asked the Minister of Labour whether he will issue instructions to all tribunals judging claims for exemption from military service by conscientious objectors, that members of such tribunals must not sit in judgment in cases where they are in any way connected as the employers of any conscientious objector appearing before them.

While I have no authority to issue instructions to these tribunals, I have no doubt that the members can be relied upon to exercise their discretion to withdraw from the hearing of any case in which they are personally interested.

If I send the right hon. Gentleman a case in which a member of a tribunal sat in judgment on one of the employees of the executive of which he was a member, will he look into it?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour why he declines to apply the provisions of Section 4 of the National Service (No. 2) Act, 1941, to any person discharged on medical grounds from one of the Forces who may, subsequently, be found fit for service in the same Force or in one of the other Forces.

Cases in which a man discharged from the Forces on medical grounds might subsequently be found fit for service should be relatively few, and are likely to give rise to conflicts of medical opinion; for these reasons, as I explained in the House on 9th December, 1941, during the passage of the National Service Bill, I think it is better to take a clear cut line and not to call up such men again for the Forces. They will be directed where necessary into industry.

How can the right hon. Gentleman expect medical boards to foresee with certainty that some men may not become fit for service at a later date, and why should not such men be re-examined after a reasonable interval of time?

In my view it would be likely to cause more heartburning, trouble and mistakes than the State would gain. If a man has been discharged for medical reasons—and he has to undergo a very strict examination before any of the Services let him go—I had better use his services in industry rather than put him through all that again.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the hardship involved by the transfer of married miners from one mining area to another in so far as the miners cannot afford to pay the necessary railway fare to visit their homes; and will he consider the issue of free railway warrants to such miners to enable them to visit their homes once every three months?

While I could not introduce a concession of this kind for the benefit of workers in one particular industry, I have the whole matter under review and will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has reached any decision with regard to the hours of employment of young persons in the pottery industry?

I have the matter at present under consideration.

Will my right hon. Friend be making a statement in the fairly near future?

I hope so.

asked the Minister of Labour how many Orders under the Factory Acts have been issued allowing young persons to be employed up to 52 hours per week; the date of issue in each case; the several industries they cover; the approximate number of young persons affected; and whether any steps are taken to record any deleterious effects on the mental and physical standards of those young persons?

I have made two Orders, dated 23rd December and 5th February last, under which working hours up to 52, or in the former case 53, can be authorised for young persons under 16 as well as for older persons. They apply to the pottery and cotton spinning industries respectively. The Orders cannot, however, be used at any particular factory unless permission to do so has been obtained from the District Factory Inspector, and I have no figures as to the present numbers of such permissions, though I shall be receiving returns shortly. The permissions do not relate to any specified numbers of young persons. The working of the Orders is being closely watched.

Is the right hon. Gentleman keeping watch on the complaints that are made from time to time, like the one the other day from Huddersfield about young persons working such long hours that they were deteriorating mentally and physically?

I understand that that matter comes up for Debate to-day. It has nothing to do with this Question.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that such an Order is necessary for the furtherance of the war effort? If it is found to be harmful to the health of these young people, will he take steps to withdraw it?

As I explained in reply to a previous Question, the difficulty arises when emergencies are suddenly forced upon the Ministry. It is extremely difficult to work the differences of hours between 16 and under 16, and sooner or later in subsequent legislation it will have to be straightened out.

Are these young persons medically examined before the factory inspector asks them to undertake these long hours?

I would like notice of that Question.

asked the Minister of Labour what requirements of the war caused him to raise the working hours of young persons under 16 years of age in certain cotton factories to 52 hours a week?

asked the Minister of Labour what reasons prompted him to agree to an Order extending the hours of young workers in the cotton industry?

I was satisfied that war requirements of various kinds necessitated longer hours of work in cotton spinning mills, and representatives of both sides had agreed to increase them up to 52, on the basis that the new scheme of hours would apply irrespective of age. In view of the extent to which this industry is organised with assistants under 16, I decided that I could not exclude them from the Order permitting the longer hours for others working with them.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his Department has prepared, and has brought to the notice of employers, any leaflets or printed information showing in detail how different systems of part-time work are being operated in many factories; and how the principal difficulties which strike anyone who has had no experience of the system are in practice being successfully overcome?

Articles on this subject, dealing in particular with methods of overcoming practical difficulties, have been printed in the "Engineering Bulletin," a monthly magazine published by my Department and circulated to employers in the engineering and allied industries. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. A special pamphlet is in preparation, which will be widely distributed.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give a list of private employment agencies that have been approved under the Employment of Women (Control of Engagement) Order No. 100; and whether he can indicate what proportion of existing employment agencies are likely to receive approval under that Order?

The agencies which have so for been approved under the Order are as follow:

• Thirteen University Appointments Boards or Committees.
• The Industrial Welfare Society.
• The Institute of Labour Management.
• The Institute of Hospital Almoners.
• The Society of Radiographers.
• The Society of Women Housing Managers.
• The Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes.

Is it not a fact that almost all the private employment agencies which have applied have been refused approval, and is there really an intention of quietly strangling all these agencies?

I have no intention of strangling anyone. It is a mere question of administration, and I must try to get the best type of machinery I can.

In my right hon. Friend's endeavour to get the best type of machinery, why is it necessary to do away with all these agencies? Does he suggest that the Employment Exchange is the best type of machinery for the various kinds of employment?

Considering the Exchanges are transferring to industry nearly 20,000 women a week, I think they are fairly effective.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of manual employees in industry in Great Britain and the number of these who were members of trade unions affiliated to the Trades Union Congress on the most recent convenient date?

The total number of work-people insured against unemployment in Great Britain at July, 1939, the latest date in respect of which figures are available for publication, was approximately 15,548,000. In the report on the proceedings at the annual Trades Union Congress held in September, 1941, the total membership of the affiliated trade unions was shown as approximately 5,079,000 at the end of December, 1940. I am not in possession of information showing how many manual and non-manual workers, respectively, were included in these totals.

In view of the fact that these figures show that probably there are more non-trade unionists than trade unionists in industry, would my right hon. Friend, in his various suggestions and proposals for the collaboration on an advisory basis of employees and management, bear in mind the fact that many trade unionists are well organised and elected by secret ballot in their own offices, and do his best to encourage these councils?

I have made it clear that I have left the setting-up of these bodies to the industries concerned, and I have laid down no regulations of any kind.

Has my right hon. Friend any information of the number of manual employees who benefit by the wage agreements and other agreements made by the trade unions?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that wool-combing and topmaking establishments in the West Riding, and particularly Bradford, possess insufficient warming facilities, and do not comply with the provisions of Section 3 (1) of the Factory Act, 1937; and will he instruct his inspectors to take steps to secure a remedy in view of the fact that production is being hampered by the prevailing conditions?

I am not aware of any general complaint of this kind. If my hon. Friend has evidence that the law is being infringed at any named factory or factories, I would be obliged if he would send me particulars or arrange for them to be sent to the local Factory Inspector.

I will do that.

asked the Minister of Pensions what has been the approximate saving to the Exchequer, to date, by the payment of lower rates of compensation for war injuries to adult women as compared with men?

The records kept by my Department do not enable me to furnish the information desired by my hon. and gallant Friend, and I should not feel justified in undertaking the considerable research necessary to give even an approximate estimate.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can now state his intentions as to setting up independent pension appeal tribunals on a statutory basis?

I have previously expressed my sympathy with the desire for statutory independent tribunals and my regret that difficulties of personnel and transport prevent their establishment during the war. I am, however, authorised to say that it is the intention of the Government to set them up as soon as practicable after the war.

When they are set up can all cases that have emerged since the commencement of the war be brought before these tribunals?

Yes, Sir.

May we take it that the right hon. Gentleman's statement does not mean that he has entirely excluded further consideration of this matter during the war, which may yet last a long time?

No, Sir, but I thought it was desirable that I should get a Government decision on this matter placed on record.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that there are numbers of retired warrant and non-commissioned officers in this country, some with Indian experience, who would be glad to be of service as instructors in India; and whether any steps have been or are being taken to-make use of them in that capacity?

My Department considers, in consultation with the Government of India, applications from any retired non-commissioned officer or warrant officer who volunteers for service in India. But, in general, India's demands for British Army personnel are made direct upon the War Office and it is for that Department to allocate, in accordance with the demands received from various quarters, those retired men who, though not liable for service under the National Service Act, may still be considered fit for further military employment in India or elsewhere.

Having regard to the serious state of affairs in this connection and the great neglect of which, if the right hon. Gentleman will forgive my saying so, he and his Department have been guilty, is he not splitting hairs in dividing responsibility between his Department and the War Office? If these men are required, are they not either appealed for or compelled to report, which many of them would be very happy to do?

I must entirely repudiate the charge of neglect. If the hon. and gallant Member will give me any instances of individuals who have applied and whose applications have not been considered, I shall be very glad.

When there is a war on, surely it is not necessary to wait for men to apply. If their services are required, should not the right hon. Gentleman either appeal for them or call them up?

If the Government of India require men, they apply to the War Office, and the War Office does its best.

Is it not obvious that it has not done so in this instance?

asked the Secretary of State for India on what dates were the construction of the new Manipur-Lashio and Assam-Chunking roads, respectively, commenced and when each is expected to be ready for military use; what department, military or civil, is responsible for the work; whether he has satisfied himself that every form of modern mechanical road-making machinery is being employed to hasten on this work; and why there has been delay in its execution?

The hon. and gallant Member will recognise that it is not in the public interest to disclose details of the progress of the construction of roads in Assam and Burma for military use. I can, however, assure him that the military authorities, assisted by engineers of civil departments, are carrying out this task with the greatest energy and are making use of all available resources including mechanical road-making machinery. I cannot agree that there has been any delay in execution of this work.

Has not my right hon. Friend given permission for publication of long newspaper articles stating in detail that permission had been given to start these roads? If he has given permission for those articles to be published, he must have satisfied himself that their publication was in the public interest.

It was not for me to give permission.

Has my right hon. Friend taken steps to ascertain who did give permission for the publication of these articles, to which his personal attention has been directed; and if it is in the public interest for these details to be published in the Press, why cannot the matter be discussed in this House before the responsible Minister who can answer about it?

I am not the responsible Minister in this case.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will express to the Viceroy and Government in India, in the interests of an intensification of the war effort, the view of His Majesty's Government that all official and other unnecessary entertainments, ceremonies and incidental expenditure should cease?

The Government of India are fully alive to the desirability in present circumstances of restricting expenditure that does not contribute to the war effort and have issued instructions enjoining strict economy in all such expenditure.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries to ascertain whether there has been, and if so why, a whole stream of unnecessary expenses in the last 12 months, expenses that might well have been avoided if there had been the slightest appreciation of what the position must inevitably be by now, and will he take steps to ensure that some consideration is given to the matter by those who are responsible?

Is it not a fact that the Viceroy himself has incurred considerable expenditure in that direction by having his own car brought from Delhi, a distance of many hundreds of miles, for one appearance and ought he not to set a better example?

I will inquire.

Will the right hon. Gentleman let me know whether that is a fact or not?

asked the Secretary of State for India what representations have been made by the Calicut Labour Council concerning K. R. P. Gopalans when this person was arrested and on what charge, and whether he is now undergoing sentence?

I have no knowledge of any such representations or of the person referred to, but if the honourable Member will let me have further particulars, I will make inquiries.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to win the support of these people in India rather than prosecute them?

I have no knowledge of the particular case to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any action is to be taken respecting the plea by Mr. Joshi, the trade union leader and member of the Legislative Assembly, for the release of political prisoners in India; and whether he can give any information respecting the number of students in India imprisoned or detained on political charges?

asked the Secretary of State for India what representations he has received for the release of political prisoners in India; and what steps, if any, does he intend to take?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will recommend to the Viceroy the immediate liberation of all political prisoners as a gesture that will facilitate the task of the Lord Privy Seal?

asked the Secretary of State for India how many Indian trade unionists are now imprisoned or detained in India for political reasons; and how many university students?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he proposes to take any action regarding the representations made to him by Mr. Joshi, secretary of the Indian Trades Union Congress, respecting the release of all political prisoners?

asked the Secretary of State for India what answer he has given to the representations made to him by Mr. Joshi, on behalf of the Indian Trade Union Congress, urging on His Majesty's Government that a valuable contribution to the immediate situation would be the release of the remaining Indian political prisoners?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the cable recently sent by Mr. Joshi, member of the Indian Legislative Assembly and secretary of the Indian Trade Union Congress, appealing for the release of political prisoners in India, including Communists and labour leaders, who have declared in favour of unconditional support for the war on the basis of the alliance between Britain and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and whether he will direct their immediate release in order to create a more favourable atmosphere for the considerations of the proposals carried by the Lord Privy Seal?

I do not appear to have received any recent appeal from Mr. Joshi for the release of political prisoners. In any case I doubt whether the situation in India would be improved by the release of persons who have attempted by violent methods to oppose the war effort or to compass the overthrow of the existing basis of society. I am unable to say how many trade unionists or students are included among the persons at present imprisoned or detained in India in consequence of action of that sort.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman receive a copy of the cablegram which I received from Mr. Joshi, and will he not agree that Mr. Joshi is a person of great industrial eminence in India and that his appeal should receive most sympathetic consideration?

Has not this question of the release of prisoners been considered in connection with the visit to India of the Lord Privy Seal?

Is it not the case that all these people are in prison for fighting for the freedom of India, and would it not facilitate the task of the Lord Privy Seal if these fighters for Indian freedom were liberated?

No, Sir, no one is imprisoned in India for fighting for the freedom of India. It is only if they urge violent methods in pursuit of their policy that they incur that danger.

Is the Minister now saying that if they fight for freedom in India, they must fight in the way he wants them to or they will go to gaol?

asked the Secretary of State for India how many Indian Moslems are represented by the Moslem League?

If the Question refers to actual membership of the Moslem League, I understand that the League does not publish this information.

asked the Secretary of State for Burma what political parties in Burma have been, or are, suspended or suppressed by law; how many political parties are represented in the legislature and their respective strength; and whether the present Coalition Government of Sir Paw Tun differs materially in its political composition from the Government of U Saw?

The Thakin Party was proscribed by the Burmese Home Minister last January on account of fifth-column activities. The chief other parties are the Myochit Party, the United Party, the Sin-ye-tha Party and the Nationalist Party, but I cannot give their respective strength in the House of Representatives as the lines of division are very fluid. The present Coalition Ministry is mostly composed of the Ministers who served under U Saw.

Ought not the right hon. Gentleman to secure information regarding the composition of the various parties in the Burmese Legislature, and does he not think it significant that much the same Ministers who served under U Saw are also serving under the present Premier?

No, Sir, there is no reason to attribute the delinquencies of U Saw to his colleagues.

Are there among the members of these various parties persons who joined our enemies, the Japanese, when they were in Burma, and have any of them fought against us?

No, Sir. Except for the Thakin Party to which I have referred, there is no evidence of fifth-column activity.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is the practice of Regional Commissioners to make periodical visits to the Civil Defence units under their care and test the efficacy of the local arrangements to meet invasion or whether that duty will be enforced upon them?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative, and the second part does not therefore arise.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the opportunity of paying surprise visits to two or three typical areas, my own constituency, for instance, to see for himself what is happening and what is not happening?

I doubt whether I should see all that is happening or all that is not happening, even if I went there on surprise visits.

asked the Home Secretary whether men who volunteer in works fire brigades and undertake works ambulance duties are covered against accident while on duty, similarly to other Civil Defence units?

I have received representations on this matter which are having consideration. I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that many men between the ages of 55 and 60 are working 58 hours or more a week plus meals and travelling times, amounting in some cases to 14 hours away from home; that these men are called upon to do fire-watching duties, and as a result of 48 hours fire-watching time a month in addition to such daily work are being physically impaired for production work; and whether there is any method whereby authenticated cases can be exempted from fire-watching?

The Business Premises Order gives power to appropriate authorities to direct the exemption from fire-prevention duties in whole or in part, of persons engaged on vital work for exceptionally long hours; and I have every reason to believe that this power is exercised with great care by the appropriate authorities who are naturally anxious that production should not suffer through over-fatigue caused by the performance of fire-prevention duties outside working hours.

Does that mean that older men must apply to some doctor for a certificate that they are not able to do this work; and does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that it is not easy to get a certificate of that character?

It all depends upon the nature of the case. If it was a medical case, medical evidence would be necessary. If it is purely a matter of age, other and non-medical considerations probably arise. No doubt the House will understand that my problem is not a superabundance of fire watchers from which I have to eliminate a superfluity, but to get enough of them. Nevertheless, I want to be reasonable, in accordance with the request of my hon. Friend.

asked the Home Secretary what steps he is taking, in line with the abolition of the basic petrol ration for retailers and private motorists, to eliminate unnecessary use of petrol by the Civil Defence forces, including the National Fire Service?

The need for the utmost economy in the use of petrol has been impressed upon all Fire Force commanders and a system of control designed to prevent unauthorised use of petrol and oil has been instituted throughout the National Fire Service. In addition I have asked Regional Commissioners to give this matter their personal attention. The vehicles of the other Civil Defence Services remain under local authority control and steps are being taken by my Department in co-operation with the Petroleum Department to achieve the strictest economy in the use of petrol by the Civil Defence Services.

What action is the right hon. Gentleman taking in the case of those footballers who travelled from Bolton to Dumfries recently in a Fire Service vehicle?

This step was taken, I am sorry to say, without the knowledge or consent of myself or of the Regional Commissioner. I have seen the Deputy Regional Commissioner concerned with the Fire Service and the Chief Regional Fire Officer, and have told them how strongly I disapprove of the use of Fire Service transport and petrol for such journeys. The Deputy Regional Commissioner has submitted his resignation. The Chief Regional Fire Officer has been severely admonished. I have also ordered that the use of National Fire Service transport for sports purposes shall stop, pending the issue of further instructions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider to what extent a number of people in his Regional offices up and down the country are using big motor vehicles for one passenger only, when such journeys might very well be done by much smaller cars?

These matters are certainly kept under observation, but long and difficult journeys often have to be undertaken, and I hope the House will not press me to take a course by which the efficiency of the Services might be impaired. I can assure the House that I will take all practicable steps.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that petrol could be saved if rehearsals in the Fire Service were cut down?

No, Sir, I do not. It is very important that the Fire Service exercises should be conducted in order that a much higher state of efficiency should be reached.

Will the restrictions apply also to police trips in the West End?

I saw a story about that, and I have sent a suitable minute asking for the facts.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take the necessary action to ensure greater economy in the use of petrol by the National Fire Service, and in particular to discontinue the long distance practice runs by complete units with full equipment and substitute, if such practice runs are necessary to train drivers, a token force of one or two vehicles carrying all spare drivers as passengers?

As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the Reply I have just given to the hon. Member for West Lewisham (Mr. Brooke). As regards reinforcement exercised, the principle of token detachments is fully recognised and often acted upon in the National Fire Service, but many other considerations besides the training of drivers are involved. When the fire brigades controlled by the local authorities were taken over by the National Fire Service, many of them fell short of the required standard of efficiency, and, until the new Service has been brought up to the necessary standard, I consider that occasional full scale exercises are entirely justified and necessary in the national interest.

asked the Home Secretary what is the policy of His Majesty's Government regarding interning Japanese subjects in this country?

Out of a total of some 500 Japanese in this country, about 100 have been interned in the interests of national security. The policy has been to effect internment on a selective basis as distinct from general internment but I shall not, of course, hesitate to order the internment of Japanese nationals if I am satisfied that they cannot be allowed to be at large without danger to the national interests.

In view of the number of British prisoners in Japanese hands, is it not desirable to take as many of these poisonous people under our control as possible?

I wish always to please the House, but it must be remembered that when there was general internment previously at the demand of the House, there was very quickly a reaction against it. The point my hon. Friend raises is a factor for consideration which would concern another Department as well as my own. I do not exclude it as a possibility, but I would like to be sure of the facts before I do so.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that unless they are interned, they may be subject to private vengeance?

Is there not a certain feeling of resentment against what is felt to be a form of old world courtesy towards these people?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the number of police and the cost to the country in exercising Japanese, in view of the treatment of British nationals in Hong Kong and elsewhere? Will he consider a reduction in the exercise time and the number of police used to exercise these Japanese?

I think that the hon. and gallant Member is referring to diplomatic personnel. There are diplomatic privileges all round, and so long as that is so, it is reasonable that the diplomatic personnel should exercise. When they do exercise, police are with them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider particulars which I sent him about these Japanese exercising in Kensington Gardens, which my constituents strongly object to seeing them do after the atrocities in Hong Kong?

Yes, I will certainly do that.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is taking steps to close down the premises of the Japanese Club and the Japanese Society in Cavendish Square?

I am informed that both the Japanese Club and the Japan Society have already been wound up.

asked the Home Secretary whether elderly policemen or women will be substituted for young officers in such cases as motorcar offences and disorderly conduct, where the presence of two or more police-officers is required before action can be taken?

It would not be possible to lay down any hard and fast rule such as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests, but he may rest assured that chief officers of police are fully alive to the desirability of using their younger officers to the best possible advantage.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman give these police a rest from the roads and use them for fighting the black-market racketeers?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman is asking for a relaxation of administration of the law relating to motorists, I think that is an improper suggestion.

Why should motorists who commit breaches of the law be treated as criminals?

asked the Home Secretary how many prostitutes have been arrested in the Metropolis in each of the last 10 years, and at what estimated cost to the country; what is the average age of the police employed; whether such arrests will, in future, be made by policewomen; and how many police are employed for such duties?

Since 1936, separate statistics have not been kept of the number of arrests for prostitution in the Metropolitan Police District, and the information asked for could not be obtained without an undue expenditure of labour. It is not possible to estimate the cost involved nor the average age of the police officers who effected the arrests. No police officers are specially employed for this purpose and it would not be practicable to confine this duty to women police since this is one of many types of offence which it may be the duty of any officer to deal with in the course of patrolling his beat.

asked the Home Secretary what is the present number of fun fairs and amusement arcades remaining in the London area; how many are in operation; and whether, in view of the fact that most of them offend against the Betting Act, 1853, and the Gaming Act, 1845, he will arrange for more drastic police action in closing down the remainder which offend against the law?

The Commissioner of Police informs me that the number active in January, 1939, was 291 in the Metropolitan Police District. I have no recent official figures, but I understand that there are now 69 active and 49 closed in the County of London Action is taken by the police in respect of breaches of the law when the element of betting or gambling is more than trivial.

Why have not the police already seized these machines, which I understand are classed as illegal gaming machines?

It is a question of fact in each case. It should not be assumed that the police have a universal power to seize machines, but I am advised that the police enforce the law within the limits of the law.

Is not my right hon. Friend to see a deputation from magistrates on this subject?

I did not know that I was.

Is not the Minister aware that there is no power to confiscate such machines under the Betting Act, 1853, as distinct from the Gaming Act of 1845? Will he take power to ensure that such machines are confiscated?

I have not said that. I said that the matter had to be judged legally, in accordance with the facts of each case. I will, of course, consider any representations which are made to me, but I am bound to say that the numbers I have given do not convince me that they represent a dramatic evil which is threatening the nation's ruin. Everybody, including myself, must keep a sense of proportion about this tendency to stop everything with which somebody does not agree.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the statement made by the chairman of a juvenile court in the East End of London that an enormous amount of juvenile crime, especially among school children, is caused by frequenting these places?

Mr. Henriques has been good enough to send me his letter, and I will take account of it, but I am not convinced that a general increase in juvenile crime is caused by these machines. There may be some exaggeration. What I am saying is that we should preserve a sense of proportion and some degree of ordinary human tolerance about these amusements.

asked the Prime Minister whether a full report has now been received from Major-General Gordon-Bennett as to the events which preceded the capitulation of Singapore?

asked the Prime Minister why no report on the proceedings antecedent to the loss of Malaya and Singapore had been called for from Major-General Gordon-Bennett by His Majesty's Government prior to 13th March?

On 27th February telegrams were sent to Java and to Australia saying that we would appreciate a report from Major-General Gordon-Bennett on the siege and fall of Singapore, with particular reference to certain specific points which were set out in our message. It was suggested that a summary of the report should be sent by cable and full details by air mail. A short cable report sent in answer by Major-General Gordon-Bennett was received on 4th March, but did not materially add to our previous knowledge. A more detailed report was asked for on 12th March. This is now being prepared.

Do I understand that although over a month has elapsed since this terrible episode the Government have less information than can be published in a trade paper, "The Autocar," on 13th March, and ought not His Majesty's Government to take more vigorous steps to find out about these disastrous occurrences?

I am afraid I am not aware of what has appeared in "The Autocar," but we are doing all we can to find out the information.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that only yesterday General Gordon-Bennett announced for the first time that he has been asked to make a full report, and that a week ago, when the Lord Privy Seal said he had been asked, he denied it next day?

I cannot be responsible for what General Gordon-Bennett said. I have set out the facts.

Have the Government considered the advisability of setting up a Royal Commission to inquire into this matter, in the same way as a special Commission was set up to inquire into the Gallipoli campaign in the last war? Is there any reason why the same procedure should not be followed?

Obviously, it is not much good setting up a Commission of Inquiry until you have found out all the information available, and, as has been pointed out on more than one occasion, up to now we have not got that information. The position was very different in the case of the Gallipoli campaign.

Why not go into Norway also, and Dunkirk?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give the names of each of the general officers commanding-in-chief at Singapore during the period of three months preceding the termination of hostilities there?

The General Officer Commanding, Malaya, during the three months preceding the termination of hostilities was Acting-Lieutenant-General A. E. Percival, C.B., D.S.O., O.B.E., M.C.

Am I to understand that there was only one G.O.C. for the whole time until General Percival took command, and further may I ask my right hon. Friend by whom the final decision was made?

I do not quite know what decision my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to.

To surrender.

It was a decision by the military authorities on the spot. The hon. and gallant Member asked me if the officer in command of the troops was also Commander-in-Chief in the Far East.

Do I take it that there was only one G.O.C. for the whole of the three months; and, regarding the decision of General Percival in this connection, was the decision to capitulate given by him?

I have answered the hon. and gallant Member on that point.

May I ask for a straight answer from the right hon. Gentleman to this: who gave the decision to capitulate?

I have given the answer to the hon. and gallant Member, and I am accustomed to giving straight answers in this House. The answer is that the order to capitulate was given on the spot by the general in command of the troops. The Commander-in-Chief in the Far East up to 27th December, 1941, was Sir Robert Brooke-Popham, from then to 15th January, 1942, Sir Henry Pownall, and from 15th January, 1942, Sir Archibald Wavell, until he was appointed to India.

When he has the information available, will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to make a full statement or, alternatively, to publish a White Paper, when all the facts and figures are at his disposal?

Who was the general who actually signed the terms of capitulation?

For the third time, it was General Percival. We will consider what can be done when we have the information; there is no desire whatever to withhold information from the House.

When my right hon. Friend says "Commander-in-Chief in the Far East," does he mean that the Commander-in-Chief had command over the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, or only over the Army and the Air Force?

The Commander-in-Chief had command over all three Services. My hon. Friend will remember that finally Sir Archibald Wavell was appointed as Commander of the whole area; Sir Robert Brooke-Popham equally was in command of all the Services.

asked the Prime Minister when he proposes to appoint a successor to the Minister of State in Cairo?

An announcement will be made by the Prime Minister at the end of Questions.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that each of the three Fighting Services operates a separate radio-location service; that information obtained by each one is often conveyed to the others late and incomplete if at all; and whether he can give an assurance that prompt remedial action will be taken?

It is not in the public interest to give information in public on the subject to which my hon. Friend refers, but if he has any information which he would like to convey to me privately, I will see that it receives full consideration.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that certain war agricultural committees are giving instructions for rabbits on certain land to be poisoned; and whether other means can be found to exterminate these rabbits in such a way that they can still be of food value?

Yes, Sir. The use of cyanide gas is strongly advocated as a means of exterminating rabbits which would otherwise be left as breeding stock after the employment of the normal methods of trapping or snaring and for this purpose farmers are enabled to obtain gassing power at half the normal price. Having regard to the damage caused by rabbits to food production, I am quite satisfied that the need for their destruction overrides any consideration of their food value.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the trappers are in the districts concerned and that the consumers are in the industrial areas, and cannot we have the rabbits for food instead of poisoning them?

We only poison them when we cannot trap them. We always trap a certain number, and if the hon. Member can find a means of getting the gassed rabbit out of its hole, he will be able to eat it, because it is not poisoned.

Would the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to receive information that trappers can do that job of work?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will issue a statement on the nutritive value of sawdust; and the extent to which his Department considers it possible to be used in feeding-stuffs?

Untreated sawdust is almost valueless as a food for livestock. Chemical treatment of sawdust has been undertaken abroad to render it suitable as a feeding-stuff, but it is doubtful whether the process is economic, and further investigation would be required. The process could not be carried out on the farm.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the circumstances in connection with the opening of cinemas on Sundays at Bridgend; and whether he is satisfied that no abuse of the statutory procedure took place in this case?

Before I made this Order, I was informed by the Bridgend Urban District Council that they had approached the local military authorities about the desirability of Sunday opening and had told the Area Commander that the council could not move in the matter unless he gave a certificate that, having regard to the large number of members of His Majesty's Forces quartered in the area, it was in his view expedient that cinemas should open on Sunday. There is nothing in the Regulation to debar a local authority from informing the military authorities of their views as to the desirability of Sunday cinemas and it is to the credit of a local authority that they should interest themselves in the welfare of troops stationed in their area. The Area Commander gave his certificate, and as I was satisfied that the Bridgend Council had complied with the statutory requirements in submitting the Order, it was my duty to lay it before Parliament. It was approved without discussion by this House on Thursday last.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not an extraordinary procedure for the local authority to take, to request the military authority to request the local authority to ask for this Order?

No, Sir, not in the least. If the local authority thinks in the interests of the troops and of the community that the opening of cinemas on Sundays should be considered, it is perfectly proper and legitimate that it should suggest to the military authorities that they should put in a request, because without the request of the military authorities the local authority cannot possibly consider the matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with the charge made against Celeste Quattromini and others at Bow Street Police Court on 13th March for keeping a gaming house in Great Newport Street, West; how many deserters were found in this club; how many recognised criminals; how the club was guarded; what kind of food was found on the premises; whether he is aware that the police stated that a young boy of 14 years of age was serving behind the bar at one o'clock in the morning; and what action he intends taking against the manager of the club?

Of the 29 persons found on these premises two were charged as deserters and one, who was wanted for shop-breaking, has been charged with that offence. Another 18 were known to have criminal records. The door to the premises was bolted and chained, and applicants for entry were scrutinised by a watchman. In the refreshment bar there was meat, fish, sausages and cheese. The boy of 14 who was serving behind this bar was the son of one of the frequenters. He was brought before a juvenile court as a young person in need of care and control, and placed in the care of the probation officer. The owner of the premises and the man who admitted being the croupier were charged under the Gaming Act, and each sentenced to 6 months' imprisonment. They have given notice of appeal against these sentences.

May we take it for granted that when the case is over my right hon. Friend will do his level best to see that this house is not again opened as a gaming house?

I have no doubt Scotland Yard will keep this house in mind.

How is it possible for a business of this sort to get this kind of supplies?

I would not know that; it is presumably a matter for the Ministry of Food. I do not say "I do not know" in any aggressive sense. Naturally I should not know that.

asked the Home Secretary what further action he proposes to take in the case of David Pfifferling, a German, who was recently fined £70 for offences against the food regulations?

This man has been interned.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will agree, during the period of hostilities, to release scholars from compulsory school attendance immediately after the birthday upon which they attain school-leaving age if they desire to make their services forthwith available for the war effort?

I do not propose, as at present advised, to seek power to amend the law in the manner suggested in my hon. Friend's Question.

Has the right hon. Gentleman discussed this with the Minister of Labour, because it is really undesirable to have these children, who are waiting to go into industry, unsettled in their studies when they could start doing national work?

Would the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that we intend to win this war without child labour?

As I have indicated, there is no intention of altering the law. The change suggested would not be in the best interests of education.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many children have recently returned from reception areas to London; what is the attitude of his Department to this movement; and what steps he is taking to assist local education authorities in their difficult task?

In the week ending 27th December, 1941, the estimated number of school children in the area of the London County Council was 157,142. In the week ending 7th March, 1942, the number was 180,599, an increase of 23,457. It is the considered view of the Government that evacuated children should remain in the receiving area, and parents have been repeatedly urged not to bring them home to the vulnerable areas. As regards the last part of the Question, the Board are using all practicable means to assist local education authorities to provide suitable educational facilities for those children who have returned.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, where men and women over the age of 65 years and 60 years, respectively, have entered industry through war emergencies who were never insured, the employer is called upon to pay his part of contributions but the workers cannot claim medical benefit or treatment because they have not previous insurance; and will he examine the position so that they can be brought in line with other workers of similar age and be allowed medical benefit treatment?

As regards the object of the provision requiring an employer to pay his share of the normal health and pensions contribution in respect of men who have reached age 65 and women who have reached 60, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Frome (Mrs. Tate) on 29th January. The great majority of these elderly workers were already insured on reaching the ages in question and they remain entitled to medical benefit by virtue of contributions at the ordinary rates paid both by and in respect of them up to those ages. As regards the minority of such elderly workers to whom my hon. Friend refers, and who have had no such ordinary contributions paid, I am afraid that it would not be practicable to provide them with medical benefit within the framework of the existing scheme.

Could not something be done to give them the opportunity of getting medical benefit when they enter industry to help the war effort?

As the House knows, the arrangements whereby there is built up a scheme for the provision of medical benefit for these elderly workers are complicated. It is not easy to fit the class of person to whom my hon. Friend refers into the existing scheme.

Will the Minister examine this again and see what can be done?

I will certainly look at it.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that local authorities are receiving for approval plans of new buildings, notwithstanding that construction is not permitted during the war; that such approvals would normally be valid for the next three years and that these plans are being lodged in order to defeat such decisions as Parliament may make with regard to future planning; and what steps he has taken to safeguard the public interest?

I am aware that applications are sometimes made for permission for development for which the applicant would not be able to obtain a building licence, but I have no evidence that this practice is widespread. The present obligations of local authorities as regards interim development are under review in connection with proposed legislation from the point of view of preventing prejudice to future planning.

Is the Minister aware that in certain areas this practice has been indulged in? Could he say whether, in these circumstances, the local authorities could decline to pass a plan if they saw any possibility of the construction being erected?

There is another side to that. The fact that a developer may put his plans before the local authority now, although he knows that he cannot get a building licence at present, does not necessarily mean that he is trying to overcome possible planning restrictions. It may be due to a desire to clear away formalities so that he may commence building as soon as circumstances permit.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the appointment of any further advisory committee in connection with the work of his Department arising out of the representa- tions made by the Woman-power Committee?

Yes, Sir. On various aspects of the work of my Department, committees are already in existence which include women members. On the special question of the care of young children I established an informal circle of women interested in this problem. In view of the special importance of problems affecting the care of young children in war-time and the new questions which arise thereon in relation to Government policy, I have decided to extend these arrangements and put them on a more formal footing. I have decided therefore to establish a committee to advise me on questions affecting the welfare of young children. I am consulting the appropriate organisations and hope to make an announcement as to the constitution of the committee at an early date.

asked the Minister of Health the names of the voluntary organisations referred to in the Report of the Assistance Board, Command 6338, issued in February 1942, to which the old age pensioners are referred when in need?

The reference covers any suitable organisations that may be in operation in the district. Before a pensioner who is in need of friendly interest is put in touch with a voluntary organisation he is asked whether he wishes this to be done and which of the various organisations operating in the locality he would prefer.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has ascertained the approximate number of extra nurses now required by civilian hospitals to provide reasonable relief to existing overworked staffs and secure effective medical and nursing attention to patients; whether he can state the present average ratio of beds to nurses in these hospitals; and whether he will obtain information respecting the number of nurses at military or other hospitals who are not immediately necessary to those institutions but might be available for transfer to understaffed civilian hospitals?

The returns received from hospital authorities in England and Wales indicate the number of additional nurses whom they would be ready to employ if they were available. The figure on this basis for nursing staff of all grades is 13,600. The average ratio of nurses employed to all beds is 24 nurses per 100 beds; the average ratio of nurses employed to all patients is 40 nurses per 100 patients. As regards the last part of the Question, I am in communication with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War.

While thanking the Minister for the figures, may I ask whether he does not appreciate that in spite of the action taken in the past to remedy this disparity, there are still cases of grave overcrowding in the country which could be avoided if only we could get some proper liaison between the Minister and the War Office?

As I have said, we are in touch on this matter. I have always found the War Office very co-operative on this matter.