asked the Secretary of State for Air whether part of a Service man's increase in pay is added to any allotment he may be making at the time; and what is the proportion of the various increases given to the Service man and to the dependants' allotment?

As a number of figures are involved, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

If the answer is similar to one given by the Minister of War yesterday, may I ask whether the Under-Secretary is aware that the Minister of Pensions stated in the House that he would disregard increases up to 4s. and, therefore, by turning part of the Service man's increase into allotment, he is preventing the Minister of Pensions assuming an obligation to these men which he has stated he is willing to assume?

I hope the hon. Gentleman will excuse my answering that very full question but wait until he sees the reply. He will then be able to put down a further Question if he desires.

I have seen a similar reply from the War Minister, and it raises a serious point, because the Minister of Pensions will pay this increase if the

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will reconsider the position of civilian education officers who, holding commissions in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, have been demobilised but ordered to wear uniform and remain subject to Air Force discipline, although without corresponding privileges; and whether, in view of the fact that these officers perform duties, comparable with those of embodied officers in the administrative and special duties branch, at the disproportionately low net remuneration of the Burnham scale and are working under conditions which bear no relation to the civilian engagements, he will authorise their immediate re-embodiment?

The position of education officers was explained in the reply

In war-time are not the duties of these officers technical rather than educational, and will my right hon. and gallant Friend, therefore, in suitable cases allow them to be posted to the technical branch and so obtain Service pay?

I cannot agree with my hon. Friend that the duties which we have found the officers performing are technical. They are educational. Although the education is of a technical character, they are engaged on educational work.

Are they not more technical in war-time than in peace-time?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will give an assurance that airmen becoming redundant in the balloon trades will, upon being re-mustered, under no circumstances receive a lower rate of pay than at present, irrespective of the rank they assume in a lower group?

Yes, Sir. The airmen in question continue to draw the pay of their previous rank (other than acting rank) if it is more favourable than the pay of their new rank or trade.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can state, without disclosing information useful to the enemy, the number of new aircraft, and the type, acquired by British overseas airways during the last 12 months?

During the past 12 months some 50 aircraft have been acquired or allotted for operation by the British Overseas Airways Corporation for purposes connected with the war. It would not be in the public interest to give further information.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production to what extent scientific and technical information is now pooled by all the firms supplying aircraft for his Department; and whether any further developments are possible in this direction?

Aircraft firms working on similar projects pool scientific and technical information under co-ordination by my Department. There is willing co-operation, and the arrangements are fully satisfactory.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will reconsider the decision not to insure against the risk of enemy action on high-frequency apparatus, which has been confiscated by his order, in view of the fact that such insurance would not be a heavy Government expenditure and would do common justice to practitioners who have been deprived of the greater part of their income?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to a similar Question by the hon. Member for Stratford (Mr. Groves) on 21st October. In view of the circumstances described in that reply, I see no sufficient reason for departing from existing practice in the matter.

Will not my right hon. Friend approach the Home Secretary, at whose request he is storing these instruments, and ask whether, out of common justice, the instruments, which have been taken away from private citizens, cannot be insured by the Government rather than that further difficulties should be made for people who have already suffered through being deprived of them?

The position is not quite as my hon. Friend describes it. It was necessary for security reasons to limit the use of this apparatus, and as some people who were not allowed to use it found difficulty in storing it, the Post Office offered to store it for them.

Can my right hon. Friend give some indication of the number of sets concerned?

I could, with notice.

As these men did not ask the Postmaster-General to store the apparatus and the Post Office has taken them and stored them, surely the Post Office ought to insure them?

I do not think that that question ever arises, for most people are glad to avail themselves of the storage offered by the Post Office.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, having regard to his announcement that letters for delivery on 25th December must be posted not later than 20th December, he will give an assurance that letters, upon which an express fee has been paid, will not be delayed during the Christmas period?

I am sorry I cannot give the hon. Member the categorical assurance for which he has asked, in view of the conditions which the Post Office must expect at Christmas-time. I am happy, however, to assure him that the Post Office this Christmas period will use its best endeavours to deal with express letters as satisfactorily and as expeditiously as last Christmas, when in fact there was little or no delay.

Will my right hon. Friend, in the interests of the war effort, do everything possible to secure that there is no delay in the delivery of business letters during the Christmas period?

Certainly, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he is aware that, in several instances, action has been taken by his officials without consultation with the chairmen of local town-planning committees; and as these committees have worked usefully for many years, and have full knowledge of local conditions, will he see that they are consulted in future?

It is, and has been for some years, a standing instruction to all requisitioning officers of the Ministry of Works and Buildings that when searching for sites they should consult with the local planning authorities. If the hon. and gallant Member will give me particulars of any case where such consultation is said not to have taken place, I will certainly make inquiries.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that failure to keep contact and co-operate has occurred in the South-Eastern Region and the district of Tunbridge Wells?

I am not aware of that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether, in view of the importance of future development of urban and rural planning, he proposes to set up an adequate scientific advisory committee for his Department?

My Noble Friend has from the outset invited the assistance of a consultative panel of persons with special experience of subjects arising in planning, and this panel includes scientific and technical personnel. A list of members of the panel was given in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Consett (Mr. David Adams) on 31st July.

Has this panel of experts a right to initiate research in subjects concerning the work of the Ministry, or must they wait until a problem is set before them before they can take action?

I should think that the panel has a perfect right to initiate and make suggestions; otherwise, they are not of much value.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether the proposals adopted by the Egba Council at Abeokuta are being implemented; what prospects exist of an extension of these reforms; and whether he can give an assurance that the whole question of the progressive political and constitutional development of Colonial Government and the encouragement of effective democratic native self-government will be considered during the war?

The Governor of Nigeria is being asked to furnish information in regard to the first and second parts of the Question. As regards the third part of the Question, His Majesty's Government have constantly in mind the progressive evolution of self-governing institutions in all parts of the Colonial Empire.

Could the hon. Gentleman say when the report of the Governor regarding the first two parts of this Question is likely to be received, and whether it will be available to the House?

I could not say when it will be received, owing to the difficulties of transport, but I will inform my hon. Friend as soon as it is received.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state the average wage paid to labourers on pyrethrum plantations in Kenya?

My Noble Friend is inquiring of the Governor of Kenya regarding the wage rates paid on pyrethrum estates, and my hon. Friend will be informed when a reply has been received.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies what is the value of the pyrethrum crop grown in Kenya last year or during the latest period for which information is available; whether its cultivation without licence is illegal; if so, what is the reason for this restriction; what is the cost of a licence; how many licences have been granted to Europeans and Africans, respectively; and whether any obstacles prevent Africans from obtaining a licence?

As the answer contains figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Could the hon. Gentleman say now whether there is any prohibition on African growers?

No, Sir, there is not.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken in Kenya to remove the difficulties in the way of securing decent housing for the African people in Nairobi; and whether he will insist on urgent action to eradicate the present intolerable conditions?

The Governor is fully alive to the importance and urgency of improving native housing conditions in Nairobi. My hon. Friend will be pleased to hear that approval has recently been given for expenditure of £20,000 from Kenya Government Funds on the construction of houses for African Government employees in Nairobi, and for a loan of £30,000 to the Nairobi Municipal Council for a housing scheme.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies why, as every British subject has the right to send petitions of a certain weight post free to the Sovereign or Members of either House of Parliament, British citizens resident in Jerusalem have been advised that such free postage does not extend to them; and whether, as there is a growing British community in Jerusalem without consul or consulate, he will consider the desirability of applying these special postage facilities to such correspondence from British subjects in Jerusalem?

Any petition or memorial addressed to His Majesty the King, or to a Department of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, by any British subject in Palestine, will, if transmitted through the High Commissioner as required by the Colonial Regulations, be forwarded by the High Commissioner without any charge for postage. In these circumstances, the question of special postal facilities does not appear to arise.

Will this information be circulated?

I cannot give any guarantee about that.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the urgent appeals of the people of Mosley Hall and Blackstonedge districts of Jamaica for improved roads, relief work, land settlement and medical attention; and what steps have been taken to meet these demands?

My Noble Friend has no information regarding these appeals from the two villages referred to, but during the year 1940–41 major relief works were carried out in Jamaica to a total cost of £190,000, of which sum £163,000 was met by an Imperial grant. The needs of the places mentioned must clearly be considered by the Colonial Government in conjunction with those of the Colony as a whole.

Is the Minister aware that strong deputations have been sent to members of the Legislative Council asking for these works?

In the first instance, it is, of course, a matter to be considered by the Colony.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the urgent demand for working-class housing schemes in various areas of Jamaica; and whether this provision is an obligation upon the estate proprietors, or, if not, whether the Colonial Government propose to undertake this without delay?

Yes, Sir. I appreciate the need for these schemes. As regards the second part of the Question, so far as I am aware, there is no legal obligation on estate owners to provide accommodation for their employees. The question of improving housing conditions is receiving the attention of the Colonial Government and the Comptroller for Development and Welfare; but I fear that there may be serious difficulties of a practical nature during the war in working out and carrying into effect any far-reaching schemes.

Is the Minister aware that recent meetings of the sugar estate companies have called public attention to the urgent necessity of better housing in and about their estates and is not action in this matter urgently required?

There is no question about the need for improved housing conditions, and the Comptroller is giving his attention to the matter.

Have the Colonial Office received any recent reports upon housing conditions, and will they be available to Members of this House?

Reports are being sent in by the Colonial Governments to the Colonial Office.

Are those reports available to Members of this House?

If any hon. Member wishes it, I think we can arrange that he should get the information contained in the reports.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether his attention has been called to the prosecution under the Merchant Shipping Act of six firemen at Cardiff; that in the men's defence it was stated they were unable to do their work because of a shortage of food and crew; that other complaints of a verminous forecastle, inadequate sleeping accommodation, faulty boilers, and inexperience in stokehold work were made; that the captain of the ship agreed there was a shortage of food; and whether he will take immediate steps to have the matter investigated?

I have seen the reports of this case and am satisfied that, except that the ship's company was on hard tack for the last 24 hours owing to the abnormal time the voyage took, the allegations referred to have no substance.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there have been cases which have revealed flagrant hardships, and that in some instances the men have preferred to go to prison rather, than to pay the fines? Will he not have an investigation into those cases so that at least justice may appear to have been done?

No. Sir; these men were prosecuted because they had not kept up a head of steam and had not obeyed orders, by which action they endangered the ship in which they were sail- ing and the lives of their comrades. The facts were fully investigated by the stipendiary magistrate and sentences of imprisonment were passed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will publish the late Mr. Frank Pick's report on canals or, if it contains confidential information, whether he will publish a summary of it?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne) on 22nd July last.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport when amplifiers will be introduced at important stations on the London Underground system; and whether steps will be taken similar to those in successful use among women in the balloon-barrage and anti-aircraft sections of the Army to fortify the voices of women porters and thus enable passengers to identify all stations as the train passes?

No, Sir, I am already fully acquainted with the announcer system and I am informed that consideration is being given to the introduction of amplifiers at certain important surface stations on the Underground system.

The right hon. and gallant Gentleman told me that last week. Will he tell me when these amplifiers will be installed?

I am afraid I cannot do so at the moment.

What does "consideration" mean?

This matter is, of course, in the hands of the London Passenger Transport Board, and I have given the information I have received from them. They are going into the question of whether these amplifiers can be introduced. As I informed my hon. Friend before, there is difficulty in the manufacture of such articles in view of the need for providing for the requirements of aircraft and other war necessities.

Can we not make more use of the human mouth as an amplifier by asking the porters to call out the names of the stations more clearly?

I understand that it is to announce the names of the stations louder that the amplifiers are being installed, if they are installed.

When amplifiers are installed, will care be taken to see that those using them speak correctly?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he can make any statement as to the need for restricting passenger travel during the winter months, and what steps the Government proposes to take?

The railways are working under heavy pressure owing mainly to two factors, of both of which we should be proud. One is the increasing production of munitions and of coal in this country, the other the fact that we have sent abroad a substantial number of our best locomotives in order to assist the Russian armies. Freight traffic essential to the war effort must have the transport it needs. It is therefore necessary to reduce passenger services, not only through the Christmas period, but throughout the winter months. We have decided to withdraw a further number of long distance passenger trains, all restaurant cars on congested routes and a substantial number of sleeping cars. Details of the first of the trains to be withdrawn arc being published immediately.

Will advantage be taken of these restrictions to ensure punctual local services for workers in the factories?

We do our best to ensure punctual local services, especially for those working in the factories.

Will any available space in the first-class accommodation be allowed to be used if third-class accommodation is overcrowded?

There will be no alteration in that respect to the' rules already in force.

Does that mean that people can go into first-class compartments if all the third-class carriages are over-full?

Where all third-class places are full it has, for a long time, been the rule that people shall be allowed to take places in first-class compartments.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman see that there is no first-class compartment reserved for any Government official—that there shall be no first-class compartment for one person to lie down all the way up?

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman realise the importance of maintaining sleeping-car accommodation as far as possible for those who have to travel long distances and do work at both ends of their journey?

Yes, we realise the importance of that. A certain number of "sleepers" will be reserved for Government traffic, and also a certain number for Members of Parliament.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman make an improvement in transport that will enable workmen to present themselves for work at the proper time and enable them to get home in reasonable time?

Yes, Sir, certainly. We are, I think, every week improving the trains that run to and from our large factories. It is a very big problem, as the hon. Member will realise.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any report on the insanitary conditions and mosquito-infected town of Kokoja in Nigeria; and whether the local authorities have been instructed to take vigorous action in the matter?

I assume that my hon. Friend intends to refer to Lokoja. I am not aware of any reason to suppose that Lokoja is at all badly infected with mosquitoes or is otherwise unsatisfactory from a sanitary point of view. The Governor, however, is being asked whether there is any truth in the allegations referred to.

Will the hon. Gentleman be satisfied if I can give him information showing that the statement in the Question is correct?

I shall be glad if my hon. Friend will furnish me with any information, but we shall still have to get confirmation from the Governor.

asked the Minister of Information whether he can state the average length of propaganda films issued by the Ministry to cinemas; and what conditions are imposed on cinemas by his Department?

The average length of the "5-minute" films, issued weekly is 600–700 feet. Other propaganda films, issued at intervals through commercial renters, vary from 2,000 to 5,000 feet. No conditions are imposed upon the cinemas. The "5-minute" films are shown by agreement with the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association. Other films are distributed commercially.

asked the Minister of Information whether his Department has a monopoly of the issue of propaganda films of the various services, military and civilian; whether his Department is responsible for the issue of a film of three reels in length about gas-masks and how to look after them which would take from 25 to 30 minutes to show on the screen; and whether he has received any opinions from the cinema trade on its value as propaganda?

The Ministry of Information is in general responsible for all propaganda carried out on behalf of Government Departments through the medium of films; but instructional and training films are produced by the particular Department which requires them. This film was made as a training film for the Ministry of Home Security, which agreed with the Ministry of Information in thinking that the film was not suitable for inclusion in ordinary cinema programmes.

Is it not being issued to the cinema trade at all? Is it withdrawn?

I think so.

asked the Minister of Information, whether his attention has been drawn to the recent appointment of Mr. Robert Foot, of the Gas Light and Coke Company, as adviser to the British Broadcasting Corporation; and whether this appointment has the approval of the Government?

Yes, Sir. I am fully consulted by the Chairman and Governors of the B.B.C. about Mr. Foot's appointment, and he enjoys the confidence and support of the Government in his new position. Mr. Foot has not been appointed to an executive post in the Corporation, but it is intended that his advice should be available to the Chairman and Governors on all matters connected with its wartime organisation. I should like to take this opportunity of expressing the gratitude of the Government to the Gas Light and Coke Company for having agreed to lend Mr. Foot for this important task.

asked the Minister of Information the object of the publication, ''17 American Naval, Military and Aviation Experts say—Britain will Win," whether he is aware that no British subject doubts this; and whether he will state the number of copies printed and the cost?

This booklet was originally produced for distribution in countries overseas. As it attracted some attention in this country, and as the cost of printing further copies was relatively small, it was decided to produce 140,000 copies for distribution at Home. The cost of these copies was £907.

Does the Minister think expenditure of this kind is really justified, in view of the overwhelming support for the policy of the Government in the war?

This project was arranged last year. I have given the hon. Gentleman an official answer. My unofficial views coincide with his.

Is the Minister aware that members of local information committees are being constantly supplied with information which is very much out of date long before it reaches them, and which need not be sent?

I shall be glad to inquire into the hon. Gentleman's information.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that in a British Broadcasting Corporation talk to Vienna, on 12th November, not only was the whole of the Nazi Horst Wessel anthem played, but the speaker had a pronounced Prussian accent, and that such a selection of speakers brings comfort to our enemies and despair to our friends; and will he give his personal attention to this department of the British Broadcasting Corporation?

My hon. and gallant Friend is misinformed. The broadcast to which he refers was not a talk but a short feature programme depicting the enslavement of the Austrian Republic. A few bars of Horst Wessel song were played after the following description of what the Germans have done to Austria:

"They have smashed the rights of the workers. They have turned us into defensive slaves and have set up Prussian slave-drivers over us. They are driving the youth of Austria to the battlefields like cattle to the slaughterhouses."

A Prussian voice shouted a violent command at the beginning of the song, otherwise none of the actors taking part in the feature spoke with a Prussian accent.

Is the Minister aware that since I put this Question down I have received a positive fan mail from true Austrians in this country, saying that not only on this occasion but on countless other occasions the speaker who does these broadcasts to Vienna often does not seem to speak in a genuine Austrian voice or accent, and that Austrians in Vienna are little likely to risk their heads listening to non-Austrian voices in this country?

There are many accents in Austria, as in England. The hon. Member's fans, like every one else's fans, are sometimes wrong.

For broadcasts to Austria would it not be better to have representative Austrians who know the accents and idioms of the Austrian people?

That is exactly what is done.

asked the Minister of Information what steps he has taken to safeguard an adequate supply of books, in view of their importance both on the home front and in making known British views in North and South America?

I am fully aware of the importance of maintaining the supply of books, and in co-operation with my right hon. Friends the Ministers of Supply and Labour have recently met representatives of the Publishers' Association, in order to consider ways and means of surmounting the present difficulties arising from shortage of paper and labour. As a result, I am hopeful that a satisfactory adjustment of the various conflicting claims will be possible.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that if some arrangements are not made soon, there will be almost a famine in books in the New Year?

I naturally realise that, and we are doing all in our power to fulfil my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will consider increasing the tea and sugar rations for elderly night-watchmen and similar workers, for whom canteens are not available?

Arrangements are already in operation whereby employers can obtain extra allowances of tea for consumption by employees on duty who have no access to canteens. I, therefore, see no reason to suppose that tea is not available in the cases to which my hon. Friend alludes. The sugar ration has just been increased and I do not consider that a further allowance is required.

Has this information gone out to the various local authorities and others who are concerned, because some complaints have been brought to my attention by the men affected?

I could not say whether the information has gone to all those who are concerned, but I think they know of this, because we have had very few complaints. If the hon. Member has any special cases will he let me know about them?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that many children over the age of six are being refused oranges by retailers when the under-sixes have been supplied, whilst adults are able to obtain supplies, if good customers; and whether he will see that supplies are distributed through the schools to children over the age of six before adults receive supplies?

Retailers have been asked to give preference to children and to schools after the period of reservation (1 week) for holders of the child's ration book has elapsed, and so far as I am aware this course is being generally followed. I will gladly look into any specific cases of the kind referred to by my hon. Friend if he will provide me with particulars. As regards the second part of the Question, the possibility of distributing oranges through schools has already been carefully considered, but it has been found impracticable to devise a satisfactory scheme for the purpose.

Is the Minister aware that one of the largest retailers of fruit in London circulated each branch shop, informing them that, after having supplied the children per ration book, they might supply adults with 1 lb. per head, with or without ration book?

I was not aware of that case. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will let me know the details.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been drawn to complaints that supplies of rabbits now go very largely to the larger urban areas, where an additional charge of 2d. per lb. may be made; and whether the Rabbits (Control and Maximum Prices) Order is to be amended to provide an all-round price for rabbits?

My attention has been drawn to the fact that, as was the intention, the additional charge of 2d. per lb. which may be made on the sale of rabbits in certain specified areas, is in- ducing supplies into those towns which had previously experienced a shortage. The amendment of the Rabbits (Control and Maximum Prices) Order to provide for one price to be applicable throughout the country is not contemplated.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will take steps to fix the prices of rationed commodities so as to simplify the calculations in fractions of a penny, especially when the commodity is sold in small quantities?

I can assure my hon. Friend that every effort is made to fix prices so as to simplify the payment for individual rations. It is, however, generally found impossible to obviate the use of fractions for small quantities without fixing a price which would be unnecessarily high for larger quantities. Moreover a price which does not involve small fractions when the ration is at a certain level will almost certainly necessitate their use as soon as the ration changes.

How much should a retailer charge for 3 ozs. of cheese at 1s. 1d. a lb.?

Perhaps the hon. Member would like-me to work it out for him. Worked out in fractions, the price is 2.7/16d. The retailer is allowed to charge 2½d.

Is the Minister aware that, when the retailer makes a charge of that kind in order to simplify the fraction, the charge is invariably against the customer and in favour of the retailer?

No customer has ever complained to me about being overcharged by one-sixteenth of a penny.

Is not the Minister aware of the discontent which this causes, not only to the staff behind the counters but to the customers as well?

It may be so in some cases, but hon. Members must appreciate the difficulties which have to be encountered in dealing with weights which are reckoned in stones in some cases and pounds in others. We have to change the figures sometimes, and then we use the nearest whole number.

Would not multiples of four be more convenient to use?

In this case it would be very difficult, because the ration is three ounces.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is his intention to open further food advice centres other than those at present in operation?

The experience gained in the food advice centres now operating has shown that they are meeting a definite need. Three new centres are about to be opened in Scotland. The question of further expanding this service is receiving active consideration. Among the factors which must be taken into account is the other important claims on the services of women who have the necessary qualifications to serve in food advice centres.

In view of the fact that these advice centres have been such a success has the Minister yet negotiated for any further centres to be opened? Does he not think that three is far too small a number?

We are doing all we possibly can to push this matter forward. I would remind the House that it was not until May that we got them started. We have had to learn a lot as we went along. They have been a great success.

Is it possible to open food advice centres within some of the British Restaurants?

There are more than 1,000 British Restaurants, but the inquiries we receive from outside number, in proportion, far more than the people who visit British Restaurants. Therefore, we believe that better service is done outside.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food upon what evidence the Ministry of Food issued, on 5th November, a statement to the effect that supplies of canned goods for sale under the Points Rationing Scheme would be in retail shops by 10th November and ready for distribution on 17th November; and whether, in view of the fact that this undertaking has not been fulfilled, he will avoid public statements being made before steps have been taken to implement them?

The statement was made on evidence that was considered at the time to be satisfactory, but, in the light of subsequent information, proved to be over-optimistic. As regards the last part of the Question, I can assure my hon. Friend that undertakings of the kind in question are not assumed without full appreciation of the necessity of living up to them.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary indicate why, if that is the case, the Ministry steadfastly refuses to follow the practice of the trade?

I cannot possibly accept the suggestion in my hon. Friend's Question. It was with trade advice that we thought it could be done, and the timetable was not fulfilled. This is not the first case in which, in recent experience, a time-table has not come up to scratch.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will issue instructions to all millers and bakers that national wheatmeal flour is to be made up in accordance with the specification recommended by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Food?

Instructions have been issued to all millers for the manufacture of national wheatmeal in accordance with the specification referred to by my hon. Friend. In so far as bakers are concerned, the Bread (Control and Maximum Prices) Order stipulates the ingredients which may be used in addition to national wheatmeal in manufacturing national wheatmeal bread.

Does the Minister mean that the bakers are required to get the right kind of flour from the only millers who make it, or can they just get what they like and mix it up according to what the specification might be?

No, Sir. The specification laid down is that which was furnished to the millers.

Is not the Minister aware that, on a recent occasion, 27 different samples of national wheatmeal bread served to the Royal Air Force were on exhibition, and that not a single one was made from the right specification?

We are aware that some of the bread has not been up to the specification, and because of that we are considering issuing further instructions.

Is the Minister aware that the wheatmeal loaf will not keep for more than three days and that there must be something wrong therefore with the flour?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been drawn to the advertisement of Messrs. Frank J. Bowen, Limited, a copy of which has been sent to him, proposing, at an early date, to sell by auction £40,000 worth of stock of wines, spirits and liqueurs; and whether he will take steps to limit the prices at which such goods may be sold on this and other occasions?

I am aware that a number of vintage wines, spirits and liqueurs are advertised to be sold by auction by the firm named by my hon. Friend, but I see no ground for adopting the course suggested in the last part of the Question.

Has the Minister been able to ascertain who is selling this wine? What step is he going to take to prevent a black market being established?