asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the clothes rationing survey, now being made by the British Market Research Bureau, Limited, of Universal House, Buckingham Palace Road, London, S.W.I, has the authority of his Department; by whom were the three directors of the concern appointed and are they all over military age; what is the total number of staff employed, the directors' remuneration and the wages and salaries aggregate of the staff as a whole?

Yes, Sir; the British Market Research Bureau have been carrying out clothing surveys on behalf of my Department since August, 1941. Such research is essential to the smooth running of the rationing scheme, since the demands of the public are constantly changing and production must be adjusted to take account of such changes. As regards the second and third parts of the Question, it is not customary to give information of this kind regarding firms working for the Government.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, what action has been taken by his Department, since the Limitation of Supplies Order was introduced early in 1940, to give practical help to small traders and manufacturers to deal with problems arising from Government action over which they themselves had no control?

When the Limitation of Supplies Orders were first made, restricting the total amount of goods which manufacturers and wholesalers might supply to their home trade customers, the Board of Trade urged suppliers to distribute their supplies equitably between retailers, on the basis of their previous business. At the outset of the rationing of cloth and clothing in June, 1941, arrangements were made for the small retailers to acquire, coupon-free, extra stocks. Thereafter each retailer's further supplies of rationed goods were dependent upon the number of coupons which he received from his customers and to this extent an equitable distribution of such supplies was maintained. As part of their duties, the area distribution officers of the Board of Trade assist retailers in the various problems arising from the Limitation of Supplies Orders and other Government controls, and have often been able to help them in obtaining goods. The Limitation of Supplies Orders have always provided that manufacturers may supply controlled goods without restriction up to a certain limit, usually £100 a month, except, of course, where manufacture has been totally prohibited.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the serious dissatisfaction that is felt in Scotland with the decisions of tribunals dealing with appeals of women against being transferred from Scotland to England and that little consideration is given to the family circumstances; and whether he will inquire into this matter?

I am not clear whether my hon. Friend is referring to Military Service (Hardship) Committees or to local appeal boards, but in any case I do not agree that the committees or boards give little consideration to domestic circumstances. If my hon. Friend will supply me with particulars of the cases which he has in mind, I shall be happy to make inquiries in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the ages of the cases of smallpox removed to hospital during the recent outbreak, including the cases from the ship that brought the first case; what were the ages of the fatal cases; and whether the cases from the ship had all been re-vaccinated, either before they left Bombay or on 29th May when the ship reached Glasgow, and on later dates in the cases where the first attempt was unsuccessful?

The ages of the cases of smallpox removed to hospital in Glasgow during the recent outbreak were (a) 10 cases from the ship aged 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 (four), and 28 years respectively (b) twenty-nine civilian cases aged 3. 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13 (two), 14, 15, 16, 20 (two), 22 (two), 29, 31, 34, 35, 37, 38, 40 (two), 49, 56, 65, 67, and 72 years respectively; and (c) six fatal cases (included in the foregoing) aged 20, 23, 28, 38, 65, and 72 years respectively. Of the 10 cases from the ship only one was vaccinated before 29th May, a passenger aged 23 who had been vaccinated at 1, 7, and 14 years; all except the original case were vaccinated on 29th May, and two were re-vaccinated on 10th June and nth June respectively, the first vaccination having been unsuccessful.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, how many British Restaurants have been established in Scotland and where they are located?

As at 30th June the total number of British Restaurants established in Scotland was 59. Particulars as to their location are as follow:

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will include in his surveys a project for the construction of a sea-level canal capable of taking large ships from the Firth of Clyde to the Firth of Tay?

I do not think it would be practicable in present conditions to undertake a survey of a scheme of this magnitude, but the project has been noted, together with others.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will include in his survey a project for the construction of road bridges close to the existing railway bridges over the Firths of Forth and Tay?

I am prepared to consider proposals submitted by the appropriate authorities.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what are the present duties and salary of the Government cinematograph adviser; whether he is still attached to His Majesty's Stationery Office; and in what way are his functions related to those of the film section of the Ministry of Information?

The Government cinematograph adviser is still attached to His Majesty's Stationery Office and is paid a salary of £1,000 a year. His duties are as stated in a memorandum prepared by the Treasury and issued as Appendix 7 (b) to the 12th Report from the Select Committee on National Expenditure, Session 1940–41. Broadly speaking, they consist of advising the Service Departments in regard to their films for training, war records and welfare, and also the National Savings Committee, and are distinct from those of the films division of the Ministry of Information, which cover the production and distribution of publicity films on behalf of the Government. The arrangements provide for co-operation between the Ministry of Information and the Government cinematograph adviser.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps have been taken in his Department during the past 12 months to ensure that merit and not seniority is the governing factor in promotions and appointments; and whether he can supply a list of officers and civil servants in key positions of importance in the War Office who are under the age of 45?

During the past year a system of interviewing civilian officials, before they are recommended for promotion, has become general in the War Office. Appointments of civil servants to the Department from outside, for all but the lowest grades, are made on the recommendation of selection boards, which interview candidates provided by the Ministry of Labour and National Service. Staff and senior military officers are chosen for wartime appointments and promotion on merit, by selection boards which examine the qualifications of officers and appoint those most suitable, consulting all confidential reports on them. With regard to the second part of the Question, out of 136 military appointments in the War Office down to deputy directors, 21 are held by officers under 45, while out of 75 civil posts of principal and above, 25 are held by men under 45.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of motor-cars and drivers available for staff officers at the War Office; for how many hours per week such motor-cars are available; and what is the mileage run per motor-car?

Seventy-seven cars are available at all times for the use of staff officers and officials of the War Office. Ninety-six drivers operate and maintain them. The average mileage is 1,000 miles a car a month.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many private shipbuilding yards in the United Kingdom are still derelict or unused; and whether a shortage of skilled labour is responsible for this?

In reply to the first part of the Question I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Chester le Street (Mr. Lawson) on 4th March. I can say, however, that the availability of skilled labour would be one of the factors in deciding whether a shipyard should be re-opened.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state the reasons which actuated his Department in the appointment of an authorised controller over the business of S. G. Brown, Limited, who were engaged on the manufacture and supply of instruments such as gyroscopic compasses for use in maritime warfare and the Merchant Navy?

Yes, Sir. Control was taken on behalf of His Majesty in the interests of the efficient prosecution of the war and the maintenance of essential supplies. The making of the Order casts no reflection upon the integrity of the directors of the company or upon the technical skill and ability of Mr. Brown.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning whether consideration has been given to the question of making use of the metal in slot machines for the purpose of munitions?

Yes, Sir. Over 5,000 machines weighing nearly 300 tons have been recovered as scrap metal for war production.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning whether he is aware that many railings separating one garden from another are being left when those fronting the public highway are removed; and whether he will instruct local authorities to remove all unnecessary railings?

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to a similar Question by my hon. Friend on 24th June last. In order to remind him, I am sending him a copy.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is intended to frame and issue a charter relating to all peoples of the Colonial Empire, giving a declaration of the Government that to these Colonies shall apply the principles in the Atlantic Charter of freedom, justice and security, particularly in view of the fact that past declarations of British Colonial policy have not been implemented generally, and that in many Colonies a contrary policy is being pursued?

I must refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 17th December last. My Noble Friend is not aware of any justification for the suggestions made by my hon. Friend at the conclusion of his Question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a further unit, the identity of which has been communicated to him, is habitually ordered to polish all the brasses on all its equipment on both sides; and what steps he is taking to enforce the Army Council's Instructions?

I have sent the particulars supplied to me by the hon. and learned Member to the commander-in-chief concerned and have asked him to inquire into the case and take whatever action may be necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any appointment has been made in connection with the free legal aid scheme; and, if so, will he give particulars of the same?

A major and a captain have been appointed to the legal aid section of each command in Great Britain. The command legal aid section, London District, has an additional major and captain to deal with cases from overseas. Each of these officers was a barrister or solicitor in civil life. The total number of paid officers employed under the scheme is 16. In addition there are 4 military lawyer clerks at each command section with 8 in the London district section.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the proposed free legal aid bureaux are to be supplied with up-to-date legal text and case books?

As explained in paragraph 7 of the pamphlet on the legal aid scheme, copies of which have been placed in the Library, it is not possible in present circumstances to supply the bureaux with legal text and case books, but it is hoped that the bureaux will have the assistance of law societies, local libraries and local civilian lawyers in this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War with what bodies consultations took place before the free legal aid scheme was brought into operation?

The Law Society and the National Council of Social Service.

asked the Secretary of State for war (1) on what grounds the proposed free legal aid scheme has been limited to the rank of sergeant;(2) what provision in the free legal aid scheme has been made for married subalterns who have no means other than their Army pay?

The free legal aid scheme is an adaptation and enlargement of the Poor Persons' Procedure and its application is therefore at present limited to those persons whose financial circumstances are such that they cannot be expected to undertake litigation in the High Court unaided.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to enforce his recommendation that the speed of Army motor-cars should not exceed 40 miles per hour?

The speed limits laid down for Army vehicles are enforced by both the military and the civil police. Where the driver of a War Department vehicle has broken the civil law the civil police can either prosecute or report the offender to the military authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make an appeal to the British public on the lines of that made recently for Russia by the British Red Cross and St. John organisation for funds to help British and Dominion prisoners of war from Hong Kong, Singapore and Burma?

Prisoners in the Far East cannot be helped effectively until the Japanese Government agrees to the setting up of the necessary machinery. I have no reason to think that any help which can be given will lack the necessary financial support.

asked the Secretary of State for War under what conditions passes permitting the holder to pass through the Horse Guards Parade are issued to hon. Members?

Hon. Members who may be working in buildings opening on the Horse Guards Parade are enabled to pass through it by the passes given them by the several Departments concerned.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what allocation of solid fuel is made to Thames pleasure steamers; and if it is proposed to continue to allow this form of recreation which uses large quantities of coal and coke?

The supplies of coal contracted for by Thames pleasure steamers are about 70 tons per week over the summer months. In view of the small tonnage involved, I do not propose to interfere with something which gives recreation to large numbers of people. If the hon. and gallant Member has any information which suggests that substantial quantities of coal are being wasted by these craft, I would be obliged if he would communicate with me.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power to what use coupons for gas and electricity would be put after collection under the Annex Plan?

Coupons received by gas and electricity companies would be returned to the local fuel overseers. Arrangements would be made for their pulping under security conditions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government intend introducing any scheme of compensation to householders for the loss of the use of their homes through enemy action?

No, Sir. The matter was discussed recently during the passage of the War Damage (Amendment) Bill and for the reason then given, compensation cannot be paid in respect of the loss of use of homes through enemy action.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that properties are often reinstated under the War Damage Act without any inspection by assessors being made prior to the work being executed; and whether he will see that such an inspection is carried out in the future?

I have referred this matter to the War Damage Commission who inform me that the steps necessary to enable the Commission to exercise its statutory function of determining proper cost, are matters for the Commission, and it would not be appropriate for me to intervene.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government intend to take steps to see that the ground landlord affords leaseholders whose premises have been bombed some relief in respect of ground rent thereby equalising the sacrifice?

I would invite the attention of my hon. Friend to the provisions of the Landlord and Tenant (War Damage) Acts, 1939 and 1941, which give tenants a measure of relief in respect of rent when their property suffers war damage.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer "whether it is his intention to bring English law into line with Scottish law by giving leaseholders, on termination of lease, statutory right of purchasing the freehold at a fair price?

I have been asked to reply, I am informed that the law in Scotland is not as suggested by the hon. Member. In the past suggestions such as that in the Question have not been accepted and it is impracticable to reopen the matter in present circumstances.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning whether, instead of drafting employees from small building firms to large contractors which results in the redundancy of the small builder, leaving a considerable amount of plant and machinery idle, a system of co-operative concentration will be applied in respect of small firms so that they can be employed as firms on local contracts?

If the Government's building programme is to be completed to time, it is inevitable that there must be a considerable transfer of labour at present employed on maintenance and less essential work; and it would not in my Minister's opinion be practicable to effect the concentration of the small firms in the building industry in sufficient time to meet the immediate needs. As a general policy, however, my Minister, as stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Maidstone (Mr. Bossom) on 12th May, is in favour of the maximum use of the smaller builders and is in continuous consultation with the employers' organisations on this question. The present arrangements allow for the smaller contracts to be undertaken by local firms and for a substantial amount of sub-contracting in which the smaller firms will participate. Also, my Ministry is prepared to consider tenders for building works from building organisations that have grouped themselves for the purpose of carrying out war building work subject to the conditions set out in the reply which I gave on 25th June, 1942, to the hon. Member for Maryhill, Glasgow (Mr. Davidson).

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning whether he is aware of the great inconvenience caused to members of the public having business in the city of Lancaster by the requisitioning of practically all the available hotel accommodation in that city and the immediate neighbourhood; and whether, having regard to the important business and professional interests involved, he will arrange for at least one hotel to be released forthwith?

Two hotels have been requisitioned by my Department in Lancaster. Any inconvenience caused is much regretted but it is not possible to release either of them. It is understood that a number of smaller hotels are available for the accommodation of visitors.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the representations from the Llanelly Rural District Council calling his attention to the effect upon the enrolment of persons for the fire watchers' schemes of the enrolment of the same persons with the Home Guard; and what action he is taking in the matter?

Yes, Sir. Owing however to the shortage of man-power for part-time service, recruiting for the Home Guard and the Civil Defence services must, at times, be at the expense of the local authority's fire guard; but the instructions issued by the Ministry of Labour and National Service provide that in such cases regard should be paid to any deficiency in the number of fire guards at the disposal of local authorities when directions are being issued for part-time duty in other services.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider, in substitution for the present plan of street fire-watching, in which hundreds of thousands of persons of both sexes are engaged in hours of night-watching, a new arrangement for London, and other adaptable areas, whereby each street party section will be detailed for duty for one whole night or less without being called upon to turn out for duty unless and until the air-raid warning is sounded or gun-fire is heard?

As explained in Air Raid Precautions Handbook No. 14 the details of organisation of street fire parties in a particular area depend upon local factors which vary considerably. Normally all the members on duty remain indoors during "all clear" periods. One member acts as watcher for his party or as key watcher for several parties; he must be awake and dressed but he remains indoors, until he hears an "alert" or gunfire, or other warning of the approach of hostile aircraft. He then warns the other members on duty: these may still stay indoors in readiness until summoned, by whistle or otherwise, to turn out.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that British Drug Houses, Ltd., are contractors for his Department; that this firm lays down a condition of employment for their scientific workers that they must submit to the management everything they intend publishing, though such matter may be of no concern to the firm; that the Association of Scientific Workers, of which the employees are members, have unsuccessfully protested against this; and whether he will consider withholding further contracts from British Drug Houses until that condition is removed?

My right hon. Friend would not feel justified in withholding contracts from a firm by reason of the inclusion in the terms of service of its own employees of a condition such as that mentioned in this Question.

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in preparing the tyre-rationing scheme, he consulted the Scottish Motor Trades Association; why he does not make use of the tyre manufacturers' own depôts, who have lifelong experience in this business; and whether he will revise the existing list of tyre depôts?

The Scottish Motor Trades Association were consulted when the tyre-rationing scheme was in preparation. Tyre manufacturers' depôts do not normally engage in retail distribution and I have no reason to suppose that the course suggested would lead to the more efficient working of the scheme or would be welcomed by manufacturers or tyre distributors as a whole. With regard to the last part of the Question, the list of authorised depôts is kept under review and revised from time to time in the light of experience.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that women working in Royal Ordnance factories now receive a minimum wage of 63s. per week; and whether these rates are to apply to all factories where women are engaged on comparable work?

There are no Royal Ordnance factories in which there is a minimum wage of 63s. a week for women. The minimum rates authorised for Royal Ordnance factories vary, by agreement with the trade unions concerned, according to the class of work carried out in the respective groups. The rates of the great majority of the women concerned are those provided in the women's schedule agreed for the engineering industry as a whole. Higher rates, agreed with trade unions, are paid where the work on which women are now employed was previously not commonly performed by women.

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in connection with the herb-gathering schemes, he will do everything possible to assist the county committees and the Women's Voluntary Service headquarters in their endeavours to prevent delay taking place between receiving the herbs at the collecting centres and drying them, in view of the fact that many herbs are valueless unless dried in a few hours?

Yes, Sir. Full information on the drying of native medicinal plants has already been supplied to the county herb committees and the other voluntary organisations who are assisting in the collection of these plants, and the vegetable drugs committee of the Ministry of Supply is always ready to advise any of these organisations who experience difficulty in making arrangements for drying.

asked the Minister of Health how many deaths from pneumonia were registered in each of the years from 1931 to 1941?

The number of deaths from pneumonia (all forms) registered in England and Wales in each of the years from 1931 to 1941 were:

1931	…	…	34,914
1932	…	…	30,743
1933	…	…	31,259
1934	…	…	29,751
1935	…	…	27,843
1936	…	…	28,890
1937	…	…	30,331
1938	…	…	27,467
1939	…	…	23,403
1940	…	…	29,195
1941	…	…	26,418

The figures for the years 1931 to 1939 are corrected to agree with the 1940 classification of deaths and differ from those published in the Registrar-General's Statistical Review, Part I, Table 6.

asked the Minister of Health how many deaths were registered from pernicious anæmia in 1939, 1940 and 1941?

The number of deaths from pernicious anæmia registered in England and Wales in 1939, 1940 and 1941 were:

1939	…	…	1,922
1940	…	…	2,167
1941	…	…	2,422

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the nature of their occupation, he will consider making an extra allowance of soap over and above the ration to handlers of coal and other objects, the result of which involves difficulty in cleansing the skin?

Any industrial or trade concerns which prior to soap rationing provided washing facilities for their employees at work can obtain an allowance of soap for this purpose. I regret that in view of the supply position my noble Friend is unable to provide any supplementary domestic soap rations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position with regard to military service by British subjects in the United States of America; and to what extent they have been called up into the American Army?

Under United States selective service legislation, British subjects in the United States between the ages of 18 and 65 have been required to register, and those between the ages of 20 and 45 are liable for service with the United States Forces. The United States authorities have, however, agreed that before they are inducted into the United States Forces, British subjects who have not declared their intention of becoming United States citizens will be given an opportunity of joining the British Forces if they are found to be suitable for them. This procedure will be put into force early in August. Meanwhile, I understand that no British subjects have so far been inducted into the United States Forces. Any who have voluntarily joined the United States Forces will be given an opportunity of transferring to the British Forces if they are acceptable.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether all the Japanese and Siamese diplomatists who were resident in this country have left, or are leaving, on the exchange boat?

All the Japanese diplomatic and consular officers in this country are being repatriated. Of the Siamese, all except three have elected to stay, as they were entitled to do according to the terms of the exchange agreement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what Members of this House have been invited by the British Council to represent it abroad during the last two years up to date, and have accepted invitations; and what are the countries visited?

The only hon. Members who have been invited by the British Council in the last two years are my right hon. Friend who at the time represented the Gorton Division of Manchester, and my hon. Friend the Member for Frome (Mrs. Tate). The former accepted last year an invitation to lecture in South America, but was obliged to cancel his tour. The latter has accepted an invitation to lecture also in South America.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can assure the House that the numbers of volunteer workers for the coming corn harvest are believed to be adequate and whether it is still possible for farmers to obtain help from soldiers on application to the local military authority?

On the whole, the arrangements made for voluntary labour for the corn harvest are satisfactory and should be adequate. There may, however, be some local shortages, and difficulties will be more serious and more widespread if weather conditions should be unfavourable. If so, exceptional measures will have to be taken to overcome them, and ensure that the crops are saved. In many areas the help of soldiers will again be obtainable, subject to service requirements; but for military reasons application will have to be made by farmers to war agricultural executive committees and not direct to the commanding officers of units.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the presence of the Colorado beetle has been detected in this country this summer?

Yes, Sir. Measures to eradicate the pest have already been taken.

asked the Minister of Information whether, in view of the limited knowledge in Great Britain of American history, politics and conditions of living, he will institute a campaign giving information' upon American matters similar to that recently given about Russia?

The Ministry and the Board of Education have been busy on this for some time. We are very anxious to do all that we can in this way to widen the basis of Anglo-American understanding.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will suspend the 30-mile-per-hour limit in built-up areas for all except heavy vehicles, in view of the great diminution of traffic, thereby no longer forcing motorists to travel long distances at speeds below the most economical rate?

No, Sir. Apart from considerations of safety on the roads, restriction of driving speeds is more than ever necessary to economise in the wear and tear of tyres and in the consumption of fuel.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what action is being taken by his Department to prepare their scheme as a trunk-road authority for the Neath River Bridge Scheme to be ready for postwar action; will he consider the Jersey Marine improvement and the spur road leading to Jersey Marine and to Swansea as a post-war scheme and grant them high priority?

The trunk route has been safeguarded, and a report on the general constructional principles of the scheme has been prepared by consulting engineers. The Jersey Marine and spur road improvements are not trunk routes, but I shall be glad to consider any representations that the highway authorities concerned may desire to put forward.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that in the West of England builders' emergency organisations were formed at the express wish of the Government; whether he has placed any contracts with the organisations; and whether he proposes to place any in the near future?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. As for the second and third parts, there is no question of placing contracts with these organisations as their function is purely advisory.