asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he will consider introducing amending legislation so as to bring within the scope of the Prices of Goods Act the services rendered by statutory undertakings supplying electricity, gas and water?

Power to control the prices charged for electricity and gas during the war is vested in the Board of Trade by the Defence (General) Regulations, 1939, Numbers 55 and 56. The Ministry of Health has similar power as regards domestic water supplies. No further legislation is, therefore, required.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the reasons which prompted the Electricity Commissioners to decide that there were not adequate grounds for him to intervene in regard the 12½ per cent., increase in electricity charges imposed by the Northmet Power Company in February, 1940; and whether he will make further inquiry into the matter?

In February, 1940, when this increase was made, electricity undertakings still had authority to increase prices within the limits of their permitted maxima. At that time the Government Department responsible for the administration of the Electricity Acts was the Ministry of Transport. This responsibility has since passed to the Board of Trade. I have asked the Electricity Commissioners to review the financial position of this company in the light of the actual results for the year 1941, as soon as the necessary details are available.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare whether the requisite safe conduct for the food ship to bring a cargo of wheat for the relief of starving civilians in Greece has yet been received from the Italian authorities; and whether he is able to make a statement about the provision of further relief under appropriate conditions?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare, what commodities will be conveyed to Greece in the ship chartered by the Swedish Red Cross and the approximate amount; what commodities are being supplied by Turkey; whether further supplies will be permitted; and whether he has now received more satisfactory guarantees that the commodities and food will be consumed exclusively by the Greek people?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare, whether he has any further statement to make with regard to the provision for sending essential foodstuffs to Greece; and, as our Allies are suffering from famine, whether he will take every possible step, and immediately, disregarding, if necessary, qualifications and conditions?

I am glad to say that a promise of safe conduct for the ship in question has now been received from the Italian Government. It has been necessary to obtain clarification of the Italian requirements on certain points of detail. I have no reason to think, however, that this will lead to any delay; I can assure my hon. Friend that there will be none on our side. By agreement with the Greek Government, His Majesty's Government have also financed the chartering by the Swedish Red Cross of the s.s. "Hallaren," a vessel of about 4,500 tons dead weight, to help in carrying relief for Greece. I hope to be in a position very shortly to make a statement regarding the composition and origin of her first cargo. The goods so far shipped from Turkey under the auspices of the Greek Government have consisted chiefly of beans, chick peas, potatoes, onions, fish and eggs. They have been paid for partly by the Greek Government and partly by American subscribers. The extent to which these shipments can be continued depends, of course, on Turkey's ability to supply the food. But I am confident that the Turkish Government, whose attitude throughout has been most generous and sympathetic, will do everything in their power to avoid an interruption. As regards the distribution of the foodstuffs on arrival, no further guarantees have been received.

Are we to understand from that answer that His Majesty's Government are aware of the extreme urgency of the situation and are doing everything possible to alleviate it?

Are the Government taking steps to bring to the notice of the Turkish Government the fact that they are being called upon to fulfil obligations for which the Nazi Government are solely responsible?

We have done everything in our power to make known the fact that the Nazi Government have done practically nothing to carry out their legal and moral responsibilities, and we are most grateful to the Turkish Government for the assistance they have given.

Has any wheat yet reached the Greek people?

No, Sir, but the cargo of the s.s. "Radmanso" consists solely of wheat, and I hope it will sail before the end of this week.

asked the Under-secretary of State for War whether wounded soldiers in hospitals or at first-aid posts are asked for consent before anti-tetanus or other injections are administered; and whether they are free to refuse such operations if they so desire?

A wounded soldier is always free to refuse an injection. If, however, the patient's condition is such that the surgeon considers him incapable of rational judgment, he may use his own discretion.

asked the Under-secretary of State for War the amount of overtime paid in his Department during the last month for which the figures are available; is he satisfied that each person drawing overtime has actually worked fully in all his ordinary time; and in what manner is this checked?

The amount of overtime paid to the civilian staff of the War Office Headquarters, including evacuated staff, for the last available month is approximately £27,000. The necessity for overtime is closely scrutinised and the hours worked are checked by those responsible for supervision.

asked the Under-secretary of State for War whether he will make it clear that personnel of the Home Guard travelling from their homes to instructional parades, exercises or other military duties may do so at the public expense?

The conditions under which members of the Home Guard may travel at the public expense are at present under review, and I hope to make an announcement shortly.

In considering this matter, will the War Office bear in mind that the efficiency of the Home Guard and therefore the protection of this country, is greatly menaced, if these essential expenses are not refunded or permitted by the Treasury?

As I explained, these expenses are being reviewed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that local authorities are being circularised on the subject of the division of the Home Guard into classes by memoranda, or letters to the same effect, by the Ministry of Health (2564), the Board of Education (351), the Board of Trade (I.M.3. 3163/42), the Electricity Commission (A. 950/394/112K.) and the Central National Registration Office (N.R. 137); and will he take steps to stop this, and save both Government and municipal time, labour and paper by the issue of one single co-ordinating circular on all future similar occasions?

These circulars were issued to meet points as they arose. I agree with my hon. Friend that instructions from more than one Department on the same subject should whenever possible be correlated in a single circular. He will, however, appreciate that in certain cases owing to the urgency of the matter the delay necessarily involved cannot be accepted.

Is my hon. Friend aware that all those circulars were practically identical in the advice and instructions they gave, although the wording may have differed?

Yes, Sir, but in view of the time limit before which Home Guards had the option to resign, the matter was urgent.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in doubtful cases of exemption from service in the Armed Forces of the Crown, effective membership of the Home Guard is taken into account?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Reply given on 4th February to the hon. Member for Bournemouth (Sir L. Lyle).

asked the Under secretary of State for War whether, in view of possible invasion, he will make it obligatory that commanding officers should not reside more than six miles from their commands; and whether he is aware that the keenness of the Army depends upon the utmost efficiency in the command?

It is already the general practice for commanding officers of field formations to live either at or near their headquarters, and I do not consider that any special instructions on this subject are necessary.

Is not the Minister aware that great lack of confidence is caused when commanding officers seem to take their duties so leisurely as to live at great distances from their units, and is it not desirable that some instruction should be issued of a more definite character?

I agree with the hon. Member that commanding officers should live at or very near their headquarters.

Does the Minister include Home Guard officers in the statement which he has just made?

The Question refers to the Regular Army.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that the expenditure necessarily incurred by commissioned officers for uniform, equipment and messing bills, and other charges incidental to their position is not on such a scale as to exceed the difference between their pay and that of non-commissioned officers, and so to deter otherwise suitable men from applying for commissions; and, if this obstacle to promotion according to merit does exist, are any steps being taken to overcome it?

It is difficult to make a comparison between the position of officers and non-commissioned officers, but, taking everything into account, I do not think the pay of the junior officer can be considered unreasonable.

Is my hon. Friend aware that many commanding officers advise applicants for commissions that their acceptance of a commission may involve them in pecuniary sacrifice, and must not that necessarily be a deterrent to the seeking of commissions?

I am as keen as the hon. Lady to see that the best possible use is made of the officer material in the Army.

asked the Under secretary of State for War whether any additional pay is granted to soldier gunners serving aboard ships of the Merchant Navy; and what leave is granted to survivors of torpedoed ships if and when they reach port?

No additional pay is granted to soldier gunners on merchant ships. Survivors from torpedoed ships are granted 14 days' leave.

asked the Under secretary of State for War whether rail way warrants for personnel of the Army, including Auxiliary Territorial Service proceeding on privilege leave, can be issued to destinations other than the home town of the recipient?

Yes, Sir. Personnel of the Army, including members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service, proceeding on leave at the public expense, are issued with free travelling warrants to any destination they choose in the United Kingdom. If visiting relatives or in the case of urgent private business, free warrants are also issued to destinations in Southern Ireland.

Is the information which the hon. Gentleman has just given to the House contained in any Army Council Instruction, or other means of communicating such information to units, because it is not generally known?

I understood that it was generally known. I will inquire in what form these orders have been issued.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether names for submission to the Command interview boards, set up under A.C.I. 162/42, have to be submitted through the Committee on Skilled Men in the Services or whether men can apply through their commanding officer?

These Command tradesmen interview boards have been set up primarily to deal with men whose names have been brought to the notice of the War Office by the Committee on Skilled Men in the Services. Other men are, however, encouraged to submit their names to the War Office through their commanding officer.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Army Council Instruction gives the impression that men can only apply through their trade unions to this Committee, and will he issue an instruction that all men who think they are skilled and are not engaged in their skilled occupation can apply to their commanding officers for testing?

The issue of this Army Council Instruction does not in any way cancel previous instructions, which are perfectly clear on this point.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War why Wolverhampton Forces Social Club, which has far larger accommodation than any others in the town, is graded B instead of A to the detriment of its work; and will he take steps more fully to recognise the service that it is rendering?

The grading of canteens is decided by General Officers Commanding-in-Chief of Commands on the advice of District Canteen Committees. Although the work of this particular canteen is much appreciated, I do not consider that there are sufficient grounds for interfering with the decision of the Commander-in-Chief.

Is the War Office aware that there is a widespread feeling in Wolverhampton that there is some queer sort of prejudice against this canteen?

I am not aware of that.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this particular canteen is a purely private organisation, carried on by private subscription and by a volunteer staff, that hitherto it has been possible for a member of the Forces accompanied by his wife to obtain light refreshment there, and that now by this interdiction on the part of the War Office, this family amenity has been terminated; and will he consider relaxing the regulation to meet the circumstances?

I recently gave the hon. Member for Bilston (Mr. Hannah) an answer on that subject, of which I will send my hon. Friend a copy.

But it was unsatisfactory.

asked the Under-Secretary for War, why an announcement was made on 25th February that Lieutenant-General Sir Alan Cunningham was in a military hospital in the South of England, as in fact he had been passed Grade A some days previously?

No such official announcement was made. Press reports to this effect did, however, appear but were subsequently denied.

Arising out of that reply, is my hon. Friend aware that the Press Association said that this was an official statement, and is it not a fact that General Cunningham has never been ill and that all this unfortunate affair has been used to cover up the over-statements made in this country by the Minister of Defence about the Libyan Campaign?

On a point of Order. Do I understand that you are not calling these Questions?

I understand that the two Questions have been cancelled.

I told the War Office that I was going to ask whether I needed to ask the Questions, because I want to raise the matter on the Adjournment on the Third Sitting Day. If I do not have the opportunity of stating that intention, the House will not know that the matter is to be raised on the Adjournment shortly. I did not tell the Minister concerned that I was not going to ask the Questions.

I understood from the hon. Lady that she had withdrawn her two Questions.

asked the Under-secretary of State for War whether, in view of the concern of relatives of prisoners of war regarding the position that had arisen through the displacement of Mr. Stanley Adams, who had their entire confidence, he will establish a new organisation or take such other steps as will result in a renewal of this confidence?

The War Office maintains close and continuous liaison with the British Red Cross Society, by direct contacts between the branches concerned, as well as through the sub-committees of the Imperial Prisoners of War Committee. I have no reason to doubt the efficiency of the British Red Cross Society.

Does the War Office not realise that the position in respect to this matter is now back to where it was when chaos resulted; and is the Minister aware that the newly-appointed substitute for Mr. Adams has not the power necessary to enable him to do the job efficiently? Would it not therefore be better for the Minister to agree to the inquiry that has been asked for, in order that the matter may be fully investigated and the War Office take its proper responsibility for a job which is now too big for the Red Cross?

No doubt the hon. Member is aware that the matter will be raised on the Adjournment in the near future. In his Question the hon. Member says that he is anxious to restore confidence in the British Red Cross. I hope that he will help.

Did I understand the hon. Gentleman to say in his original answer that the War Office were entirely satisfied with the conduct of the Red Cross before Mr. Adams went to it?

I did not make any reference to that.

Is it not a fact that the British Red Cross has been conducted much more efficiently and smoothly without the services of this gentleman?

Has not Mr. Adams's substitute, Mr. Eddy, already proved his efficiency by his very successful handling of the most difficult of all the Departments of the Red Cross, that relating to next-of-kin?

I have complete confidence in Mr. Eddy's ability efficiently to discharge his duties.

Is the Minister aware that Mr. Eddy has not the power in his own hands and is only vice-chairman?

Is not Sir Richard Howard-Vyse chairman of the committee and not Mr. Eddy?

He also was before.

indicated dissent.

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps he is taking to prevent the large quantities of fine coal discharging into the Monmouthshire river Ebbw from colliery washings; and whether he is aware that this fine coal represents the waste of several thousand tons of coal per month and is a costly nuisance to the Newport harbour and dock authorities?

It is impossible to prevent the escape from settling tanks at a coal-washing plant of a percentage of effluent water. Such tanks take out the bulk of the solids in the washery water and only a small quantity of the finest particles escape. There is a shortage of commercial flocculation agents and it would not be practicable to equip the necessary plant to ensure that all the coal dust is intercepted.

Does my hon. Friend think it possible not to use the washing plant at all, because this is a serious waste and is contradictory to his appeal to economise fuel?

I am sure my hon. Friend will not suggest stopping the washing of coal.

Is not the hon. Gentleman familiar with plants for the recovery of slack?

To ensure that all the streams are kept clean would need far more plants than are available at the present time.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to the shortage of coal in the Harrow area; and whether he will allow the Government dump in the locality to be used in order to alleviate the position?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the coal shortage on the Honor Oak Estate, Brockley; and whether he can make urgent arrangements to speed up deliveries of coal to, o people who are in need of it in this and neighbouring districts of South-east London?

On the general house coal situation in the London area I would refer to the Answer I gave to the hon. Member for North Camberwell (Mr. Ammon) on 24th February and to the public announcement made on Saturday last in connection with the imposition of further restrictions in the London area to ensure equitable distribution of supplies. Government dumps in the Harrow and other areas have been opened immediately wherever there is a real shortage of supplies. The House Coal Officer for London arranged for a special consignment of coal to be delivered to the Honor Oak Estate, Brockley, on Friday last.

Will the hon. Gentleman give an absolute priority for the next fortnight or so for deliveries, not to people who have half a ton of coal still in the house, but to people who have no coal whatever?

That is the intention under the Order.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the main difficulty is transport and distribution, and that in most cases one is informed that one can have no delivery at all for a month because of the lack of transport?

There will be no delay in delivering the small quantities of coal needed by the smaller consumers, to whom it is intended to give priority. I have no doubt they will be supplied.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I myself had to go out for coal yesterday, and in view of the appalling situation which exists, will he not introduce a national board for a complete organisation of the industry, instead of leaving it in the chaotic condition in which it is now?

I am sure the hon. Gentleman will agree that the appointment of a national board would not stop his having to go out if he has no coal in the house.

Can the hon. Gentleman state the rights of a person who has no coal, and who is registered with a coal dealer, but whose dealer refuses to give him 1 cwt. a week?

We have already endeavoured to advise them. There is a fuel officer in every area, and I recommend all people who need coal and who have any difficulty in these matters to see the fuel officer.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the unfair discrimination operating against Newport bakers by restricting them to a delivery of three days per week in the new delivery order, whilst permitting wholesale deliveries every day in the week to retail shops by bakers from neighbouring towns; that the local rate-paying bakers can themselves supply the whole of Newport's bread requirements, and by so doing effect economy in the use of petrol and man-power occasioned by deliveries of bread made 12 to 30 miles away from the point of consumption; and whether he will reconsider the situation?

Bakers in Cardiff and elsewhere have voluntarily limited retail deliveries to alternate days for many months past, and I am satisfied that the Ministry's Order will not cause hardship to traders in Newport who are now required to adopt similar measures. A scheme for the limitation of inter-town deliveries in South Wales by wholesale is at present under consideration.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend admit that there is a discrimination against the local bakeries in this matter which is both wasteful and not in the interest of the consumer?

I cannot accept that, because in many towns already the bakeries themselves have entered into these arrangements and are extremely satisfied with their success.

They have not in this particular town.

Well, I can recommend them to try it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can give any information in connection with two men charged at Leicester police court on Saturday, 21st February, with illegally slaughtering 240 sheep and two beasts on a farm at East Norton; and what was done in the matter?

As the answer is somewhat long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can give any information about Percy Dalton, charged on Saturday, 21st February, at the South-Western police court, for illegally selling two tons of sugar and half a ton of margarine to Harry Morris, a Putney greengrocer; and what was done in the matter?

Percy Dalton was prosecuted at the instance of the Ministry of Food at the South-Western police court on 20th February on the following charges: (1) Illegally supplying sugar by wholesale without a permit; (2) Selling sugar by wholesale in excess of the maximum price; (3) Selling margarine by wholesale without a licence. He was convicted, and fined a total of £600 and ordered to pay 45 guineas costs.

Is there any indication of where he got those goods?

I must have notice of that Question.

Are inquiries made as to the source of such goods?

Certainly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food how long the existing supply of tinned fruit will last on the current ration basis?

All stocks of canned fruit have been released, and no further releases can be made. I am unable to say how long supplies will be available in the shops, since this depends on the number of points which consumers are prepared to use for the purchase of canned fruit.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food his intentions regarding the rations of onions in the Winter of 1942–43; and whether in his Dig for Victory Campaign he is concentrating on the need for growing these vegetables in small private gardens?

The method of distribution will depend upon the supply of onions likely to be available, and it is not yet possible to estimate this. The last part of the Question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will assure the House that the increased allowances granted to families and dependants will in no way be assessed as increasing the family income in such a way as to decrease allowances in cash and kind at present granted on an income basis?

I would refer the hon. Lady to the answer given on 18th February to the hon. Member for Barnsley (Mr. Collindridge), of which I am sending her a copy.

Is that a satisfactory answer to the Question I have put on the Order Paper? Might I have an answer to the Question; otherwise, I shall give notice for the Adjournment?

This answer was:

"A complete review of all war service grants in issue was recently carried out in order to bring them into line with the principles laid down in Command 6318. It is not intended to undertake a further general review at this stage; but as and when a grant comes up for reconsideration for other reasons it will be reassessed on the basis of the facts then existing, including the actual allowances in issue by the Service Department."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 18th February, 1942; col. 1800, Vol. 377.]

Is milk supplied on an Income Tax basis to be no longer supplied?

The assessment is on the basis of income.

I beg to give notice that, owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I shall raise the matter, at the earliest possible moment, on the Adjournment. The answer is bogus.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement concerning the food situation in the Channel Islands?

Such information as is available indicates that while our fellow-countrymen are without most of the amenities which we still enjoy, supplies of food are sufficient to maintain life and health.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will define the duties and scope of the Inter-Departmental Committee for Insurance and Social Service, operating from the office of the War Cabinet?

As stated by my right hon. Friend the Member for Wakefield (Mr. Greenwood) on 10th June, 1941, when announcing the setting up of the Interdepartmental Committee under the chairmanship of Sir William Beveridge, their duty is to make a comprehensive survey of existing schemes of social insurance and allied services, taking into account representations received from responsible organisations and persons concerned with the problems involved.

Would my right hon. Friend agree that this is one of the essentials for pursuing the National War Effort?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that, in the forthcoming discussions with the Government of the United States of America for the promotion of mutually advantageous economic relations, His Majesty's Government will not disregard Article 4 of the Atlantic Charter, which refers to existing obligations?

Yes, Sir.

Why did my right hon. Friend refer to the elimination of Imperial preference?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will read the statement, he will see exactly how far it went.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that, in the forthcoming negotiations with the Government of the United States of America, the Imperial Preference arrangements now in force will not be eliminated or substantially reduced without the previous consent of this House?

Yes, Sir. The legislation relating to Imperial Preference cannot in any event be altered except by further legislation.

Is it not a fact that, in view of the status of the Dominions under the Statute of Westminster, these arrangements cannot be altered without the assent of the Dominions concerned, since the arrangements have the status of a treaty?

The Noble Lord is perfectly right.

Is it not a fact that this agreement is not a treaty at all?

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that what he is saying now means that the Atlantic Charter is without meaning?

The hon. Member is entirely wrong. The Atlantic Charter lays down certain principles. The following-out of those principles has to be worked out between the Powers concerned. There is absolutely nothing in the statement I have made which runs contrary to that.

Are the Dominions not just as anxious as we are to have friendly economic relations in future with the United States? Cannot the post-war Government be free to consider all economic questions on their merits, without prejudice?

The right hon. Gentleman is perfectly right.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give time for a discussion of the Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member for the Tam-worth division, relating to the Crown Proceedings Bill.

My right hon. Friend does not consider that it would serve any useful purpose to give time for the discussion of the hon. Member's Motion, since the Government do not propose to introduce legislation upon the lines of Clause 11 of the draft Crown Proceedings Bill. The belief in the need for such legislation to protect the subjects of the Crown is based upon a misunderstanding of the present position. It has for many years been, and is now, the invariable practice of the Crown to accept the same responsibility for the acts of its servants as falls upon a private individual, and as is covered by third-party insurance in such cases. That is to say, for any act done by a servant of the Crown in the execution of his duty. In all such cases the Crown provides the funds required to satisfy any judgment which may be obtained against its servants, who are liable to be sued in respect of the act committed. Fresh legislation would not materially alter the redress available to the subject, and might, in view of the safeguards that would have to be introduced to cover particular aspects of the question, diminish the security which the injured persons obtain by reason of the present practice.

Will my right hon. and learned Friend agree that at present it is the Crown, and not the court, which decides whether or not a servant of the Crown was on duty at the material time?

The question as to the occupation of the servant at the moment of the accident may be one for the determination of the court or not. It is difficult to say except in precise circumstances.

Should it not always be a matter for the determination of the court, in view of the fact that it is a vital issue in a large number of cases?

The issue is not a vital one as regards the responsibility of the person driving the vehicle in the case in question. The responsibility is not upon the vehicle, but upon the driver. It is for the court to decide the responsibility of the driver.

When a soldier is taken to court, and has no means to meet the liability which may have been incurred, is it not an injustice upon the victim of the accident that he should be unable to recover damages? Surely the Crown should consider the matter from that standpoint?

The Crown does consider the matter from that standpoint. If the person is acting completely outside its authority, the Crown cannot accept responsibility. As in all other cases, the responsibility is on the individual.

Could it be left to the court to decide whether a person is on duty or not at the time?

It may be left to the court to decide that question. It depends on the evidence that is given. As a rule, the Crown accepts the evidence that the soldier is acting within his duties if that is the state of affairs.

Is not a soldier always on duty, particularly if he is in an Army vehicle?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any information to give in regard to our ability to obtain foreign currency?

The House has been informed of the contribution of one billion dollars by Canada, and of the Lend-Lease arrangements with the U.S.A. I would only say it remains essential to conserve our foreign exchange resources for vital war needs, and we shall continue to administer our Regulations accordingly.

Is it the intention to use the pottery industry to obtain foreign bills? Is the extension of juvenile labour in the pottery industry due to pressure from the Treasury, or is it necesssary under the Lend-Lease Act?

I should be obliged if my hon. Friend would put that Question down.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the cost of re-establishing titles to properties of which the deeds and conveyances have been destroyed by enemy action is provided for by action taken under any War Damage or Insurance Act?

No, Sir. In so far as insurance under Part II of the War Damage Act is concerned, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on 24th February. Part I of the Act covers physical damage to property, but not loss or expenditure consequential upon such damage, of which the instance given in the Question is only one of many possible examples.

In view of the many heavy burdens upon property owners who have to re-establish title to their property, would my right hon. Friend consider legislation in the near future, and would he make that legislation retrospective?

No, Sir. My hon. Friend will recall that when this legislation was introduced, I had to state, on behalf of the Government, that it had to be limited within its terms.

Would not this be comparatively easy in the case of titles registered at the Land Registry?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what answer he has given to the resolution from Leigh Old Age Pensioners' Association asking that provision should be made in the forthcoming Financial Statement for an increase on the present rate of 10s. a week to old age pensioners?

I have considered the position referred to. The Old Age and Widows' Pensions Act, 1940, provides supplementary pensions for those that need them, and I regret that I cannot see my way to make further provision.

Is the Chancellor of the Exchequer aware that this resolution was carried by the Old Age Pensioners at Leigh, and that the feeling is being expressed throughout the country that something better ought to be done for the old age pensioners; and will he give some consideration to the matter in his next Financial Statement, as I can assure him he will meet some criticism if he does not?

I am rather accustomed to that. A large number of people have already, as the hon. Member knows, taken considerable advantage of the supplementary pension.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a number of inhabitants object to paying Income Tax to provide these old age pensions?

Is the Chancellor of the Exchequer aware of the widespread discontent, not only among the old people, but among their friends, and of the desire that something better should be done for them?

I should have thought that they would have taken full advantage of the supplementary pension.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to say what proportion of the cost to meet the increase of raising the mini mum standard of wages of agricultural labourers will be borne by the Treasury?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the recent agreement on the increase of farm prices is contrary to the declared policy of the Government to stabilise prices by means of subsidy; and whether this changed policy is to apply to all future increases in costs of production?

My hon. Friend the Member for East Middlesbrough (Mr. A. Edwards) is mistaken in supposing that there has been any change of policy. The Government have already stated that it is the duty of both sides in industry to consider together all possible means of preventing the rise of costs of production; in particular, they have called attention in general terms to the fact that the policy of price stabilisation will be made impossible unless wage rate increases are regulated in a manner that makes it possible to keep prices and inflationary tendencies under control. In the case of agricultural products the new prices were decided after a review of the costs of production and in the light of the Government's undertakings. There is no present intention to increase the retail prices of the commodities concerned which are subject to control. The increased cost of farm products will, in general, apart from those entering into inter-farm sales, fall on the Exchequer.

As a statement was previously made to this effect, were we not led to believe that the cost of living was to be further increased as the result of a change in prices?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made in connection with the Budget.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total net revenue earned by the railway companies for the year ended 3ist December, 1941, in excess of the £43,000,000 which the railway companies retain; and how he proposes to deal with the surplus?

Estimates of the results of the railway pool for the year 1941 are under examination, and a White Paper will be published. Any excess of net revenue over £43,000,000 will be paid into the Exchequer.

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that a very substantial profit has accrued to the Treasury? Has not the Treasury's profit taken precedence over approximately £80,000,000 of shareholders' capital which receives no return on the investment, and does he consider it to be in the national interest thereby to depreciate the country's greatest single asset?

My hon. Friend had better await the White Paper.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the great difficulties in making repairs to bombed houses caused by the long delays in getting the necessary payments from the War Damage Commission; and will he arrange at least for such payments on account as will enable builders to proceed with most essential work?

I understand that the War Damage Commission is aware of the fact that in certain districts builders are stating that they are unable to undertake repairs to damaged properties because of the delay in payment for repairs already carried out. The Commission which has not yet been in existence for a year, has already made a very large number of payments, including payments on account, and is taking all possible steps to increase the rate at which payments are made

If the Commission are aware of the difficulty, cannot they do something more effective; and do the Government realise the immense discontent all over the country at the delay in making these repairs?

There is bound to be considerable delay because a great deal of the damage was done before the Commission was set up, and they had to deal with arrears as well as the current damage. As already stated, they are taking all possible steps to increase the rate.

Is it not the fact that in some cases where the builders have worked overtime and desired to get the repairs done quickly the War Damage Commission have refused to allow for any overtime payment in the compensation?

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman think that six months is unreasonable? When the Commission themselves have authorised the amount to be spent, surely it should not take long after the work is completed to pay over the amount?

These Questions are on detailed points and had much better be put on the Paper. I can only answer on behalf of the Commission. I am not the Commission myself.

Ginger them up.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the General Nursing Council, acting under the Nurses Registration Act, 1919, has refused to excuse women of friendly alien origin, being trained nurses, who wish to become State-registered nurses in England, any portion of their training, and has insisted that they must complete the whole course of training including the preliminary examination; and whether, in view of the serious shortage of trained nurses in Emergency Medical Service Hospitals, he will ensure some temporary modification during war-time of the Act of 1919?

I am aware that no provision is made in the Nurses Registration Act for the exemption of nurses trained in foreign countries from any part of the training needed for State registration in this country. Such nurses can be employed as assistant nurses. The answer to the second part of the Question is "No."

Is the hon. Lady aware that medical men and women of friendly alien origin are being eagerly employed in our hospitals as doctors and surgeons, and does she not consider that it is a waste of excellent woman-power to insist that those fully qualified and well-experienced nurses shall begin as juniors in our hospitals, a position which they will not accept?

The hon. Gentleman perhaps has not realised that we are not suggesting they should begin as probationers or student nurses, but that the rank of assistant nurse is more suitable for those who have not undergone the full course and taken State registration?

In view of the fact that the position is very unsatisfactory and that many of these nurses will not accept the junior position, will the Minister give the matter further consideration?

I will convey what the hon. Gentleman has said to my right hon. Friend.

May consideration also be given to the question of aliens who are of enemy origin but victims of Nazi oppression?

It is not the fact of being aliens but the training they have had, and whether they should be classed as assistant nurses or student nurses or fully trained State registered nurses.