asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is satisfied that all colliery companies are efficiently operated from the standpoint of maximum production; and, if not, what steps he has taken to bring this about?

I have every reason to believe that in general collieries are being efficiently operated with a view to maximum production. At the same time I recognise that efficiency is a matter of degree, and I can assure my hon. Friend that this question is receiving the constant attention both of my Department and of the Coal Production Council, and action is continually being taken, either generally or in regard to particular collieries, with the object of improving output.

Does the hon. Gentleman call for periodical returns from the district production committees, and, if so, do those returns contain any reference to suggestions which may be made by the workers' representatives and which are sometimes unacceptable to the employers? Is a full report received?

I would not say that we get absolutely full accounts of everything that takes place, but we do ask for returns from pit and district committees.

There are complaints in different districts that the employers' attitude towards suggestions put forward by the workers is not always one that commends itself to the workers.

I am afraid there is occasionally ground for complaint on the workers' side, but it is laid down by the Coal Production Council that nothing is to be debarred from discussion, and it is my intention to encourage the fullest discussions between the two parties.

If for instance, a difference arose and somebody had to decide who was wrong, would the Mines Department step in and advise the owners?

Certainly. If it were found that any particular owner or owners were unwilling to listen to suggestions from the workers for improving production, we should take steps to deal with those owners.

asked the Secretary for Mines what is the number of colliery firms which have been taken over since the beginning of the war on the grounds of inefficiency?

The Department has taken control of four companies, has guaranteed bank overdrafts in five cases, has met losses in working for short periods in three cases, and has lent money to two companies. All the cases of control were due primarily to financial difficulties, but action was taken in the interests of the maintenance of production from those pits.

Does not the hon. Gentleman recognise that unless he is prepared to take over inefficient pits, he has no real sanction to apply to ensure efficiency?

I can assure my hon. Friend that where we find inefficiency we have the power, and we use the power, to remedy it. In the four cases where we have taken over control, it is intended that the management shall be improved.

When shall we have an opportunity of examining the financial assistance given? Will it appear in the report of the Chancellor of Exchequer?

I think it will come on the Department's Vote.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many of these cases have occurred in Scotland?

No case of taking over control has occurred in Scotland.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of canteens now in operation where full sit-down hot meals are served; and how many more are in course of erection?

Canteens equipped to serve full sit-down meals are in operation

Would my hon. Friend agree that where canteens for sit-down hot meals are in operation the output has been improved?

I would certainly say that where the men can be provided with as much additional food as can conveniently be served to them, the result would be an improvement in production.

Will supplies of food to the canteens be increased?

I think the supply has already been increased.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of persons killed and seriously injured in and around collieries during 1941; and the various causes of the accidents?

During the year 1941, 915 persons were killed and 2,883 seriously injured by accidents at mines under the Coal Mines Act as compared with 923 killed and 3,237 seriously injured in the year 1940. The chief causes of fatal accidents in 1941 were 497 from falls of ground, 188 on haulages, 72 from explosions and 85 on the surface. I am circulating the rest of the particulars in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can my hon. Friend say whether the joint machinery which exists to deal with accidents from falls of roof is working smoothly?

I am very pleased to say that that machinery is getting to work smoothly, and I am happy to inform the House that the rate of accidents underground from falls of ground has been very much improved in the last six months.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether any arrangement has been made by his Department, the chief inspector of mine; and the coal-owners, to meet quickly any damage done by enemy action to winding gear or the ventilating system of any of the collieries situated on the Durham coast; and whether there is any portable winding gear in this area that could be brought into requisition in case of emergency?

Yes, Sir. Many of the collieries are inter-connected underground or have drifts to the surface; there are five sets of portable winding equipment which would be available throughout the country; and at some of the mines there is available spare winding equipment which could be put into service at the mine in any case of emergency.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this an area which is under constant bombardment by enemy planes, and is he satisfied that there is sufficient portable winding-gear on the Durham coast to meet any emergency that may arise?

I think there is sufficient provision in the North-East area for meeting any emergency of that kind.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that in accordance with an agreement with the men's representatives, the Yorkshire Coal Owners' Association, decided in the national interest to limit the Christmas holidays to three days in Christmas week and work on New Year's Day; that absenteeism on New Year's Day was 47.08 per cent., representing a lost tonnage of 56,944 tons of coal urgently required, and what action he has taken in this matter of wilful absenteeism, following the repeated appeals of the Government for regular attendance at the pits?

I am informed that the figure of absenteeism on New Year's Day quoted by the hon. Member corresponds with the result of the return taken by the South Yorkshire Coalowners' Association. Machinery under the Essential Work (Coalmining Industry) Order exists for dealing with absenteeism through reports made by colliery managements to Pit Production Committees. Both District and Pit Production Committees have been made fully aware of the urgent need for increasing output by every means open to them, including the reduction of avoidable absenteeism. I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by independent action on my part in regard to this case.

Does the hon. Gentleman expect that he will be able so to control the miners that they will keep to the agreements they have made?

This is only a very small incident in the general activities of the mining industry. I am sure my hon. Friend will be pleased to know that the average number of days worked by miners last year was higher than it has been for many years past.

Does the hon. Gentleman think that the loss of 60,000 tons in one small area is a minor incident?

No, it is not a minor incident, but let us put it in its right proportion. The purpose of the Pit Production Committees is to increase production. We need every ton of additional output, and we deplore these losses as much as anyone.

Does the hon. Gentleman think that to over-emphasise this aspect of the matter does harm to the war effort?

That is the effect of what I said.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that discussions are taking place in this coalfield on the question, and that it does not improve the position to refer only to one side of it?

I do not desire to attribute blame. I want to encourage everybody to do better and to discourage avoidable absenteeism.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that officers and other ranks who have served overseas in the present war and have subsequently been discharged owing to medical unfitness or ill-health but have not been granted a pension, are not eligible to receive a silver badge for services rendered, issued through the Ministry of Pensions; and, in view of this inequality, whether he will take steps to deal with the matter?

As my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal stated in the House on 7th August, a badge is issued to those invalided from the Naval, Military and Air Forces, and the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleet, through wounds or war disablement attributable to service since 3rd September, 1939. The suggestion of the hon. Member has been considered, but it has been decided that the issue of this badge must be specifically limited to personnel invalided on grounds of attributable disability.

Is it correct that they must first qualify and obtain a pension before they can be eligible for the issue of this badge?

The disability has to be proved to be attributable before the badge can be issued.

In fact, they have to be in receipt of a pension before they can get this badge.

I will inquire into that point, though the fact that the disability has to be proved to be attributable is nearly the same thing as qualifying for a pension.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now prepared to institute an inquiry into the requisitioning of chattels at a camp, the name of which has been given to him?

I am afraid my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. The chattels in question have not yet been requisitioned, although it is true that the termination of the present hiring agreement with a view to subsequent requisitioning is under consideration. I have looked further into this matter but I can see no reason for any special inquiry.

Can the hon. Gentlement tell me why the Secretary of State for War some weeks ago said there was no need for an inquiry on the ground that the whole matter had been settled, and why there is no need for an inquiry now since an inquiry was started which revealed a prima facie case of irregularity, and the Board of Officers were dismissed before they could report?

I cannot accept that. What actually happened was that a board was appointed for a purpose distinct from the question of requisitioning which the Lands Department of the War Office were at that time considering. It was useless for two bodies to operate at once and the board was therefore dissolved.

In these circumstances why has the Secretary of State, specifically in answer to a question, told me in writing, and the Financial Secretary told me across the Floor of the House, that no inquiry had ever taken place? Now we are told that two inquiries have taken place.

The hon. Member is obviously asking for an inquiry into whether the occupation was properly conducted.

No, I am asking why I have been told in the House and by letter that there has been no inquiry, and now I am told that there has been.

I am afraid I cannot accept that. If that answer was given, it was certainly given under a misapprehension.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will take steps to amend paragraph 541 (a) of King's Regulations which, as interpreted by the Privy Council, forbids officers and men to take an active part in the affairs of non-party organisations such as the League of Nations Union or the Federal Union, in view of the fact that the educational work of such societies is essential to the formation of an informed electorate?

I do not think it would be desirable to amend King's Regulations in the sense suggested by my hon. Friend; but there is nothing in King's Regulations to prevent serving officers and other ranks attending the meetings of these societies with a view to informing their own minds, provided they do not take an active part in their affairs.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Prime Minister is President of the League of Nations Union, which contains members of all parties?

That may be true but the Regulations lay down that no officer or soldier may take any active part in the affairs of any political organisation or party, until he has retired or been discharged. It is very hard to draw the line between party and non-party organisations.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the national importance of our agricultural effort at the present time and the shortage of labour for agriculture, and subject to the exigencies of the military situation, he will consider releasing soldiers for work on the land every six months instead of annually as at present?

Key workers on farms may be granted agricultural leave up to a total of 28 days annually, but the leave may be taken in one or mere periods, subject, of course, to military requirements and the recommendations of the War Agricultural Executive Committees. The question of increasing the maximum annual total of 28 days has been carefully considered, but it has not been found possible to do so on military grounds.

Does that apply only to cases where troops are available locally, so that they may be allowed one or two days to work on the farms?

That is a question about troops as units. The original Question relates to them as individuals.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will take steps to arrange for an adequate number of all ranks of the British Army to visit the Russian front, to be attached to the Russian Army as a token Allied Force, and to allow them to obtain first-hand experience and information of the methods being employed by the Russian Forces in their successful offensive against the German and satellite troops; and whether he will extend a similar invitation to the Russian military authorities to visit the Libyan, Malayan and home defence fronts, in order that experiences in fighting the enemy may be interchanged between the Allied Forces on the basis of Allied command and united operations in a world-scale strategy?

As the hon. Member is aware, the British Military Mission in Moscow, made up of officers representing the various arms of the Service, is in close contact with the Soviet military authorities, and its task is to study and report on Russian tactics and experience. The Russians have a similar mission in England. His Majesty's Government and the Soviet Government are keeping under continuous consideration methods of achieving the maximum co-operation between the Russian and British armies, and of enabling the latter to benefit by Russian experience.

Will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that the people of this country have a very high regard for Russian military methods? Does he not think it would be advantageous to the British Army if representatives of all ranks could obtain experience in this way?

The hon. Gentleman will realise that there are many practical difficulties, such as transportation, but I am satisfied that we are getting all we can from Russian experience.

Is it not the case that the British Military Mission is not in Moscow, but is on the Volga, about 600 miles from the front?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any statement to make about the granting of disembarkation leave after service overseas?

The normal period of disembarkation leave on arrival in the United Kingdom has recently been increased from seven to 14 days. In certain cases, where recuperative leave is required owing to the climatic conditions at the overseas station concerned, the period is 28 days.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with the regulations in force in the Army in connection with the dispensing of medicines and the safe custody and proper labelling of poisons and dangerous drugs?

Yes, Sir. Fresh instructions calling attention to the regulations on this subject have recently been issued. A simple notice on the care, custody and administration of poisons and dangerous drugs will be posted in a conspicuous position in all medical establishments.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will issue instructions that prisoners of war when transported in the same ship as British troops will not be given accommodation and comforts denied to British troops, as in the case of which he has been informed, when mattresses already issued to British troops for the voyage were taken from them and given to Italian prisoners of war, while British troops had to sleep without mattresses on the bare boards of decks inferior to those occupied by the Italian prisoners of war?

I think this is a matter that can best be left to the discretion of the officer commanding troops, in conjunction with the master of the ship concerned, but I can assure my hon. Friend that prisoners of war are not provided with a class of accommodation higher than that provided for British troops of equivalent ranks. In the case to which my hon. Friend refers, there was no question of British troops having had to sleep without mattresses on the bare boards of decks. The troops in question were simply moved temporarily from the upper deck to their normal hammock accommodation, so that the Italian prisoners of war could be segregated on the upper deck for the five days during which they were on board.

Is my hon. Friend aware that I have spoken to soldiers who slept on the bare boards because their mattresses had been taken away and given to Italian prisoners of war?

If my hon. Friend will give me particulars, I will inquire again. I have given him the information that I have.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the typhus epidemic which has assumed dangerous proportions in Eastern Europe and made its appearance in Spain; and what preventive methods have been taken to protect our troops in the Middle East?

This question is receiving most careful consideration, and special measures have been taken to protect our troops in the Middle East against the possibility of an extension of the typhus epidemic outside Europe. The measures already taken include arrangements for the supply of vaccine and the setting up of additional laboratories for diagnostic purposes in the Middle East.

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for that answer, might I ask whether the War Office have consulted with the Russian authorities, who have vast knowledge and experience in this matter?

I cannot answer that offhand, but I am pretty certain that that is the case.

Has the assistance of the International Red Cross been invoked at any time for dealing with these epidemics?

I must have notice of that Question.

asked the Secretary of State for War the total sum allotted by the General Officer Commanding, of the Command, to the County Welfare Officer for Berkshire for Army welfare in the years 1940 and 1941, respectively; and what sum will be allotted in 1942?

In the year ended 31st December, 1941, the County Welfare Officer of Berkshire received just over £200 for expenditure on general welfare. This represents less than one-sixth of the total spent by the Command from their grants on the welfare and entertainment of troops in that county, and this figure again excludes supplementary grants to Auxiliary Territorial Service and antiaircraft units. Moreover, grants made to the Command do not by any means represent the total expenditure on welfare and entertainment, for many things are pro- vided in kind, such as wireless sets and books, or by grants for specific purposes, such as the setting up of quiet rooms. It is not yet possible to say what sum Southern Command will allot to the Berkshire County Welfare Officer in the coming financial year.

Does the hon. Member not agree that for the year 1940–41 the amount at the disposal of the welfare officers was about ½d. per head of the command per annum? Is it not ridiculous that these men should be giving all their time when they have so little funds?

I do not know what the percentage may be, but the Director-General of Welfare has never complained about lack of funds. I believe that the funds at his disposal are adequate.

Is the Director-General in touch with the people who do the work among the troops?

Yes, Sir; very closely.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information in connection with the case of Sergeant Jack Burtonshaw, who saved a regimental sergeant-major from being burnt to death on the Chester-Warrington Road, on Saturday, 20th December; and what recognition has been made of Burtonshaw's conduct?

Sergeant Burtonshaw's very gallant action in rescuing a regimental sergeant-major from a burning car has been recognised by an official commendation in divisional orders.

asked the Secretary of State for War when it is expected that the arrangements for compensation to the internees who were deprived of their property on the steamship "Dunera" will be completed; how many claims have been dealt with; how much compensation has been given; and how many claims still remain to be dealt with?

I am unable to give precise figures at present, but the position is that in some 390 cases of claimants who have returned to this country, payments have been made, or are in process of being made, to a total of roughly £4,500. A further sum of about £1,400 has been authorised for payment to 122 claimants recently returned and will be made shortly. About 1,300 claimants still in Australia are being dealt with through the Home Office representative there who has already made payments in the great majority of cases, and has promised a full report by Air Mail as soon as settlement is completed. It has been found necessary to reserve a certain number of special items which present difficulty, e.g., as regards valuation, for separate consideration, and final settlement of these may take a little longer, but disposal of all outstanding claims is being expedited as much as possible.

While I thank my hon. Friend for his reply, is he aware that the good effect of the prompt action of the Government in granting compensation is being dissipated by the very long delay?

I am sure that my hon. Friend will realise that the fixing of a valuation that is fair to the taxpayer as well as to the people concerned, is not an easy matter, as some of these articles are very hard to value, especially when they include such things as the value of a novel in manuscript.

What is likely to be the approximate total of compensation to be paid to these people?

I must have notice of that question, but we have not got full information from Australia yet.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the difficulties experienced by officers commanding cadet forces in obtaining the use of appropriate premises for training purposes; and whether he will investigate all cases submitted to him in which unnecessary difficulties are thrown in the way?

Subject to the exigencies of the Service, cadets may be allowed to use, free of charge, War Department buildings and drill halls rented or leased by Territorial Army Associations. Similarly premises occupied by the Home Guard may be used by cadets at times which will not interfere with the training of the Home Guard. I am not aware of any unnecessary difficulties having been thrown in the way, but if the hon. and gallant Member has any specific cases in mind, I shall be glad to investigate them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider including in the grant of uniform to cadets between the ages of 14 and 17 the issue of greatcoats which are given to cadets over 17 but not to those of the age group in question?

Greatcoats are not given to cadets over 17 unless they belong to the Home Guard, in which case they are given to them as Home Guards and not cadets. The provision of uniform involves the question of supply of material as well as cost, and I cannot in present circumstances give any undertaking to increase the items of uniform authorised for cadets.

asked the Secretary of State for War how the capitation and uniform grants and training equipment given to military cadet units compare with those given to the Air Training Corps; and whether military cadet officers will, like Air Training Corps' officers, receive the King's commission?

As part of the Government policy for taking greater responsibility for training the youth of the country from school-leaving age, the War Office have arranged to increase the size of the Cadet Force, making full use of the advice and the organisation of the British National Cadet Association. The military object of the Cadet Force is to give pre-entry training for the Army, including the Home Guard. At the same time, the Cadet Force, like every other organisation connected with youth, is concerned with the development of the character of its members from the point of view of citizenship as well as of military training. The Cadet Force is to be largely expanded. The following arrangements apply to cadets between the ages of 14 and 17. The annual capitation grant is 13s. 0d. in open units and 11s. 0d. in school units for each qualified cadet, and a further grant of 10s. 0d. is issued for each qualified cadet who obtains certificate "A." In addition, the British National Cadet Association receives a grant of £750 for administration. Battle dress will be provided free. The issue of grants will be subject to the units obtaining a satisfactory report from the War Office inspecting officer and to fulfilment of certain other conditions of attendance at drills and camp.

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say whether the terms given to Army Cadet Corps are less favourable than those given to the A.T.C.?

If my hon. Friend will study the answer, I think he will see that they are not.

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether he will consider the advisability of making arrangements for a compulsory allotment from officers' pay in cases where there is deliberate refusal to provide any maintenance for wives; and what the practice in such circumstances is at the present time?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. Apart from other considerations, such an arrangement would involve an amendment of the Army Act. With regard to the second part, the wife may apply to the civil courts for redress.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that it is extraordinarily unfair to the wives of officers to have no opportunity of getting any allowances in a way that does not take place with regard to other ranks; and in view of the many difficult cases that have arisen, will he give further consideration to the matter?

Yes, Sir.

Is this not a question of a very offensive form of class distinction that officers, who are classed as saints, should not be compelled to make an allotment?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that officers who relinquished their commissions at the end of the last war were given a promise, in writing, that they should retain their rank; and will he undertake that such men, when now called up under the National Service Acts, will be allowed to retain their rank, unless they voluntarily renounce it, whether they are selected for service in the Armed Forces or elsewhere?

My hon. and gallant Friend is evidently under a misapprehension. Officers who served in the last war were granted permission to retain their ranks in civilian life after relinquishing their commissions, as a mark of appreciation for their past services to the country. It was never suggested that this privilege would confer a vested right either to resume a commission, or to retain rank in the event of recall to the Colours. On demobilization, these officers did not pass to any kind of Reserve, and their connection with, and liability to, the Army was completely severed. As regards the second part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend on 8th January, 1942.

Is it not the fact that each of these officers was definitely told in writing at the time that he would be able to retain his rank and did that not include also the return to service, if necessary?

No, Sir, it did not. Officers were allowed to retain their rank as a mark of distinction in civil life. No indication was given that they could return to the Army as commissioned officers or that they could retain their rank. I must ask my hon. and gallant Friend to remember the case of officers in the last war who have already volunteered for service in the ranks or anywhere else, and to realise that you cannot give the privileges to old officers now being conscribed which are not given to those who have volunteered.

If my hon. Friend will read my Question again he will see that I exclude these people who voluntarily gave up their rank, but there was no mention in the letter that officers could retain their rank only in civil life.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of soldiers have been drafted to the Pioneer Corps, and have not handled a rifle for over three months; that some are skilled miners; and whether he will consider allowing those who are not wanted for the use of arms to return to the coalmines?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friends the Members for Walton (Mr. Purbrick), Twickenham (Mr. Keeling), and Wycombe (Sir A. Knox) on 30th September, 1941. The decision not to release further coal miners from the Fighting Forces applies equally to all branches of the Army, including the Pioneer Corps, where men with miners' experience are invaluable.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are men over 30 years of age in the Pioneer Corps, and is it a recognised thing that men under 40 are not called upon to use arms to be ready for any emergency? I will send him cases.

I shall be glad to look into any case that the hon. Member may send me.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that the monthly intake of officers into the Auxiliary Territorial Service is sufficient to meet the total requirements of the Army; and whether he will meet these requirements by selecting a reasonable proportion of candidates to fill immobile appointments which would provide potential officer material suited for administrative appointments in the static commands throughout the United Kingdom, such officers, whose immobile obligation would be full time, being subject to normal mobile duties in the event of imminent invasion?

The monthly intake of Auxiliary Territorial Service officers is sufficient to meet the present needs of the Service, since the formation of the Auxiliary Territorial Service section of the Army Officers Emergency Reserve has enabled us to draw upon a large number of women with suitable qualifications in civilian life. For the reasons given in the answer to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for West Edinburgh (Lieut.-Commander Hutchison) on 14th October, 1941, immoble units of the Auxiliary Terri- torial Service have been found not to make for maximum efficiency and therefore all ranks are now required to be mobile.

In order that Members of the House may have an opportunity of considering arguments in support of the proposals contained in the Question, I beg to give notice that I shall raise it on the Adjournment at an early date.