inability of tyre manufacturers to obtain adequate unskilled labour essential to the production of these heavy tyres; and what steps he is taking to remedy this situation?

I have no information that otherwise serviceable commercial vehicles are at present unusable owing to shortage of rubber tyres. All cases of urgent requirements for tyres which have been notified to the Ministry of Supply have been met. The labour situation in this industry is under constant review by the Ministry of Supply and the Ministry of Labour and National Service; and, with the assistance of the industry, special measures are being taken to meet the requirements.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food under what conditions milk contracts can be broken and the supplies diverted to another purchaser; and whether these conditions were strictly adhered to when certain contracts were taken from a private creamery at Tattenhall, Cheshire, and given to a co-operative society by way of the Co-operative Wholesale Society?

Under the Milk Marketing Board (Modification of Functions) Order, 1940, contracts entered into between the Board, producers and purchasers may be cancelled unilaterally by the Board at the direction of the Minister for the purpose of improving the supply position and affecting economies in transport. It is understood that four producers who were supplying a Tattenhall creamery terminated their agreements with their buyers on 30th September in accordance with the terms of their contracts and resold their milk to a retail co-operative society. Milk contracts may, at present, only be transferred from one buyer to another on the instructions or with the consent of the Ministry of Food. Such transfers are decided upon for the purpose of securing a better distribution of supplies and of effecting economies in transport.

asked the Parliamentary to the Ministry of Food whether he can give any information in connection with the charge made against a firm of butchers at Southampton, on Saturday, 1st November.

My hon. Friend is probably referring to the case against A. Gough, Limited, of Southampton. This firm and two other defendants were committed on 1st November at Southampton for trial at the Hampshire Assizes. As the case is sub judice no comment can, of course, be made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether arrangements are in being or prospect for a further supply of fish from Icelandic waters; and whether the Icelandic fishing craft and carriers are being made use of or are still inactive?

My Department has made arrangements to purchase the total catch of Icelandic fish until the end of June, 1942. A number of Icelandic fishing craft has been laid up since the spring of this year. My Department has, of course, no power to compel Icelandic boats to proceed to sea, but has made adequate arrangements to bring to this country all fish purchased.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say why it is that these fishermen are so reluctant to fish?

I should not say that they are, but it must be remembered that the weather has been extremely bad.

Do I understand that the weather has been consistently bad for six months?

It has been consistently bad since September.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been directed to the complaints of the Manchester and District Fish Friers' Association about the serious shortage of fish suitable for the frying trade; and, in view of the fact that a large number of working-class families are catered for by this trade, will he take all steps to secure more adequate supplies being allocated to the fish friers' trade in Manchester?

Yes, Sir. During recent weeks fish has been in short supply in all districts, owing to circumstances beyond the control of my Department. My Department is endeavouring to secure as equitable distribution of the reduced supplies as is possible.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend undertake to give the fish friers in all areas of the industrial North the same consideration as is being shown to British Restaurants?

I think the hon. Member will find, if he takes the country as a whole, that they are getting the same consideration, but the supplies have been extremely short.

Can the Minister give the British public a better explanation than the weather for the shortage of fish, as all over the country there has been a notorious shortage and people are puzzled as to what is the real reason, whether it is the price or bombing?

When I say that it is the weather that is responsible, I can assure my hon. Friend that it is so. I know what supplies come into the country, and my Department can only distribute what is coming in.

Nobody believes it is the weather.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the discontent in London and other large centres of population at the wholly inadequate supply of fish; and whether he will take over all supplies when landed and secure a fair distribution over the whole country at reasonable prices?

The present shortage of fish is due to reduced supplies and is not primarily due to unequal distribution. The shortage, which is general and not restricted, as my hon. Friend suggests, to large towns, is due to smaller imports from Iceland consequent on bad weather conditions and to reduced landings by British trawlers. My Noble Friend is satisfied that supplies will, for seasonal reasons, soon increase and he sees no need at present to adopt the suggestions contained in the Question.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that last year the weather was worse than it has been this year and that last year there was, a greater supply of fish?

I am sorry, but I cannot agree with my hon. Friend that the weather this time last year was worse.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the public uncertainty and different views as to whether or not any deterioration of foodstuffs in tins which have been stored for a considerable time can easily be detected when the tins are opened, or whether deterioration dangerous to health may be imperceptible to eye, nose or tongue; and whether he can give any guidance to the public in this matter?

I am glad to have an opportunity of saying that, provided they are stored under suitable conditions, canned foods such as are now being distributed remain sound indefinitely. My Noble Friend will consult my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health as to the desirability of providing advice for the benefit of the public generally on this matter.

Am I right in thinking that canned foods are quite as safe as or safer than ordinary foods, and that unless the food had some toxin in it when it was put into the can, it will not acquire a dangerous character through simply being in the can?

As a matter of fact it is probably better, because it is sterilized before being canned.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will arrange for suitable broadcasts urging the population to eat national wheatmeal bread to the correct specification, explaining the advantages to be gained by so doing instead of consuming white bread?

Since the introduction of national wheatmeal bread the Food Advice Campaign organised by my Department has regularly informed the public in broadcasts and by other means of the advantages of eating this bread. Accordingly I see no reason for the adoption of my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend on the next occasion see that special emphasis is laid on the specification, having regard to the wide variety of national wheatmeal breads which we saw in the dining-room of this House the other day?

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that a great many bakers do not stock this bread and that people try in vain to get it?

I am aware of that, and I have frequently stated that if hon. Members will bring cases to my notice, I will do my best to see that the bread is stocked, but the supply of it is already increasing.

Is there any correct specification for national wheatmeal?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food to what extent the original recommendations with regard to national wheatmeal bread, made by the Medical Research Council, were accepted; and on what grounds any of them were turned down?

No recommendation made by the Medical Research Council with regard to national wheatmeal bread has been rejected by my Noble Friend. All have been acted upon with one exception. That is still being examined.

Is it not a fact that a standard as to the contents of the national wheatmeal loaf has never been laid down by the Ministry—in regard to the amount of bran, etc.—and are not the public being misled into thinking that they are eating something of great value?

I am advised that a specification for the wheatmeal loaf has been laid down.

I believe the Minister will find that that is not the case.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the hardship which is being experienced by elderly people, say over 75 years of age, in not being able to secure adequate milk supplies; and will he consider granting them an extra ration on a basis equivalent to the increase to be granted to young children?

The comparative needs of different groups of people for liquid milk have been most carefully considered in conjunction with the Food Rationing (Special Diets) Advisory Committee of the Medical Research Council. In view of the supply position it has been possible to grant priority of supply only to those whose needs are greatest. Since the Ministry's expert advisers do not put elderly people within this category my Noble Friend would not feel justified in adopting my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that it is a real hardship to these people, and can he not see his way to grant the increase?