asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether provision has been made for the liberation of soldiers in detention barracks in the event of the barracks in question being in an area threatened by hostile action in the event of invasion; and whether steps have been taken to ensure that such provisions are clearly understood in all commands?

In the event of imminent invasion all soldiers undergoing sentences of detention will be returned to units in order that they may play their part in the defence of the country. Clear and detailed instructions on this question have been issued.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he contemplates in his scheme for command decentralisation some arrangement which would involve the attachment of a representative of the Treasury to each command headquarters with powers of quick decision and general financial supervision?

The command secretaries will exercise general financial supervision within the commands and will be in a position either to give speedy decisions or to help to obtain them.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) whether, in view of the fact that the supply of morphia for use in the treatment of Home Guard casualties in the field is only to be distributed if, and when, there is an invasion, he has taken steps to ensure that such distribution will in fact be possible in the case of a battalion covering a large country district;(2) whether he is aware that the supply of morphia for Home Guard casualties is upon a much smaller scale than is considered necessary for other units of the Army; and what are the grounds for this distinction?

The supply of morphia for Home Guard casualties is considered adequate in view of the local defence role of Home Guard units. In the case of battalions covering a large country district Home Guard regimental aid posts have been or are in the process of being established and these will contain sufficient morphia for the treatment of Home Guard casualties. In addition, arrangements have been made where necessary for a battle reserve of morphia to be kept ready for issue to isolated posts when invasion is imminent.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any instructions for the guidance of medical officers in the Home Guard have been issued; and what steps are taken to ensure that those instructions reach those concerned?

General instructions on the principles of the medical organisation and the duties of Home Guard medical officers have been issued from time to time to all Home Guard officers. The detailed organisation and duties must however be left to be decided by Home Guard battalion medical officers in accordance with local conditions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what proportion of Home Guard zones are at present provided with zone medical advisers?

Medical advisers have been appointed in more than half the Home Guard zones.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will inquire into the circumstances attending the fact that Gunner Grayson Deakin, 1675790, C/108 Royal Artillery, has made persistent efforts, without success, to have his civilian clothing restored to him; and will he report on the case?

I have called for a report on this case which, so far as can be traced, has not previously been referred to the War Office.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of inspections that took place in the coalmines of Great Britain for the year 1941 on behalf of the workmen, namely: periodical inspections under Section 16, Coal Mines Act, 1911, and compulsory partial inspections scheme agreed to by the Mining Association of Great Britain and the Mineworkers' Federation of Great Britain respectively; and whether he will give the same information in regard to the county of Durham?

Figures of inspections made under Section 16 and of such other inspections made on behalf of the workmen as were notified to the Divisional Inspectors are being collected, and if my hon. Friend will repeat his Question this day fortnight I will give this information.

asked the Secretary for Mines, (1) whether he is aware that many families in the borough of Battersea have had no coal for four weeks; that permission to draw upon the reserve of coal has been refused; and what steps he is taking to remedy this state of affairs;(2) whether he is aware that the quantity of coal arriving in Battersea is totally inadequate to meet the current requirements for household coal; that many families have been without coal for four weeks; and what steps he is taking to expedite and give priority to the transit of coal?

The existence of a shortage of coal in the Battersea area was first brought to the notice of the house coal officer for London on the 26th February. The following day permission was sought to draw from the local Government dump and was immediately granted. On the general coal situation in the London area I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given to the hon. Member for North Camberwell (Mr. Ammon) on 24th February and to the hon. Member for Harrow (Mr. Bower) to-day. Generally speaking Battersea is receiving a fair share of the available supplies.

asked the Secretary of Mines the number of collieries now closed in the county of Durham from which coal could be produced; and whether any attempt is being made to mine the large area of coal now standing waterlogged in south-west Durham?

Apart from the waterlogged pits in south-west Durham, I understand that some eight collieries are now closed. Those in south-west Durham have been waterlogged for many years and I am advised that their reopening would be a major operation requiring considerable time and man-power, but in regard to all of these collieries, the primary consideration is the most effective use of the available men. My hon. Friend will of course appreciate that employment in the Durham coalfield is governed by other considerations additional to the maintenance of adequate pitroom.

asked the Home Secretary whether since the new training film for fire-fighters, which has been shown at the Ministry of Information and is called "Fire Guard," shows that the jet of the stirrup pump should be used directly on the bomb and not the spray, he will- give wide publicity to the fact as it is in direct contradiction to the instructions formerly given?

Full particulars of the change in procedure recommended for dealing with incendiary bombs are included in A.R.P. Handbooks No. 9 (2nd edition) and No. 14, and in a reprint of the booklet "Air Raids—What you must know," all of which are in the press and will be issued shortly. The modification of the advice that the spray should be used for dealing with the bomb and the jet for extinguishing the fire caused by the bomb is based on the following considerations:

(a) The necessity for speed when a number of bombs fall simultaneously on one building or where numbers of bombs have to be dealt with by a single fire party: Experience has shown that in many cases in spite of the fact that fire parties have been able to cope with many bombs, the fires caused by others have got out of hand, especially when incendiary bombs are dropped in large numbers from containers. Moreover, it has been found that the risk of injury to personnel from molten particles of magnesium scattered by the jet is not great and would be far more than counterbalanced by the saving of time effected and the risk of a possible conflagration avoided.

(b) The introduction of the explosive incendiary bomb.

When a bomb has fallen in a position where it is imperative that it should be tackled immediately, it is important to take as much cover as possible in case it is of the explosive type. The jet in such cases has advantages over the spray, because being effective from a longer range, the chances of injury from a fragment of steel are much reduced and a greater choice of cover is likely to be available. Further by freely scattering the molten magnesium and by its cooling action, the water jet may even serve to prevent the explosion of the capsule. Accordingly in cases where speed is the governing factor, or whenever a bomb must be tackled at once with the stirrup hand-pump, the jet should be used instead of the spray. There may be occasions when the spray should be used in preference to the jet, for example, where there is highly inflammable material close by and it would in consequence be dangerous to risk the scattering of molten magnesium.

asked the Home Secretary how many persons, male and female, are now undergoing terms of imprisonment of one month, or over, for offences against Defence Regulations; how many of these are juveniles; and what steps are being taken to ensure that extra accommodation is made available so that young persons do not associate with persons of criminal type?

I regret that the particulars asked for in the first two parts of the Question are not available. As regards the last part, the prison rules require that prisoners under twenty-one years of age shall, so far as possible, be kept apart from all other classes of prisoners. This requirement is carefully observed, and the provision of the necessary accommodation for the purpose has not hitherto presented any undue difficulty.

asked the Home Secretary the number of applications received, granted and refused, for the introduction of wet canteens into munition factories and hostels for war workers under the Order in Council, No. 60AA, giving the figures for England and Wales, separately?

I am not in a position to give figures as to the applications received and rejected by all the Departments which are competent authorities for the purposes of this Regulation; but the figures of applications referred to me are as follow:—Twenty-one applications have been received, of which 19 came from England and two from Wales; 12 applications have been granted and six refused in respect of England, two have been granted for Wales; the remaining application relates to England and is still under consideration.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that some women war workers, and in particular married women, recently recruited into industry are being denied admission to approved societies; and what steps he has taken to see that these persons, who have responded to the call for National Service, and are required to pay contributions under the National Health Insurance Acts, are put into a position to secure the normal benefits of those Acts?

From inquiries which I have made it would appear that nearly 90 per cent, of women, including married women, who entered insurance in England in 1940 (the last year for which such information is available) secured admission to approved societies shortly after their entry into insurance, and that of the balance of about 10 per cent, many took no steps to join societies, although they were as deposit contributors individually advised by the Central Department of the advantages of society membership. I have no reason for thinking that the position is any less favourable at the present time, but I have recently discussed with my consultative council the urgent necessity of admitting to society membership any war worker of either sex who seeks to secure the full cover of the National Health Insurance Scheme through the normal approved society channels. I am glad to be able to announce that the members of the council, which is representative of all types of approved societies, recognised the urgent importance of this question, and unanimously gave the fullest assurances that they would at once do everything possible to facilitate the admission of war workers to societies. I for my part have assured the council that after the war, as part of a general review of the effect of the war on the finances of National Health Insurance, any adverse effect on societies resulting from the admission of these workers will be most sympathetically considered. In the very few cases which may arise in which a war worker is in any difficulty in this matter my Department will be ready to assist in securing admission to an approved society.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that some married women war workers in Scotland have had difficulty in securing admission to approved societies and thus qualifying for the full benefits of the National Health Insurance Acts; and whether he is taking any action in the matter?

Representations have been made to me that a number of insured war workers, particularly married women, have been unable to obtain entry into approved societies. I accordingly discussed the matter with the Scottish Consultative Council of Approved Societies who, recognising the necessity for ensuring to these workers the normal benefits of the health and pensions schemes, have agreed that all possible steps should be taken to facilitate their admission to approved societies. I have assured the council that after the war, as part of a general review of the effect of the war on the finances of the National Health Insurance, any adverse effect on societies resulting from the admission of these workers will be most sympathetically considered. I hope that these arrangements will obviate the difficulties which have occurred in the past. If any further case of difficulty is reported to my Department, I have arranged that assistance will be given in securing admission to an approved society.

asked the Minister of Labour when a definite announcement may be expected regarding the dates, duration and scope of industrial holidays during this year?

My hon. Friend will probably have already seen the announcement in the Press, the terms of which I append:

"In present circumstances, it is more than ever necessary that the maximum output of munitions should be maintained. There must be no relaxation of effort, but in order that the national effort may be continued at the fullest stretch, it is essential that moderate and well-planned holiday breaks should be allowed. The Government accordingly desire to give the following general advice with regard to the holiday arrangements that should be made in industry in the coming year, subject always to the emergencies of the war situation, and to the urgency of particular requirements for output.

The customary annual holiday so far as it docs not exceed one week should in general be taken, and there should be for most workers a one day break on Easter Monday, Whit-Monday, and the August Bank Holiday (in Scotland corresponding holidays, fixed in accordance with local arrangements), with two days at Christmas or New Year. The Government regret that they must ask that; as last year, there should be no cessation of work on Good Friday. The Government expect that workers receiving these holidays will be regular in their attendance at work at other times, and will not extend the holiday period or absent themselves from work without leave or reasonable excuse. It is most important that the annual holidays should be carefully planned, and in general spread over the period between the beginning of April and the Autumn, so as to maintain the smooth flow of production and avoid undue pressure on transport services at particular periods.

In coal mining and possibly in other industries, it may be desirable that the annual holiday should be taken later in the year. Travel by transport services should be reduced to the minimum, and the Government hope that, as last year, recreational and other attractions near home will be organised wherever possible. Managements of industrial and other undertakings are urged to begin immediately the planning of holiday arrangements in consultation with their workpeople's representatives, and with associations or groups of employers in the same or allied industries or localities. They should consider the extent to which holidays can be 'staggered' as between individuals or establishments, and what will be the best opportunities for overhauling plant. Payment for holidays, or payment for work done on days which would ordinarily be holidays, should be governed by existing law: or any provisions relating to this matter as laid down in existing agreements, or as modified by agreement with the Trade Union concerned, or Branch thereof, to suit particular arrangements that may be made."

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he will state the contents of the report which he has received upon the operation of an aeroengine factory previously identified to him?

No, Sir. This is a report made by officers of the Department for guidance and action in my Department.

asked the Minister of Labour why all those in Tranent who are required to register have to travel to Musselburgh and pay omnibus fares when, by sending one man to Tranent, time, money and seating accommodation in the omnibuses could be saved?

The outhouse at Tranent was closed last October owing to the small number of local unemployed. There has recently been a substantial increase, which is due to adverse weather conditions and is not likely to continue, but the matter will be kept under review.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether there are club or similar amenities for naval warrant officers and commissioned officers from warrant rank on leave in or passing through London; and, if not, whether anything can be done to remedy this deficiency?

Yes, Sir. There are six clubs in London which are open to all naval officers, namely: —Connaught Club—75, Seymour Street, W.2. London House Guilford Street, W.C.I. Overseas League—4, Park Place, St. James', S.W.I. Queen Elizabeth's Club for Officers, Craigs Court, Whitehall. Radnor House—108, Sussex Gardens, S.W.2. Royal Empire Society (Overseas Forces) — Northumberland Avenue, W.C.2.There is no club specifically provided for naval warrant officers and commissioned officers from warrant rank, but these officers are entitled to use any of the clubs mentioned above. Posters giving details of these amenities have been distributed to the ports, naval shore establishments and also to the London railway termini for display.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether private mess property in officers' and men's messes and canteen property belonging to ratings is covered by or insurable under the War Damage Act, 1941; and whether, in view of the rapidly-changing personnel in ships and establishments, the Admiralty has issued guiding instructions?

The insurance schemes provided by the War Damage Act, 1941, apply only to goods in the United Kingdom. Goods owned by messes and canteens in naval shore establishments in this country can, in general, be insured under the Business Scheme provided in Part II of that Act. Mess and canteen property in sea-going ships can be insured under Part I of the War Risks Insurance Act, 1939, and the Admiralty have issued orders advising mess and canteen committees, etc., to take advantage of the facilities offered by the War Risks Insurance Office, under that Act, and explaining how this should be done. These orders were issued very early in the war and the advice has recently been repeated.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the resolution of the Engineering Industries Association sent to him calling for the abolition of the Excess Profits Tax, the fixing of dividends by agreement and the limitation of profits; and whether any action is proposed on the lines suggested?

I have received the representations to which my hon. Friend refers, but he will not expect me to anticipate my Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a considerable number of private business firms are now making annual allowances to each other, ostensibly for services rendered, but actually to avoid taxation; and whether he will take steps to put a stop to this scandal?

I shall be glad if my hon. and gallant Friend will send me information of any particular cases he has in mind.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is satisfied that the reception of broadcasts from abroad, at a place of which he has been informed, is satisfactory; and will he consider changing the location to a place where reception would be more efficient?

I am informed that while reception at the present site is satisfactory, ways and means of obtaining even better reception have not been overlooked.

asked the Minister of Health the number of deaths from tuberculosis giving males and females separately and the death rate based on number of residents, in the county and borough mental hospitals of England and Wales in 1941; and, for purpose of comparison, similar figures for the previous three years?

I regret that the complete figures for 1941 will not be available for some weeks. I will send them with the other figures for which he asks to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Health what action he proposes to take in view of the 40 per cent, increase in deaths from tuberculosis in mental hospitals already shown in the figures for 1940; and whether such action will include the X-ray examination of all residents in mental institutions so as to discover the incipient cases of tuberculosis before this disease reaches dangerous proportions in these institutions?

The incidence of tuberculosis is being closely watched by the Board of Control, and, so far as is practicable with the greatly depleted medical and nursing staffs, radiological examination and other modem methods of diagnosis are being employed to detect incipient cases.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to comb out young men of military age who have joined the boards of munition firms or who are listed as welders, tool-setters or metal workers, trades of which they know nothing?

Industrial classifications are checked periodically to ascertain what work is being done by men reserved under the Schedule of Reserved Occupations, and men are reclassified, when necessary, according to their actual occupations. Applications for the deferment of calling up of men who are not reserved by the Schedule of Reserved Occupations, or become de-reserved as a result of raising the age of reservation, are considered by the appropriate District Man-power Board, who will not grant deferment without satisfying themselves that the men are engaged on work of national importance and are indispensable for it. Directors of companies are not reserved.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether Dr. T. Moran, deputy scientific adviser to the Ministry since 24th June, 1940, who was at that time also director of the Research Association of British Flour Millers, still retains that position, or at what date he ceased to hold it?

Prior to 1st January, 1942, Dr. Moran, Director of Research for the Flour Millers' Research Association, was lent by the association to the Ministry of Food for part-time service as Deputy Scientific Adviser. Since that date, Dr. Moran has been lent by the Flour Millers' Research Association to act as chief technical officer of Flour (Accessory Factors) Limited, the company which has been formed by the Ministry of Food to undertake commercial and industrial activities in connection with the production of aneurin in this country and its introduction into white flour. Final arrangements in connection with Dr. Moran's services in this capacity have not yet been completed, but it is hoped that his services will continue to be available to the Ministry in an honorary capacity.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (1) whether, in view of our shipping losses, and the anxiety about finding sufficient personnel to man additional shipping of 8,000,000 tons, he will now arrange to set up refresher courses for sea-going officers registered with the Merchant Navy Reserve, for those who have not been to sea for some years; and, if not, on what grounds;(2) how many Merchant Navy officers are registered, with recent experience at sea, who are still held in reserve; and whether these officers will be protected from being called up for service in the Army?

The number of navigating officers employed ashore who have registered as having had experience at sea since the beginning of 1936 and who have not been called upon to return to the Merchant Navy is about 2,000. Those who so registered are not automatically reserved but arrangements have been made with the Service Departments under which suitable men who have had experience at sea and who desire to return to the Merchant Navy are specially considered for release from the Armed Forces for this purpose. In these circumstances and having regard to the number of officers available in the Merchant Navy Reserve Pool for immediate appointment to ships it is not considered necessary to provide refresher courses of the kind to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport how many sea-going officers and/or men registered with the Merchant Navy Reserve have been called up for service in the Army?

All sea-going Merchant officers and men have been reserved for service with the Merchant Navy. I am not able to say how many officers and men who had left the Merchant Navy for other occupations may have been called up for service in the Army.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he proposes to take in connection with the clothing coupon system to enable other ranks in the Services to obtain necessary non-issuable clothing, namely, pyjamas.

The clothing issued to other ranks is regarded as covering essential requirements. I regret that the present supply position does not admit of facilities for the purchase of pyjamas from civilian sources.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any plans for the organisation of industries now directed to war-production are being prepared in advance by the Government to ensure the immediate switching-over of factories to the production of commodities essential to the every-day life of the people in the post-war period?

Yes, Sir. My Department is studying with the other Departments concerned the best means of facilitating the transfer of industries from war to peace production.

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what date it is expected that supplies of flint lighters will be available to the public; and at what retail price it is proposed that they shall be sold.

Small supplies of utility lighters have already been delivered by manufacturers, and deliveries will increase during March. The maximum retail price has been fixed at 6s. 6d., but I understand that some types will be sold for rather less. The price includes an Excise duty of 2s. 6d.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the acute shortage of wrist watches now prevailing; and whether, having regard to the necessity of such articles to members of the Forces and war workers generally, he will arrange for the importation of an adequate supply of watch movements from Switzerland?

Yes, Sir. I am aware of the shortage of watches, but I hope that increased imports which have now been licensed will meet the most urgent needs of the public.