asked the Under-Secretary of State for War why, when Mr. F. J. Ansell, aged 39, who was a temporary civilian clerk in a record office of the War Office, received his calling-up papers from the Ministry of Labour, officials of the War Office intervened to secure the cancellation of these papers and transferred him to another record office as an assistant records officer where he served in a civilian capacity pending the issue of his commission; and why, as this man had little or no previous experience of records work, he has now been put in charge of a staff of experienced civilians numbering approximately 40 although he did not enlist as a private, did not pass through an officers cadet training unit, and had no previous military service in the 1914–18 war?

So far as I have been able in the time available to ascertain the facts, they do not appear to accord in essential points with those given by my hon. Friend. But I am calling for a full report and will communicate with him as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that adequate provision is made at all Army stations in this country for a supply of books?

I am satisfied that everything possible is being done, having regard to the scarcity of new books and to the shortage of paper supplies at the present time.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the approximate annual cost of maintaining recruiting centres throughout the country; and whether he will consider the advisability of reducing the number of centres or abolishing this branch of the service, in view of the fact that the duties originally carried out by the staffs have been largely superseded by the operation of the National Service Act?

The approximate annual cost of the staff employed in Army recruiting centres is £220,000. As regards the second part of the Question I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him on 11th December, 1941, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the reasons for the orders closing the Redbrook and Lydney tinplate works in the Forest of Dean; and whether he is satisfied that their closing is solely due to war necessities?

The arrangements for transferring the Lydney Tinplate Works to another essential war purpose were made some months ago and the transfer is now taking place. The Redbrook Tinplate Works are one of a number of works proposed to be closed under a scheme, which has been agreed with the Ministry of Supply for the release of surplus space in the tinplate industry which is needed for other essential war uses. I am satisfied that in each case the action being taken is solely with a view to war necessities. It now appears that the Redbrook Works will not be needed for the purpose intended and the matter is being discussed with the Departments concerned.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the wish of the Government that workers in the entertainment industry should give their services on Good Friday in tae same way as other workers?

The Government asked for Good Friday working, because of the imperative need of war production, and it was not their intention to apply it beyond those industries where it is essential for that purpose.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the effective propaganda organised in some important factories in the country for stimulating production, checking absenteeism, sustaining interest in war savings and other similar matters; and whether he can make any arrangements for research into the effectiveness of such propaganda and extending it to as many factories as possible?

I am fully aware that regard is paid at a number of industrial establishments to the provision of various measures of an informative and explanatory nature relating to the importance of their work and the necessity for maximum production. In this they are assisted by the Production and Service Departments, whose activities in this respect are closely co-ordinated. The effectiveness of these methods, and the possibility of their extension throughout the war industries, is under constant review by a committee set up for that purpose.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Lambert Ratcliffe, 41, Park Road, Westhoughton, was, at the instance of his Department, recently prosecuted and fined by the Bolton county magistrates £7 and £2 2s. advocate fee for absenting himself from work on the nights of 17th and 25th November and 1st December, 1941; that he is over 55 years, of age and has worked underground by day regularly for the last 42 years; that he objected to working at nights on physical grounds as he cannot sleep by day; and whether the Minister will instruct his officers to refrain from such prosecutions in future?

Mr. Ratcliffe was reported by the Pit Production Committee for being absent from work on a number of occasions without good reason. As he gave no excuse for his absence, other than that he could not sleep by day if he worked six night shifts a week, he was given a direction as to his attendance. He did not avail himself of his right to appeal against the direction nor has he ever produced any medical evidence to show that he was unfit for night work. Mr. Ratcliffe failed to comply with the direction and thus committed an offence under the Defence Regulations, for which he was prosecuted. In the circumstances I cannot agree that prosecution was not justified.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he proposes to authorise Employment Exchanges to direct persons who are not fully occupied to give part-time Civil Defence services where such services are needed?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the anomalous position of women in the 1920–21 age group, who were conscripted early in the war, as exemplified in the case of a graduate of London University, details of which have been submitted to him, who has been informed by an Employment Exchange that they have no instructions as to what to do with this group, while in the meantime, its members are not allowed to enter any of the women's services, but remain without occupation; and whether he will correct this anomaly?

This age group was conscripted early this year, and not early in the war as stated in the Question. Women available for calling up who express an option for the Auxiliary Services are being called up as rapidly as vacancies are notified by the Service Departments. I have not been able without further particulars to inquire into the case mentioned by my hon. Friend but I presume that in saying it had no instructions the Employment Exchange meant that instructions with regard to calling up of that particular individual had not yet been received.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the estimated annual economy involved in issuing the daily copies of Hansard without the usual cover of stiff blue paper as recommended by the Select Committee on Publications and Debates Reports?

It is estimated that £850 per annum would be saved by issuing Hansard without the usual cover. The annual saving in paper would be 6½ tons.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in connection with the proposed reduction in the output of electricity and gas, he has given consideration to the fact that certain utility companies are urging that the obligation to consume approximately two units of electricity a week does not impinge upon the Government's plea for economy in this respect; and what action he proposes to take to correct this advice?

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the minimum quarterly charge which electricity undertakers are authorised to require from their consumers. Such a charge seems reasonable in view of the service which is provided in return for it. The point, however, will be considered in connection with the rationing proposals. If any company is suggesting to its consumers that they need not reduce their consumption, I should be glad to have particulars.

asked the Secretary for Petroleum whether he will issue instructions to petroleum officers to ensure that full publicity is given to the basis on which petrol rations will be issued under the new system; and that, irrespective of person, accessibility by other and communal means will prevent any issue of petrol for any private purposes?

The general conditions affecting the abolition of the basic ration have already been announced and further information will be issued in due course.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will inquire into, with a view to remedying, the case, details of which have been furnished to him, of a British woman physician of high profes- sional standing and reputation, who has been refused o permission to continue the use of diathermy apparatus upon which her extensive practice and research work depend?

I have been asked to reply. I have received a joint deputation from the British Medical Association and the Parliamentary Medical Committee in regard to the restrictions at present placed on the use of electrical diathermy apparatus, and I have tae matter under consideration. I will reply to my hon. Friend as soon as I can.

asked the Minister of Information whether any steps are being taken to ensure that the ownership, and consequently the policy of newspapers, does not pass into hands unfriendly to this country; whether he will, in consultation with the Home Secretary, consider the introduction of regulations to necessitate the bi-annual publication of the share-ownership of all registered newspapers and similar enactments to those in force in the United States of America?

It has not been judged necessary up to the present to take any steps for the purpose indicated in the first part of the Question. As regards the second part, my right hem. Friend is not clear what purpose would be served by such action, which would require legislation, but he would be glad to consider with other Ministers concerned any arguments my hon. Friend may care to send him.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can give the figures of expenditure on public social services in 1939 and 1940?

Yes, Sir. I append a statement giving the latest figures available for 1939 (or latest available year) and 1940. These should be compared with those published in the OFFICIAL REPORT for 5th February, 1941, in respect of 1938 and 1939.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the substitution of a fresh impost on petrol for the horse-power tax, so helping British motor-car builders in foreign markets?

I am afraid I cannot anticipate my Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what countries we are exporting gold; and to how many countries debts are at present being paid by gold exchange?

It would not be in the public interest for me to make any statement on this matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in addition to the present system of compulsory credits by taxation, he will consider, during the present emergency, the introduction of a process of compulsory lending to the State for war purposes?

No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the payment of an annuity represents not interest alone, but partly a refund of principal, he will consider confining taxation on annuities in future to such a portion as represents the interest payment?

I fear I could not see my way to introduce legislation at the present time with regard to the taxation of annuities.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings the amount of overtime paid in his Department for the last month for which figures are available; and has any improvement been made in the peace-time system of checking overtime to ensure that the worker has fully worked 100 per cent. in his ordinary time before working overtime?

The amount for the last month for which figures are available, is £25,000. Overtime is worked under supervision and is paid on the basis of the actual hours worked over and above ordinary time. The hours of attendance are recorded each day in the attendance books. This was the peace-time system and it has not been found necessary to alter it, as, under proper supervision, it has proved to be reliable.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he is aware of the unnecessary damage to public and private buildings throughout the country caused by the methods now employed in the removal of iron railings and similar erections required for war purposes; and whether, with a view to the prevention of such damage, he will take steps to terminate forthwith existing contracts for such removals and arrange for the necessary work to be carried out by local authorities under the supervision and control of their surveyor?

With regard to the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave to the hon. Member for Faversham (Sir A. Maitland) on 26th February and the hon. Member for Ealing (Sir F. Sanderson) on nth March. As regards the second part of the Question, where local authorities have been prepared to carry out the removal of railings on a reasonable fixed price basis, the work has been entrusted to them. This system operates satisfactorily and will be extended wherever possible.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many motor-cars are provided at public expense for the use of His Majesty's Ministers; how many men and women, respectively, are engaged full-time for the purpose of driving them; and what were the corresponding figures before the war?

Eighteen Ministers have, as an exceptional war-time arrangement, been provided with cars for use on official journeys. Twenty male drivers are at present employed, but their position under the Registration for Employment Order is being examined, and replace- ment by women drivers will be made in appropriate cases. One Minister had the use of an official car before the war.

asked the Minister of Labour on what general principles men are drafted into the various compulsory services; and how far present occupation is taken into account?

Men are posted to the Services in response to the demands notified by the Service Departments from time to time. Account is taken of age, physical and mental standard, civilian skill and experience and of men's preference for a particular force so that as far as possible each man may be allocated to the sort of duty in which he will give most effective service. A man's present occupation is taken into account as a most important factor not only in determining whether he should in the national interest be treated as reserved or have his calling up deferred, but for the purpose also of identifying those men who should be earmarked for one or other of the many skilled trades in the Forces.

asked the Home Secretary why no criminal statistics for any year later than 1938 have been published; and whether, in view of the importance of such statistics to magistrates and other persons concerned with the administration of justice, he will arrange for such statistics to be published annually as heretofore?

The last volume of criminal statistics—that for 1938—was published in January, 1940. It has since been decided, in view of the need for strict economy in the use of paper, that the publication of Government reports should be suspended, where circumstances permit, during the war, and this decision must be applied to the volume of criminal statistics as to other Government publications.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why home-killed meat is being withheld from Romford, Barking, Dagenham and Horn- church, which affects 300,000 people; and what he intends doing about this?

Retail butchers in the areas mentioned by my hon. Friend have refused to accept the Ministry's grading of home produced meat. In these circumstances there is no alternative but to restrict supplies to imported meat about which there can be no dispute as to grading. In reply to the last part of my hon. Friend's Question my Department will be happy to provide the usual proportion of home-produced meat as soon as the butchers, through their Retail Buying Committees, intimate that they are prepared to accept the authorised grading of such meat.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the rate of pay for men of over two years' service now serving as ground gunners; on aerodrome defence?

The daily rates of pay of airmen of over two years' service employed as ground gunners on aerodrome defence are:—

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether any radio set for S.O.S. calls is supplied to Royal Air Force bombers for use in the rescue dinghies; and, if not, why, seeing that such sets have been long in use by enemy machines, the Royal Air Force is not similarly equipped?

Wireless sets have been issued for trial purposes for some time. A set of satisfactory performance is in production and will shortly be issued for general service.