asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the case for exemption of persons liable to unemployment insurance, whether British subjects or aliens, from the payment of arrears which have accumulated while they have been interned or otherwise confined in the interest of national security without trial?

Arrears of unemployment insurance contributions do not accumulate in the circumstances stated. As regards the benefit position of such persons, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Consett (Mr. David Adams) on 16th December.

Having noted the reply, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is aware that this affects a really considerable number of persons whose release from internment shows that they are regarded as reliable and would be available for employment, and will he consult with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary who, I am sure, will be able to confirm that that is so?

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the case for exemption of persons liable to National Health Insurance, including insurance for widows' and orphans' pensions, whether British subjects or aliens, from the payment of arrears which have accumulated while they have been interned or otherwise confined in the interests of national security, without trial?

asked the Minister of Health whether he will arrange that refugees, who were interned under general order, shall be excused payment of National Health Insurance contributions for the period of their internment?

The possibility of excusing the arrears accumulated during the period of detention of these persons has been fully considered, but I am unable to agree that such arrears should be excused in full. As stated in the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Consett (Mr. David Adams) on 16th December, Regulations are being made under which these persons may safeguard their health insurance and pensions rights by paying, within a reasonable period after their release, contributions at a reduced rate for the period of detention.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the resources of these people are so much depleted through their detention, through no fault of their own, that it is very difficult for them to pay off arrears?

My hon. Friend will realise that we are trying to meet that. These people are being treated very favourably in being allowed to redeem their arrears at reduced rates.

Can my right hon. Friend say what the reduced rates are?

The reduced rates are: men, 1s. 4d., and women, 11d., against 1s. 10d. and 1s. 5d.

Would the right hon. Gentleman look at a case of an internee who is ill while interned, and who, if he had been at liberty, would have been a recipient, and in that case excuse the arrears?

It may be that other points would come in there. I would not like to answer that offhand.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will continue to use the services of local authorities for the payment of wages and accounts payable by the National Fire Service, or whether he proposes to establish a separate financial branch of the Fire Service?

The National Fire Service organisation includes provision for matters such as the payment of wages, accounts for goods supplied and other running expenses and I hope the transfer of this part of the financial and accounting work will be effected shortly. The payment of accounts in connection with the repair and maintenance of buildings, a function which remains for the most part with the local authorities for the present, will remain in their hands for the time being. I should like to take this opportunity to say how grateful I am to the local authorities and their officers for the great assistance they have given and are giving in this way.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that, during the war, separate finance arrangements will not create an enormous waste of man-power and labour? Why not carry on with the present system for the duration of the war?

I naturally gave that point favourable consideration, but there is the difficulty that the fire force areas extend over many local authority areas and the conscription of men does not make the position any easier. Furthermore, local authorities are anxious to be relieved of this work. Otherwise, I should have been in favour of the suggestion made by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Will my right hon. Friend continue to watch how the situation develops?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will investigate what proportion of full-time women Civil Defence workers are working shifts which amount to the minimum of 48 hours per week and no longer; and whether, in view of the growing shortage of woman-power, he will now require a rearrangement of shifts and a longer minimum week, combined with an adjustment of pay, so that women who are surplus to requirements on the new basis may be set free for other forms of war work?

The whole subject is under examination.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make a statement showing how the prospects of bringing refugees interned in Australia back to this country or sending them to the' United States of America when qualified for entry there are affected by the war in the Far East; and what are now the prospects of their being released for temporary employment within Australia in cases where they are considered on security grounds to be eligible for release?

I regret that I am not in a position to make any statement on either of the issues raised by my hon. Friend.

In view of the obvious difficulties in the way of bringing these people back from Australia in present circumstances, could not the right hon. Gentleman make a real effort to rouse the people of Australia to understand the amount of really valuable war effort that they are wasting in respect of the people who are interned and who are longing to take part in that war effort in order, in their own words, to "have a go" at Hitler?

It would be unwise for the House or for myself publicly to intervene in the immigration policy of the Commonwealth of Australia. It is a tricky subject, and the Commonwealth of Australia has strong views about it. I do not think that course would be wise, and the moment is inappropriate, in view of the difficulties with which Australia is faced, for me to attempt to rouse Australia on this subject. Australia is at the moment roused about something else.

asked the Home Secretary how many Germans have been convicted and executed as spies and how many British subjects since the outbreak of war?

All the information which can properly be given in this matter has already been made public.

Ought not Sir Oswald Mosley to be tried and convicted?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether a decision has yet been reached as to the accommodation of all regional offices in one building in a city of which he has been informed; whether his attention has been directed by the local authorities concerned to the large, partly erected premises, proposed as county offices immediately adjoining that city, and upon which further building work has ceased; and whether he will consider the acquisition of those premises and not commence the erection of any new offices with this site standing idle?

It is not proposed to concentrate all the regional offices in the way suggested; but the possibility of using the half-finished building instead of erecting temporary offices is under consideration with representatives of the county council. No scheme has yet been agreed.

May I take it that there has been no decision reached about these premises? Will my hon. Friend bear in mind at all times the great cost of erecting new offices?

No decision has been taken yet. Full consultation is taking place with representatives of the county council, and the points made by my hon. and gallant Friend are under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any steps are being taken to establish Home Guards in India on the British models?

There is nothing precisely similar to the Home Guard in India, where conditions and needs differ from those in this country. Opportunities for voluntary part-time service have been provided hitherto for both Europeans and Indians in the Indian Auxiliary Force and the Indian Territorial Force, the latter of which has now for the most part been converted into regular battalions. Despite its civilian nature I must also mention the Civic Guards, an organisation initiated in the various Provinces in June of last year, to assist the regular police and to undertake duties connected with Air Raid Precautions, anti-sabotage and various other important aspects of internal defence.

May I ask, in the first place, whether that Answer applies to Burma? Is anything more being done in Burma at the present time? Secondly, I would ask whether there is any sort of demand in India itself for Civil Defence measures such as there was in this country?

As regards Burma, I should like to have notice of the Question. With regard to India, there has been a demand of a general character in some quarters.

asked the Secretary of State for India what action has been taken for the protection of the people of Bengal, Behar and Assam, large parts of which will shortly be within the range of Japanese bombing planes; and what arrangements have been made for shelter accommodation and feeding in the event of bombing operations?

I am unable to give details of the Air Raid Precaution measures in the Provinces mentioned, but I can assure the hon. Member that over recent months the Civil Defence Department of the Central Government, whose function is to stimulate and co-ordinate the efforts of the Provincial authorities, has been very active in extending and strengthening local organisations. For this purpose it has obtained the services as instructors of officers with practical experience of air raid conditions in this country. I understand that conditions in India are held by expert opinion to be unsuitable in general for covered shelter on an extensive scale but that in certain areas trench shelters have been provided. In the main, resort will probably be had to dispersal of the population from crowded areas to temporary camps. Plans have been made, for example in Calcutta, for the relief of people rendered homeless.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this area there are some 80,000,000 people who have not even housing accommodation, and how does he expect to protect them against bombing raids?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that at a public meeting held at Nagpur the Deputy Commissioner described Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru as a Quisling; that there was such an uproar at the meeting that the Deputy Commissioner was forced to leave; and whether he intends taking any action in the matter?

I have no information on this matter, but am making inquiries and will inform the hon. Member of the result.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the grave developments in the Eastern situation, he is prepared to make a statement with a view to an immediate settlement of the Indian question?

asked the Seretary of State for India what action is being taken by His Majesty's Governmenut to take the quickest and fullest advantage of the changed position in the Far East, both outside and inside India; and whether it is intended to make an immediate and wholehearted effort to end the present unsatisfactory state of affairs throughout India?

The hon. Members will no doubt have seen in the Press the moving and earnest appeal for unity and co-operation made by the Viceroy to the people of India in his speech before the Associated Chambers of Commerce on 15th December. I would only add that this appeal has my whole-hearted support.

Seeing that similar appeals in the past have been ineffectual, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied, in view of the present position in the Far East, that there is not great danger of a large amount of Fifth-Column work going on in India and of our war effort there being undermined by such work?

No, Sir. I am not aware of that danger.

Has the right hon. gentleman seen the statement made by the President of Congress, and is there any change in the attitude of His Majesty's Government such as would enable the President of Congress and his followers to change their attitude?

We are doing all we can in the matter.

Instead of talking of moving appeals, would it not be better if a first move came from His Majesty's Government?

Any moves would naturally come from the Viceroy, and the Viceroy has done all in his power to bring the parties together.

Is the Minister not prepared to invite the leaders of Congress to begin setting up an independent Constitution for India? It is the one sure way of getting the Indian people interested.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, having regard to the war situation in the Far East and the threat to India arising therefrom, he will reconsider the proposals already brought to his notice for the establishment of a motor transport manufacturing industry?

I am afraid that the extension of the war has not increased the resources available for the establishment of an automobile industry in India or afforded grounds for reconsideration of a decision taken solely from the point of view of securing India's maximum contribution to the war effort.

But surely it would be an advantage in these times to develop any sort of industry which has some relation to the war effort? The right hon. gentleman had suggestions submitted to him from India, but they would seem to have received only the most cursory consideration.

The matter has been most carefully considered, and the conclusion arrived at is that any attempt to set up this industry now would divert both labour and machinery which are more urgently needed for the war.

Is not this another case of too long delay? This proposal was submitted months ago.

I cannot agree that there has been delay.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say what were the considerations which led to the conclusion to which he has referred?

The proposal submitted was one for starting this industry after the war. The Government of India concluded that it could not profitably give the necessary priority in regard to the provision of machinery and labour.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the beneficiaries under the Welsh Church Acts view with alarm the prospect of the re-appointment of the Welsh Church Commissioners, after the expiry of their term in November, 1942; and whether he will consider introducing legislation to wind up the Commission or appoint new commissioners?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative, and as to the second and third parts I cannot now say what action it may be desirable to take when the continuance of the Commission comes up for review in December next year.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the beneficiaries under the Welsh Church Acts are rather discontented with him and with what they regard as the dilatory methods of the Commission, and in particular are discontented at finding that the expenses of the Welsh Church Commission exceed £1,000 per month?

This body is faced with a very complicated task imposed upon it by Parliament. I am anxious, of course, that it shall proceed with all practicable speed and will do anything I can to assist that end, but it is a complicated business.

When will the right hon. Gentleman be able to get down to this business? Is he not aware that there is great dissatisfaction in Wales over the whole position?

I have answered all the Questions that have been put to me.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Welsh Church Commissioners have any scheme of superannuation for the personnel of the Commission to provide against the loss of their employment when the Commission is wound up, or for their absorption into the ranks of the permanent Civil Service?

There is no special scheme of superannuation for the personnel of the Welsh Church Commission, who have all been engaged on the understanding that their employment is on a temporary basis. I understand however that the Treasury has agreed with the Commissioners that they may award gratuities to members of the staff in accordance with Section 4 of the Superannuation Act, 1887, under which gratuities are calculated for unestablished Civil Servants. As regards employment in the Civil Service when the Commission ceases, an endeavour will be made to absorb the staff into the Service. No guarantee can be given as the matter must be considered in the light of circumstances then prevailing, and must be subject to the suitability of the officer concerned.

I should like to thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, which, I am sure, will give great satisfaction to those concerned.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give for the years 1939 and 1940 the respective numbers of motorists prosecuted and convicted for the following offences: manslaughter, dangerous driving, driving under the influence of drink, exceeding a speed limit, neglect of traffic directions and failure to stop after an accident?

I regret that these particulars are not available, though it will be possible to give certain figures for the year 1939 in relation to dangerous driving and similar offences under the headings which appear in Table C of the annual volume of criminal statistics, which was last published in respect of the year 1938. I will send these figures to my hon. and gallant Friend when they have been extracted.

In view of the number of accidents on the roads, would the right hon. Gentleman consider whether these figures could be made available in future?

I will consider it, but my hon. Friend will no doubt appreciate the fact that, with the existing pressure upon Government Departments, we have to be careful not to spread our efforts too wide.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information about the case of a young girl who was in the care of a woman charged, at the South-Western Police Court, with assaulting this girl of 16 years of age; and whether he has any statement to make on the criticism passed on the East Sussex County Council by the stipendiary of the police court?

My hon. Friend no doubt has in mind a case in which on 14th December a woman was fined £25 and ordered to pay 10 guineas costs on conviction of an offence of aggravated assault on a 16-year-old girl who had been employed by her as a domestic servant. I understand that the girl had been in the care of the East Sussex County Council, but on the limited information which I have succeeded in obtaining in the short time available I am not in a position to make any comment on this aspect of the matter. I am informed that the girl is to be brought before a juvenile court within the next few days under the Children and Young Persons Act, as a young person in need of care and protection.

Would my right hon. Friend use his good offices to see that this young girl is placed under proper control and is put into the hands of a decent person?

We will keep the case under observation and endeavour to keep my hon. Friend informed.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to adjudications by the justices at St. Clears, on 5th December last, whereby the same fine of £1 was imposed upon a defendant for adulterating eight and a half gallons of milk with two gallons of water and upon another defendant, a widow living upon 18s. per week public assistance, for a black-out offence; and whether he will circularise justices with a view to getting greater uniformity in fines?

In the Home Office memorandum giving advice to justices on the subject of fines, special attention was called to the importance of taking account of the means of poor people. In the absence of any information as to the circumstances which may have been before the court in these two cases, it would not be right for me to comment on the action of the justices, but as regards the first of the offences specified in the Question, I would refer to the answer which I gave on nth December to a Question by my hon. Friend, the Member for Pontypridd (Mr. Pearson).

Will not my right hon. Friend investigate more fully the circumstances of these two offences? Will he be prepared to take some action if the summary is found to be justified upon the fuller investigations?

If further information is available, I will look at it, but the Home Secretary must not become a substitute for the courts of law. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] I am glad to note that on that point I have the concurrence of hon. Members.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the recent escape of Thursion from Dartmoor was due to the relaxation of the regulations concerning the treatment of prisoners who had previously escaped from prison; that four prison officer:; were punished as the result of the escape; and whether he will consider remitting the punishments that have been imposed on these officers in favour of taking appropriate action against higher officials of the prison service who were responsible for the decision not to apply the appropriate rules in Thurston's case, thereby assisting in this prisoner's escape?

I know of no foundation for the suggestion that officers at Dartmoor Prison were instructed or authorised to relax in Thurston's case any of the regulations as to the treatment of prisoners who have previously escaped. Disciplinary awards were made against three officers for failing to carry out certain prescribed precautions, and I am not aware of any reason for reconsidering these awards.

Is the Minister aware of the deep sense of injustice among officers at the punishment that has been inflicted, and of the allegation that is being made, according to the information supplied to me that the special regulations which ought to have been put into operation against the escaped prisoners were not put into operation by higher officers, while junior officers have been punished?

I think my hon. Friend is wrongly informed. As a matter of fact the punishment was quite light and I do not think that any feeling of injustice could be justified.

asked the Home Secretary how many police under 40 years of age are serving in the police forces of every kind in the United Kingdom?

It would be contrary to the national interest to give figures which would assist the enemy to piece together information about the disposal of our man-power.

Could not the more elderly police be used to arrest us in war-time?

We have already given up a considerable number of the younger members of the police force. In view of the war, the possibility of air raids and other difficulties which arise in war-time it must be remembered that if the British police force became a force of elderly men it would be very bad for the country.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the extent to which entry into certain of the professions is being restricted owing to the inability of pupils' parents to pay the necessary premiums, and whether he proposes to take any steps to deal with the matter?

I have recently seen correspondence in the Press on this matter. It is difficult for my Department to alleviate the position.

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take any steps to implement the recommendations of the Departmental Committee that local government officers should not ask their pupils for any premiums?

I will certainly look into the point.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he proposes to use some of the vacant places in public schools for evacuated secondary school boys in areas where the secondary schools are already full to overflowing?

As my hon. Friend is aware the majority of the public schools do not come within my jurisdiction, but I am informed that a certain number of public boarding schools have already provided accommodation for evacuated secondary school parties. I have no doubt that others will be prepared to make a similar offer, if the need arises and circumstances permit.

In view of the fact that there are secondary schools where the education and the health of those present are endangered, will not the right hon. Gentleman consult with some public school headmasters whether they can help to relieve the pressure?

I am willing to consider any facts brought to my notice.

Is it necessary to ask the permission of the public schools whether they will put the available accommodation at the disposal of the right hon. Gentleman? Has he not power to take these public schools over, as other forms of property are being taken?

As I have informed the House, if circumstances demand further accommodation for secondary school scholars, no doubt, if the facts are brought to the notice of the public schools, they will take the necessary action. If facts are brought to my attention, I will look into them.

That is not an answer to my question. I submit that in view of the shortage of accommodation in secondary schools, the right hon. Gentleman should find out what accommodation is available in public schools and take it over.

I have stated that the majority of the public schools do not fall within my jurisdiction, but if circumstances are brought to my attention in which secondary school scholars are suffering, I will certainly take any steps possible to alleviate their position.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many children, under the age of seven, are now not receiving full-time education?

The returns received from local education authorities are not in a form which enables me to give my hon. Friend the particulars he desires.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Mrs. Sullivan, of Leigh, has had £5 8s. deducted from her pension and she claims she has not had any relief from the Assistance Board; and will he have inquiries made to find out why this was done?

The deduction to which my hon. Friend refers was made, in accordance with the provisions of Section 12 of the Old Age and Widows' Pensions Act, 1940, from arrears of old age pension awarded to Mrs. Sullivan for the period between her sixtieth birthday and the date of her husband's death.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this lady was bombed out from her home and that her husband died from the effects of the shock? Surely in a case like that something ought to be done.

I have, as my hon. Friend knows, written a long letter about it. The hon. Member also knows what the difficulty was. A considerable amount of inquiry was necessary because this lady did not fill up the forms correctly. [Interruption.] It is a fact. He knows also that we have shown a very sympathetic attitude about the matter, and that she is now receiving a supplementary pension of 8s. a week. It the hon. Member wishes to put any further point forward, I shall be very glad to consider it.

Is it the intention to suspend any other such deductions?

There are, of course, certain provisions, namely, the Regulations passed in 1940, which govern the whole matter.

asked the Minister of Health how many war-time day nurseries have now been established?

The last monthly return, on 30th November, showed 195 war-time day nurseries in operation, a further 209 approved and a further 264 in preparation.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that the only test of his machinery is the number open, and is he aware that even in the city where he and the President of the Board of Education live the local education authority and the child welfare committee have only just met after two years of warfare, and will he hand the question over to authorities which really understand the position?

I will do no such thing. As a matter of fact, my hon. Friend should realise that he should be the last person to talk about two years ago.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many persons paid from public funds are in receipt of salaries and/or other emoluments free of Income Tax; what is the annual loss to the Treasury thereby occasioned; whether this policy or practice will be discontinued; and whether there have been any recent changes?

Except in the case of a limited and relatively very small number of cases, persons in receipt of salaries or other emoluments paid from public funds are liable to Income Tax in the ordinary way, and there has been no recent change of policy in that regard. This rule is only departed from for wholly exceptional reasons, and the cases are financially insignificant.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many such exceptional cases there are, and what is the amount involved?

There are very few, and I did not. want to trouble the Departments to give me the returns. The cost to the Treasury is insignificant.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why there should be any such cases?

There is a certain number of cases of non-British persons whose services are being utilised for war purposes and who have come over and are helping us.

Why should they not pay Income Tax like everybody else?

They came over here to help us.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many accounts of British nationals, who were resident in the United Kingdom at the beginning of the war and are now outside the sterling area, have been blocked under the Amendment to the Defence (Finance) Regulations of nth November, 1941; the amount of money involved in each case and the names of the individuals concerned; and whether it is proposed to take any further action to compel a contribution to the national war effort from these persons?

Examination of various cases is proceeding, but takes time to complete. I am not prepared to publish names. As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to my previous replies.

Will my right hon. Friend in due course publish the number of cases in which action has been taken and the total amount involved?

I will look into that.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what proportion of the staff of the offices at present evacuated to seaside and provincial towns will be granted leave, with or without travel vouchers, during Christmas week?

Instructions have been issued that no leave is to be granted to civil servants which involves long distance railway travel between 24th and 28th December inclusive. An exception is made in the case of compassionate leave. This action corresponds with that taken with regard to members of His Majesty's Forces.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that, while such instructions may have been issued, large numbers of civil servants in certain areas which I could mention to him privately have themselves hired public service vehicles from private contractors, and that journeys are to be made 240 miles to London next week?

I am afraid I know nothing about that.

But did you issue the passes?

asked the Minister of Information whether he is satisfied with the arrangements now in force for providing suitable speakers for the weekly war commentaries throughout the country; and what complaints he has received?

There is no uniform system of weekly war commentaries throughout the country, but the Ministry has been able to secure a sufficient supply of suitable speakers to meet the demand for this type of meeting where it exists. My right hon. Friend is not aware of any complaints in this connection, except the case to which I think my hon. and gallant Friend refers, in which some objection was taken to a sitting Member addressing such meetings in his own constituency.

Will my hon. Friend say who decides on the qualifications which justify these speakers being selected?

I cannot go through the whole list of their qualifications, but they are very carefully considered, and they are not permitted to address meetings unless they are apparently capable of giving a good address.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if he is ever in any difficulty for speakers, I can supply him with some?

asked the Minister of Information why, on a recent occasion, a telephone conversation in Welsh between a parent in North Wales and his soldier son in Northern Ireland was prohibited by the Liverpool Telephone Exchange?

For defence reasons all telephone conversations between Great Britain and Ireland, including Northern Ireland, must be conducted in English.

Is my hon. Friend aware that there are millions of patriotic Welsh-speaking citizens in this country, and hundreds of thousands of them in the City of Liverpool alone, and cannot he provide two or three Welsh-speaking persons at the Central Exchange in Liverpool?

I have given my hon. Friend the answer, and as far as the point which he raises is concerned, I will see that it is given consideration.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that, six days after Japan declared war, members of local information committees received by post Ministry of Information's weekly war commentary, entitled "Inside the News," stating that there are numerous signs that General Tojo's. administration are reluctant to embark on the gamble of a war; and will he consider whether it is necessary to continue the issue of this weekly commentary?

Yes, Sir. I must point out that the commentary in question was dated 4th December and contained quite a fair summary of the indications for and against war in the Pacific as at that date. It is obvious that it was out of date when distributed, and my right hon. Friend is looking into the whole question of its issue and distribution.

What useful purpose is served by sending out thousands of these long letters—anonymous letters—every week to busy people when they contain a rehash of what they have already read in the newspapers? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that since this Question was put down No. 101 has been sent out, containing a statement which has since been directly contradicted by the President of the United States of America?

The point which the hon. Member has raised in his Supplementary Question is now being given very serious consideration by the Ministry.

To whom are these letters sent?

asked the Minister of Information why he stopped a proposed broadcast by J. E. W. Gibb, which he had been invited by the British Broadcasting Corporation to give on Tuesday, 2nd December, on Regulation 18B?

The proposed broadcast was abandoned by the B.B.C. at the request of the Ministry of Information. There were defects in the arrangements for this broadcast which my right hon. Friend much regrets, and he would like to express his apologies to Mr. Gibb for any inconvenience and embarrassment caused to him.

Is it not really a fact that this broadcast, which I have in my hand, was an impartial description of a Debate that took place in this House and that the real reason it was stopped was that the Home Secretary objected to it because it contained some criticism? Is it now to be the policy of the Ministry of Information that no one is to be allowed to broadcast unless they express exactly the. views of the Government?

One of the difficulties in the arrangements to which I referred in my answer was that the script was received by the Ministry of Information only at a very late hour, and when the text was received some doubt was felt whether it was an impartial statement of the case, and it was thought right to consult the Home Secretary. He expressed the view that while there could be no objection to the B.B.C. putting before the public the arguments on both sides of the question in dispute by debate between opposing speakers, the proposed talk did not give an impartial statement and was, in a material point, inaccurate. For this reason the proposed broadcast was cancelled.

Will the hon. Gentleman, in common fairness, allow this broadcast to be made public, so that the House can judge for itself why this gentleman, who is a director of the "Economist," not by any means a politician—he arranged to broadcast only at the special request of the B.B.C.—when he arrived about an hour before the time of the broadcast was stopped, merely because the broadcast contained one or two passages in criticism of the policy of the Government?

Will steps be taken to invite Mr. Gibb to broadcast again?

So far as publicity is concerned, there are ways and means of getting publicity other than by broadcasting. If any question of a debate were to arise, no doubt the claims of Mr. Gibb to take part in the debate would be given very serious consideration.

Is it the policy of the Government that there shall be no broadcast unless in the form of a debate when the broadcaster is not a nominee of the Government?

I should have thought that my right hon. Friend would agree that it is undesirable there should be a broadcast of a partisan statement on an acutely controversial subject.

Will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that those of us who occasionally speak in the country at weekends shall be allowed to make what are alleged to be impartial statements without the consent of the Home Secretary?

I beg to give notice that I shall take the earliest opportunity of raising this question?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is satisfied that the de-restriction on the manufacture of low-priced unornamented utility cups and saucers is having any effect upon the availability of such articles; and whether, in view of the concentration of certain mass-producers of these articles in other firms of dissimilar manufacture, he will give some concession in export restrictions to those able to manufacture these commodities but who have no available material for the purpose under present control?

The general licence for the production of undecorated ware only became effective on 1st December. It is therefore too soon to judge the effect of the arrangement to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers as it must necessarily take some little time for manufacturers to adjust their production and for supplies to reach the retailers. As regards the second part of the Question, I am not clear what my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind since there is at present no restriction on exports of decorated or other pottery and no control of the essential raw materials of the pottery industry.

In view of the difficulty there is in getting such articles, will my hon. and gallant Friend consider representations from the trade showing how impossible it is, in view of the doubtful type of concentration taking place, to get these materials and see if some step can be taken to put these cheap goods back on the market?

The Board of Trade are always glad to consider representations from the trade.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consult with the workers who have to pay for a cup and saucer three times what they had to pay in 1939?

asked the President of the Board of Trade, what arrangements exist for enabling women, who are replacing men in garages and other places where boiler suits and other protective clothing is required to obtain these without coupons?

Boiler suits are now obtainable at the reduced rate of four coupons, and women workers in garages should be able to obtain a reasonable number of these out of their ordinary ration of 66 coupons. A continuance of the former arrangements under which boiler suits were obtainable coupon-free would give these workers an advantage over the rest of the community, bearing in mind the saving of other clothing effected by wearing such overalls.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether owners of one-man businesses who have been called up, and whose businesses have as a consequence to be closed down, will be automatically allowed to resume trading activities immediately when the war ends?

There is nothing in the Location of Retail Businesses Orders to prevent a trader who carried on a retail business at any premises during any part of the basic period from setting up business again in those premises after the war. Moreover, in his absence no other person may, except under licence, carry on a retail business of a kind covered by the Orders in those premises unless the goodwill of his business has been assigned to him by the original trader.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, as he has decided to distribute the fruit juices and cod liver oil for young children through child welfare centres, he will now make the receipt of national milk for nursing and expectant mothers and children up to five years of age contin- gent upon the children concerned attending the child welfare centres and thus secure the return to these centres of many thousands of children lost to them due to the general distribution of national milk?

No, Sir. I appreciate the purpose which my hon. Friend has in mind, but I could not accept a proposal which would inevitably have the effect of reducing the number of children receiving benefit under the National Milk Scheme.

Is the Minister aware that, since milk is now being generally distributed, and not distributed through the maternity and child welfare centres, some 30 to 50 per cent. of the children do not now attend these centres, and that they are losing substantially as a result?

I cannot accept the statement that they are losing substantially, because the original purpose of these centres was to advise the mothers, and not to distribute milk. Since the National Milk Scheme has come into operation, milk is received by the mothers without going to the centres, but it is open to them to go there for advice, which is the primary purpose of the centres.

As a matter of fact, have not mothers stopped going there, because they obtain the milk elsewhere?

The primary purpose of the centres is not to distribute milk, but to give advice. If the mothers are getting milk elsewhere, they can still go to the centres for advice.

But they are not doing so.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the changed war situation, involving the British Empire in operations on a world-wide scale, he will now consider the formation of an Empire War Cabinet for the purpose of obtaining the closest co-operation between the British Commonwealth of Nations on propaganda, production and strategy?

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has at present nothing to add to previous statements made on behalf of the Government on this subject, except to repeat that we have constantly under consideration the best methods of ensuring the closest co-operation with the other members of the British Commonwealth in the prosecution of the war in which we are all engaged.

In view of the fact that the war has now spread to the gateway to India and Australasia, is it not time that the Government took steps to mobilise the full resources of the British Empire, including India, under an Empire War Cabinet, or must we again wait for the inexorable march of events?

How is it possible for departmental Ministers, already so overburdened by their activities, to take on this tremendous responsibility of directing the war effort?

If I cannot have an answer to my Supplementary Question, I wish to ask this: The right hon. Gentleman said that certain discussions are going on with the object of concerting Allied war plans, can he say whether the Dominion representatives are present at these discussions?

I think the hon. Member did not hear quite what I said. I said that we have constantly under consideration the best methods. That does not mean that the Committee is sitting. We are in constant consultation on these matters with the Prime Ministers of the Commonwealth.

In view of the very different situation now, will the right hon. Gentleman impress upon the Prime Minister that there is a strong feeling in the House and the country for the immediate formation of an Empire War Cabinet?

Owing to the urgency of this question and the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise this on the Adjournment as soon as possible.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the urgent demand for labour, he will arrange that the War Office take over the building of their camps from the Ministry of Works and Buildings with a view to using Italian prisoners of war for this work, thereby releasing British workmen for urgent work elsewhere?

All Italian prisoners in this country are already fully employed on work of national importance, including the construction of prisoner of war camps. The transfer of responsibility for the building of prisoner of war camps from the Ministry of Works and Buildings to the War Office would not have any effect on the total amount of labour available.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that it will cause the deepest apprehension and fear in the country if any more work is given to the War Office? We would like to have the war taken away from the War Office if we could.

I thought the hon. Member supported the National Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider setting up a Select Committee to inquire whether the fact that Members are entitled to take subsistence allowances for fire-watching duties at the Palace of Westminster disqualifies them as holding offices of profit under the Crown?

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is advised that Members who, under arrangements that have been made, may claim and receive subsistence allowance in the circumstances referred to in the Question are not disqualified from sitting and voting as Members of the House. I do not, therefore, think it necessary to ask the House to set up a Select Committee.

In view of the assurance which the right hon. Gentleman has given, will he endeavour to encourage those who can conveniently do this work, but who are not helping those of us who are?

I am quite sure that if hesitation to join in the work was due to apprehension about their position, that apprehension has now been removed.

asked the Prime Minister whether there has been arranged an exchange of senior staff officers between the Chinese High Command and the British Commander-in-Chief in the Far East, with a view to ensuring close co-ordination of all operations being carried out by China and ourselves and the Allies against Japan?

While it would not be in the public interest to go into detail on a matter of this kind, I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that our arrangements for co-ordination with the Chinese High Command are well advanced.

How many British commanders-in-chief are there in the Far East? If there is only one, does he have command over the operations by all arms or not?

The hon. Member should put down a Question of that kind.

asked the Prime Minister, since attention has repeatedly been drawn to the inadequate use made of the camouflage principle known as compensative or counter-shading, and in particular to a group of guns erroneously counter-shaded, whether he will place the whole subject of the use of paint in war camouflage immediately under the supervision of a competent expert in this branch of biological science?

The principle of counter-shading is well understood by those responsible for camouflage design. It is only one of the factors which must be considered in determining the most effective use of paint for camouflage purposes.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, owing to the prohibition of general leave for men in the Fighting Services, accommodation for temporary lodgings in towns and villages nearby to camps and war stations is becoming taxed to capacity, due to the desire of soldiers' and airmen's wives and families to be near their menfolk during the Christmas period; and whether he will modify the orders for the week-end 20th to 21st December?

My hon. Friend appears to be under a misapprehension. As my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport explained in answer to the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander), on 3rd December, the normal amount of privilege leave will be given during the Christmas period, but it has been so arranged as to avoid travel by long-distance trains during 24th to 28th December inclusive. The only restriction during the week-end of 20th and 21st December will be in respect of short-pass leave, and the object of this restriction is to enable a higher percentage of men to be sent home on privilege leave on those days.

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether it is his intention to set up a committee to consider the post-war problems of Wales and Monmouthshire?

I have this matter under consideration, and hope to make an announcement shortly.