asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, under Section 13, Sub-section (h) of the Food and Drugs Act, 1938, all persons employed in every room in which any food, other than milk, intended for human consumption is prepared for sale or sold, are required to observe cleanliness in regard to themselves and their clothing; that, as far as persons employed in butchers' shops are concerned, the cleanliness of clothing can only be obtained by the wearing of washable overalls and aprons; that such persons, at present are required to surrender six coupons for an overall and three coupons for an apron, of which at least two overalls and two aprons are necessary; and when he will indicate that the necessary overalls can be purchased without the surrender of coupons?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider letting butchers secure protective clothing without coupons?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the statement which I have made to-day covering these and related matters.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the office of Director of Civilian Clothing was a full-time appointment when held by Mr. Metford Watkins; and what salary or other allowance attached thereto during the like period?

The appointment was full time and unpaid.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the recent announcement in regard to the manufacture and marketing of a cheap type of lighter, coupled with the existing difficulty of buying matches or spare flints and wicks, he will arrange for larger supplies of spare flints and wicks to be manufactured and distributed fairly to the retail trade without delay, so that present and prospective owners of lighters can feel assured that these will be of continuous service to them during the period of restriction in the sale of matches?

The manufacture of flints on a large scale in this country presents some difficulties which I hope it may be possible to overcome. My right hon. Friend is pursuing this matter with manufacturers and in the meantime has arranged for increased quantities of flints to be imported. I am not aware of any general shortage of wicks.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent the Diamond Manufacturers' Association has failed to keep an undertaking given to him to export 75 per cent. of the gem stones cut; who gave him this pledge on behalf of the association; and what action he has taken in the matter?

I neither sought nor received an undertaking with regard to a minimum export percentage from the Diamond Manufacturers' Association. I have, however, obtained undertakings from the importers of rough diamonds to sell rough stones for cutting only to those manufacturers who guarantee individually that no less than 75 per cent. of the cut gems will be exported. A supplementary understanding has also been reached with the importers regarding supplies of rough stones suitable for cutting for export. To ensure that manufacturers implement their guarantees my Department will keep a close watch on their purchases and sales.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the quantity and the value of silks and woollens in wholesale warehouses which are surplus to domestic requirements; and what steps is he taking to enable them to be distributed either at home or overseas?

I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available. As regards the second part, there is no longer restriction by the Limitation of Supplies Orders on the disposal of wholesalers' stocks of cloth and clothing in the home market (except in the case of silk hose and half hose), and I am satisfied that such stocks can be disposed of either at home against coupons or overseas, subject, of course, to export licensing control.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether British service men who are prisoners receive a cash allowance equivalent to their pay while interned in Germany?

The Prisoners of War Convention, 1929, lays down that the detaining Power shall pay to officer prisoners of war either their own rate of pay or the rate of corresponding ranks of the detaining Power's own forces, whichever is less. On this basis British officers in Germany receive the German rates of pay for the corresponding ranks, and the balance is credited to the officer's account in this country. No pay is issued by the detaining Power to other rank prisoners unless they are employed on work, and, so far as British prisoners are concerned, the full pay of their rank in issue at the time of capture continues to be credited to them. An exception to the general rule is made in the case of medical and other protected personnel who receive from the German Government the pay of the equivalent German ranks.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of setting up an inter-departmental committee of the Foreign Office, Navy, Army, and Air Force, and the Red Cross, to deal with all questions affecting prisoners of war; and will he take the necessary steps to put that committee under the chairmanship of a representative of the Foreign Office?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison) on 14th October, of which I am sending him a copy. Close and continuous liaison is maintained between the War Organisation of the British Red Cross and the Departments concerned, and representatives of the organisations frequently attend meetings of the Sub-Committees of the Imperial Prisoners of War Committee. As regards the second part of the Question, it has been decided that, in view of the importance of securing reciprocity of treatment, the War Office which is responsible for the administration of enemy prisoners of war, and for implementing the terms of the Geneva Convention in relation to them, is the Department best suited to assume general responsibility for likewise watching over the interests and rights of British prisoners in enemy hands. It has therefore been thought appropriate that the chairman of the Committee should be a War Office representative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Foreign Office is represented on the Imperial Prisoners of War Committee?

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the reply given on 14th October by my right hon. and gallant Friend the

Accommodation, etc., to be provided.	Rates payable.
Class 1.
(a) Officers:—	3s. od. a night for the first officer and 2s. od. A night for each additional officer.
Loading and attendance.
Note.— An officer will pay for his food.
(b) Soldiers:—	10d. a night for the first soldier and 8d. a night for each additional soldier.
Loading and attendance where meals are furnished.
Breakfast as specified in Part 1 of the Second Schedule to the Army Act.	9d. each.
Dinner as so specified	1s. 2d. each.
Supper as so specified	5d. each.
Where no meals furnished, loading and attendance, and the means and the necessary utensils for the preparation and cooking of his food.	10d. a night for the first soldier and 8d. a night for each additional soldier.
Class 11.
Soldiers:—
Loading (with bed and attendance) when no meals and no cooking facilities are required; for each soldier.	6d. a night.
Class III
Officers and soldiers:—
Unfurnished accommodation in occupied premises, for each officer or soldier.	2d. a night
Unfurnished accommodation in otherwise unoccupied premises; for each officer or soldier.	1d. a night.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet come to a decision regarding the employment of suitable women on either combatant or non-combatant duties with the Home Guard?

It is not proposed to employ women with the Home Guard on combatant duties. As regards the employment of women on non-combatant duties I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to my hon.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the billeting allowances made to members of the service; and whether they experience any difficulty in obtaining billets at these terms?

I attach full particulars of the present billeting rates. All payments are made to the billetor and not to the member of the Forces concerned, and no difficulties have been experienced in obtaining the required number of billets under existing powers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet come to any decision with regard to the status of recruiting officers and their staffs?

I understand that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the fact that recruiting officers come under the regulations applicable to civilian employees in certain respects. This question is one of considerable difficulty affecting other categories besides recruiting officers, and a final decision has not yet been reached. I am not aware of any suggestion that the status of recruiting staffs should be altered.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether non-commissioned officers who are sent to an officers' cadet training unit, with a view to a commission, continue to receive while there the pay appropriate to their non-commissioned rank?

Non-commissioned officers sent to a course at an officer cadet training unit receive the pay appropriate to their war substantive rank. Any acting rank held with their unit is relinquished when they cease to hold the acting appointment.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many canteens are providing a sit-down meal each day at coalmines in Yorkshire; and whether or not they have any difficulty in getting food for the workers?

Fourteen canteens providing daily sit-down meals have been established at coal mines in Yorkshire, and no difficulty has been experienced in obtaining food supplies.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the fact that every householder in Britain is to be asked to give a written assurance to do everything possible to cut down domestic consumption of fuel and to sign a declaration promising to do everything in his power to save coal, coke, electricity, gas fuel, oil and paraffin; and whether he will consider a broadcast appeal to the public as being more effective and saving the waste of paper which would be caused by the proposed distribution of forms, many of which would never be completed?

I am informed by the representatives of the gas and electricity supply industries that the public response to the form of pledge which they have distributed at their own expense is most encouraging and that the results which it is hoped to attain will more than justify the use of the relatively small amount of paper involved. With the assistance of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Information, I am arranging a series of fuel economy broadcasts but I do not regard them as a complete substitute for this more direct and individual approach to the community.

asked the Home Secretary whether his Department has made any tests of the effectiveness of an anti-incendiary compound named Bommex; and, if so, with what results?

A test of Bommex was made some months ago. It was then reported that Bommex gave no evidence of being more effective than water for dealing with incendiary bombs and the fires caused by them. Further tests have been carried out recently at the request of the proprietors, but I have not yet received a report upon them.

asked the Home Secretary what in general are the conditions and restrictions on which he proposes to insist before giving his authority to the sale of intoxicants at canteens under Order in Council 60AA?

The Defence Regulation to which my hon. Friend refers empowers the appropriate Minister, where he is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient for securing the due performance of essential work, to make special arrangements for the supply of intoxicating liquor in canteens for the benefit of such workers as may be specified in the authorisation granted by the Minister. Such authority will be granted only where there is a substantial need for such facilities and subject to such conditions and restrictions as may be agreed between the appropriate Minister on the one hand and the Home Secretary or the Secretary of State for Scotland on the other. Such an authorisation will be granted for a period not exceeding six months in the first instance, and may be revoked at any time. Apart from exceptional circumstances which may exist in special cases, the conditions to be imposed will normally provide for the consumption of beer or cider only, to be consumed on the premises of the canteen during permitted hours, and as an ancillary to a meal. No credit sales, nor commission, will be permitted. Profits, if any, on sales will be devoted to welfare purposes, and the police will enjoy the right of entry and inspection at all times.

asked the Home Secretary how many British-born persons are detained on account of their knowledge of the telegrams which were sent by a British to an American subject in the United States of America through the American Embassy and shown by Mr. Tyler Kent to the hon. and gallant Member for Peebles and Southern (Captain Ramsey); and which of them have been tried under the Official Secrets Act?

No information can properly be given about confidential documents which were abstracted from the American Embassy. Moreover, without accepting his assumption that persons are in fact detained merely because of their knowledge of such documents, I must decline in the public interest to give any information which would indicate the precise nature of the activities which have led to the detention of any person under Defence Regulation 18B.

asked the Home Secretary in how many cases persons detained under Regulation 18B have been kept in prison as different from a concentration camp for more than one year; and what is the greatest length of time that any one person has been so detained?

The number of persons now detained under Regulation I8B who have been kept in prison for a continuous period of more than one year is 32 — 11 men and 21 women. One woman has been detained for two years in prison but her detention in prison rather than in a camp is at her own request.

asked the Home Secretary whether the National Fire Service is one of the Defence services for which men called up can express preference over the Army; whether the rules and regulations affecting discipline, conditions of service, sick pay, pensions, etc., are to be codified as King's Regulations for the National Fire Service; and whether, as the National Defence service is equivalent in status with the other services, he will no longer permit the Fire Brigade Union to be the medium of expressing grievances and bringing pressure to bear to adjust conditions of service?

The National Fire Service is a Civil Defence Force for the purposes of the National Service Act, 1941, and it is, therefore, one of the services for which a preference may be expressed by persons liable to be called up for the Armed Forces. The pay and conditions of service of members of the National Fire Service including those who are enrolled under the National Service Act, 1941, are prescribed by the National Fire Service (General) Regulations and Instructions issued thereunder. As regards the principles involved in the agitation now being conducted by the Fire Brigades Union, the general position is that the pay and other conditions of service of the ex-members of regular fire brigades remain related to permanent fire brigade conditions, while those of the ex-auxiliaries, who are serving on a temporary basis, remain related as respects pay, sick leave and injury allowances to the Civil Defence Services generally, of which they are a part. A discipline code is, of course, essential in such a service, and the representations received on behalf of the trade unions, including the Fire Brigades Union, were fully considered before the code was introduced. Members of the National Fire Service are not precluded from belonging to trade unions. Machinery has been set up for consultation with the trades unions concerned with regard to the pay and conditions of service of members of the Civil Defence Services, in which the Fire Brigades Union take part.

asked the Home Secretary who is responsible for the administration and discipline of the National Fire Service; how many provincial organisations have been set up, and where; and how many officers and staff have been authorised for each provincial area?

Subject to the control of the Regional Commissioners and the Secretary of State, Fire Force Commanders are responsible for the administration and discipline of their Fire Forces. There are 37 Fire Forces in England and Wales, the areas of which are indicated in the first schedule to the National Fire Service (General) Regulations 1941 as amended by the National Fire Service (Alteration of Fire Areas) Regulation. The areas and strengths of the Fire Forces vary between wide limits and the numbers and ranks of the officers and staffs will necessarily vary accordingly. Establishments have only been provisionally settled as yet, and are subject to review.It would not be practicable to give full particulars in my reply but I shall be happy to send my hon. Friend figures which will, I think, give him the information he desires.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in the event of invasion, district nurses will be authorised to possess morphia tablets and to administer them when it is not possible to obtain the services of a doctor?

I will consider my hon. Friend's suggestion in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.

asked the Minister of Health whether the medical officers of the Home Guard are given an opportunity for consultation before first-aid posts are selected for upgrading; and, if not, whether he will so arrange that the approval is not given to any lists sent in by local authorities unless it is certified that the medical services of the Regular Army and the Home Guard have both had full opportunity for consultation?

I presume that my hon. Friend is referring to the conversion of first-aid points into first-aid posts in suitable cases. My regional officers and the scheme-making authorities concerned take full account of the needs of possible military and Home Guard casualties in the area, and I can rely upon them to take the appropriate officers into consultation in accordance with the instructions issued for their guidance.

asked the Minister of Health, which co-educational schools are acting as hosts to schools evacuated under the Government scheme; and the number of evacuated children billeted at each reception school originally, and at the present time?

It is not part of the Government evacuation scheme to billet evacuated schools on schools in reception areas, and I do not know of any school billeted on a co-educational school.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in various parts of the country whole-time medical officers of health, already overworked by the addition of air-raid precautions duties to those which they ordinarily undertake, are now assuming the duties of Home Guard medical officers, involving the training of men and a great deal of administrative work; and whether arrangements are being made for recognition of such services?

I understand that some medical officers of health have found it possible to undertake the duties of Home Guard medical officers in addition to their official duties, the appointments being on an honorary basis as in the case of all other Home Guard medical officers. I am sure that their action in so doing is greatly appreciated by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Secretary of State for War. When approving the appointment of these medical officers, the local medical war committees no doubt paid due regard to their other commitments.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there is no general hospital nearer to Slough than Windsor, where the accommodation is overtaxed; and whether, in view of the special circumstances, he will authorise the reception of civilian cases by the Emergency Medical Service hospitals in Slough, where there is unused accommodation which the medical profession in Slough urgently needs?

I am aware that there has been considerable pressure on the beds at the general hospital at Windsor, and I arranged facilities some time ago for reducing the waiting list by transfer of cases to emergency hospitals within reach of the area. It rests with the hospital to take full advantage of those arrangements. The emergency hospital at Slough is in the county council's institution. While it is essential to keep a certain number of beds available there for air-raid casualties and other emergency cases, it has always been made clear that the council can and should admit in the normal way cases needing urgent hospital treatment who cannot get it elsewhere.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will obtain information of the amount of immunisation against diphtheria practised in the areas covered by his circular, dated 12th June, 1941, in view of the fact that, unless this information is given, the mere number of cases of diphtheria notified and the proportion of cases immunised will not have any signficance?

The main purpose of the returns referred to in the circular mentioned is, in fact, to furnish information about the extent to which immunisation of children against diphtheria was carried out between 1st January, 1940, and 30th September, 1941. The return has been asked for from all local authorities.

asked the Minister of Health what efforts, apart from an announcement in the British Medical Journal, the Central Medical War Committee has made to maintain the National Register of the Medical Profession up to date; and why have not other medical organisations and journals been approach to assist?

I am informed that the Central Medical War Committee obtains information for the maintenance of the register from the local medical war committees, hospitals and various other sources, and that it avails itself of the assistance of such other medical organisations and channels of communication as seem most likely to be effective.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give any information in connection with the number of days' work lost through men suffering with dermatitis for the past 12 months?

I regret that I have no statistics which would enable me to give this information.

asked the Postmaster-General why he refused to permit post offices in the United Kingdom to issue forms to applicants for War Service Grants?

My Department was asked towards the end of October whether it would be prepared to issue forms of application for war service grants. It replied at once that it could and would do so; forms were distributed as speedily as possible and have been on issue at all post offices since 13th November.

asked the Postmaster-General what are the present arrangements with regard to communications between this country and the Channel Islands; and what is the approximate time taken for sending a letter or postcard and receiving a reply?

The Red Cross Postal Message scheme at present affords the only means of postal communication between this country and the Channel Islands. I understand from the British Red Cross Society that replies from the Islands to messages sent from the United Kingdom are being received in about three to five months. Ordinary postal communication from Portugal and Spain to the Channel Islands is suspended; and for this reason it is not possible to include the Channel Islands in the list of enemy and enemy-occupied countries to which private communications may be sent from this country through the intermediary of Messrs. Thos. Cook & Son.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he proposes to take any steps to increase the popularity as Christmas gifts of National Savings gift tokens?

Yes, Sir. As from next Monday, the surcharge of 1d. per document on all National Savings gift tokens will be removed. In addition, arrangements have been made whereby gift tokens can be used for deposits in the Post Office and Trustee Savings Banks as well as for the purchase of National Savings Certificates. A new and more attractive issue of gift tokens will be available at all post offices and trustee savings banks early in December, but in the meantime, gift tokens of the existing issue can be obtained from post offices. National Savings Christmas cards also will shortly be obtainable at post offices and trustee savings banks. As my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has said, National Savings gift tokens and National Savings Christmas cards are clearly the best form of Christmas gift this year, and I hope that the public will make the fullest possible use of them.

asked the Minister of Health whether any provision is made to see that horseflesh is fit for human consumption before it is allowed to be sold in the shops?

Under the Food and Drugs Act, 1938, the business of slaughtering animals, including horses, for human consumption, requires a licence granted by the local authority. Further, it is an offence not only to sell, but to have in possession for sale, or to consign to any person for that purpose, any food, including horseflesh, intended for but unfit for human consumption. Officers of local authorities have full powers to inspect such food and if necessary seize it with a view to condemnation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether a maximum price for all horseflesh can now be fixed?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has received information from local food control committees of the large increase in applications for licences to trade in horseflesh for human consumption; whether he proposes to authorise or restrict the number of such licences; and can he state the reason for the delay in issuing a horseflesh, retail sales, maximum price order?

The answer to the first part of the Question of my hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster (Mr. E. Walkden) is in the negative. As regards the second part of the Question, food control committees issue licences for new businesses only where it is established that these are necessary in the public interest. As regards the last part of the Question, the delay has been caused by the difficulties in ascertaining the date for the formulation of the proposals, information on which is not readily obtained. A Maximum Prices Order for horseflesh for human consumption will, however, be made at a very early date.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, as he is arranging for extra meat, sugar, &c, to be made available in canteens serving industrial workers and is allowing more cheese in restaurants, he will consider the needs of agricultural workers, on whom a severe strain is now placed, and whose work has to be carried out in all weathers and for long hours without the amenities of indoor factories and other places protected from the winter climate; and whether he will at once continue the extra rations for farm workers granted during the summer during harvest, bearing in mind that heavy work in winter has to be carried out on the land?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is prepared to adopt the policy followed during the harvest of allowing an extra half a pound of cheese to agricultural workers, in view of the fact that they are, in many cases, engaged at the present time for eight hours a day in cold and wet weather in pulling sugar-beet; whether he is aware that, in view of the extension of the cheese ration in restaurants and canteens, there is a feeling among agricultural workers that sufficient consideration has not been given to their case; and will he, therefore, give the matter his most careful attention?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the answer which I have given to-day to my hon. Friend the Member for Normanton (Mr. T. Smith) from which he will see that a number of experiments have been and are being tried in different country districts with a view to the provision of additional facilities for the supply of meals which may prove of assistance to agricultural workers. Apart from this, however, close consideration is being given to the practicability of providing for agricultural workers, wherever circumstances permit, the equivalent of meals taken by factory and other workers in canteens. As regards the distribution of cheese, I must correct the reference made by my hon. Friend the Member for Abingdon (Sir R. Glyn) to more lavish consumption in restaurants. No increased supplies have in fact been provided recently for restaurants. Only an alteration was made as to the conditions under which cheese could be served. The extra allowance of cheese granted last summer for the benefit of agricultural workers engaged in harvest operations came to an end by agreement with the farmers' organisations concerned on 5th October. I may, however, add that my Noble Friend has decided to increase the amount of the special ration of cheese from 8 to 12 ozs. for persons at present eligible for the special cheese ration. This will, of course, include agricultural workers. The increase will take effect as from 15th December.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the small working farmer does not get the extra half a pound of cheese granted to agricultural labourers because he has no Unemployment Insurance card that he can produce; and will he now take steps to remedy this anomaly?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to a somewhat similar Question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for East Renfrew (Major Lloyd) on nth November.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the shortage of edible fish available in this country in the first half of October and of the large quantities of fish which arrived at British ports in a condition unfit for human consumption; that large quantities of this fish had to be condemned at the ports of arrival; and whether the Ministry has a qualified officer in Iceland whose duty it is to see that fish is not sent to this country unless it is likely to arrive in a condition lit for consumption?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. Considering the exigencies under which fish is being brought from Iceland at present and the weather conditions prevalent during a large part of September and October I am advised that the amount of fish condemned on arrival was not excessive. Experienced practical men have been appointed in Iceland whose duty it is to see that fish when loaded is likely to arrive in a condition fit for human consumption. These officers have, however, no control over the time taken by vessels to reach this country.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has considered the representations from the National Federation of Fishmongers on the question of fixed prices of fish; and whether he can make a statement that will go to show that anomalies will be removed in order to give a fair margin of profit to the small fishmonger at the same time maintaining a fair price to the consumer?

The representations of the National Federation of Fishmongers were given careful consideration when the Fish (Maximum Prices) Order came up for revision. A deputation from the Federation met the Director of Fish Supplies on 10th November and admitted that the results from their point of view had been satisfactory for the three months to 30th September, 1941. The deputation pointed out certain anomalies which are at present under consideration. If it is found that these representations are sound, the necessary amendments will be made when the Prices Order is further revised.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in connection with the supply of cereals, such as cornflakes and rolled oats, he can give encouragement and assistance for processing home-produced corn and oats, in view of the inadequate supplies to the public; and why it is that the manufacturers and processors in this country have not taken more active steps to meet the public requirements?

Encouragement and assistance have already been given to oatmeal millers and breakfast cereals manufacturers to attain the maximum possible output. In consequence, the present output of such mills and factories is considerably in excess of their pre-war performance. The home-processed supplies are also being supplemented by importations and the combined quantity of oat products and breakfast cereals now being distributed is double the quantity distributed in the corresponding month of last year and far above the quantity consumed in peace-time. In view of the further increase in public demand for these products, other steps are being taken which it is expected will result in a still greater increase in the rate of distribution of both oat products and cereal breakfast food.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what are the powers of Government inspectors at collecting centres; and whether an inspector is empowered to overturn decisions taken by expert graders operating at these centres?

The duties of livestock inspectors appointed by the Ministry of Food are to inspect the grading of livestock presented for sale to the Ministry at the different collecting centres throughout the country, to advise the graders and to ensure that they are carrying out their duties in a fair and efficient manner. The inspectors have no power to over-rule decisions taken by the graders, except that, under the terms of the Livestock Sales Order, 1940, they are empowered under certain conditions to require that the killing out percentage of any beast or the dressed carcase weight of any calf, sheep or lamb shall be determined by reference to the actual dressed carcase weight of the animal as ascertained after slaughter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the large number of cattle in the country that are being insufficiently fed; and will he at once take steps to have quantities of linseed cake and other animal feeding-stuffs, at present stored in unsuitable and vulnerable premises, distributed to the farmers whose cattle so urgently need the food?

The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's Question is in the negative. I cannot accept the statement that feeding-stuffs are being stored in unsuitable premises. In order to maintain the supply of cake to farmers throughout the winter, a reserve has been accumulated and it would not be in the national interests to dispose of these supplies as my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, where a conviction has been secured against retailers of substituted foodstuffs, for misrepresentation, action is taken against the makers and wholesalers; and, if not, why not?

So far as I am aware no proceedings against a retailer for misrepresentation have yet been taken under the Food Substitutes (Control) Order. In cases where a retailer is convicted under the Order for misrepresentation for which the wholesaler and maker are also responsible, I agree with my hon. and gallant Friend that proceedings should also be taken against them.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why shopkeepers who have always sold dried fruits and other such goods are to be denied any share of the distribution of such goods under the point rationing scheme unless they also sell sugar?

Dried fruits are not included in the point rationing scheme. The basis for distributing supplies of these goods to retailers has, however, been recently revised so that they will get supplies according to the number of customers registered with them for sugar. I am satisfied that this revision is necessary in order to secure an equitable distribution to consumers. The possibility of distributing some dried fruit through those retailers who have been adversely affected by the revision of distribution is under consideration, but the uncertainty of the supply position and other factors will make it impossible for me to make any further statement until after the end of next month.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can give any reason why so much road and rail transport is used in sending beer brewed in one county into another; and what action he intends taking about the matter?

Exhaustive inquiry into the carriage of beer by road and rail indicates that upwards of 90 per cent. of the beer produced in the United Kingdom is distributed within 30 miles of the brewery where it is produced. Considerable economies have already been effected in the transport of beer sent to greater distances, and the practicability of affording still further relief to the railways and to road transport is under close examination.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has considered the possibility that the distribution of food by means of wheeled traffic may not be possible in areas affected by invasion; and whether he will take the steps necessary to deal with the difficulties arising therefrom?

Detailed plans have been worked out with the Ministry of War Transport for maintaining the normal system of distribution of foodstuffs both by road and by rail so long as possible under invasion conditions. If and when it became impossible to move foodstuffs into any area by road or rail, local distribution would be effected from the stocks of food which have already been widely dispersed throughout all parts of the country to meet these conditions. As a further precaution emergency reserves have been placed in the case of Voluntary Food Organisers within the villages and smaller towns in certain areas.

asked the Home Secretary what is the position of foreign refugees with regard to service in His Majesty's Forces, or in work of national importance; whether compulsion can be employed; if so, whether it is being employed; and who pays the cost of maintenance of those who receive asylum in these islands without giving service in return?

I have been asked to reply. A large number of foreign refugees are serving as volunteers in the British and Allied Forces and the Allied Governments, established in this country have been calling up their nationals on a voluntary basis for service in their national forces. Proposals for legislation to authorise the conscription of allied nationals are under consideration. As regards foreign refugees of enemy origin, I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply of 7th October, 1941, to the hon. Member for Abingdon (Sir R. Glyn). As regards civilian work of national importance, refugees of Belgian, Czech, Netherlands, Norwegian, Polish and French nationality, as well as those of Austrian, German and Italian nationality who, if males, are between the ages of 16–65 and if females between the ages of 16–50, are required to register their particulars with a view to the utilisation of their services in the most suitable manner. I have powers to issue directions to all foreigners to undertake civilian employment and those powers are being exercised where necessary and subject to security considerations. Refugees from Allied territories in the occupation of the enemy or from other territories from which they have been evacuated to this country receive assistance from British public funds if they are unable to obtain employment or have lost their employment; refugees from Nazi oppression who arrived in this country prior to the war and are unemployed and without means are, unless they satisfy the statutory conditions for the receipt of unemployment benefit or assistance, normally cared for by one of the refugee organisations or by private persons who acted as their guarantors on their admission to this country.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make inquiries into the case of Dr. Rosendorff, a specialist, of Bridge Lane, Golders Green, at present employed as a lift attendant, with a view to making better use of his qualifications?

I have been asked to reply. I am informed that the Central Medical War Committee has already written to this doctor concerning certain vacancies which have occurred in his specialty and is awaiting his reply.

asked the Home Secretary whether Count Edward Taaffe has been given permission to enter England?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the importance of the work being done for the war effort by Mr. Constantinesco, and of the unique assistance rendered to him by his stepson, Mr. Richard Litton, of Oxon House, Torver, Coniston, Westmorland, he will exempt the step-son from military service?

I have no power to exempt from Military Service any man who is not exempted under the National Service Acts. A man may be reserved from Military Service under the Schedule of Reserved Occupations or, if not so reserved, his calling up may be deferred on the grounds of his employment on work of vital national importance. I am making inquiries about Mr. Litton's position and will write to my hon. Friend when these have been completed.

asked the Home Secretary how many of the 103 men convicted at Thames Police Court on 8th November as the result of raids upon two gambling dens were of military age; and whether he will state the full result of the inquiry as to why these men were not serving?

There were two raids by the police in which 94 persons were arrested, of which 45 were of military age. I understand that none of these persons had been circulated in official records as an absentee or deserter from His Majesty's Forces and as far as could be ascertained none of them was in any way evading military service.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether in view of the export of sugar to Russia, he will encourage the production of syrup from sugar-beet, etc., grown in private gardens and issue instructions or state where simple and safe directions for such production can be obtained?

No, Sir, I think that in their own interests private gardeners would be better advised to concentrate on the production of the vegetables recommended in the Ministry's leaflets.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any instructions have been issued as to the quality of feeding-stuffs to be supplied to persons keeping less than 50 head of poultry; and whether there is any differentiation for the owners of less than 12 head of poultry?

No instructions have been issued regarding the quality of feeding-stuffs supplied to persons rationed on the basis of 13 to 50 head of poultry, who are entitled to purchase the same kinds of rationed feeding-stuffs as are persons rationed on the basis of larger numbers of poultry. Domestic poultry keepers with 12 or fewer birds are only entitled to purchase poultry balancer meal, the manufacture of which is controlled by licence of my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of Food. The formula for balancer meal was agreed by experts of my Department as suitable for feeding with kitchen and garden waste.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether foods are being permitted to enter Greece to feed the civilian population; and under what conditions?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 14th October to my hon. Friend the Member for the University of London (Sir E. Graham-Little).

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production what proportion of scientific, junior scientific officers, technican officers and assistants, employed by his Department on radiolocation, other than those on temporary engagements for the war period, are unpensionable?

All such scientific officers and junior scientific officers recruited before the war are eligible for superannuation under the Federated Universities Superannuation System. 67 per cent. of technical officers and 75 per cent. of assistants are unpensionable.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what are the billeting allowances made to members of the Service; and whether they experience any difficulty in obtaining billets at these terms?

The rates payable to billetors from public funds for billeting R.A.F. personnel under the Air Force Act are as follow:Lodging and attendance for officers; three shillings a night for the first officer and two shillings a night for each additional officer. For airmen: tenpence a night for the first airman and eightpence for each additional airman. Meals for airmen are paid for at the rates of nine-pence for breakfast, one shilling and twopence for dinner, threepence for tea and fivepence for supper.Billets for Royal Air Force personnel are found by the police and no practical difficulty in obtaining them has arisen.

asked the Secretary of State for Air when it is proposed to publish the despatches of the air officer commanding the advanced air-striking force attached to the British Expeditionary Force?

I sympathise with the desire of my hon. and gallant Friend for the publication of the despatches of the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, British Air Forces in France. After a careful study of them, however, I have reached the conclusion that in view of the secret matter which they contain, they are not suitable for publication at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether a certain pass standard of the prescribed tests is a necessary qualification for Head Observers and deputy Head Observers in the Observer Corps to enable them to give the necessary leadership; and, if not, whether it is intended to introduce some such standard?

There are no prescribed tests for personnel of the Royal Observer Corps. Head Observers are selected by Observer Group Officers, usually in consultation with the Area Commandant, from amongst those members who are, in their opinion, most suitable by virtue of their efficiency and powers of leadership. This method has given good results and no change is contemplated.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether a record is kept of the amount of duty-time put in by members of the Observer Corps; and whether members who put in less than a certain monthly minimum, otherwise than on valid grounds, will be retained in the service?

The answer to the first part of the Question as in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the Royal Observer Corps is required to keep the posts and centres continuously manned and no member is retained in the Corps if he fails to put in a reasonable number of hours a week.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of his recent request for short hauls, he will inquire into the transportation of bricks for more than 200 miles whilst available stocks within 40 miles are prevented from reaching the market on Tees Side because of the high railway charges in one case and special low charges in the other?

I am glad to be able to inform my hon. Friend that as from 1st December next, no bricks will be accepted for transport on the railway to a destination over 75 miles distant from the departure station unless there is a certificate from a Government transportation officer that it is essential that bricks should be transported the longer distance.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether his Department was represented at the inquest held on 3rd November, at Cheltenham, on eight members of the Royal Air Force who lost their lives in a motor accident; and, if not, does he propose to hold an inquiry into the accident under Section 23 (3) of the Road Traffic Act, 1930?

I do not think that an inquiry would throw any fresh light on the cause of this accident; but I understand that police proceedings are being taken. I know that the House will wish to join me in expressing sympathy with the relatives of the men who lost their lives in the regrettable occurrence.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that third-class passengers using first-class carriages when the trains are overcrowded, particularly on the Southend services, are being charged first-class fares; and whether this procedure has his sanction, in view of the policy announced on 20th November, 1940, and 29th January, 1941?

I am informed that additional fares are only demanded of those holders of third-class tickets who travel in the first-class when there is third-class accommodation available on the train.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will now consider one-class travelling on all railways, in view of the decision that the train service will be curtailed, as this would enable all seating accommodation to be fully used?

As the effect of curtailing train services will be that all seating accommodation will be fully used, there would be no advantage in the withdrawal of first-class accommodation on all trains.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in the event of severe weather conditions, such as snow and ice on roads, adequate arrangements have been made for the immediate clearance of snow and the gritting of roads, in cooperation with the local military authorities, in order to avoid any delay in essential road traffic?

Snow clearance of roads will be undertaken by highway authorities to the full extent of the labour and plant available. During the summer grants by the Ministry were made available towards the cost of the necessary equipment. Arrangements for military assistance were made last winter and similar arrangements are being made for this winter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he has considered a resolution of protest against the appointment of an ex-official of the Great Western Railway Company as his representative under the Fire Prevention (Business Premises) Order No. 2 from the No. 2 branch of the National Union of Railwaymen, Ponty-pridd, Glamorganshire; and what action does he propose taking in this matter?

The resolution and representations of the No. 2 branch of the National Union of Railwaymen refer to points of general principle upon which this Ministry has been approached by the executive committee of the union and which are now under discussion with them.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what is the present relationship of the Railway Executive Committee and the Government; what remuneration is paid to each member; and whether they are paid from Government funds?

Under the general direction of the Ministry of War Transport, the Railway Executive Committee directs and co-ordinates the day to day working of the railways. The chairman of the Railway Executive Committee also holds the office of Controller of Railways in the Departments. No salaries are paid to the members of the executive as such.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport how many complaints he has had regarding the indifference of drivers of private motor cars to the appeals for a lift from service men coming on short leave, especially on Sundays, when there are not many public conveyances on the roads; and if he will take steps to bring home to these drivers how much a little help on their way would be appreciated by service men when on short leave?

No such complaints have been received within the last six months, but I am glad to have this opportunity of reminding drivers of cars that men of all three Services much appreciate lifts of the kind referred to and that in thus helping men on their way drivers are doing a real good turn for those who deserve it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of the continuing inconvenience caused to non-smokers by the prevalence of smoking in non-smoking carriages, he will take steps to see that railway by-laws prohibiting this practice are more strictly enforced?

No, Sir, I do not think it necessary to take any special steps.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if, in view of the fact that special road bands for tractors cannot be obtained, he will relax the rule made under Section 9 of the Finance Act, 1940, which limits the use of tractors without road bands to journeys to railway stations, so that they may be more generally used in rural areas to ease transport difficulties?

Section 9 of the Finance Act, 1940, and Regulation 31 of the Construction and Use Regulations provide as to the tyres of vehicles permissible on public roads. If my hon. and gallant Friend will inform me of any particular cases of difficulty in obtaining the equipment necessary to comply with these requirements I will see what can be done.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is satisfied that night driving of commercial vehicles is essential to the arrangements made by his department; what provision is made for warm food to be available at roadside eating-houses at any time of the night for the drivers of these vehicles; and what is the number of such eating-houses in relation to the number of drivers requiring this service?

The cessation of the night driving of commercial goods vehicles would be seriously detrimental to the war effort. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Food is making arrangements for adequate supplies of food to be available to roadside eating-houses to enable them to provide meals for travelling transport workers. I regret that the information asked for in the last part of the Question is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Mrs. Barbara Wootton, member of the Council of Federal Union Limited, and economic adviser to Chatham House Reconstructional Committee, receives in the latter capacity a salary from His Majesty's Government; and to what extent does such work involve access to confidential documents?

Mrs. Wootton is not employed or paid by His Majesty's Government, and has no access to confidential documents.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Foreign Office is responsible for the care of British civilian internees captured in Germany or German-occupied countries; and whether supplies of food, clothing and money are being sent to these civilian internees, and, if so, through what channels; and are the supplies comparable with the supplies sent to prisoners of war?

The answer to all three parts of the Question is "Yes, Sir." Supplies of food and clothing are sent to interned civilians through the channel of the International Red Cross Committee and supplies of money through the channel of the Protecting Power.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what reply he gave to a letter sent to him by Mr. Constantinesco since the outbreak of this war?

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to a letter dated 18th September, 1941. Mr. Constantinesco was informed in reply that it was not desired that he should undertake work for the Admiralty beyond that which he had already accepted, and that the Admiralty was unable to recommend the assignment to him of additional personnel. Many requests similar to that made by Mr. Constantinesco have been received, but in view of the urgent need of the Services for skilled personnel, it is only in exceptional cases that it has been possible to provide the staff and facilities requested. No reason was seen for making an exception in this case.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what were the conditions under which the acoustic-mine invention was given to the Admiralty during the last war; whether the details of this invention have at any time been published in book form; and, if so, by whose authority?

I am not clear to which device my hon. Friend refers. Several types of mechanism were tried but the results of the investigations have not been published.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what are the billeting allowances made to members of the service; and whether they experience any difficulty in obtaining billets at these terms?

Where billets for Naval personnel are requisitioned under the Naval Billeting Act, 1941, payment is made direct to the billetors at specified rates for lodging and attendance and for each meal required. As these rates involve a table of figures I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Billetors are required by law to provide the billets and are subject to the penalties laid down if they do not comply.

asked the Minister of Health to what services the medical practitioners who are coming from the United States of America to take up work in this country are being allotted; to what body their original selection and ultimate distribution is entrusted; what remuneration is offered to them; and what remission of the rate of Income Tax imposed on British subjects is accorded to these American practitioners on the salaries paid to them in this country in respect of such service?

The doctors referred to are being allotted either to the Emergency Medical Service or to the Royal Army Medical Corps according to their own choice. The selection of the doctors, so far as their professional qualifications are concerned, is carried out in America through the National Research Council, the American Medical Association and other professional bodies. Medical examinations and interviews are arranged in America on behalf of His Majesty's Government. Doctors who choose the Emergency Medical Service are posted to hospitals by the Director-General, Emergency Medical Services. The remuneration offered to them is the salary appropriate to the grade of medical officer in the Emergency Medical Service, namely £550 a year, plus board and lodging or £100 a year in lieu thereof. I understand that this remuneration is subject to British Income Tax in the ordinary way, but the amounts of the tax is repaid to the doctors by my Department, subject to the deduction of a sum equivalent to American Income Tax at current rates. The distribution and remuneration of those doctors who elect to serve in the Royal Army Medical Corps are matters for the Secretary of State for War.

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Singapore magistrate last month sentenced two Chinese each to 18 months rigorous imprisonment for assisting in the management of the Malayan Communist Party of China; whether, as the Communist Party of China is wholly supporting the Chinese National Government which is backed by the British, American and Soviet Governments, the Communist Party has been declared illegal in Malaya; and, if not, will he take steps to secure the release of the two Chinese concerned?

My Noble Friend has seen Press reports that two Chinese at Singapore were sentenced in October by the magistrate for assisting in the management of an organisation called the Malayan Communist Party. The Governor is being asked for information about the case and the two Chinese concerned.

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is expected that wage ordinances will be established in Jamaica under the Minimum Wage Law, 1938; and the cause of the delay in so doing?

The question whether, or when, orders fixing minimum rates of wages should be made under the Jamaica Minimum Wage Law, 1938, is a matter for the decision of the Governor in Privy Council under the law. So far as I am aware, it is not at present proposed to make any such order.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to a special commission in Latin America which has proposed to the President of the United States the economic amalgamation of certain islands in the Caribbean, including certain British Colonies, and also recommended a customs union between the islands, the United States of America and Britain; and whether he has any statement to make thereon?

I have no knowledge of the Commission to which my hon. Friend refers, but if he will let me have particulars, these will be brought to the notice of the Ministers concerned.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that when the West Indian journalists now in this country on the invitation of the British Council arrived in the Bermudas on their way to Great Britain, the coloured journalists were refused accommodation in the hotel in which the white journalists were accommodated; and what action he has taken, or intends to take, regarding such discrimination in the treatment of British subjects?

My Noble Friend learned with the greatest regret of this instance of colour discrimination, and he is communicating with the Governor of Bermuda on the matter. It is the present policy of His Majesty's Government to do all in their power to secure equal treatment, irrespective of colour, for all British subjects of the Colonial Empire.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now state the number of persons who have been arrested and detained in the West Indian Colonies under the Defence of the Realm Regulations since the outbreak of war; the number of persons at present under detention; and whether all the persons at present detained have had the opportunity of appearing before a local advisory committee?

On the information available in the Colonial Office and excluding enemy aliens and aliens removed from ships, the number of persons who have been detained in the West Indian Colonies under local Defence Regulations equivalent to United Kingdom Regulation I8B since the outbreak of war is ninety-four, of whom thirty-four are still detained. Of these, ten are aliens, sixteen are British subjects of enemy origin, and eight are British subjects. As regards the last part of the Question, all persons detained under these Regulations are at liberty to make an objection to an Advisory Committee constituted in accordance with the Regulations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has examined the possibility of disposing of the exportable surplus of the Kenya coffee crop; and whether arrangements exist for a certain amount of shipping space to be devoted to its transport to this country?

The Ministry of Food are obtaining coffee from East Africa, and sales are also being effected to the United States of America. Other important markets, including Canada and the Union of South Africa, remain open, and it is not therefore expected that the exportable surplus, if any, at the end of the shipping season will be unduly large.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether the recent conscription law of the Gold Coast provides for the conscription of Africans who are British subjects and British protected subjects between the ages of 18 and 45, for combatant service in other territories, in other regions of Africa or overseas; and whether it is intended to operate this Act?

The Gold Coast Compulsory Service Ordinance, 1941, provides that every male British subject and British protected person and person treated as if he were a British protected person who has attained the age of 18 years and has not attained the age of 45 years and who is ordinarily resident in the Gold Coast shall, unless exempted under the provisions of the Ordinance,

(a) be liable to combatant service in the defence of the Gold Coast, either in or beyond the Gold Coast;

(b) if not called up for combatant service be liable to do any work or render any personal service which the Governor may think necessary to order in aid of, or in connection with, the defence of the Gold Coast.

The extent to which it is necessary to use the powers conveyed by this Ordinance will depend on operational considerations. According to information at present available, it has not yet been found necessary to make use of compulsory powers except in order to obtain motor transport drivers.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he will issue as a White Paper to Members of this House a review of the progress made on the supervision of labour conditions in the Colonial Empire; and if he will append the basic circulars which have been issued by the Secretary of State since 1930?

Having regard to the necessity for economy, I do not consider that the reproduction of these documents as a White Paper would be justified. A copy of the memorandum recently prepared in the Colonial Office and made available to the Press in connection with the International Labour Conference has been placed in the Library of the House. I will gladly arrange also for a copy to be supplied by the Colonial Office to any hon. Member who would like to have one.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether steps are being taken to set up the Colonial Development and Welfare Advisory Committee contemplated by the 1940 Act and White Paper 6175; and why has an official committee, under Lord Dufferin, been appointed to examine and press on with schemes submitted under the Act?

No, Sir. The time is still not considered opportune for the appointment of advisory committees of the kind contemplated when the proposals for the policy of Colonial Development and Welfare were formulated. The reasons for this view, which I explained to the House in a speech on the 11th June, 1940, still hold good at the present time. My Noble Friend has, however, decided that, as a matter of Departmental machinery, arrangements for dealing with proposals for expenditure from the Colonial Development and Welfare Vote would be facilitated by the appointment of a small Office Committee, and he invited Lord Dufferin who, as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the time when the policy was formulated, is especially well qualified for this purpose, to preside over the Committee. I am very glad to say that Lord Dufferin has agreed to do this.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Lord Hailey's Report on methods of native administration in Nyasaland and the Rhodesias has been received by the Colonial Office; whether it will be published; and whether a copy will be placed in the Library of the House?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to his Question of the 15th October. Printed copies of Lord Hailey's Report have been received and have been sent to the Governors of Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland. The question of publication will be considered with the three Governments concerned as soon as they have received their copies of the Report.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the salary of the Chief Constable of Glasgow is in accordance with his recommendations to the Glasgow Corporation?

No, Sir. As however the hon. and gallant Member may be aware, the decision rests with the corporation.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with the case of Hyman Gold-line and 100 other men who were charged at the Thames Police Court, on Saturday, 8th November, with keeping a gambling house; and what action he is taking in view of the comments made by the magistrate who tried the case?

I am informed that there were two raids in which 94 persons were concerned. In one case the two principals were fined £100 (with 15 guineas costs) and £20 respectively and in the other the two principals were fined £100 (with 15 guineas costs) and £40 respectively. The persons frequenting the houses were bound over. My hon. Friend may be sure that the police will continue to give attention to this matter and proceedings will be taken whenever the facts justify it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply why some thousands of Triumph motor-bicycles are out of use for lack of a few spare parts, whereas the company are engaged in making a few new ones at their new factory; and is he satisfied that there is sufficient co-ordination between the department which wants new vehicles and that which wants spare parts?

The firm concerned suffered from enemy action. When production started again the best use of the available machinery, material and labour could only be made by making new motor cycles as well as spares. The maximum proportion of spares possible in the circumstances is being produced. In answer to the second part of the Question, the new vehicles and spares sections of the Ministry of Supply are under the control of one Deputy Director General.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is aware that, in 14 days in the month of October, 1941, 26 bombs were scrapped and 42 finish-turned which will not clean up, all due to the wrong die having been used in the bomb-heading press; and whether he will investigate this?

The total number of bombs scrapped at the factory concerned during the whole of the month of October was 25 from all causes. Eleven were scrapped owing to bad workmanship, attributable to the inexperience of operatives, and the remainder were scrapped owing to the eccentricity of the forgings supplied to the factory. The wrong die was not used in the bomb-heading press, but it is impossible to determine whether these forgings will make good bombs until after the heading operation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is aware that orders for three gauges have been in order since December, 1940, and have not yet been started, although 75 hours work by one man would complete them; that other gauges have been in order for months and not yet started; that in one week in the tool room 200 hours were lost out of a possible 980 hours by skilled fitters; and whether he will hold the inquiry requested by the workers in the factory concerned?

I have been unable to trace the order for gauges to which the hon. Member refers. It is possible that an old order might have been put aside for work of greater importance. The factory has never suffered a loss of production due to shortage of gauges. I am not aware of such a loss of time as is referred to, but an investigation is now being made to see whether some fitters can be released for other work. As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him yesterday.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply why, during the present shortage, supplies of paper were made available for large posters suggesting failure of the Government to support our Russian Ally; and who is responsible for this propaganda?

I am making inquiries as to whether these posters infringe the Control of Paper Orders. No paper was made available specially for any such posters.

James asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is aware of the frequency with which sub-contracting for miscellaneous goods required for the Services passes through the hands of middlemen who are, in many cases, merely agents working upon commission and unconnected with the production or manufacture of the articles; and whether, in order to stop this practice, he will cause steps to be taken to ascertain from producers the channels through which they have received the orders and to whom they have paid commission?

My hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that the number of sub-contracts is so large that individual investigation is impossible. In substantial sub-contracts, provision is made for investigation of costs and a considerable number of such investigations have been made, but no evidence has been found of the practices referred to. If it were observed that a commission, other than one which is payable under normal commercial practice and represents fair payment for services rendered, had been paid, it would be objected to and disallowed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he will give particulars of the formation of the Paper Makers Straw Trading Company, a non-profit-earning company, its objects, and to what extent it is under Government control?

The Paper Makers Straw Trading Company was formed as a private limited liability company in December last with the object of acquiring straw and distributing it to paper mills equipped to use it. Since the collapse of France and the loss of French North Africa as a source of supply, esparto grass has not been available for paper making except in very small quantities and the esparto mills have turned to straw as the best substitute. The company was formed by a section of the Paper Makers Association of Great Britain and Ireland and acquires straw under the authority of a Direction under the Control of Paper (No. 26) Order, which provides, in effect, that straw for paper mills may only be acquired through the company. The company is not under Government control, but it works in close collaboration with the Paper Control, the Ministry of Agriculture and other Government Departments interested in straw, and its use and transportation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he has considered the copy sent to him of an article headed "Incredible Muddle," in the "Contractors Record," of 8th October, 1941; and what action does he propose to take in the matter?

I cannot accept the account given in the article to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether there has yet been collected for war purposes the scheduled ornamental metal railings which partly surround the offices of the Milk Marketing Board?

No, Sir. The schedule of unnecessary railings in this district has not yet been received from the local authority.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether it is still the practice to allow periodicals not more than 20 per cent. of their pre-war supplies of paper; and what weekly private publications receive a greater percentage?

Periodicals have in general been allowed to use paper at the rate of 22½ per cent. of their prewar consumption; but to meet special circumstances some periodicals have been allowed limited additional supplies. The amount of the general ration for the future and of any additions is now under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is satisfied that no alternative site could have been obtained other than the 220 acres of first-class arable land which the Ministry purpose taking over in Scotland in the area of which notice has been given; and whether he is aware that the officers of the Ministry in making their survey appreciably damaged growing crops?

I am having inquiries made and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Information why special facilities are granted by the British Broadcasting Corporation to members of the Brains Trust to expound the policy of Federal Union, Limited?

I am not aware that any such special facilities have been given. The Brains Trust feature in the B.B.C. programmes expresses the views of those who take part.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that the 6 p.m. news bulletin of the British Broadcasting Corporation on Tuesday, 11th November, contained no reference to the important statement by the Prime Minister that he did not intend to intro- duce legislation to amend Regulation 18b, following the recent majority judgment of the House of Lords; that the 9 p.m. bulletin the same day contained an inaccurate summary of the questions and answers involved; and whether he will take steps to ensure that in future the sense of proceedings in Parliament, which affect the liberties of every citizen, is accurately reported?

The B.B.C. usually reserve for the 9 o'clock news bulletin their full account of Parliamentary proceedings, but even this is bound to be short. I have read the account to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers and do not think it can be called inaccurate. Nor do I think either that the House would welcome my issuing to the B.B.C. a direction as to the manner in which it should present its Parliamentary reports. It must be left to the editor of these news bulletins to decide what details should be included and what omitted.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will make available to Members of Parliament the full English translation of the two important speeches broadcast by M. Stalin in Moscow on the occasion of the 24th anniversary of the revolution?

A translation approved by the Soviet Embassy in London is contained in the Soviet War News of 8th November, copies of which have been sent to the Library of the House.

asked the Minister of Information why our wireless broadcasts to Finland have not been based on an appeal to the people of that country to overthrow their Government, which is an ally of Hitler's, and attacking our Ally?

As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has already said, it is not possible to make any statement at present regarding the policy of His Majesty's Government towards Finland.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will make arrangements for the British Broadcasting Corporation to broadcast the speech made by Field Marshal Smuts, and reported in the "Times" on 23rd October?

The speech in question was reported in the Empire Service and certain other overseas services of the B.B.C.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will cause to be exhibited for viewing by Members of this House the photographs taken by his Department of the Women's Forestry Service doing felling, peeling, and other lumberwork described in the recently published report of the Select Committee on National Expenditure?

The photographs to which the hon. Member refers were not taken by the Ministry of Information but by a commercial agency.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will reconsider his decision to keep secret from the people of this country the contents of the leaflets dropped by air among the people of Germany or German occupied countries?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Information how many persons of German or other alien nationality are employed by the Ministry of Information and by the British Broadcasting Corporation; what are their functions; what salary do they receive; and what steps are taken to ensure that they receive no private or confidential information?

Six aliens are employed on the staff of the Ministry of Information, none of them of German nationality; of these four are employed on the censorship of outgoing Press material, one on publicity to the Middle East and one on the designing of exhibitions. Their salaries range from £320 per annum to £550 per annum. The B.B.C. employ 61 Germans and 303 other aliens as Announcer-Translators, Monitors, News Typists and Programme Assistants of various kinds. Their salaries range from £3 10s. per week to £1,000 per annum, the last-mentioned sum being payable only to one Programme Organiser from an allied country. Both in the Ministry and in the Corporation the officers in question have access to private and confidential information in a greater or less degree according to the extent to which the posts they occupy are responsible ones; but they are selected with this responsibility in view and after careful inquiry of the appropriate authority. All are supervised by British staff.