asked the Minister of labour whether he is now in a position to revoke the Order which extended the hours of child labour in the cotton industry to 52 hours a week?

My right hon. Friend will continue to watch the position in this industry, but he cannot undertake to revoke the. Order at present.

I thought last week the right hon. Gentleman said it was a matter of time. May I put a Question down next week?

The Minister is not prepared to revoke the Order until methods of supplying essential output have been so adjusted as to render it no longer necessary.

Am I right in supposing that the examination of the matter from the medical point of view is proceeding all the time?

That is borne in mind all the time.

Is that the result of the concentration of industry?

asked the Minister of Labour how many workers from the West Indian Colonies are now employed in this country on work of national importance in connection with the war; how many of such workers have completed their period of training; how many are now being trained; and whether the experiment has proved satisfactory?

A number of workers from the West Indian Colonies are giving valuable service in work of national importance, and a number will enter training before long. I am not in a position to give the numbers for which my hon. Friend asks.

What is the number who have been brought to this country for training, and are now training, and has the scheme been expanded?

Yes, Sir. If the hon. Member will read my answer, he will see that there is a number still in training, and there will be others before long.

asked the Minister of Labour why Messrs. Laurie and Company have not been approved as an employment agency under the Statutory Rules and Orders, 1942, No. 100, Employment of Women (Control of Engagement) Order, 1942?

This decision was given in accordance with the principles stated in the Replies of 29th January and 10th March to the hon. Member for Stourbridge (Mr. R. Morgan) and the hon. and gallant Member for Kings Norton (Major Peto) respectively.

As this firm is known to be much more competent than any department of the Ministry, will my hon. Friend consider reviewing the decision?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any direct fee-charging agency has been approved under the Statutory Rules and Orders, No. 100, Employment of Women (Control of Engagement) Order, 1942; and whether he proposes to eliminate all fee-charging and employment agencies?

A list of the agencies so far approved was given by my right hon. Friend in reply to the hon. Member for Bournemouth (Sir L. Lyle) on 19th March. I cannot say without direct in- quiry whether any of these agencies are fee-charging. This is not, however, a relevant consideration, and the second part of the Question does not therefore arise.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that there is no appeal to an impartial tribunal against the decisions of the Ministry, he will arrange a conference with representatives of the London Employment Agents Federation in order to meet their complaints?

I assume my hon. Friend is referring to decisions on applications from employment agencies to be approved under the Employment of Women (Control of Engagement) Order, 1942. If the London Employment Agents Federation desire to make representations on this matter in addition to those that they have already made, I will see that they receive full consideration, and, if necessary, that a conference is arranged with the appropriate officer of the Department.

In view of the grave dissatisfaction in industry, will my hon. Friend ask the Minister to arrange a conference as soon as possible and treat the question with an open mind?

I have said that, if necessary, a conference will be arranged.

Can my hon. Friend assure me that these principles will not be applied to party headquarters and so stop the supply of party candidates for the by-elections which are now being arranged?

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent production is being held up through the unwillingness of employers to accord trade union recognition; and how many are still refusing to recognise collective bargaining?

I have no data on which to estimate the possible extent to which production might be improved by greater willingness on the part of some employers to discuss questions affecting wages and working conditions with trade unions. It is exceptional for employers to refuse to accept the principles of collective bargaining.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think it time that all employers gave up this antediluvian attitude?

asked the Minister of Labour what steps the Government are taking to make available for war production the labour, both male and female, now resident in the Isle of Man?

Consultations are in progress with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Home Affairs on this matter.

Is there not a considerable pool of labour in the island which might be made available?

I cannot say without notice.

asked the Minister of Labour the approximate number of women in Edinburgh who have to date been classified as mobile; and the number who, under the National Service Acts, have been directed to war industries in other parts of the country, respectively?

I am taking steps to see what figures are available and could be properly disclosed.

In the event of fresh industries being established in the Edinburgh area, will my hon. Friend arrange for the transfer back to Edinburgh of women who have been sent to other parts of the country?

The moving of mobile women to places where they are most needed is one of the most essential features of the scheme.

Will the Department ascertain the number of available women in each area with a view to their employment in that area instead of crossing them over to various parts of the country?

All that has been taken into account.

asked the Minister of Labour what arrangements have been made for recruiting part-time women workers; and the wage conditions governing their employment?

Local offices of the Ministry of Labour are undertaking the recruitment of part-time workers. They institute local recruiting campaigns where this is necessary and have the assistance of specially appointed sub-committees of the local employment committee. In addition employers are free to recruit direct women who are outside the scope of the Employment of Women (Control of Engagement) Order and the Restriction on Engagement Order. No special conditions of employment for part-time workers have been prescribed.

Do I understand from the answer that the ordinary conditions applying in the industry into which these people are going are not to apply to them?

The ordinary conditions should be applied.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the Ministry of Labour are setting an example in the use of part-time labour?

Yes, Sir; we are making considerable use of it.

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the 773 workpeople prosecuted by his Department and of the 91 who were imprisoned for offences against the several Orders of his Ministry were colliery workers; and whether he can give an estimate of the loss of production caused by the attendance of these workpeople in courts of law on clays when they would otherwise be employed and for the period of their imprisonment?

I am having inquiries made into the first part of the Question. As regards the later part, it would involve a disproportionate amount of labour to attempt to make any such estimate. I would point out that any such estimate, to be of practical value, would also have to take into account the loss of production likely to be caused by a failure to enforce the law.

Will the hon. Gentleman and his chief make inquiries to find out, in view of the shortage of coal and fuel, whether it would not be better for these people to be hewing coal than being in prison, where they cannot produce anything?

Will the hon. Gentleman give the number of employers who have been in prison for impeding production?

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the fact that 220 building trade operatives have been conveyed to Portsmouth by motor coach daily for a distance of 100 miles for many months; and, in view of the need for economising petrol and that accommodation is available for them, he will take steps to remedy the situation?

Inquiries are already being made into this case, and I will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what firm was concerned in this matter?

No, Sir.

Will my hon. Friend give an assurance that this is an isolated case and is not going on all over the country?

asked the Minister of Labour on what date and in what term's managers of Employment Exchanges-were instructed to refuse to supply Members of Parliament with statistics as to the number of people on the live register in the districts respectively represented by Members of Parliament?

The instruction, which did not relate specifically to Members of Parliament, was issued in October, 1940. It was to the effect that these figures should not be issued to the Press, to public or private bodies, or to other members of the public.

Is it not perfectly reasonable that Members should be informed of the unemployment position, if any, in their own constituencies? Do we understand that the embargo does not apply to hon. Members?

If the hon. Gentleman reads my reply, he will see that the instruction did not relate specifically to, but of course includes, Members of Parliament.

Having had that specific reply, can we have an assurance that the embargo will now be removed as far as it affects Members?

No, Sir.

Are we to understand that that is now a definite decision, that Members are not to be furnished with this information, and will the hon. Gentleman supply some cogent reason?

In view of what the hon. Gentleman says, I will discuss the hatter with my right hon. Friend.

It is not a fact that, if a refusal is made locally, a Member of Parliament can get the same information by Question in the House of Commons? What sense is there in that?

If a Question is put down next week, will there be a reply?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has yet considered the Reports of the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee on the financial condition of the Unemployment Fund for the past year; what recommendations the committee have made; and what action he proposes to take in regard to any such recommendations?

My right hon. Friend has received the reports in question. The only substantial recommendation relates to the rate of contributions in respect of workers insured under the Agricultural Scheme. In 1939 this rate was reduced by ½d. a week for a period which, in accordance with the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1940, would end in July, 1942. It was then thought that this reduction would, during the period, absorb a considerable part of the surplus then standing to the credit of the Fund. This has not happened, and the Statutory Committee therefore recommend that the increase of ½d. a week, which was to take effect from 6th July, 1942, shall not operate. Copies of the report and of a draft Order which Parliament will shortly be asked to approve will be available in the Vote Office to-day.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of injured miners whose compensation claims have been redeemed by lump sum settlements under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1925, Section 13, who have been granted release from the mining industry on application being made by the employer to the National Service officers, under the provisions of the Essential Work (Coal Mining Industry) Order?

I regret that these figures are not available.

Will the hon. Gentleman try to get them and have them in the statistics issued every 12 months?

I will inquire into it again, but I do not think it is possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of injured miners whose compensation claims have been redeemed by lump sum settlements under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1925, Section 13, for the years 1940 and 1941?

I regret that the information is not available.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the advisability of records being kept so that this information can be available to the House in future?

This information was not kept separately before the war, and I gather that to get it now would involve a great deal of clerical labour in inquiring of the courts concerned. I am afraid that I cannot give such an undertaking as things are, with all the pressure on the administrative staff of the Department.

Are not records kept in the county courts and made readily available?

If hon. Members got them previously from county courts, there is no objection to that continuing. It is only a question of our making a special research involving a large amount of labour. Most of these cases are settled by agreement, and the total figure of lump sum settlements of all kinds in disablement cases in 1938 was 7,561.

Do not all these cases have to be recorded in county courts, and are not the figures, therefore, easily available?

I am advised that they are not easily available. To get them would mean circularisation of county courts and a good deal of analysis of the cases settled in the courts. It would involve an amount of labour out of proportion to the value of the results in present circumstances. I know that I shall have the sympathy of the House in seeking all the administrative economy I can at the moment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in an area, the name of which has been given to him, considerable numbers of men in the Home Guard have received notices calling upon them to enrol in the Home Guard; and whether, in future, he will instruct the officers in his Department to consult the nominal rolls of Home Guard battalions before issuing notices?

It is not the case, so far as I am aware, that men already in the Home Guard have been called up for that Force. A number of them have received an inquiry form which is sent to persons liable to enrolment. Steps have now been taken to consult the local nominal rolls before this form is issued, but it is not possible to guarantee that the form will in no case be sent to a man already enrolled; if this happens, all he has to do is to return this form, saying so.

My hon. Friend's investigation has not been very complete. Persons of my own acquaintance in some cases have been called up twice. Would he look into the matter further?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will let me have full details.

I have supplied them already.

asked the Home Secretary the total cost to date of certain deep shelters; when they were pronounced as temporarily out of repair; and when is it contemplated they will be fit for use?

I understand that my hon. Friend refers to three groups of trench shelters in South-East London which were originally constructed in September, 1938. They became wet and unfit for dormitory occupation, and although substantially used in the early autumn of 1940, were temporarily closed for reconditioning in October and December of that year. Two of the groups have been drained, waterproofed and strengthened and fitted with bunks, lighting, heating, sanitation and canteen points. They are now dry and fit for immediate use as dormitory shelters should the necessity arise. It is not proposed to reopen them unless raiding recommences. The cost to date in these two cases has been £12,969 and £14,932 respectively. It has been found impossible satisfactorily to waterproof the third group, but automatic pumps have been installed which will enable them to be used for non-dormitory purposes in an emergency. The cost in this instance has been approximately £3,500.

Would it not have been much better to abandon these shelters, because there is something wrong with them, and the engineers have shown that there are under-earth rivers and that the shelters cannot be pumped out effectively?

I understand that the first two to which I referred are all right and will be satisfactory. My hon. Friend may be referring to the third one, and if he will let me have particulars, I will be happy to look into them.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, in spite of recent pronouncements by Ministers in both Houses of Parliament, some confusion and ignorance still prevail concerning the duties of civilians and civilian services in the event of invasion of these islands; and whether it is proposed to issue a further pamphlet making clear what are the new instructions, if any?

Such further guidance as may be desirable will be given from time to time, though not necessarily through the medium of a leaflet at the present stage.

Have the instructions on the duties of civilians been changed, because there are few civilians who know whether they have been or not?

Appropriate steps have been taken through the Regional organisation and the invasion committees. The question of the issue of a revised edition of the leaflet was considered, but it was not considered expedient at the present moment. We have that point in mind for the right time.

Will it be the duty of the invasion committees to instruct the population in their areas as to their conduct in the event of enemy occupation of those areas?

Yes, Sir.

Would not one of the best ways to achieve this end be to regard the whole country as vulnerable and to accept the principle of the setting-up of invasion committees throughout the country?

We are quite willing to set them up wherever they may be required, but it is thought on the whole that the best course is that they should be set up with the military authorities, whose guidance should be taken fully into account. The areas already covered by invasion committees are very extensive.

What would happen in the event of invasion while the House is in Session?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that during recent months large numbers of aged civilians have been allowed to enter coastal areas where fighting is expected to take place, thus creating the impression that the Government are no longer in earnest about this matter?

It will be remembered that when the ban was lifted temporarily, warnings were given on that point, and steps are now being taken by the police to remove from those areas people who entered them despite the regulations.

Do the Government propose to organise women to be of maximum use in the event of an invasion?

Yes, Sir, certainly.

Who issues the instructions to invasion committees? Are they left to the Regional Commissioners or dealt with by headquarters?

It is a matter between the Regional Commissioners and headquarters in co-operation. The channel of communication is quite good. Policy is settled in the Ministry, and the administrative arrangements are made between the Regional Commissioners and headquarters.

Can we have copies of the instructions?

I will consider that.

asked the Home Secretary whether it was with his authority that local defence committees are instructing all householders in the terms of the order sent to him to dig slit trenches in their gardens to a depth of 3½ feet and 3 feet in length for each person sheltered as a safeguard against invasion; and whether he is aware that householders are refusing to regard the order seriously or obey it?

No, Sir. It is only contemplated that shelters of an improvised character should normally be provided when invasion appears to be imminent. The Regional Commissioner is communicating with the defence committee responsible for the document which I received from my hon. Friend.

May I ask whether it was the Civil Defence authorities who authorised this order, or was it done from headquarters?

I am not sure. It may have been done on their own initiative by the local people, but we are taking steps to put matters right.

Is the instruction being withdrawn?

Further instructions are being given to the authority, and I should think that it will follow that it will be withdrawn and cancelled.

asked the Home Secretary whether steps have been taken to prevent an exodus from London and other large towns in the event of invasion, so as to avoid the congestion of the roads, which would hamper the military authorities, relieve the pressure on the police, who would have other important duties to perform and prevent local authorities from being overwhelmed by refugees, who would overstrain the means for protecting the local population?

Yes, Sir. All necessary steps will be taken to implement the "stand firm" policy.

Will my right hon. Friend ask his Department to get into touch with local authorities, particularly in the Home Counties, who are seriously perturbed at the possibility of such a situation arising?

We are in touch with all the authorities concerned with this matter.

asked the Home Secretary why the distribution of uniforms to the Women's Voluntary Services was taken out of the hands of over 200 retail firms and concentrated under his direction at Hinckley in Leicestershire; what was the cost to the public funds of the transfer; and, in view of the fact that Income Tax was payable on such profits as were made by the private firms in connection with the sale of this uniform, what loss to the revenue has resulted by reason of the change?

Direct sale of W.V.S. uniforms to member's has been undertaken by my Department with the concurrence of the trade associations most concerned, because it became clear that production could not be maintained unless planned and ordered by the Government. Since the selling prices include an appropriate sum for Departmental expenses, no cost to public funds will be involved. With regard to the last part of the Question, I understand that no figure can be given.

What justification was there for the Government entering into competition with private traders in the supply of an article which is not the subject of free issue and as regards the sale of which there has never been any question of irregularity?

I have already said that the step was taken in consultation with the trade associations most concerned, and we came to the conclusion that the public interest would best be served by the Government planning and organising the production of these articles. I hope that my hon. and gallant Friend will not apprehend that anything in the nature of a violent or irremediable revolution has taken place.

Is it proposed to extend this system to the sale of uniforms which are now available from private traders?

That would be a matter for the Departments concerned, and I hope that they would determine it on the ground of public interest as I have done in this case.

Does any profit arise to the State on the sale of these articles?

Not so far as I know, but a profit would always be welcome. We do this on the basis of meeting expenses.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that heather burning is causing large fires to burn day and night at the present time and, in some cases, illuminating a wide area of the country, including towns and villages during the black-out hours, though the inhabitants of these places are still required strictly to maintain black-out conditions; that this anomaly is causing uneasiness in country districts; and whether he will alter the present regulations?

Heather burning is permitted by night as well as day in Scotland, as this has been found essential if hill farms are to be maintained in productive condition. It is not allowed at night in the vicinity of towns and villages, and I am not aware that the practice has caused any uneasiness.

If I supply cases showing that heather burning is taking place on a considerable scale near towns, will my right hon. Friend consider them?

We will certainly consider them.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the estimated deficiency of places in approved schools and in remand homes, respectively, to the latest convenient date; and whether, in view of the urgency of the need, he will use his powers of requisition to enable local authorities to acquire, by rent or purchase, suitable accommodation for these institutions and, in particular for additional remand homes?

At the end of March about 1,100 boys and girls were awaiting vacancies in approved schools; but I hope that before long this waiting list will be reduced to more normal proportions, when the 16 new schools now in progress are completed. Requisitioning powers would be used if found necessary. It is difficult to estimate precisely the deficiency in remand home accommodation, but new accommodation is to be provided at 20 places, and this, with the improvement in approved school accommodation, will bring about a more satisfactory position.

Will my right hon. Friend notify the authorities that where there is need for additional accommodation he is prepared to help them with powers of requisitioning?

They are aware of that, and this answer will, of course, make them further aware of it, but requisitioning does not always help. As my hon. Friend appreciates, there is a good deal of competition—not unpleasant competition, but nevertheless competition—between the various State Departments for buildings of all sorts.

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember that the greatest need is to bring about a reduction in crime?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the large number of boys waiting in prison until they can be sent to the Borstal institutions for the training to which they have been sentenced by the courts; and as such detention in mixed prisons is an additional sentence and at variance with the aim of Borstal training, what steps are being taken to remedy the position?

Yes, Sir. Although the Borstal accommodation has been increased, the increase in the numbers has been such that difficulty is still being experienced in transferring youths to Borstal institutions at an early date after they have been sentenced. I fully share my hon. Friend's anxiety that everything possible shall be done to remedy the position, and measures for still further extensions of Borstal accommodation are being pushed on.

In the meantime, will my right hon. Friend see that boys waiting to go to Borstal are not confined in general prisons along with adults and men convicted of serious crimes?

I will certainly do all I can in that direction.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in his new powers in relation to the continuity of the employment of chief constables, he will take into consultation the representatives of the local watch committee when any change is contemplated?

If, as I assume, the hon. Member is referring to the amendment of Defence Regulation 39 made by the Order in Council of 22nd January last, I am certainly prepared to consult the police authority concerned before exercising the powers conferred upon me by the amending Regulation.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the desirability of bringing a no-treating order into force as was done in the last war; and with what result?

The matter has been carefully considered, but, as pointed out in replies to previous Questions on this subject, conditions to-day are very different from those obtaining in the last war, and I know of no present circumstances calling for such a measure as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests.

While I appreciate what my right hon. Friend has said, is he aware that there is a large body of evidence and of opinion that the imposition of such an order would be helpful to the war effort, particularly having regard to the large number of women now in the Forces; and will he further consider the matter and ask for evidence?

I shall be pleased to consider any evidence which is available, but I think the House will agree that it is undesirable to interfere with the liberty of persons merely for the sake of doing so.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the issue of a ration of free beer as an alternative?

Is the Minister aware that "no-treating" is practised considerably in England at the present time?

And to a greater extent in Scotland.

asked the President of the Board of Education, what is the total sum paid in direct grants to public boarding schools; whether amounts paid to individual schools are ear-marked for specific purposes; and whether the State, either directly or indirectly, through local authorities, in any cases contributes to the boarding expenses of English or Welsh children?

The allowance paid by the Board in 1940–41 in direct grants to secondary schools with a substantial proportion of boarders was £65,352. Generally speaking, the grants so paid are not earmarked for specific purposes, but are in aid of the cost of tuition. The Board pay no direct grant on boarding expenses, but, in cases where a local education authority makes a boarding allowance to a pupil living outside the reach of a secondary school, the usual grant of 50 per cent. is paid on the authority's expenditure.

Would it be true to say that the State does not recognise boarding as an essential element in education although it does so in the case of the 31 new camp schools?

I think the State is very much interested in boarding as a possible form of education, and, it does recognise this in the case of camp schools to the extent of paying the billeting allowances.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the disparity in the financial position of teachers in the employment of local education authorities who are now serving in the Armed Forces in consequence of the varying ways in which different authorities have made use of their optional powers to supplement military pay, and whether he has been able to give any guidance in the matter to the authorities concerned?

Yes, Sir. The position of teachers in this matter is governed by the Local Government Staffs (War Service) Act, 1939, which empowers local education authorities to make up the civil remuneration of their employees who are engaged in war service. The exercise of this power is a matter for the discretion of the local authorities concerned; they are well aware that expenditure so incurred will rank for grant from my Department.

Have the Board made it clear that they would welcome a full use of these powers?

As I have said, I must leave it to the local authorities, but I think it is obviously a good thing to do.

Is the Minister aware that it is possible to have two adjoining education authorities, one of which makes up the pay of a soldier to the full amount while the other is paying nothing, and in view of the fact that there is a State subsidy in this connection will he remedy that position?

Is it not a fact that employees of all industrial concerns are in exactly the same position?

But those concerned are not State subsidised.

I cannot alter the terms of my original answer, but I am watching the situation, which I realise is important.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that some approved societies have no surplus funds available to provide additional benefits such as ophthalmic or dental treatment, he will issue instructions that prospective members shall be informed of the extent of the benefits which the society is in a position to provide?

I have no power to require an approved society to inform a prospective member of the additional benefits, if any, which it is for the time being able to provide. I would point out that a person cannot become entitled to such benefits until he has been a member of his society for the minimum periods laid down in the Regulations and that in the meantime a quinquennial valuation of the society's funds may have led to a material enlargement or contraction of the additional benefit rights conferred on its members. Information as to a society's current scheme of additional benefits or as to its present inability to provide such benefits may, therefore, prove misleading as a guide to probable future rights.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that prospective members generally assume that additional benefits will be available, and that therefore societies which are not in a position to pay such additional benefits are in effect, if not in intention, accepting members under false pretences? Cannot he do anything to make the position clear to prospective members?

In view of the fact that there must be 2½ years' membership to qualify for additional benefit and 4½ years for additional cash benefits, there must be plenty of time for members to get to know the position.

But then it is too late.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that this means that boys between 14 and 18 cannot get any dental benefit to supplement the regular attention which has been paid to their teeth in school for the previous three or four years?

This is a matter of the Act and the Regulations under the Act.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Assistance Board is taking into account for the purpose of assessing the needs of old age pensioners amounts which, by Statute, should be ignored and, in particular, voluntary allotments made by sons who are in the Armed Forces; and if he will take steps to put an end to this practice?

I am informed by the Assistance Board that no part of a resource required by Statute to be disregarded is ever taken into account so as to reduce the normal rate of supplementary pension. Though allotments by serving sons are not protected by Statute, the first 7s. 6d. a week of the allotment is normally treated in the same way.

Is not the Minister aware that voluntary allotments by sons in the Army are taken into account for the purpose of depriving the old age pensioner of winter allowances and the advantage of the high rent provision, and that this has been the practice of the Board for some time?

That is another issue. My hon. Friend has now passed from the Statute into the realm of discretionary action. Perhaps he will let me have particular cases, and I will ask the Board about the position.

Is the Minister not aware that the same contention applies to winter allowances and the benefit of the high rent rules?

As I have said, the moment my hon. Friend talks about winter allowances he knows that he is in the realm of discretion.

In view of the fact that there have been many meetings of old age pensioners at which evidence has been submitted that deductions have been made in respect of these allotments, will the Minister meet representatives of old age pensioners' associations?

I shall be glad to see them at any time.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply to the original Question, I give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Health the number of person who are at present receiving old age pensions; the number of applications which have been received for supplementary pensions; how many of these applications have been granted or refused; whether he can indicate the approximate number of the administrative staff engaged on investigating these applications for supplementary pensions; and the annual cost to his Department?

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

Following is the reply:

The numbers of persons in Great Britain who are receiving old age pensions are approximately as set out below:

Information as to supplementary pensions is not available in the form asked for and could not be obtained without the expenditure of considerable amount of staff time. The latest available information shows that during February, 1942, applications for supplementary pensions were received at the rate of about 5,500 cases a week on which on the average about 4,700 supplementary pensions were granted, the remainder being rejected or withdrawn.

With regard to the fourth and fifth parts of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the information I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker) on 16th December, 1941.

asked the Minister of Health the total number of persons in receipt of old age pensions on the nearest available date?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply to a similar Question which I have given to my hon. Friend the Member for the Exchange Division of Manchester (Mr. Hewlett) to-day.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take account of the effect of the Budget and the increased costs of tobacco, beer and cinema seats, and the limited means of old age pensioners to pay these higher prices; and whether he will recommend to the Assistance Board an increase in the supplementary pensions allowance that will give to old age pensioners a beneficial adjustment?

I regret that I do not feel justified in making a recommendation to the Board as suggested by my hon. Friend.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the genuine disappointment that will be felt by the mass of old age pensioners throughout the land at the reply which he has just given?

No, Sir. I have nothing to add to the statement which was made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on that subject.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is the intention of the Government to encourage an increase in the birth-rate at the present time?

My hon. Friend will be aware that his Question raises issues of profound significance, spiritual and social as well as economic, and it would be impossible within the limits of a Parliamentary Question and answer to deal with all the aspects of this matter. It has been the policy of successive Governments, however, in fields much wider than that of my Department, to influence the national life and economy in favour of families with children. The Income Tax allowances for children, the arrangements for the care of mothers and young children, the provision of free education and of school meals and school medical services, and the preference given to large families in the selection of tenants of municipal houses afford familiar examples. This policy has been extended by many war measures such as increased allowances for children under the Unemployment Insurance and assistance schemes and for children of members of the Forces, Exchequer subventions towards the cost of bread and other staple foods, the extension of the school meals service and the provision on an increasing scale of cheap or free milk and other protective foods for expectant mothers and young children. Moreover, children's clothing has been excluded from the scope of the Purchase Tax. These measures carry with them a very substantial relief from the financial burden of parentage.

As this is a question which affects many Government Departments, is there any machinery for interdepartmental consultation on the question?

If the hon. Member desires to raise this very important national issue, he should do so with those responsible for the Government as a whole.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the burden of local rates is being borne by shopkeepers and householders, many of whose incomes have fallen since the war, while prosperous industrial concerns pay no rates at all; and will he take steps to see that the burden of local taxation is more equitably shared?

Occupiers of industrial hereditaments are not exempt from the payment of rates. The Act which provided for the partial de-rating of such premises and the accompanying Exchequer grants was a measure of permanent reform in the system of local taxation, and the Government do not contemplate the introduction of legislation to repeal it.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the position was entirely different when the legislation was passed? In view of the changed circumstances, cannot the matter be reconsidered?

I think not. The information which comes to my hand shows that in many rating areas the rate for 1942–43 is lower than it was in 1941–42.

asked the Minister of Health how many war-time nursery centres there are in Chester; and whether any further accommodation is to be provided in the near future?

A nursery school is already in operation in Chester. Three war-time nurseries, to accommodate 180 children, have been approved, but are not yet in operation.

Is the Minister aware that in one school there is accommodation for 40, a waiting list of 53, and 51 on the roll? If a local authority displays indifference, can the Government not take action to speed up the matter, which is retarding the war effort among women?

I should not like to interfere with local authorities. It is not the fault of the local authority in the case mentioned by the hon. Gentleman. I think there were some real supply difficulties. We are doing our best to get the matter put right at the earliest moment.

Generally speaking, can the Government not take action where an authority is definitely at fault?

We are having very little difficulty in securing full co-operation.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will increase attendant allowances for totally disabled officers and men to at least the figures paid for the past 20 years to veterans of the great war, particularly having regard to the fact that the cost of attendance is now much higher than in peace time?

The maximum rates of attendant allowances for totally disabled officers and men have recently been increased correspondingly with the other improvements made in the rates payable in respect of death or disablement in the present war. I am not prepared to recommend any further increase at the present time.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has asked the Ministry of Health for doctors for pensions appeals tribunals; and, if so, what was their answer?

Yes, Sir, and I have been informed that the necessary number of doctors could not be supplied at the present time.

Has the right hon. Gentleman represented to the Minister that there may be a considerable number of older doctors who served in the last war and who could undertake this work? Does he realise that a severely disabled man or his widow will not be helped by the Ministry of Pensions being both judge and advocate in this matter?

A thorough investigation, into the question of medical personnel available in the country was made by a special committee presided over by my hon. Friend the Member for Norwich, and the report was that the medical men were not available. Regarding the second part of the Supplementary Question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave on 19th March to my hon. Friend the Member for Deritend (Sir J. Smedley Crooke).

Does the Minister consider it is really necessary to have a doctor sitting as a member of such an appeal tribunal? Would it not be sufficient to have any mind trained in the weighing of evidence, to consider the medical evidence already existing?

It is not just a question of having a medical man to sit on the tribunal. He has to assist both the Ministry and the appellant.

How many doctors are required?

I could not say without notice.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will give an undertaking that the rates of pensions and allowances for officers, warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and men disabled in this war will, in due course, be raised to those paid in respect of similar persons similarly disabled in the Great War; and what conditions will have to be fulfilled before such an adjustment takes place?

As a result of the recent readjustment, the present rates generally bear the same relation to the rates laid down in 1919 for Great War cases as the present cost of living figure does to that prevailing in 1919. The rates would again be reviewed in the event of a further material and continued rise in the cost of living figure, but the amount of any increase must depend on the extent of that rise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the position of retired postal servants, and, in view of the increased cost of living and the life-long services of these pensioners to the State, whether improvement can be made in their present pensions scales?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 15th April to my hon. Friend the Member for Romford (Mr. Parker).