asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make regarding the declaration by the Egyptian Prime Minister, on 21st April, expressing his loyalty to the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty.

Yes, Sir. I have studied this declaration, which accords with His Majesty's Government's view of their Egyptian Ally's obligations. I welcome the opportunity to express my appreciation of the terms in which the Egyptian Prime Minister affirmed, not for the first time, his intention of co-operating with this country and its Allies within the framework of the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty, and of safeguarding the interests of the Imperial and Allied Forces in Egypt.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has any statement to make in regard to the killing of a brigadier, 22 officers and men, and the wounding of about 60 others at Imber, Salisbury Plain, on Monday, 13th April.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can now make a statement about the recent accident in Wiltshire?

This regrettable accident occurred during an exercise arranged by Fighter Command for officers and other ranks of Home Forces in order to demonstrate the effect of fighter aircraft firing at ground targets. Attacks were made on dummy troops, a lorry convoy and tanks dispersed as targets in three lines. After five Hurricanes in turn had successfully attacked, the sixth fired at the spectators' enclosure in mistake for the allotted target, with the deplorable result that 25 Army officers and other ranks were killed, while 68 Army officers and other ranks and three R.A.F. officers and airmen were injured. The findings of the Court of Inquiry have now been received, together with the recommendations of the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Fighter Command, and are being considered by the Air Council in consultation with the Army Council.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many mobile canteens operated by voluntary organisations are officially recognised and given permits to enter Royal Air Force Stations and other establishments?

As the issue of permits allowing mobile canteens operated by voluntary organisations to enter Royal Air Force stations and other establishments is made by the local station commanders, and hot by the Air Ministry, it would not be possible without extensive inquiries to state the number of permits issued.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that in these days it is necessary to give extra food to Service men through mobile canteens, which involves a great use of petrol and tyres?

These mobile canteens visit only places where there is no static canteen or N.A.A.F.I., and I am advised that they do afford useful service.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire again into this matter, when he will find that these mobile canteens do visit Royal Air Force stations where there are canteens?

Is it not a fact that these mobile canteens are very useful to night fighter squadrons when there is no N.A.A.F.I. available and that they are very much welcomed?

There are some stations, it is true, at which there is a mobile canteen, but in those cases they serve only light refreshments, and I know there is a feeling in the Royal Air Force that they are rendering to them, and I believe also to anti-aircraft units, very useful service.

Is it not a fact that these men ought to be kept fighting fit, without any of these finicking questions being raised?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can indicate, in general terms, the nature and extent of co-operation between the Royal Air Force and the Army at the present time, particularly with regard to the work of Army co-operation squadrons?

Royal Air Force squadrons co-operate with the Army in reconnaissance, spotting, close support and such other tasks as may be agreed upon by the commanders in the field. For specialised duties, Army Co-operation squadrons are allotted to Army Commands and are attached to particular formations with which they train and operate. These squadrons are assisted by light bomber squadrons and by fighter squadrons which are specially detailed for the purpose and trained in Army air support with special emphasis on the attack of battlefield targets. Strategic support is afforded by other units of the Royal Air Force and when suitable opportunities occur all the available resources of the Royal Air Force are used for Army support. In order to facilitate the closest co-operation between the two Services and foster a mutual understanding of requirements, officers are interchanged between Army and Royal Air Force formations, and pilots and other aircrew have a short tour of duty with Army units before they complete their training.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can give any indication as to the extent of development of co-operation between the Royal Air Force and the Navy during recent months, particularly as to the expansion of Coastal Command activities and the co-operation of bomber squadrons with naval units?

As I indicated in my speech introducing the Air Estimates on 4th March, co-operation between the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force is already close and effective. Nevertheless, it is our constant care to improve it. I need not, I think, stress again the efficiency of that co-operation at home. The activities of Coastal Command are expanded consistently with the claims of overseas requirements, and play a growing part in the Battle of the Atlantic. The entire strength of the Bomber Command is available for co-operation with the Navy when suitable opportunities occur, and in fact for the 12 months ended February, 1942, about 50 per cent. of the targets engaged by Bomber Command were naval or were attacked directly at the Admiralty's request. In theatres of war abroad recent reports testify to the co-operation between the Navy and the Royal Air Force.

Has any complaint been made by the Navy, for instance, about lack of co-operation between the Royal Air Force and the Navy?

I do not know what the hon. and gallant Member means by complaint. The most recent expression of opinion by a naval officer actually commanding operations was in Ceylon, when he signalled that certain suggestions that had been made about lack of co-operation of the Royal Air Force with the Navy in Ceylon were unfounded, adding:

"Whenever Royal Air Force cover has been asked for, it has been given, and there is complete co-operation between the two Services."

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the intensified bombing operations over Germany, including the attack on Lubeck, have involved a departure from the previously declared policy of His Majesty's Government that such operations would be confined to military objectives?

The policy of His Majesty's Government is unchanged. It is to destroy the enemy's capacity to make war, by bombing his war factories, means of transport and military stores wherever they may be found. Lubeck and Rostock, which have recently been attacked, are ports vital to the enemy, now that the Baltic ice is breaking, for the supply of his armies in North Russia, Finland and Norway, and for the Swedish iron-ore traffic. Lubeck is also a training centre for submarine crews, an industrial city and a warehousing centre for military stores. Rostock is the seat of the great Heinkel aircraft works. The effect of our attacks upon these targets should prove-of particular assistance to our Russian Allies.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the pictures in the Press, presumably permitted by our Minister of Information and Propaganda, of the very terrible sights in Lubeck apart from any military objective? [HON. MEMBERS: "What about Bath?"] Has he also seen what was done in Bath and in Norwich, and can he do something to prevent all this destruction?

Has the hon. Member not heard of the pictures we have of the damage in our great cities, and does he know how the morale of our people is inspired when they see that something similar is being done elsewhere?

The best way to prevent this destruction is to win the war as quickly as possible.

Has the value of these bombing expeditions, great as it evidently is, been balanced against the value of the use of the same aircraft to protect our Atlantic convoys?

Certainly, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will publish the names of the Delegation to be led by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State to the forthcoming Air Training Conference at Ottawa?

The following are the Air Ministry members of the Delegation to be led by my right hon. and gallant Friend, the Joint Under-Secretary of State for Air (Captain Balfour) at the forthcoming Air Training Conference in Ottawa: Canada, my right hon. Friend the Member for Ross and Cromarty (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald) will be a member of the Delegation, as well as Air Vice-Marshal McKean, the head of the United Kingdom Liaison Mission in Ottawa. Representatives of other Departments may be added later to the Delegation which will be assisted by a limited number of advisers.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what arrangements have been made with local authorities to ensure that Air Training Corps units are granted adequate sport and recreational facilities including opportunities for Sunday games?

The use by the Air Training Corps of sports and recreational facilities provided by local authorities, who I am glad to say have generally been most helpful, is a matter for arrangement between local units of the Corps and the local authorities concerned. The question of the use of playing fields on Sundays is, of course, a matter for each local authority to decide.

Has my right hon. Friend received any complaints about units of the A.T.C. who have been refused the use of playing fields by local authorities?

Any complaints which are received will certainly be given the closest attention. We are most anxious to help A.T.C. units in such circumstances, and if my hon. and gallant Friend has any cases in mind, I shall be very glad if he will bring them to my notice.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production (1) whether machine No. 1074, which arrived, on 31st August, 1941, at a North-West factory, the name of which has been supplied, has yet been made ready for delivery; and, if so, on what date;

(2) whether he will state the reason why a firm in the North-West, the name of which has been supplied recently, dismissed its aerodrome superintendent; and whether he proposes to apply the Essential Work Order in this case;.

(3) whether he is satisfied with the production of an aircraft factory in the North-West, the name of which has been supplied, during 12 months ended March, 1942; how many managers have left since August, 1941; and whether he will inquire into allegations of general bad management and waste of public money?

I am making inquiries and will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether his attention has been drawn to paragraph 122 of the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General; what is the name of the company referred to; and whether the necessary steps have been taken to reserve adequate deliveries of this gun?

Yes, Sir, I have read paragraph 122 of the Comptroller and Auditor-General's Report. Apart from the fact that it is contrary to normal practice to give the names of firms dealt with in such reports, there are security reasons for not publicly identifying firms engaged on the manufacture of important munitions. The answer to the last part of the Question is "Yes," Sir. This firm, which, incidentally, is not the only one making this gun, has an excellent production record.

Have any steps been taken to compel this firm to disclose all the costings of production of this gun? Were any further steps taken to penalise the firm for standing in the way of the war effort?

No, Sir. Their production has been extremely good. There was a complication in this firm because they have a very large foreign shareholding and personnel, but we have issued a direction which not only enables us to see the books, but enables the present directors of this firm to be able to have that as a proper excuse if they ever have to deal with their foreign shareholders and directors.

Were the foreign shareholders all friendly foreigners, or are there others who may not be so well disposed towards this country?

On a point of detail like that I should like to have notice.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production why, in certain aircraft factories, the name of one of which has been given him by the. hon. Member for Gravesend, three times the number of girls necessary are employed in checking spare parts for aeroplane engines and that the working hours are 40¼ per week; and why the girls are kept for 47¼ hours in order to qualify for overtime above 40¼

The women at the factory in question are being trained as assistant examiners in the inspection of radio equipment, and this explains the numbers employed. 47¼ hours is the normal working week of A.I.D. staff.

Is it a fact that overtime begins before 47¼ hours and that the people concerned have no work to do during the extra time?

When people are largely employed on training it is a question whether the training should not go on during that extra time. The normal time of work is 47¼ hours, but, according to the pre-war times of civil servants and others, overtime is paid for anything in excess of 40 hours.

Is the Minister having inquiry made in regard to the discouragement and frustration which arise in the minds of these women, who are anxious to work and who resent being kept idle in the factory?

I will certainly make inquiries, but I must point out that a large proportion of the people are there for training purposes. When they are trained as assistant examiners they are posted to other factories to take on a full job. If they are not fully enough employed, I will certainly make a fuller inquiry, and I will certainly see that they are.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings what decision has been reached with regard to the sending of representatives to the United States; what are the names of the persons nominated, the purposes of the visit, and its proposed length of time?

As I informed the hon. and gallant Member for Buckrose (Major Braithwaite) on 20th July last, the Ministry have had under consideration the question of sending to the United States a representative delegation to study building developments there. An inquiry of this kind would have particular reference, of course, to post-war needs; and my Noble Friend is of opinion that the time is not yet ripe for the despatch of such a delegation. Meanwhile, there is need for early information, not now available in this country, regarding training and education, both of operatives and management, in the building industry in the United States; and Mr. G. A. Jellicoe, F.R.I.B.A., a part-time member of the staff of the Ministry, is being sent to the United States for the purpose of obtaining this information. Mr. Jellicoe will be instructed also to make a preliminary examination into methods of prefabrication and standardisation. It is intended that Mr. Jellicoe shall spend eight weeks in the United States.

Does not the Minister think it really ludicrous that one gentleman should be expected to find out all this information in eight weeks? Rather than waste his efforts in this direction, might he not stop at home and study the map?

That point has been considered, and it is thought desirable that this man should go. From well-informed circles on the other side I am advised that he will be welcome.

Is it not a fact that it would normally take three or four men three months to do what this one visitor is supposed to do in eight weeks? Will it not make us look very ridiculous in the eyes of the Americans if we send one man to do this very serious job in this time?

I can only answer my hon. Friend by saying that a representative delegation is a matter which will receive favourable consideration later on.

Could we not put this visit off for a time? Is it not a very foolish proceeding and a waste of time and effort?

It is not considered so.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings why the Royal parks, which were recently liberated from iron railings, are now being surrounded by barbed wire?

As I informed the hon. Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison) on 25th February, I am advised that the barbed wire in question is a necessary part of the defensive arrangements of the area and that most of it would have been erected whether or not the railings had been removed.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the enemy would find it easier to get through the barbed wire than to get over the railings? Will the Ministry, whose duty it is to protect the amenities of the Royal parks against unnecessary injury, look into the matter again?

When will the Ministry be getting some common sense about the removal of railings? Will they not consult the military authorities before taking away railings and replacing them with barbed wire and iron stakes?

The only answer I can give to both my hon. Friends is that there is a need for this scrap metal.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings, why the railings, in the case of Mr. W. Marsh, Albert Cottage, High Holborn, Sedgley, Staffordshire, were commandeered, as he is unable to prevent his vegetables being pilfered with out these railings?

The railings were scheduled for requisitioning by the local authority under the direction of the Minister of Supply. If the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars, I will make inquiries.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings the approximate number of persons in his Department now working on post-war problems, and how many of these are below the age of 40?

The number of persons employed at the present time in the Planning Department of the Ministry and in the Directorate of Post-War Building is 56 (29 men and 27 women) of whom 31 (9 men and 22 women) are below the age of 40.

Would it not be better if these nine men were to do war work?

I naturally attach importance to the work which the Department is doing. I am sorry that my hon. Friend takes an adverse view, but I think these men are doing very useful work.

Are there not probably hundreds of men beyond military age who could do the job, and will the Minister not look into the matter again?

Does my hon. Friend appreciate that persons of these age groups usually employed by local authorities have been liberated and called up? In the circumstances is it not ludicrous that men in the same age groups should be retained?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings the approximate total number of persons now engaged in connection with the work of his Ministry?

The total number of persons employed by the Ministry, excluding industrial staff, is 13,510.

What do the 10 do?

Look after the 13,500.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied that the policy of the Ministry of Works and Buildings being responsible for the erection of all new civil works and buildings required by any other Government Department has been followed by the other Departments, and that the Ministry of Works and Buildings has full responsibility now for the erection of all such new works and buildings?

The statement of policy to which my hon. Friend refers contemplates that the Ministry of Works and Buildings should be responsible for the erection of all new works and buildings for the civil Departments, including the Ministry of Supply. This policy has been steadily pursued, and the Ministry is now generally responsible for all such work, except for a certain amount of work still carried out by the Ministry of Supply. The statement in question excluded work for the Service Departments and for the Ministry of Aircraft Production, but laid down that the Ministry might arrange, by agreement with those Departments, to take over on their behalf new works and buildings not of a highly specialised character. The Ministry is, in fact, now carrying out a certain amount of work for those Departments and is in negotiation with regard to further work.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the other Departments have acted upon the instruction of which he informed this House, in the spirit in which he obviously gave it?

Yes, Sir; I am satisfied.

Would it be worrying my right hon. Friend too much to ask him to look into the facts, to see whether they are as he has indicated?

If the hon. Member has any information to the contrary, perhaps he will bring it to my notice, and I will look into it.

Why should the onus always be put on Members? Cannot Ministers sometimes make inquiries for themselves?

Will the instructed to reduce the excessive professional charges allowed by other Departments?

That is obviously quite a different Question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put it down to the appropriate Minister.

asked the Minister of Supply which of the 21 Controllers of raw materials in his Department are paid by the State, and which are still in receipt of payment from their own trades or industries?

I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list showing which Controllers are paid a salary by the Ministry of Supply.

Will this list reveal a continuation of the practice of allowing people to work in the Ministry of Supply while being paid by firms outside, and being in contractual relationship with their own firms; or will it show a change in policy?

Will the list show the number in each category at the present moment?

No, Sir, there is no change in policy.

Will it show which of these Controllers are in receipt of payment from companies which they formerly controlled?

No, Sir; no inquiry was made into the means of livelihood of these Controllers. But they are required to release themselves, for the time being, from active participation in any private business connected with their own industry.

Following is the list :

Controls .

^* Abrasives.

Chrome Ore, Magnesite, Wolfram and Foundry Bonding Materials.

^* Cork.

^* Cotton.

Diamond.

^* Diamond Die and Tool.

^* Fertilisers.

Flax and Ramie.

Hemp and Kapok.

Industrial Ammonia.

Iron and Steel.

Jute.

^* Leather.

Miscellaneous Chemicals.

Molasses and Industrial Alcohol.

Non-Ferrous Metals.

Non-Ferrous Mineral Development.

Paper.

Plastics.

Rubber.

^* Silk and Rayon.

^* Sulphuric Acid.

Timber.

Wool.

In the cases marked by an asterisk the Controllers are paid a salary as such by the Ministry of Supply.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food which of the 32 Controllers in his Department are paid by the State; and which of them are still in receipt of payment from their trades or trade connections?

Of the 38 trade directors of the Ministry of Food, 12 receive salaries from the Ministry. Of the remainder, 19 receive an allowance for expenses and the rest are unpaid. I have no information as to the number who continue to receive payment from their trade or trade connections.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman give some indication by a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT showing which is which, as mere numbers are not very important?

I have given the particulars for which the hon. Gentleman asked.

Is it not very unsatisfactory that the Minister in charge of this Department should not know of the business connections of those who are interested in and are in authority within his Department?

That is not the Question. I have answered the Question on the Paper, which asked which of the controllers are paid by the State and which of them are still in receipt of pay ment from their trades or trade connections.

Is it fair to small traders that all these large concerns should pack Government Departments with their representatives, obtain subsidies and use their whole power during war-time to drive the poor men out of business?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether an adviser has been appointed by his Department in connection with the reform of local government in Jamaica; whether the scheme of reform has now been elaborated; and Whether a copy of the scheme will be placed in the Library of the House of Commons as early as possible?

This suggestion, which was welcomed by the Governor of Jamaica, has been taken up, but I regret that it has not proved possible to find a suitable expert in this country whose services are available. So far as my Noble Friend is aware, the local deliberations on this subject have not yet reached the stage at which proposals for the reform of local government can be submitted to the Legislative Council. When those proposals are received, the question of placing a copy in the Library of the House will be considered.

Does not my right hon. Friend consider it advisable that an expert adviser should be appointed by the Government in connection with the scheme for the reform of local government?

Yes, Sir, and that was why we welcomed the suggestion, but we found it impossible to get the man we' wanted.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in Sierra Leone, whilst workers contravening the Defence (Essential Work) General Provisions Order, 1941, are being prosecuted and convicted, no action is being taken against employers flagrantly disregarding the provisions of this Order although reported to the War Services Officer; and whether he will invite the Governor to end this discrimination?

My Noble Friend has recently received the following information from the Governor. Proceedings have been taken in seven cases against men who left essential works without the permission of the War Services Officer, and all have been convicted. All cases which have been reported of complaints by employees against dismissal without notice and without permission of the War Services Officer have been investigated by the Labour Department of the Sierra Leone Government, and, where necessary, appropriate action has been taken to redress legitimate grievances. In no case has a criminal action against an employer been necessary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that undertakings in Sierra Leone, scheduled as essential works, are not being visited or required by the labour department to conform to the prescribed conditions of the employment and welfare of the workers under the Essential Work (General Provisions) Order, 1941; and whether he will call the attention of the Governor to this situation?

No, Sir. In fact, between 1st March and 25th April this year 34 inspections of essential works have been made by the Labour Department, covering practically all the major scheduled works in the Colony area and including two inspections of undertakings in the Protectorate.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the local Press have made bitter complaints about neglect in the matter of the conditions of labour, and also in connection with the welfare schemes which it was expected would be introduced?

That is another question. I was asked whether inspections had been made and I pointed out that in the course of two months practically all these inspections had been carried out.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any native Africans have been appointed to the Nigerian Supply Board; whether Supply Boards have been established in other African Colonies and whether any native Africans have been appointed thereon: and whether he will ensure that some native Africans are invariably included when nominating such organisations?

There are several Supply Boards or similar organisations in various parts of Africa. I am, not aware whether they include African members or not. But my hon. Friend's suggestion will be brought to the notice of the Colonial Governments concerned.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it would be highly desirable to have educated Africans appointed on at least one of these Boards?

I am grateful for my hon. Friend's suggestion, and that is why I am bringing it to the notice of the Governments concerned.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the resolution, submitted by the West African Students Union, respecting constitutional development in West Africa; and whether His Majesty s Government are considering, or will consider, proposals for early West African constitutional reform and accelerated progress towards self-government?

Yes, Sir. My Noble Friend has seen the resolution, but I am not in a position to make any statement upon it. With regard to the second part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the reply to my hon. Friend on 11th March.

Do I take it from that answer that in fact no statement is likely to be made during the war as to the future constitutional development of West African Colonies?

I am afraid I cannot answer that. I do not know the length of the war or the intentions of my Noble Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he has any statement to make with reference to transport facilities in Wolverhampton, with particular reference to Messrs. Guy Motors, Limited?

According to the information which I have now received, there are no substantial transport difficulties at Wolverhampton, either generally or for the workers of Messrs. Guy Motors, Limited. Messrs. Guy have in fact made a substantial contribution to the relief of the pressure on local transport services by staggering their hours of work, and they are now awaiting permission to extend their canteen facilities. I am glad to have this opportunity of correcting any misconception to which my reply to a Supplementary Question on 15th April may have given rise.

Is it not the case that the attitude of the firm and of their works committee has been thoroughly helpful throughout?

Yes, Sir. I wish that everywhere the same attitude towards staggering had been adopted.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that, when trains are transferred to the electric system at Rickmansworth, all the lights are turned on, and kept on, in broad day light; and whether steps will be taken to bring to the notice of the railway companies the necessity for preventing such waste of lighting?

I am informed by the London Passenger Transport Board that the lighting of these trains is done by batteries which are charged by dynamos driven from the axles. The lighting of this rolling stock can only be controlled by the guard who must pass to each coach to switch the lights on or off. In order to avoid the delay to trains which would be thus involved, it is necessary to keep the lights on from Rickmansworth inwards. I am glad to assure my hon. Friend, however, that the loss of electric current which results is negligible.

Is it not a fact that in view of the fuel rationing scheme about to be discussed by this House it is very bad for the morale of people who are to be asked to accept rationing in their own homes to see this waste; and, with regard to the guard who would have to go from coach to coach, could he not do so from Rickmansworth all the way to Finchley Road?

I am informed that there are tunnels.

Only from Finchley Road.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me where they buy the lamps, because I should like to get some lamps which use only a negligible amount of electricity?

asked the Minister of Information the name of the correspondent or newsagency responsible for each of the examples of the kind of Press cables; which made it necessary to amend the regulations governing the censorship of outgoing messages?

Since the amendment of the regulations governing the censorship of outgoing messages few cables likely to cause difficulties of this kind have been submitted and correspondents have been most willing to accept the amendments considered necessary. And so in the circumstances I feel that my hon. Friend will agree that it is better to let bygones be bygones.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that Mr. Gordon L. Gilmour, of Australian News Services, and Mr. Eric Cook, of General News Services, have admitted in "The Times" the authorship of the messages quoted, and does not my right hon. Friend think it would have been fairer to reputable correspondents and news agencies to have given the names of the offenders in the original answer?

I had the feeling that these amendments were accepted without any real protest and that it was better really to let the whole matter drop. I think that is wise on the whole; we have to work with the Press during the war, and it is no use at this stage adding to the punishment of these gentlemen.

Does that very generous statement mean that my right hon. Friend withdraws his regulations or prescriptions?

On the contrary, what has happened has proved to me how wise the Government were to introduce these regulations.

Does that mean that preference has been given to the Press as against other workers?

I cannot understand the hon. Gentleman.

By not publishing their names.

asked the Minister of Information why officials of his Ministry at St. Andrew's House, Edinburgh, refused the offer by the Communist Party to provide speakers on subjects dealing with production and the Soviet Union, particularly since the speakers concerned were shop stewards competent to deal with production and persons who had visited the Soviet Union; and what steps he is prepared to take to prevent such actions in the future by local or regional committees of his Ministry?

Ministry of Information speakers must be definitely non-political. I do not know how this position can be maintained if I agree that speakers on the Ministry's panel can be nominated directly by the. Communist Party or any other political organisation.

Is it not the case that even the Lord Provost of Edinburgh recommended that several of these speakers should be accepted, because of their knowledge of conditions in the factories and of conditions in Russia, but the political bias of the Minister's Department was responsible for their not being used?

I should regard it as very wrong for me to advise the Lord Provost of Edinburgh about the affairs of his city, but I also think that I am rather more competent than the Lord Provost to decide on matters connected with speakers.

Was there not a prominent Communist broadcasting last night, after the 9 o'clock news?

He was broadcasting in his capacity as President of the Miners' Federation.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that the message about the Sacrifice of Australia, to which he recently took objection, was not sent in its original form but in a form agreed by Mr. Gordon N. Gilmour with the Chief Press Censor; and whether he has expressed regrets to this correspondent for a slur on his professional honour?

No, Sir. Mr. Gordon N. Gilmour did not consult the Chief Press Censor. He submitted a message which was referred to an Assistant Director, and which began with the words:

"Sacrifice Australia. This startling suggestion is being made in serious discussions war situation. Men who regard themselves sound students strategy put forward this drastic recommendation not callously but as sheer military necessity."

After some argument with the Assistant Director, Mr. Gilmour agreed to modify his message, which was sent with the word "necessary" added before "sacrifice," and "temporarily" after "Australia." These amendments removed a small part of the sting of this message, which cannot be looked upon as other than injurious to relations between Great Britain and Australia. I may remind the hon. Gentleman that when this message was sent the Press Censorship had no power, save by the arts of persuasion, to modify it in any respect. The Chief Press Censor now possesses the power to deal with such a message. No one save the hon. Gentleman has suggested that any slur was made on the professional honour of Mr. Gilmour.

Does not my right hon. Friend agree with the facts as set out by Mr. Gilmour in "The Times" newspaper?

I have already pointed out to my hon. Friend that Mr. Gilmour said that he saw the Chief Censor and discussed this matter with him, but he was mistaken. He discussed it with one of his assistants. I have given the amendments made in the telegram, and I think if my hon. Friend will read my answer to-morrow, he will agree with them.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that a distinguished Russian writer, now in this country, states that he is constantly asked in Russia what Britain is doing, and why the sons of Russians are giving their lives at the front while the sons of their Allies remain at home; and what steps are being taken to explain to the Russian people the size of the war effort of the British Empire during the last two-and-a-half years and the assistance we have already given and are continuing to give to Russia in their fight against Germany?

As my hon. Friend knows, distinguished writers are not always good judges of public opinion; and some of the effusions of a few of our own distinguished writers in foreign countries have not been of much constructive value to our war effort. I may remind my hon. Friend that on 15th April I stated in this House that British news is transmitted daily to the U.S.S.R. through Reuters and British Official Wireless and that ample facilities are given to Soviet correspondents in London to acquaint themselves with the British war effort. The Ministry of Information also sends daily, by wireless telegraph, news items, photographs, background information and articles. Newsreels and short films are sent and radio programmes are being produced on records for despatch to Moscow. We are, of course, working in full co operation with the Soviet authorities in this matter, and I must acknowledge with gratitude the praise given to the British war effort by many Russian broadcasters and writers.

Is the right hon. Gentleman certain that all this information to which he refers is reaching the Russian people? Has he noticed articles in our evening Press with paragraphs, in large print, embodying the statements I have made in my Question, from a gentleman who gets the front page in the "Soviet War News" and therefore must be a person of some consequence in Russia?

I have not read the articles to which my hon. Friend refers, but I would say to him that the news must be getting to Russia, because one can hear references to the British war effort constantly on the Moscow radio.

Has my right hon. Friend had time to give consideration to the reply he gave to me on this subject on 15th April, namely, that he would re- peruse my speeches, copies of which I sent to him, in which I suggested the re-broadcasting on medium wave in Russia of our transmissions from this country?

I have re-read parts of my hon. and gallant Friend's speech, and I have asked the authorities at the B.B.C. to give it the care it deserves.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is now prepared to grant to the journal, "Picture Post," the same facilities and assistance for despatch overseas as are afforded to other illustrated journals?

For approved destinations overseas "Picture Post" receives the same facilities and assistance as are afforded to other illustrated journals. I am informed that the number of copies sent to two important countries overseas has been doubled in recent weeks. My hon. Friend will, I hope, understand that arrangements for despatching British papers and periodicals overseas at the expense of the Ministry of Information are continually under review, and that we must be guided by the advice given by our representatives abroad upon the value to British publicity of papers so transmitted.

Do I take it, therefore, that in fact this journal has now the same advantages granted to it as are being granted to other journals of a similar nature? If not, can the right hon. Gentleman explain why that difference exists?

I have pointed out that this journal is sent to quite a number of places overseas where it is deemed to be useful. There are a number of journals so sent. There is no bias against "Picture Post" or any other paper.

Does that mean that the right hon. Gentleman has lifted the ban on "Picture Post" going to the Middle East?

There never was a ban upon it. I withdrew the subsidy. As I have pointed out, it might be useful in some countries and not useful in certain types of countries in the Middle East.

Does that mean that the right hon. Gentleman has granted financial assistance to send "Picture Post" to the Middle East or not?

All the time that this controversy was in progress about "Picture Post" we were continually sending it to other parts of the world than the Middle East.

What about the Middle East?

The position is the same.

asked the Minister of Information whether, in view of the different position of the Sudeten Germans from Germans within the Reich or in Austria, he will arrange a separate broadcast for them in their own language?

My hon. Friend will understand that our broadcasting resources are under great strain and unable to meet every demand made upon them. Since the Sudeten Germans are German-speaking they are able to listen to the many broadcasts in the B.B.C.'s German service.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that hundreds of thousands of these Sudeten Germans were forcibly incorporated in the Reich under the Munich Agreement without their opinions being consulted, and that their sentiments are entirely different from those of the Germans?

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend, but I would point out that our broadcasts to Germany are not exactly complimentary to the present régime, and I should think are greeted with much enthusiasm by those Sudeten Germans.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are several silent periods on the Continental wavelengths of 373 metres and other frequencies? Could not those silent periods be usefully filled?

I believe myself that the silent periods might be more useful.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty who, under Command Paper No. 6351, was responsible for the disposition of the naval and air forces at the time the German warships "Scharn-horst," "Gneisenau" and "Prince Eugen" passed up the English Channel?

The passage of the German heavy units up Channel was an operational matter, and therefore was not the concern of the joint planning organisation. Accordingly, the disposition of the Naval and Air Forces was made by the Naval and Air Staffs in co-operation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any further consideration has been given to the Constitution of Mauritius, with a view to making it more democratic?

I am afraid that I am not in a position to add anything to the reply returned to a similar Question by the hon. Member on nth November, 1941. It is still not considered practicable to carry this matter further under present conditions.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is now in a position to say when the airgraph service for communication with the serving Forces now in India will come into operation?

An airgraph service from India to this country is already in operation both for troops and civilians, but I regret that I am not yet in a position to say when the outward service can be made available. I hope, however, to be in a position to make an announcement on the subject at an early date.

If I put down a Question during the next series of Sittings of the House, will that be in time?

Perhaps the hon. Member would allow me to advise him when I think we shall be able to give an answer.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will establish machinery to enable members of the Armed Forces to obtain free legal assistance in cases of need?

This question has been engaging the urgent attention of my Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor for some time past, and discussions have been proceeding on the subject. As a result a scheme for the provision of free legal aid for the lower ranks of the Army has been prepared and has received the approval of the Army Council. It will be put into operation as soon as the organisation has been perfected. When this has been done, an early opportunity will be taken of making a public statement on the subject. The question of the adaptation of the scheme to the needs of the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force is under discussion.

While thanking the right hon. and learned Gentleman for that assurance, which will be much appreciated by men in the Army, I would like to ask him, in the first place, whether he will do everything that lies in his power to expedite the bringing into operation of this scheme. In the second place, will he further do what he can to see that comparable schemes are brought into operation for the Navy and the Air Force?

Will my right hon. and learned Friend consider reviving the procedure of the last war, whereby in all cases in which the death penalty was involved the defence was invariably undertaken by officers who were members of the Bar or solicitors?

I can assure the hon. Member that this matter is being treated as one of importance and urgency. No time will be lost in bringing the scheme into operation. With regard to the Navy and the Air Force, there are at present certain facilities which exist in the Air Force. The question of organising on the lines of these, and also the adaptation of the scheme to the Navy, is under consideration at the present moment.

Does the scheme cover divorce proceedings?

There is a separate scheme already in existence with regard to divorce proceedings. They are a very important item in this matter.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman give a little more publicity to the machinery of that part of legal advice, because it is not widely known in the Army to-day, and it is a very serious matter in many cases?

I quite agree. That is why I said that when we get the scheme perfected it is proposed to take an early opportunity of making a public statement on the subject.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the complaint of the Liverpool Trades Council and Labour Party as to the faulty construction of workers' dwellings being erected in Lancashire for occupation by persons engaged in war work in that district; and whether he will call for a report upon these dwellings from the local medical officer of health in order to satisfy himself that these dwellings are really fit for "human" habitation?

My right hon. Friend is making inquiries and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Health what steps are being taken to maintain our future population, in view of the particular war-time difficulties of bringing up children?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley (Mr. Ivor Thomas) on 23rd April, of which I am sending him a copy.

Is the hon. Lady aware that the Minister, in reply to that Question, said that as it was an important national issue the question should be raised with those responsible for the Government as a whole, so I put down a Question to the Prime Minister? It has been transferred to the Minister of Health. Can I have an answer to my Question?

My right hon. Friend answered as fully as possible on 23rd April. Perhaps if there is any point in that answer which my hon. Friend wishes to raise, he will put down a further Question about it.

Is the hon. Lady's Department taking into consideration the wants and requirements of orphan children to see that those already in the world are being properly provided for?

Would not the best way of dealing with this matter be by a national State scheme for family allowances?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will review the present rates for billeting soldiers, in view of the increased cost of living and the impossibility of supplying meals at the low rates of payments allowed?

The rates are based on current retail prices, and are calculated to cover the cost of providing the meals required. They are kept constantly under review.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many months ago the Minister stated, in reply to a Question I put down, that the case would be reviewed, and that since then there has been no change? The result is that they are still paying only 9d. for breakfast, 3d. for tea, and 5d. for supper, and it is impossible to provide these meals at such prices.

As I explained, these rates are kept under constant review. If the hon. Member has particular hardships in mind, perhaps he will give me particulars.

Are not these billeting allowances precisely the same as before the last war? Should not some consideration be given to them from that aspect?

I have told the hon. Member that these rates are being reviewed constantly. This is no formality. I realise that there may be difficulties in certain cases, where the specified foods are not available, but these rates are calculated to cover the meals prescribed.

Even though the rates are constantly under review, nothing has been done for the last 12 months, except in the case of the dinner. That is the only alteration that has been made.

Constant review does not necessarily imply constant alteration.

Can the hon. Member give the date on which the last review was made?

This week.

That makes it worse.

asked the Prime Minister what Minister is responsible for investigating the problems that will arise at the Peace Conference of an economic, political and territorial nature?

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs is responsible for seeing that studies are made of the particular problems (political, territorial and economic) likely to arise at the Peace Conference.

Is it the case that the Paymaster-General has no responsibility for problems of this kind?

No, Sir. If in their wider aspects those problems are brought under general reconsideration, they come under the purview of the Paymaster-General. It is his responsibility to study, and if necessary to cordinate, them.