asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now state the result of his review of the adequacy of existing Army cadet grants?

An increase in the grants and free services to the Army Cadet Force has been approved and details will be communicated to county cadet committees very soon.

asked the Secretary of State for War why boys of 16 years of age are invited to join the Home Guard for the purpose of replacing Auxiliary Territorial Service personnel on the anti-aircraft batteries, when there are already reliable women working with the Home Guard willing to undertake these duties?

Auxiliary Territorial Service personnel employed with anti-aircraft batteries are needed during the daytime when Home Guard personnel are not normally available, and there is no intention of replacing them.

Why does not the right hon. Gentleman use the available women who are now attached to the Home Guard and might have more spare time instead of using boys of 16 who are also not available during the daytime?

The hon. Member, I think, cannot have heard my answer. I said that there is no intention of replacing A.T.S. personnel serving with anti-aircraft batteries.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that children are recognised as legal dependants of widows, they will be so recognised for service allowances when the widows join the Auxiliary Territorial Service?

The children of widows who join the Auxiliary Territorial Service are recognized for service allowances in so far that Army dependants' allowance may be issued in respect of them, subject to the usual conditions governing this allowance.

Are they not issued under a separate order and not as a right, the casse of ordinary families?

They are certainly dealt with as dependants' allowances and not as family allowances, but I will certainly look into that point. It merits examination.

It would be a great satisfaction if my right hon. Friend could carry out that undertaking.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that vegetables planted by troops are now rotting in the gardens of requisitioned houses, at a place indicated to him, despite the assurance sent to the hon. Member for South Croydon on 30th July; and what steps he proposes to take to rectify the matter?

I have received a detailed report on the vegetable crops referred to by my hon. Friend. Caterpillars have been prevalent in the district and have eaten some of the vegetables. Although no troops have been in occupation in the requisitioned houses for some weeks I am, however, satisfied that the arrangements made to gather the crop have enabled Army units in the neighbourhood to make full use of the various vegetables grown in the gardens.

Having regard to the fact that what my right hon. Friend says conflicts with what I saw a week last Sunday, will he have another report?

No, Sir. I have a full report from the Command agricultural officer, who has visited the site with the agricultural officer for West Sussex. I may say that the total area of gardens to which my hon. Friend refers is rather less than one-third of an acre.

What caterpillar eats potatoes?

These are cabbages.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many brigadiers at present serving, and who have held that appointment for 18 months or longer, are entitled to a colonel's maximum pension and how many to a lieutenant-colonel's pension?

Of the Regular Army combatant officers at present serving on the active list who have held the rank of brigadier for 18 months or more, 70 per cent. hold the substantive rank of colonel and 30 per cent. the substantive or war substantive rank of lieutenant-colonel. Of the former, slightly under a third would be eligible for the colonel's maximum rate of retired pay if retired now, and of the latter two-thirds would be eligible for the lieutenant-colonel's maximum rate. It is not in the public interest to give actual numbers. As the rate of retired pay varies with age, service and substantive or war substantive rank on retirement, the rates of retired pay eventually awarded to these officers may be considerably in excess of their present entitlements.

Does not the present position conflict with the recently established principle whereby officers enjoy substantive rank immediately below the rank which they held temporarily for a certain period?

I know that my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind the special case of brigadiers, which is not a rank, and the substantive rank for brigadier is therefore lieutenant-colonel and not colonel. I know that my hon. and gallant Friend has that question in mind, and I shall be glad to discuss it with him at his convenience.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many substantive colonels who have earned the colonel's maximum pension have been retired and their services retained during the period 3rd September, 1939, to 3rd October, 1942; and how many brigadiers have been retired as lieutenant-colonels and their services retained as brigadiers during the same period?

Of the substantive combatant colonels retired during the period 3rd September, 1939, to 3rd October, 194a, with the colonel's maximum rate of retired pay, 38 have been re-employed since retirement, but the re-employment has not in all cases been continuous from date of retirement. One officer has been retired as a lieutenant-colonel when holding a brigadier's appointment and reemployed since retirement as a brigadier.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of men of military age engaged in work in the Army Pay Offices; and whether the work of such men can be performed by women?

It would not be in the public interest for me to give the actual numbers. There are, however, nearly as many women as men now engaged in work in Army Pay Offices. The proportion of women is being increased in so far as suitably qualified members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service and civilians can be found. But Pay Offices with Forces overseas must be staffed by men and in order to meet this commitment a substantial proportion of those engaged in work in Pay Offices at home must be men.

Why cannot men over 60 be any longer employed in the War Office even if they have served in the last war, in view of the fact that both Foch and Hindenburg were at their height when they were nearly 70?

I think that my hon. and gallant Friend's generalisation is much too sweeping.

Are not the A.T.S. capable of doing this work in places like Cairo and Jerusalem as well as in London?

Do the women pay clerks receive the pay recognised by the National Union of Clerks?

I should like notice of that question.

Were not a large percentage of these men placed in a low medical category? Owing to the persistent questioning on this point, are not men passed A1 by the Military Tribunal after a period?

I know nothing about the second part of the question, but I should think it extremely doubtful. It is the case that only about one quarter of the men in the Pay Offices are in category A.

Will my right hon. Friend answer my question?

Not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he will give the full recommendations of the inter-departmental committee in regard to their decision that the rate of allotment pay for dependants of officers, including officer prisoners of war, should be fixed at two-sevenths of the officer's pay; on what evidence this decision was based; and what was the cost of living when this inter-departmental committee reported;

(2) whether he is aware that the allotment of two-sevenths of a missing officer's pay to his dependants has been found in many cases to be quite inadequate, even when added to family lodging allowance; whether he is aware that many wives of officers reported missing at Singapore are suffering considerable hardship, in consequence of the inadequacy of this allotment; and whether he will make some more generous provision for these ladies?

All an officer's emoluments, including family lodging allowance, are paid direct to him, and he makes his own arrangements for his family's support whether he is serving at home or abroad. Unlike other ranks an officer can draw family lodging allowance without making any compulsory allotment from his own pay. When an officer is notified as missing his pay and family lodging allowance continue to be credited to him for four weeks and any arrangements that he has made continue as before. At the end of that period the officer is no longer credited with pay and allowances, but a payment is made to the family equivalent to family lodging allowance plus two days' pay a week. I have no evidence to show that this supplement is unrepresentative of the allotments made to their families by the majority of officers. I will, however, look further into this and I should be glad if my hon. and gallant Friend would send me particulars of typical cases which have been brought to his notice. When an officer is notified as a prisoner of war pay and family lodging allowance are credited to his account and any arrangements that he has made can continue. To meet the case where there are no such arrangements or they have broken down the War Office has power to divert family lodging allowance and pay to meet the needs of the family.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in many cases officers who have been making an allotment of much more than two-sevenths of their pay now find their wives in England credited with only two-sevenths, and is he further aware that there are many cases of wives who are in considerable distress on account of this very inadequate allotment and are at the same time receiving no news of their husbands?

I have asked my hon. and gallant Friend to be good enough to send me particulars of typical cases which have been brought to his notice in order that I may look into the matter.

Could not these cases be dealt with by the wives of officers drawing family allowances through the Post Office in the same way as the wives of other ranks?

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to provide all works units of the Home Guard with greatcoats before the winter weather sets in?

Over 91 per cent. of the members of the Home Guard now have greatcoats. With the exception of some recently joined recruits who are awaiting fitting all the rest have capes.

Is the right hon. Gentle-, man not aware that in Middlesbrough in some of these units, and very old units, there are still as many as 50 per cent. without these greatcoats; and that this is very discouraging to men who are trying to carry out their duties with some enthusiasm? Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter?

I am surprised to hear that the percentage is anything like so high as 50 per cent. in Middlesbrough, and I will certainly look into that special case. I have been assured that every Home Guard whose duties lie out of doors will have a greatcoat as soon as it can be arranged.

I had those figures given to me only yesterday.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how the capes are allotted? One commanding officer that I know of is in great difficulty. All his men work outside, and he has got 10 per cent. of capes and does not know to whom to allot them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are now nearly 250 units of Women's Home Defence in towns, villages, factories, banks, universities and Government Departments, most of these working with the Home Guard and undertaking duties which will release men for combatant service; and, in view of this, will he consider granting them official recognition?

I am aware that there are many useful services of a non-combatant character that women can render in connection with the Home Guard, and arrangements for placing assistance of this kind on an official footing are at present under discussion.

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made in directing suitable civilians into the Home Guard; and what number has been so directed up to 30th September?

As stated in reply to a similar Question by my hon. Friend on nth September, it would not be in the public interest to make known the number of civilians directed to enrol in the Home Guard, but I may say that the number up to 3rd October, amounted to some four-fifths of the demands notified to the Ministry by the Army Commands.

What possible danger can their be in publishing this information? If there were only two men and a boy it would not matter, but if there are 2,000,000 men it means that it is a serious menace to Hitler?

The danger is exactly the same as it was on nth September.

asked the Secretary of State for War, to what extent the withdrawal of the permit from the services free canteen at Bessacarr, near Doncaster, is due to the organisation supplying food to service convoy drivers, &c, free of charge; is he aware that the withdrawal of the military permit has automatically cancelled the allocation of rationed food by the Minister of Food; and whether this form of restriction may be regarded as a new general principle to be applied to all free service canteens?

I am glad to be able to inform my hon. Friend that the case of this canteen has been reconsidered and it will be allowed to continue as before.

Thank you.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the Public Authorities Protection Act has been relaxed in England whereby court proceedings can be taken outwith the six months period; and will he take steps to apply similar relaxation in Scotland?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. The Act, however, applies only in civil and not in criminal cases, As regards the second part of the Question, the possibility of amending the law in Scotland was considered in peace time but the subject was controversial and it was not found possible to make progress before the outbreak of war. I am aware of only one Scottish case in which the adoption of the English amendment would have permitted an action to go forward.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will state the proportion of air-raid shelters in Glasgow which have been deliberately damaged and their amenities destroyed through the action of youthful delinquents?

Approximately 40 per cent. of the public surface shelters in Glasgow have been damaged. There can be no doubt that the damage generally has been needless and wanton, but I cannot say what proportion of the damage has been done by juvenile delinquents.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that this state of affairs is most deplorable and is he not aware that in many wards rumour has it that there are no public shelters that can be used owing to their condition, many of their amenities having been completely destroyed; and will he give an assurance to the House that he will not allow the Glasgow authorities to adopt a defeatist attitude on this matter? Are we correct in understanding they will not go ahead with trying to improve the situation by providing fresh amenities and will leave the situation as it is?

I understand that negotiations are already in progress between the Corporation of Glasgow and the District Commissioner for Civil Defence and I have every reason to believe that they are proceeding amicably and that the Corporation do intend to take whatever steps are within their power to limit the amount of destruction which has taken place.

Is the Minister not aware that almost all big cities and towns are having the same difficulty?

No, Sir, that is not my information.

Can we be assured that when a penalty which is supposed to meet the offence is imposed in Glasgow police court there will be no interference from the Scottish Office?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the need for rehousing workers in Clydebank cannot be met by the mere employment of 100 men on finishing 288 new houses, and that before the completion of this work this winter it is necessary to begin a further scheme, not leaving any gap in rehousing schemes; and whether he will consult with the Ministers of Production and Supply about priorities in supplying wooden huts and get an allocation of not less than 2,000 wooden huts for Clydebank as a temporary measure?

About 800 tradesmen are employed in Clydebank in repairing war damaged houses and in completing the 288 houses under construction. As I have already informed the hon. Member, it is not possible to get additional labour for the building of new houses at the present time, but when the 288 houses are completed I shall review the Council's proposal for new building in the light of the then position as to labour and materials. The Town Council have plenty of land available for new houses and have plans of the houses prepared, so that if the labour position improves and we are able to authorise new building, they will be able to get ahead immediately with the work. I am in touch with the Minister of Production and the other Ministers concerned in the matter raised in the second part of the hon. Member's Question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of us in this House have been to Scotland on business connected with the war and are simply horrified by the state of affairs in those parts? Will he not try to do something for these people before the severe winter weather sets in?

I can assure the Noble Lord that I have spared no pains—I think my hon. Friend the Member for Dumbarton Burghs (Mr. Kirkwood) will assure him of that—to have as many war-damaged houses as possible repaired before the winter. Not only are damaged houses being repaired, but new houses are being constructed.

Arising from the Minister's original reply, I am very sorry that I have to press the matter home on the Floor of the House of Commons. It is absolutely desperate. What is the proposition that the Secretary of State for Scotland, who knows the circumstances, is prepared to place before the Minister of Production and the Minister of Supply, in order that the matter of getting temporary houses may be dealt with before the winter sets in?

I stick to the last part of my answer. I am in touch with the Minister of Production and other Ministers concerned in the matter raised in the second part of the Question.

May we take it that if any arrangement is reached for planning houses of the type at Clydebank, the facilities will be offered to other areas?

That is one of the difficulties with which we are faced, in view of the minimum supply of labour and materials. The whole question at issue at the moment is how far that limited supply of labour and materials may be used to the best national advantage.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has yet any statement to make regarding the disposal of profits made by the Petroleum Board?

Agreement has been reached with the Petroleum Board on several points, including the rate of return, on the capital employed which has been' fixed at 7½ per cent. The main question outstanding is the valuation of the capital on which the return of 7½ per cent. will be payable, and this valuation raises difficult questions of accountancy. I expect agreement on these to be reached very shortly.

Will the Minister be able to make a statement to the House in the near future as to the capital employed in the business, so that the House may judge whether the 7½ per cent. is fair or not? Without a knowledge of the capital employed, the figure means nothing.

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has now completed his inquiries into the itinerary of the Dean of Canterbury during his recent visit to Smethwick and other places, partly on ecclesiastical matters, partly in order to attend meetings; what justified the granting to him of petrol vouchers to cover upwards of 300 miles for the journey instead of using ordinary alternative means of transport?

The Dean of Canterbury's petrol allowance, like those of most motorists, is not for particular trips, but for any journeys for specified purposes where other means of transport are not reasonably practicable. The full investigation now completed shows that the journey in question was for purposes duly specified and approved. It also shows that in the course of the journey the Dean attended a series of meetings at several places, involving cross-country travelling for which alternative transport was not reasonably practicable.

Were the meetings connected with ecclesiastical duties or with political duties? Is not the Minister aware that the large allowance of petrol granted is outrageous when it is considered that Civil Defence authorities, and the Army, Navy and Air Force have had their petrol heavily cut down?

The trip to which the Question refers was made in July, when it was still possible to use certain parts of the basic ration. As to the allowance, after the application had been made the allowance was made, and it was considered to be reasonable.

Where do politics begin and religion end?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how much supplementary petrol has been granted to the Dean of Canterbury during the months May, June, July and August, 1942; what percentage of the four months' total was for the carrying out of his ecclesiastical duties and what percentage for other purposes?

The Dean of Canterbury's allowance, like those of most motorists, is granted for periods of three months at a time. It is not divided either between the separate months of the period or between the essential purposes for which it is granted.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is satisfied that the maximum reduction in heating and lighting is being obtained from factories now no longer fully staffed due to the concentration of industries scheme?

The use of fuel by firms whose activities had been reduced in consequence of industrial concentration was made the subject of careful inquiry earlier this year; and my predecessor was satisfied that there was then no excessive consumption of fuel. In view, however, of the urgent need for securing all possible economies, I am proposing, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, to institute further detailed inquiries into those industries which show best promise of economy.

Is the Minister aware that while no fire is allowed to be lighted in the Library, there was a big fire allowed in the Lords?

I know that, Sir, but I would not call this a factory not fully staffed.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power, in view of the net increase of 3,490 in the number of miners at work between 1st January and 12th September, 1942, and the resumption of work in the mines in the same period by 18,957 men, what happened to the 15,467 miners who, in that period, apparently left the mines?

The loss of 15,467 miners to which the hon. Member refers is explained by the normal net wastage of the industry, which, as I have informed the House, is currently running at a rate of 25,000 per annum.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether it is intended to make available in the Vote Office the Report of the Committee on the Recruitment of Juveniles in the Coal Mining Industry?

This Report was published by the Stationery Office in August last, and copies can be obtained through the Vote Office in the usual way.

In view of the great importance of this matter, is it not advisable to make this Report available in the Vote Office?

It is so available, and the hon. Member can get it if he asks for it.

Is it intended to debate the Report, in view of its controversial nature?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider supplying extra coupons to allow women fire-watchers to purchase stout shoes and a warm over garment, which may prevent serious illness whilst performing compulsory duties, as women's ordinary shoes and outer garments are often unsuitable for their duties in bitter weather?

No, Sir. I regret that, in view of the increasing stringency of supplies, I cannot undertake to issue extra coupons to women fire-watchers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether utility clothing manufactures are being exported abroad to countries to which branded goods alone have hitherto been sent?

The export of utility cloth and apparel is prohibited except under licence. Licences are issued only in exceptional circumstances.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether where bombed-out families are given tenancies of new or repaired houses, he will take steps to ensure that they will have priority in obtaining essential utility crockery and furniture as it becomes available locally?

Yes, Sir. The necessary arrangements have already been made for crockery and will shortly be made for furniture.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make a statement about the Third Interim Report of the Retail Trade Committee, in view of the fact that the committee is unable to proceed with its work of considering post-war problems of the retail distributive trades other than food?

I am much obliged to the members of the Retail Trade Committee for their valuable work, and I am in consultation with the chairman regarding the future of the committee. The principal recommendation in the committee's third report, for a compulsory levy on retail traders, has met with strong opposition from most sections of the trade, would involve much administration, and could not be put into force without legislation, which would be controversial. His Majesty's Government, therefore, have decided not to adopt it.

Does not the Minister agree that, in view of the chaos existing in the distributive trades, it would be well if the committee got down to the work of considering post-war problems? Is he aware of the solution advanced in regard to this matter by the Trades Union Congress?

As I mentioned in my answer, I am in touch with the chairman of the committee regarding its future, and I hope to see the chairman again to-morrow.

Does the answer of the right hon. Gentleman mean that the Government propose to do nothing about this difficult problem?

No, Sir. Perhaps I may mention that there may be another Question on this subject later in the proceedings.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding his proposals for the future of the retail trade?

Yes, Sir. I would ask my hon. Friend to await a statement which, with the leave of the House, I will make at the end of Questions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is yet in a position to come to a decision on the proposal to issue licences to proprietors of small businesses who have closed down in consequence of the war, so that they may have priority for a specified period in re-establishing themselves after the war?

As regard industrial concerns, I would refer my hon. Friend to the undertaking given in paragraph 3 of the Explanatory Memorandum on the Concentration of Production. As regard retail businesses, I would ask my hon. Friend to await the statement I propose to make at the end of Questions.

In my speech to the House on 23rd July I referred to complaints from small retailers that they were not getting their fair share of supplies. I undertook to investigate these complaints and have made inquiries accordingly. The evidence is conflicting. On the one hand, small shopkeepers complain that they cannot obtain goods, which they see in the windows of larger stores or multiples, or advertised in the Press. On the other hand, it is clear that many suppliers, wholesalers and manufacturers have been distributing goods to their customers fairly, some having worked out elaborate systems of rationing for this purpose. But, whether or not there is serious maldistribution now, as time goes on and supplies become shorter, there is a real danger that a large number of the smaller shops may be squeezed out of business. For many reasons this would be undesirable. Stocks of essential goods should be widely dispersed, in order to minimise the risk of air-raid damage. Secondly, many rural areas depend on small shops. If these get insignificant supplies, the consumers in those areas must go short. Thirdly, to economise transport, people should shop near home and avoid as far as possible expeditions to the larger shops in neighbouring towns or districts. Finally, increasing Government demands for storage and office accommodation must be met and we must look to the larger shops to yield up substantial amounts of space.

I have, therefore, come to the conclusion that some positive action is needed to assure to the small retailer his fan-share of the available supplies. What I have in mind is that, for certain classes of goods, each small retailer should receive a percentage of his purchases in a standard year. These percentages would be fixed by the Board of Trade and would depend on the relation of supplies in the current year to those in the standard year. Arrangements would also have to be made for extra supplies for areas where, owing to movements of population and other causes, needs of consumers have increased. A scheme of this kind could be imposed by Order. But I do not want to make fresh Orders, if I can get the same results by voluntary methods, and I believe that in this case, with the cooperation of the trade, we can get what we want with the minimum of compulsion. I propose to begin with clothing, pottery and hollow-ware—three of the most important trades—but I do not rule out the possibility of further extensions later. I intend to appoint small joint committees of retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers, for each of these three trades, with independent chairmen, to advise me how best to apply a plan of this kind to their trades, and, when the plan is approved, to supervise its working. If any Committee reports that a particular firm refuses to follow the approved scheme, I propose, after due inquiry, to issue directions to that firm.

These proposals will promote fair distribution, both between areas and retailers. But further steps are needed. Economy in the handling of small orders can be realised through bulking them, either by arrangement between the wholesalers dealing with a particular area, or by the shopkeepers in an area combining their purchases. Such arrangements present difficulties, but my intention is to facilitate them in every way possible. We must ensure that distribution is conducted on the most economical lines, and that no unnecessary transport or labour is used to move goods from manufacturer and wholesaler to consumer. We must face the fact that supplies will become even shorter as stocks run down, and that fresh calls will be made on the retail trade to provide labour for war purposes. I have been in touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour on this problem and he will be announcing shortly the new arrangements to be made. It is, I fear, inevitable that, as the war continues, the difficulties of retail traders will increase and I have, therefore, had to consider what steps can be taken to assist those in trouble. I have discussed with my Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor the Retail Trade Committee's proposal for an extension of the Liabilities (War-Time Adjustment) Act. We came to the conclusion that such extension is unnecessary. So far little use has been made of this Act—probably because traders do not understand how much help can be obtained from it. I am taking steps to remedy this. I wish to emphasise that it is not necessary to withdraw from business in order to take advantage of the Act. It helps those who stay in, as well as those who go out. I hope that traders, to whom the war has brought financial difficulties, will not hesitate to have recourse to this Act, which was designed precisely for the kind of circumstances in which they may find themselves. I think I have correctly interpreted the feeling, both of the House and of the retail trade, in concentrating upon proposals designed to help traders who are still in business. But I have not forgotten those who have already withdrawn or who may be forced by circumstances to withdraw in future. The first step to safeguard their interests is the establishment of a register, and this I propose to do forthwith.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether the Government will guarantee the small trader a certain percentage? Do I understand that there will be a definite guarantee to each small trader now in business, of a percentage of his pre-war supplies?

Yes, Sir, that is the intention of the plan.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the recent Order with regard to the distribution of sports goods through the N. A. A.F.I. is seriously embarrassing the sports goods retail trade? Is he aware that the scheme is not satisfactory, and will he undertake to look into this matter again?

That is a different subject. It is a particular example of the particular Questions put and answered in the House. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman cares to put down another Question, I will answer it, but this is dealing with the larger issue.

Would it not be suitable to include distributors of sports goods in the measure which he proposes to adopt in the case of the clothing and other trades he has mentioned to-day? Is he aware that the recent action taken by the Board of Trade will probably ruin a large proportion of the retailers of sports goods throughout the United Kingdom?

That, again, is a particular case.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what steps will be taken to see that multiple shops which are manufacturers as well as distributors are directed to supply their goods to small traders?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will read my statement, I think he will find that that point is covered.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how this will affect small retail traders in battle areas?

It does not directly touch that point. The proposals I have been announcing to the House relate to traders still continuing in business. If they have ceased to continue in business since the beginning of the war, I intend to make a register and, on that, to consider what further measures can be taken.

With regard to the proposals that retailers' stocks should be based on the pre-war position, is my right hon. Friend aware that in many country districts people are unable to get points rationed goods because shops do not possess them and did not possess them even before the war started? Further, is he aware that the system will not apply fairly with regard to food?

My statement does not apply to food, which is under the Ministry of Food. It applies to the non-food retail trades.

The statement that the right hon. Gentleman is to set up joint committees will be welcomed. Would it not be possible on occasions to find a shop worker who might help with the work of a committee?

Can the right Gentleman make it clear what is the area of jurisdiction of these joint committees? It is not quite clear from his statement.

The intention is originally to set up three committees of national scope, and it will be for them to advise me as to the best administrative system and as to how far local committees should be set up. I shall begin by setting up three committees. As regards the point raised by the hon. Gentleman opposite, and others, I will take them into consideration with a view to giving the greatest satisfaction to the interests of all concerned.

As it appears to be obvious that this arrangement will apply to Scotland as well as to the country South of the Border, will my right hon. Friend keep in mind the fact that the Liabilities (War-time Adjustment) Act does not apply to Scotland?

That is so, and I am in touch with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland on that matter. I consulted him before making this statement. He will speak for himself on this matter, but we are in touch.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult the Minister of Labour on this question, because many small traders are being put out of business through the calling-up of key men and women? Unless this point is dealt with, the statement he has made will be ineffective.

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will read my statement—I know that it was long and difficult to take in orally—he will see that I stated that I have been in touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour on the whole question of labour withdrawals from the retail trade. My right hon. Friend will have something to say on that.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that unless he lays down in clear and unmistakable language the relationship between wholesaler and retailer on the one hand and the wholesaler arid the trust syndicates and combines on the other, one will get less and the other more? The position will remain exactly the same, and the small retailer will still go out of business.

In view of the statement which the right hon. Gentleman has made, and the questions he has been asked, will he look again into the question of the distribution of sports goods by retailers, because it is a hard case?

The arrangement was made in consultation with the War Office, and I would not like to give the impression—I do not want to mislead the House—that it can be reconsidered in the sense of being altered. The matter was gone into very fully. Nevertheless, without making any commitment that the arrangement can be changed, I will look into the question again.

Is it the Government's intention not to implement any of the recommendations of the Select Committee which was set up?

I said in answer to a Question put earlier by the hon. Member for Sedgefield (Mr. Leslie) that we are not going to implement the principal recommendation. I have also referred to other recommendations in the course of the reply just given.

Are we to understand from that reply that the right hon. Gentleman has abandoned any proposal dealing with compensation of men who have been put out of business owing to war conditions?

I said in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Sedgefield (Mr. Leslie) that the particular proposal contained in the report of the Retail Trade Committee will not be acted upon by the Government for the reasons which I have given.

On a point of Order. I put a Question—No. 54—to the right hon. Gentleman, and his reply was that he intended to make a statement covering the matter at the end of Questions. The statement which he has made contains no reference to the point in my Question. The right hon. Gentleman refers to registration. Is it to be registration of those traders who have been put out of business and is it intended that they will get priority in re-establishing themselves after the war?

I do not know whether I may answer what is perhaps doubtfully described as a point of Order.

I think the hon. Member's Question was intended for the right hon. Gentleman.

I cannot at the moment add anything to the answer given in the last part of the statement which I have just made to the House. I am going to take steps to have a register made. The exact use that will be made of that register is a matter for further consideration. Until we have got the register and have defined the size of the problem, we cannot move in the direction desired by my hon. Friend.

Arising out of the important and encouraging statement which the President of the Board of Trade has made, may I ask him whether, so that all Government Departments may have an identical policy in this matter, he would send that statement to the Minister of Food and ask the Minister Of Food to reverse his policy of subsidising big interests at the expense of the smaller retailer producers?

I do not know that the exact procedure suggested by my hon. Friend would be the proper one. Retail trade problems in regard to food differ from those which arise in regard to nonfood trades, and I have no authority to speak on the food aspect of the question.

The Minister said he would attempt to get a voluntary scheme working, and that in the event of individual shopkeepers being outside-this scheme, he would issue a direction apparently to them. Can he give us some indication of the kind of direction he contemplates?

Yes, Sir. The direction will be to distribute the supplies in their hands equitably between the different purchasers who buy from them, in relation to the distribution in the standard year.

If traders desire to remain outside is there any power to refuse labour to those firms and prevent them from getting material?

The firms to whom I would propose to issue the direction would not be retailers. They would be either wholesalers or manufacturers. I should not be prepared to permit any wholesaler or manufacturer in the trade scheduled to remain outside. They would be expected to make a fair distribution among their retailers of the supplies they receive. That is the whole purpose.

In view of the very wide scope of the statement which my right hon. Friend has made and the difficulty of dealing by Question and answer with all the points which it involves, would my right hon. Friend consider the desirability of having a Debate on this subject?

That is not a matter for me.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is proposed to be done with regard to the boot repairing industry; and whether he is aware that great hardship will be caused to small shoemakers and the general public in country districts if small repairing businesses are closed down?

I have undertaken the control of the boot and shoe repairing industry in order to ensure that the best use is made of existing facilities to meet Service and civilian demands. I am fully aware of the need to make use of the small repairer, especially in country districts, and there is no present intention of closing any repair establishments, whether large or small.

Has my right hon. Friend also considered the difficulties of obtaining adequate labour to repair boots and shoes in the country districts, and in some of the small towns as well?

Yes, Sir. That is a particular case of the difficulty we are always having to face, but we are trying to do the best we can under the circumstances.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in touch with the Minister of Labour on the question of men being called up from these industries?

Yes, Sir, I am constantly in touch with my right hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether persons disposing of second-hand clothing are entitled to receive from the purchaser coupons which in turn may be used to replenish their stock?

Private persons disposing of second-hand or new clothing may not accept, or be given, coupons in exchange; on the other hand, traders who sell second-hand clothing must obtain coupons from the purchaser, unless the price is below certain specified limits. Coupons obtained by traders in this way may be used by them in the normal course of their business to replenish their supplies of rationed goods.

Does this mean that one person can sell second-hand clothes to another without any coupons?

It means what I have tried to make clear in the answer. Persons who are engaged in trade may, in the course of trade, sell goods and receive coupons for them—they must indeed do so to replenish their stocks—but private persons must not traffic in loose coupons, or we should allow the black market even greater opportunities than it has now.

Is a licence needed for the sale of second-hand clothes? If not, how does my right hon. Friend distinguish between a trader and a private person?

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put that Question down.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that a private individual may not buy or sell from another private individual without coupons passing?

No, Sir, I think that if the hon. and gallant Member looks at the answer it will be clear.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the profiteering in Christmas toys; whether his investigators have made a report to him; and what action he intends taking about the matter?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the exorbitant prices now being charged for toys, with the prospect of further increases as Christmas approaches; and whether he intends taking steps to regulate such prices?

I have made an Order prohibiting any increase in manufacturers' prices of toys above the prices charged on 30th September, 1942, and fixing maximum margins for wholesalers and retailers. I am also arranging for the release of an additional quantity of toys, of the cheaper kinds, from manufacturers' and wholesalers' stocks during the next two months in order to increase the supply available for Christmas. But, in view of the ever diminishing quantities of labour and materials which can be devoted to toy manufacture, an increase in supply now will mean a reduced supply next year.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some people who are making various kinds of toys and working very long hours for very small pay are complaining that the toys are being sold by other people who are making a huge profit?

That will not be possible when the wholesalers' and retailers' margins are fixed, as they will be under the Order.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the shortage of black-out material which is now selling at 6s. per yard; and whether he will allow more of it to be made?

I am aware that there is a shortage of cheap black-out material in some districts. The allocation of cotton for the manufacture of this material has recently been increased. Prices of blackout material are at present controlled under the General Apparel and Cloth (Maximum Prices and Charges) Order, 1943. The utility black-out cloth, of which production has started, will be price-controlled at all stages. The retail price will be substantially less than that quoted in the Question.

Would my right hon. Friend be prepared to have the Purchase Tax removed so that the material could be made more cheaply?

That is a question which could properly be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it it now the practice of assessors under the War Damage Act, when computing the amount of compensation payable to enable applicants to replace furniture and other household commodities destroyed or damaged by enemy action, to include the amount of Purchase Tax which now has to be paid on the articles concerned?

Claims under Part II of the War Damage Act are assessed on values ruling at the time of the damage. These values take into account the Purchase Tax then payable. Where, however, advance payments are made to replace essential household requisites, account 1s taken of the level of prices, including Purchase Tax, current at the time of payment.

Would the right hon. Gentleman see that a copy of the instructions to these assessors is placed in the Library so that Members may convince themselves that the instructions are being carried out in their locality?

Yes, Sir. I shall be very glad for that to be arranged.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that most of the damage occurred in the winter of 1940–41 when prices were considerably lower than they are now? Is it not time to revise the system of compensation for those who have to replenish their homes at considerably higher prices?

I shall be glad to look into it again.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the resolution passed at a public meeting recently held in Manchester of representatives of the Lancashire cotton industry, and sent to him, demanding the resignation of both the chairman of the Cotton Board and the Cotton Controller on the grounds of dictatorial inefficiency and calling for the abolition of British Overseas Cotton in favour of another form of organisation; and what answer he has returned?

I have seen in the Press a report of the resolution to which my hon. Friend refers. I have also seen in the Press a report that a Committee comprising the elected heads of the producing and mercantile associations of the cotton industry has unanimously disassociated itself from the resolution. Leading organisations in the spinning, manufacturing, dyeing and merchanting sections of the industry have written to me deprecating the attacks on the Chairman of the Cotton Board and the Cotton Controller, and paying tribute to their services. Both Sir Raymond Streat and Mr. Frank Platt are doing admirable work in very difficult circumstances, and they have the full confidence of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply and myself.

In view of these very serious conflicting interests, does the right hon. Gentleman intend to act as adjudicator between them?

No, Sir. I propose to ignore Mr. Stowell, whom I regard as a person of no significance at all.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the wholesaler and retailer profits on utility lighters have been fixed at a higher basis than normally apply to articles of utility use; and why they are higher than for matches' distribution?

The wholesaler's and retailer's margins for utility lighters are not higher than those allowed for other utility articles. The margins of profit allowed on the distribution of matches are those customary in the trade; they are lower than those for utility lighters because matches are, and always have been, handled in much larger quantities.

Will my right hon. Friend say why the utility lighter is retailed at about 6s. 6d., when a lighter of identical design and superior finish is retailed in America at 35 cents, which is 1s. 8d.?

Yes, Sir. In this country We impose an Excise Duty of 2S. 6d., which is paid by the manufacturer of utility lighters.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make a statement on the policy to deal with the problem of the surpluses of food and raw materials; is there a United Nations agreed plan, and is it intended that the plans shall form the basis of a world economic plan for the future?

The course of the war, and in particular the entry of the United States and events in the Far East, has reduced the scope of this problem. As my hon. Friend will be aware, a Wheat Agreement has recently been made between the United States, Canada, Australia, the Argentine and the United Kingdom, and other discussions are proceeding.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the shortage of domestic cooking utensils in some parts of the country and the apparent surplus in other parts; and whether he will consider taking some steps to satisfy the demand, in the places where there is a shortage?

There is a general shortage of domestic cooking utensils, as of many other articles, but steps have been taken to increase the production of the more essential articles. If my hon. and gallant Friend knows of any area in which there is a surplus, I should be much obliged if he would let me have particulars.

Will my right hon. Friend encourage the manufacture of haybox apparatus about which, I believe, a communication has been sent to him?

Yes, Sir, we will look into that, but my hon. Friend will no doubt like to know that we are increasing the production both of kettles and saucepans very substantially.

I do not know whether my right hon. Friend regards a teapot as a cooking utensil, but teapots in London are very conspicuous by their absence and are difficult to obtain in the suburbs.

We are doing our best to increase the supply.