asked the President of the Board of Education whether he can give the House any information about the teaching of American history in British schools, and especially the text books used?

Yes, Sir, the Board's Inspectors, assisted by well-qualified lecturers—American and British—are conducting a series of short courses for teachers on the United States of America. Courses have already been held in eight centres and have been attended by more than 1,200 teachers. Further courses will be held, and I am considering the best method of following up the interest which has been aroused, by this initiative of my predecessor. One leaflet on the teaching of the history of the United States of America—including a bibliography—has been published by the Board for the use of teachers, and a second is being prepared. The Board do not prescribe textbooks for use by pupils in the schools, but I know that a number of educational publishers are alive to the need for suitable books for use in the schools and are devoting their attention to meeting this need.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many canteens in schools could be at present equipped for cooking and dining arrangements with the apportionment of steel and timber which has been released to the Board of Education in the past six months?

The allocation of steel and timber placed at the Board's disposal has enabled them to meet the requirements of the 980 proposals submitted during the past six months for new school canteens, extensions of existing canteens and additional equipment. These proposals provide for school meals for 140,000 additional children.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many local education authorities in Wales make pro- vision for meals at schools; what percentage of the children in attendance is provided for; and which authorities make no provision for meals at schools?

According to the latest information at my disposal, 24 local education authorities in Wales provide school meals. The number of children receiving meals represents 3.9 per cent. of the total number of children attending public elementary schools in those areas. There remain six areas—Radnorshire, Llanelly, Neath, Pembroke Borough, Port Talbot and Pontypridd—in which no meals are yet being provided, but in all of them provision will shortly be ready or is under active discussion.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many children there are in Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham, respectively, who are receiving full-time education and provided with adequate air-raid shelters, respectively?

The following table gives the information:

Local Education Authority.	Number of children receiving full-time education.	Number of air-raid shelter places available.
Rochester	2,600	1,620
Chatham	2,401	2,430
Gillingham	2,914	2,510

The discrepancy between the number of children and the number of shelter places is accounted for at Rochester by the fact that two 3¼ hours' shifts for two separate sets of children are worked each day, and at Gillingham by the fact that a number of children are able to reach shelter in their own homes on the sounding of an alert.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether it is with the approval of his Department that free beer was taken to the boys' camp of the Huddersfield College by the headmaster; whether the provision of beer will rank for grant for this or similar boys' camps; and whether he can state the attitude of the Huddersfield Education Committee and what action they have taken?

The boys' camp to which the hon. Member refers was a camp organised for the Air Training Corps Squadron attached to the Huddersfield College, the arrangements for which were in no way subject to approval by my Department; nor does the expenditure involved rank for grant from the Board. I understand that the Huddersfield Education Committee have considered the matter and have taken steps to ensure that the incident shall not be repeated.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what classes of ships engaged in the coastal trade are not permitted to supply their crews with out-of-bond tobacco and rum; and whether he will make available duty-free tobacco and rum in all such ships?

No ships engaged in coastal trade are allowed by the law to ship duty-free stores. I have considered the position carefully on several occasions, but regret that I am unable to accept the proposal in the second part of my hon. and gallant Friend's Question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why, for the purpose of estimating Excess Profits Tax payable by a company other than one carrying on business as a building society, a bank, assurers, or as dealers in or holders of investments, the Commissioners of Inland Revenue are treating Treasury bills as investments and not as cash, with the result that any such bills, although they may represent funds required for the purpose of the business of the company, must be excluded from the computation of capital in the accounts of any accounting period; and will he consider altering this method of treatment?

The only capital which falls to be taken into account for purposes of the E.P.T. computation is capital which is employed in the business, and investments in Government securities by an ordinary trading company do not fall within that category. I am afraid that I cannot see my way to recommend an amendment of the law in this matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, in spite of the Government policy of widespread control of prices and the maintenance of essential industries by means of subsidies, developments are now tending to show themselves, not so much in rising prices as in shop shortages and queues; and what steps he proposes to take to counter this form of inflation?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, steps have been taken to reduce drastically supplies of consumer, goods to the civilian population in order to release the maximum of man-power, productive capacity and raw materials for purposes directly connected with the prosecution of the war. Where necessary, rationing schemes have been introduced to secure fair distribution, and the Goods and Services (Price Control) Act embodies a wide scheme of price control of the more essential commodities and this policy will be developed as occasion may require. The fact that certain goods may be in short supply in a particular place is not necessarily evidence of inflation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans the Government is making to raise the sum which will be necessary each year to service the National Debt after the war?

The service of the National Debt will be an important item in the total expenditure for which postwar Budgets will have to provide, but my hon. Friend must not expect me to anticipate now what measures will be adopted in those Budgets.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, whether, in view of the difficulty which farmers are experiencing in obtaining road haulage, he will take action to facilitate the use of their own tractors for this purpose?

I have been asked to reply. Yes, Sir. I propose to reduce from 9d. to 1d. a gallon the effective rate of duty payable on heavy hydrocarbon oils supplied for use in tractors licensed under the conditions laid down in paragraph 4 (d) of the Second Schedule to the Finance Act 1920 as amended by Part II of the Seventh Schedule to the Finance Act 1933. These conditions permit the use on roads of tractors so licensed to haul, without limit of destination, the produce of or articles required for the farm of the person in whose name the tractor is registered. This change will involve legislation, and the necessary provision will be included in next year's Finance Bill; but in view of the urgency of facilitating the use of tractors for road haulage in connection with current farming operations, I have felt justified in making the change immediately in anticipation of Parliamentary sanction. Accordingly, the reduced rate of duty will apply to heavy hydrocarbon oils supplied for the tractors in question on and after the 1st December, 1941. This concession is given because the demands made on haulage contractors by increasing war production make it difficult for them to meet farmers' requirements with the necessary promptitude. It should therefore be regarded as a temporary war measure only.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer will he instruct his advisers to investigate whether the recent recommendations for a £3 a week minimum wage for farm-workers will be productive of an inflationary effect on the finances of the country?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered from the point of view of inflation the effect of making the payment of £3 weekly to agricultural workers dependent upon the adjustment of agricultural produce prices; and whether he will ask for a Report from his advisers on this matter?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the recent White Paper on Price Stabilisation and Industrial Policy (Cmd. 6294). The effects of the recent decisions in regard to farm workers are under my consideration.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the difficulties and delays which are arising in connection with the operation of the provisions of the Civil Defence Duties (Compulsory Enrolment) Order, 1941, in respect. of fire-watching, in view of the large proportion of applications for exemptions; and whether he will consider giving a greater measure of latitude to local authorities for the carrying out of these provisions, especially in county districts in Scotland?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware that certain difficulties have arisen in connection with claims for exemption. These difficulties are, however, being given urgent consideration and I hope it will be possible to issue further guidance to local authorities in the very near future. I shall, of course, gladly consider any specific proposals which the hon. and gallant Member or any other hon. Member may be able to advance to minimise the difficulties encountered both by individuals and by local authorities.

Beamish asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the demand in the Firemen's Charter issued by the Fire Brigades Union, for a minimum rate of pay of 80s., full pay while injured, a just discipline code, a 72-hours week and two-shift system, he will make a statement as to his intentions and any negotiations now in progress?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has fully investigated the situation and conditions which have led to the publication by the Fire Brigades Union of the Firemen's Charter; and whether he will state the attitude of his Department towards the demands contained in that document?

The proposals referred to by my hon. Friends are designed to secure for members of the National Fire Service substantial improvements in pay and other conditions of service. They form the basis for a national campaign which is apparently intended to bring pressure to bear on the Government to modify their policy. As was explained in the answer which my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary gave to a Question by the hon. Baronet the Member for Abingdon (Sir R. Glyn) on 19th November, the pay and other conditions of the ex-members of the regular fire brigades remain related to permanent fire brigade conditions, while those of the members of the A.F.S. now transferred to the N.F.S. who serve on a temporary basis, remain related to the general Civil Defence Services. The principle that the basic conditions of service of all ranks in Civil Defence must be considered together is of fundamental importance, and there can be no question of segregating the National Fire Service from the other services in this matter. There is, of course, no objection to the Fire Brigades Union seeking by all legitimate means to improve the conditions of service of its members, but I think there is a danger that the campaign in question will give rise to misunderstanding of the true position. I want to make it clear, therefore, that there is standing machinery, by means of which questions relating to conditions of service of the Civil Defence Services generally, including members of the National Fire Service, can be raised with my Department. This machinery has been used for a considerable time and is, in my view, the proper medium to employ for the purpose of dealing with any outstanding grievance. I have noted the steps now being taken by the Fire Brigades Union in other directions, apparently to influence decisions in these matters, which are certainly calculated to render consultation much more difficult. I have the whole matter under consideration.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that firemen injured as a result of enemy action have to seek public assistance because their pay has been stopped; and what steps does he propose to take to put right this unsatisfactory position?

Firemen other than regular firemen who are disabled on duty are, in common with members of the other Civil Defence Services, entitled to claim an injury allowance under the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme, and, in case of need, to apply to the Assistance Board for an allowance under the Unemployment Assistance (Prevention and Relief of Distress) Regulations as an alternative to the injury allowance. My hon. Friend may perhaps be confusing these functions of the Assistance Board, who act as agents for the Ministry of Pensions, with those of the local public assistance authority. The loose use of the term "public assistance" is to be deprecated.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, since the formation of the National Fire Service, the Press in Swindon are unable to secure information concerning local outbreaks of fire, in no way related to enemy action, and even after the fire has been extinguished; and what are the new regulations which prohibit such information being given?

No such regulations have been issued, apart from the general instructions to guard against the publication of information which would be useful to the enemy or for other reasons is confidential. I gather that in the instance to which my hon. Friend refers there was a misunderstanding which has now been removed.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the issue of a rum ration to firemen at work during bombing periods who are unable to be relieved for long periods of time?

This suggestion has been considered on several occasions but, as at present advised, I do not propose to adopt it.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the possibility of allowing Auxiliary Fire Service men to volunteer, either in their spare time or during a slack period, to make small articles for the war effort; and whether he will consider installing small workshops at their area headquarters?

I am anxious to encourage schemes for the profitable use of any time necessarily occupied in stand-by duty and I am considering whether it is possible to go further in the direction suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the invidious distinction between regular and auxiliary firemen in the matter of sick and injury pay and pensions, he is now prepared to place all firemen in this respect on the same footing?

The sick and injury pay and pension arrangements for auxiliary firemen were fixed in close relation to those of Civil Defence personnel generally, and there are many respects in which the conditions of service of permanent fire brigade personnel would be inapplicable to volunteers for emergency service. All professional firemen incapacitated by injury or sickness are entitled to pensions on a contributory superannuation scheme. All other members of the National Fire Service now come under the Personal Injuries (Civilian) Scheme, which applies to members of all the Civil Defence services. I do not think it would be fair to Civil Defence services generally that auxiliary and temporary firemen should be treated on a basis different from that of other Civil Defence workers, and I cannot, therefore, entertain the suggestion that they should be placed on the same footing as professional firemen.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied by the allotment of personnel by the Labour Office to the National Fire Service; and when the establishment of that service will be complete?

The allocation of men to the National Fire Service must be dealt with in relation to general man-power requirements. Recruitment from this source is proceeding but I am not in a position to say when all deficiencies will be met.

asked the Home Secretary, in view of the reduced risk of fires caused by enemy action, whether he will consider the temporary release of fully-trained Auxiliary Fire Service men who are able to obtain employment on war work, and are willing to continue their Auxiliary Fire Service duties on a part-time voluntary basis?

Arrangements are already in force for releasing from whole-time service in Civil Defence, including the National Fire Service, skilled men whose services are urgently required for industry. As regards any general measure of release, it must be realised that, while part-time men play an important part in the Service, it is essential to have immediately available at all times sufficient men to deal with any emergency which may arise. This can only be secured by the employment of an adequate complement of full-time men, and I could not contemplate any reduction of numbers at the present time.

asked the Home Secretary how many bottle-party clubs have been closed by the police during the past 12 months?

Apart from any action which may be taken under the general law to deal with unregistered clubs or premises where there is illegal sale of drink, authority may be given to the police under Defence Regulation 42c to close premises of the type referred to, and the police have in fact closed 15 such places in the last twelve months. In addition, two or three applications for an authority are at present under consideration.

asked the Home Secretary what were his reasons for forbidding the Duke of Bedford to visit Eire?

The Duke of Bedford has not, in fact, applied for an exit permit for the purpose of travelling to Ireland since February 1940, but as I explained during the Debate on the 21st October last, I should not feel justified in granting an exit permit to him if he applied for one. I do not think it would be right to give any facilities for travel to Ireland to a person who propagates views described by the Lord Chancellor as "utterly irresponsible and completely pestilential."

asked the Home Secretary whether he is using his powers to the ful to stop subversive propaganda by alien refugees in this country; and will he make it quite clear that any action by an alien or ex-alien to influence the declared policy of His Majesty's Government will not be tolerated?

I have no information which leads me to think that alien refugees in this country are engaging in subversive propaganda, but if any such cases should be brought to my notice I should not hesitate to take appropriate action.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in order to guard the border between Northern Ireland and Eire for the purpose of preventing enemy spies and traitors to Britain from crossing it, he will enter into an arrangement with the Government of Northern Ireland whereby the Ulster B. Specials may be taken over by the British Government to carry out that work for the duration of the war?

I, of course, sympathise with the desire of my hon. Friend to take whatever action is possible to minimise the risks to national security caused by the circumstances to which he refers. Close attention has been given to this matter by His Majesty's Government and appropriate steps have been taken, but as my hon. Friend will appreciate, it would not be in the public interest to enter into any detail as to the nature of the precautions which are in force. I can, however, assure my hon. Friend that His Majesty's Government will take whatever measures they consider are most effective for this purpose even though they may not be able to accept the specific suggestions which he makes.

asked the Home Secretary whether, owing to the presence of representatives of enemy countries in Dublin, he will, in the interests of public security, forthwith order that an examination of all papers carried by travellers is made at the border between Northern Ireland and Eire?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to-day to another Question on this subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that, in the interests of national security, the powers he now has are sufficiently far-reaching adequately to deal with what are now border-line cases; and if not, will he ask for all necessary power to be given to His Majesty's Government to secure, as far as is practicable, the safety of the State from the activities of potential fifth columnists?

There clearly must be limits to the powers of the Executive even in time of war and it is true that at present these limitations do cause me some little difficulty in certain border-line cases. But should experience prove that further powers are necessary in the interests of national security I should not hesitate to seek the necessary authority from Parliament.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will ask the House for powers to intern any persons who, in his opinion or the opinion of his advisers, might give assistance to the enemy in the event of an enemy landing?

I already have the necessary powers under paragraph (1B) of Defence Regulation 18B.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will authorise free issues of home shelters to orphanages, maternity homes and charitable institutions not run for private profit, where there are resident newly-born babies or young children?

Local authorities are authorised to provide free shelter in residential institutions, controlled either by public authorities or by private charities, which cater primarily for people eligible for free shelter at home. For technical reasons, however, the indoor table shelter, to which I think my hon. Friend is referring, is not suitable for such institutions.

asked the Home Secretary what progress has been made in supplying uniforms and overcoats to members of the Civil Defence services, in accordance with his statement of 22nd May, 1941; and how much longer members of the ambulance services and in particular the London Auxiliary Ambulance Service will have to wait before they receive the promised clothing?

My hon. Friend will realise that inevitably some time must elapse between the decision to provide uniforms for the Civil Defence Services and the completion of the considerable production programme involved thereby. Nevertheless, I am glad to say that the supply of all items of uniform has now begun to flow, and the requirements of all the Civil Defence Services in the more vulnerable areas where the need is greatest will be expedited as far as possible. The despatch of the women's uniforms and of the men's and women's greatcoats for the London Auxiliary Ambulance Service has begun.

asked the Home Secretary whether, to assist hon. Members in their endeavours, whenever possible, to be present in their constituencies after an air raid to help in alleviating suffering, he will arrange, apart from general information obtainable in due course through local authorities, for Members to be informed promptly, through Regional Commissioners, whenever bombs have been dropped in their constituencies?

I regret that, for reasons which I have explained on a number of occasions, I do not feel it practicable to go beyond the existing arrangement.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will authorise the provision of beds at wardens' posts for voluntary unpaid wardens, on the same conditions as they are provided for fire-watchers?

It has been laid down that the general standards for fire guards should approximate as nearly as possible to those adopted for part-time members of the Civil Defence Services generally. The actual arrangements in particular cases must necessarily depend upon local circumstances. If my hon. Friend will inform me of any cases of discrepancy in the arrangements made for part-time wardens and fire guards which have come to his notice, I will have them investigated. I should, however, point out that wardens' posts are in general designed primarily for operational purposes as protected assembly points and that sleeping accommodation where provided is necessarily limited. Where group centres have been organised for the wardens' service it has often been possible to make a larger provision.

asked the Home Secretary whether refugees, male and female, from Nazi oppression are allowed into service as fire-watchers, but are still debarred from entering other Civil Defence Services whether voluntary or paid?

I have recently instructed local authorities that use should be made in appropriate cases, at their discretion, in the general Civil Defence Services as well as the fire guard, of service (whether paid or unpaid) volunteered by aliens.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that there are a number of internees in the Isle of Man with strong anti-Nazi feelings who are in the same camps as Nazi sympathisers, he will give an undertaking that no German internee will be sent back to Germany under any future exchange scheme unless he or she expresses willingness to be so transferred?

Any scheme for the exchange of nationals during the continuance of hostilities will be based on the principle that only those will be repatriated who are willing to go.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has decided upon dispersal and decentralisation as a safety valve during invasion; and whether he will consider arrangements for dispersal and decentralisation for the stores and staff of the medical services connected with air-raid precautions similar to those made by the Board of Trade and the Ministry of Food?

The arrangements for the Civil Defence casualty service provide for a suitable degree of dispersal and decentralisation of stores and staff.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider shortening the time needed to obtain British nationality for such aliens as have married British subjects and intend permanently to live in this country?

All applicants for naturalisation are required by the existing law to show that they intend either to reside in His Majesty's Dominions or to enter or continue in the service of the Crown. If an applicant who has resided in this country for the prescribed period has a British-born wife this is one of the factors taken in account in considering his application and estimating the strength of his ties with this country; but I could not recommend legislation amending the law so as to enable such a person to qualify for naturalisation before he has the period of residence prescribed by the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act.

asked the Home Secretary whether the speed limits laid down for private and commercial vehicles apply to vehicles of the Armed Forces; and whether the civil police have been empowered to enforce such limits on Service personnel?

By the Motor Vehicles (Variation of Speed Limit) Provisional Regulations, 1940, vehicles in the service of the Armed Forces are exempted from those speed limits which are laid down in the first Schedule to the Road Traffic Act, 1930, as amended by the Road Traffic Act, 1934, which, broadly speaking, dealt with vehicles other than private cars. Other speed limits (i.e. in built-up areas, Royal parks and special areas and in the black-out) apply to these vehicles and are enforced by the police.

asked the Home Secretary on whose advice Dr. F. S. Airey, of Leicester, was appointed medical referee for Nottinghamshire; and is he aware that there is a decided objection by the Nottinghamshire miners attending Leicester?

Following a decision to appoint a specialist medical referee for cases of dermatitis arising in this area, efforts were made, in consultation with the county court judge, to obtain the services of a suitable dermatologist in Nottingham, but without success. The vacancy was then advertised. Dr. Airey was the only applicant, and on the recommendation of my medical advisers he was appointed. I appreciate that a medical referee at Nottingham would be more convenient for the Nottinghamshire miners, but there does not appear to be a suitable dermatologist there who would be willing to accept the appointment at the present time.

asked the Home Secretary how many appeals have been made by the employers in the Nottinghamshire coalfields against the certifying surgeon's certificates; and in how many cases have the workmen been successful?

The total number of cases in all employments referred to medical referees from county courts in Nottinghamshire, on appeal by the employer under Section 43 (1) (f) of the Workmen's Compensation Act, in 1940 was 48, 25 of which were decided in favour of the workman; and in the first nine months of 1941, 50, in 25 of which the workman succeeded. Our records do not show how many of these cases concerned employers in the coal mining industry.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will accede to the request of the Prison Officers' Association that an impartial or judicial inquiry should be set up to consider the case of Officer Bourne, who was recently dismissed by the Prison Commissioners on the grounds that he had shown inexcusable violence to a prisoner who had attacked him with an iron bar?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the full statement, which I made in answer to a Question by the hon. Member for Carmarthen (Mr. Hughes) on the 2nd October, of the circumstances in which the officer referred to was dismissed. I cannot find any grounds for any further inquiry.

asked the Home Secretary what was the number of cases during the last 12 months in the Metropolitan police area under the Road Traffic Acts and similar Acts and regulations relating to motor vehicles in which defendants pleaded not guilty; and how many of such cases were dismissed?

I regret that the particulars for which my hon. and gallant Friend asks are not available. The extraction of them would involve detailed scrutiny of the records of each individual court.

asked the Home Secretary whether any decision has yet been come to regarding the recommendations of the Committee on Police -Widows' Pensions; and, if so, when it will be published?

I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this subject.

asked the Home Secretary what are the proportions receivable, under the Welsh Church Acts, by the county boroughs of Cardiff, Swansea, Newport and Merthyr Tydfil, the University of Wales, and the 13 county councils, respectively, out of the property and funds of the Welsh Church still in the hands of the Welsh Church Commission?

It is impossible to give the proportions receivable by the authorities mentioned by my hon. Friend, since there is no general estate or fund, but each county or county borough is entitled to receive, in the case of tithe rent-charge, an amount of redemption stock based on the previous value of tithe rent-charge attached to benefices situated within its area and, in the case of land and minerals, such property as is situated in their respective areas. With regard to the University of Wales, it is entitled to receive certain properties, including redemption stock representing tithe rent-charge, originally attached to capitular estates which were previously vested in the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, and all the land has already been transferred to the university as my hon. Friend is aware. He will therefore see that it is not possible to represent these interests as proportions of any general total. I would add that the actual amount of tithe redemption stock has not yet been decided by the Tithe Redemption Commission.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the leading article headed "Second-raters," which appeared in the 26th October issue of the "Sunday Pictorial," a copy of which has been sent to him; and whether he will suppress the publication of this newspaper to prevent a repetition of its subversive articles?

Yes, Sir. I have considered the article in question. There is a clear distinction between speeches and articles which criticise the Administration, or the conduct of the Parliamentary institutions of our country, with a view to effecting improvements, and those which make reckless and baseless attacks throwing discredit, albeit perhaps unknowingly, on democratic institutions and thus perhaps breeding that mentality upon which Fascism has founded itself. I take the view—and I think that the majority of this House and of the country will agree with me—that the article in question comes within the latter category. But in this country we still cherish our tradition of freedom of the Press, and I should not be justified in taking action against this publication merely because of this article.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to a recent case in which a naturalised Austrian was convicted of a currency offence; whether he will give an assurance that a full record is kept of all convictions of naturalised aliens in respect of emergency and war-time legislation; and whether the certificate of naturalisation of such persons will be revoked and their deportation assured as soon as circumstances permit?

asked the Home Secretary whether the grant of naturalisation will be cancelled in the case of alien-born subjects convicted of profiteering, fraudulent trading, evasion of war-time regulations, or of actions subversive to the national security?

The conditions governing the revocation of certificates of naturalisation are contained in Section 7 of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1914. In every case where a conviction takes place in the circumstances specified in that Section, whether the offence is an offence against war-time Regulations or not, the question of revoking the certificate receives consideration. My attention has been called to the currency offence referred to, but I understand that an appeal is pending and the matter is accordingly sub judice.

asked the Home Secretary whether the decision to supply intoxicants in canteens for civilian workers was taken on the initiative of his Department; whether the demand came from any trades union and, if so, which?

The initiative in this matter came from the Service and Production Departments, the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Works and Buildings, and the Ministry of War Transport. I am not aware that the matter was taken up by any trade union, but I understand that facilities were asked for by workers.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the change in the war situation in the Pacific, he will ask the Australian Government if they will now permit the Jewish internees who are friendly aliens to be released for work in Australia, seeing that, were shipping space available, they would be working here?

As I have explained on several occasions, this is a matter within the discretion of the Australian Government and I regret that I am unable to accept my right hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Home Secretary whether the theft of another lorry, on this occasion laden with boots and shoes, has been brought to his notice; and whether he will make it compulsory for firms to place two persons on each lorry, and provide one of them with a police whistle?

There are objections from the point of view of man-power to the compulsory provision of a second attendant on such vehicles. I have made inquiry about the particular theft to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers and find that on that occasion a van boy had in fact been provided for the specific purpose of guarding the goods on the lorry, but was not in attendance when the lorry was stolen. I am informed that, so far at any rate as the Metropolitan Police District is concerned, there has been no increase in thefts of this kind over the past six months.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Frederick C. Russell, 13A, Lorenco Road, N.17, who was transferred by order of the Ministry of Labour from regular employment by the Tottenham Gas Company at an average weekly wage of £4 8s. 6d. to employment at Uxbridge under the Middlesex War Agricultural Committee at a wage of £2 12s., and compelled to pay 6s. 3d. weekly travelling expenses; and, as he has an invalid wife and two children of school age, now dependent on private charity, and on 15th October completed an application form for a Ministry of Pensions War Service Grant, he will take immediate steps to issue this?

An award has been authorised in this case with effect from 13th October, the date on which the man entered the employment of the agricultural committee.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he has any statement to make with reference to the shipment through the British blockade of food and clothing for children in France from the United States of America; and what safeguards exist to prevent Germany benefiting from this gift?

The American Red Cross have been authorised to send a shipload of milk products and baby clothes for distribution in unoccupied France. These goods will be distributed for the benefit of children, under the direct control of the American Red Cross.

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?

Pursuant to reply —[OFFICIAL REPORT, 19th November, 1941, cols. 361–2, Vol. 326]—supplied the following information:

Accommodation, etc., to be provided.	Rates payable.
Class I.
(a) Officers:—
Lodging and attendance.	3s. 0d. a night for the first officer and 2s. 0d. for each additional officer.
Note.—An officer will pay for his food.
(b) Men:—
Lodging and attendance where meals are furnished	10d. a night for the first man and 8d. a night for each additional man.
Breakfast as specified in Part I of the Second Schedule to the Army Act.	9d. each.
Dinner as so specified	1s. 2d. each.
Tea as so specified	3d. each.
Supper as so specified	5d. each.
Where no meals furnished, lodging and attendance and the means and the necessary utensils for the preparation and cooking of his food.	10d. a night for the first man and 8d. a night for each additional man.
(c) Horses:—
Stable room and ten pounds of oats, twelve pounds of hay, and eight pounds of straw a day, for each horse.	2s. 3d. a day.
Class II.
(a)Men:—
Lodging (with bed and attendance) when no meals are furnished and no cooking facilities are required, for each man.	6d. a night.
(b) Horses:—
Proper stabling without forage, for each horse	6d. a day.
Class III.
(a) Officers and Men:—
Unfurnished accommodation in occupied premises for each officer or man.	2d. a night.
Unfurnished accommodation in otherwise unoccupied premises, for each officer or man.	1d. a night.
(b) Horses:—
Accommodation in buildings where proper stabling is not provided, for each horse.	3d. a day.

asked the Parliamentary. Secretary to the Ministry of Food, whether he is aware that good working cart-horses are now being purchased at horse repository sales and cattle markets by persons who trade in horseflesh, and that owing to the excessive sums being paid, farmers are unable to acquire such horses for agricultural work; and whether it is the approved policy of the Government to encourage or permit the slaughter of these valuable animals?

I am aware that high prices have been paid in the past for horses for slaughter for human consumption. The maximum prices for horseflesh for human consumption which will shortly be imposed by Order, should render it unremunerative to sell for this purpose

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether shops selling horseflesh have to be licensed?

Shops selling horseflesh for human consumption require to be licensed. Those selling horseflesh for consumption by animals do not at present require to be licensed, but will be so required under the Meat Foodstuffs Order, 1941, from an appointed date to be announced.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food how many successful food prosecutions there were during the past 12 months under the Food Control Orders and the total number of prosecutions?

During the period from 1st October, 1940, to 30th September, 1941, my Department has instituted 25,219 prosecutions, of which 23,704 were successful.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the increase of tuberculosis among quarrymen in Wales, which is attributed to deficiency of fats in their diet; and what steps he is taking to meet this deficiency?

I am unaware of the particular case referred to by my hon. Friend. I understand that the possible causes of an increase in the incidence of tuberculosis is under special investigation by the Medical Research Council at the instance of my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Health. On the information at present available my Noble Friend sees no reason for increasing the domestic fat ration to quarrymen.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the greatly increased sugar- beet quota for Wiltshire, Hampshire, Dorset, Somerset and Gloucestershire, in the case of Wiltshire from 340 acres to 800 acres, and the report of the experts of the Wiltshire War Agricultural Committee that districts like Bromham, Pewsey Vale and Lavington can produce large crops with a high sugar content, he will take steps to provide a sugar factory within reasonable distance?

The capacity of the existing beet sugar factories is adequate to deal with the estimated sugar beet crop next year and it would be impossible to justify the use of building material which is urgently needed for essential war purposes for the erection of an additional factory such as is suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the abundant crop of oats he will take steps to make available to the public in England, as well as Scotland, increased supplies of oat cakes and other oaten foods?

Steps have already been taken in the direction indicated and the distribution of oat products this month will be double that in November of last year. Further measures are being taken to utilise still more of the oat crop for human consumption and it is hoped very shortly to be able to meet all demands for oatmeal and oat products.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken to secure that arrangements are made for the staggering of hours in factories when this is desirable in order to enable satisfactory transport arrangements to be made?

I am advised that the Defence Regulations already confer upon me all the necessary powers to enable undertakings to be directed to observe such starting and finishing times as may be necessary to fit in with a scheme of staggering to meet transport needs. Where it appears that staggering of hours is desirable, it will be the business of the Regional Transport Commissioner to see if this can he secured by the voluntary agreement of workers and managements. In any case where agreement is not reached at this stage I shall have the benefit of the assistance of the appropriate Regional Board of the Production Executive and, if agreement should still be unobtainable, their advice as to the need for exercising compulsion. If after taking all the circumstances into account, it then seems desirable to issue directions, I shall not hesitate to do so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Electricity Commissioners have yet decided what places will cease to be producing units under the grid scheme in the Lancashire area; and whether he can make any statement on the subject?

I am informed by the Electricity Commissioners that they are not aware of any proposals of the kind indicated.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give the names of the present Electricity Commissioners and the members of the Central Electricity Board, respectively, showing as to each which members hold full-time offices and the dates of each appointment?

I append the answer in the form of a tabular statement:

Name.	Present Appointment.
	Date.	Whether full or part-time.
Electricity Commissioners.
Sir Cyril W. Hurcomb, K.C.B., D.B.E. (Chairman).	31–3–38	Appointed full time, but serving part-time during the war while seconded as Director-General, Ministry of War Transport.
Mr. J. M. Kennedy, O.B.E., M. Inst. C. E., M.I.E.E.	9–7–40	Full-time.
Mr. C. G. Morley New, M.I.E.E.	9–7–35	Full-time.
Sir Leonard Pearce, C.B.E., D.Sc., M. Inst. C. E., M.I. Mech. E., M.I.E.E.	29–5–40	Part-time.
Central Electricity Board.
Sir Archibald Page, M. Inst. C. E., M.I.E.E. (Chairman).	1–1–35	Full-time.
Mr. Walter K. Whigham.	8–2–37	Part-time.
Sir R. L. Wedgwood, C.B., C.M.G.	13–10–40	Part-time.
Mr. Frank Hodges, J. P.	8–2–36	Part-time.
Mr. R. P. Sloan. C. B. E., M.I.E.E.	8–2–36	Part-time.
Alderman W. Walker, M.I.E.E., M.T.M.E.	8–2–39	Part-time.
Sir Andrew Watson, M.T.E.E., J.P.	8–2–39	Part-time.
Lord Barnby, C.M.G., C.B.E., M.V.O.	22–1–40	Part-time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the cost of replacing deeds of property which have been lost through enemy action, and upon which stamp duty has been paid, must fall upon the property owner; and whether the cost of replacement of deeds, duly stamped, will be allowed as part of the war damage claim?

Deeds of property are not insurable under the War Damage Act as they are specifically excluded from the definition of "goods" in Section 95 of the Act. No claim can, therefore, be made for their loss by enemy action.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can indicate the arrangements that have been made for the collection of large and small war savings from all peoples throughout the Colonial Empire, either in the form of bonds or certificates; whether he is satisfied with the progress being made; and whether he can publish any figures of the results so far achieved to date?

There was manifested very early in the war a general desire on the part of the Colonial Empire to make their full contribution to the war savings programme; but in view of the many administrative difficulties in the way of arranging for the sale of United Kingdom issues of war bonds and certificates in the Colonial Empire, Colonial Governments were advised to issue securities of their own with the intention of relending the whole proceeds to the United Kingdom. It was emphasised that the terms of such local issues should conform to the declared policy of His Majesty's Government in regard to stable interest rates: the yields offered, after allowance for such factors as length of period, were to approximate to those of similar United Kingdom issues, even though such terms might compare unfavourably with those of other local issues. Colonial Governments have been supplied with copies of prospectuses and other material, including propaganda pamphlets, likely to be of assistance in their war savings campaigns, and the help of the National Savings Committee has been enlisted to maintain a regular supply of current literature to every Colony.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether cattle tuberculin-tested by veterinary surgeons authorised by his Ministry and found to be tubercular, are permitted to be sold as dairy cattle?

Yes, Sir. The sale of cows reacting to the tuberculin test is not, on that account, restricted, since as my hon. Friend is aware, reaction to the test does not in itself imply infection in the milk of a reactor.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider granting more feeding stuffs to upland grass or fell farmers who have little or no land suitable for growing corn and who sell little or no milk and who, accordingly, meet with great difficulties at the present time in rearing their stock?

Generally speaking, the scheme for the rationing of feeding stuffs is based on the principle that farmers should keep only such livestock as they can maintain from the produce of their farms. Rations are allowed only for milch cows, on the basis of milk or milk products sold, and in certain cases for poultry and pigs. It is recognised, however, that there is a special problem on upland grass farms where the rearing of dairy heifers for sale in the spring is an important part of the farming enterprise, and I propose to consider, in the light of the supply position then prevailing, the possibility of rations for heifers when they near calving in the spring.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the prices of farm produce will be revised to meet the large increase in farm wages now being arranged?

I stated on October 18th:

"The Government have made it clear that they hold firmly to their assurance that agricultural prices will be reviewed in the event of a substantial change in production costs including wages."

asked the Postmaster-General the numbers of Post Office Savings Bank depositors at the commencement of the war; what they are now; and what was the balance due to them then and now?

At the commencement of the war there were approximately 11,620,000 Post Office Savings Bank depositors, and the aggregate balance due to them was £537,530,000. On The 31st October, 1941, there were 14,800,000 depositors with an aggregate balance of £799,381,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, apart from any immediate assistance that may be given to the hill sheep farmers, he proposes to institute a comprehensive inquiry into the present position and further prospects of this branch of agriculture in Scotland?

Yes, Sir. After consultation with the former Secretaries of State on the Scottish Council on Post-War Problems, I have appointed a Committee to inquire into the problems of the hill sheep farming industry in Scotland. The terms of reference to the Committee are:

"To investigate the present position of hill and upland sheep farming in Scotland, and to report what steps should in their opinion be taken with a view to placing this branch of the Scottish farming industry on an economic basis, and in particular to specify measures for improving the condition of hill and upland grazings, the health and hardiness of sheep stocks, system of stocking and management, and marketing methods."

The Committee is constituted as follows: —

asked the Home Secretary why it was considered advisable to issue an order for some retail shops in Central London to close at 4 p.m. while others are permitted to remain open until 5.30 p.m., the only difference in category being the number of assistants employed?

The purpose of the Order to which my hon. Friend refers was to ease serious transport difficulties during the darkest period of the winter months. The Order which requires shops in areas in Central London to close at 4 p.m. is similar to the Order in force for a short period last year and affects exactly the same areas. Apart from certain shops in which exempted business is carried on, e.g., those for food and medicines, the only class of shops exempted from closing at 4 p.m. are those in which no more than two assistants are employed. To close these very small shops which by remaining open cause no real transport difficulty might make it more difficult for workers in the central area to do their necessary shopping.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether parcels for Indian prisoners of war are being sent from this country or from India; and whether suitable commodities from the latter country are now more accessible?

The Indian Comforts Fund in this country have taken over, on behalf of the Indian Red Cross, the supply of parcels to Indian prisoners of war in Europe. There is no difficulty in regard to the supply of suitable food and clothing. A shortage of dictionaries and reading material which existed is being made good by obtaining supplies from India.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the attitude of the Federation of Progressive Societies and Individuals to the questions of homosexuality, incest and abortion, he will give the names of the president and committee?

I am not aware of the present constitution of this federation, if indeed it still exists, and I hardly think it necessary in present circumstances to make inquiry such as my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any statement to make respecting the circumstances and reasons for the withdrawal of Moslem League members from the Central Legislature; whether this action is to be permanent; and whether any official reply is being given to Mr. Jinnah's criticism?

I am not aware that the Moslem League boycott of the Legislative Assembly was intended to extend beyond the recent session of the Assembly. I gather from the summary I have seen of Mr. Jinnah's speech that the action was claimed to be a protest against non-acceptance by the Government, in the recent expansion of the Executive Council and constitution of a Defence Council, of the League's earlier offer of co-operation in the war effort which was made subject to conditions with which it was not possible to comply.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any statement to make respecting the disturbance at Dacca; how many were killed and wounded; and what was the origin of the disturbance?

I am informed that the disturbances at Dacca between the 22nd and 25th October were of a communal nature and opened with attacks on Moslems. An attack was made on a Moslem procession which led to the death of two persons, in addition to many injuries, and stabbing incidents were reported on both sides attended by the death of one Moslem. One Hindu was killed on 25th October when two rival mobs had to be fired on before they could be dispersed by tear smoke.

asked the Secretary of State for India the present condition of health and whereabouts of Mr. Nehru; whether he will concede the right of unrestricted correspondence with him; how many political prisoners are now serving sentences or awaiting trial; and whether he has any statement to make respecting a political amnesty?

Mr. Nehru is imprisoned at Dehra Dun. I have no reason to suppose that his health is not satisfactory. The control of his correspondence is a matter within the discretion of the Provincial Government who I understand have allowed him a wide degree of freedom in this respect. In connection with the Civil Disobedience campaign, the number of persons serving sentences on 1st October was 5,656. I am unable to state the number of persons awaiting trial. As regards the last part of the Question I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the Question of the hon. Member for Ince (Mr. G. Macdonald) on 18th November.

asked the Minister of Information whether, in view of the almost world-wide character of the observance of the Big Ben dedicated minute, he can arrange for leaflets to be dropped in Germany and in occupied Europe explaining its significance?

I sympathise with my hon. Friend's request, but in order to drop these leaflets it would be necessary to displace other leaflets more vital to the prosecution of the war.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any statement to make in regard to the status of members of the Motor Transport Corps under the National Registration Order?

All members of the Mechanised Transport Corps who are within the ages of registration at present announced for women under the Registration for Employment Order will be interviewed in accordance with the usual practice of the Ministry of Labour and National Service, and those who are deemed to be mobile will be issued with National Work Notices. On receipt of such notices the members of the corps will be free to enter any of the women's services or to take up munition or certain other types of work.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will take steps to ensure that no agreement or trade practice already existing, or that may be entered into later, shall, for the duration of the war, be used in any way to impede production or the war effort?

Employers and trade unions are in general co-operating wholeheartedly in all the measures necessary for increasing war production and provision has been made by Order for recording departures from trade practices. My right hon. Friend relies upon the joint voluntary machinery in industry to consider and find remedies for difficulties or impediments which may arise from time to time. In this way the recognised practice of the industry may be regulated by mutual agreement in a manner which will best serve the national interest.

asked the Minister of Labour how many women have registered under the Emergency Powers (Defence) Order; how many of those who have registered have gone into employment; and how many of those registered have been directed to employment by the Ministry?

The number of women who have registered under the Registration for Employment Order up to 8th November is 2,808, 576. It would not be in the national interest to give figures for the second part of the Question.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that numbers of young women of registration ages are escaping to the Isle of Man to evade National Service; and what steps are being taken to stop it and to bring back the fugitives?

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary informs me that inquiries he has made, so far from substantiating this allegation, indicate that there is no foundation for it, but if my hon. Friend has any information to the contrary and will send it to me, I will make further inquiries.

asked the Minister of Labour the reason for the delay in establishing a canteen for the workers of Messrs. F. Perkins, Limited, of Queen Street, Peterborough?

The delay in the establishment of a canteen at this factory has been due, partly to the necessity for requisitioning a building occupied by another firm and also to discussion between the firm and the Government Department concerned regarding the financial arrangements. The difficulties have now been overcome and a full canteen service is expected to be in operation in about a week's time.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons registered as unemployed at the various Employment Exchanges in Liverpool at the end of October, 1941?

I will send the desired figures to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons in receipt of public assistance in Liverpool on 31st October, 1941?

I understand that the total number was 11,170, consisting of 3,832 cases where institutional relief was being given, 6,337 cases of domiciliary relief, and 1,001 cases of medical relief.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that much information useful to the enemy has been given in the recently issued Northern Ireland Telephone Directory, which contains a list of military camps and railway stations; whether' he will have inquiries instituted into this matter in order to find out the person responsible for these insertions; and what steps he proposes to take?

I have examined the entries in the Northern Ireland Telephone Directory to which my hon. Friend refers and I am satisfied that no information of value to the enemy has been disclosed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men who have been placed in a B or C medical category owing to very defective eyesight, and are now either overseas or under orders to go overseas, can be assured that an adequate stock of lenses and spare spectacles are available; and whether he can give an assurance that men do not have to wait a considerable time before their eyeglasses can be replaced?

Men who have been placed in medical category C are not sent overseas. Every soldier who requires spectacles is supplied with two pairs so that it should very rarely happen that he is not in possession of at least one serviceable pair. There is now no delay in the initial supply of spectacles to soldiers, and adequate arrangements have also been made for the replacement of damaged or lost spectacles in any theatre of war where British troops are serving.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is yet in a position to state whether the present grant of £10 to cover the purchase of an officer's tropical outfit is to be increased; and, if so, by how much?

Officers other than pre-war regular officers whose outfit allowance has been based on the provision of two suits of service dress will receive an additional £5 on proceeding for the first time on or after 30th May, 1941, to a station where drill is worn. Other officers whose outfit allowance has been based on the provision of one suit of service dress and one suit of battle dress will, however, on so proceeding continue to receive the £10 supplement previously issued to such officers.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the Suez Canal Annual Return of Shipping and Tonnage for 1941 will be published; and whether these is a vacancy on the board?

As regards the first part of the Question, the Suez Canal is an area of operations and the publication of the Annual Return cannot therefore be allowed until the close of hostilities. As regards the second part, directors are appointed by the general meeting of the shareholders. Since the last such meeting, which was held in Pans on 3rd June, 1940, the seats of two British unofficial directors and, so far as I am aware, of one French director have become vacant through the death of the holders.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether cadets of the Air Training Corps when called up for parades or training are entitled to receive travelling expenses from the State?

Provision is made for the payment of expenses incurred by units of the Air Training Corps in travelling to R.A.F. stations or to camp. As for the expenses of individual cadets proceeding to their units, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for Canterbury (Sir W. Wayland).

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he will suggest to the American Government that the reconstruction of the Persian railways might be undertaken by them in order to hasten the supply of goods to Russia, in view of their excellent work of this sort in France in the last war?

The Trans-Persian railway has only recently been completed, and is therefore unlikely to require reconstruction on a large scale. A United States mission has now arrived in Persia to examine how United States aid to our war effort in that area can best be provided. The improvement of communications in Persia will naturally be one of the questions which the mission will consider.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the agreement between the Emperor of Abyssinia and His Majesty's Government, upon which the future of that country and our commitments depend, has yet been signed, or when such signature may be expected?

The agreement to which my right hon. and gallant Friend refers will, I hope, be signed very soon.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of the increased light by improved headlamp masks and the use of two headlamps now available for vehicles travelling in the black-out and of the fact that vehicles now tend habitually to exceed the 20 miles per hour limit in built-up areas, he will consider increasing the speed limit to 25 miles per hour during black-out in such areas?

No, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether his attention has been drawn to a road accident at Aireborough, on 24th October, when a public vehicle was destroyed and five lives lost; and whether inquiries will be made into the cause of the accident and suitable regulations enforced which may help to prevent the occurrence of such tragedies?

Yes, Sir, I have read the police report and a report by the certifying officer on this accident. I do not consider that further inquiry is called for, for there is one feature of the accident which is happily unusual, and I am considering if there are any steps which could be taken to reduce the risk of its recurrence.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what provision has been or will be made for refresher courses for men registered in the Merchant Navy Reserve who have not been to sea for some years; and whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government that such men should be called up for service in His Majesty's Army, as has already been done in the case of Mr. Brittain, of Grafham, Huntingdonshire, although so registered and anxious to serve at sea?

The number of those, with experience in the Merchant Navy who have expressed their willingness to return, if required, is so large that it has not been necessary to call upon any who have been long absent from the sea, or to provide refresher courses of the kind to which the hon. Member refers. I am communicating with the hon. Member in regard to the particular officer to whom he has called attention.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the bad effect on the public morale of a Penguin book, entitled, "The Case for Federal Union," by W. B. Curry, Headmaster of Dartington Hall School, Totnes, he will consider the advisability of ordering its suppression.

I understand that Federal Union places in the forefront of its objects the achievement of victory over Nazi aggression and that, subject to this, it is mainly concerned with measures for improving the organisation of international co-operation after the war. There is no doubt room for legitimate difference of opinion as to the best means of achieving these objects but the special powers conferred on me by Parliament were not intended to be used for the purpose of restricting the expression of opinion on matters of this kind.

asked the Home Secretary whether in view of the prejudicial effect of their activities, he will inquire and state the names and directors of the company known as Federal Union, Limited, and consider banning their lectures and meetings?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer to the previous Question. The directors of Federal Union Limited are, I am informed:Major A. N. Braithwaite, M.P., Professor George Catlin, Mr. W. B. Curry, Dr. L. T. M. Gray, Dr. C.E.M. Joad, Miss F. L. Josephy, Mr. C. D. Kimber, Mr. Patrick Ransome, Mr. K. Zilliacus.