asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now able to state the conditions governing the payment of the post-war credit of £9 recently granted to soldiers; and whether this credit is inalienable?

; An Army Order has now been published setting out the conditions governing post-war credits and I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it is now the intention of the Government to deduct from funds derived from War Damage Insurance Contributions the payment for damage incurred by the Army in this country, or whether these damages are to be paid as heretofore out of Army funds.

I am not quite clear what my honourable Friend has in mind. If it be damage caused by the Army in this country, then to the extent that such damage may fall within the definition of war damage in Section 80 of the War Damage Act, 1941, it is dealt with as war damage under that Act. Other damage is dealt with as heretofore.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings the total tonnage of scrap which has been obtained; and the sources from which it has been obtained.

The total tonnage of metal scrap which has been obtained through action taken by my Department to augment normal trade supplies is now over 1,000,000 tons, of which railings have provided no less than 200,000 tons. The other sources of supply have been steel from buildings, damaged by enemy action and from the "national survey," which includes the metal from dumps, collieries, railways and similar undertakings.The hon. Member will be interested to know that to manufacture 1,000,000 tons of metal it would have required 3,000,000 tons of iron ore and 2,000,000 tons of coal. Therefore important shipping and transport space has been saved, together with much valuable fuel.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings, whether he is aware that raillings between gardens are frequently left when those fronting the street are re- moved; and whether he will take steps to see that all unnecessary railings are removed.

I was not aware of this, and if the hon. Member will give me details of particular cases I will certainly make inquiry.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings what steps are being taken to remove unnecessary railings from the railways?

Subject to the requirements of the public safety and the safe custody and control of traffic, railings are, under arrangements agreed with my Noble Friend the Minister of War Transport, being recovered from railway property.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that the Mayor of Blackburn is having difficulty in providing proper amenities for the workers taking their holidays at home; and whether he will take the necessary steps to have these amenities provided and thus relieve traffic on omnibuses and railways to the seaside?

I have been asked to reply. I understand that in connection with activities being organised during the Blackburn holiday week the council want supplies of food for the provision of refreshments, petrol for the operation of motor boats in the parks, and a supply of paper for the issue of a programme of the week's events. With regard to food, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food on 16th June to the hon. and gallant Member for Blackburn (Captain Elliston). An application for additional supplies of petrol has been carefully considered by the appropriate Department, but cannot be granted. A licence for the release of a certain amount of paper has now been issued.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will give facilities to the overseers in the London postal service who may have the necessary qualifications for more urgent work, to be seconded or transferred to other Government Departments where their qualifications would be of special value?

Yes, Sir. I am ready to give facilities where overseers have qualifications which would be of special value to other Government Departments. Some London overseers are already on loan elsewhere.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will grant a certain allowance of petrol to a farmer who, in addition to his home farm, has another outlying farm which he works, at a distance of two miles or over, from his residence?

Such an allowance is within the discretion exercised by Divisional petroleum officers.

asked the Minister of Fuel of Power whether his attention has been called to the quantities of lopped timber in woods in this country; what use is being made of it; and whether it is still being burnt in the woods?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 18th-June by my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply to the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr. Liddall). Steps are being taken to facilitate the use of waste wood as domestic fuel to the fullest possible extent. With regard to the last part of the Question it is sometimes necessary to burn brushwood and lop and top in order to facilitate the clearance of logs from the forest to sawmills, in other cases where waste wood cannot otherwise be disposed of owing to transport difficulties or the absence of local demand for fuel it is desirable in the interests of agriculture to deny harbourage to rabbits and other destructive vermin.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power, what are normally the coldest parts in Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the last quarter and first quarter, respectively, of each calendar year; and whether there are considerable variations from normal-figures?

I understand from the Meteorological Office that the distribution of mean temperature over the British Isles is irregular as temperature varies appreciably with altitude and proximity to the sea. But broadly speaking the regions of lowest tempera-ture in Great Britain and Northern Ire-land in the first quarter of the year are the Northern, Eastern and Midland regions of Great Britain, temperature increasing on the whole from North East to South West in this quarter. The variation of mean temperature is not large in this quarter and places at appreciable altitudes in the South and West have lower temperatures than places at low altitudes in the North and East. Temperature of places on the coast is higher than that of places inland. The region of lowest temperature in Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the last quarter of the calendar year is North East Scotland, temperature on the whole increasing from North to South in this quarter but more rapidly in the West than in the East. The variations from the average are substantial. In a cold winter, temperature in the normally warmer areas may be generally lower than the average temperature of. the normally colder areas and vice versa in a mild winter. The sensation of cold depends very markedly on wind as well as on temperature and sunshine. The wind depends so much on local surroundings that the variation of wind from place to place in the same region is much greater than the variation of wind between similarly situated places in the regions of higher and lower temperatures.

asked the Minister of Air-craft Production what steps he has taken to secure all economies in the use of fuel and light in factories and workshops under his direction; and whether he will consider the appointment of qualified officers to prevent any further waste?

AU factories under the direction of my Department were instructed some months ago to appoint fuel efficiency officers, if they had not already done so. In regard to light, we have effected considerable economies by the introduction of windows and roof lights in place of the absolute blackout.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in the case of a widow in receipt of a pension in connection with her late husband's death through war service, he will consider the advisability of exempting this portion of income from Income Tax?

I am afraid I cannot see my way to propose the alteration of the Income Tax law necessary to give effect to my hon. Friend's suggestion. Similar proposals have, on several occasions, been considered and rejected in Finance Bill Debates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that loss falls upon the Revenue owing to certain bona fide misconceptions as to the duty to return certain sources of income, in particular where the income arises from an isolated transaction in food, commodities, &c.; and whether he will use the radio or the Press to make known the law in cases where he has any reason to think that the Revenue suffers from failure to return income?

I am obliged to my hon. Friend for his suggestion. In general, I may say that I am advised that the position is that the profits of trading transactions are liable to tax, even though the trading transaction may be an isolated one and the Revenue authorities would regard as liable to tax any profits arising from the purchase and sale of commodities even though the purchase and sale constituted an isolated transaction.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the total cost of constructing and equipping Singapore as a naval base and fortress from the end of the last war until the outbreak of hostilities in September, 1939; and what contributions towards the total cost were made by the Dominions and or other sources?

I have been asked to reply. The total expenditure incurred on the construction and equipment of Singapore during the period mentioned by my hon. Friend was approximately £18,234,000. The following contributions were received towards the cost of the work:

	£
Grant from New Zealand	1,000,000
Grant from Hong Kong	250,000
Grant from Federated Malay States	2,000,000
Gift from Sultan of Johore on occasion of the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty King George V.	500,000
	£3,750,000

In addition to these contributions the Straits Settlement Government presented the site of the Naval Base, and land for military defences amounting in value to approximately £146,000

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that complaints have been made by the proprietor of the newspaper "Antigua Magnet" that news is censored in his paper which has already appeared in other West Indian newspapers and which has also been broadcast by the British Broadcasting Corporation; and will he have enquiries made into the complaint.

My noble Friend is already in communication with the Governor of the Leeward Islands about the incident to which my hon. Friend refers. I will communicate with my hon. Friend on receipt of the Governor's reply.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that numbers of skilled miners are serving on ground staffs in the Royal Air Force who answered the appeal to help in the building of factories when pits were idle in 1940; that, although many of these men returned to the pits when reopened, their registration as labourers remained unchanged when they were sent into the Royal Air Force; that such skilled miners are still being sent by the Royal Air Force as unskilled and untrained workers to certain factories; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made throughout the Royal Air Force to ascertain how many miners there are serving under the conditions stated?

Particulars of serving airmen with previous experience as coal miners have already been obtained and arrangements made for a large number of them to go back to the mines. Only a few unskilled airmen have been released to industry, but it is possible that among them are one or two miners whose civilian occupation has been mis-described. I shall be glad to look into any such cases of which my hon. Friend will give me details.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, under the National Milk Scheme, it is proposed to ensure that producer retailers only sell milk of a high standard of purity; and how will this be enforced?

I have been asked to reply. The main purpose of the National Milk Testing Scheme is to test the keeping quality of milk. All milk sold will be liable to test under the scheme. These arrangements, however, in no way interfere with the powers and responsibilities, of local authorities conferred by the Food and Drugs Act, 1938, and Orders and Regulations made thereunder. My right hon. Friend is sending the hon. Member a copy of the full text of the scheme.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that nearly 500 boxes of Eire salmon and grilse, imported by his Ministry, reached Billingsgate on 15th June for sale there on commission by the four firms who act as the Ministry's agents; that this quantity was more than buyers were prepared to purchase at the maximum control price of 4s. 6d. per pound, but instead of selling it under the maximum price they refused to let it be so sold and it was put back in store; and will he see that this is not permitted to happen again?

I have seen a newspaper report making the allegations repeated in the Question, and I am glad to have the opportunity of stating that the report is entirely without foundation. Since the imposition of maximum prices for salmon on 1st June, at levels substantially below prices ruling previously, the demand has been many times multiplied. So far from there being any question of buyers not being prepared to pay the maximum price, sellers have had to ration their customers. Over 400 boxes of Eire salmon and grilse, which reached Billingsgate market on the morning of 15th June, were sold immediately at maximum prices. Later in he day a further 80 boxes arrived too late to catch the market, and in accordance with the usual trade practice these were held, over in ice for the next day's market. I am informed that they were all sold at maximum prices on the following morning.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will reconsider the decision to eliminate from cocoa distribution those experts whose activities built up the important import. and export trade in this commodity, and whose activities will be essential at the close of hostilities?

My Noble Friend's decision to simplify the arrangements for dealing with cocoa' arrivals in order to expedite the discharge of ships and the clearance of quays was made only after careful consideration of all the circumstances. He has eliminated certain processes, which are unnecessarily using man-power and effort and delaying the dispatch of raw materials to the centres of manufacture. The decision was made solely with a view to the national interests in time of war.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the Exmoor deer, which might be used to augment the meat supply, are needlessly wasted to maintain the sport of deer-hunting; and whether he will take the necessary steps to preserve, farm and humanely slaughter deer in this and other areas?

As was indicated to my hon. Friend the Member for Central Bradford (Mr. Leach) on 20th May, inquiries have been made into this matter and from these inquiries it would not appear that venison is wasted in the manner suggested by my hon. Friend. The amount of venison available in Great Britain is so small that it would not be practicable to use it to augment the supply of rationed meat.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether any undertaking as to the registration of their business after the war is being given to those firms instructed to cease curing bacon?

The plan for the concentration of the bacon industry, at present in draft, provides for the closed factories retaining their licences to produce bacon. When the concentration scheme is withdrawn they will therefore be in the same position as factories which continue in production, but I am unable to make any further forecast of what the circumstances of the industry will be at that time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the concern felt in many households at the prospect of the diminution in the quantity of offals available as a result of the bacon-curing concentration scheme; and whether he has any statement to make on the matter?

The concentration of bacon production will not affect the total quantity of pig offals available, which is determined by the number of pigs slaughtered,

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the number of makers and the factory space expected to be released for other purposes as a result of the scheme for the concentration of the bacon-curing industry?

The selection of nucleus factories in the bacon industry has not yet been completed and until it has been it is not possible to give the information asked for. Undertakings have, however, been given that no premises will be closed for bacon production unless my Noble Friend is satisfied that space or labour will be released for more urgent national requirements.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been drawn to difficulties in the distribution of tomatoes in Liverpool and Merseyside; and whether he will take steps to make better arrangements for the future?

Yes, Sir. The difficulties in question were largely those of supply. The arrangements which have been made will ensure equitable distribution as far as possible throughout the country. Local shortages due to weather conditions are, however, sometimes unavoidable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether further coupons will be required in respect of uniforms about to be issued to employees of the Ministry of Works and Buildings; and, if so, will he give consideration to the fact that coupons have already been surrendered for last year's uniforms, due for issue, before the operation of the clothing coupon system?

Under special arrangements, wearers of essential uniforms surrender coupons by instalments calculated on the saving in wear and tear of their ordinary clothing over a period of a year, and coupons are not surrendered for the actual unifoms issued.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many tons of goods are awaiting shipping space to South Africa, although in possession of South African essentiality import permits; and to what extent shipping space is occupied by parcels post goods which require no essentiality permit?

It would not be in the public interest to give the figure asked for in the first part of the Question. As regards the last part of the Question,. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply to a similar Question which was given to him to-day by my right hon. and learned Friend the Postmaster-General.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will increase the supply of saucepans in the Cheltenham area, as at the present time there is a shortage?

Steps have been taken to increase the supply of saucepans in the country generally by eliminating the production of less essential hollow-ware articles, and manufacturers have under- taken substantially to increase their output for the domestic market.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet received a report from the Cotton Board suggesting new figures for the care and maintenance of cotton spinning mills closed down under the Concentration of Production Scheme; and whether he is now able to make any statement on the matter?

Yes, Sir. I have received from the Cotton Board a report on the operation of the existing scheme for the maintenance of spinning mills closed under the concentration policy; the report makes certain suggestions for the alteration of the scheme. The major alterations proposed are that the basic rate of maintenance payments should be increased from £7,000 to £10,000 per annum per 100,000 spindles installed in closed, mills, and that special provision should be made for the smaller mills. I have to-day informed the Cotton Board that their proposals have been approved. The Cotton Board will shortly send details of the new arrangements to all spinners concerned. The new arrangements will operate as from 1st April last.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that certain periodicals obtain paper additional to their quota by importing printed sheets and binding them with sheets printed in Britain; and whether he will consider deducting from the quota of these publications an amount of paper equal to the printed import?

I understand that a few publications use imported printed sheets in addition to any ration of paper they may be allowed. Such sheets may only be imported under licence, and the matter is under consideration with the Board of Trade with a view to the position being clarified under a new direction to take effect from 1st July next.

asked the Minister of Production what steps he is taking to put an end to gaps in contracts or eliminate favouritism in the allocation of materials and so prevent workers hanging about or going home?

The Supply Departments are well aware of the need to secure continuity of orders whenever possible. I am also arranging through the Regional Organisation, for the early notification of prospective gaps in production, so that steps may be taken to avoid them. There is no favouritism of which I am aware in the allocation of materials.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport the proportion of ocean-going ships that have the increased supplies of water and food for the life-saving equipment of their boats and rafts called for in the regulations issued in July, 1941; whether these regulations have been made obligatory in accordance with the notification then given to shipowners; what steps have been taken to equip all lifeboats and rafts with an apparatus for the distilling of sea water; and what steps are being taken to supplement the provision of the wireless-transmitting set suitable to be used in lifeboats and rafts?

Reports received from Ministry surveyors indicate that the increased food and water requirements referred to in my hon. Friend's Question are now generally complied with by ships leaving ports in this country. All possible steps are being taken to make these or similar adequate arrangements in ships

CHILDREN UNDER 15 YEARS.
Conditions of light.	On roads subject to a speed limit.			On roads not subject to a speed limit.			All roads.
	Pedestrians	Pedal Cyclists	Total	Pedestrians	Pedal Cyclists	Total	Pedestrians	Pedal Cyclists	Total
During hours of darkness	9	0	9	4	1	5	13	1	14
During other hours	272	42	314	43	18	61	315	60	375
Total all hours	281	42	323	47	19	66	328	61	389

Details of the classes of vehicles involved and as to whether the children

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will furnish an analysis of children killed on the roads for the four months ended 30th April, stating numbers killed in daylight, during hours of darkness; class of vehicle involved, whether private motor-car, commercial vehicle, public service vehicle, service vehicle; locality of accident, whether town, village, or open road; and how many were evacuated children and not under parental control?

The following statement gives the number of children under 15 years of age reported to have died as a result of road accidents during the four months January to April, 1942, subdivided according to whether the accidents occurred during hours of darkness or other hours and whether on roads subject to a speed limit or on other roads:killed were evacuated or otherwise, are not available.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that Green Line motor-omnibuses of the London Passenger Transport Board are not allowed to wait more than four minutes in Cavendish Square, W.I, an important terminus, and that in consequence motor-omnibuses have to be driven into Portland Place to wait, and then return to Cavendish Square, a round journey of nearly a mile involving unnecessary consumption of about 30 gallons of petrol a week; and will he take steps to enable the motor-omnibuses to wait the extra minutes when necessary in Cavendish Square to save fuel and tyres?

I regret that I cannot adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion. Green Line omnibuses used to wait more than four minutes in Cavendish Square, but serious congestion resulted, and the police authorities lodged complaints, which the Regional Transport Commissioner could not ignore.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the congestion on passenger trains; whether he is aware that part of this congestion is due to unnecessary journeys which the personnel of all three Services are required to undertake; and whether he will consult with' the Service Ministers with a view to reducing these journeys?

I am well aware that many long distance trains are unduly crowded and that Service personnel constitute a large proportion of the passengers. There is close contact between my Department and the Service Departments, with whom the position is constantly reviewed, in order to eliminate avoidable travel.