asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what steps he is taking to prevent a recurrence of a fatal accident to civilians, details of which have been sent to him?

Orders have recently been issued by the Army Council calling attention to precautions which should be taken when using ground for grenade or mortar practice. In addition the War Office, in conjunction with the Board of Education, are preparing posters showing pictures of the various types of bombs which are liable to be found by civilians and warning them that they are dangerous.

Would the hon. Gentleman say whether any disciplinary action has been, or will be, taken against those persons guilty of this negligence, and does he not think it would have been rather nice to have expressed some sympathy with the parents and families of these children?

I am not aware that sympathy has not been expressed. As regards the first part of the question, the Coroner did not suggest that there had been any negligence. I would point out to my hon. Friend that very often these bombs sink into soft ground and cannot be found, but are later uncovered by rain.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War who was responsible for the non-arrival of a bomb disposal film at Framlingham, Suffolk, on 21st March, when 700 people in 200 motor-cars had a fruitless journey; and, in view of the consequent waste of petrol, what disciplinary action does he propose to take?

I am making inquiries into this matter and will communicate as soon as possible with my hon. Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has any information to give in regard to the cause and manner of arrest of Joseph Ralph George, of Grove Lane, Hale, Altrincham, and John Leslie George, Ashfield Road, Altrincham, members of the Home Guard?

These two men were arrested on 14th March, 1942, on charges under Sections 8 and 9 of the Army Act. Each was found guilty on more than one charge and sentenced to 56 days' detention. These sentences have now been suspended, subject to review in three months' time, and the men were released on 28th March.

In regard to the nature of the arrest, can the hon. Gentleman say whether the allegation made in a Sunday newspaper that these men were arrested by five policemen outside their own home, handcuffed, and taken to Chester, where they waited for 12 hours without charge, is true?

They were arrested by civil and military police together in order that there should be no misunderstanding. [ Laughter .] Hon. Members may laugh, but there was a possibility of misunderstanding in view of the circumstances. As regards the handcuffing, this step had to be taken because the men threatened violence to the police and showed signs of attempting to escape.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in using the Sussex Downs as a military training ground, the Army will endeavour to prevent damage to historic monuments?

Yes, Sir.

Would the Government be willing to have a competent antiquary mark out the sites of important hill towns to prevent them from being ploughed into a meaningless mess by tanks?

The Commander-in-Chief Home Forces has had his attention drawn to the necessity of safeguarding these sites. Ordinary military training should do little harm to these ancient earthworks, which have successfully withstood the ravages of 10 or 20 centuries.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will describe the methods advocated by the Director-General of Welfare for the activities of formation concert parties; and what further instructions are now being issued?

A revised Army Council Instruction on this subject is in the process of preparation.

Is it not a fact that these concert parties, particularly orchestras, are making a most valuable contribution to Army entertainment, and are receiving little if any reward for that work over and above their Army pay?

These concert parties are, within their proper sphere, doing very useful work. The reason for the revised Army Council Instruction is that certain abuses have been brought to my attention, as a result of which I reached the conclusion that the regulations needed tightening up.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War to what duties Army welfare officers will be directed in the event of enemy invasion of this country or other serious emergency which terminates their ordinary welfare work; and whether it is proposed to give such officers the opportunity of taking up combatant duties if they so desire?

Welfare officers, as such, are non-combatants. But any who are also members of the Home Guard are, in the event of invasion, at liberty to lay down their welfare duties and to join their Home Guard unit.

Why does this not apply to all the welfare officers? Is it understood generally that if they wish they may take up combatant duties when their welfare duties are finished?

It does apply to all welfare officers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Government will consider extending the service credit scheme which came into operation as from 1st January, 1942, to include those men who have served in the Army during this war but who were discharged prior to that date?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister to my hon. Friend the Member for East Fife (Mr. Henderson Stewart) on 24th February.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) why an officer, who is posted to the Y list on account of wounds, sickness, or similar reasons, automatically loses any temporary rank he may be holding, irrespective of the period he may have held it; and whether he is prepared to adopt the same rule for commissioned officers as that in force for non-commissioned officers;

(2) whether he is prepared to reconsider the present rule whereby all promotions in wartime for commissioned officers are regarded as temporary; and whether he will adopt the same regulations as those in force for non-commissioned officers whereby, after a given period of acting or temporary rank and after recommendation, an officer may be confirmed in a war substantive rank?

No, Sir. Acting and temporary rank are granted solely in order to enable an officer to carry out the duties of a particular appointment. When he ceases to hold that appointment he ceases to be entitled to any acting or temporary rank attaching to it. However, as a special privilege, officers wounded in action are allowed to retain their acting or temporary rank for three months.

Is it a fact that all promotions during the war are temporary promotions?

No, Sir.

Does my hon. Friend recollect that he recently informed this House that officers attending staff college courses would retain their temporary rank for six months? Does he not think it desirable that officers who, by reason of sickness, lose temporary rank, and drop to their war substantive rank, and be put in the same position as those officers attending staff college courses?

No, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that General Sir Robert Haining, K.C.B., late Intendant-General, is at present without employment; and how soon it is proposed to re-employ him?

The hon. Member will not expect me to forecast future decisions of the Army Council in regard to military appointments.

Is it not rather strange that a general goes away to occupy the important position of Intendant General in Cairo, is there for only a few months and on returning is not found a suitable appointment?

It must be obvious to the hon. Member that it would be quite impossible publicly to discuss military appointments before they are made.

Is there any real intention of re-employing this officer? Was he not sent out to Cairo simply because he disagreed with the Minister of Defence?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a decision has now been reached as to the permanent release of the Marquess of Dufferin and Ava from his military duties in order that he may fill a post at the Ministry of Information at a salary in the range of £1,000–£1,200?

This officer has been released from his military duties only for so long as his services are needed by the Ministry of Information.

Have not several months elapsed since the Question was put down on this subject, and how long have we to wait before a definite decision is reached?

There is no decision to be reached. This officer has been released for important services with the Ministry of Information so long as they need him. He is performing at present far more responsible duties with the Ministry than he was in the Army.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) what arrangements are to be made regarding the transfer of officers and non-commissioned officers to the new corps of engineering maintenance services; and whether any alteration is to be made in pay or allowances of tradesmen and others so transferred;

(2) what is to be the title of the new corps of engineering maintenance services; and will a White Paper be issued giving details as to the transfer and other matters concerning those serving on regular engagements enlisted into the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, Royal Army Service Corps and Royal Engineers?

The conditions and arrangements relating to transfers to the new corps of engineering maintenance services and the title of the new corps will be published as soon as possible in Army Orders.

Can my hon. Friend hold out any hope that that will be very soon?

It will be as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what arrangements exist, in view of the prevalence of scabies, to cleanse and sterilise blankets periodically throughout the Service?

All Army blankets are disinfected every six months.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the experience of many hon. Members of this House does not coincide with the information that he has just given? Is it not true that there is a prevalence of scabies in the Army which might be traceable to this cause? Will he take steps to see that this cleansing of blankets is properly carried out?

If the hon. Member will give me particulars, I will look into the matter. As regards the general question, scabies is not confined to the Army. The incidence of this complaint has been increasing among the civilian population at the same time. More frequent disinfection of blankets has been tried, but it has not reduced the incidence of scabies.

Has the Financial Secretary when on active service ever slept for six months in the same blankets?

Yes, Sir.

Will my hon. Friend look into this matter, as there is very strong feeling about it?

I am as anxious as the hon. Member to reduce the incidence of scabies, but I am satisfied that it is not caused by the state of the blankets. I understand that it is usually spread through bodily contact, and that infection from blankets only accounts for a very small proportion of cases.

Despite what my hon. Friend has said, is it not common sense that these blankets should be sterilised from time to time?

Yes, Sir. As I have said, it is done every six months.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can make a statement regarding the Red Cross organisation relating to prisoners of war arising out of the inquiry conducted by the Paymaster-General?

asked the Under-Secretry of State for War whether he has received the report of the inquiry into matters relating to the Prisoners of War Organisation; and whether he has any information to give the House?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the result of the inquiry lately held by the Paymaster-General into the organisation of the Prisoners of War Department of the Red Cross Society?

I would ask the hon. Members to await the statement which my right hon. Friend hopes to be able to make to the House later in the present series of Sittings.

Will another Question be put to elicit that answer, or will it be done without previous Notice?

A statement will be made at the end of Questions.

Will my hon. Friend say which date and which right hon. Friend?

I hope that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War will be in a position to make the statement shortly. It will probably be on the fourth Sitting Day.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether, in fact, a written report has been received from the Paymaster-General on this matter?

Perhaps the hon. Lady will await my right hon. Friend's statement.

Has a written report been received from the Paymaster-General, as that is very pertinent to my Question?

I think that the hon. Lady-is already in possession of that information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has yet any information as to the manner in which British, Dominion and Indian troops who surrendered at Singapore are being treated by the Japanese?

It has so far not been possible to obtain any information about the treatment of Imperial prisoners of war captured in Malaya. Both the Protecting Power and the International Red Cross Committee are continuing to press the Japanese authorities to allow visits of inspection. This permission has so far been refused.

In view of General Gordon Bennett's statement that 70,000 is a gross exaggeration, will my hon. Friend indicate whether, in fact, the number of British prisoners at Singapore is much less than that?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put down a separate Question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the complaint from the Barrhead and District Joint Committee of the National Council of Labour Help for Russia Fund regarding the refusal of the magistrates of Barrhead to grant a licence for the showing of films, on Sunday, 29th March, for the purpose of raising money for the "Help for Russia" Fund; and what steps has he taken in the matter?

I have seen the correspondence which passed between the secretary of the committee and the town clerk of Barrhead relating to the matter referred to. But, as I have already explained to the secretary of the local trades council, a decision in regard to cinematograph entertainments on Sundays is a matter entirely for the magistrates, and I have no authority to alter their decision in the matter.

Is the Secretary of State not in a position, at any rate, to draw the attention of the magistrates, or of the town council, to the undesirability of carrying Sabbatarianism to the point at which they oppose the raising of aid for the Soviet Union?

The attention of the magistrates has already been drawn to the matter by the local trades council and other people. I have no authority whatever.

Cannot the Secretary of State get the necessary authority?

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of fatal and serious accidents that have occurred this year and the causes of the accidents?

As the answer involves a number of figures, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Are those joint committees, to deal with accidents and falls of ground, now at work?

They are not fully at work; but they are meeting; and I hope

asked the Secretary for Mines to what extent safety-first classes are in operation in the various coalfields?

In the session 1940–41, 394 safety classes for pit lads were arranged by the local education authorities, and 4,837 boys gained safety badges or certificates. The pre-war figures in 1938–9 were, 488 classes and 7,570 badges or certificates; and the number of boys who enrolled fell from 13,606 in 1938–39 to 10,190 in 1939–40, and to 7,978 in 1940–41. These figures do not cover the classes held independently by a few colliery companies or classes in which safety instruction is part of a wider course of training, sometimes given wholly or partly in working hours.

Can my hon. Friend do anything to encourage boys to attend in those districts which are apathetic to these safety classes?

Yes; I am trying to get safety classes organised everywhere. It is

that they will have met in all the districts soon.

How many of the victims of these accidents are boys of under 18?

I can get the information if the hon. Lady desires it.

Following is the statement :

a very important part of the training of the boys in the mines.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has any statement to make on the coal situation, especially with regard to man-power?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the releasing of ex-miners from the Army to return to their employment in the coal industry?

I have nothing to add to the information given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade and myself on the general situation in the course of the recent Debate. A decision has been taken to release a certain number of underground workers from a limited number of military establishments in this country. The total number of men who will be released is still under consideration, and a further statement will be made as soon as possible.

Will the number that it is proposed to release be sufficient to get an adequate supply of coal; and are the releases limited to the Army, or are any men coming from the other Services?

There may be a few from the other Services, but the total number to be released has not yet been determined. I would advise my hon. Friend to wait, but he should not have to wait long for the answer.

When these arrangements are made will my hon. Friend see that when he makes a recommendation for release that release is given?

Is my hon. Friend aware that the wastage going on at present in regard to man-power in the coal mines necessitates not only men being released from the Army to make up the wastage, but also a very large number being released to increase the coal supply? What is he going to do about it?

The case is well known in all Departments. The case has been fully put on behalf of the Mines Department, and the Government are well aware of the facts.

Has my hon. Friend any objection to asking the various gas companies to produce more coke?

We have no objection at all, and we certainly encourage the consumption of coke for gas production.

Are applications from men in the Army who are miners still being accepted, and can my hon. Friend say to whom those applications should be made?

They should be sent in on the ordinary forms provided for colliery companies. The employers have to express their willingness to employ the men. The forms are sent to the Mines Department, and already some men are coming back in response to those applications.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will give the latest information about the stoppage at the Blackhall Colliery, East Durham, pit; and what steps have been, and are being, taken to end it?

I am pleased to say that as the result of the intervention of my Department and the Ministry of Labour work was resumed on 30th March and agreement on the matters in dispute reached on the following day.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has been informed of the fact that a substantial reduction in output is being incurred at the Maude Pit, Backworth Group, Northumberland, in consequence of the failure of the management to arrange for satisfactory prices on six conveyor faces; and whether he will ensure the highest possible production at this pit by ending the present deadlock?

I am aware that this unfortunate dispute has been going on for several weeks. A representative of my Department has been in touch with the parties on the spot. I understand that discussions between the parties are proceeding, and I hope that they will soon result in an amicable settlement of the matter in dispute.

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is great dissatisfaction in Northumberland, and, as he has powers in these matters, why is he not prepared to exercise them by appointing more efficient managements so that coal production may be encouraged in this area?

I do not think that that question arises in this connection, but I have intervened, and my chief conciliation officer has been up there. There will be no delay, and I am exceedingly anxious that there shall be no loss of output from disputes in any part of the country.

Is it the fact that my hon. Friend has these powers, and, in view of the repeated dislocation in this group, will he not exercise those powers?

Both parties are now in negotiation, and I do not think that it would be helpful if I made an assertion of powers until negotiations have broken down.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is prepared to give sympathetic consideration to the request of the National Union of Scottish Mine-workers, that one production committee should be set up to take over the functions of the existing four district production committees?

A proposal to substitute one production committee for the existing four district committees in Scotland has recently been made to the Coal Production Council by the Executive Committee of the National Union of Scottish Mineworkers. The other bodies interested have been asked to submit their views and when these have been received the matter will be considered by the Coal Production Council.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will take action to enable the provision of pit canteens to be commenced at Broomhill Collieries, Limited, Northumberland, and give his personal attention to the cause of the delay, in order that the work shall not be further held up by obstruction on the part of the management?

Canteens, providing sandwiches, pies, etc., started in September, 1941, at each of the three pits belonging to Broomhill Collieries, Limited, and the provision of accommodation for the service of full meals has been under discussion. I am now informed that as a result of pressure put upon the owners agreement has now been reached without the use of compulsory powers.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that, under the traditional arrangements in the coalmining industry, miners obtain free or at a low price, considerable quantities of coal averaging a consumption nearly double that of the rest of the population for domestic purposes; will he consider reducing the amount of coal supplied to miners and arranging for them to have a cash allowance, the market value equivalent of the coal no longer received; and can he furnish an estimate of the reduction in the quantity of coal which would be supplied to miners for domestic use if they consumed the same quantity for domestic purposes as the rest of the community?

I am well aware of the long established custom by which certain miners receive supplies of coal either free or at a nominal or reduced price in accordance with the practice prevailing in their respective districts. The Coal Production Council has recently referred to the districts the question of whether the amount distributed by this methed can be reduced by agreement between the representatives of the owners and the miners, on the understanding that appropriate financial compensation is paid in respect of any coal which the men might agree to forego for the duration of the war. I am not, at present, in a position to furnish the estimate asked for by the hon. Member, owing to variations in the quantity and quality of coals supplied to the miners, but the matter is receiving further consideration in connection with the inquiry which is now being made into the question of fuel rationing generally.

When may I put down another Question?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put down another Question in two or three weeks' time, when I hope to be able to give a fuller reply.

asked the Secretary for Mines what is the total capital sum for which his Department has given guarantees in respect of bank overdrafts; and the rate of interest paid on such loans?

The total of guarantees given is £241,800, only one of which, for £2,800, has so far necessitated a payment by the Department. The loans made by the banks to colliery undertakings are, as regards interest, subject to negotiation between the two parties.

Can my hon. Friend say what actual rate of interest is paid?

There is no actual rate. It vanes, and depends upon the position of the colliery companies and the amount of leans already extended by the banks to maintain the collieries in production.

Why should the rate of interest in this case be governed by the credit of the colliery companies when the Government themselves guarantee the overdrafts?

Even the Government are subject to reliable assurances that their advances are not being dissipated unnecessarily, and there are risks and risks even in these matters.

But my hon. Friend misses the point. Advances by the banks depend not upon the credit of the colliery companies but upon the Government guarantee, and why, therefore, should not the rate of interest be based upon Government credit?

No, but the Government's credit, in the final resort, depends upon the conditions of the mines to be guaranteed.

Can my hon. Friend give an undertaking that not more than 2½ per cent. is being paid in any case?

Will the Secretary for Mines take the trouble to inquire into the common sense of this matter so that he will be able to answer the Question properly?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now give any information in connection with the 22 men charged with forging 97,000 clothing coupons; and whether all the coupons emanated from a printing press operated by Jack Hyman Cohen?

No, Sir. This case is still sub judice ,

Will the right hon. Gentleman release more paper and recommend the Home Secretary to allow the production of the "Daily Worker"?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the loss incurred by replacing title deeds and other documents, owing to enemy action, is allowed to be recovered under the War Damage Act, Part 11?

No, Sir. As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton (Dr. Russell Thomas) on 24th February, these documents are specifically excluded from the insurance provisions made by the War Damage Act.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in many cases they incur very serious losses?

I am afraid that that is so in many cases, but the matter has been looked at several times, and there are great difficulties in the way of extending the scope of the Act to include them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the delay in the delivery of British machine tools and accessories for the production of munitions in Canada; and whether, in conjunction with the Canadian authorities, he will devise a remedy?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. I am not aware of any delay in the delivery of British machine tools and accessories for the production of munitions in Canada. The Controller General of Machine Tools is in close touch with the Canadian Machine Tool Controller, who has a special representative in London. If the hon. Member will give me particulars of any cases he has in mind, I will gladly look into them.

Did not my right hon. Friend receive the details of the cases, and does not the intermediate or official paper procedure take longer than the actual making of the machine tools?

asked the Minister of Labour whether employment officers are authorised to consider applications from clergymen for part-time work on munitions?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour how many days holiday per annum Scottish girl mobile workers, transferred to English war factories, will be entitled to; and whether free travel warrants will be available to enable these girls to return home to Scotland for their holidays?

The holidays to which workpeople are entitled vary according to the trade or industry in which they are employed, but will commonly be one week after the appropriate period of qualifying service. The Government has already announced its desire that the customary annual holiday in the coming year should in general be taken so far as it does not exceed one week, in addition to the one-day break on Easter Monday, Whit Monday and the August Bank Holiday and the two days at Christmas or the New Year. These arrangements are subject always to the emergencies of the war situation and to the urgency of particular requirements for output. With regard to the second part of the Question, the whole matter is under review.

asked the Minister of Labour how many openings were found for people on the Supplementary Register during the last six months; and how many names are still on the Register of people offering their services?

The number of appointments found by the Supplementary Register during the six months ended 7th March was 3,635. The number of applicants on the Register at that date was 14,555, the majority of whom were in employment but were offering their services for other work.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will arrange for the publication of a White Book dealing with the course of events in British Malaya from 25th July, 1941, up to the time of the capitulation of Singapore?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the evacuation of Malaya and Singapore?

Perhaps hon. Members would be good enough to await the statement which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister proposes to make at the end of Questions.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement as to the general lines of the Government's policy for world trade, especially after the war?

My hon. Friend will be aware of the general statements of our economic aims embodied in the Atlantic Charter and the Mutual Aid Agreement. His Majesty's Government are actively engaged upon a comprehensive study of the means to achieve these aims. Meanwhile, I think that such a statement as my hon. Friend suggests would be premature.

Are the Government fully aware of the supreme need of exports to maintain our standard of living?

The Government are very well aware of the importance of exports.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the published correspondence between Sir Warren Fisher and the Secretary of State for the Home Department and to the statement issued to the Press, he will order the immediate reinstatement of Sir Warren Fisher?

No, Sir.

In view of the grave public concern which is felt at the summary dismissal of a man who was for 20 years head of the Civil Service, with an absolutely unblemished reputation, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is only common courtesy to this House and to the country to make a statement at the earliest possible moment? Does he think that a man of Sir Warren Fisher's standing and distinction would have adopted the course he did if he did not wish to draw public attention to definitely undesirable activities on the part of the Home Secretary?

I would ask the hon. and gallant Member to await the statement which I understand the Home Secretary is making at the end of Questions.

asked the Home Secretary (1) to what extent the Deputy Regional Commissioner for the North Western Region was directly responsible for the misuse of petrol which resulted in his resignation; and the reason for refusing the independent inquiry asked for by this officer;

(2) whether he will make available to Members of this House the directions circulated to the National Fire Service concerning athletic exercises, which have been referred to by Sir Warren Fisher in the recently published correspondence?

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make any statement with reference to the termination of the appointment of Sir Warren Fisher?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the precedents that guided him in dismissing Sir Warren Fisher from his post; and whether he satisfied himself that precedents affecting civil servants are applicable to this type of case?

I will, with Mr. Speaker's permission, make a statement in answer to these Questions at the end of Questions.

Later —

In answer to a supplementary question by the hon. Member for Moseley (Mr. Hopkinson) I stated on 19th March that I had seen Colonel Blather-wick, the Deputy Regional Commissioner for the North Western Region, that I had told him how strongly I disapproved of the use of Fire Service transport and petrol for such journeys as that from Bolton to Dumfries, and that he had tendered his resignation. Out of consideration for Colonel Blatherwick, I should have preferred to refrain from making any further statement on the circumstances of his resignation, but the publicity which has been given to this matter requires me to amplify my original statement.

At his interview with me on 13th March, Colonel Blatherwick agreed that he had been informed of the proposal to send a National Fire Service football team by road from Bolton to Dumfries on 10th March—a distance of some 280 miles there and back—and that he had not objected to it. I learned additionally that he himself had travelled to Dumfries and back alone in the Chief Regional Fire Officer's official car with a N.F.S. driver. Moreover, on the day in question, Colonel Blatherwick had been left in charge of the North Western Region in the absence of the Regional Commissioner who was engaged on official business in London, and had gone to Dumfries without informing the Commissioner, or the other Deputy Commissioner, of his intention to leave the Region, although in fact it involved his absence from 9.0 a.m. until after midnight. The action of the Deputy Regional Commissioner in leaving his post without notice for so long a time and in regard to the use of Fire Service vehicles disclosed such a lack of appreciation of his responsibilities as made it impossible for me to have confidence in him in the future, and I therefore asked for his resignation.

In defence of his action as regards the journey, he has referred to a statement made at a Conference of Deputy Regional Commissioners and Chief Regional Fire Officers presided over by my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary, the Member for Huddersfield (Mr. Mabane), on 13th February. At this time there was no ban on the use of Fire Service vehicles to enable the personnel to take part in organised games, but in order that hon. Members may understand the circumstances at the time when the conference was held let me say what instructions in regard to the use of petrol had already been issued.

On 12th January, 1942, a Fire Service instruction was issued dealing with the control of the use of petrol: this instruction was prefaced by the following words: The message stated that:

In view of the previous instructions to which I have referred, and having regard to what had been said and the views expressed by the Chairman at the Conference, responsible officers were clearly under an obligation to use a proper discretion in this matter. I have no doubt the House will agree that the use of N.F.S. transport for so long a journey as that from Bolton to Dumfries went far beyond any reasonable exercise of discretion. Moreover, neither the Regional Commissioner nor the Home Office was consulted about this journey. Colonel Blatherwick asked for an independent Board of inquiry, but having regard to his own admissions, both with regard to the use of Fire Service vehicles and his absence from the Region, I saw no need for such a course. The Regional Commissioner, Lord Geddes, who was present at our interview, entirely concurred in the action which I took.

I come now to the separate issue of Sir Warren Fisher. Shortly after the beginning of the heavy raids on London in September, 1940, my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council, who was then Minister of Home Security, appointed Sir Warren Fisher to be a Special Commissioner in the London Civil Defence Region, though the formal letter of appointment was actually sent to him in my name as Minister of Home Security on 9th October. During his term of office Sir Warren Fisher has reported to me from time to time on the progress of his work, and there is no doubt the House would hold me responsible for his work and activities as Special Commissioner. Moreover, his own allowance for expenses and the salaries of his staff and the great bulk of expenditure in connection with his work is borne on the Vote for which, as Minister of Home Security, I am responsible.

On 23rd March, without making any attempt to approach me, Sir Warren Fisher published in the "Manchester Guardian" a letter criticising in strong and, indeed, offensive terms the action which I had taken in regard to Colonel Blatherwick. This led to a correspondence between him and myself which has been published and speaks for itself. In view of Sir Warren Fisher's refusal to modify in any way the attitude he had taken up, I felt, and still feel, that his action in publicly attacking the Minister to whom he was responsible destroyed that confidence between us which is essential to proper working. He was appointed by a Minister and was a servant of the Executive; and in my judgment so long as he held that position he shared with other public servants the obligation to refrain from attacking the Minister to whom he was responsible. As he maintained his refusal to accept this obligation, his continuance in his post became impossible.

Did Colonel Blatherwick telephone the Home Office or not before he undertook this journey? Further, I believe the Home Secretary took action under 2B. Why did he not take action under 2C? Why did he take arbitrary action and not submit this to a court of inquiry? In view of the publicity given to this matter, will he institute a court of inquiry before which evidence can be given on oath?

I have no knowledge whether Colonel Blatherwick telephoned the Home Office for directions. I should have thought, if he had, he would have told me at the meeting that I had with him. With regard to 2B and 2C I am not clear what they have to do with the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman now have an independent inquiry taking evidence on oath?

The facts are quite clear in my mind. If no one in the public service can be removed from office without elaborate and lengthy inquiry, we shall never get that standard of efficiency that we have a right to expect.

Is it fair that the Home Secretary should be judge and prosecutor in the same case?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the communication from the factory committee of a certain factory', endorsing the resolution of the Radio Engineers, No. 3 Branch, of the Electrical Trades Union on the question of outside speakers and the distribution of literature in war factories; and whether he will take steps to see that the ban on these is removed?

Yes, Sir. The policy of the Government in this matter was stated by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour in reply to a previous Question by the hon. Member on 22nd January last.

Is not the Minister aware that there is great advantage in having such meetings and having such literature, as is referred to in the Question, distributed? Will he not ask his right hon. Friend to reconsider the matter and allow workers to choose the speakers they want at their factories to address them on matters of production?

The matter has been fully considered. Perhaps my hon. Friend will look at the previous reply.

But in view of the fact that the Government have taken a wrong decision, will they not reconsider it?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the resolution from the National Federation of Old Age Pensions Associations asking that in future discussions on the conditions of the old folks the Party Whip should be withdrawn and a free vote permitted; and what reply has he made?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has received the resolution to which the hon. Member refers, and has acknowledged its receipt.

Will the Minister give a promise that when the question of the means test as applied to old people comes up for discussion again, the Whip will be withdrawn if a vote is taken?

I cannot give that promise. I think it is better for the Government to accept their responsibilities, whether they are agreeable or disagreeable.

Believe me, they are very disagreeable.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement to the House on the outcome of the recent conversations between Indian representatives and the Lord Privy Seal on the subject of the Government's latest proposals with regard to Indian self-government?

I would ask my hon. and gallant Friend to await the Prime Minister's statement at the end of Questions.

asked the Secretary of State for India how many prisoners there were, at the latest available date, in the Provinces of Madras, Bombay, Bengal, United Provinces, Punjab and Bihar; the total number in hospitals; and the total deaths?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the need for increasing food crops in India to meet additional demands and commitments, he will bring this matter before the forthcoming conference and see that representatives of the Provincial Governments and Indian States be asked to consider the taking of all necessary action immediately?

The conference mentioned in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member of 26th March as being called for 6th April, was one between the Government of India and the representatives of the Provinces and States for the express purpose of considering steps to increase food and fodder production. I see no need to prompt the Government of India in regard to a problem to which they have been giving close and urgent attention.

Would the right hon. Gentleman think fit to make representations as to the urgency of this matter?

No, Sir. The Government of India are well aware of that.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any statement to make on the part taken by Indian troops in the operations in Burma?

My hon. and gallant Friend will recognise that it is impossible for me to give details at present. I may, however, say that a considerable proportion of our forces in Burma consists of Indian Army formations and units representative of many classes and that the Indian Air.

I will circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following are the figures :

Force is also represented. They have been fighting continuously under extremely difficult circumstances from the very beginning of the Japanese invasion. From all reports both Services have rendered a very good account of themselves. I would add that the Royal Indian Navy has also played its part with light forces in the Bay of Bengal protecting our communications with Burma.

Will my right hon. Friend say whether it is not definitely untrue, as stated in some organs of the Press in this country, that whole Indian units deserted into the jungle and went to the enemy?

That is wholly untrue.

Ought not this to have been contradicted by the Government before?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an estimate of the number of cases in which the Estate Duty Office has claimed that trustees under a will remain liable under Section 43 of the Finance Act, 1940, to pay Estate Duty on the death of an annuitant, notwithstanding that in satisfaction of a life interest they have purchased the annuity from an insurance company?

I fear that the information for which my hon. Friend is asking is not available. My right hon. Friend has now written to my hon. Friend with reference to the general question.

As the Chancellor of the Exchequer has now been advised that the claim of the Estate Duty offices is bad in law, will my right hon. and gallant Friend direct that any money paid in respect of such claims shall be refunded, notwithstanding that money paid under mistake of law is not legally recoverable?

I would like to see that Question on the Paper.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in order to satisfy public opinion on the subject of high profits made on Government contracts issued on a cost-plus-percentage basis, he will instruct contracting Departments of the State to insert a new clause in all future contracts which will ensure that no contractor shall lawfully receive from State funds in any one war year a profit exceeding 5 per cent. of the total amount of subscribed and loan capital invested in his business?

Contracts on the basis of cost plus a percentage are open to serious objections, but they are in fact quite rare and restricted to certain special types of work. My right hon. Friend does not propose to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how soon he anticipates being able to issue certificates to those firms which have been subject to Excess Profits Tax to cover the amount of post-war credit in order that business firms may be able to show the value of such post-war credits in their annual balance-sheets?

Section 28 of the Finance Act, 1941, provides that the amount of the E.P.T. post-war credit shall be ascertained and recorded after the termination of hostilities. My hon. Friend will appreciate that if, owing to deficiencies in later accounting periods, E.P.T. falls to be repaid, that would affect the amount of the E.P.T. post-war credit and it is not, therefore, possible to issue certificates as he suggests.

Would my right hon. and gallant Friend take this matter more seriously? Under the Finance Act, to which he has just referred, it definitely states that industrialists shall have postwar credit. Why cannot that be decided, because the amount due when payment is made is already known? Why cannot they have a certificate stating what the Government owe them?

Because there may have to be alterations owing to depreciation.

How is it intended to pay the money?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total sum collected in taxation and the total sum loaned to the Government from all sources, including the floating debt and Treasury deposits, since 3rd September, 1939, to the latest convenient date; and what has been the total expenditure and increase in the National Debt over the period named?

With my hon. Friend's permission, my right hon. Friend will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the figures for which he asks.

Following are the figures for the period from yd September , 1939, to 31st March , 1942: