asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can say, approximately, what tonnage has been lost during the past 12 months through avoidable absenteeism; and how much through disputes in the mining industry?

Particulars of tonnage lost through avoidable absenteeism in the coal mining industry are not available. It is estimated that during the 52 weeks ended 25th April, 1942, about 360,000 tons were lost owing to disputes.

Is it not very difficult to find out exactly what is meant by "avoid- able absenteeism," and surely the public ought to realise that fact?

I would suggest to my hon. Friend a test in one single pit to see whether it is easy or difficult to find out what is avoidable and what unavoidable absenteeism.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) whether he is aware that the recent order to local fuel overseers to prepare a card index of consumers from indices in local offices is a waste of time, labour and money; and whether he will consider, as an alternative, adopting paragraph 4 in the Outline Scheme, Cmd. 6352;

(2) whether he will discuss with the Minister of Food the passing on of all notices of consumer's changes of address received by the local food executive officer to local fuel overseers as a cheaper, more expeditious and more accurate method of preparing a register?

The registers of controlled premises being made by the local fuel overseers are essential for improving retail distribution and eliminating uneconomic transport of coal. Any forms which may be obtained from consumers in connection with rationing will doubtless afford a useful check on the register but will not be available for some time and do not meet the present need. The registers must be in existence before any use can be made of notifications of changes of address, and in any event the notifications received by the food offices cover not merely the occupiers of premises registered under the Fuel and Lighting Orders but the much greater number of persons in possession of food ration books.

Is my hon. Friend aware that I have recently been in some of these offices where as much as 60 per cent. of the labour is absolutely wasted owing to alterations through billeting and removals, etc., and that the suggestion in the Question will give an up-to-date register and save a tremendous amount of the wasted time that goes on in these offices?

I am anxious to save time, but I think that my hon. Friend will agree that, if we compile this register for the purpose of ensuring a fair distribu- tion, whatever is done by rationing and rationing orders will not meet that point. They are two different purposes. If my hon. Friend has any information of the kind that he suggests, I shall be very glad to receive it and to have the details of the kind of waste which he believes to be occurring.

My hon. Friend has not answered the point, which is that, in the register in preparation by the industry, in many cases 60 per cent. and sometimes as much as 80 per cent. of the labour is useless and a waste of time.

It is on that point that I would like to have the details that my hon. Friend probably has in mind. I shall be very glad to receive them at the Department or anywhere else.

asked the Secretary for Mines, whether his attention has been called to the serious situation which has arisen in Birmingham and the Midland area from coal shortage for domestic requirements; whether he realises the danger to the vitality of munitions production of reduced coal supply in the maintenance of power derived from gas and electricity; and what measures he proposes to take to increase coal output from the Staffordshire and Cannock Chase coalfields to meet the exigencies of the coal problem in the Midlands?

A revised scheme of distribution of supplies of domestic coal between collieries and merchants' depots has recently been brought into operation in the Midlands. There has been a certain dislocation while the change was being made, but it is expected that it will be of a temporary character. There has been no change in the programmed supplies for public utilities and war industries and the danger referred to by my hon. Friend should not therefore arise. As in every other district continuous effort is being made to increase production in the Staffordshire and Cannock Chase coalfields.

When does my hon. Friend expect that the negotiations now in progress will be completed so that the domestic coal interests concerned and the people may have hope of getting a satisfactory arrangement for supplies?

The supplies are coming forward, and we have to wait upon production. As my hon. Friend must know; production is tight at this time of year, and there is not an ample supply of coal for all civil demands.

Does my right hon. Friend think that steps should have been taken long since in regard to coal supplies in the Midland area?

What does the Secretary for Mines mean by "at this time of year"? Is it not the fact that production is better at this time of the year than in the winter?

Yes, Sir, but we are not yet quite through the winter from the standpoint of the consumer. We are consuming heavy quantities of coal now; and we are trying to redistribute the coal for very special reasons indeed which cannot even be mentioned here, and we are not through with our problem of distributing the available coal supplies. It would be easier if the production were on a larger scale.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of shifts lost when work was not available, under the Essential Work (Mining Industry) Order represented by the amount paid up to 31st March, 1942, to provide the guaranteed wage, and the causes of this lost time for which the employers are responsible?

Records providing detailed information are maintained at the pits but not centrally. Inquiries are in progress with a view to meeting the hon. Member's desire that further information should be available, but they will take some little time.

If details are recorded at each pit, are any sent on to the Department, either from the pits or the districts?

They are not sent to the Department.

Can my hon. Friend say when this information will be available?

I will get what information is available for my hon. Friend, and I shall not delay in making the inquiries that he suggests.

If it is comparatively simple to obtain information about absenteeism, as apparently it is, why should it be so difficult to obtain information about the loss of shifts?

I do not say that it is easy to obtain information and to give an analytical account of absenteeism. It is not so easy because there are so many cases of absence which canot be explained without full investigation in each locality and in each pit.

Will the Minister take any action against those who are responsible for this situation?

( by Private Notice ) asked the Prime Minister whether it was with his permission that the Secretary for Mines gave an interview to a correspondent of the "Daily Express" published in that paper on Saturday, 9th May, about a scheme for the future control of the coal mining industry?

I am informed that the Secretary for Mines, in a conversation with Press representatives in Yorkshire on Friday last, expressly refused to comment upon the Government attitude to re-organisation and that he did not authorise any statement of policy on his own behalf.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any statement to make in regard to the prices of furniture?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on Tuesday last to a similar Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Sedge-field (Mr. Leslie), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can arrange to obtain the final Report of the Retail Trade Committee before the Whitsuntide Recess; or whether, if that is impossible, he can make some early statement of Government policy with regard to the individual retail trader under war conditions?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, arising out of the Second Interim Report of the Board of Trade Retail Trade Commiteee, he is now able to make a statement regarding the attitude which is being adopted by the small traders throughout the country as regards the alternative courses of holding on, temporary amalgamation or closing down?

The Retail Trade Committee are preparing their Report with all possible speed, and I hope it will soon be completed. It would not be proper for me to make any statement of policy or comment on the attitude of traders before I have been able to study the Report.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the detailed Reports from the Committee lead nowhere; that there must be a plan to deal with the situation; that it must entail protective legislation, otherwise the small shopkeepers will be squeezed out and only the big firms will be left; and that it is very serious and very urgent?

I am anxious that there should not be any undue delay, but it is a very representative Committee, representing all sections who have special knowledge, and it would be wrong, after this Committee had been appointed and had been working very hard over a series of months, for me, in advance of receiving their Report, to make any statement of policy they are advising me upon.

Is not the matter very urgent?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is over 12 months since this Committee was set up and that many small shopkeepers have been swept away in the meantime?

The Committee have already made two Interim Reports.

Are not the small traders the very backbone of the country?

The very backbone.

The Government ought to do something now.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the reason for the diversion of yarn supplies in large quantities for manufacture in Northern Ireland; and, in view of the effect this will have on the present shortage of yarns in Lancashire, and as it involves an uneconomic use of transport in shipping yarns from the country and re-shipping manufactured cloth back again, he will alter this policy?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has seen the protest of the Lancashire Cotton Spinners and Manufacturers' Association against the diversion of cotton yarns and rayon fibres to Ulster, when they could be dealt with more economically, and are required, in Lancashire; and whether he will make a statement on the subject?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the anxiety of the Lancashire cotton trade at the arrangements for the Ulster weaving industry to produce utility cloth; that this diversion of supplies of yarn will prejudice the position of the Lancashire weavers who have for some time been working overtime in order to increase the output of yarn which has been considerably below requirements; and whether he is prepared to reconsider this decision?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the answer given on Thursday last to my hon. Friend the Member for East Willesden (Mr. Hammersley).

Can my right hon. Friend say whether he had any consultations with the cotton trade in Lancashire before he made this agreement with Northern Ireland, and has he had any consultations with the Minister of Labour about it?

The arrangement was made last summer, and I have reason to suppose—I will check up my hon. Friend's particular words—that all the interests concerned were consulted. It is easy from the Lancashire point of view to exaggerate the importance of this arrangement, which covers less than 1 per cent. of the total production of yarn, and even a part of that allocation has not yet been taken up.

Does not my right hon. Friend realise that this has caused great concern in Lancashire, because there were no consultations and the Ministry of Labour knows nothing at all about it? If there is a shortage of yarn, as was admitted last Thursday, why cannot this North of Ireland allocation be woven on idle looms by the weavers of Lancashire?

The question was gone into carefully last summer, and it is not practicable now to upset the arrangement made with the Northern Ireland authorities for the production of part of our utility cloth by using some unused capacity due to the cessation of the linen export trade.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that the manufacture of utility cloth means four journeys by rail and sea, loading and unloading at the docks, and the use of the finest kind of yarns, for which there is a great shortage for Government orders in Lancashire?

I am advised that my hon. Friend is not correctly informed.

That is so in Lancashire.

In view of the fact that this arrangement obtained late last summer and that conditions are very different now, can the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter again?

I have never any objection to looking into a matter again, but it must not be taken that it will mean any change in the arrangement.

Is not the linen industry in Northern Ireland worthy of some help?

Apart from the question of worthiness, it was thought convenient to use it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the result of his further consideration of the claim for additional coupons for overalls made on behalf of shop assistants handling groceries and provisions?

As I informed my hon. Friend on Tuesday last, I am giving further consideration to this claim. I will send him a communication on the subject very shortly

Does the Minister hope to make an announcement relating to the further issue of coupons for different classes of workers in industry?

Announcements have been made from time to time on that subject. I do not know that any comprehensive announcement is called for in the future.

Is not a table being issued?

These things are dealt with section by section. A general statement was made not long ago about the general allocation of coupons for the next rationing period, and I do not think the time is yet ripe for a further detailed statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the estimated cost of the publicity department that has been established at the Board of Trade under the direction of Mr. C. C. J. Simmonds; and what the relationship of this department will be to the Ministry of Information?

The Board of Trade Public Relations and Press Department, which has been in existence since before the war, works in co-operation with the Ministry of Information in the same way as do similar offices in other Government Departments. Its estimated cost is £5,500 a year.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare the present position as regards shortage of food in the European countries now under German occupation; and whether it is estimated that famine conditions will arise in any other of these countries besides Greece before the next harvest?

In Denmark food supplies have been well maintained. In Norway, the Netherlands and Czechoslovakia the diet, though well below pre-war standards, is not so inadequate as to cause marked under-nourishment. In Belgium, and to a lesser degree in France, a large part of the urban population is chronically underfed, while there has been a considerable diminution of supplies in the towns of Yugoslavia. It would not be surprising if further cuts in rations were to take place in these countries before the harvest. But these need not be on such a scale as to cause acute privations, provided always that Germany continues to supply Belgium and Norway with their minimum needs of grain. Much worse conditions, however, prevail in Greece, in some parts of Poland and in German-occupied Russia. On the mainland of Greece it is to be hoped that famine conditions will be averted by the proposed shipments of wheat. In Poland and occupied Russia the quantity of foodstuffs left for the native populations will depend upon the extent of German depredations. This is a subject upon which I should hesitate to venture any forecast.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the shipments arranged for Greece are entirely inadequate and ought to be multiplied several times in view of the conditions now prevailing?

It would be unnecessary to add to them or even to send these shipments at all if the enemy carried out their moral responsibility.

I am talking about our friends, not our enemies.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that an opera company with an orchestra has been formed of serving men and women in the Western Command to go on tour round civilian theatres; that approximately 67 soldiers and 27 Auxiliary Territorial Service, in addition to one female and two male officers, are withdrawn from their military duties for this purpose; and whether he will issue instructions that bands and theatrical parties shall be confined to a part-time and subsidiary occupation for military personnel and shall be used only for the entertainment of troops?

I am obliged to my hon. and gallant Friend for drawing my attention to these proceedings, which, I agree, are open to objection. As I explained in my Answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster (Mr. Evelyn Walkden) on 7th May, an Army Council Instruction is about to be issued which should have the effect of restricting such activities in the future.

asked the Secretary of State for War why exceptional qualifications and experience are required by A.C.I. 422 to enable officers over 55 years of age to be retained, notwithstanding that they possess recent reports as to the efficiency they had shown and were showing in the performance of their existing duties, which for the most part were of a sedentary and non-combatant nature not suitable for young officers?

It is the policy of the Army Council to review the general fitness, qualifications, and experience of all serving officers who have reached the age limits at which they would normally cease to be liable for recall from the reserve and to decide in the light of this review whether their services should be further retained. As I explained in answer to a Question on 5th May, in practice some 70 per cent. of all officers over 55 are being retained. It is therefore clear that the Army Council Instruction is not being harshly applied and that the standard of qualifications and experience required to justify retention is not unreasonably exacting.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the House was informed on 11th March last that the only criterion as to whether these officers over 55 were to be retained was whether they were doing their job efficiently or not, whereas Army Council Instructions say that they must be people of exceptional merit, possessing exceptional qualifications and experience? The House was not informed that that would be the case. I have had dozens of letters of complaint about this matter. Will my right hon. Friend give me an answer, because the statement which was made to the House is not being carried out and is at variance with A.C.I. 422?

The hon. Member has asked a Question and has been given the information.

On a point of Order. I am drawing the attention of the Minister to the fact that the House was informed of a particular matter and that the Army Council's Instruction does not carry out the assurance which was given.

That is another matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers under A.C.I. 422/1942, paragraph 15, have been graded under "R," "S" and "T," respectively, how many of these officers have appealed; in how many appeals the original recommendation has been reversed; and in how many it has been confirmed?

13,059 have been graded "R," 1,789 "S" and 1,711 "T." 561 appeals by officers graded "T" have so far been dealt with by the Army Council. In 124 cases the original recommendation has been reversed.

Does not the grading "T" mean that these officers are not allowed to be employed in any of His Majesty's Services, and is not that rather hard and impolitic, considering that 1,700 officers have been turned out?

The grading refers only to Army employment.

What do the initials mean?

They have no special significance, except that they happen to be three convenient letters to use.

But what do they mean?

"R" means that the officers are recommended to be retained in their present employment, "S" that they are recommended for a change of employment, and "T" that they are recommended for no further employment.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, owing to the delay in dealing with appeals made by the officers, they are in a very difficult position, because the 42 days' leave given pending their being put out of the Service expires, and they do not know whether to apply for civilian employment or not?

I gather that the procedure has been made quite clear to the officers concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in all cases of removal of officers under A.C.I. 422/1942, such officers are informed in what respect they have failed to come up to the required standard?

The Army Council Instruction specifically lays down that all officers reverted to unemployment shall be shown the reports upon them and explained the reasons for the decision.

Are there not certain cases in which officers have not been told, and do not yet know, for what reason they have been turned down? If I send my right hon. Friend instances, will he look into them?

The Instruction is quite clear on that point. If officers are reverted to unemployment for reasons other than those shown in the Army Council Instruction, a different procedure has been prescribed.

Do not the King's Regulations definitely state that any adverse report on an officer is to be communicated to that officer by the initiating officer?

An officer classified "T" is shown the report. This is, however, not an adverse report. This is a special review of the fitness of officers for retention in their present employment.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in many cases the immediate superiors of these officers have told them that they have given no cause for complaint and that they were doing their duty efficiently, but that owing to the terms of the Army Council Instruction 422, they were not to be recommended for further employment because they have not exceptional qualifications?

I cannot say whether individual commanding officers are saying that. What I say is that this is not what is laid down in the Army Council Instruction. In reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Wycombe (Sir A. Knox), the "T" reports are to be shown to all the officers concerned. That is clearly laid down in the Instruction.

I beg to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers were reverted to unemployment for all reasons during the month of April?

1,124.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will seek evidence from the shop stewards and association representatives at Denham depot as to the conditions existing there?

I am always prepared to consider specific representations regarding conditions in War Department establishments which are put forward in the appropriate way by the recognised representatives of the employees concerned in the matter, and if they send me a statement giving the particulars into which they desire me to inquire, I shall be happy to consider it.

Are factory inspectors entitled to visit these places to see whether work is being done under the proper conditions?

I think the hon. Member had better put that Question down. Factory inspectors are not under my control.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Young Men's Christian Association or Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes canteens have been ordered not to sell cigarettes to members of the Home Guard; what is the reason for this discrimination; and will he take steps to have it removed?

Members of the Home Guard have never been allowed to buy cigarettes at Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes canteens. As regards Young Men's Christian Association canteens, the Home Guard are not entitled to the cheap cigarette concession made to the Regular Army; and since it would not be practicable for a canteen to sell at two different prices, those which sell to soldiers at the cheap price, have had to stop selling to the Home Guard.

Are not members of the Home Guard soldiers in everything but pay and should they not be entitled to these privileges?

No, Sir; they are not soldiers in rations.

Would the Minister check up his information, because I have personal knowledge where members of the Home Guard have purchased cigarettes at N.A.A.F.I. canteens?

Rules are always broken by somebody or other.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the removal of officers under A.C.I. 422/1942 from the position of adjutant in the Home Guard and their replacement by younger officers who not only lack the essential experience but who would be more suitably employed with Regular battalions; and whether he will take steps to prevent this waste of good material?

I am not aware of any such cases, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will send me particulars of any he has in mind, I will inquire into them.

asked the Secretary of State for War what form of enemy incursion is to be signalled by the ringing of church bells; whether he is aware that the church bells are greatly missed by the people in the meantime; that they are not the most effective available signal; that the church is the only public building which is never on the telephone; that the use of church bells for any military purpose may legitimately be taken as a technical justification for any enemy action against any church; and whether he will arrange for some other form of signal to be devised and adopted, as he would have to do if churches are destroyed?

The ringing of church bells signifies the landing or imminent landing of parachutists or other airborne troops near the church. I know that church bells are greatly missed and fully sympathise with this feeling. The other points which my hon. and gallant Friend makes have likewise been fully considered, but I must ask him to accept my assur- ance that in spite of them the reasons for which this plan was originally adopted still hold good.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us when the church bells will ring out again?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any differentiation exists in the granting of passes to officers, warrant officers and other ranks stationed at Gibraltar for the purpose of visiting Spain and Tangier?

No leave to Tangier is granted at present, while leave to Spain is restricted to a small number of officers and senior non-commissioned officers.

Cannot that system be extended, in view of the nature of the duties of other ranks at Gibraltar and the improbability of their being able to obtain leave anywhere for some considerable time?

I must leave this matter to the discretion of the Governor and Commander-in-Chief. Obviously, unrestricted leave into Spain would not be a very desirable thing.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any decision has been reached about the continuance of allowances for the wives and dependants of officers and men taken prisoner at Singapore, in view of the delay by the Japanese Government in giving any information?

Under the normal rule payment is continued for 17 weeks after notification that a soldier is missing. In the special circumstances this period was extended for the first of the Far Eastern missing (those at Hong Kong) for another 13 weeks, whereby dependants are assured of full allowances at any rate till near the end of July. It has now been decided that in all Far Eastern cases where the normal period (or for Hong Kong the extended period) expires before 31st July full allowances shall nevertheless be continued to that date; and having thus assured, continuance of the allowance in all cases for the present, the Government will then reconsider the matter in the light of existing circumstances and of any further information which may meanwhile have become available.

What steps have been taken, or are contemplated, to prevent any time-lag between the expiry of the allowances and the coming into force of any pension rights?

That does not arise out of the Question, which concerns the continuance of the allowances, and not going on to pension rights.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that if the allowances terminate on 31st July in any particular case, unless steps are taken before that date to make other applications to the Ministry of Pensions, there must be inevitably an interval during which no money is received?

I have said that all allowances are to be continued until 31st July. In the meantime, the Government will consider what further to do in the matter.

Will another statement be made before 31st July?

Certainly.

Am I to take it that although the date is fixed at 31st July, that does not necessarily mean that the allowances will stop at 31st July? Does it mean that the Government will consider the matter between now and then?

I cannot say more clearly than I have done what the position is. It is precisely as the hon. Member has stated.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what date the decision was made by the Army Council to retire General Sir Robert Haining.

The decision that General Sir Robert Haining should be placed on the Retired List was made on 6th January, 1942, and he was informed of that decision in a letter dated 10th January. This is the normal practice in the case of officers for whom no further employment on the Active List can be foreseen. General Haining will, however, in com- mon with all other officers serving under a Reserve obligation, continue to be available for re-employment should his services be required.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on 13th April, in this House, the Financial Secretary stated, in answer to a similar Question, that it was not possible for him to forecast the Army Council's decisions, and can the right hon. Gentleman reconcile that with the announcement he has just made that the notice to Sir Robert Haining of his retirement was given him on 6th January? Was this because the hon. Gentleman was afraid of telling the House that so distinguished a general was not going to be re-employed?

No. Sir. My hon. Friend the Financial Secretary, in his reply, merely enunciated a general principle.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that by doing that he misled the House, which had a right to know what was being done?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether recruiting officers are classified as soldiers or civilians?

Recruiting officers are civilian employees of the War Department but are subject to military law.

If they are civilian employees, why are they subject to military law and required to wear uniform, and why do they not receive the same overtime payments as civilian staffs?

They are under military law under paragraph 1 of Section 175 of the Army Act, in order that they may be amenable to disciplinary control, and may be able to sign attestation documents.

As recruiting officers in the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force are officers on full pay, why are not the Army recruiting officers similarly treated?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now make any further statement as to the appointment of a scientific adviser to the Army Council?

With the consent of the Lord President of the Council, I have appointed Dr. C. G. Darwin, M.C., F.R.S., Director of the National Physical Laboratory, to be Scientific Adviser to the Army Council. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply is appointing Dr. Darwin a member of the Scientific Advisory Council of the Ministry.

While warmly welcoming the new office and the appointment of this individual, may I ask whether it is intended to complete the picture by the addition of a technical engineering member of the Army Council?

That is an entirely different question, and I must have notice of it.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) what guarantee he has that the boots and clothing sent to prisoners of war are issued to those in need, after the camp leaders have signed the receipts acknowledging the safe arrival of the parcels in the camp;

(2) whether he is aware that, in spite of the fact that an assurance has been given that adequate numbers of leather boots have been sent to meet the needs of prisoners of war, yet large numbers of prisoners are in hospital as a result of wounds on their feet caused by wearing ill-fitting sabots; and what steps does he propose to take to remedy this state of affairs?

I regret that I have no guarantee that boots and clothing received in prisoner of war camps will be issued to those who need them. The German authorities normally insist on controlling distribution. In some cases they refuse to allow our prisoners to wear leather boots when working beside German civilians, many of whom have only clogs. At other times they refuse on the ground that prisoners are less likely to escape in clogs than in boots. A strong protest has been made through the Protecting Power, and we shall continue to press for the camp leaders to be allowed, where necessary, to control distribution.

Can my right hon. Friend tell us whether the Germans send many parcels to this country for prisoners of war?

They send very few.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any decision has been arrived at regarding the suggestion made by the Select Committee on National Expenditure to attach representatives of the non-commissioned and other ranks to the headquarters of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes?

This question is at present being considered, and I hope to be in a position to make a statement shortly.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that no military decoration, other than the V.C., can be recommended posthumously; and, having regard to the fact that acts of outstanding gallantry have recently been performed, for example, by aircraft crews at Augsburg who did not return, whether he will consider recommending that in future posthumous decorations be awarded for similar acts of gallantry in any of the three Services?

In addition to the Victoria Cross and campaign medals, the George Cross, the Indian Order of Merit and the Albert Medal are awarded posthumously. The question of extending the system of posthumous awards has been reviewed on various occasions in the past few years, both prior to the war and recently, and it is not proposed to recommend that any alteration should be made in the present practice.

Does my right hon. Friend recall, in addition to the wonderful bravery of the men at Augsburg, referred to in the Question, the more recent case announced during the last few days of two British officers who, at St. Nazaire, conducted a body of high German officers on board H.M.S. "Campbelltown" immediately before she blew up? Surely this action merits the award of posthumous decorations?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider a clarification of the Atlantic Charter, so that the peoples of enemy countries may be aware that we do not desire their destruction and that a decent peace awaits them as soon as they rise against their persecutors?

The terms of the Atlantic Charter are quite clear and do not seem to me to require any clarification.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman of the opinion that Clauses 4 and 8 need some clarification for those people in enemy countries who are likely to be friendly to us and who can be expected to rise against their oppressors?

Having regard to the fact that at the recent Allied Conference at St. James's Palace every delegate interpreted the Atlantic Charter differently, would it not be better to drop it?

I do not think my hon. Friend is correct.

Are not the speeches of Members of the Government repeatedly clarifying it?

Does not my right hon. Friend think these Clauses need clarification, and is he aware that the Lord Privy Seal has stated that they do?

I do not think they do.

Is not the best way to get each Cabinet Minister to give his own opinion?

In view of the most unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Prime Minister whether a decision has been reached concerning the issue of badges to ex-Service personnel ineligible for the badge which automatically is granted to those who are successful applicants for pensions?

I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Can my right hon. Friend give an indication when he will be able to give a reply to a Question?

I am afraid that I cannot, but perhaps my hon. Friend will put down a Question during the next series of Sittings.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the concern that is being caused in industrial districts by the imprisonment of young men and women for absenteeism from work of an essential character, and the stigma that attaches to such imprisonment, he will consider some other method of punishment that will be as, or more, effective, but will carry no prison taint, nor cause slowing-down of production through resentment or indignation among workers?

I have been asked to reply. Persons guilty of these offences are imperilling the lives of others, and the penalty must be adequate. There is no reason to suppose that sentences of imprisonment either are necessary or are imposed in any considerable proportion of cases, but I am not aware of any practicable substitute for imprisonment in the final resort. As my hon. Friend knows, it is within the discretion of the magistrates to assess the penalty appropriate to particular offences.

Surely something else could be done than to put girls of 18 and 19 in dock and imprison them for 30 to 40 days with hard labour? Cannot something be done to take away the stigma of imprisonment on young lads who are in their apprenticeship? Hon. Members on this side of the House who have served their apprenticeships will know quite well the difficulties involved.

Is there any worse stigma which can be applied to any man or woman than that of betraying their country?

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind the variation of sentences inflicted for absenteeism, which is causing much concern? Will he go into the matter with his right hon. Friend the Home Secretary?

Does my hon. Friend consider it is a desirable thing for juvenile courts to send a boy to prison for two months?

I do not think it is a desirable thing to send anyone to prison. What we and the Government are looking for is a means to uphold the law without having imprisonment in the background as a final resort.

Do they not impose 12 years' penal servitude in Russia for absenteeism?

Is an investigation made as to the reasons for absenteeism before prosecution takes place? Will my hon. Friend bear in mind the fact that longer hours are being worked and that young persons are not always physically fit to carry on?

In every instance full inquiries are made before prosecution takes place, which takes place only when felt to be a last resort.

Have any employers been sentenced to imprisonment?

Why punish only the workers?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can state the number of acres of deer forest in Scotland that have been taken over by his Department; the number of sheep placed on these forests; and the number that have been lost during the past two winters?

Possession has been taken of 72,000 acres of deer forest lands. Of these forests 23,000 acres are used in summer as an adjunct to a neighbouring sheep farm, while 5,000 acres are let as summer grazings to farmers whose stock has been displaced through the ploughing up campaign. The remaining 44,000 acres have been stocked with sheep by my Department. The stock put on up to November, 1941, numbered 6,620. Losses up to the winter dipping, 1941, the last date for which figures are available, were 1,103. The losses due to severe weather in the winter 1940–41 were heavy in all hill sheep flocks in the north of Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any statement to make with regard to the recent deaths from alcohol poisoning in Scotland; and has the source of the alcohol been discovered?

My right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Advocate informs me that he is directing a public inquiry to be held under Section 3 of the Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths Inquiry (Scotland) Act, 1906, into the circumstances attending the deaths in Scotland between 7th and 28th April of the 14 persons who died after showing symptoms of acute alcoholic poisoning. In these circumstances I am unable to make any statement on the subject at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many boys between the ages of 16 and 18 have registered; how many were called for interview; and how many elected to join pre-Service training units?

In all, 79,862 boys have been registered in Scotland, 39,072 of 17 years and 40,790 of 16 years. Complete figures of the numbers called for interview or who elected to join pre-Service units have not yet been received from all education authorities. Twenty-six authorities have submitted figures showing that 10,010 boys of 17 have been interviewed: of these, 6,003 elected to join pre-Service units. Nine authorities have interviewed 4,056 boys of 16: of these 2,777 elected to join pre-Service units.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local education authorities now employ a full-time organiser for work in connection with the Service of Youth?

Nine of the 35 Scottish education authorities (Aberdeen Burgh, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Clackmannan, Fife, Lanark, Renfrew, West Lothian) employ specially appointed full-time organisers in connection with the Service of Youth: two other authorities (Ayr, Dunbarton) have officials who give special attention to youth matters although not originally appointed for that purpose: in addition, several authorities have recently seconded headmasters to deal with the work arising out of the registration of youth, but these are not in the meantime regarded as full-time appointments.

In view of the enormous growth of the number of boys joining the pre-Service units, will my hon. Friend hasten the appointment of further organisers, because at the moment the work is quite beyond the powers of the directors of education?

I can assure my hon. Friend that in a circular we are issuing in the near future to local authorities it is intended to draw their attention to the importance of employing one or more organisers of youth welfare.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the composition of the Advisory Council on Scottish Industry; how many times it has met; and what are its powers?

The Council is composed of representatives of local authority associations, chambers of commerce, the Scottish Trades Union Congress, the Scottish Development Council and financial interests; and its function is to watch industrial movements and to advise me on questions relating to the location of industry in Scotland. The Council and its Executive Committee with representatives of Government Departments concerned have met on four occasions. I hope to have an opportunity of making a statement about its work in the course of the Debate to-day.

I take it the Committee is concerned with present as well as postwar problems?

Are there any women on the Council?

I could not say without notice.

What is the total number on the Council?

I think, subject to confirmation, there are about 20.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of houses completed in Scotland with State assistance from 1919 till 30th April, 1942, or the nearest available date; and the total amount of State subsidy paid in respect thereof?

Since housing subsidies became available in 1919, down to 31st March, 1942, which is the latest date for which figures are available, 279,152 houses were built in Scotland with State assistance. The total amount of State subsidy paid during the same period is £37,842,111. In addition, the Second Scottish National Housing Company (Housing Trust), Limited, built 2,552 steel houses towardswhich Government advances of 1,015,564 have been made.

asked the Minister of Supply the number of persons employed on production as distinct from unproductive labour earning £6 a week and over at the Royal Ordnance Works, the address of which has been sent to him; and also the number of hours worked by the people involved for the week ended 21st February, 1942?

The number of employees of the Royal Ordnance Factory referred to who were directly concerned with production, and who earned £6 per week and over during the week ending 21st February, 1942, was 166. The average number of hours worked by the workpeople concerned was approximately 58.

Has my hon. Friend looked into the efficiency of this factory? It requires investigation both on the management and on the workers' side.

If my hon. Friend will put down a Question, I will answer it.

Is that necessary—wasting time?

asked the Minister of Supply whether his attention has been called to the practice of selling Army motor cars, wrecked in accidents, complete with tyres, however good the condition of the latter; and whether, in view of the rubber situation, he will give instructions to remedy this state of affairs?

Current types of Army motor cars are not sold: if beyond repair they are broken down and the parts are used again in Army service. Impressed vehicles or those of obsolete type badly damaged in accidents are handed over to the Ministry of Supply for disposal under the arrangements described in reply to Questions on 29th April and 17th December last. Most of them are repaired and used for essential purposes for which serviceable tyres are required. My right hon. Friend will consider whether any further arrangements are necessary to ensure that the tyres on the remainder are properly utilised.

If I give my hon. Friend an instance, will he investigate it? I have seen wrecked cars for sale with brand new tyres.

I shall be only too glad to have an instance of that kind.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that Young Men's Christian Association and Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes canteens have been ordered not to sell cigarettes to members of the Mercantile Marine; and will he take any steps he can to get this discrimination removed?