asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any exchange compensation allowance is given to our consular and diplomatic officials abroad?

It has not been found desirable to adopt a general system of exchange compensation in all countries where sterling has depreciated. My right hon. Friend is, however, considering whether it will be possible to take the exchange position into account when representation and local allowances of diplomatic and consular officers come under review in the future.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that in countries such as America where the exchange rate has depreciated very considerably, many of these officials are suffering very great hardship, and is it really fair that they should have to bear this burden out of their own pockets? Cannot some more equitable arrangement be made whereby officials abroad do not have to suffer through no fault of their own?

As I have said, these allowances come up for review; when they do, this point will be considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have done anything, in co-operation with the Ethiopian Government, to secure the repatriation of invalided Ethiopan prisoners of war, as part of the interchange of invalided war prisoners arranged between the Italian Government and our own?

I am not aware that there are any invalided Ethiopian prisoners of war in Italian hands.

Has an inquiry been made to ascertain whether that is so, in view of the fact that the campaign was fought in Ethiopia before there was any Ethiopian Government, and, therefore, we are presumed responsible for the welfare of Ethiopian prisoners?

I do not think any special inquiries have been made. The Emperor has not raised the point, and I am sure that he would have done so if there were any such prisoners.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received official intimation of the appointment of a representative of Japan at the Vatican; and, if so, will he forward a protest through the Cardinal Secretary of State to the Japanese Government on the barbarous treatment of British prisoners of war in Hong Kong and Singapore, in violation of the conventions of international law?

With regard to the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison). With regard to the second part of the Question, representations have been addressed to the Japanese Government on this subject through the Protecting Power and the International Red Cross Committee. These are the appropriate channels and I do not think that a useful purpose would be served by approaching the Vatican as suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the latest figure of enrolment in the Air Training Corps; and how many are in school units?

The strength of the Air Training Corps on 31st January, 1942, was approximately 177,300 cadets, enrolled in 1,444 units. Some 25,000 of these cadets were members of school units which numbered 362. Not all cadets at schools are enrolled in separate school units, since school flights often form part of other units.

Can the Under-Secretary give the figures for Scotland?

Not without notice, but I shall be pleased to give my hon. Friend the information he desires if he will put down a Question.

Is everything possible being done to facilitate the provision of uniforms?

Having regard to the general cloth situation and the general Service requirements, I think that the Air Training Corps is getting its fair share of the supplies available.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to the German revival of the helicopter; and whether, in view of the need for these machines, he will take steps for their early preparation?

I am aware of the German interest in this type of aircraft. Its possibilities are kept under review in this country, but priority in development and production is necessarily accorded to aircraft of wider operational possibilities.

Will the Minister bear in mind not to lose sight of the possibilities of development?

We shall not lose sight of any possibilities of development.

Will the Minister keep in mind the possibilities of the very remarkable Scottish type of gyroplane which is now available?

We shall be glad to take advantage of the possibilities of development of any type of gyroplane, Scottish or English.

asked the Ministry of Aircraft Production whether he is satisfied that there is a close and effective contact between the Ministry, the Air Ministry and the industrial experts; is there a direct contact between those who decide on programmes and representatives of the section of the industry called upon to carry out the particular programme; do firms receive orders of types of sufficient numbers to plan for a reasonable time, and on which they can carry on until full arrangements are made to produce other types?

The answer to each part of my hon. Friend's Question is "Yes, Sir."

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he is satisfied that the aircraft and allied industry is working and producing to the maximum capacity; what recent steps have been taken to secure the maximum output; is there a satisfactory system of decentralisation and grouping of firms making common types; and is he satisfied with the arrangements for exchange of advice gained by experience in design, technical and in production?

I shall never be satisfied that we cannot secure some improvement in the output of the aircraft industry, and it is our constant endeavour, as I am sure it is that of the industry, to secure maximum production. Satisfactory groupings of firms making common types of aircraft exist. Group arrangements exist for the exchange of information on both technical and production matters not only directly between members of the industry but also through the medium of my Department, and we continually try to improve these arrangements.

Have the Ministry considered the advisability of setting up representative advisory committees, composed of key-men throughout the industry, in order to advise on methods to be adopted to bring about a greater increase in production?

There are several committees in the industry with which I am in touch—one a technical committee and one a committee of main manufacturers. When we are making one particular type of plane we have it in that group, and we are in constant touch with the group of manufacturers which are making it.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether the supply of aluminium and light alloys is satisfactory; what refunds have been made by the industry to the Ministry; what is the average profit and are there satisfactory relations between the industry and the Ministry?

As regards refunds and average profits, there are several industries and several hundred firms concerned in the production of aluminium and light alloys. Price adjustments have in some cases resulted in payment to the Ministry and in others by the Ministry, but the subject is highly complicated and one with which it is not possible to deal within the scope of an answer to a Parliamentary Question. Negotiations concerning further adjustments are now proceeding. The answers to the first and last parts of the Question are in the affirmative.

Can the House be informed of the average profits of the firms in this association which have created so many difficulties for the Ministry?

There are very large numbers of firms making aluminium and magnesium castings and strips and other different components, and it is very difficult to obtain an average for all of them which would have any real relevance to the facts.

Can the Minister say whether these people have yet allowed costing officers to go into their factories and find out for themselves what are the costs?

Negotiations on these price matters are going on, and I have not the slightest doubt that our people have been in the factories, but, without notice, I would not like it to be said that they have.

After more than two years of war, does the Minister mean to say that costing accountants of the Ministry are not yet going to these factories to check up?

I said I was almost certain that they have been in the factories, but, if the hon. Member wishes to have that information and cares to put down a Question, I will give him an answer.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production what steps he is taking to reduce the present long period of idle machines and idle workers in aircraft factories when there is a change-over to the construction of a new type of aeroplane?

In mass production some disturbance is, of course, bound to be caused by a change-over from one type of machine to another. It has long been the endeavour of my Department to reduce such disturbance to a, minimum, and I have given the matter my personal attention during the last few weeks. I hope to be able to make further improvements.

While welcoming the fact that my right hon. and gallant Friend is giving personal attention to this important matter, may I ask whether he has an estimate of the time that has been lost owing to change-overs in production, and what percentage of that time he hopes to save?

I hope to save some of that time, but an over-all percentage would give a rather inaccurate figure. In some cases a particular type has faded out and another has been brought in without much loss, and in other cases there has been a considerable loss of time. My ambition is to reduce the loss of time to our best figure, if not below that.

Would it not be possible for workers to take their annual holiday during these periods?

In some cases it might be possible. In cases, such as the one which was dealt with in the House last week, annual holidays are given.

Has my right hon. and gallant Friend been able to fill up the factories allocated to American machines before the United States came into the war?

That is a different Question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the great similarity in the circumstances attendant upon the naval losses in the past six months, he proposes to make any change in the direction of the Naval Staff at the Admiralty?

If changes in the Naval Staff were in prospect for the reason implied in the hon. Member's Question, or any analogous reason, it would not be in the public interest to reveal the fact. No such changes are contemplated.

Is the First Lord aware it is a matter of some astonishment and concern to the people of this country that, despite these frequent accidents, the control at the top has remained the same since the outbreak of war?

I am not aware of any such general feeling among the public. There have been many changes in the Naval Staff since the beginning of the war, and large numbers of them have seen very active service for their, country in the war.

Is not the First Sea Lord the same person as at the beginning of the war?

Yes, Sir, and the country owes an enormous debt to him.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now able to indicate his decision regarding the request by petition of the people of the Island of Bernera, for the exemption on exceptional compassionate grounds of Mr. Norman Macdonald?

This matter is being further considered. I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as a decision is reached.

Will the Minister bear in mind the very exceptional circumstances of this case?

Yes, Sir, that is one of the matters which are being considered.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many sea cadets are now enrolled; and whether any schools have separate units?

The number of sea cadets now enrolled is 13,500. One school has a separate unit.

Has the hon. Gentleman been able to overcome the shortage of officers?

We are doing our utmost to encourage enlistment into the Cadet Corps in every possible way. A further 6,000 boys are entered, but not actually enrolled.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether steps are being taken to invite agricultural workers in the West Indian Colonies to take up agricultural work in this country for the duration of the war; and what progress is being made?

The question of bringing unskilled labour from the West Indies to this country is under consideration, but it is not possible to make any statement at present. Owing to the wide divergences between conditions in the West Indies and in this country, it it doubtful whether the recruitment of West Indians for agricultural work in this country would be justified.

Have representations been made to the West Indian Colonies?

We are considering the recruitment of unskilled labour for general purposes. Inquiries that I have made so far show that they would not be suitable for agricultural work.

Is it not a fact that, owing to the construction of American bases, there is already becoming a shortage of agricultural labourers in many of the West Indian islands and in Trinidad in particular, and that this is even jeopardising the present harvesting of the crops?

It is, of course, true that the labour situation is much altered by the building of the bases.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now make a statement as to the present position of the proposed changes in the constitutional government of the Colonies of Barbados, British Guiana and Trinidad; and whether it is the intention of the Government to revise the Constitutions of all the West Indian Colonies on the lines recommended by the recent Royal Commission to the West Indies?

As regards the Constitutions of British Guiana and Trinidad, it has been agreed that the Legislative Councils should be reconstituted on the lines recommended by the West India Royal Commission, by the withdrawal of all official members, except the Colonial Secretary, Attorney-General and Treasurer. The unofficial members will form a majority on the Councils. The necessary Order-in-Council has been passed in the case of Trinidad, while as regards British Guiana, steps for the necessary amendment of the Instruments are now being taken. In both Colonies the question of the franchise has been referred to a local Franchise Commission neither of which has yet reported. In Barbados a Franchise Bill has recently been introduced by the Government containing a certain measure of reform. Details of the Bill are not yet available.

Is it intended to base the new proposals upon universal suffrage, as is the case in the new Constitution of Jamaica?

Until the Franchise Commission has reported I obviously cannot make any statement.

In view of the changes that are going on in the world and the increasing sense of urgency in regard to political and constitutional reform, cannot steps be taken at once to give increasing responsible government in most of the West Indian Colonies?

I think my noble Friend's position is this. These Colonies have had Constitutions and responsible Governments of their own for over 200 years. We do not wish to impose changes upon them if we can get them by agreement.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he has any statement to make as to the policy of the Government with regard to the post-war disposal of ships built for the Government during the war; and whether any negotiations have yet taken place with shipowning or other interests for this purpose?

Yes, Sir. In order to enable British shipowners to replace some part of their shipping requisitioned by the Government and lost during the war, the Government some months ago, authorised negotiations with the General Council of British Shipping with the object of making available to such owners tonnage built on Government account These negotiations which are on the point of completion, have resulted in a scheme under which the owner, to whom a new vessel is allocated in replacement of a loss will enter into an agreement to purchase the ship six months after the cessation of hostilities. The price will be the cost of construction less depreciation on the usual basis adopted by the Inland Revenue. Meanwhile the vessel will be operated on behalf of the Minister of War Transport, the owner being appointed Manager for that purpose. The details of the scheme are necessarily complicated and my Noble Friend proposes shortly to circulate a White Paper.

Is it not clear from the Minister's statement that the new world after the war is going to be the same old world?

To refuse shipowners any right of replacement for requisitioned ships which have been lost by enemy action would be to discriminate against them very unfairly as compared with other owners of property.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that rail transport from Scotland to England is insufficient to carry the seed potatoes ordered from Scotland by English farmers; that large quantities of seed potatoes which have already been dressed are now being held up on Scottish farms; and whether anything can be done to accelerate their delivery?

The tonnage of seed potatoes to be moved from Scotland to England is considerably larger than that of last season. I am, however, glad to be able to assure my hon. Friend that, thanks to the carefully planned allocation of this traffic to the available means of transport, only a very small proportion now remains to be conveyed. No difficulty is anticipated in completing the movement before the end of the season.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the situation has much improved?

I shall be very glad to give the hon. Member the exact figures of the present situation if he cares to see them.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the question of the frosted potatoes of last season's crop has not been cleared up?

That is another question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware of the inconvenience and hardship inflicted on non-smokers and invalids by men of the Forces smoking in railway carriages marked "Smoking prohibited"; and whether he will consult with the Service Ministers with a view to stopping this practice?

I have asked the railway companies to do all they can to see that the by-laws on this subject are observed. Non-smokers can assist by drawing the attention, of railway officials to persistent contraventions. I should be reluctant to accept my hon. and gallant Friend's assumption that Service men are the only offenders.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this considerable nuisance is largely due to the fact that a very decent lot of young men and women in the Services have not been accustomed to travelling much and that the answer they usually give when asked to desist is that they have a perfect right to smoke in time of war? That is a widespread impression.

Is my hon. Friend aware that men have to stand for the larger part of the journey when travelling from the North to London?

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that the Parliamentary News broadcast in the 6 p.m. and midnight broadcasts, of 13th April, appear to represent the views of the Prime Minister rather than the various views expressed in this House; and will he take steps to see that Parliament is reported in these broadcasts rather than the views of any particular Minister?

No, Sir. I cannot accept the hon. Member's interpretation of these two bulletins. I think that within the limits of short news bulletins the proceedings of the House on this day were fairly reported by the B.B.C.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the two broadcasts on that day represented the feeling of the House as being that it was not important to have an early Debate on the conditions antecedent to the fall of Singapore and Malaya whereas in point of fact everyone, except the Prime Minister, thought it was?

I have read the report, and I think it adequate. I am not going to put any political pressure on officials of the B.B.C.

That is just what you do do.

Is it not quite correct that our British Fuehrer should be heard at all times on the wireless?

asked the Minister of Information whether, as difficulty has been experienced in some cases in obtaining permits, he will give instructions that permits be granted in all cases for the forwarding of parcels of religious books and literature from Britain to Northern Ireland?

Permits are freely granted to publishers, booksellers and stationers, and there should thus be no difficulty in arranging for the despatch through them of religious books and literature to Northern Ireland. If, however, the hon. Member has any particular case in mind, I shall be happy to look into it.

Does that extend to private sales?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Information what further action has been taken with regard to issuing in a popular form the Molotov Memorandum on German atrocities in Russia?

The Molotov Notes on German Atrocities were published on 5th March, and since then sales have been very considerable and all the necessary reprints to keep pace with the demand have been made.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that there is now a large population resident at Elm Park; that the nearest full Post Office facilities are some miles distant at Romford and Hornchurch; and whether he will provide full services at a shop in Elm Park?

Elm Park already has a sub-post office, which transacts the main classes of Post Office business. I should be glad to consider the provision at this office of any additional facilities for which there is a substantial demand.

Does that apply to sending telegrams?

I understand that there is a telephone kiosk just outside at which telegrams can be dictated.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether any definite decision has been taken about withdrawing miners from the Forces to return to their own work; and, if so, what principle is to be adopted in the selection?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given yesterday to the hon. Member for Ince (Mr. G. Macdonald).

Does the Minister know the conditions under which some of these miners are returning, that they get only £2 for clothes, shoes, pit clothes and everything else, and that last Sunday I met two men who were in borrowed clothes because of the £2?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers and other ranks of the Home Guard are entitled to use the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes' establishments when on duty with Regular troops?

Members of the Home Guard when in uniform are entitled to make use of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes' canteens.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the comments passed by the chairman of the Middlesex Sessions on Lieut.-Colonel Sir Claude Holbrook; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with Lieut.-Colonel Sir Claude Holbrook and to remedy the state of affairs in his depot?

I have seen the comments on 16th April by the chairman of the Middlesex Quarter Sessions to which the hon. and gallant Member refers. With regard to the first part of the chairman's statement, the House will be aware that the occasion of these remarks was the conviction of six civilian employees and two soldiers on charges of stealing War Department property. The accused were arrested in December last. In the course of the investigations by the civil and military police certain allegations were made concerning the conduct of the Commandant, Sir Claude Holbrook and certain other officers at the depot at which the men were employed. These allegations were immediately reported to the military authorities and the General Officer Commanding London District accordingly decided to set up a court of inquiry with the following terms of reference:

With regard to comments made by the chairman of the Middlesex Quarter Sessions to the effect that the Commandant of the depot failed to give proper assistance to the police in their investigations, I understand that Sir Claude Holbrook was not present at the time and that application is being made to the chairman for a statement on his behalf to be made today.

As the chairman of the Middlesex Sessions takes a serious view of the conduct of Sir Claude Holbrook, is it not rather significant that the fact that the Colonel is the official typical old-fashioned party candidate for the Rugby by-election—

rose .

Following is the extract from the Report of a Court of Inquiry assembled at No . I M.T. Depot, Royal Army Service Corps, Feltham, by order of the General Officer Commanding, London District .

In recording their opinions and recommendations, the Court wishes first to deal with the question of irregularities alleged to have been committed in No. I Heavy Repair Shop, Royal Army Service Corps, by certain persons who were alleged to be either party to, or responsible for, such irregularities:

(1) The Court heard the evidence of — and questioned both Colonel Sir C. V. Holbrook, C.B.E. and — on the more serious of the detailed allegations contained in certain Police reports which had been submitted to them.

(2) As a result of the evidence produced to them, and elicited by them, the Court consider that the majority of the allegations, and certainly the serious ones, are the result of statements made by incriminated persons and of entirely uncorroborated gossip in the M.T. Depot itself.

(3) The Court consider that the Police reports might, in the first instance, have been forwarded to the Commandant for investigation and report before investigation by a Court of Inquiry, should such have then been deemed necessary.

(4) The Court are of the opinion that Colonel Sir C. V. Holbrook, C.B.E., took every reasonable precaution to ensure that no private work of any kind was carried out in the Heavy Repair Shop by military or civilian personnel,

(5) In view of the evidence produced by Colonel Sir C. V. Holbrook, C.B.E., and — in complete refutation of the allegations made against them, the Court have not pursued their enquiries as to — and — as they consider these should, if so required, be a matter for investigation by the Commandant.

(Here follow the Court's comments on certain detailed administrative changes which the Court recommend.)

(6) Finally, the Court wish to record that, in their view, no stores accounting procedure can be proof against wholesale conspiracy such as that which in this instance appears to have led to the malpractices culminating in the present Police Court proceedings.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that letters from Sulmona Camp, of 17th March, report that after an interval of three weeks, during which no parcels were received, a consignment arrived but there were hardly enough to go round; and whether representations can be made through the Protecting Power for more punctual delivery of the parcels sent forward by the International Red Cross?

The supply of parcels to this camp, in common with others, was reduced for a time through the diminution of the reserve at Geneva referred to in an answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend on 17th February. All possible steps are, however, being taken to restore the full deliveries of parcels as quickly as possible.

Is it not a fact that the situation got no better between 17th February and 17th March?

I said in my reply that we are doing all we can to restore full deliveries of parcels.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will introduce legislation so that people who adopted a child prior to the Adoption Act of 1926 shall, in the event of the death of such adopted child by enemy action, receive the same pension rights as they would have received if the child had been legally adopted under the terms of the 1926 Act?

For the purposes of the pensions instruments which my right hon. Friend administers a person who adopts a child under the Adoption of Children Act, 1926, is treated as the parent of the child since the effect of the adoption is to impose on him the obligations and liabilities of a parent. There are difficulties and objections to treating similarly a case of de facto adoption, whether occurring before or after the passing of the Act referred to. My right hon. Friend is, however, reviewing the whole position, which is a very complicated one, to see whether any change in the present provisions is called for.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make a statement of Government policy in regard to the export and domestic retail trades; and whether this involves restricting every kind of trading unconnected with the production of war material?

The policy of His Majesty's Government is to limit the production of goods for home consumption to the minimum required to maintain the health and efficiency of the people and, for export, to trade which assists the prosecution of the war. Much has already been done to these ends, and further restrictions on manufacturers and traders in both home and export trade will no doubt have to be imposed as they become necessary for the full mobilisation of our resources.

While admitting these necessities, is there no help that can be given to these unfortunate traders to enable them to keep alive for post-war trade?

My hon. and gallant Friend is aware that the Retail Trade Committee is considering these various problems, and we hope to have a report before long.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the total quantity of the goods supplied to hairdressers in Northern Ireland during any period before the war which is equal to that of the operation of the Limitation of Supplies Order (Toilet Preparations) up to date; and what is the percentage of such goods supplied during the latter period of the quantity supplied during the former period?

I regret that I have no information about the amounts of these goods supplied to particular areas of the United Kingdom.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare what progress has been made by the United Nations in arranging for a regular supply of wheat to feed the starving people of Greece?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave him yesterday.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many boys between 16 and 18 years of age registered; how many were invited to an interview; and what percentage attended?

The number of boys between 16 and 18 years of age registered in England and Wales was approximately 597,000. The returns from local education authorities are not yet complete. Those so far received cover some 414,000 registrations, from which it appears that about half the boys were found to be engaged in some suitable activity in their leisure time, or to be in full-time education. My right hon. Friend is unable to state the number of boys invited to interview, but nearly 90,000 boys have so far been interviewed and, generally speaking, the response of the boys has been satisfactory.

Is it desirable that figures of this description should be given, for may they not be of use to the enemy?

asked the Prime Minister the present position in regard to the formation of an Imperial War Cabinet in London; and what further representations have been received from, or made to, the Dominion Governments on this subject?

The position remains generally as set out in the reply which the Prime Minister gave to the hon. and gallant Member on 5th February last, to which there is nothing to add.

Does my right hon. Friend really think that a Minister of State sitting in Cairo constitutes an Imperial War Cabinet?

No, Sir, and I have never heard anyone suggest that that was so.

asked the Prime Minister how many duties and responsibilities have been put on rural and urban district authorities by various departments since the war began; and whether, as the majority of the staffs have been called up and it is difficult to obtain qualified persons to perform those functions, he will prevent further functions, such as fuel rationing, being put on these authorities, in view of the importance of preventing unavoidable errors being the cause of grave injustices to the ratepayers?

As my hon. Friend is aware, many duties and responsibilities connected with important services, such as Civil Defence and the collection of salvage, have been imposed on local authorities and their staffs. It would be misleading to attempt to assign any actual number, since the terms such as "duties and responsibilities" do not admit of any quantitative assessment. As regards the latter part of the Question, while I am fully conscious of the burden which the war has placed upon local authorities, I regret that I cannot take any such general action as is suggested by my hon. Friend.

May I say that this Question was put down before the statement in the House yesterday? At the same time, if there is any intention of putting further burdens on local authorities, the chances of any scheme being properly administered are very slight.

asked the Prime Minister, having regard to the abrogation of the Admiralty Patent by the Order in Council of 1904 and subsequent Orders, who is now responsible for the professional naval advice on which the War Cabinet acts?

The advice available to the War Cabinet when they are considering operational questions relating to any or all of the three Fighting Services is provided by the Chiefs of Staff Committee, who have the assistance of a number of Sub-Committees composed of staff officers of all three Services. This arrangement has developed from the institution in 1923 of the Chiefs of Staff Sub-Committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence, and not from the relation of the Admiralty Orders-in-Council to the Letters Patent constituting the Board of Admiralty, or from that of the analogous Instruments appertaining to the War Office.

Is it not a fact that the great development of the staff system as outlined in the White Paper issued yesterday has had the effect of depriving the Sea Lords, other than the First Sea Lord, of all say in matters for which apparently they still hold responsibility, through the First Sea Lord, to this House?

I do not think that my hon. and gallant Friend quite realises what the position is in regard to the Admiralty Orders-in-Council and the Letters Patent constituting the Board of Admiralty. Perhaps he will look into the matter, and he will see exactly what the position is.

Have the Sea Lords any responsibility?

Certainly, and I replied to that point the last time my hon. and gallant Friend put a Question, but the responsibility must remain with the First Lord of the Admiralty to this House.

Have the Sea Lords the same responsibility they had before 1904, and will my right hon. Friend consider the advisability of reverting to the situation that then existed?

That point was also raised in the previous Question. As I am advised, there has been no substantial difference in practice from 1869.

Does not my right hon. Friend think it would be a good thing to revive the Patent of Admiralty whereby Sea Lords were responsible to the King for the Defence of the Realm, and so cut out the amateur strategists at the top?

I do not think we should revert to a practice by which Ministers are responsible to anyone but to this House.

Had the admirals in charge of the Ark the same responsibility?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the persistent demand from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and those who speak for it in this country for a second front in Europe, steps will be taken in the near future to effect greater co-ordination between the war plans of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the other Allies?

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is not able to give information on such subjects.

Have all steps been taken to inform the representative of the U.S.S.R. about the possibility or otherwise of an offensive in Western Europe?

Has not the time arrived for the Prime Minister of this country to go to Russia to meet Stalin, or vice versa , and arrange for closer collaboration with this country?

rose —

On a point of Order. I put this Question to the Prime Minister six months ago, and he said it was worth considering, so the time has now arrived to consider it further.

It is still worth considering.

asked the Minister of Production whether he can now make a statement on the reorganisation of the regional boards?

No, Sir. I expect very shortly to have the report of the Citrine Committee. Until I have received and studied that, I cannot make a further statement.

asked the Minister of Production whether he will consider the appointment of a deputation of accredited representatives of British industry to visit the United States of America for exchange of information and experience in war production; and whether he will invite a corresponding visit from leading industrialists in the United States of America to this country, so that full advantage may be taken of plans and processes for increased output in the United States of America and Great Britain?

I think that the purpose which my hon. Friend has in mind will best be served, not by the appointment of a single deputation, but by arranging from time to time for representatives of particular branches of production to visit the United States of America. I propose to develop this practice as far as possible and shall encourage visits from similar delegations from the United States.

Have any consultations taken place with representatives of American productive industry who were recently in this country about an appropriate interchange of views and experience on this question?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the serious position arising out of the rationing of soap for spinners whose clothes become saturated and soiled with black oil, taking the whole of the weekly soap ration of one person for effective washing of one person's working attire, he will reconsider granting a supplementary soap ration?

All industries which, previous to rationing, supplied soap for use in the wash-places provided for their workers are still able to obtain soap for this purpose. The needs of classes of workers not covered by these arrangements are still under discussion.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food when it is proposed to make an order further limiting the food to be supplied at meals in restaurants and similar establishments; whether price-control is to be imposed; and from what dates these restrictions will be effective?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what is to be the maximum price of a meal at a hotel or restaurant?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the discussions regardings meals in hotels and restaurants have yet been concluded; and with what result?

The Order to give effect to the Government's decision on the further regulation of meals in hotels and restaurants is in course of preparation, and an announcement will be made as soon as the Order is made.

Is it expected that the Order will be issued before next Wednesday?

I could not give the exact date, but it will be as soon as possible.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that no fixture of maximum prices will relieve the evil that persons can get much bigger meals in hotels than they can possibly get at home?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what is the maximum value or weight of rationed meat allowed to each customer who partakes of a meal in a hotel, restaurant or café; and if, and where, a generous or excessive portion of rationed meat is supplied at any single meal, he will impose a penalty both on the caterer and the consumer?

There is no restriction on the quantity of meat which may be supplied at a meal in a hotel, restaurant or café nor is it considered practicable to impose such a restriction. The total weekly allowance of meat which these establishments can obtain is, however, limited to Id. worth in respect of each main meal served. Each establishment is left free to make the best use of supplies allocated to it.

While I thank my right hon. and gallant Friend for his explanation, as the rest of the community have to manage on either is. worth of meat or 4 oz. of bacon, does he not think it wholly inequitable that a caterer may' supply 9d. or IS. worth of chop or steak or 2 oz. of bacon?

I assume that the man who runs the establishment is a business man, and I do not know how long his establishment could keep open if he were to give his customers 9d. worth of meat each.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will expedite the purchase of the potato crop now held on farms in clamps, in view of the pressure of work which is shortly coming for the planting of the new spring crops and the loss of weight involved in long storage?

The purchase of potatoes offered to my Department for early disposal and of longer keeping varieties required for later use is proceeding rapidly. Regard is paid to labour requirements for other crops when purchases are made from growers and loss of weight in storage is compensated by the seasonal increase in growers' prices.

Is my right and gallant Friend aware that producers in some districts have experienced very considerable delay in getting their potatoes removed from the clamps?

I have looked into the position in the district which my hon. Friend represents, and I find that between the middle of February and the middle of March clearances were over 36 per cent., and they have been very much accelerated this month.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what steps have been taken to improve the supplies and distribution of fish?

Landings of fish by British vessels are limited by the number of vessels now available. The home supplies have been considerably augmented by supplies brought from Iceland under the Agreement negotiated by my Department last year. Steps have already been taken to improve the distribution of fish throughout the country by the equalisation of transport charges. A scheme to improve distribution still further and to economise in its transport is at present under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that some members of the public are not familiar with the nature of the element calcium, which it is proposed to add to the standard loaf; and whether he can give some further information with regard to this substance as applied to bread?

I would draw my hon. Friend's attention to the authoritative statement on the subject of calcium in bread which was published in "The Times" on I8th April by Sir Edward Mellanby, Secretary of the Medical Research Council, the body responsible for advising my Department to add calcium to flour.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can make any statement on the decay and serious loss by wholesalers of large valuable supplies of vegetables at London wholesale fruit and vegetable markets?

During the week ended 18th April approximately 7,000 tons of greenstuffs arrived in Covent Garden market. Of this quantity 152 tons of broccoli were sold to pickle manufacturers, 492 tons were disposed of for stock-feed and 40 tons were destroyed. Most of the greenstuff that was sold otherwise than to retailers of fresh fruit and vegetables consisted of very inferior late winter produce which arrived in an unsaleable condition for human consumption.

While I thank my right hon. and gallant Friend for his information acknowledging that 40 tons of green vegetables were wasted, has he no evidence that at another market hundreds of sacks of vegetables were offered to retailers or wholesalers to be carted away free of charge so long as they did not disclose the arrangement?

I have not any of that information, but if my hon. Friend will let me have it, I will look into it. All the investigations that I have been able to make show that the loss in a very exceptional period of warm weather was about 1 per cent.

Has the Minister investigated the whole of the London markets?

I could not say without notice, but I will look into that point. The figures which I have given in reply to his Question show that out of 7,000 tons the loss was only about 1.per cent.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what increase in milk prices has been made in order to cover the recent rise in agricultural wages?

As announced on 1st April, His Majesty's Government have decided that the increase in producers' guaranteed prices for milk, taking the year 1st April, 1942–31st March, 1943, as a whole, shall be at the rate of 2d. per gallon over the prices originally announced in February, 1941. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend copies of the full announcements on this subject.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the announcement also includes the ½d. which was supposed to cover the extra cost of production last summer?

Yes, I am aware that the 2d. is supposed to meet those extra charges and that the ½d. is for the same purpose; one goes into the other.

Was not the increase for agricultural wages 1½d.?

The 2d. was decided upon after very careful investigation and consultation, and the Government are satisfied that the 2d. per gallon met all the increased costs incurred since February, 1941, but the hon. and gallant Member will see that there is a proviso in the announcement that if evidence can be produced in the forthcoming year that other considerations have arisen, the position will be further considered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is the policy of his Department to take over any of the powers and duties of the Milk Marketing Board?

An Order was made on 25th September, 1940, entitled "The Milk Marketing Board (Modification of Functions) Order, 1940," under which my Noble Friend is empowered to give directions to the Milk Marketing Board. My Department have already taken over certain of the powers and functions of the Milk Marketing Board; for instance, the direction of milk to markets. As regards any alteration in the Board's functions in the future, I am not in a position to make a statement at present, but my Noble Friend hopes to make a statement on the subject of milk policy generally at an early date.

If powers are to be taken from the Milk Marketing Board, will the Minister arrange that this House should be given an opportunity to express an opinion on the matter?

That is a question for my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House, but if my hon. Friend will look at the Order I have mentioned, he will find that it has already been sanctioned by the House.

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of the advantages that would obtain not only in the securing of rubber at five tyres a car but also in the immobilising of cars in the event of invasion, he will consider the requisitioning of tyres from all cars laid up for the duration of the war?

Yes, Sir. This matter is receiving careful consideration.

In the event of invasion is it not a fact that private cars might be of the greatest use to the Government, and is it wise that they should be entirely deprived of their tyres and not be available if required?

These are all matters which have to be taken into account in reaching a decision.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that the Romford Council have organised an efficient collection of salvage, calling fortnightly at every household; that recently a firm called R. and S. Trading Company have started to collect rags, calling immediately before the council's collection; and whether he will take steps to prevent this duplication of labour?

I am aware that the Romford Borough Council provide an efficient fortnightly salvage collection. With regard to the second part of the Question, I am making inquiries and will communicate with the hon. Member.

Does not the Minister think it undesirable that some firm should come along and take advantage of the council's arrangements and duplicate the work of collection?

With regard to the second part of the Question, further investigation is necessary.

Is the Minister aware that the Borough of West Ham have improved upon the arrangement, because they collect once a week?