asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider abolishing the social distinctions in the Air Force exemplified by differential awards to sergeant-pilots and commissioned officers for similar acts of courage and responsibility and the use of different mess-rooms?

The differences to which the hon. Member refers are inherent in the structure of a Fighting Service. In the case of decorations, the D.F.C. and D.F.M. are equal in merit, and I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on 9th October. As regards the second part of the Question, apart from the objections to common messes from a disciplinary point of view, the present arrangements are convenient and well-liked, and there is no desire in the Service for a change.

If they are equal why is it necessary to have two separate awards? As this is a new Service why is it necessary to carry over the old snobbery and class-distinction?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the very cogent arguments which were given to him by myself when he raised the matter on the Adjournment many months ago.

Is not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that those were superficial and absurd arguments?

Is it not the case that sergeant-pilots have the opportunity on their merits of receiving a commission?

That is so. There is a clear run through from the lowest rank to air marshal.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has any announcement to make with regard to the issue of uniform to the Royal Observer Corps?

A blue uniform of the battledress type has now been approved for wear by members of the Royal Observer Corps. It is expected that issues of this uniform will begin about the end of February.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether it is proposed to amend the dependants' allowance regulations so that, in all cases where the dependant's net income is less than 25s. per week, it shall be made up to that amount?

No, Sir. My hon. Friend's suggestion would not be consistent with the purpose of dependants' allowance, which is to assist a man in maintaining the contribution which he made towards the support of a dependant before joining the Forces.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that there is a considerable amount of dissatisfaction over the fact that where a dependant may be getting 12s. or 15s. a week, he receives no allowance at all? If below that, it is made up to that figure at least.

Dependants' allowance is related to the amount of the prewar contribution and is issuable at four fixed rates—13s., 18s., 21s. 6d. and 25s. a week. The airman is required, as a condition of the issue of dependants' allowance, to make a contributory allotment, which varies according to his pay.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the appointment held by Squadron-Leader Hector Bolitho, who recently broadcast in the United States of America over the Columbia system; whether this officer received leave of absence to visit the United States of America; and for what purpose?

This officer is employed on editorial work in the department of the Air Member for Personnel at the Air Ministry. The broadcast in question was not concerned with Service subjects. It was delivered from London on the invitation of an American broadcasting company. The second and third parts of the Question do not therefore arise.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend consult with the Minister of Information to try and stop activities of this sort, which can do nothing but harm both in this country and in America?

My hon. Friend has a Question down a little later to the Minister of Information on this particular subject, and no doubt that will provide him with an opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the whole of the ordinary ground personnel of the Royal Air Force aerodromes are armed and receive the training of soldiers so that, in the case of emergency, they may be able to do their share properly in the defence of their aerodrome?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied with the present organisation for the defence of every aerodrome, or whether he will consider placing the defence of all aerodromes under one supreme command to work in co-operation with the Royal Air Force?

Work upon this aspect of our defences has been continuous for many months, and improvements both in organisation and in actual defences are being continually made.

Is it not a fact that aerodromes are defended in a fashion different from one another, and would it not be better to synchronise the methods so that they could all be fortified in the same way, and that that could only be done by bringing them under one supreme command?

That is a matter for consideration. We are getting the best advice we can from experts.

I asked whether the right hon. Gentleman would consider it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Air Force and Army officers, between whom the responsibility for the defence of aerodromes is divided, are completely dissatisfied with the organisation?

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production in how many instances he has had to change the management of factories engaged in aircraft production in order to secure more efficient production?

There have only been two cases in which managements have been changed as a result of the exercise of compulsory powers by my Department. There have, however, been several instances in which managements have been changed or strengthened at the request or suggestion of my Department.

Does not that answer show that the allegations which are made widely about incompetency in management are hardly justified by the facts?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether the proposed cuts in train services will apply to the suburban services to the east of London; whether he is aware that these are already greatly overcrowded in the rush hours, and consider improving them rather than cutting them down?

The answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir," but in answer to the second part I regret that I cannot give any undertaking that these services will be increased.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he has considered the shipbuilding programme of the United States of America for cargo ships with speeds of 14 or 15½ knots; and whether he proposes to encourage a higher speed than is now usual here in our future construction of at least a proportion of cargo ships?

The United States' pre-war shipbuilding programme provides for the construction of cargo ships of a speed of 14 knots and upwards. It has now been supplemented by an emergency programme for the construction of ships whose speed is comparable with that of the cargo tramps we are building. In addition to our cargo tramp building substantial numbers of cargo liners of speeds of 14 knots upwards are being built.

Does not my right hon. and gallant Friend appreciate that it is the low speed of the tramp steamer which makes convoys so difficult?

I fully appreciate that, but it is very much quicker to turn out these tramps than to turn out ocean liners with the rate of speed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what representations he has received against the removal of the Belisha beacons; and what reply he has made to them?

The only representations of this order which I have so far received came from the Pedestrians' Association. I replied:

"With regard to Belisha beacons, no decision has yet been taken, but I have noted the views of your Association. On the other hand, you will appreciate that there are strong reasons at the present time for their being turned over to scrap. We must determine in what way they can best serve the national interest."

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend bear in mind that these beacons afford a measure of protection to young children and elderly persons? Will he bear that in mind, particularly in view of the large number of road accidents?

I am not sure that the beacons serve the purpose which my hon. Friend has in mind. I think the pedestrian crossings do that. The only advantage of the beacons is to show pedestrians where crossings are. I do not think the beacon has any effect on the motorist, who stops when he sees the studs across the road.

It is not proposed to do away with the studs?

Certainly it is not proposed that we should do away with them.

Does not my right hon. and gallant Friend agree that these beacons are a very serious menace to pedestrians in the black-out, and that one simply bumps into them without any warning whatever?

Yes, Sir, I have done that myself.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether it is now proposed, in the light of present-day necessity, to remove all traffic-beacons so as to make the material available for war purposes; and whether, in view of the official pronouncement to the contrary on 2nd April, 1941, he will indicate the reasons then obtaining that no longer apply?

It may be necessary to surrender traffic beacons as scrap for war purposes; if and when this is done, it will be done because that use of them will make the greater contribution to the need of the nation.

Was not the position the same last April as it is now, with the exception that labour costs were less than now, and may we take it that the statement made in April resulted from confusion of thought and is no longer applicable?

It is a question of the amount of scrap that is needed in this country, and matters have considerably changed quite recently.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of the unsatisfactory position arising under the Railway (Sheeting of Traffic) Order, whereby the responsibility for loss of perishable goods through railway companies not sheeting traffic falls upon the owner of the goods without a right to claim compensation under his War Risk Commodity Insurance policy, he will consider making an Order extending the definition of King's Enemy Risks contained in Article 4 of the War Risks (Commodity Insurance) (No. 2) Order. 1941, so as to cover such a loss and remedy this unsatisfactory position?

No, Sir. The terms of the War Risks Insurance Act, 1939, as amended by the War Damage Act, 1941, preclude such loss from being brought within the scope of the War Risks Commodity Insurance Scheme.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that traders are being compelled by the Government in certain conditions to use inadequately covered wagons, and that the Government have exempted the railway companies from all liability for damage caused thereby? Is not that a gross injustice to the traders, who are thus involved in considerable losses, and could not something be done to enable them to insure themselves against these losses?

It is true that at one time we prohibited double sheets because of the shortage of tarpaulin, but the Sheeting of Traffic Order has now been annulled, and there is a far greater supply of tarpaulin than there was. I think that any damage which may have been suffered last winter will not be suffered this winter.

Does my right hon. and gallant Friend suggest that, as a result of the greater amount of tarpaulin available, there will be no loss? Does he shelter behind that hope? What I am asking is that if there is to be loss the Government should bear it and not the traders, who in this respect have to suffer through no fault of their own.

The goods are moved away from the ports, which may be extremely vulnerable target areas where goods might be destroyed. We have to get the ports cleared and we have to give directions that they shall be cleared. I am afraid we cannot give compensation to everybody who is given a direction by the Government in the national interest.

asked the Minister of Information what are the circumstances in which Mr. J. C. Rodgers was released from a post in his Department to undertake duties with the Department of Overseas Trade; what arrangements are being made to carry out the duties formerly performed by Mr. Rodgers; and what salary was attached to the post he filled?

Mr. J. C. Rodgers was released at the request of the Department of Overseas Trade for transfer to that Department. The duties connected with the planning of the overseas publicity work of the Ministry, on which he was latterly employed, have been rearranged, and a part of them is now being carried out by an officer on the range of salary £600 to £800. When Mr. Rodgers occupied the post the approved salary was £1,000.

asked the Minister of Information whether his attention has been drawn to a memorandum, consisting of seven sheets, summarising Sir Bernard Pares' Penguin "Russia," which has been circulated to persons on the panel of speakers and others by the meetings officer of London region; how many such memoranda have been circulated; and whether, as such a summary is valueless, he will take steps to prevent in future this wasteful expenditure of time, labour and paper?

This memorandum is in a form intended as background information for speakers who may be called upon to deal with the subject, and 450 copies have been distributed mainly for this purpose. Since it was prepared by Sir Bernard Pares himself at a time when his Penguin book on Russia was out of print, I cannot agree that it is valueless.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the memorandum himself?

Yes, Sir, I have. It was prepared by the author, and I should have thought that he was the best judge as to its efficacy.

Will not the Minister consider getting Comrade Harry Pollitt to prepare a memorandum or make a statement over the B.B.C.? Why does the Minister refuse to allow Harry Pollitt to make a speech over the wireless?

asked the Minister of Information to what extent hon. Members of this House have availed themselves of his expression of willingness to accept their co-operation in obtaining information as to their constituents' views concerning matters dealt with by the War-time Social Survey; and with what result?

Only one hon. Member, the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander) has availed himself of the offer. He obtained a considerable amount of information from his constituents which provided a number of pointers for the large-scale investigations of the War-time Social Survey.

asked the Minister of Information whether Squadron-Leader Hector Bolitho, who recently broadcast over the Columbia system on the sort of things that have become important to people in war-time Britain, did so by arrangement with, or with the knowledge of, the Ministry of Information?

No, Sir. The Ministry of Information was not concerned except in regard to security censorship, which was handled in the normal way.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will see that the British Broadcasting Corporation com- mence their news bulletins with a reproduction of the actual news of the day and refrain from any comments or criticisms until the end of the bulletin, and that in reading the news the announcer shall abstain so far as possible from undue emphasis upon particular passages?

The practice recommended by my hon. Friend is, generally speaking, the practice of the B.B.C. to-day. If the hon. Member has any special incident in mind to which he wishes to draw my attention, perhaps he will let me know.

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that in the past there has been a most irritating amount of padding and detail in these broadcasts?

I dare say, but I am sure that greater knowledge and experience will produce something more helpful.

asked the Minister of Information what are the duties of the director of Empire propaganda; whether the appointment is full-time; what are the qualifications of Lord Dufferin for the post; whether other names were considered when the recent appointment was made; at whose suggestion this appointment was considered; and whether the Central Register was consulted?

The Acting Director of the Empire Division is responsible for the presentation of the British case in all Empire countries and for publicity in the United Kingdom and abroad about the Empire's war effort. The appointment is full-time. Lord Dufferin's qualifications are that he was for more than two years Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies; he was a member of the Indian Franchise Committee; and has been engaged on other official missions to the Colonies. In the course of a long search for the most suitable candidate for this post a large number of names were considered. Having consulted with my right hon. Friends, the Secretaries of State for the Dominions and the Colonies, I asked for Lord Dufferin to be temporarily released from the Army.

Is the Minister aware of the very considerable uneasiness felt everywhere in regard to this appointment, and will he also say how Lord Dufferin can reconcile his full-time appointment with new work of a very exacting kind which has been given to him at the Colonial Office?

Let me explain first to the hon. Gentleman that for six months my predecessor and I tried to find a head for this important Department. I regarded it as almost scandalous that the Department had not a head. We went through a lengthy list of names and made offers for this post. I do not know why they were refused; perhaps those refusing did not think well of the Ministry of Information. I was strongly recommended, therefore, to take Lord Dufferin, in view of his great experience and intelligence, and I loaned him from the Army. Lord Dufferin did not want to be borrowed from the Army, but I persuaded him that it was his duty to take the post in the interests of the State.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the delay in the delivery of mails to and from members of His Majesty's Forces stationed in Malta; whether this can be expedited; and whether he will extend the privilege of airgraph letters to that service?

Yes, Sir. The delays are due to the interruption of the normal routes. The matter is under constant examination in consultation with the other Departments concerned and all opportunities for the despatch of mails are used. There is already an air-mail postcard service at 3d. to members of His Majesty's Forces in Malta, and the question of introducing a similar service in the homeward direction is being considered. Technical considerations at present preclude the setting up of a separate airgraph organisation on the Island, but the matter is being kept under review and an airgraph service will be set up if other circumstances permit.

What is the normal time of transit for the postcard service?

The service works in conjunction with the Service Departments. I could not give details of the times, which may vary greatly.

asked the Postmaster-General what number of days is required for letters to reach Gibraltar by air-mail?

Correspondence on which air-mail fees have been paid should reach Gibraltar about 10 days after posting. There are, however, recurring difficulties about air capacity for mails on this route, and I regret to say that this time is frequently exceeded.

Is the average time about 10 days?

Yes, Sir. It has been as short as five days and as long as 20 days, but 10 days is the best average.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he is aware that there are more than 300 applicants for allotments in the city of Westminster who are unable to secure a plot to cultivate; and whether, having regard to the urgent need to grow food, he will consider allocating land in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens for allotments?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. In regard to the second part, careful consideration has been given to the possibility of releasing further land for allotments, but, in view of the numerous other war-time encroachments and the great importance of maintaining the Royal Parks as open spaces for the pleasure and recreation of the public, it is not proposed to allocate additional allotment space. I should add that a quarter of the total area of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens is allocated to war-time encroachments, of which 14 acres are allotments and 133 acres are devoted to defence purposes. The total area of all the Royal Parks in London is 5,370 acres and more than a half of this area is already alienated to war-time encroachments, including 340 acres for food production.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the numerous appeals which are being made to people to take up allot- ments? Is he aware that it is useless to make these appeals if no allotments are being provided?

I am aware of the requests which are being made. I can assure my hon. Friend that the proper use of parks has been sympathetically considered, but, under the circumstances, we feel that any further encroachment would not be justified.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings why British workmen engaged on urgent war work were taken off that work to build a prisoner of war camp, of which he has been informed, when there were available numbers of Italian prisoners of war doing nothing who were able and available to build this camp for themselves?

As a civilian Department, the Ministry of Works and Buildings is not using prisoners of war for building work, the approved policy being that their use for this purpose should be confined to military Departments, such as the War Office, which can undertake both technical supervision and also the provision of guards and administrative services.

Is not the Parliamentary Secretary's Department responsible to the War Office for building these camps in this way, and would it not be to the national advantage if prisoners of war were used for this purpose?

I can only say that as a civilian Department we are not using prisoners of war.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he is aware that furniture manufacturing firms of old standing in Scotland are being refused schedules and specifications by his Department; who drew up the list of approved firms; and who was responsible for the exclusion of Scottish firms?

Government contracts for woodwork are now being placed only with those firms whose retention in the woodworking industry is considered to be essential to the war effort. The compilation of the list, which of course involved the omission of English and Welsh as well as Scottish firms was undertaken by the Industrial Capacity Committee on which the main Government purchasing Departments are represented.

Did consultations take place with any authority in Scotland as to who were the competent firms for carrying out Government work, and why are restrictions being placed on competent firms to quote for Government contracts?

A considerable surplus capacity exists in the industry, and much of it will have to be restricted. The services so released will be devoted to other war work.

Can I have an answer to my Question? Has any competent person in Scotland, who knows Scotland and who is a competent contractor, been consulted in regard to the compilation of the list?

I can only say that each country, Scotland, England and Wales, was consulted by the Industrial Capacity Committee and that the names which have been reserved have been reserved after discussion.

I shall have to give notice that I shall raise this matter again at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he is now in a position, in view of the difficulties which many local authorities experience in finding suitable premises for British Restaurants, for day nursery and for many other purposes, and in view, also, of the need in certain areas for increased dormitory accommodation, to release materials for surface concrete shelters capable also of being put to the aforementioned day-time uses?

It is doubtful whether surface concrete shelters would be suitable for the alternative purposes mentioned, but if any such proposals were approved by the Departments concerned and labour was available, I would give all possible assistance in making available the materials required.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary take my assurance that in the opinion of several local authorities on the North-East Coast the shelters suggested would be suitable, and can I assure them of his promise to supply the necessary materials?

It is the duty of the local authorities who hold that view to approach the Government Departments concerned to see whether they support them in that point of view. If they support them I will give all possible assistance in making available the materials required.

asked the, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether a Country Planning Bill is likely to be brought in soon, so as to make it possible to study post-war town and country planning at the same time?

I can assure my hon. Friend that the importance of planning town and country together is fully appreciated and that this principle will be recognised in the forthcoming legislation.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether there will be a long interval between the introduction of the Town Planning Bill and the Country Planning Bill?

It is proposed that the Town and Country Planning Bills should be introduced together and that they should not be separated.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that instructions for carrying out the methods of war camouflage, known as counter-shading and dazzle, were promulgated to the Fleet in a General Order, D. 0239/14, on 10th November, 1914; that repeated representations were made by the author of these instructions that they were not being carried out accurately, accompanied by the offer of his voluntary assistance towards putting matters right; whether his offer was accepted; whether the person in question was invited to serve on any of the advisory committees on camouflage or, alternatively, invited to substantiate his criticisms; and, if not, why not?

The document to which the hon. Member refers was promulgated to the Fleet not as an instruction but for information, and it expressly stated that the trial or adoption of proposals made therein was left to the discretion of flag officers, etc., concerned. In consequence, the second and third parts of the Question do not arise. So far as I have been able to trace, the hon. Member was not invited to sit during the last war on any advisory committee on the camouflage of sea-going ships, nor was any formal invitation issued to him to substantiate his criticisms of the policy of the then Board of Admiralty. The reason for the former was that his views were not accepted by the Admiralty, and for the latter that, so far as merchantmen were concerned, a rival system of camouflage had been adopted and was considered satisfactory, while for His Majesty's ships the policy of the Board was not to interfere with the discretion of Commanders-in-Chief. I should like to assure the hon. Member that the proposals he made in 1914 were reviewed some time ago to ensure that in this war no useful idea should be left out of account.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that many master mariners fearing dismissal because of keeping an untidy ship and for asking for additional crew, sail in convoys with their guns uncovered and without gun-watches; and what steps he intends to take?

Very few reports of this nature have been received and there is every indication that the armament of merchant ships is normally kept at instant readiness. Shipowners have been requested to instruct their masters that the defensive organisation must have prior claim over all but essential ship's work. No further instructions are considered necessary, but if my hon. Friend will give me details of any particular cases which have come to his notice, I will have them investigated.

Did the Department take action in regard to the specific cases about which they were informed?

Every case which is brought to our notice has to be investigated.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why, as land air-fields are not always available, an efficient moveable base for aircraft has not yet been finally tested out and approved by the Admiralty?

I an not clear what it is my hon. Friend has in mind. Development of the most efficient moveable base, namely the aircraft carrier, is constantly under review. Transportable runways for land use are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the period of qualifying service required before an officer or rating of the Royal Navy can draw a pension; whether any conditions are laid down regarding conduct in either case; what percentage of Royal Navy officers and ratings did respectively comply with the conditions for pension in the last pre-war year for which statistics are conveniently available; and what percentage of officers and ratings at present in the Royal Navy comply with these conditions?

The grant and assessment of Service pensions to officers and men of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines are governed by a variety of conditions, including conditions as to conduct, which, I regret, cannot be compressed into a short statement. As regards the first and second parts of the Question, I would, therefore, refer my hon. Friend to the general regulations on the subject which appear in the Appendix to the Navy List for December, 1940; for officers on pages 45-63, and for men on pages 96-101. Of those who ceased service during the financial year ended 31st March, 1939, approximately 73 per cent. of the officers and 35 per cent. of the men were granted pensions. I am not quite clear as to the meaning of the last part of the Question, but if my hon. Friend will communicate with me, I will endeavour to furnish such information as he may desire.

May I have a copy of the regulations to which my hon. Friend has referred?

Yes, I will see that my hon. Friend gets one

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered a resolution from the Fife, Clackmannan and Kinross Miners' Union on the question of the Government taking over all the resources of the country, including all property and wealth, sent to him by the hon. Member for West Fife; and what steps does he propose to take in the matter?

This matter was fully dealt with in the speeches of my right hon. Friends the Lord President of the Council and the Minister of Labour in the recent Debate.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Fife Miners Association is particularly interested in mining and that the mining industry is still kept on a voluntary basis? Is it not time that the criminal policy of the mine-owners was ended—

rose—

On a point of Order. In a situation of this kind, where the most terrible dangers are being faced, is it permissible that the mineowners should be tolerated in keeping the industry in such a condition? I have a right to an answer.

That is not for me to answer, but the hon. Member must use proper language in putting supplementary questions.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why no decision has been reached in regard to the production of malt and grain whisky; whether, in view of the importance of the export trade which is taking 50 per cent. of the total production, he will do everything to increase the quantity of whisky produced so that there shall not be an undue shortage for home trade, and that stocks should be distri- buted as widely as possible, having regard to the heavy losses already sustained owing to the concentration of large quantities at a limited number of ports; and whether, in view of the value of this trade from a national point of view, he will recognise the importance to distillers of being able to retain ample basic stock for blending and other purposes, which can only be arranged once the quantities of the raw materials have been laid down?

I regret that I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave my hon. Friend on 26th November.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman recognise that the lack of decision on the part of the Ministry is causing great anxiety and is leading to distress among the employees of distilleries? Is it not reasonable to expect that some allocation should be made in the immediate future?

I am afraid I cannot add to my earlier answer, which was that I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, whether he is aware that the wholesale price of carrots obtained by the' growers is now £6 per ton and the retail price 1½d. per pound, equivalent to £14 per ton, leaving a margin for the dealer and merchant of £8 per ton; and whether he will reconsider these prices with a view to reducing the margin?

Yes, Sir, I am aware of the margin between the ruling price to producers for carrots under the Government guarantee and the current retail price, but as in addition to the remuneration of the dealer and merchant who are referred to in my hon. Friend's Question, this margin has to cover all costs of and incidental to distribution from the growers railway station to the consumer I regard it as in no way excessive. I am unable to agree, therefore, that any reduction of the present margin is called for.

Is it not far too large a margin, considering the possibility of economies under war-time conditions?

The actual margins do not vary greatly from those existing before the war.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether in view of the extent to which the present shortage of supplies, both of food and goods, is being exploited by the production and sale of valueless substitutes, he will introduce legislation to increase the present maximum penalty for this offence, or take other measures to put an end to this practice?

The manufacture of food substitutes except in accordance with the terms of a licence granted by my Department has been prohibited since 27th October, and the sale of unlicensed substitutes has been prohibited since 10th November. As regards the second part of the Question, I am glad of this opportunity of informing the House that an Order in Council has just been made which increases the maximum penalties which can be imposed by the courts for the infringement of Orders made under paragraph (1) of Regulation 55 of the Defence (General) Regulations, 1939. This Order applies so far as the Ministry of Food is concerned, not merely to substitutes but to offences against Maximum Price Orders, hoarding and rationing. The Order provides that in addition to the penalties prescribed under the Defence Regulations there may be imposed an additional monetary penalty equal to three times the value of the goods. The Order in Council also empowers any competent authority to make Orders providing for the seizure and the sale of any article in respect of which an offence is believed to have been committed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why a distinction is drawn, in the regulations affecting the distribution of fruit, between the counties of Northumberland and Berwick, unfavourable to Berwickshire?

No unfavourable distinction is drawn between the counties of Northumberland and Berwickshire in the arrangements for the distribution of imported fruit. The latter county and the borough of Berwick draw supplies from Glasgow. The rest of the county of Northumberland is supplied from Newcastle.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has yet instructed the Somerset County Council to hand over St. John's School, Frome, to the Frome Urban Council, in order that a British Restaurant may be established on those premises, in accordance with the need and best interest of the town?

It has been ascertained from further inquiry that it is not possible to extend the facilities for meals at St. John's School, Frome, because of educational requirements. Arrangements are therefore being made with the Frome Urban District Council to set up in another part of the town a British Restaurant, and as there are no suitable premises available a Nissen hut is being supplied. In all the circumstances I consider this to be the most satisfactory solution to the problem of providing the additional facilities for meals required at Frome.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the claim of the Somerset County Council that these premises were needed for educational purposes is merely a flimsy excuse to prevent them being handed over to the Frome Council, and is not the resultant expense simply made necessary by the reactionary attitude of the Somerset County Council?

I am not in a position to express an opinion about the Somerset County Council, but the hon. Lady is aware that I nave no power to interfere. My information is that this accommodation is required for educational purposes, and obviously if this is so, and it is possible to have an alternative site, the proposed solution ought to be carried out.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will publish periodically through the Press or otherwise a list of representative foodstuffs showing the approximate profit made on the retail and wholesale prices, respectively?

No, Sir.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman appreciate that the publication of such information would be in the public interest and would give some guidance as to profiteering which may or may not exist?

The hon. Member or anyone who wishes can go to the Stationery Office and get all the figures.

Does not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that the whole public cannot go to the Stationery Office?

We cannot really arrange for publication on the lines suggested. All the prices are in the Orders, and anyone who is really interested can see what the margins of profit are.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that there is a growing feeling, in view of the shortage of supply of milk, that there is an undue discrimination in favour of the priority classes as against the rest of the community; and whether he will consider this aspect of the problem?

I am aware that the suggestion has been made in some quarters that the quantities of milk prescribed for the priority classes are unduly generous in relation to the supplies available to the ordinary consumer at the present time. I am not prepared to accept this suggestion. The priority arrangements were made on expert advice which took into account the varying nutritional needs of the different classes of the community. I would remind the hon. Member that large quantities of American condensed milk have been released for non-priority consumers and that milk powder is also available as a supplement to the liquid milk supply.

Will the right hon, and gallant Gentleman read the documents that I have sent in by post supporting my contention?

I have read them and have taken the trouble to go into some of the calculations made, and I am sorry to say that they are grossly inaccurate.

What happens to the milk that is not distributed in schools on Saturdays and Sundays?

Of course, the right hon. and gallant Gentleman understands that these are not my calculations?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food to what extent the quantity of stale fish offered for sale is due to the inability of distributors to afford to purchase sufficient ice, having regard to present maximum prices of fish?

There is no connection between the condition of fish now on the market and the amount of the trade margins permitted. I am satisfied that the margins allowed to distributors under the Fish (Maximum Prices) Order are sufficiently wide to cover the cost of icing to the full extent necessary to keep fish in proper condition.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been drawn to the large number of firms through which foodstuffs now frequently pass between the manufacturer or packer and the retailer, each transaction involving an increment in price for the consumer; and what steps he proposes to take to bring this practice under control?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on this matter to my hon. Friend the Member for Dumbartonshire (Mr. McKinlay) on 2nd December, 1941.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he will consider subsidising "Royal Ordnance factory hostels, so as substantially to lower the present charge of 22s. 6d., rather than subsidising travel from long distances by amounts up to 24s. per week per person, thus inducing greater acceptance by munition workers of hostel accommodation specially constructed for them?

The hostel charge for women operatives was reduced from 25s. per week to 22s. 6d. per week on 17th November. The question whether any reduction beyond this point is necessary or desirable must be considered in the light of experience. The question of modifying the present arrangement for assisted travel in respect of long journeys between home and factory is under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (1) whether he is aware of representations made by the haulage industry that, where and when practicable, goods vehicles should be offered on release from service to the haulage industry when hauliers' applications had been recommended; how many goods vehicles have been released from service and disposed of to hauliers during this year; and how many have been sold to dealers respectively?

I am not aware of the representations referred to in the first Question. Vehicles released from service usually require extensive repairs and are either reconditioned by the Ministry of Supply and released to the Ministry of War Transport for allocation to other Government Departments, or, under the arrangement made with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, are handed over to the respective manufacturers for disposal either as scrap or for repair and sale to operators. After repair, the sale of such vehicles is controlled by the Agreement, a copy of which I sent to my hon. and gallant Friend on 9th October. Vehicles are sold only to operators holding certificates to purchase from the Regional Transport Commissioners of the Ministry of War Transport. Approximately 2,000 goods vehicles have been allotted to the manufacturers under this scheme, of which some have already been repaired and sold to operators. It would involve special inquiries to ascertain the number. Previous to the operation of the present scheme vehicles not considered fit for reconditioning by the Ministry of Supply were disposed of by tender and there was no restriction as to the classification of firms on the tender list. Approximately 400 commercial trucks and 600 commercial vans were disposed of by tender.

Was the tender to which the hon. Gentleman referred in the latter part of his answer made publicly, or was it a private tender? Is it true or not that these vehicles are sold to dealers and not to the trade, and that the dealers make a ring before the vehicles go back?

With regard to the first supplementary question, I should like to have notice of it. As to the second, my statement covers it completely. We make our sales through the Association of Manufacturers.

Is the Association permitted to sell to whom it likes, namely, to a sub-agency dealing direct, or must it sell to the trade itself?

I should like to have notice of that Question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether, in view of the shortage of paper and strawboard supplies, he will grant priority for such necessary supplies to publishers of school-books and educational text-books as will meet their minimum requirements?

Despite the shortage of paper and board, the allocations for book publishing are substantial, and I am not aware of any appreciable shortage of supply of books of the kind referred to.

Is there not a number of complaints coming in from schools as to the bad condition of school books, and is there not an urgent demand for renewal? Also, may I remind the Minister of the difficulty facing publishers of very important university text-books?

That, of course, is true for two reasons—the very heavy destruction of books last year and the comparative shortage of materials; but the allocation to books is higher than that to other classes of use.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply what weekly periodicals, sold at 6d. or more per copy, have been allowed since the war paper supplies of more than the usual 22½ per cent. of their pre-war consumption; and what percentage each of these has been allowed in the first and second years of the war?

Up to the present the allocations of paper have been made to a publisher for all his periodicals and not to the periodicals separately. The allocation was reduced in March last from 33⅓ per cent. of pre-war consumption to 25 per cent. and a further reduction was made in September to 22½ per cent. Information in the form desired by the hon. Member cannot, therefore, be given, but the supplementary ration for periodicals generally in the present rationing period amounts to less than 6 per cent. of the total quota.

In the event of the discontinuance by a publisher of one of his periodicals, is his allotment of paper proportionately reduced?

The original system was that the allocation was made to the publisher, and he could use it among the periodicals that he owned as he liked. Under the new arrangement the allocation is made in respect of each periodical.

Will this new allocation be based on pre-war consumption or on the collective allocation that was first inaugurated?

On the pre-war consumption.

Is paper issued to publications that have been banned?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply why in a certain ordnance factory a Reed Prentice vertical milling machine was installed 11 months ago and has never been used?

This machine is one of three purchased for use pending the delivery of more suitable machines, and considerable use has been made of all of them. One more suitable machine was recently installed and if, as seems probable, it should prove that the machine referred to in the Question will not be required at the factory, it will be put to use elsewhere.

Is it not rather peculiar that this machine should have been standing idle for 11 months? The Minister has not denied that.

My information is that that statement is incorrect. All these machines have been used from time to time and are now to be substituted to some extent by special-purpose machines.

The Minister says that this machine has been used from time to time; can he inform me of the different times when it was standing idle?

I am not an expert on these matters, but I understand that machine tools are like golf clubs in a bag; you cannot play with all the clubs all the time. Some have to be kept all the time for appropriate purposes. Unless you have a special-purposes machine, it cannot be used continuously. This machine belongs to a type that is only occasionally used.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his explanation of the machinery contained in Ordnance factories is hopelessly absurd?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is aware that in the main shop of a factory, the location of which has been made known to him, two Pollard vertical drilling machines have been there for over nine months and have never been in use; and what explanation the management have given him of this idleness?

The factory is planned for the manufacture of alternative types of ammunition, and the machines in question are provided to enable a rapid changeover of production to be made to meet altered Service requirements.

Does the hon. Gentleman deny that this machine was standing idle for nine months?

I find it difficult to give a detailed reply without giving information which I prefer not to give. These special arrangements are made in order to make a rapid change-over from one form of shell to another. For that reason it is necessary to keep some of these machines in case we get a sudden demand for a different type.

Have I not already asked for a special inquiry into this factory as to the reasons why so many machines are standing idle, and has not the Minister refused the inquiry?

My hon. Friend asked me to institute a special inquiry into this factory, and I refused to do it on the ground that we preferred to operate through the machinery we have set up with the trade unions and shop committees, which is now at work.

Is it not the case—

This argument cannot go on.

The information the Minister has given is inaccurate.

I do not know about that, but the hon. Member has had his reply.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is aware that in an ordnance factory, the location of which has been made known to him, a Wicksteed billet-saw has been installed for ten months and has never been used; and what explanation he can give?

I presume the hon. Member is referring to a Wicksteed 10-inch No. 2 Billet Cold Saw which was delivered in July, 1941, in advance of the balancing machines which are just arriving. The machine forms part of a special purpose layout and will commence operation as soon as the complement is complete.

Is it admitted that this machine has been standing idle for the period mentioned?

Yes, it is continually happening when we are building new plant and collecting balancing plant from all over the world and have to deal with priorities for the factories and other needs. It takes several months to bring a complete plant into being with all the rival claims for machine tools.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply why a certain factory, making boxes for ammunition vital to the Army, has been closed down after he had agreed to the work being done to save shipping space; and what action he intends taking about the matter?

The factory referred to consisted of temporary sheds erected on disused tennis courts. As a result of representations from the local district council, the firm concerned vacated the site and transferred their work to other premises where it is still being undertaken. There was no hold-up in production.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is now in a position to announce the decision of his Department in regard to the removal of Belisha beacons.

In view of the large programme of scrap collections now being undertaken, it has been decided not to proceed at present with the removal of Belisha beacons.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies the cause of the lock-out of the Nigerian railwaymen in September of this year; what were the grievances which led up to the dispute; what were the concessions made to the men; whether the men are now satisfied; and what action was taken with the official who locked the men out?

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