asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs 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 this is checked?

The amount of overtime paid in the Foreign Office during the month of February was £4,147. Overtime is authorised by the head of the Department concerned, and it is checked by a scrutiny of the time sheets. I am satisfied that those of the staff who are eligible to draw overtime pay are fully employed during their ordinary time; they all work under the supervision of responsible higher officials.

asked the Attorney-General whether, when a servant of the Crown is sued in tort and is alleged to have been on duty at the material time, the Crown will, subject to all proper considerations of national security, give to the plaintiff the same facilities for inspection of documents as a commercial employer, if joined as a defendant, could have been ordered to give?

When a servant of the Crown is sued in tort, an Order for discovery can be made against him. If he was on duty at the material time, it is, and has for long been, the established practice of the Crown to disclose and give inspection of all relevant documents in the possession of the Crown, except documents for which privilege from production is claimed on recognised grounds of public interest. If the servant of the Crown was not on duty at the material time, and the above rule is not therefore operative, the plaintiff can serve a subpoena upon the appropriate officer of the Crown for the production of any relevant documents and this subpoena must be complied with subject to the question of privilege.

asked the Attorney-General whether, when a judgment has been obtained against a servant of the Crown in an action for tort and the Crown refuses to provide funds to satisfy the judgment, contending that its servant was not on duty at the material time, the Crown will be willing to submit that contention to arbitration on the plaintiff's request?

This raises a question of policy and I have nothing to add to the answer given to my hon. Friend by the Lord Privy Seal on 3rd March.

asked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the urgent necessity of saving paper, the Probate Registry will devise a much smaller and simpler form for use in small estates than those now in use?

Steps have already been taken to economise paper by having forms on single sheets where possible and an inferior quality of paper is now in use. It would not be practicable to have forms of different sizes depending on the amount of the estate.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the number of returns dispensed with as unnecessary during the past six months; and whether, in particular, the return of the number of communicants each week and the estimate of the number of omnibus tickets required during the next six months are Still called for by the War Office?

The success achieved in reducing the burden of work which returns impose on all military offices cannot be summarised correctly by any single figure of "returns dispensed with." As the hon. Member will appreciate, the number of returns required varies for every different type of unit, and also varies even amongst units of the same type, according to their location. A fair and typical figures was, however, that recently given by my right hon. Friend the former Secretary of State for War in his statement on Army Estimates on 19th February, i.e., that an average reduction of 30 per cent. has been achieved in the number of returns submitted by infantry battalions. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the War Office were invited to send a representative to the Red Army Meeting at the Stoll Theatre on 22nd February, at which representatives of a number of Allied military commands were present; and whether a representative was sent?

The War Office did not accept the invitation to the function referred to by the hon. Member because it is not customary for the Department to be officially represented at privately organized functions.

asked the Minister of Labour why it is necessary to wait three months before reviewing the position of young persons in the Potteries working 53 hours a week, in view of the fact that this industry is scheduled as a dangerous trade and is not a vital one at the present time?

In the reply given by my right hon. Friend on 19th February to the hon. Member for Kilmarnock (Mr. Lindsay) he explained that he felt bound to make this Order because labour had to be released from the pottery industry for munitions work and he was advised that the necessary pottery output could not otherwise be maintained with the reduced labour force. While he is keeping a close watch on the matter he cannot usefully consider any modification of the Order at present until the circumstances which made it necessary have passed.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he has considered the appointments of a representative in each industrial region to whom he can delegate authority to deal directly with deficiences known to the Regional Production Council or persons engaged in the various works; and whether he is prepared to make such an appointment?

The Ministry's regional controllers and the regional officers of the Production Departments and the controls already have authority to take appropriate action under general directions from headquarters. As the House knows, a Committee, of which Sir Walter Citrine is chairman, has been appointed to review the regional organisation of production.

asked the Minister of Supply whether the women handling timber in the vicinity of Ashington, Northumberland, are still being paid 10½d. per hour, or whether the agreement of the 3rd February has been established; and, if so, will he state the rates prevailing?

The home grown timber department are paying increased rates as from the first pay day in February in accordance with the recent agreement on the Joint Industrial Council for the home grown timber trade. The rate for women of 19 years and over engaged in peeling, light felling and cross cutting is 48s. a week.

asked the Attorney-General how many prosecutions have been instituted upon information received through the opening of letters by way of censorship; and whether he will stop this policy?

The only information which is within my control is that which relates to prosecution undertaken by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The time and labour involved in obtaining exact figures would not be justified. I can, however, tell my hon. Friend that in a substantial proportion of Trading with the Enemy offences and Finance Regulation offences, some use has been made of censorship interception. I see no reason why this practice should be stopped.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps to prevent profiteering in letting housing accommodation in London and in the larger provincial cities; whether he is aware of the abnormal rents demanded for furnished lodgings and the difficulty of war widows and dependants of men in the Services in the provision of flats and even single rooms, in view of the decrease in war pensions owing to Income Tax deduction and with the increased cost of living?

As my hon. Friend is aware, the rents of unfurnished dwellings are strictly controlled by the Rent Restrictions Acts. As regards furnished lettings, my right hon. Friend has kept the position under constant review and he has found only a small number of isolated instances of abnormal charges and these have come almost exclusively from the rural areas and the smaller towns. Local authorities have power to prosecute persons who charge exorbitant rents for furnished lettings, and my right hon. Friend has urged them to exercise this power without hesitation. If my hon. Friend will send me particulars of any instances which have come to his notice, I will gladly have inquiries made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether wheat bought from the Canadian Wheat Board passes through the Canadian Wheat Board and selected export firms; whether commission is payable in both cases; and what is the approximate amount of commission paid since the outbreak of war?

The Ministry of Food purchases Winnipeg wheat futures from the Canadian Wheat Board. Export firms in Canada offer in competition actual wheat for delivery at fixed dates and at specified ports on the seaboard in exchange for these futures. No commission is payable by the Ministry in either case and all export firms are free to submit competitive tenders.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that quantities of bacon pigs, which would otherwise go to bacon factories and be distributed on the ration, are being purchased as store pigs at high prices; that purchasers of such pigs are entitled to kill and cure same providing they feed them for two months; and that, as a result, large numbers of people are obtaining supplies of bacon and pork far in excess of their rations at a cost greatly exceeding the controlled price; and whether steps will be taken to stop this practice which is depriving bacon factories and consequently the public of supplies?

The arrangements whereby persons may kill and cure for their own consumption pigs which they have fed for a period of not less than two months have been made with the approval of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Food and are designed to encourage the best utilisation of farm and household waste suitable for pig feeding, which would otherwise be lost. The conditions under which licences are granted are kept continually under review.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that copies of the recent Bread Distribution Order, announced in February and operative since 2nd March, has not been made available to bread distributors of the country; and if he will remedy this in view of the difficulty of operating an Order, the terms of which are not circulated?

In order that the trade might be fully aware in advance of the restrictions to be imposed on retail deliveries of bread, my Noble Friend explained them to the Press at a conference of 27th January last, stating that they would come into force on 2nd March. A Press notice issued by my Department was widely reproduced during the same week. This was followed by a broadcast announcement on 24th February, and a final Press notice was issued on 26th February, the day on which the Order was signed.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the growing importance of the Fleet Air Arm, he will consider the question of raising the status of air gunners to that of air gunners in the Royal Air Force, who hold either non-commissioned or commissioned rank?

Air gunners of the Fleet Air Arm hold leading or higher rate, which is considered appropriate to their duties having regard to those performed by other naval ratings. There is no requirement at present for commissioned air gunners in the naval service, but all naval air gunners are eligible for selection and promotion to commissioned rank as pilots or observers.

asked the Minister of Information, what broadcasts other than the Brains Trust are allowed to be broadcast uncensored?

The Brains Trust broadcast is recorded in advance and censored for security purposes before being put on the air. There are occasional programmes of a special nature, such as running commentaries on public events, which are broadcast without preliminary censorship; but this is only done when there can be no danger to security.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that, on 29th November, Flight-Sergeant Haw, of the Royal Air Force, took part in an engagement on the Soviet front, along with Wing-Commander Isherwood and Squadron-Leaders Miller and Rook, for which they were all awarded the Order of Lenin; that on 3rd and 4th March the British Broadcasting Corporation included the officers only in the announcement about the honour conferred; whether he will give the reason for the discrimination and take steps to ensure that the same publicity is given to the bravery and merit of this airman as was given to the three officers mentioned?

There is a misunderstanding. The B.B.C. announcement on 3rd March was that Wing-Commander Ramsbottom Isherwood and Squadron-Leaders Rook and Miller had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. In this connection the B.B.C. mentioned that these officers had already been awarded the Order of Lenin. When that award was originally announced on 28th November, Sergeant Haw's name was included along with those of the three officers. There has been no discrimination.

asked the Minister of information why recent broadcasts to Hungary have told the Hungarians that they must keep their army for use against their neighbours, after the end of the present war; and whether he is aware that such statements caused much disquiet among our friends and Allies?

I do not think that it would be in the national interest to discuss this matter in public.

asked the Minister of Information whether he authorised the publication of the article entitled "Aircraft built underground," in the "Times" of Thursday, 5th March, and the photographs of underground aircraft factories in the same issue; and whether he is satisfied that information of this nature can safely receive publicity during the progress of the war?

Yes, Sir. The article and the photographs resulted from a facility visit for the Press organised by the Ministry of Aircraft Production, and in accordance with the usual practice in such visits, all articles and photographs were examined by officials of the Ministry responsible for the visit as well as by the Press Censorship Division of the Ministry of Information. I am satisfied that the information contained therein can safely receive publicity.

asked the Minister of Information whether he has any recent information to show to what extent British broadcasts to Europe reach their intended listeners?

Yes, Sir. Evidence continually reaches this country of the extent to which British broadcasts are heard in Europe.

asked the Minister of Information whether that section of his Department dealing with the development of Anglo-Soviet relations has yet taken any steps to develop more effective technical and scientific liaison between Great Britain and Russia?

A conference of British scientific institutes and learned societies was held on 9th March at the premises of the Royal Society to co-ordinate the interchange of technical and scientific information with corresponding bodies in the U.S.S.R.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many officers of allied nations are imprisoned in Barlinnie Prison, Glasgow; and have such officers been convicted in a British court of law?

One ex-officer of an Allied force was detained in Barlinnie Prison under Article 12 (5A) of the Aliens Order, but has now been released.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received on behalf of milk producers in Scotland who are receiving over a 1d. per gallon less for their product than the milk producers in England; and what steps he proposes to take?

I have received representations on behalf of Scottish milk producers to the effect that the disparity in milk prices as compared with England and Wales should be removed. This disparity in the price levels is of long standing and it may not be possible in the forthcoming fixation of milk prices to iron out the differences, but I am in consultation on the subject with my Noble Friend the Minister of Food.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the annual cost of the board established under the Kenya Pyrethrum Ordinance, 1938, what is the annual income from licence fees for the growth of pyrethrum; and how many licences were issued in the last year for which figures are available?

Information regarding the annual cost of the board is not available in the Colonial Office. As regards the second and third parts of the Question, I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as a reply is received from the Governor to the inquiries already made of him.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that notwithstanding the shortage of mosquito and sand-fly netting for Service requirements, a number of firms manufacturing such goods are still engaged in the execution of private orders; and whether he will at once take steps to ensure that complete output of all such articles is directed to meet Service requirements?

Service requirements for sand-fly and mosquito netting are being fully met. If Service demands should render it necessary, the remaining capacity of the industry will, of course, be drawn upon.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is satisfied that full use is being made of workshops for the blind in supplying Government requirements of baskets, mats, brushes, hosiery and bedding, and similar articles capable of production by blind workers?

Yes, Sir. Workshops for the blind are always given special consideration when contracts are placed for stores which those institutions are capable of producing.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that spare parts of gearboxes for Morris 15-cwt. vans and the one-ton T type and L2 type are virtually unobtainable; and whether special arrangements are being made to obtain supplies in order to put vehicles back on the roads?

I am aware of the difficulty in obtaining these parts, especially for old vehicles. Special action is taken to provide parts as soon as possible for such of these immobilised vehicles as, in the view of the Ministry of War Transport, are required for essential work.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that dealers have good stocks of rubber tyres for electric vehicles used in conveying bread and milk; that such tyres cannot be used for private motor-cars; and whether he will permit sales to take place in order to maintain food distribution?

I am informed that the stocks of tyres for electric vehicles are small, and that such tyres can be used for other vehicles. I regret that I cannot relax the standstill Order pending the introduction of a licensing system.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that one Bernstein, recently sentenced to a fine of £2,600 or six months at Portsmouth for Excise and black market offences, was recently given a licence by the authorities in spite of several previous convictions; and what precautions are taken to see that licences are only granted to persons of good character?

I am aware of the facts stated in the first part of the Question. With regard to the second, there is no general provision in the law empowering the Commissioners of Customs and Excise to refuse to issue an Excise wholesale dealer's licence, such as Bernstein took out, to any person on grounds of character. Bernstein's conviction causes his licence to be forfeited, and a new licence cannot be granted to him for the remainder of the licence-year.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can make a statement on the progress of experiments on the use of producer-gas for heavy road vehicles; and if the results so far indicate a saving in transport costs as compared with liquid fuel?

I am expecting within the next fortnight an interim report from the technical committee which is conducting road trials with various types of gas-producer equipment, but I understand that t will be some time before the service trials that the committee consider necessary can be completed. So far, I am not satisfied that the over-all costs of operating vehicles with gas producers are lower than with petrol.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) what steps have been taken to save the consumption of petrol and imported oil by the use of alternative fuels; has he received the Report of the Committee that has investigated this matter; and what action is to be taken;(2) whether as some countries insist on a certain percentage of vehicles being run on alternative fuels like producer-gas, this course has been considered for this country;

I am glad to have this opportunity of informing the House that since the outbreak of war very substantial savings in imported oils have been achieved by the use of home-produced coal tar oil. There has also been a considerable increase in the recovery of benzole. These developments follow recommendations of various committees set up to advise my Department at the outbreak of war. There is no likelihood of home-produced fuels being available for the operation of all road vehicles, but the feasibility of increasing the number of vehicles running on producer-gas is being actively investigated. The governing factor in the problem is that of coal supply. I shall be glad to give the hon. Member fuller information when it becomes available.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that almost all motor traffic through Hyde Park is now concerned in some way with essential work, he will arrange to abolish the 20 miles-per-hour limit for the duration of the war and release the police officials now employed in operating a speed trap for motorists?

I have been asked to reply. The present speed limit of 20 miles per hour in the Royal Parks was fixed after a very careful examination of all relevant factors and I regret that I am unable to agree to its abolition on the grounds suggested. I consider that the amenity of the Royal Parks and the consideration for the safety of pedestrians in particular, fully justify the retention in Hyde Park of the existing speed limit during the war.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare whether any cargoes of wheat, or other foodstuffs, have yet reached Greece; and whether any steps are being taken to obtain and expedite further shipments?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware, cargoes of foodstuffs from Turkey have been reaching Greece at intervals since the autumn of last year, but these have not included wheat. The steamship "Radmanso" has been loaded with 7,000 tons of wheat. We were informed at the end of February that the Italian Government would require six days' notice of the date of sailing. Notification was at once sent to the International Red Cross at Geneva that the ship was due to sail from Haifa on 6th March. I regret to say, however, that a message was received at the last moment, through the International Red Cross, stating that the Italian Government had not received sufficient notice of the date of sailing, and permission was refused for the ship to sail until 15th March. She will therefore sail on that date.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can explain the constitution of the committee sitting on the question of two-member constituencies; when the Boundary Commission which is to deal with this matter is likely to report; and whether he intends to establish by legislation a Boundary Commission in the near future to avoid delay when the time arrives?

My hon. Friend must, I think, have in mind the Committee on Electoral Machinery which the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Scotland appointed at the beginning of this year. The membership and terms of reference were given in answer to a Question on 8th January and I will send my hon. Friend a copy. It is too soon for the committee to say when its report will be ready. Any special questions relating to two-member constituencies will doubtless be considered by the committee under the second part of its terms of reference. Any question of the constitution of a Boundary Commission would be reserved pending receipt of the committee's report.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the resolution passed by the Liverpool Watch Committee on 17th February expressing their dissatisfaction with the National Fire Service in that city; and will he see that this service is brought up to a greater standard of efficiency?

My right hon. Friend has received a copy of this resolution, expressing dissatisfaction on the part of the Liverpool Watch Committee, with the services rendered in the city by the National Fire Service. As my hon. Friend will appreciate, the general state of efficiency of any local unit of the National Fire Service must, at this stage of development, be conditioned by the state of the local fire services when they were transferred from local control. In the case of Liverpool there were many deficiencies to make good, in the matter of training, accommodation and organisation generally of the emergency fire services. I can assure my hon. Friend that special attention has been concentrated on Liverpool and that, continuously, progress is being made by the officers concerned, under the general direction of the Regional Commissioner, towards the establishment of a more satisfactory state of efficiency in the local services.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the agreement with the United States of America, dated 23rd February, 1942, will become effective?

As my right hon. Friend stated in his reply to my hon. Friend on 4th March, the Agreement took effect on the date of signature, 23rd February, in accordance with Article 8. The intention expressed in Article 7 can, however, only be implemented when the Governments concerned have taken agreed action at the material time on the recommendations which will be submitted to them by their representatives participating in the exploratory conversations contemplated in the second paragraph of Article 7.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport how many motor horseboxes there were licensed at the latest convenient date; and approximately what is their average horse-power?

Motor horse-boxes are licensed as goods vehicles and I have no information as to their number or average horse-power.