asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the extension of liability to military service, and in the light of all considerations now involved, he will now reconsider his refusal, on 21st October, 1941, to establish an Inspector-General of Man-power for the purposes then indicated?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply to him on 21st October. I have given this matter careful consideration, and I am satisfied that the present arrangements are working smoothly.

asked the Secretary of State for War how much leave is granted to men upon their return to this country after escaping from captivity on the Continent?

On reaching this country, escaped British prisoners of war are granted 21 days' leave.

Is the Minister satisfied that that leave is sufficient, when in some cases these men have undergone months of hardship before they have been able to find their way to this country?

Yes, Sir, by and large, I think that 21 days are sufficient.

asked the Secretary of State for War how much money was allocated from public funds for welfare work in the Army during the years 1940 and 1941, respectively?

The amounts of money allocated from public funds for welfare work in the Army during the financial years 1940–41 and 1941–42 were £629,500 and £818,500, respectively. A comprehensive scheme to deal with the welfare of the Army was not introduced until September, 1940, so that the former sum covered only about six months of the year, but it allowed for some heavy initial capital expenditure. These amounts do not include the considerable sums spent annually by Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes on providing professional entertainment for the troops.

asked the Secretary of State for War why soldiers coming on leave are not receiving any pay for maintenance; why they are told that the money is now put to their credit; and when they will be entitled to receive it?

Detailed instructions have been issued to all commanding officers reminding them of their responsibility for ensuring that soldiers going on leave or furlough receive a cash payment representing pay at the net rate and ration allowance at the special leave rate up to the end of their period of leave. The commanding officer is also responsible for ensuring that pay and ration allowance are sent to a soldier who has been granted an extension of leave. If my hon. Friend will send me details of any individual case in which these instructions appear not to have been carried out, I will gladly have inquiries made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will publish the report of the Lands Department on the requisitioning of a camp, the location of which has been given to him?

No reports have been received on the requisitioning of this camp and the chattels contained in it other than communications of an entirely routine character. I can see no good grounds for departing from the normal practice of not publishing such correspondence. I would like to take this opportunity of saying that further inquiries have confirmed the statements contained in the previous answers given to my hon. Friend on this subject and show that there is no justification for his suggestion that inaccurate information has been given to the House. I am writing to him more fully on this point.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend be good enough to furnish the names of the board of officers set up to inquire into certain aspects of this matter?

The board were not set up to inquire into this matter. They were concerned with taking over from an outgoing unit.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend publish the names of the board of officers who did the taking-over?

I will consider that.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will again review the urgent need for more entertainment on Sundays for men and women in the Services in the Newark area; whether, in view of the present attitude of the owners of public places of amusement, and the demand in the Services for more entertainments, be will employ his requisitioning powers to use certain cinemas on Sundays, and request Entertainments National Service Association to arrange for a regular series of entertainments exclusively for men and women in the Services?

Entertainment is provided in Newark every Sunday night in the Corn Exchange either by Entertainments National Service Association, by Service concert parties or by voluntary concert parties. Besides this a free film show for the Services is provided every Sunday by voluntary effort, and I believe there is also a great deal of private hospitality. I am satisfied that the military authorities with the assistance of the local population have done their utmost to provide a reasonable amount of entertainment for the troops on Sundays. Requisitioning powers are only employed when premises are required for full-time use by the military. It would therefore not be appropriate to invoke requisitioning powers to obtain part-time use of a cinema.

While appreciating that explanation, which was also given in the answer which I received last week, will my hon. Friend send a competent welfare officer to Newark to see the position for himself and obtain, if possible, an impartial report upon the whole circumstances?

We already have a competent welfare officer in that area, and he has already reported to the War Office to the effect that a great deal too much is being made of this matter.

Will the hon. Gentleman accept a proposal that three Members of Parliament should visit the area on a Sunday night to go round and make a report upon this position?

I shall be glad to have any further information from the hon. Member.

Who was the welfare officer who made the statement to which the hon. Gentleman has referred? Was it the command welfare officer or the county welfare officer?

I have not got that information with me.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of James Young, of Bedlington, who stated at Blyth County Court that, while he was unable to secure work on account of injuries to his hands, he was called up for the Army and passed by the medical board Grade 1; that on entering the forces he was re-examined and re-graded Class C, put to light fatigue duties, never had a drill or handled a rifle, and six months later was discharged as unfit for any form of military service; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent a repetition of such cases?

I have been asked to reply. Inquiries are being made, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

Is my hon. Friend aware that cases of this description discourage confidence in medical boards, and will he take steps to deal with the members of the medical board who passed this man into the Army, if on inquiry the facts stated in my Question are substantiated?

I will see that these suggestions are taken into consideration.

Has my hon. Friend or his chief ever considered the considerable percentage of men discharged from the Forces who have been passed by medical boards, when obviously they have been unfit for the Fighting Services?

Not in a specific form.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the memorandum submitted to the High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in Australia in December, 1940, on behalf of the refugee internees transported to Australia on the ss. "Dunera" has been made the subject of inquiry by the War Office; and, if so, with what result?

The memorandum referred to by my hon. Friend was considered by the War Office as soon as it was received, and as a result a court of inquiry was set up to inquire into the conduct of military personnel on board the "Dunera". As a result of the report of this court of inquiry three courts-martial were held of which I gave full details in the Reply to my right hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Wedgwood) and my hon. Friend the Member for English Universities (Mr. Harvey) on 5th August, 1941.

Was not the inquiry held when none of the people most concerned were in this country, and is it not a fact that a great number of them have returned?

The court of inquiry was held, and the court-martial was the result.

Is it possible to have a satisfactory inquiry without witnesses, when all available information can be taken into consideration?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any reduction in privilege leave is made in consequence of a soldier being granted compassionate leave?

Compassionate leave normally counts against the allotment of privilege leave up to a maximum of seven days in any one period. But in cases where compassionate leave is granted as a result of enemy action the first seven days of such leave do not count against the normal allotment of privilege leave.

Is it not unfair to take away a man's privilege leave because he has had to visit his wife who is seriously ill for four or five days? Why cannot he have his leave in the ordinary way?

We always have to take into consideration the percentage of soldiers away at any one time, otherwise it would not be fair on other men.

asked the Secretary of State for War what additional pay soldiers receive for agricultural work for which they are loaned to farmers; whether this is paid by the farmers direct to the men; what are the hours of work and other arrangements for their comfort; and whether the men can refuse to do such work?

No additional pay is given to soldiers for this work, and they continue to receive their normal Army emoluments and draw Army rations. The farmer is charged by the Army a sum equivalent to the rates normally payable for the work less the cost, up to 1s. a day for each man, of any liquid refreshment supplied by him. Officers or non-commissioned officers in charge of parties try to conform with the farmer's requirements as regards hours provided they are not unduly long. The military authorities supplying the men may withdraw or refuse to supply them unless they are satisfied that conditions of work are satisfactory. As this work is a military duty refusal to perform it would constitute a military offence.

Is there any arrangement to make sure that the men are capable of doing this agricultural work, or are they ordinary labourers, who need a lot of training?

I do not know that I altogether appreciate the question. Agricultural work can be performed by soldiers.

Surely the man who is doing the job ought to be paid the rate for the job, whether a soldier or a civilian?

The job is performed as part of his military duties.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases the farmers would much sooner pay the men direct and get better work out of them?

Are soldiers in their spare time permitted to undertake agricultural work?

I should require notice of that question, but I imagine that that is so.

Are we to understand that forced labour is to be applied only to Service men, and not to civilians?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any other ranks are entitled to sit on the audit boards assembled to examine the accounts of regimental institutes; and what is the procedure for publishing such accounts.

No provision is made in King's Regulations for other ranks to sit as members of audit boards to examine the accounts of regimental institutes. A balance sheet is published in unit orders as soon as possible after the quarterly audit.

In view of the large sums of money involved and the fact that they come mostly from other ranks, would it not be better perhaps to amend the Regulations and permit other ranks to control the money?

Most of the accounts dealt with by the audit boards are actually kept by the officers, and they are responsible.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman look into the matter again? Is he aware that the Regulation is not universally adopted of publishing the accounts and that there is considerable questioning as to what happens?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that the duty of searching hospitals in enemy and enemy-occupied territory, allocated to the Red Cross, is being carried out efficiently, and that the next-of-kin of all officers and men in these hospitals have been informed of the fate of their relatives?

I am not altogether clear what my hon. Friend has in mind. Occasionally the War Office receives information about missing personnel from national Red Cross societies in enemy-occupied territories. This assistance which is much appreciated, is entirely voluntary and unofficial in character. It is often extremely difficult to establish the identity of the individuals to whom these reports refer, but wherever such identification is possible the information is communicated to the next-of-kin.

Does my right hon. and gallant Friend think that these organisations are adequate, and are the next of kin being given the fullest information possible in order to relieve their anxiety?

It is very difficult for me to answer the first part of the Supplementary Question, because the organisation is inside enemy-occupied territory and I have no power over it. Any information that is obtained is certainly given to the relatives.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the condition of the British prisoners of war in Camp 2, Stalag XXIE, as regards unsuitable accommodation, inadequate food and unsatisfactory cleansing arrangements; and whether, as nearly 1,000 prisoners are concerned, he will as soon as possible, make inquiries through the Protecting Power to ensure better treatment?

Information has been received which indicates that the accommodation for British prisoners of war at Stalag XXIE is not satisfactory. The matter has been taken up with the Protecting Power, and an early visit to the camp will be made.

While thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask that extra special efforts be made, as I understand many of the prisoners of war were those brought to Rouen for repatriation purposes?

Yes, Sir, I have asked that this shall be made a matter of urgency.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any statement to make regarding the ill-treatment of British prisoners of war by the Italians at Bardia?

I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison) on 28th January.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that Miss Barbara Morning, 28, Floor-burns Crescent, Johnstone, was aroused out of bed and arrested by the police at 3 a.m. on 29th October, 1941; that it is now admitted that the arrest was the result of a mistake on the part of the procurator fiscal; and will any compensation be offered to Miss Morning?

Regret has been expressed to Miss Morning, on behalf of the procurator fiscal and the police, that the warrant for her arrest was executed at so inconvenient an hour, and she has declared herself satisfied. Steps have been taken to ensure that in future warrants are not executed at such an hour save in very exceptional and justifiable circumstances.

Are we to understand that no one is to be punished for taking a young woman, whose health is not good, out of bed and keeping her in a cold stone cell for six hours for no offence of any kind?

I have indicated that when the full facts were explained to her Miss Morning declared herself satisfied. We have given instructions to the police and to the procurator fiscal that in future, unless in very exceptional circumstances, they must not repeat actions of this kind.

Is it not admitted that there should have been no arrest at all? Will no action be taken against anyone?

It is not admitted that no action should have been taken. Miss Morning was directed under a Defence Regulation and pleaded guilty to not complying with the direction. She was admonished and liberated shortly before 11 a.m. She did not admit that action should not have been taken.

Was it a serious offence with which this lady was charged? If not, does the hon. Gentleman consider that the police officer who thought it right to turn her out of bed at that hour is fit to continue to discharge his responsibilities?

The police officer was not responsible. It was the procurator fiscal who did not inform the police that the only action necessary was to warn Miss Morning to attend at the court next day.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the shortage of agricultural labour in some parts of Scotland; and what steps he proposes to take to make available to Scottish farmers Italian prisoners of war now in this country?

I am fully alive to the agricultural labour position in Scotland, and in view of the labour shortage I am glad to say that arrangements are being made for the allocation this year of a considerable number of Italian prisoners to Scotland. A small proportion will be available in the spring, and a substantially larger force in the early summer.

Will these prisoners be employed in gangs or on individual farms?

They will be in camps in different parts of the country—it would not be in the public interest to mention the places—and the allocation of gangs or individual prisoners to farms will be in the hands of the agricultural executive committees.

What will they be paid, and to whom will it be payable?

I could not say without notice.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the statement of the hon. and gallant Member for Peters-field (Sir G. Jeffreys) last week that farmers were complaining that the work they got out of these Italian prisoners was not worth much, and does his information bear that out?

My information is that that is not the universal experience in connection with the use of Italian prisoners.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that a partial cripple, Hugh Grosset, of Kelty, Fife, was sentenced to a term of imprisonment at the Dunfermline Sheriff's Court for refusing to return to work at the coal face; that two medical men and his trade union secretary supported him in his plea that he was unfit for such work; and who was responsible for initiating this prosecution?

Mr. Grosset was charged and convicted of having failed to comply with a direction of a National Service Officer to take up work as a stripper and machine-man, and was sentenced by the sheriff substitute at Dunfermline to 14 days' imprisonment. The prosecution was initiated by the procurator-fiscal at Dunfermline. I have considered the case and am satisfied that the procurator-fiscal acted properly in taking proceedings. The evidence referred to in the Question was put before the local appeal board which, after considering the whole evidence, advised that the man was fit for work.

Who had jurisdiction, and who decided that this man was guilty of an offence?

The sheriff substitute, when the case came before him, held—and I have no reason to disagree with his view—that he was bound by the decision of the National Service Officer as advised by the local appeal board. Accordingly it was the local appeal board who really decided that the man was fit for work.

Are we to understand that the local appeal board decided that the man was guilty and then directed the sheriff and the court to pass sentence?

No, the sheriff was entitled to consider all other matters in connection with the case, and he said that he took into account the man's explanation and imposed a smaller sentence than he would otherwise have done.

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that there is an acute shortage of coal for domestic use in some parts of London; and whether he will release some of the stocks to fill the gap?

I am aware that merchants' stocks of solid fuel are low in certain parts of London, chiefly owing to difficulties occasioned by the recent spell of severe weather; but nowhere can the position be described as acute. Authority had already been given for the sale to merchants of coal from Government dumps in any case where that course is necessary.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the shortage in Lambeth is really serious, particularly among small consumers, many of whom have not been able to get any coal for three weeks or more? Will he look into that problem particularly and see that merchants are supplied from the dumps with the coal necessary for small consumers?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the action of the management at New Mells Colliery, Somerset, in locking out two workmen in violation of Article 4 of the Conditions of Employment and National Arbitration Order, 1940, and of the provisions of the Essential Work (Coalmining) Order, 1941; and what action he is taking in the matter.

I have made inquiries at New Mells Colliery and find that two men were asked to agree to a reduction in the rate paid to them for driving a drift and that they were refused permission to work on the old rate; the case was referred to the Labour Supplies Officer, and he has reported that the matter has been settled by agreement; that a new rate has been fixed and that the men are now at work in their own occupation in the same working place.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the demand that medical officers in the employ of public health authorities shall give up the full number of coupons for their protective clothing will mean that many surgeons will have very few coupons left for their own use; and whether he will reconsider this decision?

I have received no evidence to show that the type of white (overalls now available at two or three coupons each, according to type, are unsuitable for use by doctors, and I do not consider that the purchase of them will place an undue strain on a doctor's ration of coupons.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that a circular has gone out to local authorities on -this matter and that it shows that surgeons in operating theatres will come to an end of their coupons? Does he not know how important to a surgeon overalls are and what a large number are used.

They know the number of coupons available.

Does my right hon. Friend recognise that the ordinary person does not require protective clothing, and that if the extra coupons are sufficient in this case, they are superfluous in the case of ordinary persons? Surely this is an example of extra requirements for public needs.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will convene a meeting of the chambers of trade throughout the whole country with a view to considering and ascertaining the best methods of protecting the livelihood of the small retailers throughout the country?

The Retail Trade Committee propose to consult representative trade organisations about this and other matters raised in their second interim report, which I have received. I hope that the report will be published on Thursday of this week.

Will my right hon. Friend do everything in his power to keep in touch with the chambers of trade in this matter, because they have a large amount of information? May I also say how much I appreciate the efforts that have been made in this matter by my right hon. Friend?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any decision has been come to as to the retention of regional commissioners after the war?

I have been asked to reply. No, Sir. Consideration is being given to problems of local government areas and functions after the war, but no decision has been taken as regards the future of the regional organisation.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in some quarters it is stated that a decision has been come to and that it has even been decided who is likely to occupy these offices? Will my right hon. Friend assure me that nothing has been done?

I can give the most absolute assurance of that kind. No decision has been reached or is likely to be reached for some time.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some people consider that this form of Government control should cease?

asked the Min-ester without Portfolio whether, in any steps contemplated in the structure of local government to meet the changing needs of the situation, he will assure the House that the basis of democratic election will be preserved?

Yes, Sir. In the consideration of any proposals that may arise out of inquiries into problems of local government after the war full regard will be paid to the maintenance of the principle of democratic election.

Do I understand that this principle will govern all the proposals concerning local government?

I hope so, but I do not rule out the possibility of indirect election by some authorities like the Metropolitan Water Board.

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether he is giving consideration to the problem of the future livelihood of the children of the rural and independent retailers, whose livelihood is being threatened and destroyed, both as a result of the war and as the result of the unchecked development of the chain stores; and whether he will confer with the President of the Board of Trade with a view to the introduction of legislation to protect the future welfare of these people?

I cannot accept the implications of my hon. Friend's Question, but I can assure him that, in the preparation of plans for reconstruction after the war, the welfare of the rising generation will be a primary objective.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that it is necessary to have regulated development and a settled policy, and that this kind of window dressing will never again be allowed to continue on that basis, because the middle classes and the independent retailers must have protection?

My hon. Friend had better await the publication of the report.

I am not satisfied that enough progress is being made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he has consulted the Railway Executive Committee with a view to increasing the sleeping-car facilities between Glasgow and London; and what advice has been given in this connection?

I am advised that sleeping accommodation on the trains between Glasgow and London could only be increased at the expense of reducing the seating accommodation or by the substitution of third-class sleepers for first-class sleepers.

Has my right hon. and gallant Friend consulted the Railway Executive Committee, and is that their reply?

This reply has been received from the London Midland and Scottish Railway.

Is it not the case that there is no shortage of sleepers but that there is a shortage of locomotive power, and that if trains were run slower they could have more sleepers?

No, Sir, that is not the case. The problem is caused by a shortage of locomotive power. We have trains going between London and Glasgow with as many coaches as the engines will take.

If they go slower, could not the engines take more coaches?

On the other hand, there has been criticism that they do not go fast enough.

Is the Minister aware that if they go much slower we shall not arrive here at all?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what further representations he has received from the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce contending that there is inequity in the distribution of sleeping berths between Glasgow and London, to the serious detriment of important business engagements; and what steps he is proposing to take to rectify this position?

I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend copies of the most recent letter from the Chamber of Commerce, and of the reply which has been sent.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the feelings of disquiet being aroused by the passing of physically unfit men for service in the Army; whether there is any minimum standard; and what is the method adopted in arriving at it?

While cases of physical or mental unfitness cannot invariably be detected, the medical boards do not, in general, pass men who are unfit for service, and I am not aware of any grounds for disquiet. The standards applied and the methods employed by the boards are contained in a Code of instructions agreed with the Service Departments and approved by the Medical Advisory Committee. I am having a copy of this Code in its latest form placed in the Library.

Would it not be advisable for men who claim to be unfit for service to have the right to go before an independant medical tribunal, for there are undoubtedly cases of great hardship?

I will put that matter to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Prime Minister whether consideration has now been given to the question of the pay of the Armed Forces and allowances to their dependants, and whether a statement can be made?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the Government's proposals for bettering the payments and allowances to wives and dependants of men serving in His Majesty's Services?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to state what improvements are proposed in the pay and allowances of the Armed Forces?

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister hoped to be able to make a statement on this subject to-day but regrets that he is not yet in a position to do so.

When may we put down a Question again?

I will let my hon. and gallant Friend know. I hope it may be possible to give a Reply very soon.

Has the Minister of Pensions had his party at Blackpool?

Will it be possible to issue a White Paper setting out the proposals?

That is being considered.

Is officers' pay being included?

I cannot anticipate the statement.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider setting up a committee to inquire into the conditions of the Auxiliary Territorial Service and the other women's Services?

A Committee, under the Chairmanship of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty and with the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for War, my hon. Friend the Member for Altrincham (Sir E. Grigg), the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Air, my right hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Isle of Thanet (Captain Balfour), and the Parliamentary Secretary, Minister of Labour, my hon. Friend the Member for Rushcliffe (Mr. Assheton), as members, has been set up to consider and report to the First Lord of the Admiralty, the Secretary of State for War, the Secretary of State for Air and the Minister of Labour and National Service, on the standards of amenities and welfare conditions in the three Women's Services.

The Committee will, in the course of its consideration of these questions, receive the advice of the Directors of the W.R.N.S., A.T.S. and the W.A.A.F. and these Directors will attend the meetings of the Committee as may be required. These Directors will investigate and report upon the comparative conditions of accommodation, issues of clothing and equipment and other matters affecting the well-being of the Services, and will present their conclusions and any suggestions to the above Committee. In addition, the Committee have expressed their willingness to receive representations and views on any questions affecting welfare from the Women's Consultative Committee, which advises the Minister of Labour on all questions relating to the recruitment of women.

Does not my right hon. Friend think it would be a good thing if some responsible women were co-opted to the Committee?

Is it not rather an odd and unusual procedure to appoint a Committee of Parliamentary Under-Secretaries? How are they going to find time from their other duties to attend the Committee?

I do not think it is unusual.

Will evidence be given before the Committee from outside people, or will it be limited to official evidence?

That is a matter for the Committee.

Will the husbands and parents of these young people be reassured by a report from four young men in high positions?

Will the representatives of the Services be full members of the Committee and will they sit with the Committee on every occasion?

As I pointed out, the Committee will seek the advice of the directors, and they will attend the meetings of the Committee as required. That does not mean they are full members of the Committee.

Does my right hon. Friend think it would be a good thing to set up an all-women committee to inquire into conditions in the male Services?

Is it not really a mistake to have an investigation into the conditions in these Services by the people responsible for those conditions?

As these matters are of great interest to the community, may the report of the Committee be published?

That is a matter for the Committee.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise this question on the Adjournment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the revenue authorities contend that Section 43 of the Finance Act, 1940, applies where executors, in order to give effect to a bequest of an annual payment for life and facilitate distribution of the residue, purchase an annuity from an insurance company; and whether, in view of this contention having given rise to a possible liability, contingent upon the death of the annuitant within three years from the date of purchase and incalculable until such death, he wilt take steps to amend the said section or otherwise remove an obstacle to the winding up of many estates?

I am not altogether clear as to the type of case which my hon. Friend has in mind; but if he will furnish me with particulars of any case, I will have inquiries made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the total amounts raised for war loan in Edinburgh and Glasgow during the warships week; how much of this was contributed by banks and insurance companies; and how much was paid in commission to banks and stockbrokers during those weeks?

The amounts raised during the Edinburgh and Glasgow Warship Weeks, including subscriptions to all forms of Government security now on issue, purchases of National Savings Certificates, deposits in the Savings Banks, and loans free of interest and gifts to the nation, were £15,482,031 and £13,510,424 respectively. The other information for which my hon. Friend asks could not be obtained without a disproportionate amount of trouble.

Is it not the case that the right hon. Gentleman does not give the information because it would prove that these were really not genuine funds raised by the workers, but that the money is secured largely from the banks and insurance companies?

There is no foundation for that as far as I am concerned.

When will the right hon. Gentleman explain his reluctance to give figures of the commission on money subscribed for these loans, which he knows is very large?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the sum that has been paid by the Exchequer to stockbrokers as commission on War Loan?

The total commission paid to stockbrokers on War Loans since the commencement of the war amounts to £696,000, which represents commission, nearly all at the rate of one-eighth of one per cent., on total subscriptions of about £565,000,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a taxpayer liable to the highest rate of Income Tax and Surtax, desirous of making a payment of £5 5s., has to lay aside a year's interest on £3,800 Three per cent. Savings Bonds, while the recipient, if also liable to the same rate of tax, retains only 4s. 10d.; and will he give the widest circulation to these figures to illustrate the war burden imposed on the wealthier classes by their contribution to the revenue of the country?

I have referred several times to the extremely heavy burden imposed by the Income Tax and Surtax on the larger incomes. This burden is well illustrated by the figures given by my hon. Friend, and further examples may be found in the Financial Statement for 1941–42 (No. 73 of 1941).

Will the right hon. Gentleman do his utmost to dispel the illusion, still so widely prevalent, that capital has not been conscripted in the present war?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he will make arrangements for tax deducted from the weekly wages of workers to be varied week by week according to the amount of the wages, in order to avoid the hardships now caused to Clydebank workers and their families, by deducting from their present small earnings large arrears of tax on their higher earnings last year; is he aware that this system is leading to reluctance in th3 men to work overtime, and in their wives to go out to work at all;

(2) whether he is aware of the hardships now caused to Clyde bank shipyard workers and their families by the demands for income tax on the good wages and overtime earned last year; and what concessions does he propose to make to these people to encourage them to continue to work overtime without the knowledge that extra money so earned will be taken from them for arrears of tax, especially as it was by his arrangement that the arrears accumulated until 1st January?

I would remind my hon. Friend that the scheme for deduction of tax from wages for the period January to June of this year is already in operation, and it would not be practicable to vary it by making week to week deductions according to the amount of the wages, as he suggests. The reason for the time lag involved is the necessity of ensuring that each taxpayer receives the allowances and reliefs to which he is entitled.

Would it not be better to scrap the whole scheme as it is now understood and institute a system under which deductions are made weekly from the wages of the men, afterwards setting up for them a credit account in respect of any over-deductions?

No, Sir. The present scheme was carefully considered. I will keep the matter under careful review, but I think the scheme has certainly been devised in the interests of the wage earners.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why he refused to meet a deputation on the subject which was accompanied by Members of this House?

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that it is in the national interest that this system should be reconsidered? The incentive to the workers is being taken away from them, and it is affecting production and doing no good at all, and is it not time that it was altered?

No, Sir. I should like to say at once that I completely dissent from such a view, and I think that hardly anybody shares such an opinion.

Is the Chancellor of the Exchequer aware that there is a number of cases where men who are receiving £3 15s. a week find that £1 4s. 2d. is deducted from their pay in respect of Income Tax?

The exact particulars of deductions will be found in the White Paper which was issued at the time of the opening of the Budget, and I do not think they would bear out those figures.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will look into a number of hard cases where Clydebank workers are being pressed for arrears of Income Tax and mitigate their suffering by arranging for payment to be spread over as long a period as may be necessary?

The arrangements for collection of Income Tax by deduction from wages provides substantial relief from the hardship which might otherwise result from demands for lump sum payments. My hon. Friend will, I am sure, appreciate that, if the scheme is to work equitably, the period over which tax is to be deducted cannot be varied as between one taxpayer and another according to individual circumstances. I would, however, remind him of the provision that the deductions on account of Income Tax shall in no case reduce the net cash payment of wages below certain minimum figures which are higher for married than for single men.

Is the Chancellor aware of the fact that unless he alters this system in its entirety he is not going to get the Income Tax? He will have to do the same as was done in the last war, and cancel it all out, because it cannot be got. You will have the railway-men on about it just inside a month, never mind the engineers.

No, Sir. I have a belief myself, and I think it is shared by people in all political parties, that this scheme has met with a fair and proper response on the part of the workers.

Why is there this diminution of enthusiasm for Income Tax?

Is the Chancellor of the Exchequer not aware that by refusing to meet a deputation from Clydeside on this subject he created the impression that he was afraid to discuss and to justify it?

No, Sir. I think there is no misunderstanding about that. The deputation to which the hon. Member refers was one of which I received very short notice and I found that it was a deputation of shop stewards, and I suggested to the deputation that if they desired to see me they should be accompanied by trade union officials.

May I ask my right hon. Friend why his machinery for the collection of this tax was not absolutely perfect? May I have an answer?

I do not quite follow the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the advisability of disallowing, for Income Tax purposes, expenditure on advertising which exceeds a reasonable proportion of the expenditure for advertising in the standard years?

Under the existing law, the allowance or disallowance of expenditure on advertising as a deduction in computing the profits of a business for Income Tax purposes is determined by the same rules that apply to other items of expenditure, and I see no reason for introducing any differential treatment.

Does my right hon. Friend's answer mean that what is stated in the Question is, in fact, the existing procedure?

Does not the whole of this expenditure come direct out of money which would otherwise go to more useful purposes?

My hon. Friends will remember that I took power in the last Finance Act to deal with this and other matters, but if facts are brought to my notice, I will look into them.

In view of the fact that the present position is a public scandal, could not the right hon. Gentleman disallow advertisements of all goods which cannot be sold?

Does not the reply of my right hon. Friend mean that unless some outside individual brings cases to the attention of the Revenue, nothing will be done?

No, Sir. All I did was to invite my hon. Friends to give me information.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in the hospital survey he is undertaking, there will be any consultation with the Society of Medical Superintendents?

My right hon. Friend will be glad to receive the views of this or any other society concerned with the hospital services; and the surveying officers will consult with any such body in the course of their survey as may be found necessary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies why a new ordinance has recently imposed an export tax on coffee produced in Uganda which does not apply to coffee produced in the Belgian Congo, Ruanda or Urundi which is exported via Uganda whether or not it be processed in Uganda; and whether, as this discrimination will have an adverse effect upon coffee-growing in Uganda and, as an expert tax is, in principle, open to grave objection, he will consider its abolition?

On the recommendation of the standing committee appointed by the Governor to advise on export taxes, the Governor, with the approval of my Noble Friend, imposed in September last under the provisions of the Uganda War Revenue (Export Tax) Ordinance No. 30 of 1940, an export tax of £2 a ton on Uganda coffee. My Noble Friend does not consider that the taxation will have an adverse effect on the industry.

Is not the imposition of this tax inconsistent with the Government's own policy, when they pressed in the summer of last year for preferential rates on the railway in favour of the export of coffee?

No, Sir. The method of the export tax is used in many colonies for the purpose of raising revenue and it is a part of the policy of the Government to enforce it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings when he intends to pull down the 70,000 iron Belisha Beacon poles; to what use he intends putting the globes; and what will be the total weight that can be melted down?

The total amount of iron recoverable from the poles and metal globes is approximately 1,000 tons and it would be comparatively costly to collect. So long, therefore, as other scrap is more readily obtainable it is not proposed to pull down these beacons.

They are a nuisance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he can now make a detailed statement as to the position of whole-time and part-time voluntary Civil Defence workers under the Order issued last week;

(2) whether the absence of any specified age in the new Order affecting Civil Defence workers indicates that the alteration in duties therein specified applies to Civil Defence workers of all ages or whether it is limited to people under 50 years of age; and whether it equally applies to the many young people serving in the Civil Defence Service in their early twenties?

asked the Home Secretary whether, when voluntary Civil Defence workers are placed on exactly the same plane as paid Civil Defence workers as regards mobility in their areas, hours of work and day and night service, such workers will be permitted to claim equal treatment with paid workers in respect of remuneration; whether he is aware that many people have hitherto been ready to work on a voluntary basis because they had some reasonable freedom of choice in respect of all the considerations mentioned; and whether, under the new scheme, they have any safeguard of their legitimate interests, industrial, domestic and physical?

The Orders which require part-time members of the Civil Defence Services, special constables and other part-time police auxiliaries, to continue to serve until their services are dispensed with, apply to all such persons who have attained the age of 18 years. Local authorities have been advised that, if they refuse to grant an application for release, the applicant should be informed that he is entitled to ask the Regional Commissioner to reconsider the matter. Local authorities have also been advised that, while many of those who volunteered for unpaid service devote a large amount of time to their Civil Defence duties and will want to continue to do so, the recognised standard of compulsory duty for part-time members (including for this purpose those giving whole-time unpaid service) should be a maximum of 48 hours in each period of four weeks. It has been explained to the authorities that, in fixing hours and times of duty, full regard should be had to the ordinary employment and other day-to-day obligations of the members and, where necessary, to personal and domestic circumstances. In accordance with general policy, members should not be detailed for stand-by duty within their ordinary working hours or in numbers in excess of those required for the efficient functioning of the Service.

The Orders place the part-time members under obligation to present themselves for duty at a given place and time and to obey lawful orders given in the course of the Civil Defence employment. My right hon. Friend is confident that local authorities will exercise their powers reasonably and with the objects of maintaining an efficient service and at the same time avoiding hardship to individuals and any unnecessary disturbance of existing duty rosters. There is already in force a scale of compensation for loss of wages sustained by persons who are absent from their employment because of attendance on authorised Civil Defence duty. The changed status of the part-time members does not put them in a position comparable with that of the whole-time paid personnel, or present a case for payment for part-time services. I will send my hon. Friends copies of the circulars issued to local authorities.

Does that answer mean that civil conscription has been applied to persons over 60 years of age who in the past have done voluntary service, whereas people over 60 who have never done anything are exempt?

It means that those who have been part-time volunteers in the past, irrespective of age, will be required to continue to perform those duties.

In other words, those who have never done anything at all are to be exempt from that obligation?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a person named William Joyce, a British subject, interned in enemy territory and employed by the German broadcasting authorities, is in receipt of £10 per month from the British Government; and whether he will take steps to stop such payments to Joyce and like traitors forthwith?

No, Sir. According to my information, no payments have been made from public funds to any British subject in Germany bearing this name.

On a point of Order. May I draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the fact that this Question has received considerable notice in the Press and has given rise to some comment? When Questions of this importance are put down, could you not do anything to require the attendance of the Member responsible in order that the Question may be properly dealt with?

That is not a duty which ought to be put upon me. The old rule must apply that the Member must be responsible for the accuracy of facts stated in a Question.

In a case where considerable harm has been done, is it not open to the Member who has put down the Question to make a personal statement in regard to the sources of his information?

That is not a question which I can decide.