asked the Minister of Labour (1) what representations have been officially made to him by bodies representative of black-coated workers and their employers such as chambers of commerce, regretting the monopoly of Employment Exchange envisaged under the Employment of Women (Control of Engagement) Order No. 100, and asking for its immediate cessation coincident with the cessation of hostilities; and

(2) whether, as the measures restrictive of the normal operation of private employment agents are due to war-time emergency, he will give an assurance of postwar restoration of the status quo as regards employment agents as has been done in the case of trade unions?

I received a letter last December from the London Chamber of Commerce, which did not contest the need for the Order, but expressed the hope that an assurance could be given that the status quo would be restored at the conclusion of hostilities, and that meanwhile some means might be devised for utilising the services of the private employment agencies. The reply made to the Chamber stated that the Order would cease to have effect at the end of the war unless Parliament otherwise determined and that the Minister could not, at this date, bind him- self or his successors on questions of postwar policy. The reply further stated that the employment agencies to be approved under the Order would in general be those which specialise in placing women with recognised professional or technical qualifications and when assistance is necessary to ensure that such women are placed to the best advantage in the national interest.

Is it not reasonable that these private organisations should have the same undertaking given to them as has been given to the trade unions, to restore their practices when the war is over?

The question of what is to happen to all these things after the war depends on the end of the Defence of the Realm Regulations. Beyond that I cannot commit Parliament.

But we have had special legislation, and I would ask my right hon. Friend again whether he will not give this matter fuller consideration.

I cannot introduce special measures for special businesses under the Defence Regulations. You have to go into the whole range of businesses if you do that.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, before the Employment of Women (Control of Engagement) Order, No. 100 was brought before Parliament, he discussed its provisions with any bodies truly representative of domestic and black-coated workers and their employers?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for King's Norton (Major Peto) on 10th March, of which I am sending him a copy

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons employed in and about the 20 or more dog-racing tracks in the London and Greater London areas; how many of them are mechanics and electricians respectively; and how many are of military age?

I regret that these figures are not available.

May I inform my right hon. Friend that if he applies to the Greyhound Racing Association and insists on seeing their books, he can get these figures and the names of the men; may I ask whether it is not a fact that these men are employed during part of the week in an aircraft components factory; and would it not be better that they should be made to do one job or the other and, if not making aircraft parts, should be put into the Army, at least those who are men of military age?

asked the Minister of Labour, on what grounds he has permitted a crane-driver in the North Kent district to be stood off his work while younger men of military age were continued in employment?

Owing to a falling-off in the need for crane drivers in his employer's establishment, this man, with another, was offered labouring work but refused to take it. The men retained on work as crane drivers are all senior to him, and the firm have not applied for deferment of the calling-up of any of their crane drivers. I am making arrangements for the transfer of the man concerned to other employment.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, with the connivance of his Department, this man has been unemployed for several weeks and drawing wages, and are instances of that kind in the national interest as a contribution to the war effort?

I cannot accept that it is with the connivance of my Department. Difficulties do arise sometimes in these cases, as the hon. Gentleman knows.

If the right hon. Gentleman's Department has been aware of this case for several weeks, may I ask what action he has taken or is taking?

I have no further information than I have already given in the Answer.

I beg to give notice that at an early opportunity I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider issu- ing an order prohibiting the use of labour in the production of commodities of any kind not essential for the war effort?

This is a matter in which my Department works in close consultation with the Board of Trade, arrangements for the withdrawal of labour being made in conformity with restrictions placed on production.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it a very sensible matter to allow labour to be used for producing articles which are not necessary for the war, while another Department is wasting millions of man-hours persuading people not to buy those articles, and could not the said labour be better employed than in producing non-essential articles or wasting time on War Savings Campaigns?

I am satisfied that the methods adopted in the carrying out of the concentration of industry are the correct ones. After all, even during a war, some communal life has to be carried on if morale is to be maintained.

But is it a good policy to continue to use labour—

rose.

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker.

The hon. Member was asking his original Question. He cannot repeat it.

I am asking whether it is right to use man-power to produce unessential goods, and use more man-power in another Department to persuade people not to buy them?

I have answered that.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will arrange for free railway warrants to be issued to persons directed into work at a distance from their homes on the same lines as those now issued to members of the Fighting Services?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Reply I gave on i9th March to the hon. Member for Hanley (Mr. A. Hollins).

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that many workers are compelled by the Government to work far away from their homes, and would they not do all the better at their work if they knew that they could occasionally be helped to go on leave to visit their parents?

The Reply referred to indicated that I was reviewing the whole matter, but in considering it I have to bear in mind the tremendously vexed problem of transport, and to keep a balance between the capacity for carrying people and encouraging them to travel. I am trying to do my best to work it out.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider this matter in relation to the problem of absenteeism, and make it a reward for good attendance?

That might be applied to this House.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will organise the workers under the National Dock Corporation, so that when they are unemployed they will do casual labour in other occupations and so relieve the lighterage, wharfage and stevedoring rates which have been increased under the Essential Work (Dock Labour) Order, 1941?

Each dock labour scheme set up under the Essential Work (Dock Labour) Order, 1941, provides that a port transport worker when not employed in a port transport undertaking shall enter the Reserve Pool and be in the employment of the Corporation. When in the Pool he is required to accept any suitable employment including any work considered by the manager to be necessary for clearing the port area or enabling work to be carried out therein. He is also required to travel to any other port or place as required by the Corporation to perform suitable work.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that friendly aliens are now demanding, and receiving, abnormal wages for domestic service in replacement of British women called to the Forces; and what action he proposes to take?

I have no evidence that aliens entering domestic service are demanding or receiving wages which are greater than those being offered and paid to British women entering similar employment.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that these aliens are actually receiving four or five times the amount of pay to take the place of our own girls called up for service, and even twice the amount of pay which they themselves received previously for the same service, and will he not do something to control the wages which are demanded by and paid to these people?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Council on Aliens, the official advisory committee on this matter, has received no such information as that given by my hon. and gallant Friend, and that if it had had such information, it would, of course, have conveyed it to the right hon. Gentleman?

If there is any such information as that given to me by my hon. and gallant Friend, I will look into it, but there is a remedy—we had better do our own washing up.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that early in February last a large number of men were sent from a certain firm to break up the frosted peat surface of a certain dog-racing track; whether lie can state the extent of the loss thus sustained in the production of aircraft components; and whether this transfer of labour had the sanction of his Ministry?

No, Sir, but I am having inquiries made and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

Without placing more emphasis on this matter than it deserves, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is aware that this track appears to get all the labour and material it needs, that some of the directors of this firm are also directors of the Greyhound Racing Association, and that in fairness to the public it is high time this racket was cleared up?

I can assure my hon. Friend that every inquiry I ever make is very thorough.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state, or give an approximate estimate of, the percentage increase of the average weekly earnings of those categories of wage-earners upon which he bases his estimate that their wage-rates had risen by 27 per cent. between the start of the war and the end of January, 1942?

The latest statistics of average earnings at present available relate to July, 1941, when an inquiry was made by my Department into the earnings of workpeople in manufacturing industries generally and in some of the principal non-manufacturing industries. The results of that inquiry, which were published in the issues of the Ministry of Labour Gazette for November and December, 1941, showed that the earnings of the workpeople in the industries covered were about 42 per cent. higher, in the week ended 12th July, 1941, than in the last pay week of October, 1938, the latest date prior to the war for which corresponding statistics are available. It will be appreciated that in July, 1941, a great amount of overtime was worked.

asked the Minister of Labour, whether the response to his appeal to women to return to the cotton industry has been satisfactory; and whether he will state the provisions which have been made for the care of their children?

I assume my hon. Friend is referring to the appeal organised by the Cotton Board with the support of the Government and the two sides of the industry and particularly directed to those operatives, estimated to number some thousands, who having been formerly employed at mills now closed on concentration did not seek other employment when the mills stopped. I understand that some 2,000 of such operatives have been interviewed and approximately 850 have been found available. My hon. Friend will understand, however, that these numbers are not adequate to achieve the increase of production required and I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade as to the measures to be adopted. As regards the second part of the Ques- tion, the circumstances of former operatives who have children are fully considered Every effort is made to provide satisfactory arrangements for the care of children, and where mothers are unable to work a full shift they are encouraged to undertake part-time employment. Supplementary to war-time nurseries the registered guardian scheme is now operating satisfactorily in many centres.

Does not the Minister think it grossly unfair to these cotton operatives to throw them out of employment under the concentration system of the Government and then ask them to come back again after they have found decent jobs elsewhere?

No, Sir. War is not a settled thing; it is changing in its character every day, and adjustments have to be made according to the circumstances of the war.

Is the Minister aware that the Government were warned against the probable result in this matter?

asked the Minister of Labour, in view of the paramount rôle of the agricultural industry in this country, who is the final authority in regard to the calling up of skilled farm-workers for military service or other war duties?

The executive authority for this purpose under the National Service Acts is the Minister of Labour and National Service, who acts in accordance with the general policy approved by the Government. The selection of men to be called up is carried out in consultation with the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, through the county war agricultural executive committees.

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that there is still considerable anxiety in agricultural communities, and will he bear in mind that since the Home Guard is now on a compulsory basis, it would be better for the skilled farm worker to remain on the land, where, after all, he is making his best contribution to the war effort, and receive his military training in the Home Guard?

Agricultural workers have been protected to a higher percentage than anybody else in the country, and I am afraid that agriculture, equally with other industries, must make some contribution to the Fighting Forces.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Tommy Farr, the boxer, since being invalided out of the Royal Air Force, has tried four times to get back into the Services; that he can prove his physical fitness; and whether his request to join one of the Fighting Services will now be granted?

The answer to-the first and second parts of the Question is in the negative. If he applies to re-join the Services as a volunteer, the decision will rest with the Service Department concerned.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen a public interview which this gentleman gave, in which he said that he was now in better condition that he had ever been and could fight 50 Germans, and that he had applied four times to go into the Army, the Navy or the Air Force, without success?

It is a settled policy, to which I propose to adhere strictly, that once a person is discharged from the Services for medical reasons, I, as Minister of Labour and National Service, do not propose to conscript him again. If he volunteers, it is open to the Services to accept him or not.

Has my right hon. Friend any information as to whether this man has actually volunteered four times? Is it not all bluff?

I have not.

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether he can make a statement on the need of improved allowances for applicants for supplementary pensions;

(2) whether it is intended to increase the scales payable by the Assistance Board to those eligible for supplementary old age pensions?

Any question of altering the basis on which such pensions are payable would be a matter for examination by the Committee which has been appointed to make a comprehensive survey of all existing schemes of Social Insurance and Assistance. If my hon. Friend has in mind additions on account of the cost of living I cannot usefully add much to what I said in the reply to a similar Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Central Southwark (Mr. Martin) on 7th August, 1941. The Assistance Board inform me that they note that while the cost of living figure as a whole has risen by one point since that date, the figure for food alone has gone down several points and that in the circumstances they would not feel justified in proposing any increase in the scales applicable to supplementary pensions at this stage. The Board assure me that they have the matter under constant review.

Does the Minister accept the Board's conclusions with regard to this matter?

Does the Minister not consider that the case of the old age pensioners has an urgency which does not apply to the other cases to be considered by that Committee and that anything we do not do for the old people now we shall not be able to do for them at all? In view of that urgency, would he not treat them as a separate problem distinct from the others which the Committee are considering?

This has been discussed several times in the House, and, as has been pointed out, the House itself settled the policy last year. That policy provides for supplementary pensions according to need.

The old people will not live for ever.

asked the Minister of Health, whether he has considered the request for honourable Members to be provided, where requested, with a copy of all documents sent out by the Assistance Board to their officials in order that they can be made aware of the rights of their constituents who apply for supplementary old age pensions.

This matter has been carefully considered, in accordance with the promise made by the Government spokesman in a recent Debate. In order that old age pensioners who apply for supplementary pensions may be made aware of and receive their rights many arrangements have to be made, including directions to executive officers. These directions are given in many ways, and to select from a large number those which are given by means of documents would give them a false emphasis and lead to misunderstanding. Administration would be impossible without the rule that communications between officers of Government Departments must be confidential. All Governments have maintained this rule. The Act provides for independent tribunals, to which applicants for supplementary pensions can appeal, for the purpose of ensuring that they are receiving what they are entitled to under the regulations. Further, if any information is required about the working of the supplementary pensions scheme, in order that it may be made more effective from the point of view of the old people, the Assistance Board or the Minister will always be glad to see the hon. Member and give necessary information.

Is it not a fact that it is professional Civil Service etiquette which prevents this from being done? If so, is it not time the Minister cut out this mid-Victorian attitude to this question?

It is a question which affects a great many Departments of State, and could have the most serious consequences on administration generally. I could sometimes wish that hon. Members had had a year or two of responsibility in this matter. They would understand more fully what is involved.

Is there any reason why a Member of Parliament should go to an outside body to get to know a Government instruction? Should not a Member get that as a right without begging from an outside body?

That is not the issue. It is a question of whether it will give the hon. Member what he wants with regard to the old people. There have been one or two occasions in which particular Members required details in regard to a particular instruction, and they have been laid in the Library. If the hon. Member believes that any rights of the old people—which are given to them under the regulations, not under the instructions—have been infringed, I shall be glad to look into it. If there is any evidence, I have done that before, and it can be done again.

How can any Member know whether the old people's rights are being contravened unless he is supplied with the documents?

Is it not a fact that a virtual promise was given in the Debate the other day with regard to the publication of these documents?

May I again ask how any Member of Parliament can know whether the old people's rights are being contravened unless he has access to the documents?

The instructions are given not only by documents, and a false emphasis would be given if only documents were considered, and in any case the rights are under the regulations.

Is it not a fact that the acting Leader of the House gave an undertaking, when this matter was last discussed, that we would have an answer to-day in the light of the questions raised?

An Answer has been given. The undertaking was that all the implications would be considered.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the resolution of the Holbrooks Branch (Coventry) of the National Old Age Pensions Association sent to him by the hon. Member for West Fife, demanding increased pensions, the abolition of the means test, and the payment of old age pensions through the General Post Office instead of the Assistance Board; and what steps he proposes to take?

I have considered the resolution referred to, and, as regards the rates of basic old age pensions, I would refer the hon. Member to the Reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 20th January. As regards the method of payment, the practice is to pay both basic old age pensions and supplementary pensions through the Post Office.

Is the Minister not prepared to face up to this question of the removal of the means test, which is still causing very great distress and unneces- sary inquisitions, and which costs more than it is saving the country?

The House passed an Act about that last year.

The Minister is aware that the matter has been raised time and again by the—

rose.

asked the Minister of Health to what the increase of tuberculosis during the war period is due; what steps have been taken to cope with the disease; and what further steps he proposes to take, especially for the safety of young persons?

The causes of the increase in tuberculosis are the subject of a special inquiry, which is at present being actively pursued by a committee of the Medical Research Council. Without anticipating their report, it may be said that the predisposing factors are undoubtedly related to the abnormal conditions of living and working in war-time. Both the causes and the action to be taken are highly complex, and cannot be dealt with adequately in reply to a Question. I hope to have an opportunity of making a fuller statement on this matter, particularly on the question of early diagnosis, which is undoubtedly of the highest importance, and to which special attention is being given.

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect to receive the report and to make a statement?

I cannot tell; but I expect that it will be possible to have a discussion on this subject at a fairly early date after the Recess.

What is the good of diagnosis when it is not possible to treat cases because of a shortage of nurses?

We are dealing with that.

Is it not time we had a full-dress Debate in this House on the work of the Ministry of Health?

I shall be only too happy if we have one.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will ascertain from Wiltshire and other local authorities affected, what extra charges they have incurred in the medical and sanitary treatment of Irish labourers imported into their areas for work on Government contracts, with a view to the deduction of these charges from the contractors' fees?

My information is that such medical and sanitary services as may be necessary are being provided on the Wiltshire site by the contractors themselves, and not by the local authority. I will, however, make further inquiries on this point.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the great increase in the sale of pre-packed drugs by chain-stores; and whether, in the interest of safeguarding the health of the people, he will consider taking steps to restrict the sale of drugs except by qualified pharmacists?

asked the Minister of Health, whether his attention has been drawn to the competition to qualified pharmaceutical chemists resulting from the rapid increase in the sale of drugs by shopkeepers who do not employ a trained pharmacist; and whether he proposes to take any steps to stop this type of competition?

The Pharmacy and Medicines Act of last year restricts the retail sale of some kinds of medicine to certain classes of persons, including pharmacists. I should not feel justified at the present time in proposing further legislation to extend the privilege granted to pharmacists. My attention has, however, been drawn to the increase which is mentioned, and I shall continue to watch the situation.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider fixing a fair price for these things, based on cost, which would be about one tenth of the present price?

That is another issue.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is able to make any further statement with regard to the Government's post-war hospital policy in relation to teaching hospitals?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have decided to set up a Committee, under the chairmanship of Mr. W. M. Goodenough, D.L., J.P., with the following terms of reference: —

"Having regard to the statement made by the Minister of Health in the House of Commons on 9th October, 1941, indicating the Government's post-war hospital policy, to inquire into the organisation of medical schools, particularly in regard to facilities for clinical teaching and research, and to make recommendations."

I will circulate the names of the ladies and gentlemen who have consented to serve on the Committee.

asked the Minister of Health what special measures are being taken to safeguard this country against a plague of typhus, in view of conditions in Central Europe and of recent evidence of the widespread presence in our centres of population of the lice through which the disease is most readily propagated?

As stated in my Reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Central Bradford (Mr. Leach) on 19th February, the measures taken to safeguard this country against typhus include a close watch by medical officers at ports and airports; the organisation and training of special mobile diagnostic and sanitary teams; arrangements for confirmatory diagnosis by experts; plans by local authorities for prompt isolation, hospital treatment and supervision of contacts; and a general intensification of delousing and cleansing of verminous conditions, for which local authorities have been given additional powers.

Do these port examinations include examination of the Irish labourers who come here in a verminous and diseased condition?

My hon. Friend knows that that question has been answered several times.

What has been done?

asked the Home Secretary whether, on the introduction of Double Summer Time, he will make the same arrangements as last year for reducing the hours of black-out in England and Scotland, respectively?

The Lighting (Restrictions) Order, 1940, as amended, already provides for a reduced black-out period in England, Scotland, and Wales from the first Saturday in May to the second Saturday in August. Black-out time is fixed in relation to the amount of twilight after sunset and before sunrise, and, for reasons of public safety, I could not see my way to amend the Lighting (Restrictions) Order so as to make the reduced black-out period coincide with Double Summer Time this year.

Does that mean that we shall have half an hour at each end between the present introduction of Double Summer Time and 1st May, and, after that date, an additional half-hour in Scotland?

I cannot quite remember the details of this matter, which were dealt with very carefully last year, but my right hon. Friend can take it that the advantageous position of Scotland last year, arising out of the different hours of light in Scotland, will obtain again this year between 2nd May and 8th August.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the small number of civilians who carry their respirators; and whether he will take steps to encourage the fulfilment of this duty, especially in the larger towns?

I am keeping the situation under constant review, and I do not consider that any further injunction to carry respirators is desirable at the present time.

asked the Home Secretary, at the request of which Government Department was a visa issued to the hon. Member for West Leicester (Mr. Harold Nicolson) to visit Dublin on 16th March?

An exit permit for Eire was granted to the hon. Member for West Leicester on 3rd March, to enable him to accept an invitation to go to Dublin to deliver two lectures, one to the Law Society of University College, and the other to the Irish Institute of International Affairs. The application for an exit permit was supported by the Ministry of Information.

Is not the hon. Member a first-class propagandist, to be used as often as possible?

Was the report of the speech in the Irish newspapers a correct report?

I understand that the Press reports were completely misleading, and that my hon. Friend did, in fact, deliver a most patriotic speech.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has taken any action under Regulation 2C against any person connected with the "Daily Mirror" or under Regulation 94A against the newspaper itself; and whether he will avail himself of his powers under these Regulations before applying those under Regulations 2D and 94B?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. As regards the second part, I have already explained, in the statement made on 19th March, the reasons why the Government came to the conclusion that in this matter it is incumbent on themselves to form a judgment, subject, of course, always to their responsibility to Parliament, and those reasons cannot adequately be elaborated in reply to a Parliamentary Question.

In view of the very serious allegations and the statement that the conduct complained of has been going on for a very long time, how are the persons attacked in that statement to have any opportunity of rebutting what my right hon. Friend says, or of defending themselves against statements which, if untrue, would be defamatory?

I understand that there is to be a Debate later in the day, and it will then be open to hon. Members to defend this newspaper and to give any explanations there may be to be given. At any rate, if we are to discuss this matter to-day, I think it would be better to wait for that discussion.

Is not this an insidious attack against the freedom of the Press, initiated by the Prime Minister himself?

I think that the hon. Member and I both know that the answer is in the negative.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make any further statement about enabling members of the Civil Defence services to do other work of national value during periods of lull?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 19th March to the hon. and gallant Member for Hornsey (Captain Gammans) to which I have, at present, nothing to add.

asked the Home Secretary why "Peace News" is not banned, in view of statements made in its issue of 13th March, 1942, that the raid on the Renault Works, in Paris, was made to produce a momentary and false impression of activity and to keep up morale at home, that the war was precipitated by partisans of Poland and Czechoslovakia and as it is openly asking for subscriptions in order to carry on Pacifist propaganda?

A careful watch has been and is being kept on this periodical, but I have not hitherto felt that any action against it was necessary, having regard not only to the very limited class of persons to whom it appeals, but also to the expressed view of the House at the time when the Defence Regulations were under consideration that the mere expression of Pacifist opinion ought not to be made an offence under the Defence Regulations. Statements such as those to which my hon. Friend refers, however, and other statements which have appeared from time to time in this periodical, go beyond anything which can be regarded as the legitimate expression of Pacifist views. The paper will continue to be watched, and I shall not hesitate to take appropriate action if I am satisfied that that course is necessary.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the current issue of that paper the view is expressed that conditions in Hong Kong under the Japanese are not much worse than they were under British rule; and what more seditious statement could be made than that?

The article to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers is one of the articles of which notice has been taken.

Will the Home Secretary bear in mind his often declared opinion that we ought to have the freedom of the Press maintained here?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make concerning the suggestion of many local authorities and others that a discipline code should be instituted for Civil Defence workers?

Provision is made under the Defence Regulations for the punishment of members of those services who disobey lawful orders or without reasonable excuse are absent from their posts of duty. As at present advised, I do not think that any elaboration of the present disciplinary machinery is required.

Has not my right hon. Friend been asked by local authorities and also by the Civil Defence service itself to institute a disciplinary code which would be less cumbersome and more effective than the present procedure?

Certain representations have been received. My impression is that Civil Defence workers generally are satisfied with the existing arrangements, and I do not think that anything more is required at the present time.

Can the Home Secretary tell us the percentage of the representations made to him?

I am afraid I do not know it.

It would be about one per cent., I expect.

Possibly.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now satisfied with the system of promotion in the Auxiliary Fire Service?

Under the provisions of the National Fire Service (General) Regulations, promotions in the Service are made by the Fire Force Commander, the Regional Commissioner or the Secretary of State, according to the rank to be filled. Selection Boards have been established at the various levels to ensure that the claims of candidates are fully and impartially considered and I have no reason to believe that the system is not generally working satisfactorily.

Cannot the Home Secretary now institute some method of examination instead of the rather unsatisfactory method of local selection which has given rise to some dissatisfaction in the past?

We will, of course, keep that point in mind, and it may be a point for the future. I am not sure that we have reached the stage when it would be practicable.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that the black-out and motor-car lighting regulations are properly carried out by officers and others employed at the War Office and Admiralty?

Yes, Sir. I have made inquiry and find no reason to think that the staffs of these Departments observe the regulations any less than those of other Departments or the general public.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of Roland Parry, of Noopeton Street, Weymouth, a 17-year old Home Guard, apprenticed fitter, who made himself a tommy gun, and was charged at Weymouth on 18th March and fined 10s. for having a firearm without a certificate; and whether he will remit the fine in view of the circumstances?

I am making inquiries and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Home Secretary to what extent the lengthening of the weekly hours of work to a 60-hour week by women on Civil Defence has resulted in a reduction of staff; whether he is aware of the overlapping caused and the difficulty experienced by women in shopping; and whether he will consider the possibility of making the hours alternately long and short in successive weeks?

Information is not yet available as to the reductions in staff that will be secured by the recent increase in the minimum stand-by duty hours for women. The paid establishments are now under review, and the longer minimum duty week for women will be taken into account. The system of shift working within the standard duty hours is fixed by the employing authority, who are, therefore, in a position to meet the reasonable personal needs of the members, so far as personal considerations can be allowed to interfere with the paramount operational needs of the services. Subject to this, there is no objection in principle to an alternation of long and short shifts, or any temporary leave of absence under proper safeguards to admit of necessary shopping. Whatever shift system is adopted, all personnel have at least one day of 24 hours free from duty in each week.

asked the Home Secretary whether invasion committees will be given facilities for studying scorched-earth policy and methods?

The function of invasion committees is to co-ordinate the preparations of the various military and civilian services at the local level. The representatives of the services concerned with the denial of resources to the enemy will be in a position to inform an invasion committee of their instructions and plans, in so far as this may be necessary for the work of the committee.

Will special training be given to appropriate Civil Defence personnel in scorched-earth methods?

I do not think we ought to go into too much detail in public. Democratic institutions inevitably provide the enemy with a lot of information.

In view of the fact that a large proportion of the able-bodied civil population will be women who will have to carry out these instructions, will the Minister see that the committees include a good number of women and that they are able to get detailed instructions as to how to mislead the enemy in all kinds of ways?

The actual appointments will be made mainly by local people. To some extent, therefore, this is not in my hands, but I will keep my hon. Friend's point in mind and see whether I can do anything about it.

asked the Home Secretary whether, before contemplating State interference with the freedom of the Press, he will invite representative organisations of the newspaper profession to discuss with him the best means of controlling irresponsible members in the general national interest, as is done by representative organisations in the legal, architectural and other professions?

If some body representative of the newspaper profession, including newspaper proprietors and the two organisations of journalists, were established by the profession for the purpose of ensuring the maintenance of a proper sense of responsibility in the Press and control over irresponsible newspapers and journalists, I have no doubt that such a body could perform a valuable service, especially in time of war. The creation of such a body would be a matter for the profession itself, but if there is any way in which the Government could be helpful, any request would certainly be considered most sympathetically.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the danger arising from unswept chimneys and the great shortage of chimney sweeps, he has been in contact with local authorities on this matter, with a view to their organisation or supervision of a service to meet local needs?

The statutory provisions relating to chimneys which are on fire are enforced by the local authorities, none of whom has reported to me a danger in present circumstances or the need for a local service to sweep chimneys. I understand the Ministry of Labour has had no representations about a shortage of chimney sweeps. In these circumstance there appears to be no need for action on my part.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with the two club raids, in Whitechapel Road, under the Gaming Act: how many people were charged at the Thames police court on 23rd March; and what action he intends taking about closing the club?

Both clubs were entered on 21st March, and card-gaming was in progress. In one a principal and 34 frequenters and in the other a principal and 32 frequenters were arrested and stand remanded until 7th April. As the cases are sub judice any further statement must be reserved for the present.

Right; I will follow that up.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that in recent Libya operations detective inter-Service tactical communications resulted in instances of attacks by our aircraft upon our land forces; and whether he can undertake to investigate the cause of these mistakes?

I have made inquiries, and I am informed that no instances of attacks by our aircraft on our own land forces during recent Libyan operations have been reported to the War Office. If the hon. Member has any information, I will be glad if he will give it to me. On the general question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer which my right hon. Friend the Dominions Secretary gave yesterday in reply to Questions on this subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that our methods of communication are totally inadequate and that a proper system does not exist, and, if I give instances, will they be properly examined?

I will undertake to go into them myself, and that is why I asked the hon. Gentleman to give me any information.

Is there any means by which our Fighting Forces can be protected from the danger which must accrue to them by conveying this sort of information to the enemy?

May we know whether there are any means whereby members of the Fighting Forces who make complaints can have the assurance that they will be given some attention?

So far as it may lay within my power, if hon. Members will tell me anything about them. I shall be glad to be of service.

In view of the serious nature of the allegations, will it be possible, after investigations have been made, for a statement to be made in this House or elsewhere?

I have already stated the position of His Majesty's Government. It is for those who say that there is information to bring it forward.

On a point of Order. Questions are frequently answered to the effect that the Minister has no information, and he puts the onus on the Member to supply it. Surely, if the Minister asks in his Department, he can get it. If it is known to us, it is known to the Department?

It is a question of stating facts, which must be substantiated by the Member himself.

Is there any reason why these questions should not be put privately to the Minister?

asked the Prime Minister whether, to encourage the faith and determination of the people and assist in political warfare overseas, he will make a statement in the near future on the development of our social and economic order, in response to the declared desire from industrialists, churchmen, and men and women of all political parties?

While I have sympathy with my hon. Friend's suggestion, I am sure that he will understand that it would clearly not be possible to deal with such large and general matters at Question time.

asked the Minister of Agriculture 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 of overtime paid in January, the latest month for which figures are now available, was £4,365. All possible steps are taken now, as in peace-time, to prevent overtime being worked unnecessarily.

In view of the large amount of overtime that is paid, should not the Minister introduce some special system of checking overtime?

I should have thought that there is a very small amount of overtime.

asked the President of the Board of Education 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 sum of £853 was paid in respect of overtime in the month of February, 1942, to officers of the Board eligible for overtime pay. In reply to the second part of the Question, the use of overtime is and always has been carefully controlled by responsible officers, to ensure that it is limited to the amount required for the work to be done.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, whether, as the compulsory use of wheatmeal flour which is shortly to be enforced will lead to a reduction in animal feeding-stuffs, he is taking steps to make good this deficiency; and whether he can make a statement on this subject?

Yes, Sir. During the summer rationing period certain reserve stocks of maize will be drawn upon. As regards next winter I hope that increased production of oats and other fodder crops, including silage, will offset the loss of wheatfeed. I am impressing upon farmers, including milk producers, the urgent need to become as nearly self-supporting as possible and to plan their spring cropping accordingly.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what arrangements are made by his Department for the testing and analysing of samples of fertilisers and feeding-stuffs, including poultry mixtures, on sale to farmers and poultry keepers?

As the Reply is rather long, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether it is with his approval that men teachers of 36 years of age who are doing full-time service in schools in addition to helping to train boys of 14 to 16 years of age in technical schools, and who are holding responsible positions in Civil Defence for which they have been trained, are in addition being called for National Fire Service at a time when this service is asking that its members be allowed to use their spare time in making munitions?

As my right hon. Friend stated in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend on 12th February, it is the policy of the Government in present circumstances that teachers over 35 shall not be called up, and those under 35 who were deferred shall have their deferments continued. A man's age for this purpose is his age on the date when his age-class was required to register. If my hon. Friend will send me particulars of any cases in which this policy is not being carried out, I will have inquiries made.

asked the President of the Board of Education, how many secondary schools receive direct grants from the Board of Education; and what are the conditions under which a school can qualify for such grant?

The number of secondary schools in receipt of direct grant from the Board at the present time is 233. In order to qualify for such grant a school must be accepted after inspection as suitable for recognition by the Board and must comply with the conditions set out in the Regulations for secondary schools, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

Are any public boarding schools included among those receiving direct grants?

I hope my hon. Friend will put that Question on the Paper.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what is the position of British registered companies in Malaya with regard to Excess Profits Tax payments they have already made; and whether, as a result of the enemy occupation of this territory, such companies will be permitted to recover if they can snow that they have incurred a deficiency in consequence, or whether they will be treated as having ceased business?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements will be made to adjust the Income Tax assessment on British registered companies in Malaya whose property has now fallen into enemy hands?

If the companies in question continue in being with the intention of resuming operations in Malaya when circumstances permit, they will not be treated as having ceased business but will be treated for taxation purposes as still carrying on trade. As regards Excess Profits Tax, therefore, they will be able to avail themselves of the provisions under which deficiencies can be set-off against Excess Profits Tax already paid, while as regards Income Tax they will continue to be assessable on the basis of the preceding year's profits.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to reply to letters, dated 5th and 10th February, from the hon. Member for the Tamworth Division, with regard to the claim of the Estate Duty Office that Section 43 of the Finance Act, 1940, applies where executors, in order to give effect to a bequest of an annual payment for life and facilitate distribution of the residue, purchase an annuity from an insurance company; and whether, as this claim gives rise to a possible liability to the executors incalculable until the death of the annuitant, he will take steps to remove this obstacle to the winding up of many estates?

My right hon. Friend is advised by the Board of Inland Revenue that the letters to which my hon. Friend refers raised an important question of law on which the Board have thought it desirable to obtain the opinion of counsel, and they lope to be in a position at an early date to communicate with the executors.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will grant an increase in the Excess Profits Tax pre-war standard, under Section 13 of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1940, to the home-grown timber industry similar to that already granted in the case of mines, quarries and oil-wells?

My right hon. Friend regrets he cannot see his way to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

In view of the concession already made to mines, quarries and oil-wells does not my right hon. and gallant Friend think that the same should apply to timber, stocks of which are being slowly drained?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in order to give effect to the determination of our people to adopt a more offensive spirit towards the conduct of the war, he will have such slogans as "Lend to Defend" altered to "Lend to Attack"; and also follow the same policy in all other public pronouncements within the sphere of his office?

My right hon. Friend will keep in mind my hon. Friend's suggestion, with which in principle he fully agrees.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the inquiry into the costs and possible methods of a scheme of family allowances, which he announced last summer, has been completed; and when the results will be made available to the House?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has noted the recent decisions of the Trades Union Congress on the question of family allowances; and whether the inter-Departmental committee sitting under his guidance has now formulated any conclusions?