asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether information will be made available in this country on the development schemes for the West Indies which have been prepared by Sir Frank Stockdale and submitted to the Colonial Office; whether Lord Dufferin's Committee to consider these schemes has yet met; and, if so, what schemes have been approved and to what money value?

As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Creech Jones) on 1st October. As regards the arrangements for the submission of applications from the West Indies for assistance under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act and for their consideration by the Colonial Development and Welfare Advisory Committee, I would refer my hon. Friend to replies which gave to the hon. Member for Shipley on 8th October and 28th January. Up to date 40 schemes for the West Indies have been approved, involving a total expenditure of £476,805. These schemes were all desalt with under the arrangements in operation prior to the appointment of the committee. The committee itself has made recommendations in respect of five further applications from the West Indies, but final approval has not yet been given in these cases.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the failure on considerable areas of the food production campaign in Jamaica last year, and the fact that in consequence peasants are requesting moratoriums against their planting loans, an inquiry, as requested by the Jamaican Press, will be held into the whole situation; and whether the report of the Board for 1940 has now been issued?

The report of the Food Production Board of Jamaica for the year ended 31st March, 1941, has now been received, and a copy will be placed in the Library of the House. My Noble Friend has not received any report from the Governor regarding developments since that date, but he will make inquiries in the matter, and I shall communicate the result to my hon. Friend in due course.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the report and memorandum on industrial pulmonary fibrosis, with special reference to silicosis in Wales, issued in April, 1940, which contains a recommendation that extensive research should be made for the prevention of silicosis and its treatment, and that sanatoria be established for persons suffering from this diseases; and what steps his Department is taking to deal with this matter?

My Department has studied this report and memorandum made to the Welsh National Memorial Association by two of its medical officers, and the medical inspector of mines has cussed its recommendation with the authors and with the staff of the Industrial Pulmonary Diseases Committee, this, as my hon. Friend is aware, being the committee responsible for the extensive researches into silicosis which have been going on in South Wales and are the subject of a report now in the Press. The question of institutional treatment for sufferers from silicosis is closely bound up with that of institutional treatment for tuberculosis and other pulmonary diseases. I propose to confer with the two sides of the industry in South Wales as soon as the report of the research committee is available.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of tons of coal cut by hand and the amount cut by coal-cutting machinery in each of the coalfields during the years 1930, 1935 and 1940, respectively?

It would not be in the public interest to publish the figures for the year 1940, but I am sending to my hon. Friend, for his confidential information, the figures for this year and for the years 1930 and 1935.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in any programme of postwar planning, he will consider the desirability of giving effect to the following suggestions for the improvement of the conditions of horses and ponies employed below ground in mines; a single shift per day for horses and ponies as for miners; suitable lighting of underground stables to give daylight effect and a diffused supply of fresh air from inlets placed at suitable intervals; proper lighting of junctions and bends of roadways; pony-drivers to be over 16 years age and carefully trained; the provision of standard heights and widths for horses and ponies on all haulage roads along which they must travel; the affixing of approved electric battery lamps to the collars or bridles of each horse or pony while at work; and the provision of a pool of reserve horses and ponies, properly trained, for groups of collieries for use in emergencies?

Yes, Sir, these suggestions have been noted for consideration.

asked the Secretary for Mines why there is only one medical inspector of mines, who also acts as medical adviser to the Mines Department; and whether, having regard to the number of mines in this country, the number of miners employed, the heavy incidence of accidents and industrial disease and the need for medical supervision and advice, his Department will consider the immediate advisability of appointing at least four more medical inspectors?

As my hon. Friend will be aware, the Royal Commission on Safety in Coal Mines made certain recommendations in regard to medical and allied services, which would involve some increase in the medical inspectorate. Those and many other recommendations of the Commission, which were accepted in principle by the Government, were under consideration as a whole when the war broke out. I regret that it has not been possible under war conditions to complete our examination of the wide field covered by the Royal Commission's report, but I will consider my hon. Friend's suggestion and communicate with him at an early date.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered a resolution from the National Union of Scottish Mineworkers protesting against the imprisonment of the Kent miners leaders and asking for their immediate release pending adjustment of the dispute with the coal-owners; and what action he intends to take in the matter?

I have considered these and other representations and have consulted the justices before whom the cases were heard. While I do not in any way question the propriety of the action taken by the justices on the facts before them, I regard the amicable settlement of the dispute as an earnest of the determination of the workers at the Bettishanger Colliery to make the fullest contribution to the national effort and in these circumstances I felt justified in recommending the remission of the remainder of the sentences of imprisonment imposed on the miners' leaders. The three men were released last night.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the serious effect of the milk restriction scheme on milk bars; that they are not equipped to serve main meals; and that the effect of the application will be to reduce supplies in many instances by go per cent., making the continuation of the business impossible; and whether he will take steps to prevent this?

Milk bars were set up to encourage the consumption of milk at a time when supplies were plentiful. The recent shortage has made it impossible for them to be allowed supplies on the scale to which they have been used. The greater restriction on supplies in their case results not from any different treatment from other catering establishments but from the nature of their previous business. It is not practicable to treat milk bars differently from other sections of the catering trade.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what are the functions and personnel of the various advisory committees attached to his Ministry?

There are 48 advisory committees assisting the Ministry of Food. The function of these committees, which consist generally of members of the various branches of the food trades, is to make available to the Ministry the advice and experience of their members, more particularly in regard to plans which the Ministry is proposing to put into operation affecting the particular trade concerned. If the hon. Member will indicate any particular aspect of the Ministry's work on which he desires information, I will arrange for him to be supplied with particulars of any committee which has been set up to advise the Ministry thereon.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will cause to be placed in the Library a complete collection of the Ministry's advertisements recommending the national wheatmeal loaf; whether he is aware that, simultaneously with the Ministry's campaign, a campaign depreciating the wheatmeal loaf and extolling white flour, of which alone the Ministry carries stocks, was widely conducted, especially in the provincial Press; and whether, in this connection, he will inquire into the relations between various advertising agents and publicity experts who, while in receipt of remuneration from Government Departments, retain commercial associations?

I have caused to be placed in the Library a complete collection of my Department's advertisements regarding the national wheatmeal loaf. With regard to the second part of my hon. Friend's Question, I am not aware of any campaign of the kind he mentions, but in view of the statements contained in his Question I should be glad if he would give me any particulars of such campaign he is able to supply.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether calcium is at present being added to the Government remforced loaf; and, it so, in what form and dosage?

Calcium is not at present being added to any white flour, but my Noble Friend is hoping to make an early statement on this matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the fact that the addition to synthetic vitamin B1 to bread and other commonly used foods, without control over the intake level, carries a potentiality of harm; and, in view of the impossibility of exercising this control, he will reconsider his decision to add this chemical product to the white flour supplied under the direction of his Department?

The amount of synthetic vitamin B1 that is being added to white flour raises its B1 content to about that of national wheatmeal. The addition of the vitamin is carefully controlled and constantly checked so that any variations in the level of intake of vitamin B1, due to different levels of bread consumption, applies equally to both types of bread. I am advised, however, that there is no possibility whatever of any harmful effects from the vitamin B1 at any level of bread consumption in either fortified white bread or national wheatmeal bread and I should be glad if my hon. Friend would give me the grounds on which he makes a statement in the contrary sense.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is recommended that British Restaurants should be established to meet demands by any section of the community irrespective of the character of the district; whether, in establishing these restaurants, attention is paid to the fact that people who frequent them are usually enabled to obtain rations over and above their statutory home allowance; and to what extent such extra consumption of food will entail an all-round avoidable reduction of such rations as meat?

British Restaurants are not established for any particular section of the community but to provide at least one hot nutritious meal per day for all those who, owing to circumstances arising from the war, find difficulty in obtaining meals in their accustomed manner. British Restaurants form only a small proportion of the numerous catering establishments of all types which are to-day playing an important part in feeding the public by providing facilities which are essential to meet the requirements of war workers and others, who, in increasing numbers, must take meals away from home. All these establishments, not British Restaurants alone, provide meals off the ration. The quantity of rationed food consumed in British Restaurants is too small to have any effect on the domestic ration of meat, or of any other commodity.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount paid to local authorities, giving Wales separately, for first-aid repairs to bombed buildings; and the amount to individuals in payment of claims for repairs arranged or done by themselves?

As I have previously stated, I regret that it is not regarded as in the public interest to give particulars of this kind.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether investments in Tax Reserve Certificates will be regarded as capital in the business of any trader investing in such certificates?

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on this subject to my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing (Sir F. Sanderson) on 20th January last.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the ascertainment of the Excess Profits Tax liability of large industrial companies is very protracted; and whether he will take steps to ensure that the Inland Revenue deal with the computations more expeditiously so that the Exchequer may receive what is due to it and the companies may know what their liability is?

The ascertainment of the liability of large concerns to Excess Profits Tax necessarily involves in many cases a very considerable amount of inquiry and discussion, but I am satisfied that the Inland Revenue deal with these matters as expeditiously as circumstances permit. Under existing conditions some delay in arriving at settlements is inevitable, but I am glad to say that many taxpayers have recognised the special difficulties of the present time by making substantial payments of tax on account in advance of the ascertainment of the precise liability.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of anomalies arising owing to the different means tests for non-contributory old age pensions and supplementary pensions; and whether he is prepared to take any steps to remove them?

Yes, Sir. Owing to differences between the statutory rules relating to the calculation of means for non-contributory old age pensions and those applying to supplementary pensions, a pensioner may in certain not very common circumstances become disentitled to a non-contributory old age pension, although he would be regarded as being in need of a supplementary pension if he had a pension to supplement. Amending legislation must await the results of the comprehensive survey of the existing schemes of social insurance and allied services undertaken by my right hon. Friend, the Minister without Portfolio. In the meantime the statutory procedure for the review of non-contributory old age pensions must continue to operate, but it is proposed in future to avoid by administrative action the withdrawal of supplementary pensions in the cases to which I have referred by granting a small old age pension which can then be supplemented under the usual arrangements to the extent justified by the pensioner's circumstances. These arrangements cannot apply to blind pensioners, who are ineligible for supplementary pensions but may receive financial assistance from local authorities under the Blind Persons Acts. In these cases pension officers are being instructed not to raise questions for revocation or reduction of pension on account of increases in the amount of financial assistance granted under the Blind Persons Acts.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Auxiliary Territorial Service Standing Orders provide that mechanised transport personnel shall not be called upon to drive vehicles for more than five hours continuously; and what are the minimum rest periods between driving?

Such orders as are necessary on this subject are a matter for local arrangements in the command concerned so as to suit local conditions. It would be impossible to lay down any hard and fast rules on the subject as the hours of driving and rest must depend to a large extent on military necessity.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now given further consideration to the cases of wives of officers whose husbands refuse to make any provision for them from their pay or allowances; and whether he is aware that the remedy of applying to a civil court is of no value as the War Office refuse to supply information either as to the husband's address or his pay, both of which are necessary?

The question is being examined, but it is a difficult and complicated one, and may take some time before a decision can be reached. In the meantime in such cases the wife may apply to the civil courts for redress. If she is unaware of her husband's address the War Office will always furnish it on receipt of an assurance from a solicitor or other responsible person that it will be used solely for the purpose of serving legal process. Pay details will always be given to a court after service of a subpoena.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the inquest at Salisbury on 7th January, upon the body of a cyclist, killed by an Army lorry which overtook an omnibus at a corner; whether he is aware that a police sergeant gave evidence that he was refused admittance to the military camp and the coroner protested strongly against the refusal of the Army authorities to co-operate with himself; and whether he can now state whether this soldier who caused the death is still employed as a lorry driver?

According to my information the entry of the police sergeant into the camp was at no time opposed or prevented. The reluctance to let witnesses make any statement seems to have been due to the fact that it was not made clear to the unit that the police officer was conducting inquiries on behalf of the coroner. There was probably also some misunderstanding of existing instructions to units regarding the giving of statements; steps are therefore being taken to clarify these instructions. The driver concerned has been relieved of his driving duties altogether since the accident.

asked the Secretary of State for War the decision arrived at with respect to promotions in the Army Dental Corps which, on 25th November, were under examination?

I expect to be in a position to announce a decision on this question shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that first-class travel vouchers are not issued to officers of the Home Guard; and whether he will make arrangements for the authorisation of this issue in future?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Argyll (Major McCallum) on 24th June, 1941, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will expedite the delivery of wireless sets to his welfare officers for remote units?

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that everything possible is being done to expedite the supply of wireless sets to remote units. There is however great difficulty in obtaining some of the essential components, particularly valves, and every effort is being made to overcome this by finding new sources of supply. Immediately sets are completed they are handed over to command welfare officers for issue to units.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any statement to make as to the assistance he has received from the Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs?

I am glad to have this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the valuable assistance rendered by the Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs to both the Regular and Territorial Armies ever since its formation in toot. In particular, ranges and equipment have been lent to Field Army and training units. Very close liaison has been maintained with Home Guard units and arrangements have been made for the use of Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs rifles by the Home Guard in the event of invasion.

asked the Home Secretary whether the police engaged in raiding premises where illegal practices are taking place are instructed to make additional inquiries of the persons responsible for the letting of the premises, with a view to charging such persons, without whose highly-paid co-operation the illegal practices would, in most cases, become impracticable, with aiding and abetting and/or failing to take proper precautions against their premises being used for illegal purposes?

There will be general agreement with the view that action ought to be taken against landlords or lessees who knowingly aid and abet the use of their premises for illegal practices; and the police do not overlook the importance of taking proceedings against such persons wherever possible. Their experience, however, is that guilty knowledge on the part of the owner or his agent is often most difficult to prove.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the figures for appeals to medical referees in cases of industrial disease; and the results of those appeals for 1940, especially in such a disease as dermatitis?

I have been asked to reply. In 1940 the number of appeals under section 43 (1) (f) of the Workmen's Compensation Act was 3,119, of which 2,430 were in respect of dermatitis. The number of cases in which the examining surgeon's decision was confirmed was 1,737 and 1,319 respectively.

asked the Home Secretary how many complaints he has received from local authorities that petrol and tyres are being wasted by the provision of motor-cars of an unnecessary high horse-power for the senior officers of the National Fire Service, and in wasteful and prolonged mobile exercises?

Representations of this character have been received from some 10 individual local authorities. As to the use of unnecessarily high horse-powered cars, the attention of the chief regional fire officers and fire force commanders has on more than one occasion been drawn to the necessity for avoiding any unnecessary consumption of petrol in this respect, and the allocation of staff cars is at present under review. Some increase of petrol consumption for staff purposes is, however, unavoidable because of the larger areas of administration. For reasons which I have indicated in reply to another Question I cannot accept the suggestion that these exercises, or the scale on which they are now being carried out, are in any sense wasteful.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the consumption of petrol by the fire services in Blackburn in June last was 666 gallons, and in December last was 2,016 gallons; and if he is satisfied that the extra amount used was in the national interest?

The consumption of petrol by the Blackburn Fire Brigade during the six months preceding the constitution of the National Fire Service in August, 1940, was:

	Gallons.
February	745
March	1,140
April	1,110
May	1,107
June	666
July	882

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in the issue of motor insurance policies, special terms are imposed on Royal Air Force and other service personnel?

Special terms are not applied to all Air Force or other Service personnel; there is no evidence as to the proportion of cases in which special terms are imposed; and I am satisfied that there is no agreement among insurers to impose special terms. Motor insurers are satisfied that special terms when imposed are justified by general or individal experience but, in response to an evident demand that even if the claims experience is likely to be unsatisfactory every effort should be made to give the most favourable consideration to the members of the Forces, they have authorised the following statement:

"During the war Members of the Forces will be treated in the same way as any other member of the public, in that age, driving record and type of car will be considered, but no special terms will be imposed on the ground of membership of the Forces."

I should add that in view of the young age of many of the motorists concerned and in view of the types of car involved, both of which features always call for special consideration in the case of civilians, this does not mean that normal terms will be general, but that there will be no discrimination against the Services.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction that exists amongst members of Air Training Corps squadrons because, in the event of accidents arising during training, compensation, according to Orders, Series No. 10, page 1, issued 24th June, 1941, is limited to payment on an ex-gratia basis; and will he consider that a more definite provision should be made in case of accident?

I am not aware of any dissatisfaction with the existing arrangement which in common with other features of Air Training Corps administration is kept under constant review. If, however, the hon. Member has any particular case in mind and will let me have details, I shall be glad to consider it.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why billeting allowances for the Royal Air Force are to be increased to 30s. a week but only for householders who accommodate six or more men, as this is a reversal of the ordinary practice of reduction on taking a quantity and unfair to the small householder who needs equal consideration?

The rates payable for billeting under the Air Force Act have not been increased but arrangements have been made under which, in lieu of billeting, contracts for the accommodation and messing of airmen may be entered into with householders whose livelihood is normally derived from the accommodation of visitors and who suffer hardship from the prolonged billeting of Service personnel upon them. It is a condition of such contracts that the whole of the accommodation shall be reserved for R.A.F. personnel and that not less than six airmen shall be accommodated and fed. This number has been adopted as affording a reasonable criterion of the type of householder whom the arrangement is designed to assist.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether arrangements can be made for vouchers, for traders desiring to change their 500 coupons, to be issued in exchange at any post office transacting money order business?

The present arrange-meats for enabling traders to exchange clothing coupons for vouchers are under review but I am not yet in a position to make a statement on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction among producers of foodstuffs because they cannot obtain towelling for the use of their staff; whether he is aware that, on 14th December last, the Excel Company, of Stratford, applied for towelling and were referred to three separate departments at Bournemouth, but up to the present moment have received no satisfactory reply; and whether he will look into this matter?

The facts are not as stated in the Question. The original letter from the Excel Company did not state their difficulties clearly. After the Department at Bournemouth had communicated with them, their form of application for coupons to obtain towelling was received in the appropriate department at Bournemouth on 22nd December. Some coupons were issued to the company on the following day. The issue was smaller than the company hoped, but, as the hon. Member will appreciate, the supply position is difficult. The supply of towelling is also restricted by quota and the matter is now being considered from this point of view.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether arrangements can be made for extra coupons to be made available for overalls for workpeople engaged in transport-repair work as this is of a dirty nature and ruins clothing?

The reduction in the coupon-value of industrial overalls to 2, 3 or 4 according to type should enable these workers to meet their clothing needs adequately out of their ration. If there are any special classes of transport-repair workers for whom this coupon-concession is insufficient, they should put forward their case for an issue of supplementary coupons through the appropriate Trade Union for consideration by the Board.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of additional clothes coupons allowed to the various categories of the workpeople employed at Messrs. Brown, Lenox and Company, Limited, Pontypridd, Glamorgan?

Arrangements are being made to issue next month supplementary coupons to certain classes of workers, including workers in those classes employed by Messrs. Brown Lenox and Company. I will communicate details to the hon. Member in writing.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the decision of the Edinburgh Conscientious Objectors' Tribunal to exempt Mr. Raymond O'Farrell, a ballet dancer, from military service in order to allow him to continue his dancing; and whether, in view of the irritating effect of such decisions on the morale of the fighting forces and factory workers, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The decision of the tribunal is not subject to my control, but I am taking steps to have it brought on appeal before the appellate tribunal in order that the most authoritative decision may be obtained.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will inquire into the circumstances attending the fact that George A. Hume, 60, Vicarage Lane, Stratford, volunteered on his 18th birthday for flying duties, was passed as fit at his medical examination, and instructed to return to his civilian duties until sent for; that he was then dismissed by his employers, Messrs. Angus Watson and Company, Rood Lane, E.C.3; and whether action will be taken to ensure this lad obtains restitution?

A claim for unemployment benefit has been made and the circumstances connected with this young man's dismissal are to be considered by a court of referees on Thursday, 5th February. It would not, therefore, be appropriate for me to comment on the matter at this stage, but I will write to my hon. Friend in due course.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can now announce his decision with regard to the calling-up of women students of the 20 to 30 age group attending universities, especially those who are in the middle of a degree course and whose parents have in many cases made heavy sacrifices to send their girls to the university?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a comprehensive statement about the position under the National Service Acts and the Registration for Employment Order of women students at universities who come within the registered age groups The Committee of Vice Chancellors will be shortly submitting their reasoned recommendations and I have agreed with its chairman, Sir Franklin Sibly, to suspend a final decision on policy until this document has been received and considered by me in consultation with my right hon. Friend, the President of the Board of Education. Meanwhile I have publicly announced and have informed the Chairman of the Vice Chancellors' Committee that full-time women students at universities who make satisfactory progress in their studies will not be called up under the National Service Acts during the current academic year.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the requirements of the Factory Acts, especially with regard to ventilation and dust extraction, are applied to workshops where voluntary workers without pay are engaged; whether he is satisfied with the conditions existing in depôts run by voluntary associations; and whether His Majesty's factory medical inspectors have visited and reported on such places?

Generally speaking, the Factory Acts only apply to premises where persons are employed in manual labour, though they also apply to parts of some institutions carried on for charitable purposes. His Majesty's Factory Inspectors have not investigated conditions at depots where voluntary workers are engaged in packing parcels, such as I understand my hon. Friend has particularly in mind, but I am advised that dangerous quantities of dust would not usually be expected in such places. If my hon. Friend would let me have particulars of any special case which he has in mind I should be glad to arrange for it to be investigated.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what number of men employed at a certain site are conveyed there other than by a public service or means provided by the contractors; what number of accidents have occurred to the private conveyances arranged for and the number of men involved; and what steps he is taking to provide a remedy for this state of affairs?

I have been asked to reply. Some thousands of men have been employed at this site and the majority are conveyed there by public services or means provided by the contractors. Some live locally and some make their own arrangements. I have been informed of an accident on a certain road on 1st September, 1941, in which five men employed at this site were injured. The use of public service transport on this road had been prohibited and the contractors do not provide any means of transport over it. Notices have been displayed on the site warning employees that if they travel by conveyance not properly licensed for the conveyance of passengers under the Road Traffic Act, 1930, they do so at their own risk, and the Ministry would not wish to retain on the work any man who cannot travel by authorised transport.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply what is the composition of the Waste Paper Recovery Association; how its governing members are selected; and from what sources is the £20,000 offered in prizes for salvage found?

The Waste Paper Recovery Association, Ltd., was formed by the newspapers, periodicals, paper mills and board mills, and its directors represent those interests. Its purpose is to assist in the recovery of waste paper and salvage. I understand that the £20,000 offered in prizes was given by a number of public-spirited citizens.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is aware that, since the outbreak of hostilities in the Malayan area, a firm outside the rubber reclamation ring is unable to obtain licences for steel for reclaiming plant which they ordered months ago; and whether any member of the ring has been given licences for this steel either before the Japanese entry into the war or after that date?

I am aware of the case to which the hon. Member refers. Arrangements have been made for the release of the steel to the firm in question. Steel has been released for machinery for a number of other firms.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that sub-postmasters in the provinces are refusing to accept telegrams for the London area from members of His Majesty's forces and the general public unless they can give the number of the postal district in which the person resides to whom it is addressed; and will he have the matter inquired into as the present system is causing a great deal of inconvenience to people residing in the provinces and outside the London area?

In present circumstances it is more than ever desirable that the addresses of telegrams for London should include the postal district initials and number. Telegrams from which these particulars have been omitted are liable to sustain delay, but should not be refused; and if the hon. Member will furnish particulars of cases in which they have been refused, I will have special attention drawn to the matter at the offices concerned.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is aware that at Lloyd's Proving House, Cardiff, sample links of commercial quality chain cables show frequent failure of the iron to stand the proof test; and, as this necessitates a second sample being cut off the cable with a consequent waste of labour and material, will he cause inquiries to be made as to the failure of the cable iron to withstand the required breaking strain?

I have been asked to reply. I am making inquiries into this matter and will communicate with my hon. Friend on the subject in due course.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many German submarines it is estimated have been sunk from the beginning of the war to 1st September, 1941, or nearest expedient date?

						Destroyed.	Probably destroyed.	Damaged.
By His Majesty's Ships.
From beginning of war to end of 1940				…	…	173	102	99
During 1941	…	…	…	…	…	232	74	140
						405	176	239
By Merchant Vessels.
From beginning of war to end of 1940				…	…	20	11	30
During 1941	…	…	…	…	…	74	31	66
						94	42	96
By the Fleet Air Arm.
From beginning of war to end of 1939				…	…	2	—	—
During 1940	…	…	…	…	…	62	10	51
During 1941	…	…	…	…	…	79	12	44
						143	22	95
It is not possible to give separate figures for 1939 and 1940 in respect of the first two categories mentioned, because the records for the first few months of he war are incomplete.

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Hornsey (Captain Gammans) on 21st January.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many aeroplanes the Fleet Air Arm has lost in 1939, 1940 and 1941, respectively; and how many German and Italian aeroplanes have been destroyed by merchantmen, warships and the Fleet Air Arm in the same years?

I regret that it would not be in the public interest to give the information requested in the first part of the Question. The numbers of casualties inflicted on German and Italian aircraft are, however, as follow: