asked the Minister of Supply why five of the Home Timber Production Department's tractors working in the Elham, Kent, district are running on petrol and using about 360 gallons per week, whereas the same kind of tractors are run by farmers on paraffin at half the cost?

The use of kerosene is prohibited by Order, except under licence, in all vehicles other than those of certain classes mainly engaged in agriculture. A reduced rate of duty is charged on kerosene used in agricultural vehicles, and it has been arranged that the Home Timber Production Department should use petrol in order to leave the kerosene supplies available for agriculture.

asked the Minister of Supply what order has been placed, or is proposed to be placed this year, for the supply of wooden hoops for the use of the Auxiliary Territorial Service; and whether such supply has been, or can be, made without any importation of timber?

Orders for 2,160 hoops for the physical training of the Auxiliary Territorial Service have already been placed. These hoops were made from home-grown timber. Demands for 2,400 additional hoops have been received. The War Office state that it is essential that the Auxiliary Territorial Service should have some apparatus for physical training and that hoops provide the simplest and most economical device for this purpose.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is satisfied that adequate steps are being taken to reclaim for further use the material from used oil saturated cotton waste, rags and wipers?

Adequate arrangements are in operation for recovering and treating oily rags, cotton waste and wipers from Government factories, the Services, and the railway companies. A considerable number of processing firms throughout the country treat such material arising from commercial sources; but further measures may be necessary and I am investigating the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning whether he will give a precise statement of the powers of the Ministry's planning officer in Wales?

In order to facilitate co-operation with local authorities in town and country planning, my Noble Friend has appointed planning officers, with headquarters at convenient centres, who will be available for consultation by the local authorities, and also to advise the Ministry regarding problems arising in their areas. The planning officer in Wales, whose office is in Cardiff, will keep my Noble Friend informed of the problems of the authorities in Wales, and will keep those authorities informed of the requirements of national policy as it is developed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning when legislation will be introduced to set up a central planning authority and for the amendment of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1932; and whether local authorities will first be consulted?

As I informed the House on 29th April last, consideration of the reports of the Scott and Uthwatt Committees, which have only recently been received by my Noble Friend, is necessary before decisions on these matters can be reached. It is proposed to consult the associations of local authorities and the London County Council before legislation to amend the Town and Country Planning Act, 1932, is introduced.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of his assurance that supplementary clothing coupons will be issued for workers employed in preparing and selling groceries, fish, meat and other similar commodities, he will reconsider his denial of similar facilities in the supplies of boots and dungarees to farm labourers?

I hope to make a comprehensive announcement next week about the issue of supplementary clothing coupons to industrial and agricultural workers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any information in connection with the charge made against Henry Soloman and Gabriel Soloman at Old Street police court, on 24th August, when they were accused of receiving 12,300 clothing coupons; and what action was taken in the matter?

The prosecution is being conducted by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The defendants appeared at Old Street Police Court yesterday. The case was adjourned until Friday next.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his inquiries into the price of fuel for cigarette lighters are yet complete; and whether he will fix maximum prices to prevent the present profiteering?

Yes, Sir. I have now signed an Order fixing maximum prices for all kinds of lighter fuel for manufacturers and distributors. This Order comes into force on 31st October, and I am advised that its effect will be to reduce by about 20 per cent. the retail prices of the most popular sizes of bottles and tins of lighter fuel.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that at displays by Women's Voluntary Service offices of methods of preserving fruit and vegetables the bulletins of the Ministry of Agriculture, while displayed, are not allowed to be sold; and whether he will take steps to see that there shall be no restriction of this kind in future on the sale of suitable Stationery Office publications by the Women's Voluntary Service?

I have been asked to reply. Inquiries into the restriction of the sale of official bulletins at displays are being made, but are not yet complete, and I will communicate with the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will bear in mind that if many farms are to grow full crops next year they will need to keep more livestock this winter; and whether he is endeavouring to keep alive as many cows as possible?

I am aware of the need for adequate stocking of land both to make full use of the grazing and rough fodder available and in the interests of next year's crops. Farmers are being asked to keep as many livestock, particularly cows, as their farms can support, and powers to direct increased stocking, where necessary, are conferred upon county war agricultural executive committees under the Livestock Control Order, 1942.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the present membership of the Agricultural Improvement Council; and how many are whole-time?

For a list of the members of the Council I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my right hon. and Noble Friend the Member for Horsham and Worthing (Earl Winterton) on 12th June, 1941. None of the members are whole-time.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the present authorised expenditure of the Agricultural Improvement Council in disseminating scientific and technical knowledge amongst practical farmers?

The Agricultural Improvement Council for England and Wales is an advisory body and has no funds of its own. In carrying out its recommendations use is made of the organisation and funds already existing for these purposes.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how often the Agricultural Improvement Council meets; and whether its proceedings are available to the agricultural Press?

There have been three meetings of the Agricultural Improvement Council for England and Wales since its formation in June, 1941. Its work has been carried out largely by a number of standing and ad hoc committees which have met frequently. The proceedings of the council and its committees are confidential.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are numbers of Malayan and other rubber planters in Australia and New Zealand with military experience who are anxious to join the Indian Army; whether the military authorities approve or disapprove of the idea; and, whether in view of the difficulty in the way of their joining the Dominion forces, he can make arrangements for these men to enter combatant ranks as suggested?

I have been asked to reply. I should be very willing to bring my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion to the attention of the authorities in India but before I do so perhaps he would give me some further information about the personnel that he has in mind.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. L. Williams, 21, Sunny View, Argoed, Monmouthshire, is an old age pensioner and, having no private means, was awarded the full supplementary grant of 9s. 6d. but, when he applied for the 2s. 6d. increase just awarded, he was refused by the officer of the area office, Ebbw Vale; and, in view of the intention that this 2s. 6d. should be applied automatically to persons without any means except the full pension, will he make inquiries into this case?

I have been asked to reply. I am having inquiries made about the particular case mentioned by my hon. Friend and will let him have a reply as soon as possible. In view, however, of the terms of the Question, I would like to make it clear that the additional 2s. 6d. recently granted to supplementary pensioners is by no means restricted to those who have no means beyond their pensions.

asked the Minister of Health when he will publish the return relating to the number of children immunised and cases of diphtheria occurring amongst them?

Incomplete information at present before me, representing about 90 per cent. of the local authorities whom I have asked for returns, shows that in the six months ended 30th June last, out of some 13,400 children notified as suffering from diphtheria about nine-tenths were children who had not been immunised, and that in 797 fatal cases there were 780 non-immunised children, as against 17 who had been inoculated.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is proposed to publish the 1931 fertility Report and the fertility data for 1939 accruing from the Population (Statistics) Act?

Fertility statistics for 1939 based on material obtained under the Population (Statistics) Act, 1938, have been prepared and will be published in due course under the limited edition arrangements applied to the Registrar General's annual publications. Fertility statistics based on the 1931 Census returns would normally have been published in a decennial supplement volume which was in course of preparation on the outbreak of war. The latter statistics are, however, indirect and far inferior to those now obtainable under the 1938 Act; and in the circumstances it has not been thought necessary to proceed with the completion or publication of this volume during the war, The principal indications afforded by the Census material were published in the Registrar General's Annual Review for 1937 (Text: Page 208).

asked the Minister of Health whether owners of premises in the City of Westminster are protected from any demand for rates on such premises for the period they were empty and unoccupied, or by what authority rates are demanded in such cases?

A rating authority is entitled to demand rates in any case in which they consider that there is beneficial occupation of a rateable hereditament. The question whether there is beneficial occupation is a matter for the decision of the authority, subject to the jurisdiction of the courts.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that some owners of small businesses in the building trade have been directed into other industrial work locally after being given only two or three days' notice before the order becomes operative; and whether, in view of the hardship involved in such cases, he will take steps to ensure that such persons shall be given a longer notice in order to give them time to make the necessary arrangements for their businesses?

The length of notice given to men directed to employment on urgent building contracts must be considered in regard to the importance of manning the work speedily, but there is a right of appeal to an independent Appeal Board which can be exercised by men in cases of the kind indicated by my hon. Friend or in other circumstances where hardship may be involved.

asked the Minister of Labour how many bricklayers, plasterers, slaters and joiners were registered as unemployed in the city of Liverpool on 31st August, 1942; and the reasons for their being so unemployed?

I am having the available information sent to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, as visual strain is an important factor in industrial capacity and accidents, provision is made to meet eyestrain and similar ailments in industrial concerns; and whether the services of surgeons and opticians are, where required, available?

The main provision made against eyestrain in factories is the requirement of lighting which is both sufficient and suitable. For some particularly fine work special lenses or other aids to vision are provided. On the question of obtaining glasses for ordinary use, there are, generally speaking, no special arrangements for factory workers as such to obtain the advice of ophthalmic surgeons or opticians, but in a few cases factory managements have made special arrangements to assist their workers in obtaining such advice.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the provision of mobile dental units for industrial concerns whereby workers may save time spent in visits to private dentists and dental hospitals whilst relieving pressure upon the depleted staffs of these; and whether he will promote greater industrial efficiency by the prompt treatment of the dental requirements of workers?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the importance of the care of teeth, and the question of arranging for mobile dental units without prejudice to other facilities has been repeatedly considered, but the shortage of dentists has been an obstacle, particularly as it has been felt that existing facilities would tend to be impaired if dentists were called upon to spend more of their time in visiting factories.

asked the Minister of Labour what are the functions of women's panels, as distinct from local appeal boards, in connection with the application of the Registration for Employment Order to women; and whether women have a right of appeal to the former as well as to the latter?

In connection with the application of the Registration for Employment Order to women, women's panels advise, in cases where personal or domestic difficulties arise, before a decision is reached about availability for employment and before any formal direction to employment is issued. They do not deal with appeals as such, but any woman may ask for her case to be referred to a panel. Registered women may appeal to local appeal boards against directions to perform specified services, and if they become subject to an Essential Work Order the boards will consider any appeal for which provision is made in the Order.

asked the Minister of Labour the extent to which part-time women workers are employed in the Middlesex factories; and the extent to which offers of such services have not yet been met?

The total number of women employed part-time in Middlesex factories is not available, but approximately 15,000 part-time women workers have been placed by my Department in these factories. At present, about 2,800 women are known to be available for part-time employment in Middlesex. My hon. Friend will appreciate that part-time employment is essentially work which women wish to do near their homes, and that Middlesex is a large area in some districts of which the demand for part-time workers already exceeds the supply, while in other dormitory districts where there are few or no factories there is a surplus of women available for part-time work.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production, how many plants producing aero-engines have been compelled to effect changes in their managements on account of an inadequate standard of efficiency; how many plants have been put under Government controllers for the same reason; and whether he is satisfied that no further steps can be taken to bring up the level of the least efficient plants to that of the most efficient?

The answer to the first two parts of the Question is "None, Sir." As regards the last part, it is my constant endeavour to increase the efficiency of factories engaged on aircraft production, and I have in several instances recently persuaded firms to strengthen their managements.

asked the Minister of Supply the name of the Director of Ropes; whether he is paid or unpaid; and what previous experience he has had in connection with rope manufacture?

My hon. Friend is presumably referring to Mr. Donald P. Frost, the Director of Cordage Production. Mr. Frost, who is unpaid, has had 40 years' experience in the rope trade. For 13 years before his appointment as Director of Cordage Production, a post he has held for two years, he was a general manager of British Ropes, Limited, responsible for hemp ropes. Mr. Frost is a member of the Technical Co-ordinating Committee on Cordage, of the British Standards Institute and of the Imperial Institute Committee on Vegetable Fibres.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in any vacancy for regional officers in Wales under the Public Assistance Board, he will see that the position is filled by a person fully conversant with the Welsh language?

I am informed by the Assistance Board that while they are fully aware of the importance of ensuring that a reasonable proportion of their staff in Wales is Welsh-speaking, they cannot undertake to make it an indispensable condition of appointment in every case.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in fixing the price of grouse, which is a luxury article, he has considered the possibility that this action may drive the product off the market altogether; and whether he will abstain from price controlling articles of this nature, which do not enter into the dietary of the average individual?

The likely effect on the supply of grouse was fully considered before the' maximum prices were fixed, and fears that the product would be driven off the market were felt to be unjustified. As regards the second part of the Question, the answer is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will take steps to reserve for infants suitable patent foods against the production of the child's ration book, and prevent such foods, of which there is a shortage, being used by adult persons?

The principal manufacturers of infant foods have requested retailers, who are mainly chemists, to give priority of supply in all cases to the needs of infants. So far as I am aware there is no difficulty in buying such foods when they are required for infants. If, however, my hon. Friend has any information on this point, I should be glad to receive particulars.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can make any statement of the reasons for the search carried out by two officers of his Department at the house of an alderman of the Gloucestershire County Council and on the result of this search; whether in future reasonable inquiries will be made before searching the houses of well-known public men; and whether he proposes to take any action against the informer?

The house of the gentleman referred to was visited by two enforcement inspectors of this Department as a result of information received of alleged hoarding of foodstuffs. No evidence of any offence came to light. So far as is practicable preliminary inquiries are always made before a formal investigation is started in such cases. A suitable communication has been sent to the informant.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, inasmuch as milk is recognised as the best source of calcium in the diet and the supply of milk has progressively increased since the outbreak of war, he will reconsider the decision to add chalk to the national bread?

My Noble Friend is not prepared to reconsider his decision to make some addition of calcium to the national flour. While the overall consumption of milk which is the most desirable source of calcium, has increased since the outbreak of war, the intake of calcium per head of the population prior to the war was abnormally low. I would refer my hon. Friend to the report by the Medical Research Council, published in the medical Press in May, 1941.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his Department is taking any steps and, if so, of what nature, to improve the distribution of sausages?

All general butchers receive in proportion to their total requirements of meat for their customers an allowance of meat from which to make sausages and other small manufactured goods. In order to increase the supplies of sausages this allowance for manufacture was increased from 5 per cent. to 6 per cent. of the value of the butchers' buying permits as from the 4th May, 1942. Steps to eliminate unnecessary transport in the distribution are now under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what proportion of the wheat germ separated from the grain in milling has been allocated, in accordance with confidential instruction CMC 191 (30/4/42), during the past three months to proprietary products, whether foods or medicines, and to be at the disposal of the millers in the ordinary way of trade, respectively?

During the last three months more than 99 per cent. of the output of germ not retained in flour has been used in proprietary products, either foods or medicines. Less than 1 per cent., which for reasons of quality was not' acceptable for these purposes, has been used in other ways.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food to give a list of the distributive trade associations operating in connection with the control of food distribution of which membership is compulsory if traders are to continue in business; and which of these associations will function only for the duration of the war?

A list of companies and associations in operation on 30th June, 1942, whose services are utilised by the Ministry of Food for the purpose of facilitating or regulating the manufacture or distribution of food supplies was circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT on 9th July (column 956, Vol. 381) in reply to a Question asked by my hon. Friend. In the case of the companies and associations named below, non-membership would have the effect of precluding a firm from performing the specific functions undertaken by the company or association. Generally speaking, membership of these companies and associations was open to all firms primarily concerned with those functions before the outbreak of war. Firms precluded by non-membership from performing the functions undertaken by a company or association would not be debarred from continuing in any other branch of its particular trade. In reply to the last part of my hon. Friend's Question, these companies have been brought into existence to improve the supply and distribution of food during the war and no decision has been taken as to any of them continuing to operate after the cessation of hostilities.

asked the Secretary of State for War the rates of pay of all ranks in the Army with those of other countries who are serving alongside our men in this country and in other theatres of war?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ayr Burghs (Sir T. Moore) on 10th February, 1942.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any decision has now been arrived at regarding the payment of allowances to officers and men whose families are in countries to which remittances cannot be made at present?

No, Sir. As I told my hon. and gallant Friend on 19th May I will let him know when I am in a position to give him an answer.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will readjust the soldiers' pay warrant so that soldiers may nominate their wives as guardians of their children to receive the children's allowances even though the soldier and his wife may be estranged?

I am at present considering this question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange for the marriage allowance to the wife of a soldier to be paid so long as the soldier remains liable to contribute to her maintenance, and adjust the administration of the Army Act, Section 145 (2), so as to avoid the necessity of going to the civil courts and the making of orders by the magistrates?

Various questions concerning the payment of allowances to separated or estranged wives are under consideration. I am not sure in which particular aspect my hon. Friend is interested and I shall be glad if he will communicate more fully with me, so that I can ensure that the point he has in mind is not overlooked.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in order to obviate hardships often arising through the calling-in of pay books, particularly when men are abroad, he will follow the practice of the Admiralty and see that each pay book holder is provided with a printed list of Government and voluntary organisations which can give advice and assistance?

An Army allowance book is only called in if entitlement to payment ceases. It already contains a double sided sheet of general instructions to the payee, and these must be kept reasonably short. I will, however, consider when the books are next re-printed inserting on the back cover a statement that wives and dependants can apply for advice to the Regimental Paymaster or to the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association, the Citizens' Advice Bureau, or the Assistance Board.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the qualifying conditions for the payment of field allowances to officers in the Army?

I am sending my hon. Friend copies of the relevant regulations and of an answer I gave on this subject to my hon. Friend the Member for Norwich (Sir G. Shakespeare) on 30th June.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the recent White Paper on Pay and Allowances of the Armed Forces indicates that the average married private in the Army is worse off financially than the average industrial worker; and whether, in view of the hardship this involves to his, wife and family and the discontent this provokes among neighbours, he will consider raising the minimum value of the allowance of a soldier with wife, family or dependants to the equivalent of £5 per week?

I suggest that the hon. Member should await the Debate on Thursday.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give an assurance that local builders will be given an opportunity to tender for works required by his Department?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a decision has now been reached with regard to the suggested absorption of the mobile Voluntary Aid Detachments in the Auxiliary Territorial Service?

No, Sir. My hon. Friend will recall my announcement that a Committee was to be set up, under an independent chairman, to consider the position of Voluntary Aid Detachments in relation to the Services. Progress was subsequently made to the extent of determining the composition of the committee, but unfortunately the chairman had to resign, to take up other work of national importance, before it could begin its deliberations. I am taking steps to fill the appointment anew.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many trained engineers and scientists are still employed as other ranks in the Pioneer Corps?

There are at present serving as other ranks in alien companies of the Pioneer Corps 61 scientists possessing degrees, 75 engineers without recognised degrees but who have qualified by examination and 95 engineering tradesmen who have served a full apprenticeship or its equivalent.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the licensed bars of the Red Lion Hotel, the Friars Tavern, the County Hotel, the Central Hotel, and the Crown and Mitre Hotel, at Carlisle, are placed out of bounds for the warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and other ranks serving in the Army in Carlisle and district; and, in view of the fact that this order is resented by the men concerned, will he take immediate steps to countermand it and to see that no such tendency to discriminate is permitted to continue in the higher circles of the Army administration in this area?

I am not aware that any part of the Red Lion Hotel at Carlisle is out of bounds to warrant officers, noncommissioned officers and other ranks, but one room in the Central Hotel, one in the Crown and Mitre Hotel, the upper floor in the Friars Tavern and a cocktail bar in the County Hotel, have, I understand, been reserved for more than a year to the use of officers. The rest of each of these hotels remains open to other ranks as do some 60 other bars in Carlisle. I see no ground for interfering with these local arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for War what appointment is held by Brigadier Lord Rennell of Rodd; and what previous military service he has had?

Lord Rennell of Rodd is chief political officer, East Africa Command. He was an officer of the Royal Artillery from 1914 to 1918, serving in France, Italy,. Libya, Egypt, Sinai, Palestine and Syria. During the present war he has been employed as a Staff Officer in Nigeria and the Middle East.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Jewish battalions to be raised in Palestine will have a distinguishing mark; whether the existing Jewish Buffs companies will be incorporated in the Jewish military formation as soon as possible; whether Jews will be liable to fill as many of the vacancies as they desire; and whether the Jews numbering more than 10,000, now serving outside the Buffs in scattered units, will be given a chance to transfer to the Jewish battalions?

A cap badge will be assigned to the Palestine Regiment and the Commander-in-Chief, Middle East, has been asked to submit a design. It is hot the practice in the Army to issue badges to individual battalions. The answer to the second part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." The meaning of the third part is not quite clear to me but, as I said in debate on 6th August, there will be no insistence on strict numerical parity, and the filling of vacancies must depend on the response to the call for recruits. I am considering the subject of the last part of the Question and cannot at present give an answer.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether troops returning from operations against the enemy are allowed extra petrol coupons in order to go on leave?

Troops returning to home stations from operations against the enemy are, like other troops stationed in the United Kingdom, eligible when they go on leave for the Home Service leave petrol allowance.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the representations made to him by the hon. Member for Rugby in regard to the case of Private N. Smith, 75762, Royal Army Service Corps; whether he will see that this man's case is not determined on the basis of whether he has been to a public school, and that while the case is being considered the man is not ordered abroad; and when he expects to be in a position to give the result of his consideration?

I wrote to the hon. Member about this case on 25th August. If my letter has not reached him I will send him a copy. In this letter I told him that the matter had been gone into thoroughly, and that Mr. Smith fully understood the position. He has since proceeded overseas.

asked the Secretary of State for War why, on Sunday, 16th August, the request made by five soldiers, in a town of which he has been informed, to attend service at a Welsh church was refused, in view of the fact that they expressed their preference to worship in their own language and that facilities were available in the town for them to do so?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the request of a number of Welsh-speaking members of the Pioneer Corps, one of whom was a monoglot Welshman, to attend a Welsh place of worship in a certain town and that this request was refused; and whether he will immediately issue instructions according to Welsh-speaking members of His Majesty's Forces the right to attend divine service in Welsh places of worship where facilities exist?

I am making inquiries and will communicate with my hon. Friends.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now give an assurance that officers serving in the East admitted to hospital suffering from dysentery or similar ailments will not have their pay stopped and be charged for their period of stay in hospital; and whether he can give information showing what has been the position in connection with cases of this sort since the outbreak of hostilities?

I should be glad to have details of the cases which my hon. Friend may have in mind. Officers serving in the Middle East who are admitted to hospital there receive treatment for ailments such as those referred to without charge.

asked the Secretary of State for War why adjutants of Home Guard battalions do not receive adjutants' pay; and what officers attached to the Home Guard receive staff pay?

The question of the rank and pay of adjutant-quartermasters of Home Guard battalions was carefully considered when these appointments were allowed in place of the previous civilian administrative assistant at £300 a year. It was decided that if the rank and pay and allowances of a regimental captain were allowed this would be adequate for the duties without additional pay. Since then a separate officer has been authorised for the quartermaster's duties. The only officers attached to the Home Guard who get staff pay are the General Staff Officers Grade III in those Home Guard Zones which have operational roles.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many tanks were in fact lost at the battle of Acroma, and how many were reported lost in the official communiqué at the time?

It is not possible to say exactly how many tanks were lost in this particular battle. According to the latest information the 8th Army lost about 200 tanks between 12th and 18th June.

asked the Secretary of State for War what action he has taken with regard to the manoeuvres, including artillery firing, which took place in a certain area of which he was advised by telegram on 1st September, without previous notice to the tenants and despite the objection of the county war agricultural executive committee, which caused damage to pastures, fences and stock and reduced food production; whether full compensation will be paid to the farmers concerned; whether instructions have been issued to prevent a recurrence of this damage; and whether disciplinary action has been, or will be, taken against those officers responsible.

I cannot accept my hon. and gallant Friend's account of the matter. The land in question was used for this exercise with the concurrence of the Department of Agriculture for Scotland, and the action of the officers concerned was therefore correct. I am informed that the second in command of the unit concerned personally warned the tenants more than 48 hours before firing started. All substantiated claims for damage will be paid in the normal way

asked the Secretary of State for War for what acts whipping or flogging is a punishment inflicted upon British or Colonial troops; and whether any records of the infliction of this punishment overseas are received by his Department?

British military law does not provide for the award of a sentence of flogging. I am advised that in the past flogging could be awarded by commanding officers as a summary punishment to soldiers of the Royal West African Frontier Force and the King's African Rifles, but that under the ordinances now in force flogging cannot be awarded except by courts-martial, which are of course convened to deal with serious offences only. The answer to the second part of the Question is, "No, Sir."

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in many towns, especially with the increasing number of soldiers in this country, sufficient sleeping accommodation does not exist for Service men passing through; and whether additional steps can be taken to remedy all such shortcomings?

Voluntary organisations run hostels for members of the Services in towns where there is a demand for sleeping accommodation for troops stranded while travelling or spending a night's short leave there. The voluntary organisation running a hostel is given a large measure of assistance from public funds. Sleeping accommodation is also provided at many important railway stations. Where existing accommodation proves inadequate further provision is always considered and made where practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether arrangements could be made for military hospitals in the Isle of Wight to assist the civil hospitals by taking casualties and urgent cases and thereby alleviate difficulties arising from petrol restrictions and the calling up of civilian staff?

Such arrangements already exist in the Isle of Wight. Military hospitals will take in casualties and urgent cases in any emergency.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will instruct the officers at a camp, of which he has been informed, that vaccination and inoculation are voluntary for all recruits to the Auxiliary Territorial Service, and that objectors are not to be intimidated into consenting, as has been done in that camp recently; and whether, in view of the ignorance shown by Auxiliary Territorial Service officers on the subject of the right of girls to object to these operations, he will circularise the commanding officers of the Auxiliary Territorial Service on the matter, as has been done in the case of the male section of the Army?

I shall be obliged if my hon. Friend will send me the names of members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service who are alleged to have been intimidated at this camp, when I will have the matter looked into. The same instructions apply to members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service as to soldiers. In case there is any ignorance on the part of Auxiliary Territorial Service officers, as alleged, the attention of all Auxiliary Territorial Service officers, including the officer commanding the camp in question, will be drawn to these instructions.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will state the total number of British prisoners of war of all three services and indicate the numbers in Germany, Italy and the Far East respectively?

I have been asked to reply. The total number of British prisoners of war of the three Services notified as such up to 25th August is:—

Army	…	…	70,526
Navy	…	…	3,529
Royal Air Force	…	…	3,135

The numbers known to be in Germany, Italy and the Far East are:—

		Germany.	Italy.	Far East.
Army	…	51,788	14,655	3,018
Navy	…	2,332	614	582
Royal Air Force	…	2,787	276	72

The figures for the Far East theatre relate almost exclusively to Hong Kong since the names of prisoners captured in Malaya and other areas have not yet been notified. The country of incarceration of a number of prisoners has yet to be reported. These figures do not represent the total number captured in recent operations; there is a varying time lag between the date of capture and the date when names are reported to this country.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will, through His Majesty's Minister at the Vatican, convey the thanks of the many relatives in this country who have had news of missing and wounded British airmen, sailors and soldiers through the good offices of His Holiness and the officials of the Vatican?

His Majesty's Government have already expressed through His Majesty's Minister at the Vatican their great appreciation of the humanitarian work done by the Pope and the Vatican in connection with prisoners of war.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will set out in detail the system under which, and by whom, consideration is given to the bombing of individual targets, and the rank and position of those who have the authority to recommend and to carry out such recommendations or to veto them?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth (Sir L. Lyle) on 5th August.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider the revision of the present regulations in regard to the publication in the Press of localities attacked by enemy aircraft in this country in view of the anxiety caused to those who are away from home on work of national importance and who are left in doubt as to the particular place in the area which is mentioned in the papers and frequently listen in to the German broadcast in order to gain some information?

The possibility of giving a more precise indication of the locality in which bombs have been dropped has been considered on numerous occasions and the official communiqués contain as much information as can safely be published without helping the enemy. The German broadcasts are not, of course, a reliable source of information on this or any other subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will set up an organisation for the Royal Air Force of a similar kind to the Army Bureau of Current Affairs?

A scheme of regular weekly lectures on' current affairs was introduced into the Royal Air Force in October, 1941. In addition the pamphlets prepared by the Army Bureau of Current Affairs are distributed to all Royal Air Force stations, where in many cases they form the basis of discussion by regular discussion groups. It is proposed in the coming winter to extend the existing arrangements by organising regular discussion groups at all Royal Air Force stations. Since the Army Bureau of Current Affairs is able to cater in this way for the needs of the Royal Air Force it is unnecessary to establish a separate organisation.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the increased number of daylight attacks on this country by low-flying German aircraft, he will arrange for a greater proportion of Lewis and Bren guns with high angle mountings to be provided on the top of suitable buildings on the South Coast and other vulnerable areas?

All available weapons are disposed to the best tactical advantage with the object of defeating the attacks.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the Air Ministry have ordered a court of inquiry into the accident to the Sunderland aircraft conveying His late Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, on passage to Iceland; and whether, in view of all the circumstances, the composition of the crew, the weather conditions and time of day, he will undertake to publish the findings and thus allay public anxiety on the grounds that proper care was not exercised?

A court of inquiry is investigating the causes of the accident. I propose to make a further statement when its report has been received and considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has in his office plans prepared some years ago for the construction of a sea level canal capable of conveying battleships from the Clyde to the Forth; and, if so, will he forward the same to the Minister dealing with post-war planning in order that this scheme may receive serious attention?

This proposal was the subject of a report by a committee appointed in 1929 by the Minister of Transport. The report was published in August, 1930. As the Minister responsible for post-war planning in Scotland, I shall maintain the closest contact with my right hon. Friend the Minister of War Transport on all proposals for transport development in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the respective acreages under oats and under wheat in Scotland for the year ended 31st August, 1939, and the corresponding figures for 1941?

It is not considered to be in the national interest to publish during the war statistics of the kind asked for in the Question; and I regret therefore that I cannot give the hon. and gallant Member the information he desires.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction in the road haulage world with the existing Government scheme; and whether he can make any statement as to pending improvements?

I am aware that certain features of the Road Haulage Scheme have not proved altogether satisfactory. The scheme is now being reviewed in the light of the changing conditions of the war, and my Noble Friend will issue a statement as soon as he has made the necessary decisions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that certain laundries still collect from, and deliver to, the same destinations on different days; and whether he will consult with the Ministry of War Transport with a view to preventing this wasteful practice?

I have been asked to reply. The separate collection and delivery of laundry is only allowed in exceptional circumstances. If my hon. Friend will send me particulars of any case which, in his view, merits inquiry, I shall be glad to look into it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport, whether he will consider the desirability of eliminating traffic lights at simple I crossings, in view of the waste of time they cause without contributing to safety?

Local authorities are now carrying out a further review of traffic light signals at I junctions and others, in order to discontinue those which are no longer justified on traffic or safety grounds. The estimates so far received indicate that approximately 18 per cent. of the total number have been, or will be, altogether discontinued and that in addition, about 48 per cent. are being, or will be, worked for a reduced number of hours.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he proposes to investigate the wastage of tons of plums sent from the South of England to Scotland owing to faulty rail transport arrangements; and what action will be taken to avoid in future such waste of food?

I am informed that some consignments of plums from Southern England were unfit for human consumption when they arrived in Scotland. I am glad, however, to be able to assure my hon. Friend that they were only a small proportion of the total quantity transported. The railway companies have made every effort in their power to ensure that these plums, and all soft fruit sent by rail, shall have rapid transit. But I would remind my hon. Friend that even in peace-time there was always a certain wastage during transport to market. At the present time, when the demands on the railways are so heavy, there are bound to be occasional delays on long journeys, such as that from Kent to Scotland, from which highly perishable goods must suffer.

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether he has considered a letter, dated the 26th August, 1942, from the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, in which the chamber expresses its considered view that the employment of women as fire-guards during black-out periods in the central and dock areas of the city would be dangerous; and whether he will reconsider his proposals in this regard;(2) whether he has considered the representations made by the City of Liverpool's Defence Committee, which were unanimously approved by the city council on the 2nd September, 1942, relating to compulsory enrolment of women as firewatchers; whether he is aware that the council views with the most serious apprehension the employment of women on such dangerous duties in the dock and central areas of the city; whether he intends to introduce a system of equal compensation for injuries to both men and women engaged on equal duties with equal risks; and will he, before he enforces his new Order, meet the Liverpool Members of Parliament to discuss ways and means of procuring additional male watchers for the dock and central areas and restricting the employment of women watchers to the outer and safer areas?

My right hon. Friend has received the representations referred to from the city of Liverpool and the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce. Whilst my right hon. Friend cannot undertake to postpone the operation of the new Orders, he will certainly discuss with the Liverpool Members of Parliament the problems referred to in these Questions.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will suspend the operation of his Compulsory Enrolment Order and Business Premises Order No. 2 until such time as Parliament shall approve the employment of women as firewatchers and determine the areas in which they shall perform such duties?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given to similar Questions to-day by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary.

asked the Home Secretary, with reference to the 291 cases of detention under Regulation I8B, which had been reviewed and subsequently reported on by the Advisory Committee up to the 30th June, 1942, in how many cases a decision was taken not to give effect to the recommendation of the Committee?

Of the 291 cases referred to, effect has not been given to the recommendation of an Advisory Committee in 28 cases. In 20 of these cases the Committee recommended release, and in eight cases detention.

asked the Home Secretary, in connection with the conditions which he has laid down to govern supplementary grants to local authorities for Civil Defence expenditure, what he is taking as the average general rate levied in 1941–42 in each class of local government area?

The following statement shows the average general rate estimated by the Ministry of Health to have been levied in 1941–42 in the various classes of urban rating areas in England and Wales:—

	s.	d.
City of London and Metropolitan Boroughs	13	6
County Boroughs	15	2¼
Non-County Boroughs and Urban Districts	13	5

The estimated average poundage of local rates levied in rural districts was 12S. 11½d., but this may need adjustment to take account of special rates leviable in such districts, I am consulting my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health on the point. Complete figures to enable corresponding averages to be estimated for Scottish areas have not yet been received by the Scottish Home Department from the local authorities.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with the charge made against James Turner, farm bailiff, of Lingfield, who was charged at Oxted, Surrey, on 24th August, with the unlawful possession of Army stores; whether he will give details of the stores; and what action was taken in the matter?

I understand that this man has appealed to Quarter Sessions against his conviction. It would not be proper for me to comment on a case which is still pending before the courts.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will reconsider the present system whereby all Questions in the House concerning prisoners of war or matters of the Red Cross organisation have to be addressed to the Secretary of State for War; and whether, as other services are concerned, he will direct that for the future these matters be dealt with by another Minister and thus remove a burden from a hard-pressed Department?

The majority of British prisoners of war are Army personnel. Moreover, in view of the importance of securing uniform and reciprocal treatment the Government has decided that the general responsibility for Questions affecting prisoners of war shall be undertaken by the War Office. The War Office is therefore bound to have a principal interest in the majority of Questions concerning prisoners, and I fear, therefore, that the adoption of my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion would give only apparent and not real relief to my right hon. Friend and his Department.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether instalments of contributions under Part 1 of the War Damage Act are payable after the contributory property has been destroyed?

I presume that my hon. Friend has in mind cases in which a "value payment" will be made in consequence of destruction of the property through war damage. In such a case so much of the contribution, including instalments not yet due, as has not been paid will, under Section 33 (1) of the War Damage Act, 1941, be deducted from the value payment. As regards properties destroyed otherwise than through war damage, I would remind him of the relief given by paragraph 13 Of the First Schedule to the War Damage (Amendment) Act, 1942, in regard to instalments of contribution for 1942 and subsequent years.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether there exists a comprehensive index to the subjects covered by the various Defence Regulations; and, if not, will he have such an index prepared and made available to Members?

The Defence (General) Regulations have been reprinted with all amendments up to date and published at intervals of not more than four months; each edition is fully indexed. The Defence (Finance) Regulations and Miscellaneous Defence Regulations are reprinted at longer intervals, as often as a new edition is required by the number of amendments made since the last edition. Each edition of the Defence (Finance) Regulations contains an index; the volume of Miscellaneous Regulations does not contain an index, but the list of short titles of the Regulations printed at the beginning of the volume is in itself an adequate index. All Defence Regulations and orders issued thereunder which are made in the course of each year are also published in a separate volume of the annual edition of the Statutory Rules and and Orders, which is fully indexed. The Stationery Office also publish monthly, half-yearly and yearly a list of all Statutory Rules and Orders made during the preceding month, half-year and year; this list includes all Statutory Rules and Orders of any kind and not only the Defence Regulations and orders made thereunder; the subject matter is arranged alphabetically and the enabling provision under which each Regulation, Rule or Order is made is set out, so that it is not difficult to tell which of them has been made under the Emergency Powers (Defence) Acts. A copy of all these publications will be found in the House of Commons Library.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the reference numbers and particulars of all the regulations which have been made affecting the conduct of the Bank of England, the joint stock banks, the Stock Exchange and other financial institutions?

I assume this Question relates to Regulations made under the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act and directly affecting the conduct of the business of financial institutions. Such Regulations are comprised in the Defence (Finance) Regulations, 1939, which were originally made at, or shortly before, the outbreak of war and have been subject to a number of amendments since. These Regulations have been published from time to time in pamphlet form, the most recent (the fourth) edition having been issued on the nth November, 1941, to incorporate all amendments to that date, together with a classified list of Treasury Orders made under the Regulations and then in force. Since that date two further Orders in Council amending the Regulations have been made, published as S.R. & O. 1942, Nos. 304 and 572, and the following Treasury Orders have been made under the Regulations:—S.R. & O. 1941, No. 1787.S.R. & O. 1941, No. 1890 (which revokes S.R. & O. 1941, No. 1423).S.R. & O. 1941, No. 2072.S.R. & O. 1941, No. 2073.S.R. & O. 1942, No. 119.S.R. & O. 1942, No. 120.S.R. & O. 1942, No. 121.S.R.& O. 1942, No. 766 (which revokes S.R. & O. 1941, No. 1625).Financial institutions are of course also affected, in common with others, by wartime legislation on Trading with the Enemy and other matters.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that cases are occurring in which the tenant of a requisitioned house has to pay to the landlord substantially more than the amount of compensation payable to the tenant constituting a grave injustice; and whether he will take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to reduce the rent charged to the amount of compensation receivable, or to take other measures to remove this injustice?

This question was one of those dealt with by Mr. John Morris, K.C., in his report on Requisitioning and Compensation (Cmd. 6313) and by the Landlord and Tenant (Requisitioned Land) Act, 1942. This Act enables the tenant of a house which is requisitioned, provided certain conditions are satisfied, to disclaim his lease. It also provides for the reduction of the rent payable in cases where the tenant was paying a rent inclusive of rates and services.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer upon what committees representatives of the Treasury are serving for the purpose of exercising control of foreign exchange transactions?

The Treasury and the Bank of England are at all times in the closest touch in matters arising out of exchange control; regular meetings are held between their representatives, in addition to day-to-day contact as may be required.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will consider the use of efficient and fit prisoners of war in those coal mines where absenteeism is seriously prejudicing output?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what special instructions he has issued to local authorities with regard to economy in fuel; and how he ensures that they are properly observed?

I am considering the issue of a circular to local authorities on fuel economy at the present time. As regards the observance of any instructions issued, I feel sure that I can rely on the loyal co-operation of the local authorities themselves. Local authorities are, of course, subject to the statutory orders and directions of my Department in the same way as private persons.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is considering the utilisation of natural gas as a substitute for, or addition to, the supplies of town gas; and whether he is yet in a position to make a statement on the subject?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. I am afraid I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of men engaged in machine mining, coal cutting and conveyor work in the Durham coalfields; and the amount of coal produced by such methods in this county during the years 1930 to 1942?

No information is available as to the number of miners engaged in coal-cutting and conveying work. The quantities of coal cut by machinery and conveyed at coal mines in the county of Durham during the years 1930 to 1941 are as follow:—

Year		Quantity of coal cut.	Quantity of coal conveyed.
		Tons.	Tons.
1930	…	9,212,882	2,639,134
1931	…	8,812,304	2,696,949
1932	…	9,137,522	3,116,194
1933	…	9,666,601	3,894,777
1934	…	11,194,046	4,808,479
1935	…	11,481,710	5,734,574
1936	…	12,379,616	6,570,241
1937	…	13,311,246	7,297,687
1938	…	13,183,197	7,822,004
1939	…	13,201,810	8,425,562
1940	…	11,907,804	7,978,794
1941	…	11,101,831	7,680,785
Statistics for 1942 are not yet available.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British subjects there are remaining in Italy; and whether the same opportunities for their return to this country, if they so wish, can be arranged as was done in the case of British people in France?

The number is believed to be about 2,800. Their departure from Italy and journey to this country have been hampered partly by the regulations imposed by the authorities in the countries through which they would pass and partly by the unwillingness of many of them to leave Italy. The question of the delay in the granting of visas has been taken up with the Governments concerned and a number of concessions have been secured.

asked the Minister of Information how many male and female Members of the House of Commons, respectively, have spoken publicly through the medium of the Ministry of Information; and what fees per meeting are paid to such Members?

One hundred and six male and nine female Members have spoken publicly at meetings arranged by the Ministry; in no case has a fee been paid.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production what are the qualifications required of candidates for enrolment in Air Transport Auxiliary; whether any vacancies exist; and whether applications are still invited from suitable applicants?

The qualifications vary with the duties to be undertaken, a high standard of physical as well as of mental fitness being especially necessary in the case of pilots. There are a limited number of vacancies and applications from suitable candidates are invited.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production how many applicants for enrolment in Air Transport Auxiliary who have passed their flight test have not been given employment as ferry pilots?

Of 1,500 selected for interview, flight test and medical examination, approximately 400 have been rejected. Without a considerable amount of work it is impossible to say how many who passed their flight test were rejected on other grounds.