asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what penalties are provided for breach of the instructions issued by the Ministry for the manufacture of the national wheatmeal loaf; what machinery exists for the exposure of such offences comparable with that which deals with adulteration of food; and whether any prosecutions have been instituted?

The instructions for the manufacture of the national wheatmeal loaf are contained in the Bread (Control and Maximum Prices) Order, 1941, S.R. & O. 1542. An infringement of this Order would be an offence against the Defence General Regulations and, as such, punishable by imprisonment or fine or both. The enforcement of this and other Orders made by my Department is undertaken by the Ministry itself through its divisional and local organisation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food how many prosecutions have been instituted by his Department in respect of breach of its orders or instructions regulating the composition of bread sold under the designation of national wheatmeal; and will he cite the date, place and result of such prosecutions?

Up to the end of November, which is the latest date for which figures are available, there had been no such prosecutions.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that contracts made with firms in 1940 for the supply to industrial canteens of baking powders, jellies and similar articles are bound by prices fixed in December, 1940; that the price to the manufacturers of the necessary ingredients, such as acid calcium and citric acid, has increased threefold; and will he consider either that the contracts be renewed or the wholesale prices of ingredients be fixed nearer the 1940 price?

My hon. Friend is presumably referring to the effect of the Food (Current Prices) Order, 1941, upon the prices of certain commodities. Nearly all of them, however, have since been removed, by licensing or otherwise, from the scope of the Order, and I am not aware of any cases in which difficulties of the kind mentioned by my hon. Friend are arising in respect of current contracts. If, however, my hon. Friend will furnish me with information in regard to particular instances, I will look further into the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what steps he is taking to meet the serious complaints about inequality of milk distribution in Edinburgh?

I would refer my right hon. Friend to my answer on 17th December to Questions on the same subject from 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 bread, cakes and Christmas puddings, made of the white flour now being issued to bakers and the public, can only be kept for a very few days; and whether he can explain why some of the bread made with this flour has turned green when kept for a few days?

No information of the circumstances mentioned in the Question has reached the Ministry. I shall be pleased to investigate any incident of the kind if my hon. Friend will supply me with full details.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether any firms, other than Roche Products, Limited, have been approached to supply synthetic vitamin B1, for the Government fortified loaf; and to what extent this monopoly of manufacture continuously enjoyed by a single firm, restricts the supply of the fortified loaf which, 18 months after its general provision was promised, remains available for less than 25 per cent. of the population?

As regards the first part of my hon. Friend's Question I would refer him to the second part of my reply to his Question of 30th September, 1941, and to the statement in my reply to his Question of 20th November, 1940, which was circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT on 21st January, 1941. Since that date it has been decided that two new factories shall be acquired, equipped and financed by the Ministry for the manufacture of aneurin for fortifying white flour. Arrangements are proceeding as rapidly as present conditions permit for the production of synthetic vitamin B1 at these two factories, but it is not expected that they will be in production for 18 months. In the meantime supplies are being received from the United States as well as from the company which is manufacturing in this country. The second part of my hon. Friend's Question does not therefore arise. My hon. Friend may be interested to note that the scheme for the fortification of white flour with vitamin B1 will be extended to the North-West area next week and the result of this extension will be that approximately 50 per cent. of white flour consumed in the United Kingdom will be fortified.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will inquire into the case of Mr. Maurice Wood, of Huby, near Leeds, chairman of the Wharfedale Farmers' Union, who has been informed by the home-grown cereals division of the Ministry of Food that, although he is an approved buyer, he will no longer be allowed, under the Home-Grown Control and Prices Order, 1941, to use wheat of his own growing in his own flourmill which produced a wholemeal flour widely consumed in his district, but must obtain a special licence for which he applied on 6th December but which he has not as yet received; and whether he will state the date and the authority on which this Order was issued?

A licence under the Home Grown Wheat (Control and Prices) Order, 1941, authorising Mr. E. Maurice Wood of Huby, near Leeds to use, in the manufacture of flour in his own mill, wheat of his own growing, was issued to him on the 1st January, 1942.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, with a view to the suppression of the offence commonly known as black marketing, he will cause the existing regulations to be amended so that courts of competent jurisdiction may impose a sentence of imprisonment, with or without hard labour, in substitution for, or in addition to a fine upon an individual, or in the case of a limited company upon the responsible officials, where such individual or company has been found guilty of a second or subsequent offence against the said regulations?

Under the Defence (General) Regulations, 1939, a person may, on summary conviction, be sentenced to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 3 months or to pay a fine or to both imprisonment and fine. On conviction on indictment a person may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or to pay a fine or to both imprisonment and fine. Where a limited company is convicted, every person who at the time of the commission of the offence was a director or officer of the company is deemed to be guilty of the offence unless he proves that it was com-

asked the Minister of Health when the last Annual Report of his Department will be published?

I regret that owing to pressure of other work progress with the preparation of this report has been slower than I had hoped. It will however be in the printers' hands within the next fortnight.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare the number by which the staff of his Department has been reduced since June, 1940?

The net reduction between June 1st, 1940, and January 1st, 1942, is 140.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he can give the names and technical qualifications, and the name of the firm with whom they were previously employed, of the 17 senior officers with recognised chemical qualifications who are employed in functions of an administrative character in the Ministry of Supply, together with, in each case, the salaries of the 10 who are paid from public funds?

Following is the information:—

asked the Secretary of State for Air (1) whether he is aware that a man employed as a motor-cycle despatch rider by his Department in the Carlisle area, suffered severe injuries whilst following his occupation on 21st October, and, owing to the immediate suspension of his wages, was compelled to obtain relief from the public assistance authorities; and, in view of the statements made in the police court proceedings that his employers were in a major degree responsible for the accident, will he see that this man is compensated, as he will be incapacitated for six months, having sustained a fractured skull, being blinded in one eye, and having other injuries which may permanently affect him;(2) whether his attention has been called to the county police court proceedings at Carlisle, on 20th December, when a despatch rider, aged 33 years, employed by the Ministry, was prosecuted for driving a motor-cycle without due care and attention, it being sworn in evidence that he failed to pass the tests for a motor-driver, but was pushed through a motorcycle test although he had never ridden such machine before, and against his personal wish pressed to accept the position of motor-cycle despatch rider; will he therefore, in view of the gravity of this case, and in the interests of public safety on the roads, institute an immediate inquiry into the whole matter?

The civilian employee referred to applied for a position as a driver of heavy motor vehicles or as a despatch rider. He failed to pass the test for a driver of a heavy vehicle and was then properly tested as a motor cyclist and passed the test. He stated prior to the test that he had ridden a motor-cycle of his own. I was informed by my Noble Friend the Minister of War Transport that the holding of a public inquiry by his Department would not be warranted and that he considered that the accident should be investigated by the Air Ministry. A Departmental court of inquiry has accordingly been held and has found that this despatch rider had been properly tested and engaged. No payment of compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act can be made by the Air Ministry until the Department is informed by the man or his solicitors that action under common law for recovery of damages will not be pursued against a third party. If such payment were made it would debar the man from recovering damages from the third party. Sick pay is not issuable to industrial employees. It is not unusual in such cases for public assistance authorities to make advances pending settlement of the claims for compensation. Such advances can be made without prejudicing the claims to compensation.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his Department has asked the Board of Trade for an extra allocation of physical training and sports clothes, in view of the requirements of the Air Training Corps?

Yes, Sir. The Board of Trade have indicated, however, that they cannot accede to the request.

asked the President of the Board of Education to what extent are languages, such as Spanish and Russian, now being taught in our secondary schools, so that we may be more fitted to deal with post-war export trade to foreign countries than was the case before the war?

The extent to which Spanish and Russian are taught in secondary schools can best be estimated from the number of candidates offering these languages in the school certificate examinations, and I am informed that out of about 80,000 candidates, 1,250 offered Spanish and 7 Russian in 1939. The question of giving greater prominence to particular languages in the curriculum is influenced by a number of factors, of which their importance in the future careers of pupils is one. I am not aware that there has been any considerably increased demand from commercial interests for recruits with proficiency in Spanish or Russian, but I have no doubt that if such a demand is expressed in responsible quarters the school authorities will do their best to meet it. A committee under the chairmanship of Sir Cyril Norwood is at present considering the question of suggested changes in the secondary schools curriculum, and I am informed that evidence will be taken from bodies specially concerned with education for commerce.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of schools open in the area of Southend; and the number of scholars attending elementary and secondary schools in this area, separately, for 1938 and at the present time?

On the 31st March, 1938, the number of children attending the 20 public elementary schools in the county borough of Southend-on-Sea was 12,644. On the 5th January, 1942, there were 19 schools open, some of them in temporary accommodation, at which 5,000 children were receiving full-time instruction. On the 31st March, 1938, the number of pupils attending the five grant-aided secondary schools in the area was 2,786. As a result of the Government's evacuation scheme, all these schools were moved to the reception areas, where the four schools provided by the L.E.A. are continuing their work. The remaining school, which is in receipt of direct grant from the Board, has, on the initiative of the governors, re-opened in Southend and is providing for approximately 200 pupils.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that boys over 17 years of age on the 1st October, with the necessary qualifications, can enter a teachers' training college, but that girls must be over 18 years of age on the 31st December before they can enter those institutions; and will he take steps to abolish this discrimination against the girls?

I am aware of the facts stated by the hon. Member. Before the war the age of admission to training colleges was 18 on 1st October for both men and women. It is now 17 for men and 17 years 9 months for women. The reason for reducing the age of admission in the case of men students is to enable as many of them as possible to complete their course of training before they are called up for service in the Forces. The same consideration does not apply to women students, who are at present able to complete their training and proceed immediately to teaching service. No further reduction in the age of admission for women students is thought either necessary or desirable at present.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the medical examination which he undertook to arrange for Mr. Francis Worthing has yet taken place; and, if so, whether it has been found possible to award him a pension?

The recent medical examination, of which I hard already notified the hon. Lady, did not enable me to add to the increase made in June last in the pension which Mr. Worthing has drawn for 24 years. He was informed to this effect three weeks ago.

asked the Minister of Information why the British Broadcasting Corporation have refused to allow the expression of views opposed to vaccination and inoculation; and whether they have considered the right of the parents who object to these operations to have their arguments against them given the same publicity as is given to the statements in favour of them?

I have consulted the Governors of the B.B.C. and I understand from them that in their broadcasts on health subjects they have felt bound to give, such advice as is generally considered to be correct by the main body of medical opinion.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that a German, Professor Mittwoch, working in the British Broadcasting Corporation since July, was at one time chief adviser to the German Foreign Office on anti-British propaganda in the Middle East; that for a long time this German was present and took part in meetings of our Middle Eastern propaganda committee at which most confidential matters of policy were discussed; and with whose approval was such action taken?

Professor Mittwoch is not employed by the British Broadcasting Corporation. I am aware that this well-known orientalist served in the German Foreign Office during the last war. He left Germany in 1935 after expulsion from his academic chair and placed at the disposal of His Majesty's Government his knowledge of the methods which Germany employed in her propaganda to Eastern peoples. In his capacity as adviser to the Middle East section of the Ministry of Information he has attended meetings of a Ministry Committee which discusses the presentation and content of pamphlets in the Arabic, Persian and Amharic languages. At none of these meetings were confidential matters of policy discussed.

asked the Minister of Information who is responsible for supplying two Germans, Mittwoch and Schact, working at the British Broadcasting Corporation, with Government passes enabling them to enter any Government office in London?

Neither of these two gentlemen is employed by the British Broadcasting Corporation, and neither the British Broadcasting Corporation nor the Ministry of Information have issued them with passes to enable them to enter a Government office.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is yet able to make any proposals mitigating the position of pensioners who are severely affected at the present time by the rise in the cost of living?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave him on 7th August, 1941. There has not been any material alteration in the cost of living since then, and I should not feel justified, therefore, in proposing any amendment of the Supplementary Pensions Regulations at the present time.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the widespread feeling that a considerable number of men and women in the Civil Service of suitable age are not being called up for the Armed Forces of the Crown; and does he consider it desirable to set up a privileged and sheltered section of the community in this respect at a time when the nation, as a whole, is called upon to contribute the utmost sacrifices?

No, Sir. The policy of reservation which has been adopted in regard to man-power since the beginning of the war implies that men and women of military age are being employed in the manner best fitted to assist the war effort. Civil servants have therefore been reserved in appropriate cases, although a large number have in fact been released and are now serving in the Armed Forces, and I would deprecate describing any workers, whether servants of the State or privately employed, as being in either a privileged or sheltered position.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether his attention has been called to a case in Leeds wherein it was disclosed that a bandsman of military age, possessing no experience or qualification for the position, was appointed manager of a clothing factory and, as such, reserved from military service; whether this appointment still continues; when, and by whom, in what circumstances, and under what control it was made; and whether he will review all such appointments carrying reservation that have been made in like manner?

The firm to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers hold no contracts for the Ministry of Supply, and the Ministry has not been concerned with the appointment, or the reservation, of any of the firm's employees.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange that men recalled to the Colours, who attained commissioned rank in the last war, will be allowed to retain that rank while undergoing courses of instruction to bring their knowledge up to date?

The hon. and gallant Member presumably refers to men who relinquished their commissions at the end of the last war, with permission to retain rank. When such men are called up under the National Service Acts, it does not follow that they will be directed into the ranks of the Army. Each man's case will be given individual consideration with a view to the most appropriate use being made of his services in the national interest. I must point out that many men have already joined the ranks of the Army voluntarily and have relinquished on enlistment the ranks they were permitted to retain; and I feel certain that the House will support me in the view that ex-officers who are now called up under the National Service Acts should not be privileged above ex-officers who have resumed their service in the ranks of the Army as volunteers.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has made arrangements, or will do so, for young men in reserved occupations who, in response to public advertisements, volunteer and are accepted for air crews to complete their interrupted training and apprenticeships after the war in order that those who survive may not be penalised for their patriotism?

In co-operation with the British Employers' Confederation and the Trades Union Congress an invitation is being addressed to organisations of employers and workpeople and to Joint Industrial Councils and Trade Boards asking them to consider now the post-war position of apprentices and others whose training has been interrupted by war service. The problems arising can best be considered in the first place by the appropriate organisations and by joint machinery in each industry, and the result of this examination will be reported to me. No doubt the industries concerned will pay regard in the course of their examination to the special position of the men referred to by my hon. Friend, as well as to other special circumstances.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is now possible for insurance practitioners, with or without the approval of local medical and panel committees, or local medical war committees, or both, to make voluntary arrangements which are not in accordance with the medical benefit regulations in force; and, if so, why was it not permitted before September, 1939?

In the absence of information as to the voluntary arrangements which my hon. Friend has in mind, I can only say that since the outbreak of war many insurance committees have amended their allocation and distribution schemes under the Medical Benefit Regulations so as to make special provisions in respect of practitioners who are absent from their practices on national service.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the hardships entailed in circumstances where Estate Duty is assessed on property damaged by enemy action as if the property were not damaged, and, in cases where the extent of the damage exceeds £100, or where value payments are to be made at some future date, duty is assessed on non-existent values which, according to normal practice, should be assessed on values as at the date of death; and whether he will take steps to remedy this grievance?

I think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension in regard to the point he raises. If he will let me have particulars of any cases lie may have in mind I will have them examined and will write to him.

asked the Postmaster General the number of depositors in the Post Office Savings Bank; and the aggregate amount of their deposits at 2nd January, 1942?

The number of depositors in the Post Office Savings Bank at the 2nd January, 1942, was approximately 15,000,000, and the aggregate amount of their deposits was about £25,000,000.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply Whether, up to 30th October last, publications had been allotted paper on a percentage of the pre-war consumption of individual publications or on each publisher's total requirements; and, if on the latter basis, what restraint was placed on large consumption of paper by publications useless in the war effort?

Up to 30th November last, a publisher was allowed paper for periodicals on the basis of prewar consumption of all his periodicals and it was left to each publisher to determine how his ration should be allocated between them. Paper is now, however, allotted to a publisher on the basis of each of his periodicals separately and is not interchangeable.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply, with reference to the 6 per cent. supplementary paper ration, what was the total amount of paper represented by this percentage; what is the present rationing period; which two publishers received the largest supplementary ration; and how much additional paper each of them received?

The current rationing period for periodicals is from 30th November, 1941, to 28th February, 1942. The total amount of paper allocated for that period is approximately 14,000 tons, of which some 820 tons covers the supplementary rations allowed in special cases. The two publishers which received the largest supplementary ration in the current licensing period are George Newnes, Ltd., with an aggregate of 110 tons 12 cwts., and Everybodys Publications, Ltd., with 110 tons.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he knows the amount of paper used by all the various Press publications and periodicals; and whether he has exercised any restriction in respect of the amount of paper used by any single periodical or publication where such periodical or publication is part of a group published by the same publisher?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, starting with the current licensing period, which began on 30th November last, paper is now allocated to each periodical separately by reference to a basic period.

a asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is satisfied with a system of paper rationing which may enable a publisher of many periodicals, if the circulation of some of them has declined, to use for one or more of the remainder, which may be of no importance to the war effort, large supplies of paper which may amount to a consumption of paper greater than the pre-war consumption?

The practice of leaving publishers to determine how the paper allocated to them should be divided amongst their various periodicals has been superseded by a system under which supplies are allocated to publishers on the basis of each periodical separately.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he will consider using iron lamp posts throughout the country for scrap, it being understood that more attractive forms of light posts will be introduced after the war?

The removal of lamp posts involves the use of much skilled labour. Available labour can be more usefully concentrated at present on the removal of unnecessary railings and of material thrown up by the national scrap survey.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply, on what terms Mr. Butlin has been retained to erect hostels for munition workers; whether the hostels are designed to meet post-war requirements as well as present war needs; and who determines the site upon which they shall be erected?

Mr. Butlin has been appointed as Director of Hostels without salary, allowances or expenses. The hostels are designed to meet wartime needs, and no special consideration has been given to post-war requirements. Mr. Butlin is not responsible for erecting or siting the hostels. The Ministry of Supply determine where the hostels shall be erected, the main consideration being accessibility to the factories where labour is needed for which sufficient accommodation cannot be provided locally. Other obvious factors are the suitability of the site for building purposes, transport facilities, interference with agriculture, and similar questions.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he has yet come to any decision as to the best means of employing any available part-time labour from the Auxiliary Fire Service and air-raid precautions services, either for their off days or when standing by; and whether he has been in communication with the requisite authorities on the subject?

Facilities for part-time workers exist in a number of undertakings working for the Ministry of Supply. The Ministry is in consultation with the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Home Secretary to find ways by which existing difficulties can be overcome and use made in munitions work of Auxiliary Fire Service and A.R.P. personnel.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether, in view of the volume of criticism about the lack of organisation in munitions production and of slacking and inefficiency in certain factories and of the harm done by such criticisms when unfounded, he will make arrangements to ensure that everyone who comes across a definite case of mismanagement and inefficiency shall be able and encouraged to report it to the responsible authorities?

In all Royal Ordnance Factories, there is an established procedure by which employees may submit suggestions for improvement. All apparently bona fide suggestions from other sources as to possible improvements in production on behalf of the Ministry of Supply are examined most carefully by the appropriate officers of the Ministry. There is, in addition, a department of the Ministry, under the Director General of Production Services, which has recently been instituted for the purpose, among others, of inquiring into any major impediments to production of a general or specific kind.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply why a scrap rubber expert identified with every branch of the industry in which scrap rubber is used, and whose technical advice is utilised by Government Departments, has not been invited to be a member of the new Rubber Control Board, in view of the fact that this person, from June, 1940, and continually thereafter, has been impressing upon Government Departments the necessity of safeguarding against the present position by the installation of further reclaiming plant; and whether he will take steps to see that this expert's advice and attention is now sought?

I shall be glad to consider any concrete suggestions which persons having knowledge of the industry may be able to put forward. I do not know to whom my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply the number of members of the Tube Board who are connected with Tube Investments, Limited; and the number who are not so connected?

I assume the hon. Member is referring to the Tube and Fittings Board, which is not an official body but a trade organisation. I understand that of the eight members of this Board, three are representatives of Tube Investments, Limited.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, as in Russia, he proposes to give factory workers some training in the use of a rifle and elementary military tactics?

Training in the use of a rifle and elementary military tactics is given in the Home Guard. Factory workers are encouraged to join either their local Home Guard unit or the unit at the factory where they work and many of them have taken advantage of this opportunity to obtain such training. So far as I can see, no advantage would be gained by introducing additional facilities outside the organisation of the Home Guard.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the recent decision to grant war pensions for injury and/or death to the Home Guard, it is proposed to institute medical examination for members of the Home Guard?

The decision to grant war pensions for injury and/or death to the Home Guard is not new. It has been in existence since the inception of the Force although the Royal Warrant has only recently been published. The terms have been clearly indicated from the beginning on the enrolment form to all men joining the Force. It is not at present intended to institute any general medical examination for members of the Home Guard, but it may be desirable to arrange an examination in certain special cases which are under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the number of men who have volunteered and are now serving their country in the Home Guard, and are at present indistinguishable from men not yet called up, he will consider issuing a badge to these service men to indicate that they are part of the nation's forces?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Wansbeck (Mr. Scott) on 25th March, 1941, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will institute special expert investigation as to whether our aerodromes are adequately protected or not, since public doubt on the subject is acute?

I would ask my hon. Friend to await the statement that will be made to-day by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the statement of the Master of the Rolls in the course of his judgment in the case Roadways Transport Development v. Attorney-General; and whether he proposes to introduce a Bill to amend the Army Act, 1881.

I have seen the statement referred to in the Question. The powers of emergency requisitioning conferred by Section 115 of the Army and Air Force Acts are not being exercised at present, as the concurrent powers available under the Defence Regulations are being used when necessary. In regard to the latter no ambiguity arises, as the case of the article which is being bought on the hire purchase system is expressly provided for in the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939. In present circumstances, I do not think I should be justified in taking up the time of Parliament with an amendment of the Army and Air Force Acts in this respect. The matter is one which will require attention after the war.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can assure the House that all supplies of scrim sent out for camouflage in the sandy desert are supplied in colouring and shades proper for use in such conditions and not in the green colour suitable for the English countryside?

Orders for scrim for use in the East are placed by the authorities on the spot according to their requirements, and there is a fully qualified development branch for camouflage in the Middle East which advises on the colours and shades required.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in August, 1940, a distinguished biological specialist was permitted to camouflage a coastal defence gun according to correct biological principles, and that the result showed a marked increase in the effectiveness of the camouflage; whether any steps were taken to secure the immediate extension of this protection to every gun in the service ashore or afloat; and whether he will inform the House, if in the public interest, what obstacles have prevented this from being carried into effect?

I am aware of the facts stated in the first part of the Question; as regards the second and third parts I can assure my hon. Friend that the Army has taken full advantage of the biological knowledge of the specialist referred to and that no obstacles have been placed in the way of its proper application.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the scorched earth policy has been adopted by the Government; and what instructions have been issued on the subject, and on what dates, to the British command in the Malay Peninsula?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make any statement in regard to the destruction of buildings, material and machinery in Malaya to prevent these falling into the hands of the enemy?

The "scorched earth" policy has been and will continue to be pursued in the Far East to the maximum extent that is practicable, except for small supplies of food and water sufficient to meet the immediate necessities of the static native population in Malaya. The denial of resources to the enemy in the Far East has long been the policy of His Majesty's Government, and instructions confirming this policy were issued as recently as 24th December, 1941.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the discontent among Voluntary Aid Detachments owing to the conditions of service; and why standards of promotion vary in military hospitals and camp reception stations?

Standards of promotion are the same in all military hospitals and camp reception stations. Promotions are made to fill vacancies within authorised establishments and Voluntary Aid Detachment personnel are selected for promotion according to their qualifications, length of service and the recommendations made by their commanding officer. I am not aware of any discontent among members of the Voluntary Aid Detachments arising from this aspect of their conditions of service.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number, up to date, of women who have absconded from the auxiliary forces, and who have been apprehended and court-martialled?

210 members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service have been declared absentees during the period 1st July, 1941, up to date. Of these, 67 have been apprehended and 5 court-martialled.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will grant to those women who volunteer for duty with lethal weapons in the Auxiliary Territorial Service some form of distinctive badge or dress?

Women who volunteer for operational duty in the Auxiliary Territorial Service are permitted to wear the badge of the Royal Artillery on their left hand breast pocket. Whilst on duty they wear battle dress as for soldiers. It is not proposed to introduce any further distinctions.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether further consideration has been given to the trade pay of men employed on radiolocation; and, if so, whether it has been found possible to continue this pay beyond the 31st December, 1941?

The question of the grading and pay of soldiers employed as Operators (Fire Control) has been further considered and it has been decided that such soldiers employed with anti-aircraft units shall be graded as tradesmen of Group D, Class II rating. This decision is operative from 1st January, 1942, and the rate of tradesman's pay appropriate to the new group and class will be issuable from that date to qualified soldiers filling vacancies for their trade in duly approved establishments.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any of the shock troops, known as the Commandos, appeared in the New Year's Honours List?

No awards for gallantry are included in the New Year or King's Birthday Honours Lists, which cover valuable services other than gallantry during the preceding six months.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the concession to the next-of-kin of prisoners of war, allowing them to obtain uniform, on payment, for inclusion in quarterly parcels sent through the Red Cross, can now be renewed?

No, Sir. Sufficient uniforms for the needs of all British Prisoners of war in German and Italian prison camps have already been despatched by the British Red Cross Society, and in view of the urgent need for conserving materials the provision of additional supplies through prisoners' relatives is unnecessary.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether there exists, or whether steps are being taken to form, an information bureau to which the next-of-kin of prisoners of war can go for information; and will he make this as widely known as possible;(2) what proposals have been made by the War Office to the British Red Cross for taking over their war organisation, or part of it; for what purpose have the new premises been acquired in Curzon Street; and is it proposed to move the Casualty Department at Liverpool and the Prisoners of War Department at Hobart House to Curzon Street and to incorporate them into one organisation;(3) whether in view of the fact that all information now has to come through official channels, he will say what purpose the prisoners of war department of the British Red Cross, the foreign relations department of the British Red Cross and the wounded and missing and searching department of the British Red Cross now serve; and are they to continue in existence?

As a measure of administrative convenience, certain branches of the War Office which deal with prisoners of war have been brought together in offices in Curzon Street. Among these is the sub-section of the main War Office casualties branch which, among other matters, notifies to the next-of-kin information about British prisoners of war. The branches which have been thus brought together remain under their previous administration. It is hoped that this arrangement will further the interests of prisoners of war and suit the convenience of relatives. Facilities will, of course, be provided for callers to obtain information. Any activities of this kind which are being performed by the British Red Cross Society are of an entirely voluntary and unofficial character and will, of course, be in no wise affected by this administrative rearrangement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs which is the Protecting Power so far as our prisoners of war in Germany are concerned in succession to the United States of America?

The Swiss Government have been good enough to undertake the protection of British interests in Germany and German-occupied territory. I am sure that I shall have the support of the whole House in saying here that the devoted work of the United States representatives in Germany, Italy and the occupied countries in aid of British prisoners of war has earned the deep and lasting gratitude of the nation.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether, in view of the fact that no neutral country is now available to help, what arrangements have been or are, in the process of being made between the Governments of all belligerent countries for the safeguarding of the interests of prisoners of war;(2) in view of the entry of America into the war, which Power will now act as Protecting Power for the inspection of prisoners of war camps and for the repatriation of prisoners?

I have been asked to reply. My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension in believing that no neutral country is available to help in this matter. The Swiss Government have undertaken the protection of British interests in Germany and German-occupied territory, in Italy and Italian-occupied territory and in Japanese-occupied territory. The Argentine Government are at present the Protecting Power in Japan.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the policy of the Government to encourage the setting up of village defence committees, upon which all defence services are represented, as is the case in East Anglia?

I have been asked to reply. Subject to certain general guidance issued centrally, the areas in which village defence committees should be set up are settled by the regional commissioner in consultation with the Army commander.

asked the Home Secretary how many hours per week women wardens are expected to work; and why women wardens at L post, Paddington, are compelled to report from sub-posts at night while the men are mostly sleeping?

I understand that the rota arrangements at this post have been mutually agreed between the wardens concerned, but in view of what my hon. Friend says, I am making further inquiries into the matter.

asked the Home Secretary the conditions and qualifications necessary for the return for permanent residence of families within the Southend area; and whether he will afford permission for those who resided for six months previous to the war to return to their previous homes?

In regard to the first part Of the Question, I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a leaflet which gives the information he desires. In regard to the second part, the restrictions on return do not apply to persons who resided in Southend for an aggregate period of at least six months between 1st January, 1939, and 14th November, 1941.

asked the Minister of Health the number of children brought back to London from the reception areas in the last four weeks for which figures are available; and whether the inward movement continues?

During the last four weeks for which figures are available the number of school children in the administrative county of London increased as follows:

• Week ended 6th December, 1941, 1,330.
• Week ended 13th December, 1941, 1,658.
• Week ended 20th December, 1941, 668.
• Week ended 27th December, 1941, 668.

asked the Home Secretary the percentage of men who claim exemption in areas where compulsion for the Fire Guard has been introduced; and whether all such claims are examined carefully to ensure that all ranks of the community make their just share of sacrifice and effort?

The information at present available indicates that about 60 per cent. of the persons who have registered in England and Wales under the Civil Defence Duties (Compulsory Enrolment) Order have claimed exemption from enrolment under the Order. Of these, the majority have claimed exemption on the ground that they are already performing fire prevention or other civil defence duties. As regards the second part of the Question the answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Health whether any steps have been taken to bring back into condition disused wells upon which many towns and villages might have to rely in invaded areas?

The matter referred to has not been overlooked, but it would not be in the public interest to give details of the measures adopted to secure continuity of water supply under war conditions.

asked the Minister of Health how many up-graded first-aid points have already been established; how many he intends to establish; and what is the purpose of these points?

A first-aid point, as my hon. Friend will be aware, is a place in a thinly populated area at which a supply of simple first-aid requisites is kept in charge of someone trained in their use. The number of points which have been upgraded, i.e., provided with better accommodation and additional equipment and personnel, is 518, and it is estimated that another 750 will be similarly treated as the result of the reviews which the local authorities are undertaking. The purpose of the upgrading is to provide for those areas where experience of air raids, changed distribution of population and the possibility of casualties amongst the Home Guard, indicate the need for first-aid facilities more extensive than those of an ordinary first-aid point, but are not considered to require a fully equipped first-aid post.

asked the Minister of Health what steps are being taken to ensure that, in the case of invasion, casualties are not concentrated in towns which from the general situation appear to be particularly liable to enemy attack?

The policy of transferring casualties to hospitals outside what are considered to be target areas is already well known to my hospital officers and to others operating the casualty services, but this policy must of course be subject to the exigencies of military operations at the time.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in case of invasion, civilian motor-ambulances will be permitted to attempt to traverse country which may be, in part, commanded by parachutists, or other enemy troops or be exposed to enemy air attacks?

The operation of civilian motor ambulances in the circumstances stated in the Question must necessarily depend on the local military situation at the time. The plans for the treatment of casualties take account of the possibility that the movement of these vehicles may be interrupted.

asked the Minister of Health whether steps have been taken to make sure that sufficient supplies of morphia are available to general medical practitioners to meet the needs of any exceptional numbers of casualties?

This is a matter which has always had the closest attention. Adequate and well-distributed stocks are in hand, and I know of no ground for any fear of shortage.

asked the Home Secretary to what extent the information of the Metropolitan police shows that there has been illegal trapping of cats in the London area for the sake of their skins which, owing to the restriction of imports, are much in demand by furriers?

I am informed that no such case has come to the notice of the Metropolitan police during the past six months.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of his refusal to have a judicial inquiry into the circumstances which led to the dismissal of ex-Borstal Officer Bourne from Feltham, and his statement in reply to the hon. Member for Carmarthen (Mr. Hughes), made on 2nd October, that serious injuries were inflicted upon a Borstal inmate by the violence used by Bourne, he is prepared to prosecute Bourne in the courts in order that the officer may have the opportunity in a judicial trial of clearing himself of a serious charge which was responsible for bringing to an end his career in the prison service?

As explained in the statement to which my hon. Friend refers, I decided on evidence which left no doubt in my mind, that this officer had shown himself so far lacking in self-control that it was no longer possible to regard him as suitable to have charge of prisoners or Borstal inmates. This decision is not affected by any consideration whether he could be successfully proceeded against on a criminal charge. I regret therefore that I cannot act on my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any decision has been reached with regard to the establishment of a palm kernel board in Nigeria?

The possibility of some change in the arrangements for the management of the trade in certain West African produce has recently been under consideration but no decision has yet been taken.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet reached any decision regarding the recommendations of the Royal Commission's Report on labour and social conditions in connection with the recent dispute on the Northern Rhodesian copper belt?

I would invite my hon. Friend's attention to the statement issued by the Government of Northern Rhodesia on the recommendations of the Copperbelt Commission. This statement, copies of which were laid in the Library of the House in February last year, showed that the majority of the recommendations were accepted by Government, that some had already been implemented and that action to give effect to the remainder was in train.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what success has attended the efforts of the Government of Jamaica to increase the local food supply by its food production campaign; and what further steps are being taken to prevent these breaking down in view of the fact that the price of food is rising steeply?

The information available indicates that considerable success has attended the campaign to grow more food in Jamaica and large increases in the production of such commodities as corn, pulses and rice have occurred. I have no information that there has been any large increases in the price of food, though no doubt some increase in the price of imported foods has been inevitable. A rise of prices would of course encourage even greater production of local foodstuffs. The Government is keeping prices under constant observation and taking all possible steps to control them.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the number of domestic workers who have left the hospitals, with the result that skilled nursing staff need to spend much time on domestic duties; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent the further depletion of domestic staff in hospitals and to ensure the replacement of those domestic workers who have left the hospitals?

I am in close consultation with my right hon. Friends the Minister of Health and the Secretary of State for Scotland as to the steps necessary to ensure an adequate supply of domestic staff to hospitals. I have made it clear that I regard such work as of great national importance and that women in such work will be reserved from calling-up under the National Service Acts. This work will also be included in the specified list of jobs to which women in the conscribed ages may be directed. Other suitable women will also be directed to this work as may be necessary.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of his appeal for economy in the use of phenol and its homologues, and the possibility of a shortage of these products, he is satisfied that adequate provision is being made for essential supplies to be available for the hospital and health services?

Coal-tar, from which many essential war products are obtained, is also the source of phenol and its homologues, and the allocation of the available supplies of coal-tar calls for constant attention. There must be economy in the use of the phenol derivatives, but adequate provision will continue to be made for hospital and health services.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that laboratory workers handling chemicals in connection with urgent Government supplies, have to provide coupons for the protective clothing they must wear owing to the nature of their activities; and whether he can arrange for such protective clothing to be available coupon free?

Laboratory workers, like other members of the community, are normally expected to provide their working clothes out of their ration. Those who wear overalls benefit both by the recent reduction in the coupon-rating of these garments and by the saving of wear on ordinary clothes which overalls undoubtedly afford. Special arrangements are being considered in co-operation with representatives of industry to meet the cases of laboratory workers who need a very large amount of protective clothing, or whose clothing is severely damaged by industrial accident.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state how an officer, or other rank, invalided from the Services, may obtain coupons for civilian clothing and give wide publicity to this concession?

Members of the Services who are permanently discharged will receive a civilian clothing card from their local food office at the same time as they get their civilian food ration books. If, for any good reason, the civilian wardrobe of discharged persons has fallen below the essential minimum level, they may also obtain from their local authority information centre the appropriate form on which to apply to a Collector of His Majesty's Customs and Excise for supplementary coupons to enable them to resume civil life with an adequate stock of clothing. Full information on this procedure is in the possession of the Service authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland which members of the committee that is to report upon hydroelectric development in Scotland are, or have been connected with other hydroelectric undertakings?

No member of the committee has at present any connection with any hydro-electrical undertaking. The only member who has in the past had any connection with any such undertaking is Mr. Williamson, who acted between 1931 and 1936 as chief engineer in connection with the civil engineering works in the Galloway scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the numbers of owners of deer forests in Scotland who, at the request of their war agricultural committees, put extra sheep on to their ground, and the result of the experiments as a whole, or else for individual forests, so as to indicate how many, whether hogs and ewes, respectively, were put on the ground in the autumn of 1940; how many were accounted for at the June clipping of 1941; and the number of lambs which these ewes produced?

The number of sheep on deer forests in Scotland at the 4th June, 1941, was 85,378 as compared with 76,286 a year earlier and 50,426 at the 4th June, 1939. I am inquiring whether further detailed figures and information asked for in the Question can be easily obtained from the agricultural executive committees, and I will communicate with the Noble Lady thereafter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what surveys of the summer-grazing capacity for cattle of the glens and valleys in deer forests have been made by any war agricultural committees since war began; whether he can state the estimated summer-grazing capacity shown by these surveys; which committees tried by advertising or other methods to get cattle put in these glens; and how many head of cattle were sent to the glens through each committee?

The agricultural executive committee for Inverness-shire (Mainland) classified all the deer forests in their district and other agricultural executive committees in the Highland area made inquiries into the capabilities of individual forests. In addition, the Scottish Land Court made surveys of over 70 deer forests in the autumn of 1940, and their reports show that on these forests there was scope for an immediate increase of some 450 cattle for permanent grazing and a further 1,660 for summering only. The agricultural executive committees for Inverness, Ross and Cromarty, and Sutherland have advertised the deer forest grazings available in their districts. The number of cattle on deer forests at 4th June, 1941, was 2,817 as compared with 2,786 at 4th June, 1940, and 1,593 at 4th June, 1939. The scarcity of suitable stock for putting on the forests has, of course, been a limiting factor.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of breeding sheep for which the subsidy of 2s. 6d. per sheep grazed on hills was paid, during the last year of this subsidy; and the number for which it has been claimed since it was raised to 7s. 6d.?

The number of hill sheep for which subsidy at the 1941 rate of 2s. 6d. per head has been paid now amounts to 2,275,397. It is too early to say how many will qualify for the subsidy at the rate of 7s. 6d. per head since application forms are only just reaching the farmers concerned. As, however, the basis Of payment of the new subsidy is the number of eligible sheep carried at 4th December, 1940, I have no reason to suppose that the final figure will be materially different from that of last year.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the suggestion for arranging a visit to Russia by a delegation of representative Members of Parliament, as well as trade union representatives, to enable Parliament to obtain first-hand information of the magnificent war effort of the Russian people?

The hon. Member's suggestion will be borne in mind.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will define the duties of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and the Minister of State; will he say, in the case of a dispute arising in the areas controlled by them who has the deciding voice in referring the matter under dispute to the War Cabinet; and have these two Ministers power to override decisions taken by the naval, military and Royal Air Force commanders?

The appointment of a Supreme Commander-in-Chief in the South-West Pacific has necessitated a review of the functions assigned to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. My reply is, therefore, confined to the duties of the Minister of State. So far as concerns the Minister of State, the hon. Member will find the answer to the first and third parts of his Question in the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 9th July last to the right hon. Member for Devonport (Mr. Hore-Belisha), a copy of which I am sending him. That answer defined the duties of the Minister of State and explained that the Minister had authority in matters not concerned with the conduct of operations, and that his appointment would not interfere with the existing relationship between the Commanders-in-Chief in the Middle East and the Service Ministers. As regards the second part of the Question it has not been necessary to lay down any fixed procedure. So far as I am aware the occasion has not yet arisen for any such dispute to be referred to the War Cabinet.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the pledge at Washington of the Allied nations to pool resources, steps will be taken in the Pacific area to raise and train all available and suitable man-power possessed by the various signatories; and whether he can make a statement on the subject?

Under the declaration by the United Nations issued in Washington, each Government pledges itself to employ its full resources, military or economic, against those members of the Tripartite Pact with which such Government is at war. His Majesty's Government intend to implement this pledge to the utmost of their power.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made in negotiations with the Emperor of Ethiopia for a settlement of outstanding questions and an agreement according full recognition to the independence of Ethiopia?

I have nothing to add yet to the replies given by the Prime Minister to my hon. Friend the Member for the Combined Universities (Miss Rathbone) on 11th November and to my right hon. Friend who recently represented Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Wedgwood) by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs on 20th November; but I hope to be able to make an announcement shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement on the results of his journey to Russia, following the visit of the Minister of Supply; and whether supplies of equipment from this country and the United States of America are arriving in Russia in satisfactory quantities?

The hon. Member will have seen the text of the joint communiqué which was issued after my discussions with Monsieur Stalin and Monsieur Molotov. I hope to make a brief statement on the results of my visit during the course of the day's Debate.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the development of political warfare was amongst the questions discussed by him with the Soviet Ministers during his recent visit to Moscow; and what progress was made towards co-ordinating Anglo-Russian efforts in this field?

I regret that it would not be in the public interest to disclose the steps which have been taken to co-ordinate Anglo-Soviet measures for the prosecution of political warfare.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the financial embarrassment of the Vichy Government, offers have been made to them by the United States of America or ourselves to purchase the French fleet for gold?

His Majesty's Government have made no such offer and I am not aware that the United States Government have done so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement in respect of the Senussis having regard to their co-operation with His Majesty's forces in the Western Desert?

Yes, Sir. The Sayid Idris el Senussio made contact with the British authorities in Egypt within a month of the collapse of France, at a time when the military situation in Africa was most unfavourable to us. A Senussi Force was subsequently raised from those of his followers who had escaped from Italian oppression at various times during the past twenty years. This force performed considerable ancillary duties during the successful fighting in the Western Desert in the winter of 1940–41, and is again playing a useful part in the campaign now in progress. I take this opportunity to express the warm appreciation of His Majesty's Government for the contribution which Sayid Idris el Senussi and his followers have made and are making to the British war effort. We welcome their association with His Majesty's Forces in the task of defeating the common enemies. His Majesty's Government are determined that at the end of the war the Senussis in Cyrenaica will in no circumstances again fall under Italian domination.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the occupation by Bulgarian troops of Greek territory and their harsh treatment of the inhabitants; whether, since Greece is our Ally and Bulgaria has now declared war on Great Britain, he will consider declaring war on Bulgaria and thus expressing sympathy with Greece, and acting in a manner consistent with our declaration of war on Hungary and Rumania?

The information in possession of His Majesty's Government indicates that the Bulgarians are expelling the Greek population from the Greek territory under their occupation. The area in question extends from near the Graeco-Turkish frontier to the Struma valley. The greatest hardships are evidently being inflicted upon the inhabitants. With regard to the second part of my hon. Friend's Question, I would refer him to the notification of a state of war between this country and Bulgaria which was published in the London, Edinburgh and Belfast Gazettes on 26th December.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will consider putting dependants of merchant seamen in the same position as the men in the Armed Forces in the case of the payment of allotments when merchant sailors are left abroad sick?

We recently arranged that as from 1st January, seamen left behind abroad sick will continue to draw, for a period up to 12 weeks, their full wages less the war risk money, which is only payable while they are at sea, and less, in the case of insured persons, the standard rate of sickness benefit. These arrangements will enable allotments to be continued for that period. On becoming fit for further employment they will at once be eligible for the same pay as is given to men in this country whilst awaiting appointment to another ship. Allotments will therefore be continued in this case also.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether any arrangements are made for the provision of sea-going kit to men who are directed back to the merchant service?

Yes, Sir. Details of an arrangement just made will be circulated to the officers' and men's societies within a few days and I will send a copy to my hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what was the total response to the appeal for men for the Merchant Navy Reserve; and what use is being made of such men?

In reply to the Merchant Navy Reserve invitation over 5,000 men returned voluntarily to the Merchant Navy. When the Essential Work (Merchant Navy) Order came into force on 26th May, 1941, all persons between 18 and 60 who had been to sea since 1st January, 1936, and were not then actually engaged in the Merchant Service were required to register and furnish particulars of their employment. A very large number registered and these are being called upon as the state of the Merchant Navy reserve pool requires, due regard being had to the relative national importance of their present work. About 6,000 of these men have already returned to seagoing employment.

asked the Parliamentary, Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether his attention has been called to the fact that many soldiers on leave are crowded out of trains; and whether, under the special conditions, some arrangements will be made to give them priority over all civilians save those on State or urgent business?

The answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir," but I shall be glad if my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any cases which have come to his notice.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that there is a toll, at a bridge of which he has been informed, which costs workmen 5s. per week in going to and from their employment; that for some of these men the alternative route is 18 miles for a single journey instead of 8½ miles; and will he take steps to relieve war workers, some of whom are evacuated persons, of this charge?

From inquiries that I have made, I find that the toll over the bridge in question is ½d. each way for a foot passenger and 1d. each way for a cyclist. I do not see any reason to modify these small charges.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is satisfied that sufficient reserve stocks of fuel have now been municipally accumulated in the Medway area; and, if not, what is the estimated shortage?

In addition to the stocks held by merchants and consumers, a reserve of over two weeks normal supply for the three Medway towns is held in the area on Government account while further Government stocks of domestic coal are available at other sites within 15 miles of Chatham. I regard these reserves as sufficient to justify the continuation of my Department's policy, which is to consign to Government stock coal which is available in excess of merchants' and consumers' requirements. In conformity with this policy, supplies are still being sent to Government stocks in the Medway area.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that in some cases ratings recommended two months ago for commissions by local selection boards have not yet appeared before the final selection board; and whether he will consider enabling such valuable personnel to take their officer's training course without undue delay, in view of the demands arising from new construction?

The requirements of new construction were taken into account in fixing the rate of entry of ratings into officers' training courses. If ratings were accepted for these courses at a greater rate there would be a surplus of officers for whom no immediate useful employment could be found. While such ratings remain on the lower deck they are, of course, gaining valuable experience.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will publish in the Official Report the names of the officials and advisers who accompanied him to the Washington Conference?

Following is as list of the names of the officials and advisers who accompanied the Prime Minister on his visit to Washington:

• Admiral of the Fleet Sir Dudley Pound, G.C.B., G.C.V.O.—First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff.
• Field-Marshal Sir John Dill, K.C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O.
• Air Chief Marshal Sir Charles F. A. Portal, K.C.B., D.S.O., M.C.—Chief of the Air Staff.
• Lieutenant-General G. M. Macready, C.M.G., D.S.O., O.B.E., M.C.—Assistant Chief of the Imperial General Staff.
• Mr. J. M. Martin—Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister.
• Mr. F. D. W. Brown—Assistant Private Secretary to the Prime Minister.
• Commander C. R. Thompson, O.B.E.—Personal Assistant to the Minister of Defence, The party also included:
• Brigadier L. C. Hollis, C.B.E.—Office of the Minister of Defence.
• Colonel E. I. C. Jacob, C.B.E.—Office of the Minister of Defence.
• Mr. H. T. Weeks, Mr. T. C. L. Westbrook, Mr. C. R. Morris—Ministry of Supply (Accompanying the Right Hon. Lord Beaver-brook, Minister of Supply.)
• and the following Officers of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force:
• Captain C. E. Lambe, R.N., Deputy Director of Plans, Admiralty.
• Commander R. A. Currie, Plans Divisions, Admiralty.
• Paymaster-Captain R. V. Brockman, Admiralty.
• Brigadier V. Dykes, Director of Plans, War Office.
• Air Commodore W. F. Dickson, Director of Plans, Air Ministry.
• Group Captain A. C. H. Sharp, Air Ministry, with Mr. M. J. Dean, Air Ministry.