asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether preference is given to the purchasers of kosher meat in the matter of home-killed meat; and whether home-killed meat is made specially available to kosher butchers?

Preference of the character suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend is given, as this meat, which represents approximately one per cent. of the home-killed supplies of meat issued for the ration, can be obtained only from cattle, calves and sheep slaughtered in this country. As regards the second part of the Question, this meat is made available at distribution depots only if this does not involve the assembly of stock specifically for this purpose. The full ration is not supplied if this would absorb an undue proportion of the home-killed supplies.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that tests taken by Newcastle Corporation of milk supplied for consumption in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, for the year September, 1940, to August, 1941, and September, 1941, to August, 1942, respectively, show percentages; tuberculin tested certified 26.6 and 35.5, tuberculin tested 12.0 and 26.5, accredited 22.7 and 24.7, pasteurised 6.5 and 25.5 and undesignated 35.0 and 35.3; and whether it is intended forthwith to establish throughout the country scientific pasteurisation, handling and delivery of milk?

No, Sir. I am not aware of the tests to which my hon. Friend refers. My hon. Friend will appreciate that in any case it is not possible, in the absence of information as to the nature of the tests, to estimate the significance of the figures given. In reply to a Question by my hon. Friend on 10th September, information was given of the steps being taken by the various Government Departments concerned for improving the quality of milk.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the petition representing several thousands of citizens and promoted by the Selby and District Trades and Labour Council, he will take steps to establish a British Restaurant in this area as a matter of urgency?

I am aware of the petition referred to by my hon. Friend. The need for a British Restaurant in Selby has already been brought to the notice of the urban district council and further representations are being made to the council in the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what decisions have been reached regarding the price of onions, retail and wholesale; and what organisations were consulted in reaching agreement?

The Order fixing maximum prices for onions' for the 1942 season was made on 31st August and became effective on 4th September. The retail price of onions under the Order is 4¼d. except in Scotland and certain scheduled industrial areas where, to secure wide distribution, the services of a second wholesaler are necessary, and where the retail price is 4½d. The price on a sale by a primary wholesaler is 29s. per cwt.; and on a sale by a secondary wholesaler in the scheduled areas 31s. 4d. per cwt. The proposals for the Order were discussed at a meeting held on 4th August which was attended by representatives of the National Farmers' Union, of the National Federation of Fruit and Potato Trades, and of the Retail Fruit Trade Federation, Limited.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will give an assurance that the firm of Smith, Rogers and Company, of Ebley, Stroud, Gloucestershire, will be able to retain their slaughtering licence?

I presume my hon. Friend refers to the firm's bacon production licence. If so, the position is that all factories that have ceased bacon production on account of concentration still retain their bacon production licences.

asked the Secretary of State for India when the amount the Government agreed to pay as a portion of the married Service man's qualifying allotment, equal to 6d. a day and dating from 20th March, will be paid to men serving in the Air Force in India; and whether he is aware that complaints have been received that this money has not been forthcoming up to the present time?

The concession to which my hon. Friend refers was announced in Air Force Instructions (India) on 23rd May, 1942. There may have been some delay in clearing up the retrospective payments involved. If my hon. Friend will give me details of any cases I shall be glad to have them investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, prior to new operations in Burma and Malaya the troops in India are being trained in jungle fighting?

Considerable attention is being paid in India to training in jungle warfare.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the undesirability of taking farmers away from harvesting to hear official speeches an alternative local means of publicity as to the wishes of his Department can be efficiently utilised?

My right hon. Friend is not aware that farmers have been taken away from the harvest to hear official speeches, and the second part of the Question does not therefore arise.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what increase per cent. has this year been obtained by farmers with the harvest; and what percentage of saving in shipping this represents?

I regret that I am unable to give precise figures, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the estimated results of the present harvest hold out hope of a substantial saving in shipping.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men and women, respectively, registered as unemployed at Bridgeton, Parkhead, and the central employment exchanges, Glasgow, respectively, for each of the last six months?

I am sending the desired information to the Hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the great diffculties experienced by the catering industry under war conditions, especially in prohibited areas such as the Isle of Wight; and whether he will postpone until after the war any attempt to introduce legislative control of their industry?

My right hon. Friend is aware that the catering industry like most others has special difficulties under war conditions., The answer to the second part of the Question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Labour why, before seeing the representatives of the catering industry on nth September, he refused to give them prior knowledge of the proposals he wished to discuss with them; and whether he will now agree to a fair and impartial discussion or examination of the issues raised by some competent and independent body before any legislation is brought before Parliament?

As my right hon. Friend has already explained to those directly concerned, he thought it more satisfactory that in circulating an outline of his proposals he should accompany it with a fuller oral explanation; he made it clear at the same time that he did not expect an expression of views before those concerned had had a fuller opportunity of examining the proposals. As regards the latter part of the Question he cannot give any undertaking which would fetter his right to bring proposals before Parliament in due course.

asked the Minister of Health who are the members of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Medical Schools; what is its reference; and whether the universities and medical licensing bodies were consulted as to its composition and subjects of Inquiry before the committee was formed?

In reply to the first part of the Question, the names were given in my reply on 26th March last to my hon. Friend the Member for Great Yarmouth (Mr. Jewson), of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. The reply to the second part of the Question is "No."

asked the Minister of Health whether, with a view to meeting the immediate demand for midwives, he will consider introducing legislation to ensure that all nurses, on obtaining the certificate of the Central Midwives Board, be required to practise as midwives in maternity homes or institutions for a period of six months; and that no training grant be payable on account of candidates unless they are prepared to undertake to practise for a period as midwives?

I do not think that legislation is needed to bring about the result that ray hon. Friend desires. The matter has been very much in my mind and I am now in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service on plans to meet the special need.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make an Order to empower the Government to direct mid-wives or nurses who are at present otherwise engaged into branches of the profession where there are shortages?

I already have such powers under the Defence (General) Regulations.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will apply the Essential Work Order or some such stand-still Order to midwives and nurses employed by local authorities and nursing associations?

I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health on the general question of supply and employment of midwives and nurses.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that instructions given by his Department to cancel the requisitioning of certain premises wrongly requisitioned by the local authority, concerning which he has been fully informed, have been openly disobeyed; and whether he will take measures accordingly?

The delay in carrying out my direction in this case Was due to the local authority's desire to make further representations to me. I have informed them, however, that I adhere to my decision and the property has now been released.

asked the Home Secretary what is the total alien population in this country to-day; approximately how many of each nationality are serving either in their own or in British formations; and whether he will endeavour to arrange to send to North America all useless foreigners thus aiding the food situation?

The number of aliens registered with the police on 31st August, 1942, was 276,399, of whom 133,375 were women. This figure does not include children under the age of 16 nor members of the British and Allied Forces. Aliens serving with these Armed Forces are exempted from the requirement to register and no statistics are available to enable me to say what is the total number of such persons. In addition to those serving with the Armed Forces many thousands of foreign men and women are contributing to the war effort in munition factories and in other occupations. The answer to the last part of the Question is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning how much notice is given to the owners when the Government take over private hotels and restaurants at Blackpool and other towns; whether the Government pay for removing the furniture to a warehouse, pay the cost of storage and insurance premiums of the furniture and if proper compensation is paid to the owners or managers; whether he has seen the protest made by the Restaurants and Hotel. Association about the matter; and what action he intends taking in future cases?

No hotels or restaurants at Blackpool have been requisitioned by the Ministry of Works and Planning for some time past; but it is the practice of the Department to give preliminary warning and to allow as much time as possible to enable guests to find alternative accommodation. Compensation is paid in accordance with the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939; it includes the cost of removing unrequisitioned furniture to store and the cost of storage and fire insurance premiums during storage. I am aware that the Restaurants and Hotel Association has made inquiries about the recent requisitioning of furniture and the Ministry's policy has been explained to the association.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in cases where a house is being acquired under a mortgage from a building society, involving periodical payments which include instalments of the mortgage debt as well as interest, war service grants committees are authorised to make grants in respect of the instalments of the mortgage debt as well as the interest?

The answer is in the negative. I should add, however, that in the case of members of the Fighting Forces building societies are in general prepared to accept interest payments only and that a leaflet explaining this is sent to applicants by my Department where appropriate.

asked the Minister of Supply why so much scrap-iron is remaining on some waste land close to Warrington railway station, Lancashire; and what action be intends taking about the matter?

I am making inquiries into this matter and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to give the name "Shropshir" to one of His Majesty's ships in replacement of the cruiser of that name which has been handed over to the Australian Government and renamed "Canberra"?

The use of the name "Shropshire" will be considered when names are being chosen for new vessels of suitable types.

asked the Prime Minister what steps he proposes to take in regard to the staffs of the Department of Overseas Trade, now employed in the section dealing with post-war export planning, in view of the statement that planning for anything as complex as the export trade was impossible, which was made by the Parliamentary Secretary for Overseas Trade at the recent conference of the Liberal Party?

I am informed that no such statement was made by my hon. Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the advisability of taking steps to give an increase to the 800,000 widows on contributory pensions who have received no increase during the war?

This matter is under review, in accordance with the undertaking given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour on the 29th July.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he is aware that old age pensioners who have saved a little money and invested it with the object of adding to their relatively small income are, after the first £25, penalised to the extent of 1s. a week on each extra similar sum, whereas those pensioners who have saved nothing receive supplementary grants without any deduction whatever; and what steps he is taking to put an end to this anomaly;(2) whether, in view of the reduction in the supplementary pension of an old age pensioner by 1s. per week for each £25 of his accumulated savings over the first sum of this size, he can state the basis on which this deduction is assessed; and what investment is possible to earn such a return?

Existing legislation requires the Assistance Board to regard each complete £25 of capital after the first £25 as equivalent to a weekly income of 1s. The effect of this rule is that any amount less than £50 is disregarded, 1s. a week is the approximate income which would be derived by the investment by the old age pensioner of £25 in an annuity. In the Debate on 29th July my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour gave an assurance that attention would again be directed to the way in which capital resources are to be calculated, and this is being done.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is prepared to extend the provisions of Section 31 of the Finance Act, 1941, relating to the production of metals that are of exceptional importance for the prosecution of the war so as to give relief from Excess Profits Tax to those metal mining concerns which, in order to accelerate output, have departed from normal mining practice by concentrating on the production of high-grade ores and, therefore, will incur increased costs in the post-war period?

This matter has been under the consideration of my advisers for some time past and I have come to the conclusion that a case has been established for extending Section 31 to give relief in the circumstances mentioned by my hon. Friend where departure from normal mining practice is of such a character as to reduce current costs and increase postwar costs. The relief contemplated will ordinarily proceed in principle on the basis of allowing the higher costs that would have been incurred if the increase in output had been obtained by normal mining methods. It will ordinarily be measured by reference to the increase in the metal yield of the ore produced, the expenses allowable being increased in that proportion. I propose to include a provision in next year's Finance Bill giving this relief for all accounting periods subject to the 100 per cent. Excess Profits Tax.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the approximate amount of extra revenue derived from the increased taxation of tobacco during the three months following the imposition of the higher rate of tax; and whether he is satisfied that the extra tax is yielding such increase of revenue as he anticipated when introducing his Budget proposals?

The net receipts from the tobacco duties in the three months May to July, 1942, were approximately £30,000,000 more than in the corresponding period in 1941. This increase is fully up to Budget expectations.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the difficulty service bands are experiencing owing to the heavy Purchase Tax on military musical instruments; and, in view of the fact that Fighting Services are on the one hand urging commanding officers to raise bands, will he, on the other hand, make a reduction in the Purchase Tax for bona fide military musical instruments?

No, Sir. As a class, musical instruments are subject to the increased rate of tax and I regret that I cannot make an exception in the case of instruments purchased by Service bands. Such a concession would involve setting up a privileged class of buyers and would be contrary to the principle that the burden of the tax should be borne alike by all purchasers of chargeable goods.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will inquire into the recent increase in the fares of the omnibus service between Stroud and Waterlane, with a view to seeing if they are justified?

No increase in fare has been authorised on the omnibus service between Stroud and Oakridge, which serves Waterlane. The omnibus company recently gave instructions which resulted in passengers between Waterlane and Stroud being unable to obtain the benefit of the return fare between Oakridge and Stroud. The Regional Transport Commissioner is issuing to the company a direction which will make the return fare available to Waterlane passengers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether arrangements are being made to enable civilians, where duties entitle them to a petrol allowance, to obtain anti-freeze for motor-car radiators this winter?

No, Sir; the supply of anti-freeze is so limited that it is only possible to make it available for private car users who cannot conveniently take alternative measures for protection against frost. Such private car owners should apply to the Regional Transport Commissioner in whose region the car is normally kept.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to recent prosecutions of Home Guard personnel on charges of absence from duty; and whether he will issue a clarified instruction to be circulated to all Home Guard commanders to indicate, for the information of all concerned, what circumstances of essential employment are considered sufficient to justify such absence?

It is not practicable to issue general instructions to cover the varying circumstances of individual cases. I have no reason to think that doubt about the conditions justifying absence from duty has been a factor in any of the comparatively few cases where prosecution has been found necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for War his reasons for not allowing women to receive instruction with the Home Guard in the use of firearms?

The reason for this decision is that all the weapons and instructional facilities available are needed for the training and operational duties of members of the Home Guard.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Army has been provided with travelling optical supply and repair shops for use by officers and men in the various commands at home and overseas?

Static optical supply and repair shops are provided in commands at home. They are so placed that optical facilities are readily available for officers and other ranks and they are found to meet all needs. In commands overseas travelling opticians with the necessary equipment will shortly be provided in addition to the existing static shops.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that Royal Artillery units are seldom, if ever, mentioned in communiqués, and that when they are mentioned are only referred to in general, terms, and in view of the outstanding action of certain artillery units in the Middle East and elsewhere, he will arrange to have units mentioned like cavalry and infantry units, except where there is danger of information not already in their possession being made available to the enemy?

I am giving further consideration to this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the reasons for the use of new weapons of war on small scale invasions of the Continent; whether he is aware of the public's apprehension that we too readily sacrifice the element of surprise by the inevitable presentation to the enemy in these raids of such weapons as the Churchill tank, the Sten gun, etc.; and whether greater secrecy will be observed about new and powerful weapons until they can be used with surprise and effect?

The type of weapons and equipment which are used on raids on the Continent is a subject that is at all times given careful consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that much anxiety prevails among relatives of prisoners of war in Offlag IX A/H. Germany; at the absence of letters, from that camp; that it is reported that the German authorities have placed a restriction on letters; that the reason for this is not known; nor how long the restriction may remain in force; and can he make a statement on the matter?

I am aware that the German authorities, apparently under a misapprehension as to the mail facilities available to German prisoners throughout the Empire, appear to have imposed some temporary limitation on the correspondence of British prisoners in many German camps. Steps were taken to make the real facts clear to the German authorities and I have reason to believe that the restrictions are being removed. There are already indications of a return to the normal volume of correspondence.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that the existence of the Prisoners of War Inquiry Department of the War Office is sufficiently well known both to Members of Parliament and the general public; and whether, in view of the saving of labour that would result if people made their inquiries direct to that organisation, he will endeavour to arrange for somewhat greater publicity to be given to its activities?

Judging by the numbers who avail themselves of its services it is evident that the Prisoner of War Inquiry Centre in Curzon Street is widely known and that its work is appreciated. I will, however, see that from time to time suitable opportunities are taken to draw the attention of the public to the services afforded them by the Inquiry Centre.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that fewer than seven per cent. of children on the school rolls of the London County Council attended the holiday clubs conducted at its schools during the recent summer holidays; whether the London County Council was in any way consulted before the issue of circular 1596; what protests were made by the council against the proposal when it was communicated to it, and whether, in view of the small attendance recorded throughout the country, it is proposed to open the schools during the forthcoming autumn holidays with the attendant use of fuel for heating the school premises?

I have received reports of, the attendance at the London. County Council holiday clubs but I do not accept the implication in the Question that they were unnecessary or that they failed in their purpose. Experience may prompt some modifications in the arrangements and the authority will have this in mind in planning, as they are doing, to open a number of clubs during the autumn holiday. The London County Council were not consulted before the issue of circular 1596: nor did they protest. What had, in essence, been their practice for the past two years was recommended for general adoption.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, as the Ministry of War Transport are now prepared to consider proposals submitted by the appropriate authorities concerning projects for the construction of road bridges over the Firths of Forth and Tay close to the existing railway bridges, he will take steps to see that the authorities concerned submit such proposals at an early date?

The local authorities and other interests concerned are fully alive to the situation and when the circumstances warrant I have no doubt will take appropriate action.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he recently appointed a committee to investigate the position at Harton Colliery, Durham; and whether he will publish the report of the investigation?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. It is not my intention that the committee's report shall be published at this stage.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what extra allowance of fuel is to be made for householders on whom members of the Women's Auxiliary Services are billeted?

If it should prove necessary to introduce fuel rationing, I should of course arrange for billeted persons to make some contribution to the fuel ration of the household. I cannot at this stage inform my hon. Friend what the amount of the contribution would be, but I should naturally endeavour to see that it was adequate.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware of the difficulty about Wrings of motor-cars by midwives of the Glamorganshire County Council for urgent calls; that the last Hire Service Order does nothing to improve the position within the ten-miles radius, which is the important radius for mid-wives; and will he consider directing petroleum officers to render a block issue of coupons to medical officers of health, subject to his close personal supervision of their use and being accounted for fully by mileage actually travelled by mid-wives?

The Hire Service Order places no restriction on the use of hire-cars within the radius mentioned by the hon. Member and I have no indication that midwives in Glamorganshire have any such difficulty as the hon. Member suggests. I shall be happy to consider any evidence which he may send me.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what concessions are to be made to flat-rate users of electricity in view of the demand for economy?

I have given careful consideration to this matter both from the point of view of the consumers and of the supply undertakings. On the one hand economical consumers who are being charged on a flat rate per unit and have cut their consumption down, should not feel that they are paying for something they have not had. On the other hand it is reasonable that supply undertakings should obtain from each consumer some minimum sum towards the expenses incurred by them in having constantly to maintain a service for the benefit of consumers. I have accordingly made an Order to the effect that in future consumers of electricity will not have to pay the existing authorised minimum quarterly charges due to supply undertakings. Instead, the undertakings will be entitled to make a charge of 25s. for a 12 months' period if energy to that value is not consumed in that period. If a consumer ceases to take a supply before the expiration of a full 12-months period, the supply undertaking will be entitled to make a pro rata charge. The new Order will not have effect until after the first meter reading following October 1st, and it will not affect all-in or two-part tariffs or other special tariffs that have been agreed to instead of a flat rate charge. If, however, consumers who are now being charged on a two-part tariff feel that owing to fuel restrictions they would suffer by remaining as they are, they can change over to a flat rate.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the steps which have been taken towards establishing the medical consultative service of the mines?

I hope to be able to make an announcement on this subject in the course of the forthcoming Debate on the coal situation.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power when he proposes to Withdraw the basic ration for motor-cycles?

No basic ration for motor-cycles will be issued after the end of October. During November motor cyclists will be allowed to use at their discretion basic ration petrol remaining in the tanks of their motor-cycles. After the end of November, it will not be permissible to use in a motor-cycle any petrol, however acquired, except for approved purposes, A Statutory Order giving effect to these decisions will be published in due course.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what steps are taken by his Department to place all available wood for fuel freely, or cheaply, at the disposal of the public who cannot obtain coal?

Instructions were issued in August, 1940, by the Forestry Commission, which was at that time responsible for home timber production, that divisional officers should facilitate the disposal of waste timber for fuel to local inhabitants. Subsequently it was made clear in further instructions issued by the Director of Home Grown Timber Production that such waste timber may be removed, free of charge, from the Department's felling stands.

asked the Minister of Information whether his attention has been called to the criticisms made against his Ministry's journal, "British Ally," published in Russia; and whether he is satisfied that the editor and staff are entirely suitable and competent for their tasks?

Yes, Sir. This paper is being produced with the full co-operation of Soviet journalists for whose services we are indebted to the Soviet authorities. Our Embassy in Russia has received many letters expressing appreciation of the paper from widely separated parts of the Soviet Union.

asked the Paymaster-General whether the Inter-Departmental Committee on Civil Aviation has now been reconstituted; and whether he can state the composition of this committee and its terms of reference?

The Inter-Departmental Committee on Civil Aviation, presided over by Sir Francis Shelmerdine, have submitted for the consideration of His Majesty's Government certain questions which have a fundamental bearing on the problems remitted to them. These questions are now being considered. The committee were appointed to make recommendations as regards the reconstruction, organisation and development of civil aviation after the war.

asked the Minister of Production whether, in connection with the recent appointment of three full-time scientific advisers to work under his supervision, it is proposed to develop their work with the object of linking science and technology more closely with the whole strategy and direction of the war?

asked the Minister of Production whether it is intended that the three scientific advisers recently appointed to work under his general supervision are to have direct access to the War Cabinet on a non-departmental basis; and whether, in view of the desirability of such a course, he will take steps to make it clear that these advisers can exercise this right?

asked the Minister of Production whether the three full time scientific advisers to the staff of the Ministry of Production will have direct access to the War Cabinet and if the Lord Privy Seal will exercise his supervisory functions over the new body directly on behalf of the War Cabinet?

asked the Lord Privy Seal what authority will be given to the scientific advisers appointed to work under his supervision in order to enable them to conduct inquiries, elicit information, and examine Departmental papers for the purpose of carrying out effectively the co-ordinating functions they are to perform?

I would refer the hon. Members to the statement on the subject of the scientific advisers recently appointed to my staff which I made at the end of Question Time to-day.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether it is proposed to make a free issue of physical training kit to all women in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force?

This question is now under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that numbers of Women's Auxiliary Air Force personnel will be serving at balloon sites this winter; and, bearing in mind that this is arduous work for a woman, whether he is satisfied that there is an abundance of warm clothing, other than the usual issue, available for aircraftwomen on duty at Balloon Command sites?

The standard issue of clothing to W.A.A.F.'s is supplemented in the case of those employed at balloon sites by the issue of working serge suits, ankle boots and blue-grey socks and sweaters. There are ample stocks of these articles.