asked the Minister of Information what arrangements have been made for an American broadcast station in Great Britain to be used exclusively for the benefit of the fighting forces and representatives of the United States of America stationed in Europe, and for direct broadcast to their country?

Discussions are taking place between the B.B.C. and the U.S. Office of War Information with the object of securing the best possible provision of broadcasts for American troops in this country. It is not proposed to set up a separate American broadcasting station, but it is hoped to provide additional facilities which would enable the needs of American troop concentrations to be more fully served than is possible within the scope of the B.B.C.'s regular Home and Forces programmes.

asked the Minister of Information what were his reasons for releasing paper for the illustrated book issued on behalf of the Ministry of Fuel and Power setting out details as to how local authorities should organise fuel economy campaigns; and whether he will, in future, withhold paper destined for such elaborate publications?

The reasons for releasing paper for this booklet were the acuteness of the problem of saving fuel and the fact that numerous applications were being received from local authorities for advice and guidance as to how they could best assist in the campaign for voluntary economy. This booklet meets their needs in a convenient and practical form and it was not more elaborate than the purpose warranted.

asked the Minister of Information who is the official who signs letters for the chief postal censor; when was this official appointed to his Department; what are the terms of the appointment; what is the previous experience of this official in censorship work; what is the remuneration for this post; and whether steps can be taken to make replies to letters from relatives of prisoners less rigidly formal?

A number of responsible and experienced officers, remunerated according to Treasury scales, are authorised to sign letters on behalf of the chief postal censor. I am obliged to the hon. Member for the suggestion in the last part of the Question and if he will let me have particulars of any specific case which he may have in mind I will look into the matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether all fire-watchers will receive training in extinguishing modern incendiary bombs in order that they may be able effectively to carry out their duties?

In the recently made Compulsory Enrolment Order and the Business Premises (No. 3) Order, it is laid down that all enrolled fire guards, both men and women, shall receive instruction and training in methods of dealing with all types of incendiary bombs. Fire guards will receive training in all the subjects prescribed by the Orders, no matter what particular duties may have been allotted to them in any fire prevention scheme.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that the National Fire Service organisation in Stalybridge, Hyde and Dukinfield, is efficiently and economically operated; and whether he will state the result of his recent inquiries into this matter?

I have not recently had occasion to set on foot any special inquiries regarding the administration of the Fire Force in these districts, but I have no reason to doubt that the Service is efficiently and economically operated. If my hon. and gallant Friend will give details of the matters to which he refers, I shall be happy to make inquiries.

asked the Home Secretary whether Civil Defence workers have to register for fire-watching duties?

Civil Defence workers are not exempt from registration under the Compulsory Enrolment Order, if they are within the prescribed age limits and reside in areas to which that Order applies. In certain circumstances they may, however, after registration be exempt from enrolment for fire-guard duties.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state for the years 1938, 1939, 1940 and 1941, respectively, the average daily population of prisons, Borstal institutions and approved schools, separately?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my answer to his Question on 16th June last in which I gave for the years 1939, 1940 and 1941 the figures for which he now asks. In 1938 the daily average population of civil prisons in England and Wales was 8,368 males and 558 females and the daily average population of Borstal institutions in England and Wales was 2,020 males and 140 females. The actual number of boys and girls in approved schools at the end of May, 1938, was 7,342 boys and 1,520 girls.

asked the Minister of Health to what extent there has been an increase of dermatitis among any special section of the population, and to what causes this is due?

I have no information as to an increase of dermatitis in sections of the population for whose health I am immediately responsible. If my hon. Friend has in mind occupational dermatitis in mines or in factories he should address a Question to the responsible Minister.

asked the Minister of Health whether his medical staff is watching the effects on their health of long hours of employment of industrial workers, especially women and young persons; and whether there is in existence any liaison on this problem between the Ministries of Health and Labour?

The particular question to which my hon. Friend refers is primarily within the province of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service and his own medical advisers, between whom and the medical side of my Department liaison is maintained.

asked the Minister of Health where comparable figures to those on page 238 of the Report of the Ministry of Health for 1938–39 in regard to venereal disease are to be found for subsequent years?

Figures relating to venereal disease will be found in the Ministry's Summary Reports, respectively, for the period 1st April, 1939, to 31st March, 1941 (page 47, et seq.), and for the period 1st April, 1941, to 31st March, 1942 (page 31, et seq.). For reasons of economy these figures are less detailed than those in earlier reports.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of John S. Capeing, 18 years of age, who was accidently injured at his work whilst employed at the Spen Valley Carpet Works, Liversedge, Yorkshire, and who, as a result of his right eye being injured by a packing needle on that occasion has lost the sight of that eye; whether he is aware that this boy was paid only £13 13s. 3d. in compensation during the period of his disability; and whether, under Defence Regulations or otherwise, action will be taken to prevent any compensation injustice to this young worker and others similarly placed?

I am making inquiries regarding this case, particulars of which my hon. Friend sent me, and will communicate with him as soon as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can give figures showing, on a comparable basis, the proportions of eligible children for whom parents or guardians were obtaining cod liver oil and fruit juices in the period before April when these were made available to them by the Ministry free of charge; and the present proportions now that they are available for a small payment?

I regret that it is not possible to supply comparable figures of the numbers of children obtaining cod liver oil and fruit juices during the periods prior and subsequent to 1st April, 1942, as the ages of entitlement have varied to some extent during these periods. Also, the products are still distributed free of charge to children where the weekly incomes of the parents or guardians do not exceed certain limits. From the commencement of the scheme in December, 1941, and until 1st February, 1942, only children under two years of age were entitled to cod liver oil. From 1st February to 31st. March all children holding R.B.2 ration books (i.e., children under six years) were entitled to supplies. During the period December to 31st March all children up to two years were allowed fruit juices free of charge. Payment for the products was introduced on 1st April, 1942, and supplies of cod liver oil were then restricted to children under five years of age. From 1st April to 6th July only children under two years were entitled to fruit juices, but as from the latter date the age of entitlement was raised to three years. The figures given below, although they cannot be used for purposes of comparison in view of the discrepancy in the ages of entitlement, give a picture of the take-up during the periods before and after payment was introduced:

• Average weekly take-up of cod liver oil during four weeks in March, 1942–24.1 per cent. of children eligible.
• Average weekly take-up of fruit juices during four weeks in March, 1942–38.8 per cent. of children eligible.
• Average weekly take-up of cod liver oil during four weeks in June, 1942–12.8 per cent. of children eligible.
• Average weekly take-up of fruit juices during four weeks in June, 1942–33.9 per cent. of children eligible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the legislation in Australia forcing racketeers to advertise their crimes; and whether he will consider adopting similar procedure in this country?

My attention has been drawn to a report of the proposed legislation to which my hon. Friend refers and I am seeking further information.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is in a position to report upon the response made to the circular he recently issued to local authorities in Scotland urging them to collect, store and arrange to supply householders with firewood as a safeguard against a possible shortage of coal during the coming winter?

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power informs me that since the issue of the circular mentioned, seven schemes submitted by local authorities in Scotland have been approved and some twenty others are now under consideration. The Department of Health's general inspectors take every opportunity of urging upon local authorities the importance of this matter, and my right hon. Friend and I are grateful to the hon. Member for the steps he himself has taken to stimulate the authorities in his constituency.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to be able to specify the nature and the probable date of establishment and the location of the new industries contemplated in Scotland?

I understand that a progress report is being prepared by the Scottish Council on Industry which will be submitted to its constituent members, including the local authority associations, at the next meeting of the council on 26th October. I shall communicate with my right hon. Friend as soon as the report is available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction among parents concerning Ralston Public School because the education authority have decided that no accommodation for pupils beyond primary 2 be provided in that school or district; that to accommodate pupils at other schools suggested has required the hire of accommodation which is unsatisfactory and will entail travelling and other expenses which parents would find difficulty in meeting; that the education authority have refused the use of the school hall at Ralston Public School although this would immediately provide satisfactory accommodation for which staff and equipment are available; and why this hall cannot be used for educational purposes without making the school a fee-paying establishment?

I am aware that there is some local dissatisfaction about this matter. According to my information the transference from Ralston School to Williamsburgh School of the 21 pupils involved does not require the provision either of additional staff or of additional accommodation at the latter school. The education authority further inform me that the use for these children of the school hall at Ralston School, which is also the gymnasium, would involve the employment there of three additional teachers and the discontinuance of physical training, as well as demands on timber, which is in short supply, for the erection of partitions. I am inquiring further about the transport arrangements and conditions at other schools referred to in the hon. Member's Question, and I hope to communicate with him again at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the conditions for the award of the Territorial Decoration; and to whom may it be awarded?

The Territorial Decoration was superseded in 1930 by the Efficiency Decoration. The conditions for the award of the latter decoration are 20 years' service on the active list and the signature by a senior officer of a certificate of efficiency. The decoration can be awarded only to officers holding commissions in the Territorial Army or the Auxiliary Military Forces of the Empire at the time of qualifying. Holders of the Efficiency Decoration in the Territorial Army in this country are authorised to add the letters T.D. after their name. Holders of the Decoration in similar forces in the Empire add the letters E.D.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether restrictions are still placed by Army Council Instruction on the polishing of brasses and boots; and whether this instruction is being carried out at a unit of which he has been informed?

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." I have asked for a report on this question from the unit referred to by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his Department has any up-to-date and comprehensive statistics with regard to the total emoluments, including board, lodging and gratuities of employees in the hotel and restaurant industry, and how such earnings compare with wages paid in the distributive trades as a whole; and, if not, whether he will set up an inquiry to obtain such information before introducing legislation?

The reply to both parts of the Question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Supply whether our supplies of quinine are adequate; and, if not, what steps are being taken to replace them?

Supplies of quinine are adequate for a considerable period. Active steps have been taken to manufacture synthetic substitutes to replace quinine in the treatment of malaria.

asked the Minister of Supply what active steps have been taken to effect the acquisition and collection of brass name plates, and other metal indications, for utilisation for war purposes?

A special appeal is being launched this month for the handing over of unwanted brass and copper articles, including metal name and address plates, either to the local authorities' salvage collections or by sale to merchants and dealers.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will have further inquiries made regarding the case of the calling-up of Mr. Norman John Greenhill, of Apsley House, Cutnall Green, near Droitwich, since this youth, who is 18½ years of age and has only one eye, is of great assistance to his father in his bakery business and is grade 2 for military purposes?

I made full inquiries into this case when my hon. Friend wrote to me about it on 1st September and communicated the result to him on 12th September. The application for deferment of this young man's calling-up, based on the importance of his work in his father's business, was rejected by the district man-power board after full consideration, and I see no reason for questioning the decision of the board. The fact of having only one eye does not in itself render a man unfit for service.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in Port of Spain, Trinidad, British West Indies, owing to the city corporation having no ambulance, the city medical officer of health had, not long ago, to take a case of infantile paralysis to the Colony Hospital in his own private car; and whether sufficient ambulance provision will be made?

It is a fact that the medical officer of Port of Spain did take a child suffering from infantile paralysis to the Colonial Hospital in his private car. The two ambulances for the conveyance of civilians in Port of Spain were not available at the time, as the police ambulance was undergoing repairs, while the hospital ambulance was engaged in moving another case. The city corporation does not possess its own ambulance. Provision was made in the 1942 Estimates for the purchase of four ambulances, one of which was to have been stationed at the Colonial Hospital to supplement the one already there. Owing to war conditions, it has not hitherto been possible to obtain any of these ambulances, although every effort is being made to do so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the city corporation of Port of Spain, Trinidad, British West Indies, passed a resolution proposing the enactment of a local law relating to the health, safety and prevention of accidents to workers in factory and workship in Trinidad on the same lines as the 1934 Act in the United Kingdom and also to make provision for the licensing and registration locally of all factories, workshops and stores and the establishment of a factory inspectorate; and what steps are being taken to implement this resolution?

My Noble Friend was recently informed by the Governor that steps were being taken to replace the existing factory legislation by fresh legislation on the lines recommended by the local committee which inquired into the question of factory and workshop control.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is the intention of the Trinidad Government to introduce again another Trades Disputes and Protection of Property Bill in the local legislative council; whether this Bill has yet been submitted to the recently formed Labour Advisory Committee in the Colonial Office; whether the local registered trade unions have been consulted; and whether any attempt has been made to obtain agreement on such an important question?

With regard to the first and last two parts of the Question, my Noble Friend received from the Acting Governor of Trinidad a few months ago a revised draft Bill for an Ordinance to be entitled "The Trade Disputes and Protection of Property Ordinance, 1942," which had been prepared as the result of comments received on the original Bill from the employers' and workers' organisations to whom the original Bill had been submitted. The revised Bill was based upon provisions existing in United Kingdom legislation which is in operation at the present time. In these circumstances my Noble Friend considered it unnecessary to refer the Bill to the Colonial Labour Advisory Committee, and he informed the Acting Governor that he approved its introduction.

asked the Prime Minister why Prince Paul of Yugoslavia, after going over to the Axis, was allowed to take refuge in Kenya?

Prince Paul of Yugoslavia was not admitted to Kenya as a refugee. His status there is that of a political prisoner and he is subject to surveillance.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether compensation is payable to the owner of land requisitioned by his Department in respect of the value of the subsoil where quarrying or mining takes place subsequent to the requisition; and, if so, whether such compensation is by current payments to the owner per ton of minerals extracted or is added to the compensation for damage to surface rights payable after the war?

I would refer my hon. Friend to Defence Regulation 51A, made under Statutory Rules and Orders 92 and 1279 of 1942. Paragraphs 4 and 5 of the Regulation provide for current compensation payments based directly or indirectly on the quantity of minerals extracted and paragraph 6, which deals with damage to the land, for the payment of compensation when possession is relinquished.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether his attention has been called to the use of large high-powered cars by people who do not appear to have any official connection or war work at all; and what steps are to be taken to imvestigate all such waste of petrol?

There is already a certain discrimination against high-powered cars in the mileages allowed for a given class of work, especially where the work is not directly related to the war effort. I am considering the intensification of this principle.