asked the Minister of Labour whether the performance of some kind of national service, or useful work, is obligatory, as with British citizens of comparable age, upon men and women of enemy nationality who have been deemed friendly to this country and are therefore free from internment?

Yes, Sir. I have power under the Defence Regulations to direct persons of all nationalities into work which they are capable of performing. A large proportion of the persons to whom my hon. Friend refers are already working in civilian employment directly related to the war effort and many are serving in the Pioneer Corps and the Women's Auxiliary Services. I am, however, reviewing the position of all aliens registered under the International Labour Force Registration Orders in order to see how the services of those not yet fully employed on essential work can best be utilised.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that factories of prime importance to the war effort in Scotland are urgently in need of many more women workers and whether, as these important vacancies cannot be filled by immobile women, older men or part-time workers, he will relax the present regulations with regard to mobile women labour in Scotland and so enable these Scottish factories to fulfil their urgent commitments?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the increasing number of factories coming into production in Scotland, any steps are being taken to prevent a further compulsory transfer of Scottish girls to English factories?

There are now considerable areas in Scotland from which mobile women are not being withdrawn. As regards other areas, the position is kept under constant review, but there is no reason at present to suppose that there is not an adequate supply of immobile women, older men and part-time workers to meet the most important local demands, though it may occasionally take some little while to find enough immobile women to satisfy a sudden large demand for labour.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is marked indignation in certain parts of Scotland, and that there are many big business men who will disagree with his statement that they can obtain immobile women? Why should these mobile women be sent to England when there are many factories of vital importance in Scotland which require them for war purposes? Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the matter in a more sympathetic light?

From the point of view of the war effort, I have never regarded Scotland as being a separate country. It is part of Great Britain, and I have to treat it, not on a national basis, but on the basis of the requirements of the war effort. I have already indicated that Glasgow and the West of Scotland are getting redder every day from the point of view of my Department, that is, in the labour supply sense, and therefore the problem will be minimised.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there has been quite a number of cases of compulsory transfer of girls from Scotland when other work has been available, very often in their own districts? Will he put a stop to that?

There is no difference in the treatment of Scottish, Welsh, English—[An HON. MEMBER: "Or Yorkshire "]—or Yorkshire girls. What I have to decide is whether a girl is a mobile worker, and, if she is, I have to remove her to the place where the demand is the greatest; utilizing the immobile woman in the locality, because she cannot move from her home. I will not be a party to different treatment for Scotland from Wales or anywhere else.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will arrange that women who would otherwise be liable to be directed to munition work away from home under the National Service Acts shall not be directed to take up such employment outside daily travelling distance of their homes if they are the sole remaining active member of a household whose other members are aged or infirm?

Such women may apply for postponement of liability to be called up under the National Service Acts in accordance with the statutory provisions relating to exceptional hardship and such applications, if not admitted by the Department, are referred for decision to a hardship committee.

Does not my right hon. Friend realise that many of the hardship committees take an extremely unsympathetic view of these cases, and will he give instructions that more regard should be had for the care of aged and infirm persons in their own homes?

I do not accept the implications in my hon. and gallant Friend's question. The number of complaints I have had about hardship committees is infinitesimal. They have done a great job of work.

asked the Minister of Labour whether with a view to preventing women who are not in good health being directed to munition work away from home, he will consider the advisability of arranging that all mobile women should undergo a medical examination before being sent away from their own district?

It is always open to a woman to bring medical evidence to show that she is not fit to undertake employment which is proposed for her and if necessary arrangements are made for a medical examination. As at present advised I do not consider that a routine or compulsory medical examination is desirable.

Does not my right hon. Friend realise that there is no check to prevent persons of doubtful mental stability being sent away and that they do not understand that they have any right to bring evidence before the local branch of the Ministry of Labour?

Their attention is called to their rights. I have given careful instructions on that matter. There is opposition to introducing a compulsory medical examination for women on a universal scale, and I have to have regard to that opinion in the country.

Where does the opposition come from?

There has been a good deal of resentment on the part of both the girls and the parents.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is satisfied with the arrangements which are made to provide suitable accommodation and hospitality for Scottish girls who are transferred to English factories.

I have the arrangements constantly under review, and I am satisfied that they are working well.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there have been cases in which these girls have arrived at English provincial stations without food, and if I bring cases will he look into them?

I will, certainly, but the welfare arrangements have been investigated by this House, by Churches and by a number of other people. I will go further and invite my hon. Friend to visit the area and see the arrangements made.

asked the Minister of Labour whether an opportunity will be given to Scottish girls who have been transferred to England to return to Scotland as and when work becomes available for them?

If it should become necessary to transfer women into any area from which mobile women are now being withdrawn, arrangements will be made that, as far as may be practicable, preference is given to women who have been transferred from their homes in that area.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a spinner earning £5 15s. per week at a Lancashire ordnance factory has been transferred to a cotton mill at Brierfield, Lancashire, where, owing to lack of work, he could earn only £2 16s. per week; and will he take steps to see that transferred workers are able to earn more adequate and comparable wages?

I am unable to identify the case to which the hon. Member refers, but if he will give me the name of the worker concerned, I will make further inquiries.

Does my right hon. Friend realize that it affects a number of people who, because work at a particular mill has fallen off, are not able to earn a rate of wages anything like comparable to that at the place from which they have been removed?

I cannot guess the mill, and I cannot guess the place. If I am told where to look, I will investigate the matter.

Does not my right hon. Friend know that there are numerous cases?

I am not aware of it. I should have thought, if we were doing this, as nearly everyone in the cotton trade is a member of a union, the executive of the union would have made representations to me.

asked the Minister of Labour how many more workmen from the building and civil engineering trades are to be recruited by his Department for certain constructional work of which he has been informed?

It would not be in the public interest to give this information.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the new policy adopted by the Ministry of Pensions disregarding a portion of earnings of service men's wives in receipt of war service grants will overcome his difficulties in recruiting married women for industrial work?

I would not like to accept the implication in the Question that there has been great difficulty in recruiting married women for industrial work. Having regard to their domestic obligations, such women have rendered, and will increasingly render, valuable service both in direct war work and as substitutes for younger women. The number of married women at present in employment in industry is 2½ millions. On the other hand, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions and I had reason to believe that many wives of service men able and willing to take up part-time war work hesitated to do so because they knew that the amounts they earned would lead to almost equal reduction in the war service grants they were receiving, and it was because of this that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions recently increased the amount of earnings which he disregarded before paying war service grants. I have no doubt that this concession will prove of considerable assistance in recruiting additional married women for industrial work, particularly part-time work in the next few months.

I take it that the right hon. Gentleman is satisfied that the amount will have the desired effect?

I can never determine the amount which will satisfy all the ladies.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that emigrants from Eire to Great Britain are being advised, before departure, to leave at a certain address in Dublin their address in Great Britain, the address of the works in Great Britain and the type of employment; and, in view of the danger of important information, left at an address in Dublin, filtering through to the German Legation, will he take steps to prevent the divulgation of particulars?

I have no information about this. If my hon. Friend will give me further particulars I will make inquiries and communicate with him.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that I have here in my hand the most absolute and irrefutable proofs of the statement in my Question?

I have no idea what the hon. Gentleman has in his hand.

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the 28,000 boys and girls registered as unemployed on 17th August are now in employment?

No statistics are available directly relating to this point. There are, however, grounds for concluding that the majority of those registered as unemployed in August shortly after leaving school have been found employment.

When will the further figures be available? Could my right hon. Friend say in which part of the country these young people are living—whether in industrial areas?

I could not answer that without notice.

What is the minimum age at which boys and girls are entitled to register at the exchanges?

Immediately they leave school.

asked the Minister of Labour whether full-time officials and members of the clerical staff of employees' associations, similar to the United Commercial Travellers' Association of Great Britain and Ireland, Incorporated, are reserved in their employment on the same conditions as are applicable to trade union officials and staff or the officials and staff of an employers' association; and, if so, will he give the necessary instructions to the officials of his Ministry at Plymouth?

The machinery for dealing with the reservation of whole-time male officials and clerks of trade unions and employers' associations does not apply to employees of the association referred to or other similar associations which are not recognised as trade unions. Applications for the deferment of calling up of employees of such associations are dealt with by the district man-power boards under the normal procedure. If the hon. Member wishes to bring to my notice any particular case which has been dealt with by the Plymouth District Man-Power Board, and will let me have particulars, I will look into it.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that the objects of this association are to protect the interests of commercial travellers and to improve their status, which are the same objects as those for which trade unions exist; should not the association, therefore, be treated in the same way?

If you have entered into arrangements with definite organised bodies, they can only deal with those for whom they speak. I do not think that this organisation is registered as a trade union.

Will not my right hon. Friend reconsider the matter, in view of the fact that it is only because it is not registered that it is being treated differently?

Is the Minister aware that this organisation has nothing to do with the status of commercial travellers and refuses to touch economic questions at all?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, for women to be employed on part-time factory work, Government training centres are being utilised for preliminary training where required?

Yes, Sir. I have made arrangements under which the resources of the Government training centres can be made available for the training of part-time workers where this is necessary, and in fact a small number are being so trained. The majority of women volunteers for part-time work, however, are being placed in jobs where training of the kind given by the Ministry is not required.

Is the Minister aware that there is considerable accommodation in many of these centres for the training of such women?

Yes, Sir, but I am anxious not to fill up training centres with people to train if I can put them straight into work.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there are two women and eight men engaged in the sorting and delivery of correspondence for the corporation of Blackpool, work that should be done by the postal services of His Majesty's Post Office; and, as this is a duplication of service and a misuse of labour, will he take the necessary steps to see that this duplication ceases and the labour directed to a better use in the national interests?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the letter I sent him on 12th February, 1942, containing information for which he asked in his Question on 20th November on this subject. I am having further inquiries made and will communicate with him again shortly.

Is it not illegal for someone other than the Postmaster-General to deliver correspondence?

Any person can carry his own letter and deliver it if he wishes.

asked the Minister of Labour what supervision is exercised over conscientious objectors to see they are actually doing the non-combatant work assigned to them?

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to conscientious objectors who are registered as such on condition that they undertake specified civilian work under civilian control. Inquiries are made periodically to see whether such persons are engaged on work which accords with the conditions of their registration, and where this is not so, appropriate steps are taken to enforce the requirement or to bring the matter again before the tribunal if there seems to be some legitimate reason for noncompliance.

asked the Secretary of State for India what leaders of unofficial Indian opinion has the Viceroy met since 8th August; what was the nature of such discussions; and whether he has refused to grant any such interviews?

asked the Secretary of State for India what plans were discussed for ending the present deadlock at the meeting between the Viceroy and Mr. Mockerjee, the President of the Mahasabba; and what developments have taken place since that interview?

Apart from the constant contact which the Viceroy has with the non-official members of his Executive Council, who are in the closest touch with representative political opinion, he has since 8th August had a three days session of his National Defence Council which comprises representatives from every Province as well as of certain States and has had the opportunity of discussion with individual members of it. In addition, he has seen leaders of the Hindu Mahasabba as well as a number of other non-official persons. It would be neither proper nor in the public interest to disclose what has passed in these confidential conversations. So far from declining to see any leader of Indian opinion the Viceroy is well known to be ready to receive any representative of any party or organisation who is concerned to discuss constructive steps. As regards most recent developments, I understand from the Press that although no positive result has so far been reported the leaders of the Hindu Mahasabba propose to continue for a further period their negotiations with other political leaders.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he is now in a position to give the broad headlines of the conversations that have taken place?

I think that point will be covered in the Debate.

Is it not desirable that the Viceroy should be allowed to carry out his difficult task without nagging suggestions?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the joint statement of Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru and Mr. M. R. Jayakar urging the opening of negotiations with the leaders of Indian political parties; whether he will assure the House that these suggestions are having careful attention; and whether he will make an early statement concerning these and other proposals contained in the joint appeal?

I can assure the hon. Member that careful attention is invariably paid to the suggestions of statesmen such as Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru and Mr. Jayakar. As regards the policy of His Majesty's Government in these matters, I shall have something to say in the forthcoming Debate.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the unfortunate impression in India, and in this country, resulting from differences of opinion on the subject of Mr. Gandhi's contribution to the breakdown of negotiations, he will consider the publication of a supplement to the White Paper, Cmd. 6350, of April, 1942, which would contain the evidence on which the Lord Privy Seal's conclusions were based as well as any other relevant material which would end the controversy?

The question as to the part played by Mr. Gandhi directly or through others in the breakdown of negotiations must be a matter of opinion depending upon impressions gained from various sources on the spot at the time. I do not think therefore that any useful purpose would be served by the publication of a further White Paper.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not advertise Mr. Gandhi any more than is necessary?

asked the Secretary of State for India the dates on which Indian crowds were machine-gunned from the air and the number killed and wounded; when dates and particulars of the murder of air-crews will be available; and whether he could state to date the number of Indians and Englishmen killed and wounded in the disturbances?

Mobs were machine-gunned from the air on 15th, 16th, 21st and 22nd August and 6th September. Information regarding casualties is not available, but they are believed to be slight and on two out of the five occasions were probably nil. One Blenheim aircraft crashed in Bihar on 18th August. One member of the crew was killed in the crash; the remaining two were murdered. A second Blenheim with a crew of three on reconnaissance duty over Bihar on 30th August failed to return and so far there has been no trace of the aircraft or crew. Reports so far available show that the total number of persons killed during the disturbances was 846 and the number wounded 2,024. Of these 60 were Government servants (including military and police) killed and 648 wounded. So far as is known no European British subject (apart from the small number of military and Air Force casualties) was killed in the disturbances, though a considerable number mostly officials, received injuries. In Madras one domiciled European, an Assistant Salt Inspector, was murdered.

Do I take it as correct that the reprehensible murder of the air crews was subsequent to the machine-gunning from the air?

I have not that information.

Is it not possible to deal with mobs without resorting to machine-gunning? Is that not something which is not in conformity with our practice?

There are conditions of violence and danger to life when that may be the only method.

Can we take it that this will not be a precedent for similar action in this country?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether Mr. Gandhi, Pandit Nehru and the other members of the Congress Working Committee are allowed newspapers; whether they have been confronted with the facts recently reported to the Assembly by the law member of the Government of India, Sir Sultan Ahmed, as to widespread outbursts of sabotage, mob violence, arson and murder, in some cases under the leadership of men carrying the Congress flag; and whether they have been given an opportunity of denouncing all such outrages and of repudiating those who perpetrated them?

Newspapers are allowed to Mr. Gandhi and I believe to the members of the Congress Working Committee. They are not at present permitted to communicate with the outside world, except on family matters with their families, but I have no doubt that they could at any time have conveyed to the authorities their views upon the deplorable events for which they must bear the responsibility.

Will my right hon. Friend consider whether it would not be worth while to give these men an opportunity, directly to invite them, to denounce these dangerous acts, so that if they did denounce them it might prevent similar acts in future being done under the belief that they were done in response to Congress instructions? If they did not respond, then that would expose their complete recklessness and irresponsibility.

I think that point has been covered by my answer.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether Gandhi is still in prison, and, if so, is he providing his own food?

Gandhi is not in prison, and he enjoys such food as he chooses to have. Whether he actually provides it I do not know.

Would it not be desirable to give Mr. Gandhi an opportunity of denouncing these proceedings?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any progress to report in the employment of Civil Defence personnel on productive Work during lull periods?

Local authorities were informed on 1st September of the standard arrangements agreed upon, in consultation with the Supply Departments, for productive work in Civil Defence depots. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the circular. Similar arrangements have been adopted for the National Fire Service.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make any statement as to the state of discipline in the Metropole Camp in the Isle of Man where Italian internees are detained?

Yes, Sir. Newspapers reports suggesting that the Italian internees at the Metropole Camp threatened a mass breakout, that 150 police surrounded the Camp, that the Fire Brigade stood by with hoses laid and that cars with unmasked headlamps were so placed as to flood the Camp with light, are untrue. The facts are that following breaches of discipline by a few individuals and one of the working parties, the privilege of parole was withdrawn for a month from all the parties who go to work outside the Camp. Certain precautions were quite properly taken by the Camp authorities but they did not involve the posting of extra police, firemen, or cars with unmasked headlamps near the Camp. The internees did not make threats or commit acts of indiscipline. Their behaviour throughout was exemplary. The publication of these false and alarmist reports, however, provoked intense resentment amongst them. As a protest against what they regarded as offensive accusations they refused to go to work. This refusal was subsequently withdrawn. I am sure the House will share my regret that difficulties should be caused in the internment camps by the circulation of fabricated stories by Press correspondents in the Isle of Man.

May I ask the Home Secretary, after that very lucid answer, whether he has any intention of prosecuting those folk? If the "Daily Worker" had done this the right hon. Gentleman would have been on them in a quick stitch.

I am sure that the newspapers on the mainland do not wish to publish reports that are false. War conditions have undoubtedly increased their difficulties in checking information, but experience has shown that there is need for special vigilance where sensational stories from the Isle of Man are concerned, and I feel sure that the lesson will not escape the notice of the newspapers on the mainland.

The Home Secretary has not answered my straight question. Is he going to take any proceedings?

No, Sir.

Shame.

asked the Home Secretary whether, as a general practice, local authorities are entitled to withdraw from public discussion controversial matters affecting their Civil Defence organisation; and whether his Department has any locus standi in endeavouring to adjust difficulties between a local authority and its Civil Defence leaders?

Many local authorities have standing orders affecting the admission of the public to their discussions but I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a circular recently issued to local authorities on the subject by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, and I do not think that I can usefully add anything to the advice given in that circular. As regards the last part of the Question, it is one of the functions of my Department to secure the smooth working of Civil Defence and to assist in adjusting difficulties which may be brought to notice and which may jeopardise the efficiency of the Civil Defence organisation in any area.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the editorial article headed "Stalingrad—and After," in the "Catholic Herald" of 25th September, of which a copy has been sent to him; and whether he will consider issuing a warning under Defence Regulation 2C to discourage further publication of such defeatist propaganda?

I have considered this article but before taking action under Defence Regulation 2C I should have to be satisfied that there has been systematic publication of matter calculated to foment opposition to the prosecution of the war to a successful issue. While a large body of public opinion will share the views of the hon. Member as to the objectionable nature of the references in this article to our Ally, I think that the majority of people in this country will support the view of His Majesty's Government that the special powers vested in the Executive in war time should not be used to suppress the expression of opinion which, however objectionable, is not calculated to have any appreciable effect on the war effort.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his implied rebuke to the objectionable opinions expressed in this article will be received with satisfaction by all supporters of the cause of the United Nations?

I am much obliged.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that some responsibility rests on Catholic Members of this House, who might use their influence to discourage, through their leaders, this very objectionable kind of article?

asked the Home Secretary when the King's Commission is granted to officers in the Army Cadet Force does he propose to exempt them from performing fire-watching duties at business premises, providing his commanding officer certifies he is devoting not less than 48 hours every four weeks to cadet duties?

I recognise that there is force in this claim for exemption, and I am considering how best it can be met.

asked the Home Secretary whether the cost of the indemnity payable to the widows and children of the two constables who were fired on and mortally wounded by armed raiders at Clady, County Tyrone, will fall upon Northern Ireland or be defrayed by the British Government?

Under the statutory provisions relating to cases where members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary are killed or injured the pensions and allowances which may be granted are payable from Northern Ireland Funds.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the widow of one of the constables has, under Irish law, brought an action against the innocent county of Tyrone claiming £5,000 indemnity, whereas it is well known that the assassins came from over the border and after having committed their foul deed returned over the border to Eire? Is it fair that this burden should fall upon Northern Ireland?

I think that all I can say is that I have answered the Question which was on the Paper.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is prepared in the interests of national security to take measures to control immigration into Northern Ireland?

As the answer is somewhat long, I will, with permission, make a statement at the end of Questions.

Yes, Sir. During the past two years there has been a considerable influx into Northern Ireland of persons normally resident elsewhere and this influx is continuing to a considerable extent. It has been decided to take power by a Defence Regulation to institute a system of control over persons who come to Northern Ireland, whether from Eire, Great Britain or elsewhere, and to require such persons to furnish particulars as to their addresses and occupations. Subject to exceptions for children and persons in the service of the Crown, all British subjects who were not ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland on 1st January, 1940, will be required, if they desire to take up residence there or to continue to reside there for longer than six weeks, to obtain permits which will be issued on my behalf by the Ministry of Home Affairs in Northern Ireland. Unless there are security objections in individual cases permits will be granted for so long as their services are needed to applicants who are already in occupations, and to those who in future come into Northern Ireland to take up work. They will also be granted to those who ought to be allowed to remain there on compassionate or other special grounds. Each permit will bear a photograph of the holder. Permits will in all cases be issued for a period of six months or for the duration of the employment specified in the permit, whichever is the less, but they will be renewable on the same conditions as govern their issue. Permit holders will be required to notify the authorities of any change of address.

The immediate object of the scheme is to deal with war conditions, but it is also contemplated that the scheme will be of value on the termination of hostilities for the purpose of facilitating the reinstatement in employment of demobilised men from Northern Ireland who joined His Majesty's Forces as volunteers. At such a time it will be right to give to the demobilised volunteers preference in the labour market of Northern Ireland over these newcomers and for this purpose to have power to terminate the permits granted to persons who are in employment. It is accordingly contemplated that the scheme will be kept in existence for a reasonable time after the end of the war, and if the Defence Regulation should expire before the demobilised men have had reasonable opportunity of being absorbed into employment, it will in the view of the Government be right that the necessary legislation should be introduced in the United Kingdom Parliament for a temporary prolongation of the system.

Will these Regulations give power to deport people who have come in since January, 1940, and in respect of whom it is not thought desirable to give a permit?

Yes, Sir; there is no obligation on the Northern Ireland Minister of Home Affairs, acting for me, to grant a permit; furthermore, a permit can be withdrawn at any time. I can assure my right hon. Friend, however, that the Minister of Home Affairs in Northern Ireland will be reasonable in the exercise of this power. But the answer to my hon. Friend's Question is in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Health whether in view of the success attending the experiment of sending the mobile immunisation service for prevention against diphtheria to the children at Portsmouth, he will consider similar service being sent to children in other cities and large towns where the need for immunisation is equally urgent?

I have already taken steps to ensure that the idea to which my hon. Friend refers, which has been successfully adopted at Portsmouth and elsewhere, is brought to the notice of local authorities generally by my regional officers, and every opportunity is taken of recommending it in areas where it is likely to be practicable and useful.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that there is sufficient vaccine?

We can do the job for the moment.

Does inoculation cause the same amount of trouble as vaccination?

It is a very simple and painless operation.

Will the Minister consider the preparation of full-sized cinema films which can be used for propaganda? At present the available films are not suitable for exhibition in an ordinary cinema.

I will look into that point.

Has the Minister had sufficient co-operation from the schools in this matter?

Yes, Sir, they have been very helpful, and I am also grateful to many Members of this House for their cooperation.

asked the Minister of Health whether, since the immunisation of children against diphtheria is available without cost to all parents, he will make an Order that the full cost of treatment of diphtheria cases shall be recoverable from parents in cases where the patients have not been immunised?

I do not feel that I should be justified in adopting the particular suggestion made by my hon. and gallant Friend, but I much appreciate his desire to assist me in ensuring the immunisation of children against diphtheria and shall welcome his co-operation in the encouragement of the campaign to this end.

Is it fair that the public should bear the burden of the negligence of parents?

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put his Question down in another form.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is in a position to make any further statement on tuberculosis?

Yes, Sir. As the answer is rather long, I will, with permission, make a statement at the end of Questions.

Has the Minister taken joint action with the Minister of Food, with a view to decreasing the incidence of non-pulmonary tuberculosis of bovine origin?

I am grateful that the committee which was appointed by the Medical Research Council at my request, has completed its report, which was published to-day. I have kept in touch with the committee and have already taken action on a number of points which are included in their recommendations. To facilitate early diagnosis we obtained priority for the supply of some 30 sets of equipment for mass radiography. We are allocating them to large centres of population where they can be used to the best advantage. In consultation with local authorities and with the assistance of an expert committee we have arranged for the training of the necessary expert staff for the operation of this equipment. Deliveries of the equipment will be gradual and arrangements for operation in the individual districts and for cooperation between authorities must be worked out in detail but I expect that an effective start will be made in the New Year.

The extended arrangements for diagnosis will mean some increase in the need for accommodation. Additional beds are being allocated to meet this need and action is being taken to meet the needs for nursing and domestic staff. Domestic and nursing work in hospitals, including sanatoria, is regarded as war service for which suitable women of any age group may volunteer and to which they may be allocated by the Ministry of Labour and National Service and I have been in consultation with my colleague with a view to special attention to districts where the working of sanatoria is being hampered by a lack of the necessary staff. Immediate needs in regard to trained nurses can only be met by a better distribution of the trained nurses available. Detailed plans to facilitate such a distribution and, in particular, to secure the most effective use of nurses who are completing their training, members of the Civil Nursing Reserve, and nurses who can be temporarily spared without prejudice to the current efficiency of the hospital to which they are attached, will be worked out by my regional officers in consultation with representatives of the hospitals and of the nurses.

Where facilities for diagnosis and treatment are available it is important that those who give up work temporarily for treatment, which is in the interest of the public health no less than their own, should be able to do so without financial anxiety as to the maintenance of their dependants. Local authorities are accordingly being authorised to grant financial assistance in such cases to provide for the maintenance of the dependants and to avoid the break up of the home while the breadwinner is undergoing treatment. This assistance will be administered by the public health authorities as a part of the approved treatment under the tuberculosis scheme, and the cost incurred by them in accordance with detailed arrangements which I am now working out with their representatives will be repaid from Exchequer funds.

The Secretary of State for Scotland authorises me to say that he is making similar arrangements in Scotland.

May I thank the Minister for his reply and ask whether he is satisfied that he will be able to secure the necessary number of nurses to provide the service that he has outlined, and, in regard to the payment of dependants, since the payment will come out of the Exchequer, will it be by scale determined nationally?

The flat scale will, but the plan is a flat rate for maintenance and extra grants for standing charges, such as educational costs and rents and things of that kind. I am now discussing the details with representatives of the Association of Municipal Corporations, the County Councils Association and the London County Council, and after I have completed the discussion perhaps my hon. Friend will put down another Question. As regards the first Supplementary Question, we are drawing up in the light of local knowledge of my regional staffs a priority list of the hospitals in which the need for nurses is urgent. It will include a large proportion of the sanitoria, and we shall then ask the various training schools to provide a quota of the nurses coming out of training for allocation to these hospitals. We shall also review the Civil Nursing Reserve and nursing staffs in hospitals for current needs with a view-to allocating them and attaining the end we all want.

Will there be any means test for this maintenance while a man is in a sanatorium?

I shall be prepared to make a full statement when details are worked out. I will make it clear that it is to be done not on that basis at all but as part of the public health service.

What is the right hon. Gentleman doing to reduce the incidence of non-pulmonary tuberculosis which can be traced to infected milk?

We are in touch with other Ministries concerned on this matter.

Are you going to take a stand on the question of the pasteurisation of milk?

Seeing that the Minister of Health said that he was authorised to speak for the Secretary of State for Scotland, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the very large increase of tuberculosis in Scotland, which is higher proportionately than it is in England, whether he is taking any additional steps to those that have been announced; and is he consulting with local authorities and other people, and, if so, who are the people apart from the local authorities he is consulting?

I am consulting in the meantime with local authorities, and I shall be prepared to consult with any other people who can give us advice and assistance in combating this disease.

May I congratulate the right hon. Gentleman the Minister of Health upon his announcement and upon the establishment of the necessary radiologist service, which will prove of great advantage, and ask him whether these mass radiography sets will be available for selected counties and county boroughs where the medical officer of health has submitted an approved scheme?

We shall work in cooperation with the authorities. As my hon. and gallant Friend knows, the sets are transportable but are best kept at places where they can be used for a period.

Will these facilities both for treatment and for maintenance of dependants apply to that large number of men who will be discharged from the Services as a result of this disease?

They will apply to all who are concerned with common tuberculosis and the work done in connection with the arrangements at local sanatoria.

Will these facilities apply to discharged Service men and their dependants?

We have a number of discharged Service men in the sanatoria.

Will my right hon. Friend be in touch with the Ministries of the Fighting Services so that they may use these facilities to prevent tuberculous men from getting into the Services and then having to be invalided out later on?

As my hon. Friend knows, the initiative in the use of mass radiology was taken by the Services.

Will the Minister make a statement at a later date on the reconstruction of those very important organisations, the after-care committees, because they not only need encourage- ment but the whole scheme itself requires overhauling and much help from his Department?

We have that under consideration.

Has it been decided to pasteurise all milk, thus preventing the conveyance of milk-borne disease to the population?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the numerous answers I have given in the last year on that issue.

Will men discharged from the Army who are tuberculous come under the scheme?

They will come under the general arrangements of the scheme.

What has been done about the shortage of nurses?

In view of the fact of the terrible increase of tuberculosis in Scotland and that the right hon. Gentleman does not quite cover the Scottish issue, would the Secretary of State for Scotland at an early stage give an account of the actual work in reference to Scotland, particularly with regard to the training and utilisation of our nursing staffs?

It would be far better to make a statement after I have consulted with the local authorities and health authorities on the subject.

May I ask whether it is not present in the mind of the Minister of Health that all of this expense could more or less become abortive under the present housing conditions obtaining in this country and that something must immediately be done to remove the horrible conditions owing to bad housing, as no houses have been provided since the war?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will direct special inquiries to be made by the various Departments concerned into the loss of production in industries vital to the war, the waste of fuel and power caused by unnecessary travel of workers to and from work, and the hardships suffered by these workers in many ways, all of which difficulties arise from the destruction of houses in Clydebank by air-raids in 1941; and if he will intervene to remedy all these difficulties?

I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by making special inquiries such as is suggested in my hon. Friend's Question. In this connection I would refer him to the replies already given by the Ministers concerned to the various Questions which he has put on this subject.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the reason I have put this Question down to the Prime Minister is that, in Clydebank, not only workers but employers are dreading having to face a second winter after the blitz, which deprived them of everything yet in spite of their just grievances the workers are treated, as I have stated on the Floor of the House of Commons, as though they were criminals and not victims? Here I get no decent reply from the Prime Minister; it is his Deputy who gives the reply. We shall have to se" what can be done in the matter. I want to know whether the Prime Minister's Deputy will take this matter up seriously.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that, while houses are being built for workers in new factories, no houses can be built for shipyard workers on the Clyde whose houses have been destroyed by enemy action; and whether he will see that there is better co-ordination between Departments in the matter of housing and all workers in England and Scotland treated alike in this respect?

No new houses have been begun, either in Scotland or in England, since February of this year. As I informed the hon. Member on Tuesday, 288 houses are still under construction in Clydebank, and I am taking every possible step to assist the town council in expediting the completion of these houses. Since the war began, 30,000 houses in all have been completed in Scotland, and on 7,000 more work is being pressed forward to the limits of labour and materials available.

Will the Secretary of State, who knows the circumstances as well as I do, try to institute a scheme for giving us utility houses now, instead of waiting until it is too late? We are desperately in need of houses in Clydebank now.

As I told the hon. Member on Tuesday, we think it desirable that the available labour and material should be used to complete the 280 houses under construction; and when these houses are completed, as I hope they will be this winter, it will be time to consider how the labour and materials available can be further used.

The Secretary of State knows perfectly well that 280 houses are no use at the moment. We need 2,000 or 3,000. Over 4,000 have been completely destroyed, and not a house has been built.

Will the hon. Member find out from the Minister of Works and Planning how many builders are knocking about in Scotland doing nothing?

If any evidence can be given me that there are any I shall certainly take the matter up with the Minister of Works and Planning; but I know that there are 100 tradesmen at present engaged on the completion of these houses in Clydebank.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that many farmers have installed expensive baling equipment, including the modern pick-up baler for straw and, in many cases, are unable to dispose of the straw at any price; and whether he will consider some scheme for providing an outlet and utilising the large quantities of straw which exist throughout the country?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the large supplies of surplus straw in the country, he is recommending to farmers its disposal to help the war effort in any branches of specialised activity, such as paper-making?

The demand for straw for paper-making and other industrial requirements is limited and would in any case absorb only a small proportion of the available supply. Moreover, the need for economy in transport will restrict the area from which supplies for such purposes will be drawn. I am anxious that the largest possible quantities of straw should be returned to the land either direct or through stock in the interests of the maintenance of fertility, and farmers are being advised how to make greater use of straw for this purpose. I am sending my hon. Friends a copy of a memorandum recently sent to County War Agricultural Executive Committees dealing with this matter. Subject to the considerations stated I am prepared to examine proposals for the use of straw for non-farm activities.

Notwithstanding what my right hon. Friend has said does he not appreciate that some further outlet for the utilisation of straw is required, and would he give sympathetic consideration to any authoritative scheme put forward and really give proper attention to this problem whatever possible uses for straw he may be visualising?

Is it a commercial proposition to deal with straw by means of chemicals and otherwise in the same manner, for instance, as garden refuse can be dealt with in a small way and converted into manure?

Perhaps if my hon. and gallant Friend will look at the circular I am sending him he will find the answer