asked the Minister of Labour has he considered whether the continuation of industrial conscription is assisting in the national effort, or whether greater good will could be secured from the workers by abandoning some or all of the restrictions now imposed upon them; and what conclusions have been reached?

I am satisfied that the present policy of securing the maximum voluntary response and using the powers conferred upon me by the Defence Regulations as necessary is in the best interest of production. I would point out that restrictions apply to employers as well as to workmen and changes could not be made on one side only.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of prosecutions instituted by his Department against workpeople and employers, respectively, who have refused to carry out the several directions and orders of his Ministry up to the last available date; the number of workpeople and employers, respectively, who have been imprisoned; the number of persons employed in the legal department of his Ministry engaged in preparing and pursuing prosecutions; and the approximate annual cost of preparing, instituting and prosecuting these cases?

Up to 31st March, 1942, 773 workpeople and 26 employers had been prosecuted for offences in connection with the Essential Work and Restriction on Engagement Orders or for refusing to obey directions given under Regulation 58A. In 91 of these cases sentences of imprisonment were imposed on workpeople. Apart from one officer there is no staff in the legal department of the Ministry exclusively engaged on this work. I could not without excessive labour form an estimate of the amount of staff, time or expense involved.

asked the Minister of Labour why a prosecution was instituted in the case of James Price, 55 years of age, mineworker, 12, Wilbraham Street, Westhoughton, who was recently sentenced to one month's imprisonment for absenting himself from work on three Sundays, in view of the fact that he worked regularly otherwise and that he complained of lack of transport facilities and physical inability to walk to and from work?

I am having inquiries made and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give comparative tables, at the latest available date, for this country, and Russia, of the hours of labour in munition factories and works, the hours of labour on agricultural work, and the weekly wages, including war bonus, if any, in connection with the above; and whether he has any information as to how they compare with conditions in German occupied territory in Europe?

I regret that the available information is insufficient to enable comparisons to be made on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider leaving at their posts a sufficient number of shops' inspectors employed by local authorities so that the provisions of the Shops Acts may be effectively enforced, especially in relation to the hours of employment of young persons?

Shops' inspectors are already covered by the arrangements which I have made concerning the officers of local authorities. Where a local authority considers it necessary to retain the services of a shops' inspector of military age, it makes application for deferment of his calling up, and the application is considered by my Department in consultation with the Home Office.

asked the Minister of Labour the details of the revised arrangements for the calling-up of university students of the 1924 age class; and for the entry of such students to the universities?

Details of these arrangements are given in a Memorandum of Guidance to Headmasters issued by the Board of Education on the 31st March, 1942, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend.

asked the Home Secretary how many police and others were employed at the White City Stadium, on Saturday, 11th April, examining registration cards; and with what results?

asked the Home Secretary the reason for the recent examination of identity cards at the White City?

I am informed that the number of Metropolitan Police employed on the occasion in question was 356, and that the number of Service police was 150. The purpose of the examination which was undertaken after consultation with the military authorities was to assist in securing the apprehension of deserters, to check the use of stolen and forged Identity Cards, and to discover persons other than deserters who might be evading national service. Only those who appeared to be of military age were interrogated by the Metropolitan Police, and out of a total of 8,500 it was found that 935 were unable to produce the proper documents of identity. The majority of these were eventually able to establish their identity by other means, but the examination resulted in 16 deserters being arrested and 7 other persons being charged with various offences.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been directed to the statement made by the chairman of the Assistance Board in Manchester on 23rd March; and, as this was a violation of the announced policy of the Government, what action does he intend taking?

I have seen a report of the statement to which my hon. Friend refers, but I think there must be some misunderstanding as it is clear from the context that it referred to co-operation with well disposed people who are prepared to pay friendly visits to such lonely old people as express a desire to receive them or to organise social clubs or gatherings in which such old people as choose to do so can take part. I am not aware of any pronouncement of Government policy which precludes such co-operation.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the widespread opposition to diphtheria immunisation; that this opposition has considerable support from medical practitioners; and whether, as the question is a controversial one and Parliament has never expressed any opinion on advertisements relating to opinions adverse to this inoculation, he will give instructions to stop the issue of advice, such as that recently given to the Advertising Association, to assist in the boycott of the advertisements of the Anti-Vaccination League?

The reply to the first and second parts of the Question is "No." The position is that no child can be inoculated without its parents' consent but the Government have made no secret of their policy to encourage the immunisation of children between the ages of one and 15. The facts in regard to the particular point mentioned in the last part of the Question are that in reply to an inquiry from the Advertising Association my Department wrote that, if the Association decided to recommend newspapers to refuse advertisements designed to discourage the immunisation of children against diphtheria they would be working in accord with Government policy.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the urgent national need, he will introduce any necessary legislation, or take any other emergency measures, to enable retired fully-trained nurses, not previously registered under the Nurses Registration Act, 1919, to become so registered after recommendation by the medical profession without the long delay and inconvenience of a period of fresh qualification?

Legislation would be required for the purpose of varying the conditions on which nurses can be admitted to the register. I do not think that I should be justified in introducing such legislation.

asked the Minister of Health why qualified British radiologists are still available and yet aliens, not necessarily possessing the same experience, hold appointments as radiologists under the Emergency Medical Services?

I am not aware that there are available qualified British radiologists suitable for employment in the Emergency Medical Service. The three alien practitioners who are employed in the service are considered to possess experience suitable for the purpose.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that the present staff of the Ministry, dealing with claims for pensions, is capable of receiving and deciding all applications, provided the customary period of notice-is given, in time to make the first payment on the date on which it falls due to be paid; what explanation there is for the long period of delay experienced by large numbers of cases of applications for pensions throughout the country?

I am not aware that there is any delay in the settlement of straightforward claims for pension. In exceptional cases in which delay occurs it is due in general to the inability of the applicant to furnish the evidence necessary for a decision. It is open to an applicant for an old age pension to make his claim four months in advance of the date on which he will attain pensionable age, and if advantage is taken of this opportunity there is normally no period of waiting for the pension.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider adequate compensation for any loss of supplementary pension during the period of delay in the case of any applicant who experiences delay before his pension claim is admitted?

Supplementary pensions are granted to meet current needs and under the terms of the Act cannot be granted until the person becomes entitled to receive weekly payments on account of an old age or widow's pension. It is, of course, open to a person who is in need before this date to apply for assistance to the Public Assistance Authority.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will authorise authorities to deal with applicants for pensions whose claims are delayed and who temporarily have to resort to public assistance committees on no less favourable terms as would be granted them by the area Assistance Board?

It is the duty of the public assistance committee to grant relief according to the needs of the case, and I have no power to give them any directions in the matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider, with a view to granting adequate compensation, the case of John Morris, of Wattstown, details of which have been sent to him, whose claim for pension was delayed for 10 weeks, despite the fact of its having been in the hands of the Department for five months prior to his attaining 65 years of age and during which period of 10 weeks the public assistance committee could only grant him 10s. per week, while the area Assistance Board, when his pension claim came through, allowed him 10s. 6d. a week supplementary pension?

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

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider, in view of the existing cost of living, arranging for a continuation of the winter allowances made in the case of the old age pensioners?

As I stated in reply to my hon. Friend on 27th March, 1941, these allowances are given for the purpose of meeting any special needs due to winter conditions and the Board has no power to extend the period on the ground suggested.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food how many British Restaurants are now in operation in the administrative county of Durham, and the county boroughs of Sunderland and South Shields, respectively; and how many meals are served per week?

There are 47 British Restaurants, serving approxi- mately 34,000 meals per week, operated by local authorities in the administrative county of Durham. There are also 9 restaurants serving approximately 9,700 meals per week in the county borough of Sunderland and 8 restaurants serving 16,200 meals per week in the county borough of South Shields. Plans for a further 23 British Restaurants in the county have been approved and 14 additional schemes in the county, as well as one at South Shields are under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the proved value of milk in children's diet, the Milk in Schools Scheme will now be extended to non-grant-aided schools?

My noble Friend is not at present satisfied as to the necessity of extending the Milk in Schools Scheme to non-grant-aided schools. These schools can obtain the same supplies of milk for their pupils under the Milk Supply Scheme as is provided under the Milk in School Scheme for children at grant-aided schools.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can give any information in connection with the several tons of sugar found in a locked room at the back of a restaurant in Soho?

No such case has come to my notice. In two recent cases, however, three and four cwts. of sugar respectively were found on two premises in Soho and investigation is proceeding. It is possible that my hon. Friend has one of these cases in mind. I am not in a position to disclose any further particulars as the inquiries have not been completed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can give any information in connection with the charge made against Philip Gibbs and Blackman in the deals in £10,000 worth of surplus wheat that was made against them at the Canterbury police course on Friday, 10th April; whether he can give the names of the people who bought the wheat; and what action he intends taking against the buyers of this wheat?

The case referred to by my hon. Friend has been prosecuted by the Director of Public Prosecutions under the general law and not at the instance of my Department, and I am, therefore, not in a position to supply the particulars requested. The conduct of the persons who bought the wheat is still under investigation by my Department, and it would, therefore, not be proper for me to make any further statement at this stage.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the coming spring and summer weather when it will be difficult to keep milk fresh for more than one day, he will consider instructing retailers that milk deliveries must be made daily instead of, as is the case in many districts, every other day or even at longer intervals?

Retailers are already aware that the Ministry of Food regards a daily delivery of milk as desirable at all times of the year and essential in warm weather. As a result of the plans which my Noble Friend intends to announce shortly he hopes that local schemes for the rationalisation of retail distribution will provide for a daily delivery.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why he considers it necessary, notwithstanding the present shipping stringency, to continue the import of Canadian white flour; of what extraction is this flour; whether this flour has any vitamin addition and is bleached before export; and whether it is intended to use this flour as part of the 25 per cent. addition allowed by the Ministry in the preparation of the national bread?

In order to maintain a Security Stock of flour in this country in the form which would involve the minimum amount of turning over, it has been decided to continue the importation of a proportion of our breadstuff requirements in the form of Canadian white flour. This flour is similar in quality to the National Straight Run grade of home milled flour which was of 75 per cent. extraction. The Canadian flour will be fortified with Vitamin B1. With regard to bleaching, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on the 27th January last to which I have nothing to add. The 25 per cent. white flour at present permitted in the preparation of national bread is a temporary expedient to secure the best utilisation of our existing white flour stocks. Whether any of the Canadian flour now being imported will be used in this way will depend upon the circumstances existing at the time when it becomes necessary to turn this stock over.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the stocks of American tinned meat issued under the Points Rationing Scheme are nearing exhaustion; and whether, in view of their popularity, he intends to re-import additional supplies?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise at the present time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he has considered the complaint of the Liverpool Trades Council and Labour Party as to the faulty construction of workers' dwellings being erected by contract for his Department at Page Moss, Liverpool, for occupation by persons engaged in war work in the district; whether his Department is exercising adequate supervision over the contract; whether the completed buildings comply with the specifications; and whether he will ask that the local medical officer of health may inspect the dwellings, and report on them from the health standpoint?

I have received representations regarding these married quarters. I am satisfied that adequate supervision is being exercised, and I cannot accept the suggestion that the construction is faulty. The dwellings have been built in sound construction and to the approved standard for temporary war-time building. Certain minor improvements in the accommodation are being made, but the major defect, namely, dampness, is very largely due to the fact that the quarters were occupied in the early part of the year, during unfavourable weather, and without time having been allowed for them to dry out. I understand it has now been agreed that a longer period shall be allowed before occupation, and special steps taken, to promote this drying out. This has already been most effective and the defect has now practically disappeared.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position with regard to the Inter-Allied Relief Bureau; what advisory committees have been set up, or are contemplated, in connection therewith; and whether the staff is inter-allied?

At present the bureau consists of a small British staff which is collaborating with the representatives of the Allied Governments in the preparation of estimates of their post-war requirements of foodstuffs and raw materials. When these estimates have been completed, it will be for the Inter-Allied Committee to consider what is the most appropriate organisation to handle the problem of allied relief in the future Meanwhile a sub-committee of allied experts has been set up to advise on agricultural needs in the immediate post-war period; and the appointment of similar sub-committees on other aspects of the relief problem will be considered with the Allied Governments as the work develops.

asked the Postmaster-General what further steps his Department has taken in recent months to improve and accelerate the mail and air letters to and from the Forces in the Mediterranean and the Middle East?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given on this subject on 18th March to the hon. Member for Bodmin (Mrs. Rathbone).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the cancellation of the basic ration of petrol, he will reduce motor-car licences to a nominal figure in cases where motorists are granted petrol coupons solely to enable them to carry out voluntary work of national importance?

Consideration is being given to the position of motor car owners who have to use their cars on Government service and who will obtain no petrol for other purposes after the basic petrol ration comes to an end. I am not in a position to make a statement at the moment but I hope to do so shortly.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any statement to make with reference to the making of regulations empowering the Treasury to call upon British subjects resident outside the sterling area to make returns of their property and income.

Yes, Sir. The powers conferred upon the Treasury by the Regulation of the 27th March will be used in suitable cases to obtain from British subjects resident outside the sterling area returns of their property and income. In the light of the information thus obtained, suitable limits will, if necessary, be placed on the remittances of such individuals from this country having regard to their circumstances, so as to prevent their making undue demands upon our exchange resources.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the need of disregarding, as a source of income for old age pensioners, the cost of treatment provided in a public institution and thus removing a grievance against which there is considerable resentment?

After an initial period the fact that a non-contributory pensioner is being maintained at the expense of an institution or hospital is taken into account in assessing his means. Otherwise, the pensioner would be receiving both free maintenance and pension, and as in most cases the bulk of his pension is appropriated by the local authority any change as suggested would operate in the main as a grant-in-aid of local expenditure rather than to the advantage of the pensioner. The Government are not prepared to introduce legislation to effect this change.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has had his attention drawn to the fact that Civil. Service pensioners were subjected to decline in their supplementary pensions during the period 1922 to 1931; and will he now take into consideration the question of making allowances more in accordance with the present cost of living?

The supplementary pensions in question were in respect of the cost of living bonus then paid to civil servants. When this bonus was reassessed and consolidated with salary in 1934, that part of the pension which was in respect of the bonus was likewise reassessed and consolidated. Since that date Civil Service pensions have been of fixed amount and not variable with the cost of living. For the reasons stated in the reply which was given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on the 18th February last to my hon. Friend the Member for Down (Dr. Little), His Majesty's Government do not feel able to introduce legislation for the increase of Civil Service pensions.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, under Army Council Instruction, No. 422, 1942, regarding officers not recommended for further employment, the gratuity payment is free of Income Tax?

I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War that no gratuities are payable under the terms of the Army Council Instruction to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury in the case of how many peerages created since the present Government took office have the customary fees been paid; and in how many cases have they been remitted?

Fees and stamp duties on the grant of Peerages were abolished in 1937. The stamp duties were repealed by Section 30 of the Finance Act of that year.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether steps will be taken to reduce the number of motor cars provided for Ministers of the Crown, and, in particular, will arrangements be made that smaller and less expensive vehicles should be used for this purpose when there is only one passenger; and whether he will consider allowing Ministers to drive themselves?

The provision of cars for certain Ministers' official use has been the subject of careful consideration, and I am satisfied that the present number is not excessive having regard to the duties which the Ministers in question have to perform in present circumstances. The acceptance of the suggestion contained in the second part of the Question might make it necessary to retain a call on two cars instead of one in some cases. I do not think that the hon. Member's last suggestion is a practicable one.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare the quantity of wheat which has reached Greece during the past month; what portion of these supplies have been provided by neutral countries, and by the United Nations, respectively; and whether he has any information to show if the wheat already provided has been retained by the Greek people?

Seven thousand tons of wheat, which had been made available by His Majesty's Government and paid for by the Greek Government, reached Piraeus in the steamship "Radmanso" during the third week in March. I have not yet received a report as to the distribution of this cargo among the Greek people.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it is proposed to hold an inquiry into the assignment of Government contracts in Scotland to Messrs. George Wimpey and Company?

Messrs. Wimpey have asked the Government to have an independent investigation into the complaints which have been made from time to time in the House on this subject. Accordingly the Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked Mr. J. L. Clyde, K.C., to hold an inquiry into the allocation to Messrs. Wimpey during the war of Government contracts in Scotland and to report to him. He will be assisted by Mr. David Anderson, M.Inst.C.E., Mr. A. Thomson, W.S., of the Department of Health for Scotland, will act as Secretary in Scotland and Mr. L. N. Helsby of the Treasury in London. Any person who wishes to be heard by the Tribunal or to offer written evidence should communicate with one of the Joint Secretaries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the present dearth of textile materials, he will consult with the Departments concerned with a view to introducing wherever possible in cadet units, telegraph services, officers' training corps, air-raid precautions services, messengers' corps, etc., the wearing, during summer months, of shorts by young people of both sexes, so as to save labour, material and subsequent cost and to improve the health of the wearers?

I will certainly submit my hon. Friend's suggestion to the Departments concerned. But I would not advocate superseding existing garments which are serviceable or in stock.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is prepared to introduce a rationing scheme for the materials for pharmaceutical compounds, having regard to the shortage of certain of such materials for essential purposes, at a time when they are being used largely for the purpose of manufacturing pre-packed drugs which are sold in chain stores?

Control is already exercised over the distribution to manufacturers or wholesalers of some of the materials used in pharmaceutical compounds, and my right hon. Friend is considering, in consultation with the Minister of Health, whether control should be extended to certain other materials.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will urge local war agricultural committees not to thin out rooks unless absolutely necessary, in view of the fact that the good accomplished by rooks in destroying wire worm outbalances any damage they may do?

I have already advised county war agricultural executive committees in the sense indicated by my hon. Friend and I am satisfied that committees generally only require rooks to be reduced where a local excess in the rook population is prejudicial to crop production.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that facilities are available for the taking of only 30 samples of silage per week in Yorkshire; and whether he will arrange for greatly increased facilities in order that producers may have a quick service to determine the food value of their silage?

I understand that an offer by the Department of Agriculture at Leeds University to carry out 30 routine analyses of samples of silage a week from Yorkshire has not so far been fully taken up. The matter can be reconsidered if and when that position is reached. I should explain that it is riot feasible to arrange for analyses of silage in general to be carried out and my Department has therefore issued a leaflet to enable farmers to judge for themselves the feeding value of silage. I am forwarding a copy of the leaflet to my hon. Friend. Advice on feeding value by examination of silage without analysis is also obtainable from county agricultural advisory staffs.

asked the Minister of Agriculture to what extent the Government have, since the declaration of war, authorised an increase in the acreage available for growing hops; and what is the maximum acreage withdrawn, or about to be withdrawn, from the cultivation of food?

The acreage under hops at the outbreak of war was 18,800. There has since been some decline. To enable the acreage to be maintained at the pre-war level, including provision for the replacement of existing stocks infected by disease, the acreage for 1942 has been fixed at a maximum of 20,000. Instructions have been issued that newly planted hops (which take three years to come into full bearing) must be inter-planted with other crops.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT some examples of the kind of Press cables which made it necessary to amend the regulations governing the censorship of outgoing messages?

Yes, Sir. I append selections taken from a quite substantial collection of material.

To South Africa:

"Anxiety rising here as evidence accumulates Governments offer Indiawards this week merely political trash."

To Australia:

"'Sacrifice Australia 'this startling suggestion is being made in serious discussions war situation."

London's "most exclusive restaurants" are staffed by enemy aliens "able to hear from crowds of drink-befuddled men in uniform secrets which cause the loss of British lives and lead to the nation's defeat.

"… Fifthly and last of all—and 'tis an unhappy subject to raise—there is the question of the proper honours being paid to those who die in the service of their country. This is not an isolated example but a young man whom I knew in Canberra as the son of a man prominent in public life was killed two months ago and now lies buried under a mound thus far unhonoured even by a simple cross; if men die in the service of their country, let us at least insist that they are honoured in death."

To New Zealand:

"The Englishman is really sick of the Empire, sick of the cost of maintaining the cause of the Empire, and sick of being answerable to vociferous Dominions."

These messages were all sent at about the beginning of March.

asked the hon. Member for Dulwich, as chairman of the Kitchen Committee, what increase in wages, through extra cost of living has his staff received since 1939?

In general, members of the Kitchen staff have received a bonus of 3s. 6d. per week, and in some cases the increase has been much greater. I would remind the hon. Member that the working week at present is much shorter than in 1939.

asked the hon. Member for Dulwich, as chairman of the Kitchen Committee, how many staff were employed by him before 1939; and how many have joined the Army, Navy, Air Force, Auxiliary Fire Service and other auxiliary services including the Home Guard?

The staff employed in the Refreshment Department in 1939, totalled 110, and of these 27 are serving in the various Defence Services mentioned in the Question.

asked the hon. Member for Dulwich, as chairman of the Kitchen Committee, how much money has been received for the pension scheme collected from each bill from the dining room up till the end of March, 1942; how many of his staff, retiring at the age limit of 65 years, receive a pension; and of what amount?

The money collected for the Staff Pension Fund from 1934 to 31st March, 1942, amounted to £1,499 19s. 10d Three members of the staff are now receiving pensions; one 10s. per week, one 15s. per week, and the third 20s. per week.

asked the Home Secretary whether the rule that no policeman in uniform shall partake of alcoholic drinks on licensed premises, when on duty, applies to policewomen?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make with regard to the visit of the Regional Commissioner, Lord Dudley, to Station J 4Z, Area 24, Queen Street, West Bromwich, and the preparations made in connection with it, details of which have been forwarded to him?

My attention has been drawn to various allegations published in the Press in regard to the visit in question. They have been the subject of an inquiry by the Deputy Regional Commissioner assisted by officers of the National Fire Service, which showed that while a certain excess of enthusiasm led to unusual and to some extent ill-advised preparations for the visit of the Regional Commissioner, there had not been any waste of time or materials. The station had already been scheduled for redecoration as part of the general programme, and in a very understandable desire to prepare for the inspection this work was expedited. The methods used were not extravagant and no men were employed outside duty hours. The attention of officers has been drawn to the un-desirability of excessive preparation for inspections, although it is proper that for an inspection those about to be inspected should do their best to make themselves and their stations smart and firemanlike. The lavender water with which it is alleged that the station was sprayed was in fact a rather larger dose than usual of the routine disinfectant.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now state the instructions issued as to the granting of leave to married women members of the National Fire Service and Civil Defence general services so as to coincide with the leave granted to their husbands if they are serving in His Majesty's Forces or in the Merchant Navy?

Subject to the exigencies of the Service, married women who are members of the National Fire Service or the Civil Defence Services may take the whole or a part of the paid annual leave to which they are entitled, to coincide with that of their husbands where the latter are serving in His Majesty's Forces or in the Merchant Navy In addition, if the wife's annual leave has been exhausted, she may be granted up to 14 days' special leave without pay to join her husband on leave. Instructions to this effect are being issued to the Services concerned.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will look into the case, details of which have been furnished to him, of a woman of Austrian nationality who came to England two years before the outbreak of war and against whom no charges have been made, but who has been interned since July, 1940, under Regulation 18B, in the Isle of Man, notwithstanding guarantees of her loyalty furnished by her employer, who is a professional man of high standing and reputation and is suffering serious disability in his work by the absence of this employee?

The woman to whom, I understand from my hon. Friend, his Question refers is not detained under Defence Regulation 18B but is interned as an alien of enemy nationality. Her case has been repeatedly examined, on applications made by her employer and others, and was specially referred to the Advisory Committee in the Isle of Man. I am satisfied that it is not one in which, having regard to the interests of national security, I should be justified in authorising release.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has now completed the inquiry into cases of men being tried by Czechoslovak courts-martial for offences alleged to have been committed prior to the passing of the Allied Forces Act, 1940; whether he is aware that some of these trials are of Czechoslovak soldiers still in France; whether he has considered the case, of which particulars have been submitted to him, of a Czech officer now serving in England, who is accused of an act of insubordination and cowardice in France in June, 1940; and whether he will give an assurance that British machinery will not be utilised to give effect to the sentences of courts-martial for offences committed prior to the Act of 1940?

I am aware of the point which my hon. Friend has in mind, but inquiries are still being made and I regret that I am not yet in a position to give any information. I shall communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as my inquiries are complete.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, frequently, accused persons in receipt of wages up to £g 10s. od. a week take advantage of Poor Prisoners Aid, thereby imposing the cost of the fees of defending counsel upon the general public; what are the regulations by which an accused person can qualify for such aid; will he consider taking steps to prevent those capable of paying, receiving, gratis, counsel's assistance; and, in cases where the accused has spent all his wages and is for the moment incapable of paying counsel, will he arrange that where fines are imposed with time to pay, the cost of counsel's fee should be added, and where the sentence is imposed is imprisonment, a fine equal to the amount of counsel's fees should be added?

Under the provisions of the Poor Prisoners Defence Act, 1930, courts are empowered to grant legal aid at the cost of public funds if it appears first that legal aid is desirable in the interests of justice, and, secondly, that the means of the defendant are insufficient to enable him to obtain such aid. The question whether these conditions apply in any particular case is one for the discretion of the court, and I have no information to support the suggestion that courts in the exercise of this discretion are imposing unnecessary and improper charges on public funds. Nor could I support the suggestion that the law should be amended so as to provide that when a court has granted free legal aid in the interests of justice the recipient of such aid should be fined for accepting it.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make any statement in connection with the difficulty which has arisen in connection with the payment by cheque of the wages of county council roadmen?

It has been the practice for many years for highway authorities in England and Wales to pay by cheque the wages of their roadmen in rural districts where the men often work at a considerable distance from the centre. This method of paying wages is contrary to the Truck Act, 1831, and recently an injunction was obtained against one county council to restrain them from continuing the practice. To change the practice in war time would, however, involve considerable practical difficulties, as well as involving additional expense and use of petrol and, in pursuance of a recommendation by the Joint Industrial Council for county council roadmen, and after discussion with the Trades Union Congress General Council and the Ministry of Labour Joint Consultative Committee, and with their concurrence, it has been decided to deal with the matter by a Defence Regulation. The effect of the Regulation will be to enable me, after consultation with the Joint Industrial Council, or other similar body which is substantially representative of the employers and workmen concerned, by Order, to authorise the continuance of the practice in specified areas.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will now make membership of an approved youth organisation compulsory on all young persons between the ages of 16 and 18?

No, Sir. Such compulsion would be contrary to the voluntary principles on which membership of the various youth organisations is based.

asked the Secretary of State for India how many race meetings were held in Calcutta during January, February and March, respectively; and what steps he is taking to impress on the Government of India the necessity for the European community in India to set an example and to put themselves on a war basis as regards limited amusements, restricted food, petrol, luxuries and living in general, without further delay?

I am informed that eight race meetings were held in Calcutta in January, four in February and four in March. I have consulted the Viceroy in regard to my hon. and gallant Friend's Question, and I am informed that the impression it creates of the present manner of living of the European community in India is wholly misleading. The conditions of life and work in a tropical climate forbid exact comparison with those in this country, but the fact is that amenities of life in India have been severely restricted, notably as the result of the rationing of petrol, which, in view of the greater distances and lack of other transport facilities, effectively curtails movement. I welcome the opportunity to protest against certain misconceptions which have been given currency in this respect and to pay a warm tribute to the devoted work of the European community in India, official and non-official, in furtherance of the Government's war effort. I might add that all European residents in India of military age are under obligation to serve and have been before a National Service Tribunal.

asked the Secretary for Petroleum (1) whether he is aware that large numbers of Service personnel rely on free lifts by private motorists in order to reach their homes on periods of short leave, for which they are not entitled to free travel by rail; and whether, in view of the hardship which will result to them through the reduced number of motor-cars on the roads when the basic ration of petrol is cancelled, he will make it a condition of the granting of coupons for petrol that it shall be obligatory for motorists to give lifts to such personnel when they have vacant seats in their motor-cars;

(2) whether he will institute a system throughout the country for registering the vacant seats in motor-cars proceeding to other districts, so that these seats may be allotted to Service personnel proceeding on short leave which does not entitle them to free railway travel; and whether, for this purpose, he will enlist the help of the Royal Automobile Club and Automobile Association and their office organisation?

Much as I sympathise with the object which the hon. and gallant Member has in mind, I do not consider that either of these suggestions is practicable. It would be very difficult to enforce any regulation compelling motorists to give lifts to Service personnel, and after consultation with the Royal Automobile Club and Automobile Association I am convinced that the scheme of registering seats presents no less formidable difficulties, including those which arise from the dispersal of His Majesty's Forces and the irregularity of their needs. I have no doubt, however, that the great majority of motorists will continue to give voluntarily every help in their power.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the hardships caused in some cases to the wives and dependants of men serving in His Majesty's Forces in meeting doctors' bills, even when those amount to less than £2; and if he will take steps to relieve the position?

I assume the hon. Member has in mind the scheme of emergency grants under which the applicant is required to defray the first £2 of expenditure in respect of sickness. Sickness claims are now being received on a rapidly increasing scale and I have no evidence which leads me to think that the existing money limit causes undue hardship.

asked the Minister of Pensions why ex-Gunner T. Sampson, of 79, Hemmingford Road, London, N.1, is denied the convenience of possessing a King's Badge confirming his discharge from the Army on medical grounds?

As has recently been explained in answers to Questions in this House I am authorised to issue a King's Badge only where entitlement to a disablement grant is conceded. That condition is not fulfilled in the case of Mr. Sampson.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Registrar of Lands and the Director of Land Registration of Jerusalem refuse to register the transfer of land and of certain shares in Jerusalem on the grounds that the land is situated within zone A, while transfer, except to a local Moslem, is prohibited under the Land Transfer Regulations, 1940; and whether, as these regulations were not meant to prohibit sales of land or the legitimate succession of real property between members of Hebrew families, he will confer with the High Commissioner upon this matter?

No, Sir. But I will make inquiries from the High Commissioner.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how long Wallace Johnson has been in detention in Sierra Leone; whether any charge has been brought against him; and whether he will ensure that the diet recommended by his doctors is allowed and facilities for dental treatment during detention, at the detainee's own expense, shall not be refused?

Wallace Johnson was detained on 13th March, 1941, on his release from prison. Information has recently been received from the Governor of Sierra Leone that he was released from detention in Freetown on 19th March and was sent to Bonthe, another town in Sierra Leone, under a Restriction Order made under Defence Regulations. While in Bonthe he will be supplied with free furnished quarters and will be given a subsistence allowance. The Governor is satisfied that these measures of restraint have been and continue to be necessary to prevent Wallace Johnson from acting in a way prejudicial to public safety or defence. My Noble Friend is confident that Wallace Johnson will be allowed the diet recommended by his doctors and facilities for dental treatment while at Bonthe, and the matter is being brought to the notice of the Governor.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) what provision is made in the West Indies for acquiring peasant holdings; whether by advances to individuals from loan banks, or by Government purchases; and whether advice is provided where possible by agricultural experts to the new tenants;

(2) whether, in view of the increasing urgency for food production by workers in the West Indies and many large properties in few hands are not adequately cultivated, he will supply a return from the respective islands showing the progress made in the matter of land settlement for peasant holdings?

In practically all the West Indian Colonies provision exists for land settlement, and considerable progress has been made since the outbreak of war both with land settlement and with the increased production of foodstuffs. Peasant agriculturists are enabled to acquire small holdings on very easy terms and facilities exist for making advances for cultivation both through credit institutions and directly through Government. Expert agricultural advice is provided through the officers of the local Departments of Agriculture. My Noble Friend is reluctant in present circumstances to ask the Colonial Governments to supply statistical returns of land settlement holdings, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the matter is receiving the active attention both of the Governments and of the Comptroller for Development and Welfare in the West Indies.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the present average amount of pension received by retired established Admiralty dockyard tradesmen?

I am afraid that it would take a long time to provide the precise figures for which the hon. and gallant Member asks. However, an analysis of pensions awarded between 30th September, 1941, and 31st March, 1942, to tradesmen, including a few supervisory industrial grades, shows that the average for the period is £78 17s. I append this analysis.

asked the Attorney-General why no reply has been sent to a registered letter No 3831, from Miss Thompson, which was received in the Department of the Public Prosecutor on 4th March?

The letter in question sought to reopen a matter which had been the subject of correspondence over a considerable period of time between Miss Thompson's father and the Director of Public Prosecutions. This matter had been fully dealt with and the Director of Public Prosecutions was not prepared to reopen it. It is regretted that the letter was not acknowledged and Miss Thompson so informed.

asked the Home Secretary why no reply has been sent to a registered letter No. 3564, received by his Department on the 27th February, which asked for the return of 17 original docu-

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider an arrangement by which Questions, which cannot be answered without giving away information

ments sent him by the late Mr. Thompson?

The documents referred to have been so often sent to the Home Office and returned that I cannot undertake to continue the process.

asked many of each of the undermentioned categories of civilian staffs are employed in Ministry of Aircraft Production outstations at aeronautical inspection directorate offices, material production offices, royal aircraft establishment and M.A. Experimental Establishment, respectively: air service clerks, Grade I and III; air service assistance clerks, established, unestablished and temporary; temporary clerks, Grade II, male and female; temporary clerks, Grade III, male and female; shorthand-typists, established and temporary; copying typists, established and temporary; teleprinter operators, male and female?

The information asked for is as follows:

of value to the enemy, can be lodged for Oral Answer at the next Secret Session?

I do not think that my hon. Friend's suggestion is practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has anything to report on the subject of hardship to the discharged members of the Royal Air Force Security Police in Northern Ireland who enlisted under a Royal Air Force advertisement for the duration of the war; if this force is still in existence; and what consideration has been given to the discharged members of this force?

As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Down (Dr. Little) on the 18th March, no assurance was given to these men on enlistment that their employment would be for the duration of the war. Arrangements have, however, been made to review all cases of alleged hardship resulting from the absorption of the force into the Provost organisation of the R.A.F. The services of 31 men have been dispensed with, but alternative employment is available for them and each has been informed of this fact. Eight have taken up alternative employment, and a further 16 will, I hope, shortly be placed. One has refused employment offered, whilst another has proved unsuitable. The cases of the remaining five are now under investigation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether all officers and non-commissioner officers, who are engaged in jungle fighting in the Far East, are provided with compasses; and whether steps are being taken to lighten the equipment of the Forces serving in this area?

Compasses are issued to units on a scale which has been found sufficient for all purposes. With regard to the second part of the Question it is left to commanders on the spot to decide in the light of local conditions what weapons and transport shall be used and what personal equipment shall be worn.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the more recent reports from General Gordon-Bennett and others cause any revision to be made of the estimate already announced of the number of British troops now prisoners of war in Singapore; and what is the latest estimate of casualties in the Malaya campaign in terms of killed, wounded and prisoners of war?

No information has been received, which necessitates any amendment to the official statements already made on this subject. With regard to the second part of the Question, I do not think any useful purpose would be served by furnishing any estimate based on the necessarily incomplete information available at present.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what arrangements have been made in regard to the retirement pay given to officers whom the Army Council have decided not to recommend for further employment in the Forces; and whether these arrangements provide security to enable men so released to readjust their lives to the new conditions and secure permanent employment?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will consider, in view of the fact that they are anxious to work or fight for their country, paying to all officers retired under Army Council Instruction, No. 422, a subsistence allowance based on the period of their service until such time as the Ministry of Labour and National Service can find them suitable employment?

I greatly regret that it is not possible to offer to these officers continued opportunities of service in the Army. In order to enable them to look for other employment they are being given 42 days' leave on full pay. Arrangements have been made to put these officers into direct touch with the Ministry of Labour and the officers' employment bureau, who are taking all possible steps to find them suitable employment. Regular officers retiring for the first time will get such retired pay as they are entitled to under the Pay Warrant. Reemployed officers previously on retired pay will revert thereto. Other officers will not be entitled to retired pay except (1) those given emergency commissions while serving on normal regular engagements as soldiers, who may get retired pay under Article 634 of the Pay Warrant, and (2) those already in receipt of disablement awards or who may be entitled to such awards for attributable disabilities sustained in the present war.

asked the 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 Secretary of State for War whether he can now make a statement with regard to the inquiry into matters relating to the Prisoners of War Organisation carried out by the Paymaster-General; and, in particular whether he has now received a written report from the Paymaster-General?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War to-day.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings, whether his attentian has been called to the deaths of two children in a London area while playing in a bombed building; and whether he will consult with local authorities to ensure that, in the case of dangerous buildings, steps are taken to see that they are made impossible of entry by- the public?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware of the tragic occurrence to which my hon. Friend refers. The building was damaged by air attacks in September, 1940, but the damage was not sufficiently severe to justify demolition. Certain works of demolition and clearance were later on undertaken by the local authority to make the building safe, and the entrances were boarded up to prevent access. Periodical inspections were carried out by the local authority, the last being made early in February last. The boarding placed across the entrance appears to have been torn away and the children had gained access to the building where they were playing at the time when a wall collapsed under an exceptionally high wind. At the inquest the coroner was satisfied that "all that could be done by the local authority was done." The danger to children playing among the ruins of bombed buildings is a very real one and parents should do everything possible to keep their children out of them. Local authorities take steps to obstruct the normal means of access to such premises as are at all dangerous, but it is not practicable to require them to prevent access altogether. Owing to shortage of labour it has been found necessary to restrict the work of clearing bombed sites to cases where there is danger to the public using the highways alongside, and it is not practicable to undertake works of clearance to protect persons who may enter on damaged premises without authority.