asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) how many pensioners of the Shanghai Municipal Council's Civil Service have been deprived of their pensions since the fall of Shanghai; and the total sum involved per annum;

(2) why, as Malayan and Hong Kong Civil Service pensioners continue to receive their pensions, similar treatment is not being accorded to Civil Service pensioners of the Shanghai Municipal Council?

I understand that there are in all 127 pensioners of the Shanghai Municipal Council, of whom 111 are resident in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, and that the pensions payable annually in respect of the latter amount to £27,253 10s. 4d. As I stated in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Moseley (Sir P. Hannon) on 6th May last, no payments have, I am informed, been made since the 30th September last. As the International Settlement at Shanghai is not British territory, these persons were not in the employment of His Majesty's Government, and cannot be regarded as being on the same footing as the pensioners of the Malayan and Hong Kong Governments.

asked the Secretary of State for Air in what circumstances it took two months for his Department to sanction the application of Flight- Lieutenant Kidd for leave of absence to contest a by-election?

Flight-Lieutenant Kidd's application for permission to contest the Chichester by-election was dated 26th April, and Air Council approval was signalled to his Group on 4th May. He had, however, applied on 16th February for permission to resign his commission in order to resume a political campaign which he had abandoned before the outbreak of war. No by-election was then pending in the constituency, and a decision on this entirely different matter had not been reached when his later application was received.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will give particulars of the scheme for the preliminary training of men registered for the Royal Air Force and placed on deferred service; and as to what grants and other provision is being made for Air Training Corps units to which these men are attached?

Aircrew candidates on deferred service are put in touch with their local unit of the Air Training Corps. Each unit makes its own arrangements for training them according to local circumstances. The A.T.C. syllabus is used, and it is possible for the men to qualify for the Proficiency Certificates granted in the Air Training Corps and to receive the preferential treatment on entry to the Royal Air Force which these certificates carry. Approval has recently been given to the payment, with effect from 1st February, 1942, of a grant to A.T.C. units of 7s. 6d. in respect of each airman who, during his attachment for training, qualifies for the Proficiency Certificate, Part I. The officer establishment of each unit to which 25 men are attached for training is increased by one and provision is also made for the issue of additional equipment.

While I appreciate the recognition which the Minister has now given to these deferred service units does he appreciate that the grant of 7s. 6d. is very inadequate, having regard to the fact that the Ministry of Pensions pays £1 to A.T.C. units? Why, therefore, may not deferred service units or the A.T.C, to which they are attached, have the same grant?

It is considered that 7s. 6d. is the appropriate sum, but if my hon. and gallant Friend considers it is inadequate and will let me know of any case, I will certainly look into it.

Is the Minister aware that in some cases the people on deferred service are kept hanging about for weeks and months without civil employment?

It is to overcome those difficulties that this scheme has been introduced.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he is aware that more than 100 fitters, released by the Royal Air Force to help in aircraft production, are employed on unskilled work at a factory not connected with aeroengines on which these men have been trained; and what steps he proposes to take to have these men more profitably employed?

Forty-eight men released from the Royal Air Force are en-ployed at the factory in question. They have not all been trained on aero-engine work. The Ministry of Labour allocated them to the vacancies considered most suitable in the light of their training in the Royal Air Force, their pre-enlistment industrial experience and the relative urgency of the various demands. They are all employed on work of vital importance.

How can the Minister reconcile that statement with the fact that these men had 12 months' training on Rolls-Royce engines and were released because they expected to help in the war effort by producing more engines?

I am told they were not all trained on engine work. We have plenty of people in engine factories at the moment. Where labour is most wanted is on work such as that on which these men were employed, where most vital work is being done.

How it is, then, that since I raised this question some men have been released for work on Rolls-Royce engines? The statement the Minister made was positively untrue. It is not good enough that he should make such statements to the House.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production in how many aircraft factories there are security officers; whether he can state the nature of their duties; whether these officers are responsible to, and make reports direct to, the Minister or to the firm; and whether the power of dismissal of the security officers rests with the Minister or the firm?

All important aircraft factories are "protected places" under the Defence Regulations. In each protected place a person, normally the General Manager, is made responsible for security measures within the factory. It is usual for the firm concerned to appoint a special security officer to assist in the discharge of this responsibility; he reports to the firm by whom he is appointed and by whom he may be dismissed.

Has the firm the sole right of dismissal or the Minister?

The firm.

asked the Minister of Information whether it was with his permission that a talk was given recently by the British Broadcasting Corporation on the education of our troops in hatred of the enemy; and is he satisfied that this type of talk serves a useful purpose?

No, Sir. The Governors of the B.B.C. do not consult with me about the great number of talks in their daily programmes nor have I any desire that they should do so. The B.B.C. is not an appendage of the Ministry of Information. They provide fare for audiences of many millions and so some of their talks can hardly be expected to please everyone.

Will the Minister represent to the B.B.C. that it is unnecessary to foment hatred in a world so full of hatred? Is it not possible that those who are taught to hate will, in turn, hate those who taught them?

I will send the Governors of the B.B.C. a copy of to-day's OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the Minister aware that the policy indicated in the Question is entirely contrary to the Christian teaching?

Will the Minister inform the B.B.C. that it is better to instruct soldiers in what they are fighting for than what they are fighting against?

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware of criticisms of the British Broadcasting Corporation's broadcast round-table conference on India; whether any other broadcasts on India are likely to be given after the present series; and whether he will communicate with the Indian National Congress with a view to their appointment of one of their leaders to expound their own point of view, or to record for broadcasting a statement of their case, or engage in public discussion with other recognised British and Indian leaders?

My information is that the criticism of this series of broadcasts has been greatly outweighed by appreciative comment. The B.B.C. have no definite plans in view for further broadcasts on the Indian situation, but even if they had, I should certainly not be prepared to dictate to them what speakers they should choose.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that even quite moderate societies, such as the Northbrook Society, have questioned the value of these round-table conferences, and does he not think that the views of an official spokesman from India, recorded or otherwise, who would put the Indian National Congress point of view would be very much appreciated in this country?

I really cannot be expected to interfere in these matters. Although the hon. Gentleman says that this society is a moderate society, it issued an extremely immoderate circular giving its opinions.

If there is another conference, will my right hon. Friend inquire why no representative of the Princes and no representative of the Scheduled Classes has taken part?

I must point out to my hon. and gallant Friend that the B.B.C. Directors-General and Governors have an opportunity of reading the Questions asked in the House, and no doubt they will take this point of view into account.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will consider distributing the second Molotov Memorandum, or extracts from it, to men and women working in factories where there is appreciable absenteeism and in districts where strikes have taken place; and whether he will co-operate with the other Departments concerned in such distribution?

I expect a very wide circulation for the Memorandum by M. Molotov. But I can see no point in arranging a special distribution in districts where strikes have taken place. Strikes are the most insignificant feature in our ever-growing war effort and I cannot ask officers of the Ministry of Information or any other Department to spend the tax- payers' money in chasing after a tiny, unrepresentative and evanescent section of the public.

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that anybody who has read the Molotov pamphlet is very unlikely to cause any stoppage in the war effort, whether he be employer or employee?

I hope everyone will have an opportunity of reading the Molotov Memorandum. It will be on sale everywhere. It has had a very wide distribution and has been extremely well advertised by my hon. Friend's Questions in the past.

But does not my right hon. Friend think that it is rather a long document and that a leaflet giving extracts would be much more widely read?

asked the Minister of Information the number of official Press officers and journalistic employees of the British Broadcasting Corporation whose calling-up papers have been deferred?

The B.B.C. have applied for the deferment of 48 members of their staff who are engaged in the preparation of news bulletins or in editing their journals. So far no decision has been communicated to them. No application for deferment has been made in respect of any Press officers.

Is it the policy of the Government to differentiate between journalists employed by the B.B.C. and other Government Departments and other journalists doing work of equal national importance who are on the staffs of London and provincial newspapers?

On the contrary. The Government have no intention of showing any favouritism in these matters. The case for the deferment of these men is before the Kennet Committee, which is a semi-judicial body, and when their report comes to hand the B.B.C. will take action accordingly.

If there was less comment dispersed among news, would not fewer journalists be wanted?

That is a very interesting suggestion, but sometimes we need elucidation of rather confused official bulletins.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether any attempt is being made to replace those within the call-up age groups in his Department by men over military age?

Every effort is made to replace men liable for military service by suitable substitutes who are over age: But I would remind my hon. Friend that the whole situation has been inquired into by the Kennet Committee and action in all cases has been taken in accordance with the directions of that body.

Is my hon. Friend aware that much of this work is being done by technical people, and that it could be done by men over the age of 40 as well as by men below that age, and will he not try to have the younger men replaced by older men?

As I informed the hon. Member, this Committee was set up by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Minister of Labour, and all these cases have been referred to the Committee. The Committee started its sittings last May and is sitting every week; these cases go before the Committee, and we act on its decisions.

Can my hon. Friend tell us how many have been changed so far?

No, Sir.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the failure of personal parcels to reach prisoners of war; and whether any steps can be taken to rectify this?

I am aware that next-of-kin parcels addressed to individual prisoners of war in Germany and Italy have been delayed. They are forwarded from this country to Lisbon together with Red Cross standard food and other parcels, and are conveyed from Lisbon to Marseilles as mails, on ships chartered by the British Red Cross Society. For reasons which have already been explained to the House by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the War Office, it was impossible to prevent an accumulation of parcels at Lisbon. Very large numbers of parcels were, however, sent forward from Lisbon during March and April, and I have no doubt that many of the parcels which my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind have already reached the camps or will do so very shortly. The accumulation at Lisbon is still considerable, and for some time to come next-of-kin parcels are not likely to reach the prisoners as quickly as they were doing up to December, 1941.

Why is the delay greater in the case of personal parcels than in the case of food parcels?

I do not know that it is. To separate the personal parcels from the food parcels would, I am told, involve a very lengthy operation and be very difficult to do.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that at the present time ships which are carrying these parcels are held up, and are the Foreign Office taking appropriate action to see that their passage is assisted?

There have been hold-ups with the ships. I can assure my hon. Friend that every effort is made by the Foreign Office, the Ministry of War Transport, the Post Office, and the Red Cross Society to secure additional tonnage.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether his attention has been drawn to the danger arising from the broken points left sticking out from the stone-work where iron railings have been taken; and will he arrange with the borough councils to have all the broken points sheared off level with the stonework?

Hitherto there has been difficulty in removing railings without either leaving broken stumps or causing damage to the stonework. I am pleased to say that a machine is now being produced that will extract the stumps causing the minimum of damage. It is hoped to have these machines in use shortly.

When this machine is produced, will it be used to take off the broken points that have been left, as they are both unsightly and dangerous?

Yes, Sir. I will look into that matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he is aware that in the City of Leeds alone, over 100 complaints have been received by the City department concerned with the removal of railings as to damage to stone-work, but that so far no satisfaction has been obtained for complaints made to the appropriate officials; and what steps he is taking to expedite repairs?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he is aware that much unnecessary damage is being caused to boundary walls in Brentford and Chiswick by the removal of railings; and whether he will impress on the contractors engaged on this work the necessity of using all care?

I would refer to the answer given on nth March to the hon. Member for Ealing (Sir F. Sanderson) which deals fully with the general question of repair of damage caused in the course of removal of railings.

Is not my hon. Friend aware that the damage is still going on and that the operation is a very uneconomic one, as valuable stonework is destroyed or seriously damaged in order to get a comparatively small amount of iron?

With whom does the responsibility lie—the Ministry, the local authorities, or the contractors?

I have difficulty in finding language to vary the many previous answers I have given on this matter. I will read to the House the instructions that are given to the contractors:

"The contractor must instruct workmen to exercise not only the utmost care in taking down railings, but to show the utmost consideration and courtesy to the occupier, as many of these do not fully understand the urgent necessity for the removal of these railings. The contractor shall at his own expense make good all damage caused by the removal of the railings in a negligent or otherwise improper manner to the satisfaction of the Emergency Works Officers"—

Those officers are under my Ministry.

May we hope that theory and practice will be nearer in future?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether he has considered the report sent to him by the hon. Member for East Swansea indicating the damage caused to property by the acquisition of railings in the borough of Swansea; and what action he proposes to take?

Yes, Sir; steps have already been taken to expedite the repair of damage much of which is unavoidable owing to the condition of the old walls in which the railings are set.

Does not my hon. Friend think it would have been better to engage a local firm to do this work, rather than to bring in a firm from 40 miles away?

Generally local firms are employed, but I think in this case a competent firm was selected. In any case, they were not taken from outside the country.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether a definite list has yet been prepared of the various phases of the building industry wherein United States practices and procedures differ from those of Great Britain and are considered worthy of investigation with the object of possible adoption; and whether any estimate has been made as to the time it will take to introduce into Great Britain those which are considered desirable?

No such list as my hon. Friend has in mind has yet been prepared. As I informed the hon. and gallant Member for East Leicester (Major Lyons) on 29th April, however, the Minister of Works has under consideration the question of sending a representative delegation to the United States to study building development and practice with a view to determining in what directions and to what extent new and improved methods can be adopted in the building industry of this country. In my Noble Friend's opinion the time is not yet ripe for action on these lines, and an essential preliminary would be the drawing up of a programme of subjects for systematic investigation by a team of experts specially selected for the purpose. At a later date I should hope to have the benefit of my hon. Friend's advice and assistance in the preparation of such a programme. Pending such an inquiry, it would be premature to attempt to answer the last part of my hon. Friend's Question.

Seeing that the Ministry have now been in existence for about 18 months, does it not seem to my hon. Friend that some steps ought to have been taken by this time?

Obviously, it is a matter of opinion, but I understand that my hon. Friend has not been in favour even of making these preliminary investigations.

Is my hon. Friend aware that if he had heard what I said yesterday, he would know that I am in favour of doing it at once?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty to what extent the competent naval and air staff anticipated that the "Scharnhorst," "Gneisenau" and "Prince Eugen" would escape by way of the English Channel; whether they recommended dispositions accordingly; whether these dispositions were made; and, if not, who overruled them?

As regards the appreciation of the possible movements of the German battleships, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement on the war situation, which was made in the House by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 17th February, 1942. In accordance with this appreciation the Naval and Air Staffs recommended dispositions which were made and not overruled.

Is my hon. Friend aware that I asked the First Lord of the Admiralty on 25th March whether it was un- true that the competent Naval Staff recommended that the ships would probably go up the Channel and that they were overruled by the higher authority, namely, the Minister of Defence? I have never had an answer to that question. Is it true or untrue?

The reply given to the hon. Member was that the dispositions were made in accordance with the competent Naval advice, which had to take into account every commitment to be covered.

Is the hon. Member aware that that is wrong? The answer given by the First Lord of the Admiralty was that he did not know where I got the information from.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what disciplinary action has been taken regarding a practice de contamination exercise in Derby House, Exchange Buildings, Liverpool, on or about 6th March; and whether such steps have been taken as will prevent a recurrence and also to advise the victims that action has been taken?

Suitable disciplinary action has been taken against the officers responsible for this exercise, and instructions have been issued which will prevent any recurrence of the methods employed.

Has it been made perfectly plain to the people who were the victims of this exercise that action has been taken locally so that there will be no recurrence?

I think that the effect of this Question will be to inform the people who took part in this exercise of what has happened.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the number of commodores in charge of convoys who have lost their lives at sea in this war?

The number of commodores of convoys who have lost their lives at sea in this war is 13, including nine retired flag officers.

Will my hon. Friend say what percentage of that total number have been re-employed?

I cannot say without notice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any steps are being taken to develop the production of quinine in the West Indies in order to compensate for the absence of supplies from the Dutch dependencies?

Steps are being taken to increase the production of quinine in the Colonies; for technical reasons, these do not at present include development in the West Indies.

Is the Under-Secretary not aware that extensive cultivation of Cinchona existed in Trinidad for a great many years? Is he aware that if this cultivation could be revived it would be a very useful source of supply?

I should like to look further into that. I should not, however, like to go into details of supplies here, and perhaps the hon. Member will confer later with me on the matter.

Can the Under-Secretary inform the House what steps are being taken to secure supplies of Atebrin or other effective substitutes for quinine?

I would rather not say in public.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies why the free supply of milk to necessitous schoolchildren has been suspended in Trinidad; and whether, in view of the food shortage, the Government will control the supply of the island's milk and other essential foodstuffs?

My Noble Friend has no information regarding the suspension of the supply of free milk to schoolchildren in Trinidad, but he is making inquiries in the matter. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Dewsbury (Mr. Riley) on 6th May.

asked the Under- Secretary of State for the Colonies how many labourers have been recruited by the United States contractors for work in Trinidad; under what conditions they have been brought to Trinidad; and whether labour inspectors have been appointed to supervise the conditions of employment?

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to imported labour. The only imported labour of which my Noble Friend has knowledge are 2,000 labourers who are being recruited from Barbados. With regard to the last two parts of the Question, inquiries are being made.

asked the Under- Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any action is being taken to meet the re current water shortage in Trinidad; whether the committee set up to inquire into the problem has reported; and whether the expert to be sent out from Britain has arrived and started work?

Yes, Sir. The water situation in Trinidad has, of course, been accentuated by the development of the United States bases and other war needs. The necessary information is being collected with a view to remedial action, and this will be taken as rapidly as possible.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that this has been an acute problem for many years?

I understand that this problem occurs in cycles, but, of course, the new demands have accentuated the difficulties.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many persons are employed on the staff of the Labour Adviser's Department in Trinidad; what is the sum voted for this Department for the current year; and whether a statistical section has been set up in accordance with the recommendation contained in Major Orde Browne's report in 1939?

The Department of the Industrial Adviser in Trinidad consists of the Industrial Adviser himself, a labour officer and a clerical establishment of eight. The total sum voted for the Department for 1942 is $18,214. With regard to the last part of the Question, the duties of the Industrial Adviser and his Department include the collection of labour statistics in accordance with Major Orde Browne's recommendations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory health and sanitary conditions in factories in Trinidad and the inadequate precautions taken to prevent accidents; whether he has received any report from the inspector of factories sent out from this country to examine conditions on the spot; and, if so, what action is being taken?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second, although the officer was appointed several months ago, it has unfortunately not yet been possible to arrange for him to leave this country owing to difficulties in arranging a passage which my hon. Friend will appreciate. The urgent importance of securing a passage for him is being strongly pressed, and it is hoped that he will sail very shortly. The third part of the Question therefore does not arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, on what grounds the wives of Europeans in Malaya, who were mobilised for the Civil Defence services, are denied separation allowances, whilst the wives of men who were mobilised for the local defence forces are granted such allowances?

The local Defence Forces formed part of the garrison of Malaya and are entitled to the scheme of separation allowances applicable to the case of soldiers who are missing or taken prisoner.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that when the Japanese invaded Malaya the whole of the European population was mobilised, some men being put in the Defence Forces and some in the civilian Defence Forces, and that all these men are still in Singapore? What is the justification for treating the wives of the one class different from the wives of the other?

That raises the very broad question of the differences in allowances which are normally paid to mobilised forces and civilians. There were, of course, other civilians not mobilised in the Civil Defence Forces who stayed in their work because they were more useful there. The question raises the very much broader issue of the general payment of allowances to different classes of people.

In view of the fact that all able-bodied men in Singapore and Malaya were at the disposal of the Government, ought not the wives and dependants to have the same treatment?

I was pointing out that the same principle applies in Great Britain as elsewhere. Scales of allowances have been worked out for the different classes, which include Civil Defence, and civilians who also come under the general scheme. This broad question cannot be dealt with only on a local basis.

How is it that the Under-Secretary says the same principle and conditions apply in this country, in view of the fact that Singapore was invaded and all these unfortunate people have been deprived of their breadwinners? Will he make some general statement on the matter?

I said that the payments of allowances to different classes of people according to whether they are soldiers, mobilised civilians in Civil Defence or civilians are laid down and are of general application throughout all parts of the Empire.

Will the Under-Secretary make a general statement at an early date?

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

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that, under the provisions of the Trading with the Enemy Act, 1939, a British subject at present interned by the enemy in Japan is regarded by British authorities as an enemy of Britain; that, where such a person is a partner in a London business firm, and at the time of the internment was looking after his firm's interests in Japan, such partnership must, under the Act, be dissolved; and whether he will take steps to remedy this anomalous position?

The point raised in my hon. Friend's Question is one that was brought to the attention of the Government a short time ago. British subjects in enemy territory have, of course, for many purposes to be regarded as enemies and the partnerships cannot continue unaffected by the position as stated. The question whether any alteration of the law is desirable and practicable is being considered by the Board of Trade.

Can this consideration be speeded up? The Attorney-General will see by this Question the grievous harm which is being done to British subjects who are taken prisoner by the enemy.

I understand that the Board of Trade are getting in touch—I daresay they are now in touch —with those affected. They will, of course, consider what suggestions they make as to the best way of dealing with the problem.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware of the small numerical representation of labour upon the magisterial benches of those portions of Miskin Lower and Cowbridge petty sessional divisions, respectively, which serve within the Pontypridd Parliamentary division; and will he take steps to increase such Labour representation at the earliest appropriate date?

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that both the Caerphilly, Higher, and the Caerphilly, Lower, petty sessional divisions, are predominantly industrial areas; that the composition of the magistrates' list does not reflect this characteristic, causing considerable dissatisfaction in these areas; if he will take steps to remedy this, and thereby remove all suspicion that political bias affects these appointments?

My Noble Friend is not aware that any dissatisfaction exists regarding the composition of the benches of magistrates in the areas referred to. He desires me to make clear that justices of the peace are not appointed as representatives of any political party. In making such appointments my Noble Friend is advised by a local committee which includes members of the main political parties, who are chosen so as to secure recommendations derived from different views and currents of public opinion. The advisory committees help to secure that those recommended for appointment are persons of high character in order to ensure that benches of justices command the respect of the public. My Noble Friend has no reason to believe that these principles are not fully observed by the committee which advises him in the county of Glamorgan, but he is prepared to communicate with the Lord Lieutenant to inquire in greater detail regarding the composition of the benches referred to in the Questions.

While I recognise the delicate task of the advisory committee, is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that in the Cowbridge petty sessional division there is only one labour representative out of 18 magistrates?

I have said that magistrates are not appointed as representatives of political parties. I have also said that my Noble Friend is going to communicate with the Lord Lieutenant to inquire in greater detail regarding the composition of the benches.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the country will no longer be deceived by his original answer?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will extend to three months the period for which pay shall be made to officers who have been released from service under the recent review and who have not obtained alternative employment?

An officer released from service normally gets 28 days' leave on full pay. However, in order to give those released under this review additional opportunities of finding other work this period has been specially extended to 42 days. I am afraid I can hold out no hope of any further extension.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the circumstances under which these officers are reverting to unemployment make it difficult for them to get employment, and will he reconsider his decision from that point of view?

It was to meet those difficulties that the period of leave was extended from four weeks to six weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether pensioners re- enlisted before mobilisation under War Office Letter No. 30/Misc. 2879/AGI (c), dated 22nd May, 1939, will be released, when their contracts for three years' service have expired, or retained; and upon what conditions?

This matter is at present being considered, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as a decision is reached.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will reconsider his decision not to intervene in the case of a Streatham corporal, of good character, who was reduced to the ranks and is now serving a sentence of three months in detention barracks for appropriating, and using in his motor cycle, two gallons of Army petrol, value 3s. 7d.?

For the reasons which have already been explained to the hon. Member, my right hon. Friend is not disposed to intervene in this case.

Having regard to the fact that the soldier receives so little in cash and so much in goods, and to the old-established tradition of winning things in the Army, does not the hon. Gentleman consider that this sentence is much too severe which compels a man of excellent character to be subjected to imprisonment with deserters and other serious offenders?

This was a case of pilfering military petrol by a non-commissioned officer after the issue of repeated warnings. Seamen are now losing their lives bringing petrol to this country, and I think my hon. Friend will agree that the Army owes it to the Merchant Navy to deal seriously with cases like this.

Does not my hon. Friend think that this interference with a commanding officer running a unit makes conduct of the Army almost impossible?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will investigate the conditions under which soldiers have to serve sentences in detention barracks commonly known as glasshouses; and whether he is satisfied that such soldiers have the opportunity to lodge complaints without prejudicing their positions?

A Departmental investigation has recently been made into conditions at detention barracks and showed that generally speaking these were good. Soldiers under detention can make complaints to the Commandant or a visiting officer, without in any way prejudicing their position. The expression "glasshouse" refers only to the Aldershot detention barracks, which happens to have a glass roof.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in some of these detention barracks the conditions are very insanitary, and the men complain that they are treated considerably worse than if they were in a civil prison?

So far as I know the conditions are pretty good. Those barracks that I have seen myself were fully up to the necessary standard.

Is it not the case that some little time ago the hon. Gentleman promised to consider publication of the report to which he referred, and can he now say whether that report will be published or otherwise made available to hon. Members?

This was a Departmental report and I am not prepared to have it published. I offered the hon. Member and certain other hon. Members the opportunity of visiting these detention barracks if they feel inclined to do so, and that offer is still open.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that before availing ourselves of that offer, we indicated that we felt that it would be convenient if we knew what was in the report which he found so satisfactory, and is there any reason why he should not let us know what is in it?

As I said, this was a Departmental report, and such reports are not compiled for publication. If they were always to be published their compilation would involve longer and more laborious work. I do not feel that in this particular case we should be justified in publishing the report.

asked the Minister of Production whether he will publish-the Report of the committee that met under the chairmanship of Sir Walter Citrine for the purpose of considering regional organisation; and can he make a full statement on the steps that are to be taken as a result of the investigation and Report of the committee?

I have received the Report of Sir Walter Citrine's Committee. The Committee's recommendations are now being considered as a matter of urgency, and I expect to be able to publish the Report and make a statement of the Government's policy in the matter before the Whitsun Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Production the names and qualifications of the Panel that is to work under his direction; how it is intended they shall operate; and will they be given executive power to act in the national interests?

With the hon. Member's permission I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of those members who have accepted my invitation to serve on the Industrial Panel. As regards the manner in which the members of this Panel will operate, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made in the House on 22nd April.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the output of the workers is higher than in any other country in the world, and will he take steps to see that the Panel functions as quickly and as efficiently as possible?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the appointment of a properly qualified woman to assist him in this important matter?

I have considered the matter, and I think the duties which could properly be performed by a lady on the Panel had better be left to the Ministry of Labour.

How was the personnel of the Panel chosen?

I suggest that the hon. Member should wait for the list of names and then the question will answer itself.

Following is the list:

Mr. G. E. Bailey, C.B.E., M.I.M.E., M.I.P.E.

Mr. E. W. Bussey.

Mr. A. Dalgliesh.

Mr. W. Gunn.

Sir Ernest Lemon, O.B.E., M.I.M.E.

Mr. G. S. Maginness.

Mr. G. Martin.

Mr. A. McKinstry, M.I.E.E., M.I.M.E.

Mr. F. Parkinson.

Mr. W. Puckey.

Mr. T. G. Spencer.

Mr. J. Tanner.

The Hon. J. K. Weir.

asked the Minister of Production whether he will give the House any information about the possibility of making paper from nettles?

The bast fibre from nettle stems is useful for papermaking. I am finding out Whether it is practicable to collect nettles on a large enough scale to be of use.

Would not this be an enormously important industry once it was set going?

Has there been any substantial demand for paper made by this process?

I understand that the Opposition Press is very anxious to have its publications printed on paper made from stinging nettles.

asked the Minister of Production whether he has satisfied himself that no restrictive arrangements pertaining to essential products, processes or commodities, exist between manufacturers or other businesses in this country and other countries similar to those recently disclosed in the United States of America?

I have made careful investigations into the subject raised by my hon. Friend and have found no cases of such restriction. I may point out that the Trading with the Enemy Act makes any such arrangements an offence.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there have been very definite arrangements in the past for the exchange of processes, patents, etc., such as those which Imperial Chemical Industries had with German companies. Is he quite satisfied that those arrangements have been cancelled?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Supply the names and salaries of each of eight Controllers in his Department and the firms to which they belong; and the source of income of each of the other 16 Controllers and the firms they represent?

I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the particulars in the OFFICIAL REPORT, except that I am not aware of the sources of income of the Controllers otherwise than from public funds.

As their salaries have to be borne on the cost of goods purchased by the Government, what is the objection to paying their salaries direct by the Ministry so that everyone knows what they get?

Following are the the particlars:

asked the Minister of Supply whether, as there is a shortage of .310 cartridges throughout Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which are necessary for the killing of horses and large cattle for which the captive bolt killer has proved unsatisfactory, he will give instructions that adequate supplies of these cartridges be maintained?

I regret that further manufacture of .310 cartridges cannot at present be arranged.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the shortage of these cartridges will result in the inhuman form of slaughter prevailing before the Act of 1932?

I am having that particular representation investigated at present. There appears to be considerable doubt as to whether it is a fact.

asked the Minister of Supply, in view of the duties and scope of the Director of Scrap Supplies, why there is still paid to each of four firms of scrap merchants an over-riding commission of 1s. per ton of scrap; what services are performed for this payment; and on what basis were the four particlar firms selected for this benefit?

The arrangement to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers was one entered into between the steel industry and four scrap merchanting firms. Neither the Ministry nor the Iron and Steel Control is a party to this arrangement. I have asked the steel industry to look into the agreement again in the light of the circumstances of to-day and to report to me fully upon it.

If I put a Question down in a fortnight's time, will the right hon. Gentleman be able to make a statement?

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will consult me as to the date on which a Question may be put down.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of the need to direct towards the news paper industry essential supplies of news print; and are steps taken to limit the waste of paper on unessential publications by various organisations of a public or semi-public character?

Supplies of newsprint are at present available to meet the consumption of newspapers at the existing reduced rate. Other periodical publications are subject to the same restrictions in paper consumption as newspapers, and the amount of paper available for casual publications is being further reduced.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that we have a special duty to inquire into the use of paper by the Empire Parliamentary Association?

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of a circular letter, issued by his Ministry to marine store dealers, offering to sell iron railings at 62s. 6d. per ton; and will he take steps to stop such sales at this price, in view of the fact that his Ministry either receive the railings as free gifts or, if purchased, only pay 25s. a ton?

The circular referred to appears to be one dated 21st August, 1941, issued to scrap merchants. The sale price to merchants has since then been reduced and now varies between 42s. 6d. and 57s. 6d. per ton delivered, according to geographical area. In addition to any compensation to the owners, there are heavy costs of removal, making good, weighing, transportation, etc.

Why is it necessary to employ middlemen?

This does not refer to middlemen in any ordinary sense. These merchants to whom scrap is sent are persons who do processing on it to make it suitable for blast-furnaces and steel works —a very technical job.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that all these middlemen in every Department are cleared out all together?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that many of the first-class coaches coming from the North to London are arranged to carry four passengers only in each compartment, and that by the removal of the centre arm they could accommodate another two passengers; and will he have inquiries made to see what can be done?

The first-class coaches normally used on these services provide seating accommodation for six persons in each compartment. Occasionally coaches seating four persons only have to be used, but they are taken out of service as quickly as possible. It is doubtful, therefore, whether it would be justifiable to use the labour and material required for their conversion. I will, however, give further consideration to the proposal made by my hon. Friend.

I thank the Minister for his reply; it is very hard on people standing in the corridors when they see only four persons sitting in a first-class coach. It will do much to relieve the feeling that everyone is not being treated on the same basis if this action is taken.

I quite agree with my hon. Friend. It is really a question of cost in labour and material.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food how many additional workers he estimates will have to be employed to carry out the new procedure of issuing ration cards only on production of identity cards; and whether, before deciding to initiate this procedure, he consulted the Ministry of Labour?

The new procedure referred to of issuing ration documents consists of two parts. The first part, lasting about two weeks, involves personal application by the public, and serves to check identity cards and food ration book particulars and to issue the personal food ration book and clothing ration documents. No reliable estimate can be given of the number of staff required to achieve this fourfold object. The second part involves preparing and writing-up the main ration book. In view of the first part, this operation will be much simpler than in previous years. It will require about 10,000 clerks, many of them part-time, but only for some three weeks instead of the six to seven weeks needed on previous occasions, when ration books have been distributed to all consumers. The Ministry of Labour are kept fully aware of my Department's requirements in relation to the staffing of local food offices.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary consider that there will be any substantial check-up of identity cards which could not be achieved by ordinary police methods? Will not the system which is to be devised absorb a fairly substantial number of people?

I think that it is a very good way of having a proper check, because the ration book is a useful adjunct to the check. In this particular case we have the food registration card and the clothing requirements checked at the same time, which is a good example of what is known as combined operations.

Does the Minister appreciate that if personal application is to be made for these cards, it will involve in many cases a long wait before the check has been instituted and completed, and may in fact disorganise a great deal of our production work? Are we to understand that every worker engaged in the munitions industry must apply for the ration cards personally? Is there no other way of dealing with it?

I do not think my hon. Friend need fear that there will be a great disturbance. This plan has been carefully inquired into, and I think he will find that it is all right.

Does not the Minister agree that if there is only to be a glance at the number on the national registration card, there will be no substantial check and no advantage in this plan?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that food rationing operates with particular severity on persons living alone and on families of two living in rural areas without any British Restaurant; and whether it is possible to improve their conditions?

I realise that small units of consumers are at a disadvantage as compared with larger units in the utilisation of rationed foods. As regards residents in rural areas, I realise that they are not in as favourable a position as residents in town areas for obtaining meals in catering establishments, but I think that in many areas they enjoy advantages as regards food supplies which are not open to the majority of town dwellers. To meet the needs of workers in rural areas arrangements have recently been made for responsible voluntary organisations such as the W.V.S. and Women's Institutes, individuals certified by war agricultural committees and local traders, in addition to local authorities, to be given authority to operate schemes for the supply of meat pies, sandwiches and other prepared foods, especially in those areas where it would not be practicable to establish British Restaurants.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware of the great disadvantage from which the rural population suffers in consequence of their inability to buy offals and fish and to make use of British Restaurants or any other kind of restaurant?

I appreciate that there must be disadvantage in certain rural areas with regard to British Restaurants, but I am sure my hon. and gallant Friend will agree that there are also certain advantages in the country which work out very well.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, as his Department is now to be the sole purchaser of salmon imported from Eire, he will consider making similar arrangements in regard to all fish caught in British fresh-water rivers and lakes in order to increase the supplies of home-produced edible fish?