asked the Minister of Labour whether any, and which, persons in Grade III, have been mobilised for appropriate military or other service in their age groups?

Some men who had been placed in Grade III by reason only of defects of vision were called up in 1940, but the vision standards have since been reviewed and these men would now be placed in a higher medical grade. Under present arrangements Grade III men are not in general called up for military service but are considered for transfer to work of national importance if they are not already so employed. Approximately 17,650 men in the medical Grades III and IV had been transferred in this way up to the end of January last.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will take steps to secure the part-time employment on munition production of women who, owing to their family and other responsibilities, are unable to accept full-time employment?

Yes, Sir, with the co-operation of both sides of industry I am pressing on employers both in munitions and in other industries the adoption of schemes for part-time employment. I am informed that where these have been introduced they are working successfully, and I shall continue to urge their introduction to the utmost possible extent.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a great number of women—I have had letters from several—who are only too anxious to undertake some form of war service but are precluded from doing so by the fact that manufacturers do not seem anxious to fit them in; and will he take more comprehensive and active steps to secure that this waste is prevented?

I am pressing it all the time, but the education of employers is very difficult.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is his policy to encourage production inquiry committees to be set up as sub-committees of works councils?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on this subject to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent (Mr. Ellis Smith) on 19th February. Those who set up works councils are the best judges as to which of their functions, if any, can be most appropriately performed by sub-committees.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether he has discussed this matter with representatives of employers' organisations and with the T.U.C., and whether he is satisfied with the response he has received from both bodies?

I have discussed it with both sides, but I must point out that most of these negotiations are not conducted with the T.U.C. The arrangements have to be made direct between the unions responsible for the wage negotiations and the industry concerned.

Will the Minister see that when these production committees are set up the men's side have at least as much power as the other side, because the other people have the idea that the men's place ought to be under the table?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in connection with the setting up of joint consultative machinery in the form of works councils, it is the policy of the Government that these should be based on trade union membership in all cases?

The policy of the Government in this matter is to encourage the most effective methods of joint consultation. In my view, the question of the precise form of machinery to be set up to ensure that consultation, is best left to the representatives of employers and workers to decide by mutual agreement.

In cases where, unfortunately, the men are not in a union, or where only a portion of them are in a union, what steps are taken? I am asking only for information.

I know of very few industries now in which some of the men are not in a union. It has to be remembered, and I would emphasise the point, that if these shop committees are to be effective, then they must have some discipline through executives of unions, or they may cut right across a general agreement and cause industrial disputes.

Do I understand that it is not intended that these committees should be set up in non-union works?

I have not suggested that.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the shortage of nurses, his interviewing staff have specific instructions to encourage and advise women who, when called for interview, appear to be generally suitable for this work, about undertaking nursing training as a full-time form of war service?

My officers are instructed to give full information about the nursing profession to any persons coming to local offices who appear to be suitable, and nursing is one of the services for which women who are interviewed under the Registration for Employment Order are encouraged to volunteer.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that 200 women have recently left an engineering works, the name of which has been supplied to him, owing to the work being organised on the basis of two shifts of 12 hours each; and whether he will endeavour to avoid such a method of organisation in industries where women's labour is needed?

I understand that a system of day and night shifts was recently instituted in place of two day-shifts, about 250 out of 700 of the women being put on the shift system, with five nights in alternate weeks, and the remainder on day work only. A number of married women objected to night work on the ground of domestic responsibilities, and some of the workers have been allowed to leave, though my information does not confirm the figure of 200. I am making further inquiry into this particular case.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to restrict the hours of labour for boys between the ages of 14 years and 18 years, so that they can take advantage of the schemes of National Youth Service?

I am desirous of assisting the National Youth Service scheme in every possible way, but in present circumstances I should not be justified in doing so by reducing the hours of work below those which are legally permissible and are reasonably practicable in the particular establishment.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that of six boys whom I interviewed last night under the National Registration Scheme one was working 77 hours a week, one 68 and one 66½—that is, 50 per cent. of the boys whom I actually saw; and while I admit that not one of them objected to helping the national effort in this way, is it the policy of the Department to agree to such hours?

Not to such hours as those. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars, I will go into the case. I cannot, of course, be aware of what happened in the case of the boys he interviewed last night.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that some workers in the North of Scotland are suffering loss and hardship in doing work of national importance by the refusal of local inhabitants to provide them with lodgings if they work on Sunday; and what steps he proposes to take to convince the people concerned that this is work of necessity?

No such cases have come to my knowledge. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of the cases he has in mind, I will make inquiries.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the publicity given to the fining of 10 dockyard workers by their trade union for having worked overtime on unloading a ship, he will make a statement to clarify the position and to allay public anxiety?

The men concerned were not fined for working overtime but for doing work appropriate to another gang, thus infringing a long-established rule of their union providing for the equal distribution of work. I regret very much that public anxiety should have been caused by inaccurate and misleading reports on this subject in the Press.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps the bankers' committee has taken to ensure the efficient use of man-power in banks and the greatest possible release of bank men and women for employment elsewhere; whether consultations have taken place; and whether the Bank Officers' Guild has been invited to co-operate in this?

As a result of consultations which have taken place between the Treasury, my Department, and a committee representing the Clearing House banks, arrangements have been made for the release of a large number of men for the Forces resulting in a retention by the Clearing House banks of approximately 45 per cent. of their total pre-war male clerical staff. Men in other banks, including the Bank of England, are called up for the Forces subject to deferment being granted on the recommendation of the Treasury to those who are indispensable. In addition, arrangements have been made for all banks to release women employees in the 20–21 age groups except certain women with special qualifications. The Bank Officers' Guild have been kept informed of these arrangements at all stages.

Why has this Guild not been taken into consultation, in view of the fact that it is ready to help in the release of these people?

I understand that the arrangements have been working very satisfactorily.

Can the hon. Gentleman say the average hours worked by bank clerks?

That is another question.

asked the Minister of Labour the names, occupations and ages of the members of the Entertainments National Service Committee; the date of its establishment and by whom the members were selected; when, and at whose request it sits to hear applications for deferment or exemption from military service of music hall or theatrical artists, and to what review is it subject; the number of such persons who have received deferment or exemption through or after consideration by this committee; and whether any other, and which, committees exist to deal with these or similar requests from such persons?

As the reply is of considerable length; I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

While thanking my right hon. Friend, may I ask whether he himself will keep an eye upon this and similar bodies?

Yes, Sir, both eyes.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men of military age who are employed by Entertainments National Service Association?

The information is not immediately available. I am having inquiries made and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

Does not the Minister think that it would be much more satisfactory if these men went into the Army and were then used, when fully trained, to entertain the troops; and is he further aware that in many cases the troops do prefer soldier concert parties to performances by E.N.S.A.?

There has been a good deal of controversy over this matter, probably raised on insufficient information, or inaccurate information, and in view of the unsettlement that has been caused, both in the factories and outside, I propose to consult my right hon. Friends in order that we may look into the whole question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these men are doing most valuable work in the Home Guard?

When the right hon. Gentleman gets his information will he publish it in the OFFICIAL REPORT, so that other Members can see it as well as the hon. Member for Finchley (Mr. Crowder)?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the subject raised in this House last week had nothing to do with E.N.S.A., and that none of the persons concerned worked for E.N.S.A.?

May I ask that the right hon. Gentleman should not interfere with civilians entertaining the troops, which they can do very acceptably?

I do not propose to interfere with anybody, but I am aware that the controversy has raised disquiet in the Forces and also raised great disquiet outside, and I think that entertainment plays such an important part in maintaining the morale of the people that it is better to get things on a proper footing, and for that reason I think that inquiries ought to be made.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give any information in connection with the seven men accused of conspiracy, to enable men to evade military service, that came before the Liverpool police court on 18th February; whether he is aware that one of the men was a Labour Ministry clerk; and what action was taken in the matter?

I have no statement to make in amplification of the reports which have appeared in the Press. Two temporary officers of my Department were concerned and were convicted. One of these officers resigned from the service of the Department immediately on his arrest, and the other has been dismissed.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he can give any information in connection with the 50 scholarships, valued £2,000 a year, to be awarded to selected boys in secondary and public schools to enable them to study Japanese, Chinese, Turkish or Persian; how are the boys to be selected; and from which schools?

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the administrative memorandum dealing with the award of Scholarships in Oriental Languages. Candidates for these scholarships will be drawn from among boys at secondary and public schools in England, Wales and Scotland, who have the necessary qualifications in the school certificate and are recommended by their headmaster. The final selection will be made by an interviewing board.

What proportion of them will be allocated to public schools?

I hope that the principle of the best boy getting the rewards will prevail in the future, in the educational world of this country.

asked the President of the Board of Education, whether he has any statement to make about the training of teachers?

Yes, Sir. I propose to appoint a small body of persons to advise me on the sources of supply, the methods of recruitment and the training of teachers and youth leaders. I am not yet in a position to make any more detailed announcement.

Will this committee be able to consider whether it is desirable to abolish separate and isolated training colleges for teachers, and to link up with the universities?

That is just the sort of problem with which this body has been asked to deal.

asked the President of the Board of Education what steps he is taking, together with the Service Departments, to provide leaders for youth organisations whose numbers will be considerably increased by the scheme of registration?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the hon. and gallant Member for Holland-with-Boston (Lieutenant Butcher) by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary on 21st January and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service on 22nd January, copies of which I am sending him. So far as military requirements permit, the military authorities co-operate with my Department by releasing, or deferring the calling up of, physical training instructors, or by allowing instructors serving with the Forces to give such help as they can. The provision of officers for pre-service training organisations is the responsibility of the Service Department concerned.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his answer, may I ask whether part-time services of Civil Defence workers will be used?

We must be ready to use the services of anybody who is ready to co-operate with the voluntary organisations, if their services are suitable.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the rise in the cost of living during the past two years, he will consider granting to pensioners and others, whose incomes are demonstrably below a certain limit, necessaries in kind in order to relieve the strain on their resources?

Old age pensioners and certain other classes of persons are eligible to apply to the Assistance Board for supplementary pensions or other allowances if they are in need. The remainder of the community if in need can obtain assistance from the public assistance authorities. Assistance may be given in kind in certain circumstances, but I think that as a general rule the recipients prefer to receive it in money.

Does the Minister realise that many people have gone on to public assistance who would not otherwise be there, and can he do anything about it?

As the hon. Member knows, the subject was carefully considered when the last Act was passed, and my recollection of the Debates is that the House was reluctant to extend relief in kind.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the British Legion has instituted what is known as a Prince of Wales' Pension of 10s. per week to needy prematurely aged ex-Service men, and that some public assistance committees on being advised that this is in issue, reduce the amount of their allowance; and whether he will issue instructions to the public assistance committees that these pensions be placed in the same category as disablement pensions, where the first 20s. of the pension is ignored, and not taken into account?

I am aware of the facts stated, but I have no power to issue such instructions as my hon. Friend suggests. The disregarding of Disablement Pensions to the extent mentioned in the question is authorised by the Poor Law Act, 1934.

Does the Minister not realise that the Legion pensions are only given in cases of special hardship and that if public assistance committees reduce their allowances this will lead to State grants being subsidised by Legion funds?

If my hon. Friend will look at the admirable little booklet pub- lished on the subject, he will find that that matter has been kept carefully in mind.

Will the Minister give further consideration to this matter? Will he allow me to see him about it?

I will very gladly see my hon. Friend, but the question raises the whole principle of disregards and reconsideration of the Poor Law Acts.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether steps are now being taken, or are likely to be taken, to include sufferers from shell-shock or psycho-neurosis, invalided out of the Services, in the Service pension system?

:Provision is made by my Department for the treatment in special neurological centres under the Emergency Medical Service of the Ministry of Health of men discharged from the Services suffering from a condition of neurosis provided they are likely to benefit by such treatment. This treatment is granted whether the condition is attributable to war service or not. If the condition is accepted by the Ministry as attributable to service and disablement cannot be removed by treatment pension is awarded.

Does the Ministry of Pensions adopt the same system in respect of ex-Service men who are certified as lunatics?

I should require notice of that Question.

asked the Minister of Pensions the amount paid in pensions and allowances during the years 1939, 1940 and 1941, respectively?

The expenditure by my Department on pensions and allowances, including war service grants, for the financial years 1939–40 and 1940–41 amounted to £36,920,000 and £40,560,000 respectively. As regards the financial year 1941–42 the expenditure was £34,510,000 for the nine months ended 31st December last.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will give comparative figures for great war and present war pensions to privates with 100 per cent. disablement, including allowances for wives and children, and to the widows of privates killed, with the allowances for their children; and whether he will show in the table the cost of living figures on which both sets of rates are based?

As the reply to this Question includes a number of figures, I am circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

While I thank my hon. Friend for his reply, would he say whether it is not a fact that present war pensions are less than those paid in respect of the last war?

They are based on the cost of living figures.

Is it not a fact that they are less than those paid in the last war?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health, whether he will take steps to empower local authorities to establish out of rate income reserve funds designed to meet the cost of maintenance work which has been postponed owing to the war?

I have received no representations on this matter from the associations of local authorities, and as at present advised I do not contemplate the introduction of legislation.

Is not the underlying financial position of local authorities growing more and more unhealthy?

I should very much hesitate to accept that statement as generally true. If my hon. Friend desires to discuss any particular case that has come to his knowledge, I shall be very glad to meet him.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any further statement to make respecting the proposals made by Sir Tej Sapru; whether any recent steps have been taken to ascertain the views of Mr. Nehru on this matter; and what representations respecting Sino-Indian relationships and common aspirations have been received by His Majesty's Government?

The answer to the first two parts of the Question is in the negative. The recent visit of Generalissimo Chiang Kaishek to India has enabled a full exchange of views to take place between him and the Viceroy. The hon. Member has no doubt seen in the Press the text of the very cordial messages exchanged between the Generalissimo and the Viceroy on the former's departure from India.

Does the right hon. Gentleman feel it would be of some value to communicate with both Sir Tej Sapru and Mr. Nehru on such matters? When are we likely to debate these and similar matters in the House?

All these matters will shortly be debated.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to answer the first part of my supplementary question?

Mr. Nehru's views have been very freely made public.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider inviting Mr. Nehru to form a Government for the defence of India?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will give an assurance that in any con- sideration for political adjustment in India, due weight will be given to safeguarding the interests of the primitive tribes, as defined in Order in Council, No. 166, of 1936, made under Chapter V, Clauses 91 and 92 of the Government of India Act of 1935, relating to the excluded and partially excluded areas?

I can give my hon. and gallant Friend an assurance that His Majesty's Government will be at pains to secure that the interests of the primitive tribes are not overlooked when the time comes for consideration of any modification in the present constitutional arrangements in India.

Would the right hon. Gentleman always bear in mind that, when the appropriate Clauses and Schedules of the India Bill were under discussion, anxiety was expressed from all parts of the House that the interests of the primitive tribes might be specially safeguarded?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Burma whether he is considering under present circumstances extending an amnesty to any Burmese political prisoners or detainees similar to the amnesty extended to certain Indians; and whether he is aware of the observations of the present Burman Premier respecting political prisoners and detainees?

No, Sir. There is no similarity in the circumstances, and in any case the matter is one which, in the present situation, I am prepared to leave to the discretion of the Governor. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the negative.

Are we to take it from that answer that the alleged crimes of these Burmese political prisoners are much greater than those for which the Indians were accused but were later released?

The Indians who were released had committed purely technical offences, but in Burma the detentions are for more serious offences.

Can we have a specific description of the alleged crimes of these Burmese prisoners?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that petrol, tyres and other costs of running taximeter cabs have increased; that the cost of living has also increased; that petrol for taximeter cabs is restricted; that taximeter cab-drivers have carried out their vocation in arduous war-time conditions with courage and diligence; and whether, in these circumstances he will authorise an increase in fares?

I am of course aware of the considerations mentioned by my hon. Friend, but the information at present in my possession does not suggest that there is need for a change. So far as London is concerned, one result of war time conditions is that taxi-cabs are much more continuously employed. In provincial towns the scale of fares is fixed by by-laws made by the local authority and confirmed by the Minister of Health.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider introducing legislation whereby the courts can inflict flogging in the case of people found guilty of dealing in the black market?

I hope to find more effective methods of dealing with these offenders than a method of which experience suggests that it may be more effective in provoking controversy than in deterring offenders.

Since neither fines nor imprisonment have tended to curb these activities, does not my right hon. Friend think that he must evolve some punishment which will hurt them very much more?

I entirely agree that the matter must be looked into, and indeed it is already being examined by my Department and other Departments concerned. I can assure the House that I am anxious to take the most effective steps in this matter.

Would the right hon. Gentleman not agree that flogging never achieves the object the floggers have in mind?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the resolution passed by the Jewish Board of Deputies to co-operate with the Government in stamping out black market offences; and, in view of the fresh evidence of public indignation at these activities, will he take steps to increase maximum penalties and impose minimum penalties in all systematic cases coming before the courts?

Although the particular resolution to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers has not yet reached me, I have prominently in mind the importance of effective measures for searching out and bringing to stern justice the offenders to whom he refers, and the subject is receiving close and urgent consideration.

Will the Minister say when he hopes to be able to make a statement?

I cannot say definitely, but I will keep in touch with my hon. Friend and advise him.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when that resolution was passed there was no unanimity, but a great deal of discussion and many abstentions, and could he not extend the 18B Regulation so as to shut up these people?

My hon. and gallant Friend was complaining last week that I was shutting up too many people, and this week he wants me to shut up more. I am afraid I have no further information without notice.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the lack of unanimity was due to the fact that a false impression had been created that Jews were largely responsible, and can we be assured that there was no lack of willingness on the part of all concerned to co-operate to stamp out this dreadful traffic?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that much con- cern is felt as to the number of motor-cars used by officers of the National Fire Service; whether a proper check is maintained to avoid unnecessary and improper journeys; and whether he will investigate the possibility of reducing the number of motor-cars without interfering with the efficiency of the service?

I am fully alive to the need for economy in the use of cars by the National Fire Service. I have already brought the matter specially to the notice of the Regional Commissioners and have issued detailed instructions governing the control of petrol. I am about to issue instructions laying down maximum establishments, and setting out rules of practice governing the actual use of cars. I should not, however, like my hon. Friend to gain the impression from this that there has necessarily been extravagance in the past.

Would not a tightening up of the requisition of petrol have a beneficial effect?

I do not follow that point.

Would the right hon. Gentleman associate in that circular all other Civil Defence officers or persons employed by local government bodies on Civil Defence work, and would he check up on that aspect of the matter at the same time?

I think that has already been done, but I will certainly look into it. If there are specific complaints, I shall be glad to examine them.

asked the Minister of Health how many shelters there are for homeless people in the London area similar to the Hungerford Club, other than those provided by public authorities; what is the accommodation provided; and what are the average nightly numbers occupying such shelters?

The Hungerford Club, which was provided by a local authority and in connection with which a number of voluntary workers are doing excellent work, was established as an ordinary public shelter but now meets a special need. So far as I am aware there are no counterparts elsewhere.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that on Tuesday, 3rd February, 1942, Mr. C. E. Allchurch, a detainee in Camp M, Isle of Man, was requested to attend the M.I.5. department in order to receive a parcel; that on arrival he was interrogated in an inner room concerning the contents of a letter received by him from the hon. Member for Cleveland, which it was suggested had reached him uncensored; that Mr. Allchurch produced the envelope of the letter bearing the postmark Kendal, Westmorland, 2.30 p.m., 9th December, 1941, the counterfoil of Examiner 6826, and the Metropolitan police receiving stamp, dated Peel, 9th December, 1941; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the matter?

Such inquiries as I have been able to make in the time available indicate that Mr. Allchurch was questioned about a letter which he received from my hon. and gallant Friend dated 8th December last, because the Postal Censor had reported that he could not find any record of this letter having passed through the Censorship, but, as stated, Mr. Allchurch was able to produce evidence that it had.

Will my right hon. Friend take some action to ensure that in cases like this, where a Member of Parliament exercises his right to communicate with detainees through the proper channel, no suggestion is made by M.1.5 or any other organisation that improper means of communication are being used?

It is the case that if a detainee writes to a Member of Parliament his letter is not censored at the camp, but all letters to and from the camps pass through postal censorship. In the case of incoming letters the censors do not know whether they come from a Member of Parliament or not.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the hardship caused to Northern Ireland teachers and others in Great Britain by the present regulation that permits for travel home are only granted once in six months, which precludes travelling in both the August and Christmas holidays; and will he amend the regulation so as to enable them to travel twice in the 12 months, giving those concerned the privilege of selection?

This question has been frequently and sympathetically considered, but I regret that I can hold out no prospect of modifying the decision which I have explained in answer to previous Questions.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that this is a question of pounds, shillings and pence to these very deserving teachers? They cannot afford to spend their holidays in this expensive country, whereas at home in Ulster they get free board and lodging with their parents.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will arrange for all bedding used by fire-watchers and kindred services to be fumigated periodically?

So far as concerns fire prevention and other Civil Defence services that are the direct responsibility of local authorities, I think it may reasonably be assumed that the authorities are alive to the importance of suitable preventive measures of the kind which the hon. Member has in mind. So far as concerns persons engaged on fire prevention duties at business premises, the Fire Prevention (Business Premises) Order places an obligation on the occupier of the premises to provide and maintain proper bedding, and the enforcement of this obligation is a matter for the appropriate authority under the Order.

Would my right hon. Friend be good enough to call the attention of the local authorities to this problem, so that bedding may be fumigated, to prevent the spread of scabies and other disease?

I will consider that point, but my hon. Friend may be comforted by the fact that fire watchers are very active in making complaints if anything is wrong, and I, of course, look into their complaints.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is intended, in view of the recent additional financial provision for members of His Majesty's Forces and their dependants, to make any corresponding improvement in the pay of Civil Defence personnel?

Yes, Sir. I am glad to say that after consultation with the trades union representatives on the Joint Consultative Committee it has been decided to increase as from the 2nd March the basic pay of whole-time members of the Civil Defence Services recruited for the period of the emergency. The increases will be 4s. weekly for men and 5s. for women, aged 20 years of age and over. The increase for women includes an improvement in their scale which has been under consideration for some time. The details are about to be announced. In addition to the increase in pay, I propose to apply to whole-time members of the same services similarly recruited a post-war credit scheme on lines similar to that announced recently for His Majesty's Forces. Particulars of the scheme, and of the classes to which it will apply, will be announced later. I may add that these arrangements will apply also to the Police Auxiliaries.

While the right hon. Gentleman's statement will give great satisfaction to a good body of men, am I to understand that the categories concerned will be announced in the further statement he has in mind?

Yes, Sir. I am much obliged to my hon. Friend, and further details will be supplied in the near future.

Can the right hon. gentleman give the estimated cost of these changes?

No, Sir.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the reason for this sex discrimination and penalisation of men?

The women had a wage of £2 7s. per week and the men £3 10s. I took the view that that was rather a severe discrimination and that it was wrong. I have therefore taken the opportunity of improving the relative position of the women, which I think is justified by the circumstances.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any further statement to make with regard to the employment of Civil Defence personnel at their depots on productive work for the war effort?

As the answer is rather long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, read it at the end of Questions.

Yes, Sir. Members of the Civil Defence Services are themselves most anxious to play a more active part in the war effort and I have plans in active preparation for enabling them to do so, though, as I will explain, the matter goes a good deal beyond employment at the depots. The overriding requirement is that the Civil Defence services must be sufficient in numbers, adequately trained and immediately available in case of need. Hence there can be no wholesale and unconditional release of whole-time Civil Defence personnel. There is, however, a great deal that can be done by careful and detailed organisation to make the services of this personnel available for other work without conflicting with this requirement.

Under existing arrangements members of the Civil Defence services may under specified conditions be employed on certain kinds of constructional work at the Depots or they may, with the consent of the employing authority, be released for approved industrial employment, subject usually to the requirement that they must return immediately to their Civil Defence duties in case of emergency. The provision of work at the Depots is necessarily restricted in scope owing to the structural limitations of the premises and the small numbers employed in each. Schemes are, however, already in operation and I am examining further plans for providing various suitable forms of work for those who must necessarily remain on stand-by duty.

The main line of advance must be by the method of releasing Civil Defence workers for approved industrial employ- meat away from the depots and I am making arrangements in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service for developing this method to the utmost extent which is consistent with the requirements of the Civil Defence services. I contemplate that except in cases in which unconditional releases are possible the persons released should remain under obligation to perform part-time Civil Defence duties in accordance with the normal rules (including any further training that may be necessary) and should be liable to recall at short notice in case of emergency and their new employment must therefore usually be local and such as to make these conditions practicable. I am confident that with the good will of all concerned real progress can be made on these lines. The original conception of Civil Defence as primarily a part-time service, so faithfully observed in many parts of the country, remains. Where it has not been sufficiently applied, it must be expanded, subject to the requirements of particular services such as the National Fire Service. It will not be in the public interest to give full details of the proposed new arrangements, but I shall hope to keep the House generally informed of the proposed new dispositions.

Does all this mean simply that if full-time Civil Defence workers can find employment in their own locality, they will be released, subject to an obligation to return if necessity arises?

It means more than that. It means that steps are being taken by the appropriate State Departments.

Will local Civil Defence workers be able, under this scheme, to take part-time employment outside, and, if so, can the right hon. Gentleman say how their remuneration will be affected?

There are obvious complications. That is a possibility which is under consideration. I cannot exclude that.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when there will be an announcement to local authorities?

As soon as possible. There will be no delay.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that Civil Defence workers are placed at the disposal of the local authorities under which they work for any suitable kind of work that the local authority may have for them to do?

I think that the basis for the arrangement must obviously be that in the case of a new enemy attack on a large scale this machine must function properly. I think, therefore, that if a man is released, subject to any arrangement between local authorities and us, he must have the obligation to continue part-time service under his local authority at present and to return to full-time service as and when required. That is one of the reasons I do not think he can be allowed to work full-time too far away from where he is engaged on Civil Defence.

If the local authority require him for work, will he be allowed to work for them?

asked the Home Secretary whether he can announce any improvements in the sick-leave pay and injury allowances of Civil Defence workers?

I am glad to state that, after consultation with the trades union representatives on the Joint Consultative Committee, alterations in the present scheme are being made which, so far as conditions and circumstances are comparable, will go far to assimilate the treatment of persons employed on a whole-time basis in the National Fire Service and the Local Authority Civil Defence (General) Services to those of sick or injured members of the Armed Forces of the Crown. Details of the new scheme, which is necessarily complicated, will be given in a leaflet, now in course of preparation, for which I am arranging a sufficient circulation to ensure that whole-time members of the Civil Defence Services are informed of the further improvements of the original conditions of service. The arrangements will also apply to whole-time Police Auxiliaries.

Will the leaflet be published in the near future?

Yes, Sir

asked the Home Secretary whether he will introduce legislation to provide that compensation for death or injury suffered through working on munitions, whether in a Government establishment or otherwise, shall be approximately equivalent to the pensions paid for death or injury due to military service?

I do not see how it would be possible to justify a distinction being drawn in the sphere of Workmen's Compensation between workmen employed on munitions and workmen engaged in other classes of work, as, for example, the transport and agricultural industries: and the proposal would involve a departure from the principles of the Act, under which compensation is given for loss of wage-earning capacity and is not based on the degree of physical disability as under the Services Warrant.

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that the widow of a man who has been blown up inside a Government works receives a far less rate of compensation than if he had been working outside as a Civil Defence worker; and in view of the discrepancy between the two rates of compensation, which causes a good deal of disturbance and hardship among the civilian population, would he not at least consider the matter from that angle?

My hon. Friend should remember the word "repercussions," which I have to remember. If he puts that argument, what can I say to the bus driver who is blown up while driving his bus, or any other citizens who may be killed by enemy action while doing useful work?

It really means that there should be one rate of compensation for all kinds of workers.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to state the result of his conferring with employers' associations and insurance companies, relating to the question of injured workers' rights at Common Law being barred by the practice of obtaining signatures for payment, as having been made under the Workmen's Compensation Act; and, if legislation is necessary, will he consider taking such steps to end that practice at an early date?

The discussions are proceeding, and I hope to be in a position to make a statement on the question at an early date.

asked the Prime Minister whether the offer of the Chinese Government to send troops to Burma to fight side by side with Allied troops, has been accepted?

Yes, Sir. The offer has been gratefully accepted. Chinese troops have already moved into Burma, and it is reported that some of them have been in action.

Arising out of that reply, is my right hon. Friend aware that last week widespread statements were made that the offer by the Chinese to send troops had been refused by His Majesty's Government?

If that is so, those statements were incorrect. I cannot be held responsible for what is put in the Press.

I take it that you are giving the Chinese all the war material they require?

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have been approached by the Washington Government on the subject of a declaration of peace aims to be termed the Pacific Charter being made by the Allied nations?

No, Sir.

In view of the fact that this country was deeply involved in the drawing up of the Atlantic Charter, would His Majesty's Government consider taking the initiative with a view to getting such a declaration covering the Pacific?

Ought there not to be a limit to the number of charters that we have?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Department of the Minister without Portfolio, dealing with post-war reconstruction, will be kept functioning pending a decision as to its ultimate organisation, and to whom are Questions concerning its past and present work to be addressed?

I can at present add nothing to what my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said on Tuesday last in the course of his statement, and I hope that Questions may be postponed until the scheme has been submitted.

Could my right hon. Friend give an assurance that the schemes which have been prepared by my right hon. Friend the late Minister, some of which were of special interest, will not be allowed to lapse, and can he further give an assurance to the House that this important work will not be relegated to a subsidiary department of the Ministry of Works and Buildings, but that a Minister especially responsible for the work will be appointed?

My hon. Friend will observe that I said that I could not add anything to the statement which the Prime Minister has already made. That statement, I think, covers some of the points raised by the hon. Member.

rose—

The Minister has said he can say nothing more.

I only wanted to ask a small question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will now empower county war agricultural executive committees to require the disposal of horses which are too old or infirm to serve any useful purpose?

My inquiries into this problem are not yet complete, but I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as a decision is reached.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in connection with the recent announcement on the adjustment of farm prices and, in view of the substantial time lag which has taken place, he will consider making the increased cattle prices retrospective to 1st January, 1942.

No, Sir. My hon. Friend's proposal would not be justified, and would, in any case, be administratively impracticable.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the time lag would not have occurred if it had not been for wrangling by the Treasury, and that that has caused unnecessary worry, delay and loss at a time when shipping space is so valuable? Why does the Treasury go on in this way?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the inadequate increases in wheat and oats which have been recently announced in connection with the increased farm prices, he will consider amending the schedule so as to give a more reasonable return to the home growers?

No, Sir. The prices for wheat and oats of the 1942 crop were fixed after a full examination of all relevant considerations.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, in spite of these developments, there are many producers who cannot produce at these prices? I am sorry to have to say it, but the question will have to be gone into further.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total cost to the Government, for a full 12 months, of the increase in farm prices recently announced?

The cost to the Government of the increases in farm prices recently announced depends upon a number of factors the full effect of which cannot be determined with accuracy at the present time.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is food we want, not paper?

Were the representatives of the horticulturists asked to take part in these deliberations and to assist in reaching final conclusions about minimum prices?

The prices of vegetables are not, generally speaking, controlled. Therefore, I did not ask the horticulturists.

Are there likely to be any negotiations with them about the spring crops?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these negotiations are farcical?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now define his arrangements whereby British subjects residing in the United States of America and not officially employed or engaged in our war effort will be compelled to pay British Income and Super Tax to the British Treasury?

So far as Income Tax and Surtax are concerned, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies I gave on 7th October to my hon. Friend the Member for Clackmannan and Eastern (Mr. Woodburn) and on 30th September to my hon. Friend the Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander). Step have been taken, under the Amendment to the Defence (Finance) Regulations of 11th November, 1941, to block bank accounts of certain British nationals who were resident in the United Kingdom at the beginning of the war and are now outside the sterling area. I have also under consideration the possibility of taking further powers to prevent certain abuses in relation to British subjects living permanently abroad.

What about British subjects who are drawing interest from capital investment in America? Why should they not contribute materially to our war effort?

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will study the answers I have already given.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a number of wealthy British people in the United States? Will he take active steps to deal with these people, and not go on saying that the matter is under consideration?

My hon. Friend knows that it is not a matter of my not desiring to do it; but there are difficulties.

May I point out that there are no real difficulties?

My hon. Friend often does that.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his information shows that last year the improvement in genuine savings, as distinct from the transfer of investments, was appreciably greater than in 1940?

I have no estimates immediately available for 1939, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that personal savings during 1941 showed a considerable increase over the previous year.