asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the deputy chief inspector's contribution to the annual report of the Chief Inspector of Factories for 1941, and, in particular, to the need for a restriction of the hours of employment and the need for more shift working; and what action is to be taken?

As indicated in the report, hours of women and young persons in factories are closely controlled. The further restriction of hours by the introduction of shift systems, etc., is conditioned by various considerations, the chief of these being the availability of additional labour. The position, however, is constantly under review.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been directed to pages 19, 21 and 22 of the Chief Inspector's annual report on factories for 1941; and what action is it intended to take, in particular with respect to works medical officers and the need for more preventive steps to avoid industrial diseases?

As pointed out on page 22 of the report, medical supervision in factories has made progress in spite of the difficulties due to other claims on the medical profession; and, while regard must be had to those claims, the Department will continue to press for the appointment of whole or part-time works medical officers in appropriate cases. Action of one kind or another is constantly being taken to prevent industrial diseases, but it is too detailed and varied in character to be described within the scope of an answer to a Parliamentary Question.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the constant criticism about absenteeism, he will direct public attention to pages 17 and 18 of the annual report of the Chief Inspector of Factories for 1941 where tribute is paid to the workpeople?

This passage in the Chief Inspector's report has already been widely referred to in the Press and it is also quoted in the pamphlet on absenteeism which will be issued by the Department within a few days.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will schedule under the Essential Work Order all building trade operatives who are engaged upon the completion, repair, sub-division or modification of homes for bombed-out families?

I assume my hon. Friend has in mind the safeguarding of labour from withdrawal from this work. Scheduling under the Essential Work Order is not in general appropriate since it can only be applied to particular sites or undertakings. The Department, however, acts in close co-operation and consultation with the interested Government Departments and arrangements are at present in force whereby labour is not transferred to other work if it is engaged on essential first-aid repairs. Other transfers must be subject to the requirements of urgent Government contracts.

asked the Minister of Labour what action he proposes to take to meet the problem of the shortage of plumbers; and will he stop the calling up of those now in employment?

My right hon. Friend is not aware of any general shortage of plumbers at the present time. In calling up building trade operatives, including plumbers, my right hon. Friend acts after consultation with his Noble Friend the Minister of Works and Planning.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that under the scheme which has taken the place of the Compensation Act in war factories there is no method by which the workpeople can appeal against the decisions of the Treasury; and will he consider setting up a board to which these people can appeal in case of dispute?

Under the scheme of compensation for injury to workmen in certain Government establishments, which gives benefits additional to those of the Workmen's Compensation Acts, the decision of the Treasury upon? claim to compensation is final. The acceptance of the scheme in lieu of the Workmen's Compensation Acts is, however, purely optional and a workman who wishes to withdraw from the scheme can do so at any time on giving notice, though such withdrawal cannot, of course, operate retrospectively, I am unable to accept the suggestion contained in the last part of the right hon. Member's Question. The scheme provides for reference of medical questions to a medical referee, and the Treasury is always prepared to reconsider its decision if any fresh facts or considerations are brought to its notice.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, before working hours in factories are staggered, care is taken to ensure that the most important factories have priority of choice?

I assume that the Question refers to the staggering of hours in the interests of transport. There is provision for adequate consultation of all the parties, including the factory managements and Supply Departments concerned, through the local transport consultative committees set up by the Regional Transport Commissioner, and so far all arrangements for staggering of factory hours have, I understand, been made by agreement.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in future, in setting out periodically the number of unemployed women, he will state the exact percentage of those who, owing to reasons rendering them immobile, are unable to leave their districts and therefore have to wait for work to be brought in?

In the statements which are regularly published by my Department giving the numbers of women registered as unemployed, the numbers who are unable for good cause to transfer to another area are already shown separately.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the sharp rise in young women of the incidence of tuberculosis and the increase in frequency of accidents, 90 per cent., constituting a sex differentiation calling for remedy, his attention has been drawn to the statement contained in the report just published of his Chief Inspector of Factories, that women called up to work in factories while responsible for managing their own homes are trying to do two full-time jobs; and whether he will institute an immediate inquiry into this position?

A special Committee of the Medical Research Council has just investigated the extent and causes of the war time increase in the incidence of tuberculosis and has made various recommendations, reporting at the same time that the increase in deaths from that disease since the beginning of the war has not been predominantly among young women, as seemed likely early in the war. Explanations and remedies for the increase in accidents among adult women are discussed in the just published annual report of the Chief Inspector of Factories where the main causes of the increase are stated to be the increased number of women employed and their more extensive employment in dangerous industries. I am well aware that many women with domestic responsibilities are unable to give full attention to these and also to work consistently for the full hours of the factory where they are employed, and it is for this reason that I am encouraging part-time employment or the giving of some time off for shopping and so on in appropriate cases. In view of the above, I see no reason to institute a special inquiry now into the matters referred to in the Question.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in future, in setting out periodically the total number of unemployed, he will give the figure of those suffering from physical or other disability or only fit for light work so that the public may appreciate the exact position of these workers in the labour world.

Precise information as to the number of unemployed suffering from physical or other disability is not available, since this would involve the medical examination of the majority of persons becoming unemployed. On 14th September, 1942, when an occupational analysis of the persons who were unemployed on that date was obtained, about 21,000 men were classified as general labourers for light unskilled work. In the majority of these cases the men were so classified because of their age or physical disability.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any further statement to make on his proposal to regulate conditions in the catering trade?

Discussions are in progress with the organisations concerned but my right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to make a further statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how certain firms can secure, repair and sell service boots at 10s. 6d. per pair, without coupons; whether he is aware that the advertisements state these boots were slightly worn and were disposed of by his authority; how were they disposed of and at what price?

I have been asked to reply. If my hon. Friend will kindly give me particulars of the advertisements to which he refers, I shall be glad to make inquiries and communicate the result to him.

asked the Minister of Supply how many tons of paper were allotted to billposting firms during the past six months?

The approximate amount of new paper licensed for the production of posters of all kinds (excluding those produced by H.M. Stationery Office) during the six months March to August, 1942, inclusive, was 28 tons.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that persons acting for his Department are making a practice of inspecting growing timber and then making a provisional offer for purchase and suggesting drawing up a contract for sale at the named price without reference to the prices fixed by the Government or informing the owner of his rights and obligations, or of the measurement figures upon which their offer has been based; and whether he will take steps to put an end to this practice?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will give me particulars of cases where the practice referred to has been followed I will have inquiry made and inform him of the result.

asked the Minister of Supply the number of Southern Irishwomen employed in the Royal Ordnance factories and whether they are allowed access to military secrets?

The number of SouthernIrishwomen employed in the Royal Ordnance factories is 450. Their duties do not give them access to military secrets.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can now make a statement about improvements in the conditions of service of the Marine police?

I am glad to inform my hon. Friend that new rates of pay have been approved for constables and sergeants of the Royal Marine Police and Royal Marine Police Special Reserve. They are being promulgated to the area superintendents and will take effect from 1st June,1942.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that Stanley W. Richards, of Blackwood, Monmouthshire, who worked at a certain factory, was certified by a surgeon to be suffering from T.N.T. poisoning and dated the certificate back some three months; that compensation was then claimed and was refused; that this dispute went on for three months, when he was sent to a medical referee at Cardiff who decided against him and his certificate was accepted as covering the whole of that time and compensation refused; and whether, seeing that the man was sent to the referee so long after he had been certified, he will consider paying compensation for the time claimed?

I find that Mr. Richards was an Admiralty employee. I am therefore asking my right hon. Friend the First Lord to have inquiries made and communicate direct-with the hon. Member.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that many Middlesex growers who supply tomatoes to the London Tomato Pool receive no payment for several weeks on end and find it difficult to provide money for wages; that the salesmen at Brentford and Covent Garden, who provide the boxes, are expected to refund to shopkeepers deposits paid to the pool, but not passed on to themselves; and whether he will redress these grievances?

In both the cases to which my hon. Friend refers, the delay was due to the large supply of tomatoes of varying quality which were marketed during a short period and the necessity for diverting supplies by the London Tomato Distributing Association to other markets in order to avoid a glut in the London area. These conditions put a heavy strain on this new organisation. In reply to the last part of my hon. Friend's Question it is intended to review carefully the results of this year's operations in consultation with representatives of the growers and the trade with a view to making any desirable modifications for next season.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will consider issuing a leaflet setting out the best method of keeping the national loaf fresh?

The best method of keeping national bread is to wrap it in a clean dry cloth and store it on a shelf in a cool, light, dry pantry. Wide publicity has been given, and is still being given to this advice in "Food Facts Advertisements," in Exhibitions, on the Kitchen Front broadcasts and by other means. A test has been recently carried out by the Ministry of Food of loaves purchased in 21 different towns throughout the country. These loaves were purchased in the normal manner and were posted to the Ministry's headquarters. On arrival the loaves were stored for 8 days in the manner suggested. On the eighth day the loaves were examined in the presence of members of the Press, and were all found to be still in good condition. In the normal way there should be no necessity to store bread for more than 3 days, and it is clear from this test that National bread selected at random throughout the country is well capable of storage for at least that length of time. A common mistake is to enclose the bread in an air-tight tin or to put it into containers which either are not ventilated or kept properly clean. I am gratefult to my hon. Friend for calling attention to this matter and while I do not consider that the production of a special leaflet is necessary, I hope that my reply will secure that adequate publicity is given to the best method of keeping the national loaf in a fresh condition.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the difficulties sometimes experienced by parents in obtaining a proper supply of milk for infants, he will consider the supply to local authorities of condensed milk, points free, to distribute where this is considered an appropriate supplement to the child's diet?

Under the Milk (Scheme of Supply) Order infants under 12 months of age are entitled to a priority supply of 14 pints of milk per week and children up to the age of five are entitled to a priority supply of seven pints of milk per week. So far as I am aware there is no difficulty in any priority consumer purchasing the quantity of milk to which he is entitled and I should be glad to receive particulars of any cases where the prescribed quantities have not been obtainable. In the circumstances, there is no necessity for the distribution of condensed milk free of points, apart from the special cases referred to in the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) on 14th July 1942.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, approximately, how many meals are now served weekly in private catering establishments, in canteens and British Restaurants, respectively; how many of the meals served in private catering establishments are, respectively, served in workmen's cafés and transport cafés, in establishments catering mainly for black-coated workers, and in hotels and restaurants where the average charge per meal is 3s. 6d. or over; and how many workmen's cafés and transport cafés are now at work?

In reply to the first part of the Question the latest statistics of meals (including breakfasts, main meals, subsidiary meals and tea) served in catering establishments are as follow:

	Per week.
Private catering establishments	62,000,000
Canteens	44,500,000
British Restaurants	2,000,000

In reply to the second and third parts of the Question I regret the figures are not available.

asked the Minister of Production whether he will lay a White Paper explaining his recent proposals for the regulation of industry?

My right hon. Friend has already made a full statement in reply to a Question by the right hon. Member for Wakefield (Mr. Greenwood) on 14th October which, I hope, will satisfy the House. If, however, the House wishes that a White Paper should be laid, my right hon. Friend will be very pleased to give the matter further consideration.

asked the Minister of Production whether, in connection with his proposals for the transference of labour, special consideration will be paid to such related problems as the maintenance of two homes by transferred men, the provision of proper accommodation in districts where at present all houses are carrying their full complement of residents and the need for increased transport at intervals between the man's original home and th-area to which he is transferred?

I am glad to take this opportunity of correcting a misapprehension which has arisen in some quarters in connection with the measures proposed by my right hon. Friend for the more efficient allocation of production resources. The measures in contemplation will tend to bring work to the localities where labour can be found and as such should lead to a diminution, not an increase, in the numbers of workers who are required to take up employment away from their present homes. So far as men and women are required to transfer from one part of the country to another, arrangements for dealing with the matters to which my hon. Friend draws attention have been in existence for a considerable time.

asked the Minister of Production whether, having regard to the stringent restrictions now being imposed on road transport by regional transport commissioners on the ground of the necessity to conserve rubber, he will state the true position regarding the country's rubber supply and the steps being taken to meet it?

As is well known, many of the normal sources of natural rubber are now closed to us. No efforts are being spared to exploit to the full all accessible sources of plantation and wild rubber but, to balance the minimum requirements, there must be a drawing upon stocks until synthetic rubber becomes available in quantity from the U.S.A. The utmost economy in use is therefore necessary. This is achieved both by prohibition of manufacture of non-essentials, alteration of specifications and increased use of reclaimed rubber and substitute materials. Economy in the use of tyres and other rubber manufacture both by the Services and the civil population is being secured by all practicable methods.

asked the Minister of Production whether he will make a statement on the Regional Production Board Organisation, set up some months ago; how frequently do these boards meet; what is the permanent staff; and further, can it be estimated by what percentage production has increased, or in any way benefited, as a result of these boards?

As I stated in reply to a Question by the Member for Moseley (Sir P. Hannon) on 10th September, my right hon. Friend intends to make a statement on the Regional Production Board Organisation which he has set up, He will do this shortly after the Recess.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he has official information to show that the Germans are using a 30 mm. cannon in aircraft on the Russian front; and whether his Department has in production a gun of equal muzzle velocity and rapidity of fire?

It would not be in the public interest to enter into a discussion of this kind, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the armament of British aircraft is fully equal to that of the enemy.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that country cottages and farmhouses, which have not gas or electricity and are wholly dependent on coal and coke, need a greater fuel allowance than houses in towns where electricity and gas heating is available; and whether he will reconsider the present allowance made to country cottages which is no greater than that for town houses?

It is inevitable that some inequality will arise under restrictions imposed on a broad basis without detailed reference to individual circumstances but the quantities specified in recent months have been above the quantities considered necessary for actual summer consumption in any district. Consumers in the country have much better facilities than town dwellers for getting wood fuel to eke out their coal but the local fuel overseers have power to grant additional quantities of coal where justified in order to avert hardship. Coke is also available as a substitute for coal.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will state, separately, for each of the coalmining districts the percentage of absenteeism; the accident rate for each quarter of this year; and whether, in any figure of absenteeism cases of minor injuries and short duration disability are included?

I am arranging for this information, which involves a large number of figures, to be collated, and will supply it to my hon. Friend as soon as it is available.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, with a view to saving fuel, he will advise the use of slag wool, a fire resistant material, for the wrapping of hot-water tanks to preserve heat and water pipes to prevent freezing?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning whether, in view of the rise in prices of labour and materials, he will increase the present ceiling price of £100 for repairs to houses and not merely make any increase the subject of special appeal?

No, Sir. The present position in respect of materials and labour and the vital programme of works still to be done do not permit of any relaxation of the control at present in operation over civil building.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning whether an officer has now been appointed to deal with the question of the collection of scrap metal from collieries and other industrial undertakings in the county of Durham, and the amount of scrap collection up to date?

Yes, Sir. An officer has now been appointed to deal particularly with the collection of scrap metal in the Durham and Northumberland coalfield. During the last 12 months over 45,000 tons of metal have been collected in the County of Durham by my Department in addition to the ordinary scrap collected through the trade.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning what steps the Government are taking to ensure that war factories unneeded after the war will be treated as part of projected garden cities and not allowed to revert to exploiters as was the case at Slough after the last war?

My Noble Friend recognises the importance of the treatment of Government factories after the war, and information is now being collected which will facilitate decisions on the future use, removal or disposal of such factories in the light of the circumstances then prevailing.

asked the Minister of Health whether the taking of saccharin or saxin tablets for sweetening purposes has any injurious effect on health?

I am not aware that there is any scientific evidence that the taking of these tablets for sweetening purposes is injurious to health.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered a pamphlet, a copy of which has been sent to him, urging parents on no account to have their children immunised against diphtheria; and whether, since this propaganda is in direct opposition to that issued by his Department, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Yes, Sir. My Department and the local authorities persistently inform parents, through the newspapers, magazines, the B.B.C., and the cinemas, and by leaflets and other publicity, of the case for immunisation against diphtheria, which is fully supported by medical opinion and the practical experience of other countries. This positive propaganda is proving effective, and I propose to continue it.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is taking steps to modify the action of the majority of medical schools in refusing to accept women as medical students; and what are the reasons for such refusal?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to-day to my hon. Friend the Member for West Fulham (Dr. Summerskill).

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the number of cases of industrial dermatitis reported under a system of voluntary notification has increased from 2,000 in 1938 to 5,000 in 1940, and as more than 50 per cent. of occupational diseases are due to industrial dermatitis, thus causing serious absenteeism, is he satisfied that sufficient use is made of specialist diagnosis and treatment of reported cases; whether he will consider making dermatitis a notifiable disease, and providing for early specialist attention not furnished by the present practice?

I am advised that it is not necessary to make industrial dermatitis a notifiable disease for the purpose of securing proper preventive measures in the factories or proper initial attention there to the cases which arise. The greater part of my hon. Friend's Question relates to the subsequent treatment of the cases, and this is a matter which primarily concerns my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take advantage of the building labour which will soon become available to commence work on the completion of corporation housing schemes which were suspended owing to war demands?

The supply of materials as well as the availability of labour, must be borne in mind. I gladly assure my hon. Friend that as soon as labour and materials can be made available for the purpose, it will be my desire to approve of the completion by local authorities of their suspended housing schemes.

asked the Minister of Health whether any council houses now being built or finished are intended to be permanent; and whether their layout avoids the perpetuation of long monotonous rows of identical houses without reference to garden city planning?

The small numbers of houses how being built by local authorities for war workers are being provided for permanent occupation and conform to local planning requirements.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies when the report of progress in the West Indies, arising out of the work of the Stockdale Commission, will be published; and whether the general reports made by the Comptroller will also be published?

As I informed my hon. Friend on 14th October, I hope that a comprehensive report on progress will be laid upon the Table of the House in the near future, but I am not yet in a position to give an exact date. It is not proposed to publish any other reports.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the proposals for altering land tenure in Kenya are still under consideration in the Colonial Office; and Whether they can be communicated to the House?

I am haying a copy of the report of the Kenya Land Tenure Committee placed in the Library. The report is still under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the average cost of bagging maize bought at Kenya marketing centres, storing it, and transporting it to railhead; and whether there is any discrimination in price between European and African-grown maize on any ground except that of quality?

The minimum price fixed by regulation for African-grown maize in Kenya is 6 shillings 20 cents. This price is exclusive of payments for various services and a quality differential, which are assessed by the Government as follow:

• Holding charges—85 cents.
• Quality differential—25 cents.
• Cost of bag—I shilling 20 cents.
• Trader's commission—50 cents.

African growers who can comply with the regulations by delivering maize of first quality in bags at railhead in 10-ton lots will receive 9s. per bag, which is the control price for maize of this quality, whatever its origin. There is no discrimination between African-grown and European-grown maize on any ground other than quality. The above arrangements have superseded those which I described on 22nd July in reply to the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Creech Jones), and the minimum price fixed by regulation is now paid in full to the African producer.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that the Drake Street traders of Plymouth have been precluded by a decision of the Estates Committee of the Plymouth Corporation from making use of their trading sites for the duration of the war by the erection of stalls on their frontages which sell a similar class of goods as do the Drake Street traders; that their request to erect temporary premises on these sites similar to those permitted in other parts of the city has, so far, not been granted; and whether he will investigate the circumstances to ascertain that the rights of these traders have not been inequitably interfered with, causing them the loss of their business sites and goodwill attaching to the premises?

I have been informed of the circumstances of this dispute. I have no power to order an investigation. If the corporation have acted contrary to law, legal proceedings can be brought in my name and the writ and statement of claim are submitted to me for my approval. Those advising the Drake Street traders are familiar with this procedure and if they submit the necessary documents to me I will of course give the matter full consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the persecution of their race by German and other Axis criminals, it is intended that Jews will be given a place on the Commission to be set up by the United Nations for gathering evidence of Axis atrocities?

The purpose of the Commission is to collect evidence of war crimes committed against nationals of the United Nations whether Jewish or non-Jewish, and it is contemplated that the members of the Commission should be nationals of the United Nations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, what exactly are our relations with Argentina and Chile at the present time?

Argentina and Chile have both declared their neutrality in the present conflict. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are in diplomatic relations with these two countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the coming treaty with China abandoning foreign territorial rights and privileges, provision will be made to ensure the maintenance of the pensions of those who have worked for so many years to build up trade and commerce in China?

If my hon. Friend is referring to employees of the foreign-controlled municipal areas in China, I will certainly bear the point in mind in the coming negotiations.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the remarks of the chairman of the Lindsay Quarter Sessions, on 2nd October, in a case dealing with damage to property, etc., and what steps he is taking in order to stop similar occurrences?

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply in the Debate on damage to requisitioned houses on 7th October, in which I detailed the steps which are being taken to deal with such occurrences.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men engaged on light anti-aircraft defence work on gun sites are frequently on continuous duty for periods of 16 days at a time without being given a 24 hours' rest period; and whether he will see to it that rest periods are given more frequently?

Personnel in antiaircraft units are allowed a period of 24 hours' rest in every seven days. Operational needs may occasionally prevent this rest period being allowed. If my hon. Friend will let me have particulars of any cases which have been brought to his notice I will gladly look into them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make, arrangements for men and women operating guns to see the films showing such guns in use already displayed to workers in certain factories?

In the course of their training men and women operating guns are regularly shown films of these guns in use.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Miss Rosita Forbes, a lecturer for the Army Bureau of Current Affairs, has devoted her addresses to members of the Forces to a series of attacks upon our Russian Allies, their army, government and people; and whether he proposes to cancel the engagement of this lecturer?

Miss Rosita Forbes has, during the last few months, given some lectures, under the Army Education Scheme (not under the Army Bureau of Current Affairs) to Army audiences, on various subjects including Russia. I am investigating the complaint made by my hon. Friend about her lectures on Russia.

asked the Secretary of State for War how certain firms can secure, repair and sell Army boots at 10s. 6d. per pair and no coupons; whether he is aware that the advertisements state these boots were slightly worn and were disposed of by the Army authorities; how were they disposed of and at what price?

I am making inquiries but so far as I have been able to find out the boots referred to by my hon. Friend were disposed of to the trade about a year ago. They were boots which could not be repaired under Army or Ministry of Supply arrangements then existing. These arrangements were reorganised towards the end of 1941. Repairs are now completely undertaken by units or by civilian bootmakers under contract. Boots which are beyond repair are handed to the Ministry of Supply. The Ministry remake them in factories which have lately come into full production. No more worn boots will be sold to the trade but those previously disposed of in this way may still appear on the market from time to time. The firms paid a variety of prices for these boots according to their state of repair.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that for some time the Welsh Guards have been marching through Wales and Monmouthshire; and can he state the object of this march seeing that voluntary recruitment is no longer needed?

The marches referred to were carried out as part of the necessary training of the troops concerned. Although recruiting was not the object of these marches, I am glad to take the opportunity offered by my right hon. Friend's Question to explain that voluntary enlistment is still active and that considerable numbers of men are entering the Army in this way.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give further details of the action of Sergeant Powell, of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, who jumped into a flooded river and saved the lives of soldiers who got into difficulties, and of the life-saving action of Private Sidney Ashley, a Lancashire Home Guard; and whether these men have received any official recognition of their action?

I am inquiring into these cases and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information about the death of Lance-Corporal Harry Max Hudson serving with the Grenadier Guards?

I have called for a report on this case and will communicate with my hon. Friend when I have received it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the heavy duty on certain articles sent by soldiers to relations and friends in this country from abroad, he will notify all troops of the position before they despatch such articles?

I am looking into the question and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will countermand an order by an officer at a certain Guards depot under which men are compelled to use brown and black boot polish on spade handles, locker doors, stoves, etc., as this is a waste of time and boot polish has a high fat and oil content?

I am making inquiries, and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that compensation for loss of access and use has been refused to owners and occupiers of dwellings who have been ordered by competent military authority to vacate such dwellings because they lie within areas needed for defence purposes on the ground that no actual defence works have been erected on the property concerned; and whether he will review that decision of his chief land agent and valuer?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War the amount of money paid by the War Office in settlement of claims for damages in each command, respectively, during the past six months?

The following sums were disbursed for damages of every kind in the various commands and at the War Office in April to September, 1942, which is the last period of six months for which complete records have reached me:

			£
Eastern Command	…	…	53,432
London District	…	…	6,731
Northern Command	…	…	48,137
Northern Ireland District	…	…	14,610
Scottish Command	…	…	46,813
South-Eastern Command	…	…	94,483
Southern Command	…	…	49,177
Western Command	…	…	33,357
War Office	…	…	294,782
			£641,522

Commands have limited financial powers and sums which exceed these powers are referred to and paid by the War Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether candidates for commissions in the Brigade of Guards are interviewed by the War Office Selection Board in order to determine their suitability in the same way as other potential officers?

Candidates for commissions in the Brigade of Guards are not interviewed by a War Office Selection Board. For these candidates the process of selection and testing before they are admitted to an Officer Cadet Training Unit is carried out by the Commanding Officer and staff at the Regimental Training Centres.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether field allowance is payable to officers serving in Scottish commands for the 12 months preceding May, 1942, in cases where the living conditions during that period were similar to those conditions which now entitle them to receive payment of field allowance and where the articles in War Accommodation Schedule No. 10 were not provided?

Field allowance is issuable only if the accommodation occupied is completely unfurnished and there has been no change in the conditions under which the allowance is issued. Prior to May, 1942, a quarter was regarded as furnished if any of the articles in War Accommodation Schedule No. 10 were provided. Since May, 1942, a quarter is not supplied with any furniture unless five specified essential articles can be supplied.

asked the Secretary of State for War how the allowances to the mothers of serving men compare with those granted in the last war?

Where an allowance is granted under the present dependants' allowance regulations to the mother of a serving soldier it is at one or other of five fixed rates, viz., 8s. 6d., 14s., 19s., 22s. 6d., or 25s. a week. In addition, the solely dependent mother gets the full benefits of the War Service Grants Scheme. Under the regulations in force in 1918 the mother of a private soldier was eligible for an allowance varying from 1s. to 12s. 6d. a week. In addition, an alternative allowance of 5s. was introduced in October, 1918, applicable to cases where the soldier had not contributed to his mother's support prior to enlistment. The other allowance, like the present Army dependants' allowance, was conditional on a pre-enlistment contribution. The conditions under which these allowances were issued differed in several ways from those governing the present dependants' allowance, and there was no supplementary allowance corresponding to the present War Service Grants.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has recent information of irregularity in the arrival of letters from prisoners of war in Italy; and whether he can give details of the food provided for prisoners in Italian camps?

There has recently been some irregularity in the arrival of letters from prisoners of war in Italy. The position is being closely watched and appropriate action will be taken if necessary as a result of inquiries being made. I append a weekly scale of foodstuffs which appears to be typical for camps in which other ranks are detained. Officers buy their own food, but are limited on rationed foods to the civilian ration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he proposes to take to furnish all British prisoners of war with adequate cash; and why the German proposal to provide them with pay in German currency at rates corresponding to similar ranks in the German army was rejected?

I understand general responsibility for the conditions of prisoners of war is not within my province, but the matter is generally under consideration by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War. So far as the possibility of remittances from this country is concerned, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Hastings (Mr. Hely-Hutchinson) on the 30th January, 1941. I am not aware that the German authorities have made the proposal referred to.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will inquire into the case, details of which have been sent to him, of a university graduate, with first-class honours in engineering and seven years training with the Officers Training Corps, who was allocated by an officer of the Labour Ministry to take up a post with an engineering firm working for the Government and, while so engaged, was called up by the War Office and assigned as a sapper to a Royal Engineers unit where he and a number of young men, equally well qualified, are receiving instruction in elementary mathematics and military drill; and whether he will use these highly-skilled technicians in ways more valuable to the war effort?

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

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the fact that owing to the death of Mr. G. R. Ward, of Stradbroke, Suffolk, and because his five sons are serving in His Majesty's Forces, his widow has been left to run a large grocery, drapery and food distributing business serving a wide rural area; and whether he will consider recommending the release of the eldest son from the Forces?

In such cases as this it is not within the province of the Ministry of Food to take into account considerations of personal hardship in making recommendations for release. The Ministry of Food may ask for the release from the Forces only of those without whom, in opinion of the Ministry of Food, the effective distribution of foodstuffs in any particular locality would be endangered. I regret that in the case to which my hon. Friend refers it would not appear that on these grounds the Ministry of Food would be justified in asking for release.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men called up for the Services were rejected on the ground that they suffered from tuberculosis; and what percentage of other men medically examined does this total represent?

The only information I can give is that, according to sample statistics taken earlier this year, about one per cent. of recruits examined under the National Service Acts are rejected on account of pulmonary tuberculosis.

asked the Paymaster-General whether is he has considered the representation made to him by the Non-County Boroughs' Association on 16th July last, to the effect that they viewed with concern the suggestion that arrangements should be made to transfer the administration of elementary education from the present Part III authorities to the county councils or to some other bodies before the whole problem of the future of local government has been considered by Parliament; and whether he is now in a position to make any statement on the matter?

I have been asked by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education to investigate the present position of the Part III authorities and to inform him of the result of my examination of the problem. The Board have invited various organisations to send their written statements to me and thereafter to see me thereon. I am still awaiting two of the statements and have not yet seen representatives of any of the organisations. I am not therefore at present in a position to make any statement beyond saying that I shall pay most careful attention to the representations of the Non-County Boroughs' Association and any other representations I may receive from any similar responsible source.

asked the President of the Board of Education (1) in how many full-time departments in technical colleges, colleges of commerce and schools of art, Scripture is a part of the time-table;(2) in view of the good-will of the Board towards the principles of religious education in the schools, why it is that in a model time-table, produced by the Board as a guide for junior schools of commerce, Scripture is not included?

As regards junior schools of commerce my hon. Friend is, I assume, referring to the Board's pamphlet "A Review of Junior Technical Schools in England" which gives some sample time-tables used in such schools. These schools are frequently associated with senior institutions in which, whether technical, commercial or art institutions, it is not the practice to include Scripture as a subject of the curriculum. I understand, however, that in many of these junior schools, though not all, it is the practice to have a religious observance and in some cases religious instruction. The general question of religious instruction in schools within the public system of education is under my consideration at the present time.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Board has yet formulated a scheme to assist financially, on demobilisation, men and women who were pursuing courses of study at university, technical or training colleges before being embodied in His Majesty's Forces?

A scheme of financial assistance covering the men and women referred to in the hon. Member's Question has been framed and is now receiving detailed consideration by the various Government Departments concerned.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the general agreement that disabled service men's welfare should be the first charge upon the nation's resources, the Government will make a grant to the Haig Fund and avoid the waste of labour and materials in the manufacture of unnecessary articles to be sold for charity?

No, Sir. I am not prepared to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion. I am glad of this opportunity of acknowledging the work done by various voluntary associations in finding employment for severely disabled men.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Home Guard wardens have been instructed to return their air-raid precautions water- proofs without delay; and whether he will countermand this order so far as Scotland is concerned as such garments are essential to meet climatic conditions?

Normally, Civil Defence personnel only have a waterproof in lieu of a greatcoat, although in some cases local authorities have allowed them to retain both greatcoat and waterproof. When such personnel become members of List II of the Home Guard and are supplied with Army greatcoats, they have to hand in their Civil Defence greatcoats, but it is within the discretion of the local authority to decide whether they should also surrender the waterproof. If my hon. Friend knows of any cases where Civil Defence greatcoats and waterproofs have been withdrawn before the issue of military greatcoats, and will send me particulars, I will have inquiry made.

asked the Minister of Health how many parents have paid nothing towards the cost of keeping their evacuated children in billets in the country?

Figures covering the whole period of evacuation are not available, but returns show that at the beginning of last April approximately 35,000 parents of unaccompanied children then evacuated were paying nothing, either because their means were below the adopted scale or because they were in receipt of assistance.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that men temporarily released from the fighting Services for employment in industrial essential war work are refused permission to do fire-watching or other air-raid precautions duties whilst so employed; and will he take steps to permit this?

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

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that applicants for certificates exempting them from fire-watching on medical grounds have no right of appeal; that the committees set up to deal with such applications are not technically competent to assess the medical grounds upon which they are based; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent injustices and hardship resulting from this procedure?

I propose shortly to amend the Fire Prevention Orders to secure that before an application for exemption from fire prevention duties on medical grounds is rejected, the applicant shall first be examined by a medical referee.

asked the Home Secretary why a National Fire Service vehicle was used by a London Regional official on the 24th September to convey refreshments for a private party at a dance given at London Regional Headquarters; and was this with the knowledge of the London Regional Commissioners?

The catering arrangements for this party (at which the principal guests were a number of American officers) were made by the catering organisation of the London Fire Force, but the cost of the refreshments did not fall upon public funds. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative, and I am satisfied that the arrangement did not involve any avoidable use of transport.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of two Italians, both born in Great Britain, who were intercepted whilst endeavouring to cross to Germany; and whether he has investigated the loyalty of their relatives in this country?

I presume my hon. Friend is referring to the two British subjects of Italian origin who were recently convicted at Folkestone. Prior to those proceedings they had been detained in pursuance of Orders made against them under Defence Regulation 18B, and they will be so detained again on the expiry of their sentence. The father of one of them who is an Italian is interned, and according to my information his mother and brothers are in Italy, as are also the parents of the other man.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will ensure that fire-watchers, when on duty and even when no air attack is occurring, report ordinary fires on industrial buildings; and whether he is aware that serious conflagrations have occurred recently and have destroyed food and clothing?

If a fire occurs otherwise than as a result of hostile attack at any premises where arrangements are in force under the Business Premises Order, all persons then performing fire prevention duties at the premises are required, on detection of the fire, to take steps to combat it and to summon such assistance as may be necessary.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps the war agricultural executive committees are entitled to take in prescribing ordinary field drainage to cover the cost and on whom such cost falls?

Ditch-clearing and under-drainage are regarded as falling within the scope of a county executive committee's power under Regulation 62 of the Defence Regulations and the Cultivation of Lands Order, 1939, to give directions with respect to the cultivation, management, or use of land for agricultural purposes. A direction would normally be given to" the person who is responsible for doing the work in question either under a tenancy agreement or as a matter of custom. The work would be eligible, at the discretion of the committee, for a Government grant of 50 per cent. of the approved cost, subject to a maximum grant of 30s. per acre for mole drainage and of £7 10s. per acre for tile drainage and other recognised forms of underdrainage.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will endeavour to reduce in number and simplify in detail the returns which farmers are required to make to his Ministry?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for East Middlesbrough (Mr. A. Edwards) on 12th February.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will take steps to make it possible for landowners and farmers to purchase posts and rails for the usual farm fencing repairs without having to fill up in triplicate form T.L. 3/8/1, Fifth Revision, and submit applications through the Ministry of Supply, when the classifications in this form show that it was intended to cover wood for constructional purposes?

I am arranging for full information to be supplied to my hon. and gallant Friend describing the simplified procedure, agreed with the Timber Control of the Ministry of Supply, whereby farmers and estate owners can acquire limited quantities of timber for repair and maintenance of farm buildings, gates and fences.

asked the Attorney-General whether it is proposed to introduce legislation to amend the Statute of Frauds?

asked the Attorney-General whether he has been made aware of Lord Justice Mackinnon's comments in the Court of Appeal regarding the Act for the Prevention of Frauds and Perjuries passed 265 years ago; and will he take steps to repeal or, by new legislation, remove its alleged injustices and thus save the waste of expense and time resulting from the obscurity of its provisions?

The question whether legislation should be introduced to repeal the Section of the Statute of Frauds which remains outstanding and the other legislation on the same matter now on the Statute Book formed the subject of a recommendation of the Law Revision Committee, and was under consideration when the war began. War conditions caused that consideration then to be postponed. I should explain that much more is involved in the Committee's proposals than a simple repeal, but consideration of these difficult and important questions is being resumed with a view to determining whether the Report of the Committee should be opted and if so whether this is a subject with which Parliamentary time ought to be occupied in the course of the war.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that at Cambridge, on the 15th October, Mr. Justice Humphries imposed a fine of £500 upon Sir William Prescott, the chairman of the Tottenham Bench of Magistrates and, in doing so, indicated that the offence had been the disregard of a regulation the main purpose of which must have been know to everybody who owns a motorcar; and whether, under these circumstances, Sir William Prescott will be permitted to continue to hold his office?

My Noble Friend is aware of the conviction of Sir William Prescott referred to in the Question of the hon. Member. He has called for a full report of the proceedings before Mr. Justice Humphries. Until that report has been received and considered by him he will not be in a position to make any statement.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will take such steps as may be required to organise economy committees in every Department of State, freely elected by the persons employed in the respective Departments, whose function shall be to make recommendations regarding the efficient administration of the Department, the maximum economy of labour and the reduction in the quantity of paper consumed in forms and elsewhere?

Action has already been taken in a variety of ways to deal with the matters to which my hon. Friend refers. They are, however, primarily the responsibility of individual Ministers and as regards the composition of any departmental committees I would refer him to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. W. Brown) on 9th September.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men under 30 years of age are employed in all branches of his Department?

It has not been possible to obtain this information in the time available, but I will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Home Secretary how many departments and how many persons in each department are employed in each of the Civil Defence Regional Commissioners' offices; what is the cost to the public; and whether the regional organisation has resulted in a reduction of staff in London?

The total Home Office and Ministry of Home Security staff employed in the Civil Defence Regional Commissioners' offices was 4,548 on the 1st September 1942, the latest date for which figures are readily available. This figure was divided between the various Regions as follows:

Northern Region	…	…	267
North Eastern Region	…	…	224
North Midland Region	…	…	225
Eastern Region	…	…	219
London Region	…	…	1,067
Southern Region	…	…	300
South Western Region	…	…	288
Welsh Region	…	…	205
Midland Region	…	…	510
North Western Region	…	…	351
Scottish Region	…	…	658
South Eastern Region	…	…	234
			4,548

These figures include 218 part-time and 262 unpaid staff.In addition to the above, the following officers of the War Office and the Air Ministry are attached to Regional Commissioners' offices:

		War Office.	Air Ministry.
Northern Region	…	7	—
North Eastern Region	…	2	—
North Midland Region	…	7	1
Eastern Region	…	19	2
London Region	…	5	—
Southern Region	…	16	3
South Western Region	…	4	1
Welsh Region	…	16	3
Midland Region	…	6	2
North Western Region	…	13	2
Scottish Region	…	23	2
South Eastern Region	…	9	2

Officers of other Departments also act as liaison officers with Regional Commissioners, but are not usually employed in the Regional offices. Any figures of such staff actually employed in those offices would therefore be misleading.Information as to the cost of Regional staffs borne on the Ministry of Home Security and Home Office Votes will take some time to extract and I will communicate this information to my hon. Friend as soon as possible. Since the headquarters and regional organisations have grown up together any estimate of reductions in headquarters staffs consequent upon the regional organisations would necessarily be hypothetical; but I am satisfied that the regional organisation is the most effective and economical means of carrying out the greatly increased duties falling upon the Departments concerned with Civil Defence, and that without it the headquarters staffs of those Departments would now be considerably larger than in fact they are. They would have to travel extensively and could not carry out the valuable and essential work which the regional organisation has performed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the congested travelling conditions in respect of long distance railway travel arises mainly from the travelling on leave of Service men and women and of civilian workers directed to work away from home; and whether, in these circumstances, he will represent to the Service Ministers and the Ministry of Labour the importance of posting as many persons as possible near to their own homes?

My Department is constantly in touch with the Service Departments and the Ministry of Labour and National Service with the object of avoiding all unnecessary travel; but it would not be practicable or consistent with the needs of either operational or training requirements to insist that Service personnel must be stationed near their own homes. In the case of civilian workers, the considerations to which the hon. Member refers are taken into account as far as practicable, but the needs of war industry must be paramount.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of the inconvenience caused to troops through the absence of any catering arrangements on long-distance trains and the fact that through these trains not running to time it is often impossible to obtain refreshments at station canteens, he will consider asking the Young Men's Christian Association and the Salvation Army to run canteens on these trains for the use of troops only?

My hon. Friend's proposal would involve the re-introduction of restaurant or buffet cars. This would inevitably reduce the carrying capacity of the trains. I regret that in view of the present restricted services and the increasingly heavy traffic which must be expected, I do not think it possible to adopt it. I would remind my hon. Friend, however, that Army and R.A.F. personnel who are travelling on leave or on duty, are given rations for their journeys, while special arrangements are made for the provision of meals for naval personnel travelling long distances on duty.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will take steps to prevent packages being labelled with the port of destination as this gives away the destination of the convoys?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what action he contemplates taking against people responsible for giving information to the enemy by labelling packages for export in such a manner as to display to the public their destination?

In the case of special and limited operations such as the convoys to Malta and Madagascar, all cargo is marked in code, but experience has shown that any general system of marking packages for shipment other than with the proper destination en clair leads to confusion and delay and is ineffective from the point of view of security. The most important contribution which can be made to security is to ensure that the date and time of sailing, the route to be followed, and whether the vessel is in convoy or unescorted, do not become a matter of public knowledge.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether his attention has been called to the serious hardship to students and part-time students arising from the withdrawal of cheap travel tickets; and whether he will consider some special concession in such cases?

As I said in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for London University (Sir E. Graham-Little) on 14th October, the withdrawal of cheap day tickets was a necessary measure which my Noble Friend adopted with great regret. He is, however, convinced that to make these special concessions urged by my hon. Friend would lead to similar demands by others with equal claims to consideration, and would thus defeat the purpose which he has in view.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can make any statement regarding the incidents which took place on nth October and 16th October, when petrol tanks were allowed to fall from aircraft flying over Ilford?

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne).

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many people were killed and injured by an aeroplane which crashed on a piece of waste ground in the Home Counties on Sunday afternoon, 18th October; and whether any property was damaged?

I regret to say that 21 people, including the personnel in the aircraft, lost their lives in this tragic accident. There were no non-fatal injuries and there was no damage to property. I am sure the House would wish me to record sympathy with the relatives of those who have lost their lives in this regrettable accident.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will issue instructions that Women's Auxiliary Air Force officers employed on balloon duties be permitted to wear battle-dress as a measure of economy in uniform and general suitability for the work involved?

W.A.A.F. officers are not actually employed on handling balloons and therefore the necessity for them to wear battle-dress is not so strong as for airwomen who are engaged on this duty. I am, however, examining the question whether officers should also wear the battle-dress having regard to possible future re-allocation of balloon duties to officers.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether Royal Air Force and Auxiliary Air Force officers when called upon to retire, either on account of age or when no further employment is available for them, are granted the same amount of leave on full pay and allowances as other officers in other Services?

This matter is now under discussion between the Departments concerned and I would be obliged if my hon. and gallant Friend would repeat his Question when the House resumes its sittings.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of Income Tax, in percentages, payable on aggregate incomes of between £1,000 and £2,000, £2,000 and £10,000, and over £10,000 per year; and the number of persons in each category paying these amounts?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Walton (Mr. Purbrick) on 23rd July.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give relief to taxpayers in respect to that part of their income which has been spent on the compulsory removal of their homes due to the removal of their employers' place of business owing to enemy action or other war-time "conditions; and whether he will grant billeting allowance to such persons who sometimes have to meet expenses in respect of their permanent and temporary war-time residences?

I am afraid I cannot adopt these suggestions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will bear in mind the difficulties under which farmers are now labouring and whether he will endeavour to reduce and simplify the details demanded in their Income Tax returns?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware, discussions on various matters affecting the taxation of farmers have taken place between the Inland Revenue Department, the Agricultural Departments and farmers' representatives, and a statement, which should materially assist farmers in the making of their Income Tax returns, was issued last week regarding the valuation of tillages, growing crops, livestock, etc., and the treatment of dairy herds and other production stocks for Income Tax purposes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will in future exclude from taxable income that portion of income which has been spent in respect of illness or injuries such as medical fees, hospital charges, medicines and surgical appliances, properly certified by the profession to be necessary and reasonable expenditure?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 8th September to a similar Question by the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. N. Maclean).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the high rates of pay now secured by artisans in towns and cities, he will consider the case of people engaged in various forms of clerical work earning from £250 to £400 a year, especially the lower ranks of the Civil Service and local government earning from £3 to £5 per week and the numerous shop assistants throughout the country?

As my hon. Friend is aware, the Government's policy is to leave the adjustment of wages and salaries to the operation of the normal negotiating machinery between employer and employed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the inequalities in pay in many sections of the community, he will introduce a reasonable flat rate standard for the armaments industry, coupled with capacity bonuses in the form of War Saving Certificates, which could be cashed within graduated periods after the war?

In reply to the first part of my hon. Friend's Question I would refer him to the discussion which took place in the House on 21st October and to the statement then made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour. As regards his further suggestion, I could not agree to the issue of Savings Certificates subject to the restrictions proposed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that he, has undertaken to pay the cost of re-erection of machinery in the premises from which it was removed when requisitioning took place in cases where this machinery has been stored, he will, in addition, pay the cost of the re-erection of such machinery elsewhere in cases where this is done at the request of a Government Department?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 9th June to the hon. Member for the Pudsey and Otley Division (Sir G. Gibson), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what rates of duty are being paid on goods being imported from America under the Lend-Lease Agreement?

During the course of the war a large volume of goods which are imported predominantly for Government use have been exempted from duty by Treasury Order. Other goods, whether imported under Lend-Lease arrangements or otherwise, which are liable to Customs Duty, are charged at the statutory rates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has yet received the Report of the Kennet Committee on Banking and Insurance; and when he expects that it will be available to Members?

Yes, Sir, The report is being published as a White Paper and will be available in the Vote Office after Questions to-day.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the reasons for the increase of approximately £300,000,000 in the note issue for the current year as compared with 1938?

The answer to my hon. Friend's Question must be largely a matter of estimation rather than of exact information. Some of the increase is due to the hoarding of savings in the form of notes and to increased personal holdings resulting from war conditions, including the separation of families. The principal cause is no doubt the increased volume of wage payments due to the high level of employment and to overtime; but there is good reason for believing that, even if no allowance were made for the other causes I have mentioned, the increase of just over 60 per cent. in the note circulation since 1938 falls considerably short of the percentage increase in the volume of wage payments.