asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that applications are constantly being made to public assistance committees for relief by dependants of serving men; and whether he will give sympathetic consideration to the question of meeting the needs of dependants of serving men wholly from Government sources?

There are over one million soldiers with dependants and their circumstances vary greatly. The regulations governing the issue of the allowances and grants for dependants cannot entirely cover every case. I am, however, satisfied that the present rates coupled with the machinery of the War Service Grants Committee in general meet their needs.

Does my right hon. Friend seek to justify the fact that the dependants of men serving in the Middle East and elsewhere are having to apply to public assistance committees for relief? Does he defend that position?

You cannot exclude cases of that sort arising in the case of dependants, but I think they are extremely rare.

Does my right hon. Friend consider that the charge for this relief is applicable to public assistance committees? Why should not the War Office take over?

That is another question. The machinery does, in general, operate to make these cases very rare indeed.

Cannot it be made certain that War Service Grants will cover cases of this kind so as to prevent appeals to public assistance committees?

I was being ultra-cautious. I cannot imagine many cases arising which would not be covered by War Service Grants.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that several Glasgow police constables released for service with the Armed Forces have expressed a strong desire to join the Brigade of Guards and especially the Scots Guards; and why such requests are being refused by the War Office?

My hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that it is necessary to maintain a correct balance between the strengths of the various arms of the Service. While, therefore, the wishes of any men to join a particular regiment are given due consideration the needs of each arm or regiment must be the finally determining factor in his posting. It was made clear to the constables referred to that no guarantee could be given that they would be posted to the arm or regiment of their choice but steps are being taken to transfer them to the Guards when this can be done.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that a Croydon battalion of the Home Guard were the recipients of a gift of 1,200 pairs of socks from the United States of America, and that permission has been refused for the distribution of those socks amongst the men of the battalion unless they surrender coupons; and whether in view of the circumstances, he will consult with the Board of Trade so that coupons are not exacted from members of the Home Guard?

I am aware of these facts and am discussing the matter with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will reconsider the arrangement under which officers of the Home Guard are given third class warrants, in view of the fact that certain anti-aircraft batteries contain both Regular and Home Guard officers?

I am fully conscious that there are certain anomalies about the present position, but, after weighing the matter very carefully, I have reached the conclusion that the decision arrived at by my predecessor ought to be maintained.

Will my right hon. Friend consider a case of this sort—the major commanding one of these batteries is a Home Guard officer, he is detailed to attend a course some distance from his home, and he is given a third-class warrant, whereas Regulars in the same battery and going to the same course are given first class warrants? Is this fair, and does it make for discipline?

My hon. and gallant Friend asks whether I will consider cases of that sort. I have had cases of that sort brought to my notice—and they were a material element in the consideration—by the hon. and gallant Member for Ayr Burghs (Sir T. Moore).

Does not my right hon. Friend consider that this discrimination tends to lower the respect in which Home Guard officers should be held by Regular troops whom one day they may have to command?

I know that my hon. and gallant Friend considers that, but I am afraid I do not agree with him.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that owing to the ceiling a number of Home Guard battalions are below the strength which their military commanders consider necessary for their operational duties; that owing to the improvement of the arms position more men could now be trained and given an operational role; and, as with the possibility of further military commitments for the field forces the defence of the country devolves more on the Home Guard, will he authorise an increase in the total Home Guard ceiling so that more able-bodied men may have the opportunity of defending their country?

The strength of Home Guard formations is determined by their operational duties. The equipment and training facilities available do not enable increases in strength to be made unless they are essential. The ceilings are kept constantly under review and if circumstances warrant increases will be made.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in several parts of the country, and notably in Scotland, there will be no difficulty in increasing the strength and operational value of the Home Guard if this ceiling is raised, and that the present limit is causing misunderstanding and disappointment among men who do not fully understand its necessity?

I understand that the military authorities are reviewing the ceiling.

May I take it that their views will receive sympathetic consideration?

Certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give the date when the recent increase of pay for the Services will be distributed?

The increase of pay in the Army takes effect from 1st October, 1942. Commanding officers have been instructed to make increased payments to soldiers accordingly on the first pay day after that date, namely, 2nd October. Children's allowances are paid weekly and the increases in these allowances will take effect in the first full week in October. It is not, however, possible to make them available earlier than 19th October when recipients will draw the additional payments for the two preceding weeks and for the week to come.

Is the Minister aware that ration allowance in some units has been reduced by 1d. per day, thereby reducing the 3s. 6d. to 2s. 11d. a week?

That is a question of which I should like to have notice. It is a new one to me.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make any statement on the performance of our tanks during the raid on Dieppe?

It would not be in the public interest for me to add anything to the information given by the Prime Minister in the House on 30th September.

Is it not a fact that some serious defects were discovered in the Churchill tanks and that their use was responsible for a coniderable loss of life? Is it not desirable, if the facts are as I have stated, that those who are responsible should be dealt with?

I am afraid I cannot add to the answer which I have just given.

Are we to understand that the performance of these tanks at Dieppe was in every respect satisfactory?

The hon. Member is to understand what the Prime Minister told him in the answer he gave recently.

You cannot get away with that.

It has been admitted.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, hitherto in a very large number of instances the prices charged by retailers have been frequently lower than those asked by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes and that the delivery given by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes has been often a cause of great complaint; and, in view of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes' monopoly of sports requisites, what steps are being taken to meet these complaints?

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps have been taken independently to control the prices charged by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes for sports gear and games under the new system of monopoly of supply and to ensure prompt delivery of orders placed with them for which cash with order is required?

All prices charged by Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes are governed by the limitation imposed by the Prices of Goods and Services Act, 1941. In addition it has been laid down that Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes' prices shall not exceed those of local shops for goods of similar quality. Any commanding officer or messing officer who has reason to think that any price is excessive may ask the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes' district manager to go with him or his representative to the nearest town and there make sample purchases from any reputable shop (but not cut price stores or markets), and if Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes' prices compare unfavourably with those there charged the discrepancy will at once be remedied. I am not aware of the instances of discrepancy in prices mentioned in the second Question, but if my hon. Friend can give me particulars I will look into them. The distribution of supplies is controlled by the Sports Board set up in each Command for the purpose.

Will my right hon. Friend reconsider the decision about giving this monopoly?

That is another question; it does not arise out of this one.

May I ask whether managers of the N.A.A.F.I. are now selected on the basis of selling beer or footballs?

asked the Secretary of State for War the name of the new tank now coming out of the production shops which is superior in performance to any other tank in use by any other belligerent?

The serial name A 27(M) has been allotted to this tank.

Were any of these new tanks used at Dieppe?

No, Sir.

None at all?

No, Sir.

Why not call them "Randolph"?

asked the Secretary of State for War the reason for the provision that a member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service may not be posted to the same station as her husband if she holds a rank senior to him?

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. The regulation lays down that, while there is no objection to a husband and wife serving in the same locality, they may not serve with the same unit. There is no question of rank. The regulation was made because the situation in question had, in fact, been found to cause difficulty.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the case of the W.A.A.F: the opposite policy is followed?

There is some difference, certainly, but the circumstances are not the same.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information in connection with the three soldiers killed in Dundee on Tuesday, 15th September, when an Army truck carrying 20 men turned over?

I am inquiring into this matter and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give consideration to the reduction of the qualifying periods for substantive ranks of non-commissioned officers?

No, Sir. I am satisfied that the present arrangements satisfy the demands of military efficiency and are at the same time fair to the non-commissioned officers.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that an acting corporal has to wait three months before he gets substantive rank and a warrant officer no less than 12 months, and that if in the meantime either of them is sick or injured for a period of 21 days, he has to revert to his previous rank? Does he think that is in the interests of good soldiering?

Yes, Sir, taking it by and large. At the outbreak of the war, the rule was for a uniform period of three months, but that was found, in the case, at any rate, of higher N.C.O.s and warrant officers, not to give sufficient time to test them fully, and therefore, the period was extended for the higher ranks, but at the same time all periods spent in acting rank were allowed to accumulate. Before, there had to be a continuous single period.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the series of accidents involving serious injuries, in several cases fatal, to children as a result of misadventure in handling projectiles left by military forces during manœuvres in a district of which he has been informed; and whether he will cause immediate inquiry to be made as to the choice of more suitable terrain for such manœuvres and institute such regulations as will reduce to the minimum the possibility of repeating such tragedies?

I am aware of only two such cases. One of those was dealt with in an answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Chislehurst (Sir W. Smithers) on 13th April, and I am still investigating the other about which my hon. Friend has written to me. If the result of the present inquiry shows that a tightening up of the rules is needed, I will consider how this may best be done.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that two such accidents have occurred in the same district within the space of two or three weeks, involving many casualties, and that this, in my opinion, is partly due to the bad choice of terrain making it impossible for these blanks to be found? Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that more suitable terrain in the same district is used?

As I said, I am inquiring into the incident about which the hon. Member wrote to me, and if my inquiry does disclose that there should be any tightening up, I will consider how best it can be done.

asked the Secretary of Staste for War whether he is aware that persistent and deliberate damage, which has been the subject of investigation by the civil police and anti-looting squad, is being inflicted by civilian trespassers at a house and village in Sussex which is now a military training area; what steps does he propose to take to prevent this; and will he put wardens or caretakers in responsible charge of this and other valuable private properties which have been requisitioned?

I am grateful to my hon. and gallant Friend for calling my attention to this case. I have had inquiries made into the circumstances. Owing to a misunderstanding the military guards posted on the property were withdrawn for the first three weeks of September. The original guard was re-posted as soon as this was brought to the notice of the local military authorities and action has been taken to ensure that such a mistake does not occur again.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the damage amounted to many hundreds of pounds, that it is causing great distress, and is not only confined to this particular property; and will he consider the possibility of permanent watching?

I am not sure about the possibility of permanent civilian watching, which I do not think is practicable if the inhabitants have been cleared out because it is dangerous for them to be there, but I will certainly see that permanent military guards are maintained.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that certain premises, of which he has been informed, under requistion by his Department were damaged by incendiary bombs because the premises were empty without firewatchers and the gas left on; that, owing to the damage done by the fire, his Department have now relinquished their requisition; and whether, as the condition of these premises renders them useless to the owners and the damage was caused by the failure of his Department adequately to protect them, he will now recompense the owners?

I am investigating this matter and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War how far the amalgamation of the 12 Jewish companies of the Buffs has progressed; and what arrangements have been made for their training and equipment?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether instructions have now been given for the training and equipment of a Palestine regiment as a first-line fighting force?

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he has taken to implement his undertaking to set up effective Palestinian regiments; whether this force is to be fully trained and equipped; and what progress has been made?

The formation of the Palestine Regiment is now in progress. It is being trained and equipped, but availability and operational needs must govern the rate of the issue of equipment.

How many recruits have there been so far, either Jews or Arabs, or both together?

I cannot reply to that without notice, but I think the number is not as great as my hon. and gallant Friend expected it would be.

Is my right hon. Friend quite satisfied that the undertaking he gave to the House that these recruits would be adequately equipped to protect themselves is not being frustrated by administrative action?

I am not prepared to give an absolutely categorical answer to that question. I am in communication with the Middle East on the question.

Will these units be for service outside as well as inside Palestine?

I have nothing at present to add to the answer I gave previously.

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether he will authorise a badge and a distinctive name for the Jewish unit in Palestine?

With regard to the badge of the Palestine Regiment I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander) on 8th September, to which I have at present nothing to add. With regard to the designations of its units I am at present awaiting the recommendations of the Commander-in-Chief, Middle East.

Was not such a badge allowed in the last war, and will it be allowed in this?

I said in my answer that a cap badge would be assigned to the Palestine Regiment but not to individual battalions.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers are entitled to refuse a request made by a soldier to be supplied with Form A.F. 2617?

The form referred to is intended for the use of commanding officers when they recommend candidates for Officer Cadet Training Units. The answer to the Question is, therefore, "Yes."

asked the Secretary of State whether he will inquire into the increased amount of crime and pay stoppages which have occurred recently in a unit, of which he has been informed, stationed in Cheshire?

I have had a report made to me of offences committed and stoppages of pay imposed in this unit in the last four months. These are low in themselves and show no recent increase. I am therefore at a loss to know on what information my hon. Friend can have based his Question.

Did the right hon. Gentleman compare the stoppages during the last four months with the stoppages during the two years previous to that time?

I have made a comparison with past periods, but I cannot say, without looking it up, over what exact period the comparison was made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in certain units men are compelled to parade for attendance at Entertainments National Service Association concerts, and will he take steps to put a stop to this practice?

I am aware of no such case, but if my hon. Friend will give me details of any, I shall be glad to make inquiries.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries in the unit to which I have referred in Question No. 23?

Yes, Sir.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that in many cases officers ask E.N.S.A. to come, and, therefore, they try to make certain that there will be a decent attendance?

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there are some men who may not like that particular form of entertainment and that it should not be inflicted upon them?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that Army precautions make possible the fullest use of Bren and machine-gun fire against enemy aeroplanes operating on the tip-and-run system, and whether orders to fire are given in all such cases with the minimum of delay, including the avoidance of reference to higher officials?

Yes, Sir. But troops armed with machine-guns or other small arms and trained in anti-aircraft defence have instructions not to open fire on any aircraft unless it is clearly recognised as hostile by its appearance or judged to be hostile by its actions.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in a great many cases when there are these tip-and-run raids on the South coast, the light guns have been in a good position and ready to fire, and have not been able to fire owing to "red tape" regulations?

The "red tape" regulations, if any, are imposed by the Royal Air Force. I know that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air has had under review the question of intercepting these tip-and-run raiders.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the "Get-you-Home" service for troops has been discontinued in Wales though retained in Scotland; and whether, in view of distances in rural areas in Wales and the help this voluntary service has been to soldiers on leave, he will review the recent decision of the Western Command?

I am obliged to my hon. Friend for drawing my attention to this matter, and I am reviewing the position. I cannot, however, hold out hopes that it will be possible in view of the need to save petrol to continue the "Get-you-Home" scheme much longer in any part of the country.

Why does my right hon. Friend differentiate between Wales and Scotland in this matter, and is he aware that in the rural areas of Wales there are very great transport difficulties?

I do not think my hon. Friend could have listened to my answer, in which I expressed great gratitude to him for calling my attention to the discrepancy and said that I would review the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the need of raw material for use in price-controlled utility bedding, he will prohibit the sale by auction of military mattresses, and treat such surplus material as salvage for the Ministry of Supply for re-allocation to bonâ-fide manufacturers?

The sale of military bedding, by auction or otherwise, is already prohibited. Any which is surplus or unfit for re-issue is, if possible, broken down, disinfected and made up into new mattresses. If it is beyond cleansing and disinfecting it is condemned and destroyed.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is yet in a position to announce that the scheme for encouraging by subsidy the keeping of cattle on hill grazings will be extended to include the Aberdeen-Angus breed and its crosses?

Yes, Sir. I have now decided to withdraw any restrictions on the breed of cow that can qualify for subsidy under the scheme.

While thanking the right non. Gentleman for his reply, may I say that it will give great satisfaction to all who are concerned with the improvement of our grazings?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether he is aware that a company, of which he has been informed, are satisfied that the vital national work performed by their workers is being seriously prejudiced by these workers having lost their houses by enemy action and having to travel long hours to and from work in increasing difficulties and at great expense; and will he give special consideration to the scheme now proposed by this company for repairing the houses of at least 50 of these workers and their families;

(2) whether he is aware that a scheme proposed for repairing the houses of 50 workers and their families, who lost their homes in the Clydebank raids, is opposed by the local authority on the ground that the houses are so severely damaged that the cost of repairs would be prohibitive; and, as the scheme in question works out at a cost of only £240 per house and no better solution has been proposed, will be use his powers of compulsion to put this scheme into operation?

By section 4 (1) of the War Damage Act, 1941, local authorities are precluded from repairing a war damaged house at greater cost than the estimated value of the house after repair. Expert advice given to Clydebank Town Council is to the effect that repair of these particular houses is excluded by the section to which I have referred. But I am now in consultation with the War Damage Commission upon the subject, and I will communicate with the hon. Member about it at, I hope, an early date. Offers to billet in Glasgow workers who have to travel long distances to their work have ahead been made, and these offers are still open. Over 300 workers have already taken advantage of these offers.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that Glasgow has made no attempt to re-house these people and that Glasgow at the moment has 90,000 names for houses? What is he going to do about that?

The last paragraph of my answer dealt with billeting, and I said that over 300 workers had already been billeted and the offer to billet more was still open.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that, in order to get the best results as far as production is concerned, it is essential that the workers should be in their own homes and not billeted in someone else's? Will he do everything possible to speed up this work?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that his Department have repeatedly refused to allow the town council of Clydebank to build new houses to rehouse the workers whose houses were destroyed by enemy action in 1941; and, in view of the essential national work done by these workers, of the waste of money and fuel in workers travelling long distances to work and of the continued hardship to these people, will he have the decision reversed and allow the town council to proceed with their scheme for at least 100 new houses now and others in due course?

I am satisfied that the limited supply of labour and materials available in the present national situation can be used to the best advantage in completing the 288 houses which the town council already have under construction. My officers are in constant touch with the council to assist them in completing as many as possible of those houses this winter and special arrangements were made some time ago to ensure that the council got the necessary labour and materials for the purpose. At the present time about 100 tradesmen are employed on the work. When the 288 houses now under construction are completed I shall review the council's proposals for new building in the light of the then position as to labour and materials.

Will my right hon. Friend note that the condition in Clydebank is desperate? Seeing that they are making utility furniture and utility clothing, will he not put forward the idea of giving us utility houses?

That is why I said it was necessary that the 288 houses now under construction should have their construction expedited and that I hoped that the building would be completed this winter.

We want thousands of houses now. It is not a matter of 200. That does not touch the fringe of the situation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the cases of destruction of air-raid precautions shelter works and appliances and to the damage to static water tanks for fire-fighting in the Glasgow area; and what steps, through the schools or otherwise, he proposes to take with a view to stopping, in the public interest, this destruction?

I am aware of the deplorable destruction and damage to which my hon. Friend refers. The damage to shelters has been estimated at between £50,000 and £70,000. Measures have already been taken, including repeated appeals to the public, warnings to children at school, and so on, but the position in Glasgow remains serious. I took the matter up again with the Regional Commissioner and as a result the District Commissioner for the Western Area discussed the position recently with the Lord Provost of Glasgow, and further action is being taken through a number of channels, including lectures to children at school by uniformed police officers and others, the provision of shelter inspectors, etc. I had hoped that by now the public would have realised that these shelters and tanks have been provided for their own protection at much expense and labour. In so far as the damage is caused by school children and adolescents we must of course make allowances for the natural ebullience of youth and for the absence of adequate playing fields in some parts of the city. Nevertheless a grave responsibility rests on parents and indeed upon all citizens to see that these vital public defences are safeguarded.

Is not the right hon. gentleman aware that the cause of most of this is that young people are left to run about the streets with no facilities for playing fields or sports?

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that many of the shelters which have been damaged are in the middle of public parks with 50 acres of open space around them?

asked the Lord Advocate whether he will discourage the growing practice of bringing accused people before court on petition so that the Press and the public are denied information which it is in the public interest they should have?

Before any person can be prosecuted on indictment he must appear before the court on petition. Proceedings on petition must be in private and this has always been the rule. It would not in my view be in the public interest that such proceedings should be in public.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware of the growing feeling, particularly in the West of Scotland, that cases are taken on petition because of the size of the bank balances of the accused?

Cases are taken on petition if it is thought likely that an indictment would be served and the accused would be tried by a jury; in other words, if the evidence is thought to be sufficiently serious. It is only the less serious offences which are taken summarily by complaint.

Under this procedure are not the middle or working-class people arrested, brought before a magistrate and liberated on bail, so that everybody knows all about it, whereas if people have sufficient influence in high places the prosecutor can take the case on petition and nobody knows anything about it?

It is a surprise to me that anybody would prefer to be prosecuted on indictment rather than be proceeded against summarily.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the telephone service on the Edinburgh exchange is giving cause for dissatisfaction owing to the delays, which amount to as much as 15 minutes at certain times of the day, in getting the exchange to answer calls, and that complaints to supervisor have resulted in no improvement; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure better service?

The service in Edinburgh has recently deteriorated, owing to heavy increase in traffic coupled with a shortage of operators' positions in the exchange switchroom. An extension of the switchboard will shortly be completed and will result in a material improvement in the service.

Is the Department giving earnest attention to defects in this exchange?

indicated assent.

asked the Minister of Labour whether lie is aware that girls in the Govan area of Glasgow have received offers of employment on war work locally, and the firms who have offered the vacancy are told that the girls are only temporary workers, with the result that the firms withdraw the offer, not wishing to train girls who may be withdrawn at any time to go to England; whether any such instruction has been issued by his Department to local exchanges; and, if so, whether he will now withdraw it, so that these girls can be employed locally where such work is offered to them?

In certain circumstances, women are available for temporary employment pending transfer and it is my right hon. Friend's policy to encourage such employment to the fullest extent. He cannot, however, allow it to interfere with the necessary arrangements for transfer nor can the exchanges do otherwise than make the position known to employers who wish to employ the girls locally.

I asked whether the Ministry had issued that instruction to the local exchanges and whether the Minister was aware that when the exchanges are asked to mark a green card with "temporary worker" they refuse to issue the green card at all. Does that not mean that the girls are classified as temporary workers, that no employer will employ them and that they will lose the benefit of their training? Will not the Minister take steps to enable girls to obtain employment in their localities and near to their own homes?

That question is replied to in the answer which I gave.

No, Sir, it is not. The reply states that they are only allowed to take the job temporarily and not on full time.

Certainly, and it is because of the circumstances that the hon. Member related in the last part of his Question that it must remain so.

Owing to the unsatisfactory reply, I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that miners in the Crook district, County Durham, are having great difficulty in obtaining candles for use in the mine; and, in view of such shortage, what he proposes to do to overcome this difficulty?

My Ministry's officers in this region have not received any complaints from collieries in the Crook district about shortages of candles, but since my hon. Friend raised the matter, steps have already been taken to supply the Co-operative Society at Crook with further stocks.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that the landlords of certain blocks of flats, where hot water is constant from a central boiler, are debarred from such economy in fuel as they might be able to exercise owing to the terms of their pre-war leases, which contain the proviso that all tenants of these flats shall receive constant hot water; and whether any steps can be taken to correct this anomaly?

Not only is the landlord of flats not debarred from exercising economy in fuel but he is compelled to exercise such economy by the General Directions (Central Heating and Hot Water Plants) Nos. 1 and 2 which I have given under the Control of Fuel Order, 1942. The respective rights of landlords and tenants are, of course, for the courts to determine. I am advised, however, that if a landlord is unable to implement his contractual liability to provide constant hot water as a result of the Directions, he is released from his liability to such extent as is necessary to comply with the Directions.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has taken any steps to obtain a reduction in the consumption of coal by miners as part of the national scheme for voluntary economy?

Allowances of coal are made to miners under contracts of employment which differ in this respect not only from district to district, but also very frequently from pit to pit. Modification of the allowances therefore involves questions of some intricacy which I have asked the regional controllers to pursue with the representatives of both sides of the industry.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that to talk of reducing the allowance of coal in mining areas is as ridiculous as suggesting that farm workers should be rationed with turnips?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether the figures of absenteeism, which he recently announced, include absence due to sickness and accident?

Yes, Sir.

Is it not a fact that many of the charges of absenteeism against miners are grossly exaggerated?

I rather indicated in my speech last Thursday that the figures of absenteeism included not only voluntary absenteeism, but involuntary absenteeism, which includes a high rate of sickness and accidents.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, when calculating the target for coal, gas, electricity and paraffin oil, special consideration will be given to occupiers of homes which have been damaged by enemy action, where window openings have been made up temporarily with materials that are not draught-proof and in many cases obscure daylight?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in relation to the voluntary coal rationing scheme, and especially the seven rooms limit, a householder who uses part of his premises for business premises will be able to claim extra lighting and warmth for his staff?

The fuel targets which I have published are intended as a guide for voluntary economies in fuel consumption, and are not statutory restrictions. The question of special claims or allowances under such voluntary arrangements does not, therefore, arise. If, however, a rationing scheme, as outlined in the White Paper on coal, were introduced, provision would be made for special circumstances which arise where premises are damaged by enemy action, or where domestic premises are partly used for business purposes.

If domestic premises are used only for domestic purposes, will they get no consideration?

That is not what I said. I referred to premises damaged by enemy action.

Yes, Sir, but to domestic premises damaged by enemy action. Will they get no consideration?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will read my answer, to make quite sure.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware of the discontent prevailing in the coalfields at the treatment of injured men; and whether he will take steps to exclude the war bonus in assessing full or partial compensation payments in the same manner as applied in the last war?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker) on 1st October.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the limiting of a holder of savings certificates to 500 is a deterrent to saving; and, with a view to encouraging the small saver and the popularity of savings certificates, will be consider increasing the amount that any one person can hold to 1,000?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 29th September, a copy of which I am sending to him.

As there are millions of small investors who have already purchased the maximum amount of saving certificates permitted, and in view of the recognised popularity of this form of investment, will my right hon. Friend consider the issue of a second series at a slightly increased cost?

The whole matter is receiving my consideration.

Is it not a question of loss of Income Tax?

That is one matter I have to take into account.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the average increase in the cost of an officer's uniform caused by the addition of the Purchase Tax; and whether he will waive this tax, which most young officers can ill afford to pay and which may plunge them initially in their careers into debt?

I am afraid that figures are not available from which it would be possible to compute the average addition for Purchase Tax in the price of an officer's uniform. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I made to him on this subject on 8th September.

Is it not a fact that the present allowance, irrespective of the Purchase Tax, is insufficient to provide an officer with the uniform he requires when he becomes an officer?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement made by the Secretary of State for War.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will do without the creation of bank credits to finance the war and make people save with self-denial?

I am afraid it is not practicable to secure self-denial by compulsion. I have often made it clear that direct investment of personal savings with the State is most advantageous. At the same time holders of bank deposits which may be borrowed by the Treasury have for the time being saved their money. The danger of savings in this form would lie in the rapid circulation of bank money resulting in higher prices. There is no present evidence that this is happening.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the President of the National Savings Committee made a statement to the effect that we would not require bank deposits if people would save with self-denial?

I have not seen that statement, but I will look at it.

Has my right hon. Friend's statement received the approval of the Archbishop of Canterbury, who is the latest expert?

Not as yet.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total of Treasury deposits provided by the banks since the introduction of this form of borrowing; and, of this sum, what amount has been converted into long-term loans at 2½ per cent. and 3 per cent., respectively?

The gross total of Treasury Deposits made by banks to 30th September, 1942, was £2,834,000,000, £333,000,000 were repaid to cover subscriptions to 2½ per cent. National War Bonds and £123,000,000 to cover subscriptions to 3 per cent. Savings Bonds. The net total outstanding at 30th September was £760,000,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the net receipts on cheques for England and for Scotland for each of the years ended 31st March, 1940, 1941 and 1942, and for the six months ended 30th September, 1941 and 1942?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the Chancellor in future supply these figures in this form, as the Treasury used to do?

I will consider that request.

asked the Chanceller of the Exchequer what it would cost to -provide pensions for old age pensioners on the basis of the figure of reasonable cost, set out in the Command Paper on Pay and Allowances of the Armed Forces, as the charge for board and lodgings and other items?

I assume that the hon. Member refers to the figure of 35s. a week quoted in the White Paper as the estimate of the expenditure which would commonly be incurred by an unmarried man in civil employment, in respect of board and lodging, clothing, laundry, health and unemployment insurance, and transport to and from work, and some of these items are obviously not applicable to old age pensioners. I also assume that the basis which the hon. Member has in mind is not that universal pensions should be granted at the rate of 35s. a week, but that existing pensions, whether contributory or non-contributory, should be raised to this figure. The net additional cost on this basis would amount to about £230,000,000 a year at the present time.

In view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman has taken the figure he has given as a reasonable figure for the Forces, does he not consider that the pensions of old age pensioners should be increased?

No, Sir, I do not think the cases are comparable.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us what, apart from the insurance and the transport charges, an old age pensioner does not need that is allowed for in the other case?

I would remind my hon. Friend that we discussed this subject at great length a short time ago.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish the evidence in the application by Messrs. Courtaulds, in the matter of compensation arising from the sale of their American assets and, in particular, the evidence of Sir Edward Peacock?