asked the Secretary of State for War why Mr. Harold Dickenson, of 12, Hunslet Street, Nelson, Lancashire, aged 40 years, a well-known and highly-respected trade union official, has, in spite of repeated applications, been refused admission as a volunteer to the Home Guard?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the rate of motor mileage allowance paid to members of the Home Guard who use their cars on duty compares unfavourably with the rates paid to Army officers and to members of the Civil Defence services; whether he appreciates that the present rates are insufficient to meet outlays; and whether he will consider authorising an increase in the mileage allowance?

An increase in the rates of motor mileage allowance payable to members of the Home Guard has now been approved and will have effect as from 1st December, 1941. The new rates are equivalent to the rates for the Army and the Civil Defence services.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to a report from the officer commanding 349 Coast Battery, expressing disapproval of officers and men of a vulgar entertainment on 2nd December; is he aware that the Entertainments National Service Association's representative, a local cinema manager, refused to withdraw the show on a request by the Northern Command Welfare Department; and what steps he proposes to take in view of the increasing number of such entertainments provided by the Entertainments National Service Association?

The complaint to which my hon. Friend refers has been brought to my notice and immediate steps have been taken to have the offending act withdrawn.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many units in the Army find that their laundry comes back with articles deficient, mixed up and torn; and what action is being taken to remedy this by improving the present laundry system?

I am not aware of any complaints of this character, but, if my hon. and gallant Friend has any particular case in mind, I shall be glad to look into it.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many commissioned officers over 63 years of age are at present serving in the Army or in other full time paid employment under the War Office?

I regret that the required information is not readily available.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the pay of band-boys in the Army, and by what amounts have the existing rates been increased since the outbreak of war; how much of this daily pay is handed over in cash and what are the amounts deducted for any specified purposes?

The pay of a boy appointed bandsman is 1s. 2d. a day while holding such appointment and until attaining the age of 17½ years. There has been no increase of pay since the outbreak of war. The actual cash paid to a boy bandsman depends on the state of his account and whether he is making a voluntary allotment of pay. The only standing compulsory deduction is the statutory contribution of 6½d. a week in respect of Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Pensions, in the case of boys over 16 years of age. Other compusory deductions may be made from time to time, e.g., for barrack damages or by way of punishment.

asked the Secretary of State for War, what is the amount of the outfit allowances paid to members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service who obtain commissions?

The outfit allowance for Auxiliary Territorial Service officers has recently been increased from £30 to £40. The new rate applies to all officers commissioned on or after 1st July, 1941.

asked the Secretary of State for War the amount of annual leave given to members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service?

Leave in the Auxiliary Territorial Service is arranged on the same percentage basis as in the Army, which normally works out at four periods of seven days' leave and four periods of leave on short pass in the. year. In cases where members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service have husbands or sons serving in the Forces, arrangements are made for them to be on leave at the same time.

asked the Secretary of State for War, why there is a delay of three months in the payment due for outfit allowance to members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service who obtain commissions; and will he take steps to ensure that the amount authorised shall be paid in time for advantage to be taken of any discount for cash payment that may be allowed by tailors?

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to previous arrangements by which outfit allowance for Auxiliary Territorial Service officers was paid in two instalments, the first at the time of commissioning and the second on final acceptance after three months' probation. Under existing rules the whole of the grant is payable on commissioning.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will reconsider the question of allowing serving officers on pay to be sent for duty, whilst officers, to other than War Department services; and whether, in those cases where such officers are no longer required in military units or formations, he will arrange for their ceasing to be officers on being utilised by civilian Departments in the capacity of civilian employees?

A serving officer is not normally allowed to take up civilian employment before he has been officially released from military service. During the period of release he remains liable to recall but does not draw pay from Army funds or wear uniform.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the contents of the White Paper on Price Stabilisation and Industrial Policy, issued last July, still represents the views of His Majesty's Government; and whether developments since that date are regarded by the Treasury as in any way invalidating the fulfilment of the hope expressed in that document?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. As to the second part, the White Paper stated that the policy of price stabilisation will be made impossible and increases of wage rates will defeat their own object unless such increases are regulated in a manner that makes it possible to keep prices and inflationary tendencies under control. The White Paper endeavoured to indicate a relation between cause and effect which, in the Government's opinion, is of permanent validity.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what is the annual consumption of sugar in Great Britain; and what will be the approximate saving to consumers of sugar by the reduction of 1d. per pound of sugar on 19th December?

It would not be in the national interest to disclose the annual consumption of sugar in Great Britain. The reduction of 1d. per pound in the case of sugar purchased for domestic consumption will be equivalent on the basis of the present ration to about £140,000 weekly from 29th December.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether fresh salted cod has been used in any British Restaurants, where facilities for cooking or steaming it exist?

Fresh salted cod is being used in some British Restaurants. The question of popularising the use of this cheap and nutritious foodstuff in British Restaurants has already been under consideration by my Department and a circular will shortly be issued to all authorities operating British Restaurants, drawing attention to the fact that considerable supplies of wet salted cod are available, and providing them with full information on the method of preparing the fish, and with a recipe which has been tested by the Food Advice Division of the Ministry.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food when the demonstration in the use of fresh-salted cod in the form of fish-cakes is to be held in Glasgow; and what hitherto has been the experience of Scottish purveyors of fried fish in using this article of food?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that an experiment is to be made at Manchester to ascertain whether fresh salted cod can be made into fish-cakes for popular consumption; and whether he will announce the result?

Fish cakes made from fresh-salted cod and potatoes are already being marketed in various parts of the country and are proving popular. Demonstrations of the methods of making them are being arranged by the Ministry of Food in association with the National Federation of Fish Friers. A demonstration was recently given in Edinburgh, and another was given in Manchester yesterday. Arrangements are now in hand for a demonstration in Glasgow; and it is hoped to announce the date shortly. The fish cakes have been favourably commented on by fish friers, but a difficulty in developing the trade appears to be that some fish friers lack accommodation for de-salting the fish. Plans to overcome this difficulty are under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether urgent consideration is being given to a reduction in the work now performed by retailers in operating the various rationing schemes of the Ministry, having regard to the acute shortage of labour which now exists in the retail trades?

I fully recognise the extra work which rationing has placed on food traders and the possibility of reducing the volume of this additional work is kept constantly under review. Some simplification of the rationing procedure as it affects the retail trade has recently been effected and further proposals to this end are at present under active consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has considered the resolution passed by a conference of the Fife and Kinross Cooperative Association protesting against the shortage of milk supplies and the inequitable system of distribution; and whether he can now consider action to ensure a fair and equitable allowance to non-priority consumers by means of a complete rationing scheme?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply yesterday to the hon. Members for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher) and Linlithgow (Mr. Mathers).

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the establishment of a British Restaurant in Kirkcaldy has been delayed through failure on the part of his Ministry to provide from a general pool necessary items of cooking equipment; that on 11th July last the Ministry submitted a list of the equipment they were to provide for this restaurant; that on 29th July they sent an advice note of delivery instructions in respect of that equipment, including one potato peeler and one mixing machine which have not yet been delivered; and if he can now expedite delivery?

I am aware that the items of equipment referred to by my hon. Friend have not been delivered. I regret that there has been considerable delay with regard to the supply of certain types of electrical equipment owing to prior demands by Service Departments. Everything possible is being done to overcome the difficulties. I am informed that the British Restaurant was opened on 8th November and I am gratified to know that the local authority is providing a service in spite of the difficulties being experienced. The outstanding items of equipment will be forwarded to Kirkcaldy as soon as they can be obtained.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the difficulty of obtaining haggis; and whether he can do anything to increase the supply of this wholesome and economical food?

I am not aware that any particular difficulty is being experienced in obtaining haggis, but, as my hon. Friend is aware, the total production of all manufactured meat products is governed by the limited supplies of meat available for manufacture. Increased allocations of meat cannot be made for the preparation of haggis or of any other product.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will state precisely the operative instructions which have been issued to millers so as to ensure the correct specification of flour required for the national wheatmeal loaf?

The operative instructions to millers deal with the extraction which is fixed at 85 per cent. with a small tolerance in an upward direction. The instructions also provide that the wheatmeal contains the maximum possible amount of germ and that the coarse bran shall be excluded.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will instruct medical officers of health to institute inquiries in their districts as to the quality and composition of bread supplied under the designation of national wheatmeal, and afford such officers facilities for bringing to exposure and prosecution instances of breach of regulations defining the proper constitution of wheatmeal flour, as set out in the Ministry's Circular 2407, 1941?

The composition of National Wheatmeal is prescribed by Orders made by my right hon. and Noble Friend the Minister of Food, who I understand is inquiring into the question of maintenance of quality.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the black market covering whisky, wines and spirits; and what action he is prepared to take to protect the general public and the licensing trade against exploitation?

I am aware that some members of the public, and some persons licensed to sell wines and spirits are prepared to pay extravagant prices for the limited supplies on the market. I see no reason, however, why my Department should provide protection for such persons.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the black market in wines and spirits; and whether he will take steps, in conjunction with the Board of Trade and Ministry of Food to end this practice by taking powers to restrict and/or cancel wholesalers excise licences, or to grant the same only subject to such conditions as may make it impossible to carry on this black market to the prejudice of those genuinely engaged in the trade?

I have been asked to reply. I am not clear what my hon. Friend has in mind when he refers to a "black market" in the case of goods for which there is no price control. My Noble Friend sees no reason at the present time to prescribe maximum prices for wines and spirits and consequently, in the absence of a breach of the law, there would be no grounds for cancelling licences such as my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the issue of protective clothing to employees in import food packing factories and in creameries, hitherto sanctioned, has now been cancelled; and whether he will reconsider the decision in the interests of the cleanliness and efficiency of those handling these foodstuffs?

The arrangements by which food executive officers could certify the coupon-free supply of overalls to certain workers in the food industry have been withdrawn following the reduction in the coupon value of such overalls from seven to three. At the new rate a worker should be able to obtain a reasonable amount of overalls out of his basic ration without prejudicing his general position, bearing in mind the saving on his ordinary clothing effected by wearing overalls. Any continuance of the former coupon-free arrangements would give the worker an advantage over other members of the community.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the types of food-producing factories where, under new regulations, protective clothing is no longer to be sanctioned to employees; and whether, in all such cases, he will ensure that medical officers approve before such food manufacture is carried out by people in their ordinary clothes?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to-day to my hon. Friend the Member for Stourbridge (Mr. R. Morgan), a copy of which I am sending to him.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now decided to grant supplies of coupon-free wool to local comforts committees whose object is to provide knitted comforts to members of the Forces from their own localities?

No, Sir. Arrangements by which local comforts committees could obtain coupon-free wool for comforts for local men serving in the Force would result in overlapping of distribution and consequent waste of wool.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (1) whether he is aware that reclaimed rubber consumed in this country represents only 7 per cent. of crude rubber consumption compared with nearly 38 per cent. in the United States of America; and why steps have not been taken by the Rubber Control to increase this percentage;(2) whether he is aware that rubber scrap is being exported to the United States of America to be reclaimed and then re-imported; and whether he will take steps to avoid this unnecessary use of shipping space at the present time?

I am aware that the proportion of reclaim used in the United States of America is greater than in this country. Requirements in the two countries are not entirely comparable, but steps are being taken to increase the proportion of reclaim used here. Whether the reclaim should be produced entirely here depends upon technical considerations which are under examination.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether, in the national interest, the Rubber Control can be reconstituted free from personnel interested in the production of crude rubber?

It has been found necessary to recruit staff for Raw Materials Controls from persons with experience of the industries affected, since the requisite commercial and technical knowledge are not otherwise obtainable. While engaged in the service of the Ministry, however, the gentlemen in question are subject to the normal rules regarding active participation in any business connected with the industry.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether in order to maintain fullest production from coal mines throughout the country he will cause the coal mines to carry out the recommendation of the Minister of Labour to munition factories to work through the Christmas period or have only one day's holiday; and if not, for how many and on which days will the coal mines throughout the country be closed during the Christmas period?

My appeal to the colliery districts to adopt the Government's recommendation on this matter is to be further considered by the national representatives Of both sides of the industry and I therefore do not desire to make any statement at this stage.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he has considered the allegations of inefficiency, waste and mismanagement in the group of aircraft factories, the names of which have been given him; and with what result?

The letter to which my hon. Friend refers makes specific allegations to which I will reply when my inquiries are complete. I can, however, at once assure my hon. Friend that the delay in delivery of aircraft from the group of works is not so great as suggested in his letter and, on the whole, my advisers consider that this group of firms, who have had no previous experience whatever in aircraft construction, have tackled the problem with energy and resource.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production what steps are being taken, in view of the loss of warships in the Far East, to intensify our output of aeroplanes in this country?

To intensify the output of aeroplanes in this country is the constant endeavour of my Department. Maximum production is best obtained by long-term planning and there is a limit to the fluctuation in output which can or should result from strategic considerations.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that increasing numbers of women are being called up for National Service, he will take steps to ensure that adequate facilities are provided for those at work to do their shopping; and will he ask local authorities, chambers of commerce and other trade organisations to meet, as far as possible, the special needs of the working population?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 27th November to a Question on the same subject by the hon. Member for Heywood and Rad-cliffe (Mr. Wootton-Davies).

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the case of which particulars have been supplied to him, he will take steps to prevent the employment by any one house-hold of excessive numbers of domestic servants, and to comb out over-staffed establishments in the general effort to build up the services to proper strength and to increase production in industry?

I am considering what practical steps I can take to remove excessive domestic staffs to work of national importance.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many seamen in the Royal Navy were promoted to be officers during the years 1929 to 1939?

The following table has been compiled on the assumption that my hon. Friend is interested only in promotions to executive branch commissions.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has considered certain documentary and photographic evidence which has been put before him; and whether, as a result, he has any further statement to make in connection with camouflage?

The documents to which my hon. Friend refers are now being examined. I cannot make any further statement until this examination has been completed, but I will communicate with my hon. Friend on the subject as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the total amount of Admiralty Prize Court salvage money paid to members of ships' crews for the past 12 months or the most convenient date?

The total amount of salvage money distributed by the Admiralty to naval and civilian ships' crews in the 12 months ended 30th November last was £21,044.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether arrangements have been made in the Navy, similar to those now adopted in the Mercantile Marine, to attach coloured electric lights to rafts and differently coloured lights to lifejackets for the purpose of facilitating the rescue of shipwrecked men?

The arrangements for this purpose in the Royal Navy, though similar to, are different in certain respects from those in the Mercantile Marine. I consider it undesirable to make public the details.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the increased cost of production and cost of living with which rice growers in British Guiana are having to contend, and the increase of only 20 cents per bag which the grower is being paid by the Rice Marketing Board, he will arrange that the charges for rice milling should be controlled, and the growers not subjected to arbitrary increases in these charges?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave yesterday to a Question on the same subject by the hon. Member for Dewsbury (Mr. Riley).

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the statement in paragraphs 61 to 66 in Major Orde Brown's Report on Labour Conditions in West Africa, regarding the acute shortage of housing accommodation for African workers; also the recommendation, in paragraph 78 of the same Report, that a programme, estimated to cost £25,000, should be begun to provide sufficient housing; and will he consider making a grant from the Colonial Welfare Fund for the purpose?

Yes, Sir. The question of the provision of additional housing for labour employed in the Government colliery in Nigeria is receivin close attention and I understand that the Governor intends to submit an application for financial assistance in accordance with the provisions of the Colonial Development and Welfare Act, 1940. The application will be considered as soon as possible after it has been received.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether his attention has been called to a resolution submitted to the Ceylon State Council calling for a commission of inquiry into some alleged excise frauds known as the Arrack scandals; will he make a statement as to the facts; and whether the Colonial Office has any powers of jurisdiction in such cases?

My Noble Friend has received no information about this resolution. I regret, therefore, that I can make no statement on the matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will reinforce the police in the Bath neighbourhood, or take such other measures as may be necessary, to ensure adequate control over the drunken Irish labourers who, molesting both soldiers and civilians, have caused at least one fatal accident at Bath railway station?

There has been one fatal accident at Bath railway station which occurred during the black-out period. The inquest, I am told, failed to disclose the cause of the fatality. As regards the general behaviour of the workmen employed near Bath, my inquiries have not shown that there is any need for strengthening the police force who are well able to cope with the situation.

asked the Home Secretary (1) what steps he proposes to take to prevent a recurrence of the issue of exit permits to persons who speak and write against the policy of the British Government on arrival in other countries; and will he take disciplinary action against those who have already transgressed;(2) whether, before an exit permit to another country is issued, any guarantee is required from the person to whom it is issued to refrain from spreading propaganda inimical to our war effort?

Persons who apply for exit permits to enable them to lecture in the U.S.A. and other applicants who appear likely to engage in propaganda or publicity of any kind are required to obtain the support of a Government Department for their proposed journey and to give an undertaking to return to this country forthwith if required to do so by His Majesty's Ambassador. It would be inconsistent with our traditional policy of freedom of expressions of opinion to refuse an exit permit merely on the ground that an applicant might engage in criticism of the policy of His Majesty's Government, but a permit would not be granted to any person whose public utterances or writings showed that he would be likely to engage, in the country which he proposes to visit, in propaganda inimical to our war effort. These arrangements provide a reasonable check against the mischief which my hon. Friend has in mind, but otherwise there is of course no power to take disciplinary action against persons whose harmful statements do not render them liable to criminal proceedings.

asked the Home Secretary when is the valuation of the land and buildings under the Welsh Church Commissioners likely to be completed; what councils in Wales have been offered any sum on account of transfer of property; and is the valuation referred to required for any other purpose than to distribute the expenses of carrying the Welsh Church Act into execution?

The valuation in question should, I am informed, be completed within six months and is required for the purposes stated in the latter part of the Question. No councils have yet been approached regarding transfer of property but the position is as stated in the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on 4th December. I understand the Commissioners will shortly be communicating with the Councils.

asked the Home Secretary what policy he is recommending to local authorities with regard to the control of damaged and worthless sandbags?

I am not clear what precise point my hon. Friend has in mind. Local Authorities are required by Direction under Regulation 54B of the Defence (General) Regulations, 1939, to collect rags and textiles and to enter on their monthly Salvage return, rendered to Salvage Department (Local Authorities) Ministry of Supply, the amount of sacking and bagging (including damaged sandbags) sold by them or held as stock. They are advised to offer these materials to merchants and should difficulties be experienced to communicate with that Department for guidance.

asked the Home Secretary in what respects the prison service differs from the fighting Services, in which members of the latter may have legal representation at courts-martial; and having regard to the fact that both services are of a disciplinary character; will he concede legal representation to the prison staffs at similar courts at which officers may be tried?

Between the trial of persons subject to military law by courts-martial, which are empowered to impose sentences of imprisonment and penal servitude, and disciplinary inquiries into the conduct of persons employed in a disciplined branch of the Civil Service, there is no analogy, and I am unable to accept the suggestion in the second part of the Question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider making alterations in the prison service so as to ensure proper discipline over inmates and to bring about safe custody; is he aware that many experienced governors have been passed over for promotion by the Prison Commissioners; and that at least three of the present Commissioners have had no practical experience of administration in prisons?

To ensure proper discipline over prisoners and to maintain their safe custody is one of the primary functions of the prison service as at present organised. I know of no ground for the suggestion that in the promotion of prison governors or in the appointment of Prison Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners there has been any failure to give due weight to experience as one of the qualifications of which account must be taken; but it would be a mistake to restrict all the higher appointments to persons whose experience has been confined to prison work. It is advantageous to the service that amongst those responsible for its administration there should be some who can contribute knowledge and ideas gained in other fields.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport the number of accidents that have occurred in Dawes Lane, Scunthorpe, since 1st January, 1940; and how many were fatal?

I am informed that the number of accidents was 33, of which three were fatal.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport to what extent special trains are being provided to bring evacuated school children to their homes for Christmas?

Some extra trains are being provided during this week to bring school children home for their Christmas holidays. It is sometimes better to do this than completely to crowd out ordinary passengers. No such trains will be put on during Christmas week.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport when it is proposed to complete the Western Avenue, which is still a short distance uncompleted at the Uxbridge end; whether he appreciates the considerable delay and inconvenience which is caused to important national traffic by the existing bottleneck; and whether he will take urgent steps to secure the completion of this vitally important scheme?

Work to complete the extension of Western Avenue is proceeding as quickly as circumstances permit.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in the inquiry now being held as to the granting of a subsidy for hill sheep, the claims of Exmoor horn sheep will be taken into consideration?

The terms and conditions of this year's special subsidy for hill sheep were announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland on 25th November and further details were given in a Press announcement of 9th December. I am sending copies of both statements to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is the intention of the Government to consult representative organisations before formulating plans for post-war agriculture, or whether such organisations will be consulted after the Government have adopted plans?

Consultation with representative organisations will take place before detailed post-war plans for agriculture are adopted by the Government.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the London Schoolmasters Association's application for a copy of the Board of Education's Memorandum on Post War Educational Policy has been refused; and whether he will state the reason for this refusal?

The hon. Member is perhaps referring to the National Association of Schoolmasters. The circulation of the memorandum in question has been confined to a list of bodies given in my answer to the hon. Member for the Attercliffe Division of Sheffield (Mr. Wilson) on 31st July. In answer to the last part of the Question, I would refer to my answer to the hon. Member for Neath (Sir W. Jenkins) on 23rd October.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make any arrangement for the convenience of severely disabled ex-servicemen which will avoid their being called up for registration and medical examination, when the evidence in the possession of the Ministry of Pensions makes it quite clear that they are unfit for service.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the raising of the age of military service to 51 years, and the consequent necessary inclusion of a large number of ex-servicemen receiving disablement pensions granted in the last war, he will arrange for the automatic exemption, without requiring registration or examination, of such pensioners?

It would not be practicable to waive the requirement to register but arrangements are already made to enable men who are permanently incapacitated to register by post. Men who are unfit to attend for medical examination are excused the examination on production of satisfactory medical evidence. I will consider whether these arrangements should be extended in the case of men receiving disability pensions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether interest accumulating on the issues of War Savings Certificates made by the Government of Northern Ireland and by several Colonies is subject to United Kingdom Income Tax?

Under the existing law the interest on Ulster Savings Certificates is liable to Income Tax unless the holder is resident and domiciled in Northern Ireland, and the interest on all Colonial issues is liable to Income Tax if the holder is resident in any part of the United Kingdom. The gross proceeds of the sale of the current series of Ulster Savings Certificates and of several Colonial issues of Certificates are, however, being re-lent to His Majesty's Government for the prosecution of the war, and subscribers to those issues (many of whom are persons temporarily in Northern Ireland or the Colonies on War Service) are giving us just as much assistance as if they had subscribed direct to National Savings Certificates. I intend, therefore, to seek Parliament's approval for legislation in my next Finance Bill to ensure that subscribers to these issues, who might be liable to United Kingdom Income Tax on their holdings, are not placed in a worse position as regards that liability by purchasing such Certificates instead of National Savings Certificates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the prohibition of greeting cards, under the Paper Order No. 36, will deprive the Treasury of revenue from Purchase Tax amounting to £600 for every ton of paper used in manufacture; and what steps he proposes to take in view of this loss of revenue?

Yes, Sir. I am aware that the prohibition to which my hon. Friend refers may affect the Purchase Tax revenue from this form of stationery. The primary consideration, however, is the need for conserving supplies of paper; the effect on the revenue is comparatively small and does not call for special action.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the heavy financial losses sustained by Palestine citrus growers, and the destruction of citrus groves owing to the lack of adequate assistance to enable the groves to be kept in cultivation; and whether further remedial measures are in contemplation?

In order to meet the emergency created by the disappearance of the markets for Palestine citrus fruit, measures were taken, as detailed in an answer given to the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Creech Jones) on 9th April, to ensure the continuance of advances in respect of approved well-established groves. At the same time, finance was provided to enable growers to embark on other branches of agriculture and so diversify production. It is fully appreciated that a long continuance of the present crisis in the industry renders necessary a careful review of the mode and extent of the assistance to be granted to it, and such a review will be completed in advance of the next season.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any further information as to the causes of the rise in the mortality from tuberculosis during the past two years; and whether he will consider the possibility that, inasmuch as medical statisticians are agreed that increased incidence of tuberculosis is an indication of lowering of nutrition, one of the factors in this rise may be the negligible nutritive value of the nation's bread as at present supplied?

No, Sir. The causes of the increase in tuberculosis are at present the subject of a special inquiry by the Medical Research Council. This inquiry will have regard to all relevant factors.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of his appeal for women to enter the nursing services, he will now find a post, suitable to her qualifications, for Miss Brownlow, matron, on permanent leave at Farnborough Hospital?

I am in communication with Miss Brownlow with a view to assisting her, if possible, to obtain suitable employment.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered a resolution of the Billingham Urban District Council urging an amendment to the Old Age Pensions Act, 1936, in order to meet the increase in the cost of living; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I have considered the resolution mentioned by my hon. Friend but it is the policy of the Government to meet the situation to which he refers not by increasing the basic rate of old age pensions, but by the provision of supplementary pensions in cases of need.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the exact position of the relations between His Majesty's Government and the Thailand Government, as Thailand appears to have a definite agreement with Japan?

My right hon. Friend has not yet received full information as to the scope of the agreement which, it has been reported, has been concluded between Japan and Thailand to allow for the passage of Japanese troops. If however there is to be any co-operation of Thai forces with the Japanese, His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom would have no alternative but to treat Thailand as an enemy. His Majesty's Government are already in consultation with the other Governments concerned, and in the meantime Thailand is, for economic purposes, being treated as enemy-occupied territory.

asked the Secretary of States for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that Great Britain and the United States of America are now partners in the war, he can come to some mutual arrangement with the American Government to intern citizens of either country in either country who work and speak against the declared policy of the two Governments?

The question of collaboration with the United States Government in matters arising out of the presence in either country of undesirable nationals of the other country is under examination. This examination will, of course, include consideration of the most suitable form of sanction to be exercised against offending persons.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any inquiry is being made into the question of hydroelectric development in Scotland?

Yes, Sir. A Committee has been appointed under the Chairmanship of Lord Cooper. The personnel and terms of reference were announced in a reply to a Question by the hon. Member for East Fife (Mr. Henderson Stewart) on the nth November, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Information what Government Departments interested in coal, gas and electricity were consulted by the British Broadcasting Corporation before they rejected the suggestion made in the Twenty-fourth Report of the Select Committee on National Expenditure?

The B.B.C. consulted the Ministry of Information, who in their turn consulted the Mines Department. Both Departments agreed with the B.B.C.'s decision.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of tighter aircraft at Kota Bharu aerodrome on 7th December?

It would not be in the public interest to give the information asked for by my hon. Friend.