asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any evidence that long hours of labour are prejudicing young workers from securing vocational and technical training in their various crafts?

I have no specific evidence to this effect. By arrangement with me my right hon. Friends the President of the Board of Education and the Secretary of State for Scotland have asked the local education authorities to send to the local factory inspectors, or to employment exchanges, particulars of excessive hours worked by boys and girls which come to their notice in the course of the follow-up of registration. Though this request does not expressly refer to inability to attend training courses owing to long hours, I anticipate that serious cases of this kind would be brought to light.

While I am very grateful to my right hon. Friend for that administrative circular, I would ask whether he will look further into the second question, because I am informed that in the building, engineering and "motor mechanics' trades technical training has ceased to exist. Would he get into touch with the Secretary of State for Scotland and the President of the Board of Education to see whether educational establishments can be used for this purpose? I am referring to young artisans.

My hon. Friend had better put a Question on the Paper. It is a much wider subject than this.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is satisfied with the steps already taken to fill with part-time workers the need for domestic helpers in hospitals and similar institutions; and, if not, what steps he proposes to take?

In co-operation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, hospital authorities are being urged to make use of part-time workers, and my right hon. Friend's officers are bringing to the notice of women who can only give part-time, the importance of the national service they can render in this way. There is still, however, an acute shortage of domestic workers in many hospitals, and the authority concerned should be ready to make any arrangements that may be practicable to facilitate the use of the local part-time labour which is available.

While thanking my hon. Friend for his reply, when women of all ages are interviewed is due notice taken of this need, and do interviewers point out to the married women who wish to do part-time work that they can be directed to work of this kind?

Yes, that is pointed out.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that after his recent speech in Edinburgh there were serious complaints regarding the lack of organisation in that area?

No, Sir, I am not aware of that.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the Government's official announcement that there was no cessation of work on Good Friday, he will say whether the officials of the Transport and General Workers' Union, and others, are entitled to demand double pay for Good Friday and time-and-a-half for the Saturday following?

This depends on the law or the agreements relating to the particular case. The Government's announcement with regard to holidays stated that payment for work done on days which would ordinarily be holidays should be governed by existing law or any provisions laid down in current agreements.

asked the Minister of Labour, whether, in order to save rubber and petrol, he will take action to implement his powers to compel war workers to live near their work if hostel or other accommodation is available?

I have no power to prescribe the place at which workers shall live, but propose to discuss the matter with the Ministers concerned.

Is the Minister aware that there are hostels at one place that I know of with accommodation for 2,000 people and that there are only about 400 people there, a large number of others being brought long distances every day to work?

There have been difficulties with regard to some of the hostels. It depends to a very large extent upon hostels reserved for use where the work is developing. If we have to fill up with mobile women from outside, I prefer as many as possible to live at home in the district.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed men and women a year ago and the number of staff at that time employed at the employment exchanges; and similar information for the present time?

On 17th March, 1941, 325,889 males and females suitable for ordinary industrial employment were registered at employment exchanges as wholly unemployed. On 16th March, 1942, the corresponding figure was 121,646. The staff of the employment exchanges at these two dates numbered 20,396 and 24,434 respectively. My hon. Friend will appreciate that there is now no significant relation between the number of unemployed and that of the staff of the exchanges, which are the main instrument for carrying out the administration arrangements for the organisation of man-power in all its phases.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any further statement to make about the ban on the supplying of statistics of unemployment to Members of Parliament in respect of the areas which the Members represent?

This rule was laid down during a period of heavy raids, when, for obvious reasons, it was undesirable to publish statistics of this kind. I cannot tell whether those conditions will recur and it is not therefore proposed to rescind the rule. I will, however, be pre-pared to give the figures to Members on request, and on the understanding that they will be treated as for their personal and confidential information.

Will Members be able to get them quickly direct from the employment exchange managers instead of having to go to headquarters?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that female telephone switchboard operators of the 20–21 age groups are being called up for other service from firms which are scheduled undertakings under the Essential Work (General Provisions) Orders, 1941, on the telephone priority list; and, in view of the importance of efficient communication and the time taken to train these girls, will he refrain from calling up any more?

Female telephone switchboard operators are classified as ancillary workers and are not reserved from calling up. Instructions have, however, been issued to district man-power boards that short periods of deferment, sufficient to allow for the training of substitutes, may be granted in appropriate cases.

Is not the Minister aware that girls in similar categories and age groups employed by the Post Office telephone service are reserved and are not being called up? Does he not consider he should bring similar pressure to bear upon Government Departments as he brings upon industry? Is not one end of the line as important as the other?

It all depends who is on the other end.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that women aged 50 and men over 60 are being called up to attend at Employment Exchanges while men aged 40 to 45, who were interviewed last year, are still following their normal work; and will he take steps to stop this unnecessary disturbance affecting both employers and employees?

In the ordinary course the men and women called for interview are those within the registered ages, or those specially registered in particular industries. There are also those who will be included under the new arrangements coming into force for Civil Defence workers. If my hon. Friend has any special case in mind and will give me particulars, I will have inquiries made.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now give an assurance that in all branches of the Services and industries qualified skilled men are being utilised in the particular capacity and trade in which they have knowledge and experience; and whether, in connection with Service men, steps will be taken to post men to a camp where the trade for which they are qualified and skilled is particularly needed?

It is the constant endeavour of Departments to ensure that men possessing knowledge and experience needed for the war effort are employed whether in the Services or industry in capacities in which their qualifications are fully used. I cannot say that no instances of avoidable misemployment exist, but I am satisfied that they are not numerous and that much progress has been made in this difficult matter. With regard to the last part of the Question, it has always been the practice so far as possible to post men whose skill is needed in the Forces to an appropriate Service trade.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in spite of what he has said there is room to-day for very great improvement, and would he give a reminder to Departments and all concerned that this is a very important matter indeed?

I am sure that my hon. Friend's Question will have given a reminder to Departments.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state whether people in the Forces occupying desk positions of a technical kind are discharged on account of age?

Obviously that is a question of detail which ought to be put on the Paper.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has given further consideration to the use of mass radiography for the discovery of pulmonary tuberculosis among men and women called up for the Services; and whether he will now adopt this method of examination by medical boards?

I have given careful consideration to this matter and have now received a further report from the Medical Advisory Committee which meets under Lord Horder's chairmanship and which advises me on medical questions connected with the work of the medical boards. It is clear from the investigation that it would be impracticable to establish this method of examination at the medical boards throughout the country. On the other hand, the concentration of Service personnel at suitable depots has afforded an opportunity for carrying out these examinations to the extent that the necessary apparatus can be provided. The committee commend the steps already taken in this respect by the Services and I am assured by my right hon. Friends the Service Ministers that there will be the widest practicable use of this method of examination among members of the Services. In view of the public interest in this question, I am arranging for the report to be published as a White Paper.

Does the Minister recognise that it is important to press on with trying to get this made into a general procedure, in order to reduce the amount of invaliding from the Services and hardship to the men concerned?

I think my hon. Friend will appreciate, when he reads the report, that such steps are being taken. It is purely a question of method. There are so many medical boards in the country that I could not possibly get enough apparatus or facilities to take the procedure to each medical board, and therefore the other arrangement has been made.

Have steps been taken to see that men are available who can read the results of these X-rays and be sure that they are valuable?

I have every confidence in the medical profession.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the doctor of a panel patient is the person in all cases to declare that the patient is fit for work, or whether in cases of dermatitis the insurance company must first instruct the employer that he may restart the workman, and until such instruction has been given the doctor's decision must be ignored?

I presume my hon. Friend is referring to a workman who is in receipt of weekly payments of compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act, in respect of dermatitis. There is no provision in the Act which would prevent such a workman from returning to work if he is declared by his panel doctor to be fit for work, nor have I heard of any such instruction by insurance companies as that mentioned by my hon. Friend. If he will let me know of any specific instances which have come to his notice, I shall be glad to look into them.

I am very much obliged to my right hon. Friend for his answer. In this case the man has lost three weeks' work because of the employers not accepting a skin specialist's decision.

Does not the Minister know that in South Yorkshire the colliery owners indemnity society goes to the coalowners and tells them when a man is to start work and when he is to stop?

No, Sir, I do not know that, but if my hon. Friend will let me have particulars of any cases, I shall be glad to look into them.

You are very backward now.

asked the Minister of Health whether there is any obligation on the part of an insurance doctor to furnish medical reports to a patient's employer in compensation cases; and, if not, will he instruct doctors to this effect?

The answer to the first part of the Question is "No." As regards the second part of the Question, I have no reason to think that insurance doctors need any instruction in the matter.

asked the Home Secretary how many persons have been killed in daylight air-raids during the last 12 months; and how many paid Civil Defence workers will be on duty during daylight after the reduction in numbers now pending has been completed?

Two hundred and eight civilians were reported as killed as a result of daylight raids on this country during the period 1st April, 1941, to 31st March, 1942. As regards the second part of the Question, the numbers will be determined locally in the light of special local considerations, but in any event, for reasons which I am sure the House will appreciate, I do not think it would be in the public interest to publish the figures.

Would my right hon. Friend agree that, as we hold and are likely to retain command of the air over this country in daylight, it is a waste of man-power to have any considerable number of Civil Defence workers on duty in daylight?

That is a point which we do take into account, and I can assure my hon. Friend that it is not for lack of confidence; nevertheless, we must up to a point be prepared for the unexpected in air raiding.

In view of the great strain on teachers at the present moment, would my right hon. Friend encourage Civil Defence workers to assist in nursery schools and play centres during the day-time?

I think that would involve the Ministry of Health, but I will take note of the point and look into it.

asked the Home Secretary what are the results of the tests of an anti-incendiary compound named "Bommex"?

The tests showed that a 1-kilo non-explosive magnesium bomb can be extinguished in from 20 to 25 seconds on the application at close range of about 3 to 4 pints of "Bommex" as compared with about 30 seconds when the same quantity of water is used. Against this must be set the fact that if water is used, there is rather less spluttering of the magnesium than when "Bommex" is used. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the conclusions reached in this case.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Home Secretary whether he has studied a monthly publication, a copy of which has been sent to him, and in particular an illustration under a caption "British Atrocity in Burma," and the contents of a leading article contained therein, and what action he intends taking in the matter by way of suspending or warning the paper?

My hon. and gallant Friend was good enough to send me yesterday a copy of the publication to which he refers. I am considering the matter, but I am not in a position to make any further statement at the present time.

Can my right hon. Friend give the name of this paper?

It is a paper called "Socialist Appeal."

In view of the fact that this paper attacks our Allies and war aims and is entirely subversive, can the right hon. Gentleman state any good reason for allowing it to continue?

The House knows that these matters require a great deal of careful consideration, and I think it would be best that I should consider all the circumstances before intimating any decision.

Is it not a fact that this paper is not published by the Social Democratic Federation?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that considerable inconvenience and suffering were caused last summer, particularly to women, by the prevalence of mosquitoes; and what steps he has taken, or proposes to take, in order to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in open tanks and reservoirs of static water kept for fire-fighting?

After consultation with the Ministry of Health, instructions have been issued on measures to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in water storage tanks or basins provided for fire fighting purposes, and to prevent the water becoming a nuisance or danger to health in any way. These measures include regular inspection and the spraying of the surface of the water from April to September with oil. If the medical officer of health considers it advisable, a tank or basin would be emptied, cleansed and refilled.

Would the right hon. Gentleman see that local authorities carry out their duties in this respect?

I will do my best.

asked the Minister of Health what are his latest advices as to the risk of infection from the typhus outbreak on the Continent of Europe; and whether, seeing that typhus is spread by lice, special measures will be taken at the ports to delouse entrants from the Continent and from Ireland, and to review and co-ordinate the methods of local authorities in dealing with parasitic conditions in some of our own centres of population?

The prevalence of typhus in certain parts of Europe calls for the continuance of the precautions described in the reply that I gave to my hon. Friend on 26th March. All port health and riparian authorities are being advised to secure that all persons on board any ship arriving from a continental or North African port, including the crew, should be medically inspected at the first port in this country at which passengers or members of the crew disembark. If verminous conditions are found, the authority have adequate powers for dealing with them. I propose to send to local authorities at an early date a circular with suggestions for the co-ordination of their resources for dealing with parasitic conditions, with special reference to the powers given to them under the Scabies Order, 1940.

What about entrants from Ireland, which is part of the Question?

The answer is that if there was any sign of typhus in Ireland, the same thing would apply, but there is no sign of it.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that if there is no evidence of typhus in Ireland, there is evidence of other conditions which would be likely to produce typhus here unless dealt with?

That is another issue altogether, and I would not accept that generalisation.

asked the Minister of Health whether the medical and sanitary measures which the Wiltshire local authorities have had to take because of the condition of some of the Irish labourers imported into Wiltshire by Government contractors are proving adequate to safeguard the community generally from infection; and whether, in view of further migration of this kind, his Department and the other Departments concerned will arrange with the Governments of Eire and Northern Ireland for efficient medical and sanitary inspection at Irish and English ports?

The specific measures as regards the workers themselves to whom my hon. Friend refers are being taken by the contractors, under the supervision of my regional medical officers, with the result that the public health services of the local authorities have not been called upon to any appreciable extent. From inquiry I understand that some thousands of men have recently been inspected and that the cleansing arrangements required are being extended. As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given to his Questions on 17th March, and to the information with which I understand he was subsequently furnished by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service.

Do I understand my right hon. Friend to say that the present conditions of inspection are satisfactory?

I never use the word "satisfactory." I have already pointed out that the contractors themselves are making extended arrangements.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in order that the children of part-time women workers may be looked after whilst their mothers are at work, he will arrange for schools to be kept open during the school holidays and for school hours to be adjusted, so far as possible, to suit the convenience of parents who are at work?

In Circular 1573, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member, local education authorities have been asked to make arrangements for the care of the children of women workers outside ordinary school hours, and a number of authorities are arranging to keep school buildings open for this purpose both on school days and in some cases during school holidays in areas where the need for such provision has become clear.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the urgent need for increased food production and the shortage of farmworkers, facilities will be given to elder schoolchildren who, with the consent of their parents, wish to assist at appropriate times in potato-setting, pea- and fruit-picking, and other seasonal work?

Yes, Sir. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a communication which I have sent to local education authorities and governors and headmasters of schools about the assistance which older pupils of secondary schools can give to agriculture in term time and in holiday harvest camps. I shall shortly be announcing further arrangements which have been made in consultation with my right hon. Friends the Minister of Agriculture and the Home Secretary.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will consider the desirability of amending the law to enable local education authorities to provide footwear and clothing to necessitous children?

I am fully alive to the importance of this question, but it would be difficult to find the opportunity for dealing with it in advance of any general educational legislation.

If he intends to have these children setting potatoes and later on picking potatoes, does the right hon. Gentleman not see that they will wear out more shoes and clothes, especially if they are necessitous children, and will he not rise to the occasion on this matter?

I should very much like to rise to the occasion, but I think I should have some difficulty in doing so.

As the Scottish local authorities have this power, why should not the English local education authorities?

The matter is not quite so simple as the hon. Member thinks. I think he had better study recent legislation.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has now assumed responsibility for all questions affecting camp schools?

No, Sir.

But it was stated a year and a half ago that these schools were to be transferred, and will not my right hon. Friend reconsider this matter?

I should be only too glad to reconsider it. As a matter of fact, it is under active consideration at the moment by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the growing number of young persons in pre-Service training units, he will give some general guidance to local education authorities and local youth committees on national policy, so that the claims of continued education, technical and pre-Service training can be properly balanced?

The advice given to individual young persons must clearly depend on their circumstances and aptitudes. It would, therefore, be difficult to give more specific guidance than is contained in Circular 1577.

Would my right hon. Friend pay particular attention to the technical aspects of continued education and pre-Service training, because there are a large number of young artisans between 14 and 18 in the building and engineering trades who are receiving no training whatever at the present moment, and there will be a shortage of skilled workmen unless action is taken?

I am glad my hon. Friend has raised this matter, because I think it is one of the most important of those which come before me in my work. I shall certainly take every opportunity of assisting in the development of technical training.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that in certain country schools there is a shortage of chairs and certain children have had to remain standing during school hours; and will he rectify this situation?

No, Sir, but if my hon. Friend will send me particulars of the schools that she has in mind, I will look into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the additional hour of daylight saving, he will consider opening schools in country districts an hour later?

The decision as to the time of opening of schools rests with local education authorities and governing bodies, and I have no doubt that in country districts the effect of double summer time is taken into account.

Would it not be possible for some guidance to be given by the President of the Board of Education to districts where the local authorities seem unalive to the fact that very young children have to be got up in the dark and then have to walk for miles, and could not something be done to avoid this?

We have already done our best in Circular 1535, paragraph 24 of which states that the school day should be of normal duration, with such adjustment of hours as may be necessary to meet the conditions. I shall be glad to send the hon. Lady a copy.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider introducing legislation to repeal or amend the de-rating clauses in the Rating and Valuation Act, 1928, and the Local Government Act, 1929; and is he aware of the increas- ing hardships upon shopkeepers due to the effect of the de-rating, or what other action he proposes to take to deal with rating and increasing difficulties of local authorities?

As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 23rd April to my hon. Friend the Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson). De-rating was accompanied by Exchequer grants, and I am unable to accept the suggestion in the second part. As regards the last part, I am aware of difficulties in certain areas, but the Government, in accordance with their undertaking, are affording financial assistance to any local authority whose loss of income owing to the war is so great that there is a serious risk of a breakdown of essential local services.

asked the Minister of Pensions when he proposes to publish the report on the organisation of his Department, prepared by the hon. Member for South-West St. Pancras (Sir G. Mitcheson)?

As I explained to the hon. Member for Wallsend (Miss Ward) on 29th January, the Committee has presented a series of valuable and helpful reports. I do not, however, regard it as necessary to arrange for their publication. As the Committee has now completed its work, I take this opportunity of giving public expression to the thanks which I have already conveyed to the Chairman and members.

Does my right hon. Friend propose to adopt any of the recommendations?

I have already adopted many of the recommendations; I am arranging for others to be put into operation; and the remainder I am giving my keenest consideration.

Will the Minister place a copy of the report in the Library?

No, Sir, but if any Member wishes to see the very voluminous document, I will let him do so with pleasure.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether the decision to grant an increase of pay to 40,000 women workers in royal ordnance factories, indicates any change in Treasury policy about increase of wages to civil servants during the war;

(2) whether, in view of the decision to grant an increase of pay to 40,000 women in royal ordnance factories, he can state what is the present policy of the Treasury with regard to wage increases; and whether he is satisfied that increases of this nature involve no inflationary danger?

The policy of the Government in regard to wage levels and prices remains as stated in the White Paper of July, 1941. That paper contemplated that adjustments in wages might be necessary from time to time. The recent increase in the wages of certain classes of women workers in ordnance factories is the outcome of long negotiations between the Ministry of Supply and the trade unions, arising out of the progressive extension of the employment of women. I do not regard it as inconsistent with the policy of the White Paper.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any estimate of the total cost of this rise?

It is about £600,000.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the number of hours per week ordinary time worked generally by each civil servant, excluding time off for lunch; and what are the ordinary number of days per annum generally allowed for holidays on full pay?

The minimum number of hours which every full-time civil servant is required to work without additional payment varies between 38 and 48 hours, exclusive of time for lunch, according to the grade and station of the officer concerned. The actual hours being worked in present circumstances are a great deal longer and vary between different Departments and different sections of Departments As regards holi- days, if the reference to the ordinary number of days means the number of days allowed in times of peace, this again varies widely, and now has small significance. In present war conditions the maximum permissible allowance of leave throughout the Civil Service is 16 days per annum.

Would it be possible for the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to state the average number of hours instead of giving the total?

That is impossible. The Civil Service is a very large organisation and does not consist only of administrative offices in Whitehall.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can give an assurance that no member of His Majesty's Forces is asked to sign any form respecting his health on discharge which might prejudice his applying for a pension or submitting a claim to an appeals tribunal at a later date?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, having regard to the number of single young men now serving in the Armed Forces of the Crown, the Government will pay allowances to wives, children and widows of disabled men without regard to the date of marriage or birth?

It is a long-standing principle of war pensions that the liability of the State in respect of the wife and children of disabled or deceased ex-Service men applies to family obligations existing at the date of the contraction on service of the accepted disability. I am not prepared to recommend any departure from this principle.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that that means that for the rest of his life the young soldier has to maintain his wife and bring up his children on a single man's allowance?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the report of the Committee which was appointed by this House in 1919, and which dealt with all these matters.

Will the Minister not give further consideration to this point, because there is a feeling that something should be done for these men who have given their all for their country's cause?

My hon. Friend knows that we have already discussed this. I am always prepared to reconsider any question in which a vital principle is at stake.

Is it not an accepted principle that in these cases men should not be deprived of any amenity in life; and if men or women are not able to set up homes because of disability, are they not losing an amenity in life?

I do not know of any such cases.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will set up a Select Committee of this House to inquire into the many anomalies in the rates and conditions of war pensions?

I do not accept the implication that there are anomalies in the rates and conditions of war pensions, and I see no need for a Select Committee to inquire into the matter. If my hon. and gallant Friend will inform me of the anomalies he has in mind, I shall be prepared to consider them, and, if necessary, consult my statutory Advisory Committee.

Do the statutory Advisory Committee take evidence; and does my right hon. Friend's answer mean that they would be prepared to consider policy fundamentally, and not merely look at matters which he puts before them?

The procedure is this: Any member of the Advisory Committee can place upon the agenda any subject that he wants discussed, and state the case for the resolution he puts down, and the Committee will consider it. Certainly there are occasions when I put items on the agenda for discussion, but any member of the Committee is entitled to put down any question he desires to have discussed.

Is it not true that the Committee is limited to matters selected by the Minister, whereas a Select Committee could consider matters of fundamental policy?

There is no limitation at all. Any member is allowed to bring forward any matter he likes, whether it is a matter of policy or just of administration. I find the members of the Committee very helpful. There was a Select Committee in 1919, after the last war, and I expect that this House will demand another Select Committee after this war.

Was the right hon. Gentleman's answer drafted before the Debate which we had on this subject yesterday?

No, Sir; I approved this answer this morning.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the rates of pay of non-commissioned officers and other ranks, excluding officers, in the Navy, Army, and Air Force, and in the three women's Services; and the rates of family allowances in respect of wives and children of married men and the rate of dependants' allowances?

A reasonably full statement of the various rates of pay and of family and dependants' allowances of ratings and other ranks in the three Armed Forces, including the women's Forces, is difficult to compress within the limits of a Parliamentary reply. I am having the desired information collected, and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not give us a White Paper on the subject?

I will consider that. Alternatively, I might send my hon. Friend a copy of the statement I promised in my answer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, in order to increase the war effort, many wives whose husbands are in receipt of blind pensions have undertaken employment in appropriate factories; that, as a result, the payment of such pensions has been suspended, which means that the recipients are now being maintained out of their wives' incomes; that, in many cases, the wages of the wives of these men being slightly in excess of the amount received previous to the position they now hold, consideration is being given to the question of terminating their employment at these factories; and can something be done to deal with the situation?

A blind person whose wife engages in work is not thereby disqualified from receiving assistance under the Blind Persons Acts if his needs require it. Local authorities have a wide discretion in the administration of these Acts.

The point of my Question is whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that as a portion of the wife's income is taken into consideration in the determination of the blind pension their wives consider it preferable to cease their employment?

Perhaps the hon. Member will send me some cases, which I shall be glad to consider.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the scheme whereby Service men can buy a limited amount of cigarettes and tobacco at pre-Budget prices through Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes and certain other canteens is not satisfactory; and will he consider charging the full price to everyone and giving Service men another 2d. a day as tobacco money?

The Service Departments have been entrusted with the task of carrying out the scheme to which my hon. Friend refers. They are completing their arrangements as quickly as possible, but obviously a certain amount of time will be required before the necessary adjustments can be made in all parts of the country. In the meantime, it is, I suggest, unnecessary to consider possible alternative arrangements.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that canteens being run by philanthropic bodies feel that they have had a very raw deal in the matter, because they cannot get any cigarettes to sell to the troops at the cheaper price? If there are to be two prices for cigarettes, there will obviously be a good deal of abuse and illicit trading. It is a very unsatisfactory arrangement.

I appreciate that; and I suggest that the organisations to which my hon. Friend refers should get in touch with the War Office on the matter.

In view of my hon. Friend's Supplementary Question, has my right hon. Friend considered the possibility of making a small free issue of cigarettes in this country, to the same value as, and in lieu of, the concession that the Forces are now getting?

That, in fact, was considered; but it involved the issue of cigarettes which probably would not be required by the troops.

Would the Chancellor consider extending the scheme to cover a limited issue of beer each week?

I beg to give notice that, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I will raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what action has been taken to deal with the monopoly firm, referred to in paragraph 86 of the Auditor-General's Report, which charged 160 per cent. on cost in 1940 and 50 per cent. on cost in 1941; and whether he will state the name of the firm;

(2) whether he will disclose the name of the firm referred to in paragraph 122 of the Auditor-General's Report; and whether any steps have yet been taken to compel this firm to make a refund to the Treasury of the excessive prices charged to the respective Ministries?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he will disclose the name of the consultant who was paid a personal fee of £39,000, plus expenses, for work over a period of two years, £29,000 of which was for work at two factories, the fact of which was commented upon in paragraph 54 of the Auditor-General's Report; and whether any action has been taken against the responsible officials;

(2) whether he will give the names of the firms forming a trade association which tendered an identical price for a certain article necessary for the prosecution of the war, which price was considerably above that quoted by a non-associated firm, the whole circumstances being the subject of comment in paragraph 82 of the Report of the Auditor-General;

(3) whether he will give the name of the contractor referred to in paragraph 85 of the Auditor-General's Report, who, despite an increase of 300 per cent. in profits, requested an increased price for his monopoly product; and whether the request for the increased price was granted?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether it' is proposed to prosecute any representative of the firm, referred to by the Auditor-General, engaged in manufacturing building materials for the War Office, which made, over a period of two years, 160 per cent. profits on its costs;

(2) whether it is proposed to prosecute any representative of the firm referred to by the Auditor-General that refused, when challenged, facilities for a cost investigation, and refused to deliver guns required for the Royal Air Force until its terms were accepted?

These Questions are all concerned with matters arising from the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General upon the Civil Appropriation Accounts for 1940. All these subjects will be considered by the Public Accounts Committee during the present Session, when the Committee will have the opportunity of questioning the accounting officers of the respective Departments upon them. The House will, I think, agree that, in those circumstances, it would be undesirable that they should be the subject of statements in the House at the present moment. The Committee will report to the House upon these Accounts; and that would appear to be the proper occasion for any further statement.

On that occasion shall we be favoured with the names of the firms mentioned in the Report?

I think that is a matter for the Committee.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is a war on; and that workmen who have lost only half a day have been sent to prison, and yet these people can hold up the country to ransom and their names are hidden?

I do not think that that is a fair statement. All I am suggesting is that we should follow the procedure which has been generally adopted.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not agree that this affects the war effort? If workmen are punished, under existing Acts of Parliament or Regulations, what reason is there why these names should not be disclosed? If the right hon. Gentleman is not prepared to disclose the names now, will he give an undertaking that when the Report of the Committee is presented to the House, the names will be made public?

I am not quarrelling with that. All I am suggesting is that the Committee which has been appointed should consider the matter and make their recommendations.

Is the Chancellor aware that last week a group of miners in Blairhall pit who, exasperated beyond endurance, stopped the supply of coal for a time, were taken to court and fined £5, with an alternative of 30 days' imprisonment, each? Why are not the members of these firms which deliberately hold up supplies imprisoned now?

Will the Chancellor give his reasons for not stating the names of the firms now?

It is not for me to come to any conclusion. It is a matter to be considered by the Committee.

Will the Committee have authority to disclose the names of these firms to the House when the Report is issued?.

I take it that the Committee will consider this matter, in consultation with the Departments concerned, and that they will then make their recommendations to this House.

May I ask the Leader of the House this question? It is quite obvious that there is terrible concern felt by Members in all parts of the House about this matter; and would he not consult his Cabinet colleagues in this case, owing to the great concern in not publishing the full facts so that the country at large may know the facts?

I always report to the Cabinet what takes place in the House. If I think there is any matter which should be specially raised in the Cabinet, I shall report it.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I propose to raise this matter at the earliest opportunity on the Adjournment. Too many workers are being sent to gaol.

On a point of Order. I wish to submit that on a question of this kind which concerns the Public Accounts Committee it might have been appropriate that a member of the Committee should be allowed to put a Supplementary Question.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the need for an Army Corps of Engineers, what steps are being taken to enable the Corps to be formed; and is he satisfied that scientific and engineering developments are being utilised or encouraged by the Army Council in consultation with industrial authorities?

The formation of this new Corps, which of course is not an Army Corps, involves personnel in all theatres of war and is a complicated matter. A special committee in the War Office is now working out details so that the Corps may come into being without delay, but I cannot yet give a definite date for its formation. As to the second part of the Question, the design and development of equipment for the Army are the duty of the Ministry of Supply, in accordance with the requirements of the General Staff, and I am assured that scientific and engineering developments are being utilised and encouraged by that Department in consultation with industrial authorities. There is the closest liaison between the War Office and the Ministry of Supply in this field.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether ho is aware that some soldiers who made voluntary allotments of pay to their wives on joining the Army have since been deserted by them; that soldiers may desire to stop voluntary financial assistance to wives who have broken the marriage bond; and what arrangements exist, or will be made, to enable such men, if they so desire, to withdraw their financial support in the circumstances indicated?

In such circum-stances every soldier has the power to stop allotments from his pay by applying through his commanding officer to the paymaster.

Is great care taken to see that a wife accused of desertion by the soldier has actually deserted him and, if so, for what reason, as it cannot be assumed without inquiry that the blame rests on the wife?

The Question refers to the voluntary allotment made from his pay by a soldier. If he wishes to withdraw that voluntary allotment, he is perfectly free to do so in any circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the non-commissioned officers and men of the Maritime Regiment of the Royal Artillery, serving on merchant ships, receive extra pay or allowances comparable to the danger money which is paid to men serving in the Merchant Navy?

No, Sir.

Ought not some consideration to be given to the complaints sent to Members of Parliament by men of the Maritime Regiment?

The pay of the Merchant Navy is not in any way comparable to that of the Army. Danger from enemy action is a part of the normal risk of a soldier.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the remarks of Lord Beaverbrook in a recent speech in the United States of America advocating that we should strike recklessly in order to open up a second front in Europe; and whether it was with his authority that this course was advocated?

asked the Prime Minister whether it was with his authority that Lord Beaverbrook recently made a public speech in the United States of America commenting on the strategy of the United Nations?

My right hon. Friend has seen Press reports of the speech in question. His authority was not required, since Lord Beaverbrook is as free to express his own opinions as any other person.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman do anything to prevent people in Lord Beaverbrook's position from trying to force the Government's hand by indulging in this kind of propaganda, which may do incalculable harm?

I do not wish to say anything derogatory of Lord Beaverbrook, but will the right hon. Gentleman explain the position a little more clearly? We were informed by the Prime Minister in a recent speech that Lord Beaverbrook represented His Majesty's Government. Are we to understand that representatives of the Government are free to express any opinion they like?

Lord Beaverbrook is not holding a definite appointment. He is undertaking a special mission of an informal kind, and he is not in the same position as someone directly in the employ of the Government.

May I ask whether Lord Beaverbrook's position is regularised by the answer which the right hon. Gentleman has just given?

Should not a gentleman who has been a member of the War Cabinet so recently and is still on a special mission to the United States exercise discretion in what he says?

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether this mission has come to an end or not, and whether Lord Beaverbrook is still in a semi-official capacity representing this country?

He is still doing certain informal work.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider, through the International Red Cross or otherwise, attempting to arrange by tacit agreement, or in any other way, mutual forbearance to destroy ancient monuments of no military value?

No, Sir. Experience has shown the worthlessness of any agreement entered into by Hitler, and it is already the fixed policy of His Majesty's Government to avoid unnecessary damage to such monuments.

Is not the present condition of the world more utterly deplorable than anything that has been known since the fall of the Empire of Rome?

My hon. Friend's opinion will be shared by a great number of people.

asked the Paymaster-General whether the Inter-departmental Committee charged with making a comprehensive survey of all existing schemes of social insurance and assistance is deliberating in a sense of urgency so as to allow of its conclusions being announced at an early date?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 14th April to a Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Howdenshire (Colonel Carver), from which he will see that the Committee is anxious to report as soon as possible and wished evidence to be submitted to it with a minimum of delay.

Could the hon. and gallant Gentleman say how many times this Committee has already met?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has been able to arrange that women serving in the Land Army shall be allowed to use the facilities of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes?

No, Sir. Members of the Women's Land Army will be admitted under certain conditions to canteens run by the voluntary organisations, but it has not been thought necessary to seek admission for them to Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes, which are generally situated in military establishments.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to a subsidy for hill breeding cattle in England and Wales?

No, Sir. The views that I have received are of a conflicting character, and further examination of this proposal is required.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the substantial damage already done to milk production by troops on manoeuvres; whether he will arrange with the military authorities to exclude from their manoeuvre areas, from May to November, all farm buildings and arable or grazing pastures being used by cattle; and whether he will empower his war agricultural committees to issue official notices to fix on gates and buildings to show troops the fields and buildings which are out of bounds?

Arrangements are already in existence with the War Office calculated to minimise damage to agricultural production by troops on manoeuvres so far as is possible. If my hon. and gallant Friend knows of specific cases of substantial damage to milk production and will let me have particulars, I will have inquiries made.