asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he realises that the present ration for pig food is hardly sufficient to keep them alive and they cannot be fattened for the market; and will he arrange for a more liberal allowance?

The pig keeper is expected to keep only so many pigs as can be properly fed on the ration allowance supplemented by home-grown food and non-rationed feeding stuffs, including swill.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the nature of the research advisory and educational organisation set up by his Department?

I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of two leaflets (Technical Advice for Farmers—Form A.705/T.G., and Agricultural Education in England and Wales—Form A.695/T.E.), which set out the nature of the organisation. The Agricultural Improvement Council has been established since the war

"to devise methods for seeing that promising results of research are applied as rapidly as possible to the problems of agriculture and are incorporated in ordinary farming practice, and to advise from time to time concerning agricultural problems which appear to require scientific investigation."

My Department's organisation has also been strengthened by the establishment of technical development sub-committees of county war agricultural executive committees to assist the latter in carrying out their responsibilities for securing increased food production.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state for each county the acreage of arable land for the latest date for which particulars are available; the acreage and percentage of the total farmed directly by the war agricultural committee; the acreage and percentage of the total taken over by the committee and let to others thereafter; and the acreage and percentage of the total in respect of which the committee has arranged a change of occupation?

I am afraid it would not be in the public interest to disclose the detailed information asked for by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of times that garnisheeing action has been taken by the Milk Marketing Board and similar authorities under the control of his Department?

Neither the Milk Marketing Board nor the Hops Marketing Board, which are the only authorities at present concerned, have recovered debts due to them by means of a garnishee summons. In two instances, by order of the court under garnishee procedure, the Hops Marketing Board have paid to a third party a sum due from them to a registered producer. Since the hon. Member's previous inquiry on 10th June, 1942, the Milk Marketing board have made 13 further payments in similar circumstances.

asked the Home Secretary how many persons were summoned for exceeding the speed limit in the Metropolitan police area for the last three months for which figures are available; the comparative figures for the corresponding period of last year; and the comparative figures of convictions?

In the three months ended 31st October, 1942, 5,672 persons were summoned for speed offences and 5,623 were found guilty. The figures for the corresponding period in 1941 are 10,710 and 10,628.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what steps are being taken to remove causes of complaint among retailers in Liverpool as to the unfair distribution of such supplies of oranges as are available?

I am not aware that there is any complaint among retailers as to the distribution of oranges in Liverpool. On the contrary, I am glad to be able to say that a meeting representative of Liverpool retailers expressed as recently as 21st October great satisfaction with the work of the Orange Distribution Committee. If my hon. Friend will let me have particulars of any specific complaint which has come to his notice, I shall be glad to investigate it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the inquiries made by local bread officers, at the request of the regional food officer, on the question of deferment of master bakers involve the bread officers' opinion as to whether the business could be closed down and, since in many cases the bread officer is also a master baker and a trade rival, that this practice is open to objection; and whether he will establish an independent tribunal before which the tradesman can state his case?

No, Sir. When an application for deferment is referred by the District Man Power Board of the Ministry of Labour to a divisional food officer, the latter and not the area bread officer is responsible for whatever recommendations he makes to the Man Power Board. My Noble Friend sees no reason to vary present procedure on this matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to an Order, dated 3rd November, 1942, amending the Feeding Stuffs Order, 1942, No. 2031; and, in view of the mistakes which necessitated the publication of this Order, whether disciplinary action has been taken against the person or persons concerned?

I am aware of the Order, dated 3rd November, which corrects six minor clerical errors (two punctuation and four spelling) which occurred in the lengthy and detailed Schedule to the Feeding Stuffs (Regulations of Manufacture) Order, 1942. The opportunity was also taken to deal at the same time with a minor point of drafting and with a printing error. The proof readers have been subjected to disciplinary action appropriate to the offence.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what complaints about the working of the bacon and ham branch of the meat and livestock section have been received?

From time to time complaints, diverse in character, have been received about details of the day to day working of this, as of others, branches of control. Such complaints have been few, and have in general, been satisfactorily settled by correspondence or by replies given in the House.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, the names of those who are in charge of the bacon and ham branch of the pig industry; and which of them were connected with bacon factories before the war?

I assume that my hon. Friend intended to refer to the Bacon and am Division of the Ministry of Food. The principal officers of this Division are:

• Director of Bacon and Ham—Mr. J. Loudon.
• Director of Bacon Distribution and Deputy Director of Bacon and Ham—Mr. G. Huskisson.
• Director of Bacon Production—Mr. J. W. H. Taylor.

None of these officers was connected with a bacon factory before the war.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food in how many cases have distributors accepted producers premium contracts; and in how many cases have they refused to sign them?

Up to the 14th November 3,300 purchasers have entered into 4,366 premium contracts for the year commencing 1st October 1942. During the previous year, 8,800 purchasers negotiated 15,525 premium contracts. There is no information to show to what extent the difference may be accounted for by distributors refusing to enter into new contracts.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the assurances given that financial economies will result from the new rationalisation of the milk distributors scheme, he will publish for the information of all concerned, every six months, a detailed report on the operations of the plan and the saving on the mileage delivery runs in town and country districts?

My Noble Friend could not undertake to make periodical reports, as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests, but he is aware of the interest of the House in the milk retail rationalisation schemes and I shall be glad, as suitable opportunities occur, to give the House particulars of the progress achieved.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that there is a temporary shortage of milk in the London area compelling retailers to reduce supplies to their customers; will he make an early statement on the wireless as to the reason of the shortage; and whether all London retailers are equally affected?

The present temporary shortage of milk in the London area, which has necessitated some reduction in supplies to non-priority consumers, is due to a more rapid decline in the production of milk than was anticipated. As announced by my Noble Friend yesterday, the authorised maximum allowance for non-priority consumers is to be reduced to two pints per week as from Sunday next, the 22nd November. This applies to all dairymen both in London and throughout the country, and the announcement was included in the broadcast news last night.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the ex-farm allowance paid to all distributors of all types buying from the Ministry will be paid to producers who provide their own churns?

No, Sir. It is the responsibility of the distributor to provide churns, but if by arrangement the producer provides churns the service is usually covered by the payment of a premium by the distributor under the Milk Marketing Board's premium contract.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food how far the arrangements for the rationalisation of retail milk distribution follow the general lines recommended by the Perry Committee?

Schemes for rationalisation of retail deliveries of milk are based upon the principles laid down in Command Paper No. 6362. They differ substantially from the proposals of the Perry Committee. The latter body recommended zoning schemes whereby milk was delivered in a district by two organisations only, one being the local Cooperative Society and the other a combination of all private traders whereas the present schemes, while aiming at the maximum economy of transport and manpower, maintain the identity of individual distributors.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will ensure that when his Ministry make public announcements on the allocation of food, etc., steps are taken to guarantee that every retailer can meet the claims of customers who base their demands upon these public and official pronouncements?

No, Sir. It would not be practicable in every case to postpone announcements as to food supplies which are being released through the trade until all retailers have received their supplies. My Department endeavours, however, when issuing information as to future supplies to give adequate particulars of the date upon which distribution will begin and does its utmost to provide the public with information as to when supplies will be available for sale in the shops. My hon. Friend will realise that in the case of such commodities as oranges it is possible neither to arrange for all retailers to receive their supplies on the same date nor to postpone sales in one area until supplies have arrived in all other areas.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that through the Ministry ignoring points collected by retailers for sales of sweets during the first rationing period, at the end of which only the less saleable lines were left to small retailers so that they could acquire few points by sales during the next period, many of these small retailers now find themselves in serious straits for lack of stock; and how it is now proposed to stop discriminating against these small retailers who adhered to the Ministry's scheme and did not hold back in reserve larger stocks before the beginning of rationing than they were instructed to do?

There has been no discrimination between large and small retailers. On the contrary, orders were issued requiring all manufacturers and wholesalers to distribute all their supplies over the period from 1st June to 17th October, 1942, in proportion to the amounts delivered to their customers since 1st January, 1942. Retailers were required to retain until the commencement of rationing, on 26th July, stocks specially marked as reserve stocks, representing 25 per cent. of the deliveries in the period 1st June to 26th July. All practicable steps were therefore taken to secure that retailers of all kinds would at the commencement of rationing have equitable. shares of the total stocks. Moreover, for the first 12 weeks of rationing, supplies continued to be available to all retailers on the same basis as previously, and without the necessity for presenting points. Certain retailers held back considerably more stocks than they had been instructed to do, with a view to making a special display in the early weeks of rationing, and so securing an unfair advantage over others who observed the Ministry's instructions. The broad effect of basing the issue of ration documents on the periods subsequent to the first period of rationing was rightly to counteract such action. As will be seen, retailers continued to receive supplies during the second and third periods irrespective of the number of points collected, and these points were available to secure the flow of supplies thereafter. In fact, as I recently stated, the information available indicates that small retail confectioners as a whole are fully maintaining the share of total sales they previously enjoyed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the cutting out of coupons would be accepted by retailers of confectionery as necessary if they were able thereby to replenish stock to the total value of points surrendered, but as in practice suppliers are still restricting retailer's supplies to a proportion of his purchases in a basic period, the cutting out of coupons at present wastes time and labour; and will he now put an end to this waste, treat personal points coupons in the same way as soap coupons and instruct retailers to cancel them on the sheets instead of cutting them out?

The demand for chocolates and sweets is much greater than the supply. The cutting out of coupons, and the replenishment of stocks only in exchange for ration documents, are essential therefore; first to secure that sales shall only be made in exchange for coupons, and secondly to secure that the restricted supplies shall flow to the points where they are required by the consumer. The industry in general are in fact seeking to distribute their supplies to retailers in proportion to earlier distributions. This is with a view to securing as far as possible that equitable distribution amongst different types of retailers which it would appear from the previous Question my hon. Friend would desire. Such supplies can, however, only be made in so far as retailers can offer points in exchange. In so far as retailers cannot do this, the balance of supplies must go to other retailers who have taken points in excess of their previous share of trade. Total supplies, after allowance for a reasonable margin of stock, are no more than sufficient to meet total legal demand. It follows that the distribution of supplies must gradually become adjusted to the demand. Retailers have been left with a certain margin of points in hand. This was at the urgent request of the trade, so as to cover the necessary time lag between the placing of orders and the receipt of goods. The most important thing clearly was to avoid any breakdown in distribution. Adequate machinery exists to secure that any retailers' reasonable requirements shall be met.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why Mr. A. Ferguson, 26, Oakbank Terrace, Maryhill, Glasgow, who volunteered for service in the Royal Observer Corps, Glasgow, was interviewed, told to report for training on 2nd November, then received a notification cancelling all the arrangements?

Volunteers for service in the Royal Observer Corps are required to undergo a short course of training before enrolment. When Mr. Ferguson applied to serve as a part-time observer in the corps, there was no vacancy but it seemed likely that, as a result of a reorganisation then contemplated, additional male observers would be required to man the local centres. Mr. Ferguson was accordingly invited with other applicants to attend for training. The plans for this reorganisation did not, however, develop on the lines expected and the arrangements for training Mr. Ferguson were accordingly cancelled.

asked the Secretary of State for Air who is responsible for the delay in completing the building of the runways on the aerodrome in the area privately indicated to him?

During the early stages of construction on the site referred to, progress was delayed by a shortage of labour. As soon as the full labour force became available, work proceeded satisfactorily and the runways ate now practically complete.

asked the Secretary of State for Air upon what principles Income Tax is deducted from the pay of Royal Air Force officers on service in Canada and the United States of America; whether the estimated tax for the current year is deducted in addition to any tax due for the preceding year; and what is the total limit of tax which can be deducted from pay in any one month?

Officers serving in Canada and the U.S.A., in common with officers serving in other parts of the world, are liable to United Kingdom Income Tax on emoluments borne by the public revenue of the United Kingdom. It is a statutory requirement that any tax due on such emoluments shall be deducted at the source. If for any reason the whole of the tax due has not been deducted in a preceding year the outstanding balance of fax is carried forward for collection in the current year together with the tax due in respect of that year. The collection of tax is spread as evenly as possible throughout the year. Where arrears are also due, the rate of collection is normally increased by not more than one-third. The extent to which deduction is made from pay depends on the circumstances of the particular case and liabilities may be spread over longer periods if it is represented that hardship is caused.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the Air Council have now amended the regulations whereby officers are required to relinquish acting and temporary rank under certain circumstances; and whether he can make any statement on this subject?

Temporary rank in the R.A.F. is granted on the recommendation of Central Promotion boards to fill vacancies in the war establishment and once gained is not relinquished during the war so long as the holder of it continues to hold a commission. No major change is contemplated in the regulations regarding the relinquishment of acting rank which is held pending the posting of an officer of the appropriate temporary or substantive rank.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare whether he has any information as to an announcement of the German authorities in Athens that no more food is to be exported from Greece except in exchange for other food; whether the food situation in Greece remains serious; and Whether any further measures to relieve it are being undertaken by the Allied Governments?

An assurance that no food Would be exported from Greece except in exchange for other foodstuffs was given by the German Government some months ago in connection with the establishment of the relief Scheme now operating in Greece. I am informed that further assurances on this point have recently been given by representatives of the German Government at Athens, but I have as yet no precise details of the manner in which they are being carried into effect. As regards the second and third parts of the Question, the evidence is that the initiation of the relief shipments of 15,000 tons a month at the end of August has brought about a marked improvement in the general situation. It would be unwise, however, to assume that serious distress is not still felt in some localities, especially as the difficulties of distributing relief to out-of-the-way places are bound to be very great. I am expecting fuller information at any moment. As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for Devizes (Sir P. Hurd) to which I have at present nothing to add.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare whether he will follow the precedent set in permitting certain foods to be sent to Greece and endeavour to make similar arrangements for sending food to the Channel Islands?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 30th September to my hon. Friend the Member for Rugby (Mr. W. Brown) to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies what has been the result of the investigation of the official committee into the effect of the high cost of living on the Kenya Civil Service and the employees of the Kenya Uganda Railway?

The committee has recommended alleviation to the lower-paid employees of the Government. A further report is expected shortly as to the form which it should take.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether in view of the need for women workers in Kenya he will utilise the services of some of the refugees now entering the country?

If is the intention of the East African Governments, with the full concurrence and co-operation of the Polish Government, to endeavour to find suitable employment for as many as possible of the Polish refugees of both sexes now entering East Africa. It is expected that considerable numbers will be engaged in growing at least a part of their own food supply.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, how many different estates in Kenya Colony have been entered upon in the absence of their owners and cultivated under the Defence (Increased Production of Crops) Regulations of 1942; and what is the total area of land being thus brought under cultivation?

I regret that no statistics are available on this subject.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt in Ceylon over the handling of the food problems; whether he is satisfied that the present arrangement whereby the food department is under the control of the Minister of Agriculture is the most satisfactory in the circumstances; and whether he can give details of steps taken in rationing food supplies, checking profiteering and increasing local food production?

I am aware that difficulties in connection with the administration of food questions have been the subject of criticism locally, but I am satisfied that, in the circumstances prevailing, control by the Minister of Agriculture in Ceylon is the most satisfactory arrangement. Rice, which is the main diet in Ceylon, is at present rationed to the extent of two-thirds of normal consumption. To meet the deficiency in the rice ration, increased imports of wheat and flour have been arranged and these also are rationed. Restrictions are also imposed on the consumption of hotel and restaurant meals of meat, fish and similar foods. Price control is applied to flour, wheat, rice, pulses, sugar, canned milk, salt and bread. Wholesale and retail maximum prices have been fixed according to areas, and are revised when necessary. Apart from the measures in operation in 1941, the Ceylon Government have this year taken further steps to increase the local production of foodstuffs, including the opening of State farms, assistance to private cultivators by issue of planting material, etc., the lease of Crown land and the commandeering of uncultivated land. The planting of food crops is a condition of permission to plant new rubber trees.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the shortage of private doctors in the Seychelles; and whether, as this is alleged to be due to the handicap of the rule which debars their patients from the use of the general hospital, he will examine the position with a view to relieving this shortage?

I have no information to show that there is a shortage of private doctors in the Colony. I will make inquiries from the Governor as to whether the existing hospital rules contain any regulation such as is alleged; and whether in this or any other respect they need amendment in the light of modern requirements and procedure.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking to remedy the serious food shortage in the Seychelles by the issue of a minimum dietary essential for the maintenance of the health of the workers, the rationing of food products together with an adequate food and stock raising policy for the islands, to embrace an improvement in the depressed rates of wages of agricultural workers now stated to be below subsistence levels?

I am aware that the maintenance of food supplies in the Seychelles, which normally depend to a very considerable extent on imports, is causing difficulties, and every effort is being made to overcome them, both by obtaining imports and by increasing local production. The Government's efforts in the latter direction have, however, lately been hindered by abnormal drought conditions. The importance of maintaining, and if possible improving, dietary standards in Seychelles as elsewhere is fully realised and all possible steps are being and will be taken to this end The only commodities which are rationed at present, are rice and sugar, the distribution of which is regulated by a coupon system.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that under the Quit Rents Law in Jamaica the local government can seize any holding on which taxes are owing, sell it by auction for a sum far in excess of the debt, making no refund of the excess to the owner or debtor; that if an owner seeks to regain possession after seizure he cannot do so simply by settling the arrears with costs, but must outbid all others at the auction, the government keeping the full price without refund; whether this statute is to be amended or repealed in the near future; what protest the Jamaican Agricultural Society board of management has recently made against such action; and what steps are proposed to ameliorate the present position?

The Quit Rents Law of Jamaica provides that if quit rent remains unpaid for five years proceedings may be taken in the supreme court for forfeiture of the land to the Crown and the Crown, if successful, is entitled to be put into possession. No information is available as to the action generally taken by the Crown after judgment has been obtained in the supreme court, but as the judgment vests the land in the Crown as if no grant had been made the Crown is free to auction the land as owner. The proceedings for forfeiture can be satisfied before judgment by payment of arrears and of Crown costs. No information is available of any protest by the Jamaica Agricultural Society. The Governor of Jamaica will be asked for a report.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning whether he is aware that the Caerphilly Urban District Council has passed a resolution against taking railings of houses whilst large quantities of scrap remain uncollected from colliery undertakings; and whether he is following this policy?

I am aware that there is considerable feeling against the taking of railings in South Wales before other metal has been recovered for scrap. My Department is taking active steps to accelerate the recovery of scrap metal from collieries and from other sources but I cannot agree to suspend the recovery of railings from houses until all other sources have been exhausted.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning when it is expected to instal machinery at the slag cement factory in South Wales; whether it is his intention to have the operators of the plant produce immediately slag cement and in what quantities; and what is to be the selling price?

The machinery for the purpose of enabling blast furnace slag cement to be made in Wales is being installed partly in a selected steel works and partly in a cement works. The plant, it is anticipated, should be able to go into operation by next February, The question of price has not yet been considered.

asked the Minister of Supply in what circumstances the supplies of paper have been withdrawn from the publication "Free Austria," the only journal published in English for Austrians in Britain; and whether he will see to it that supplies are made available for this paper?

The publication of periodicals which were not in existence before August, 1940, is prohibited. Exceptions have been made in the case of a limited number of periodicals, and these included for a time a publication with the title cited. In granting licences for the supply of paper for publications I rely on the advice of the Department concerned, which in this case is the Ministry of Information.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will grant the request of the Reverend Donald C. Tippenham, the vicar of St. Mary's Church, Plaistow, to have the church bells rung during church service hours every Sunday morning and afternoon?

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend is afraid he could not comply with the request referred to by my hon. Friend.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is proposed to take steps to remedy the marked disparity between the promotion and commands attained by officers of similar ages, qualifications and service experience who have joined the flying branches of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, respectively?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Stroud (Mr. Perkins) on 14th October. The arrangements there referred to apply to officers of the Air Branch of the R.N.V.R.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what facilities for free vouchers, or reduced fares, are granted to officers and men of the merchant service when going on leave?

Officers and men of the Merchant Navy travelling on leave are entitled to four free railway journeys a year from their ports of disembarkation to their homes. On any other journeys which they may make on authorised leave they are entitled to travel at half the ordinary fares on the out and return journey. They obtain cheap tickets at this rate on surrender at the station booking office of vouchers which are furnished to them by a number of organisations.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport the administrative expenses per ton mile on vehicles directly hired by his Department in connection with the road haulage scheme; and how this cost compares with the figure of ·137 of a penny per ton mile which he recently gave as the administrative charges for traffic carried in chartered vehicles?

The figure of ·137 of a penny per ton mile given in the reply which I made to my hon. and gallant Friend on 7th October represents the estimated administrative charges of my Department in respect of traffic other than meat and livestock carried in all vehicles under the road haulauge scheme, whether chartered or hired direct by my Department or through the hauliers' national traffic pool. I regret that in my previous answer I limited the application of this figure to chartered vehicles. The figure does not include the expenses of the pool, for which an estimated addition of ·061 of a penny per ton mile must be made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of the number of road accidents, he will consider whether the speed limit at present fixed is too high or is being disregarded; and whether he will take steps with a view to reducing the number of deaths and accidents?

I have received no evidence that the present speed limits are too high or that they are now generally disregarded. In collaboration with the Home Office, my Department gives constant attention to the problem of road accidents. Wartime shortage of labour and materials limits the safety measures which can now be taken, but at our request, and with financial assistance from my Department, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents are extending their work. They hope to facilitate the provision of road safety instruction in schools and to set up local safety organisations in the areas of the larger local authorities. National propaganda will also be carried on with the help of the Ministry of Information and the British Broadcasting Corporation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport which class of traffic is primarily responsible for the number of deaths, especially of young children, from road accidents, namely, private motorcars, motor-cycles, commercial lorries or Army transport?

No, Sir. Returns of the causes to which road accidents could be attributed have not been made since the outbreak of war.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of the importance of speedy loading, unloading and release of railway wagons, active steps are being taken to introduce additional mechanical-handling appliances; and whether schemes are being carried through, as in other countries, to draw the attention of shippers and consignees to the vital need of a quick turn-round?

Additional mechanical-handling appliances are being brought into use by the railway companies, as fast as they can be obtained from the manufacturers. There is sustained pressure on all concerned to secure a quick turn-round of railway wagons. A publicity campaign for an "even quicker turn-round" this winter was opened two weeks ago.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that many persons engaged in gardening and horticulture lay up their motor vehicles during the winter months, using them regularly later on when produce is ripe for sale; and will he grant exemption for these persons from any order requisitioning such laid-up vehicles?

In every case where it is proposed to requisition a motor vehicle, full consideration is given to any claim by the owner that the vehicle is periodically used for essential work.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware of waste caused by the abolition of return omnibus tickets and the issue of two tickets instead of one; that passengers who formerly purchased return tickets will still have to cover the same distance but that they now have to spend more on fares for two single journeys without any commensurate saving of journeys; and whether the anomaly will be remedied?

In every case where cheap return tickets on omnibuses have been withdrawn, the purpose has been to reduce unnecessary travel. The resulting economy of rubber and fuel outweighs in importance any loss of material for tickets which there may be.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (1) whether he is aware that the location and names of vessels in port and about to sail are openly announced through the post and by telephone and telegram by shipping companies when placing orders for ships' stores and supplies through agents, wholesalers and retailers, thus making known to many persons in various parts of the country vital information which may endanger the pending movements and safety of such vessels; and what action he proposes to take to prevent this form of leakage of valuable information;(2) whether it is essential for shipping companies to indicate or use the proper names of ships for commercial purposes when such vessels are in British ports under orders to sail or otherwise; and whether he will adopt a system of code names for identification and other purposes?

Some means of identification of a ship is essential so that cargo, supplies and stores shall reach it; the management, loading, discharging, provisioning, fuelling, and manning of ships concern so many persons that the means of identification would have to be widely distributed, and, if the identification were in code, would become compromised in so short a time that the code would have to be changed at very frequent intervals—a course which would lead to confusion and might well lead to delay. It is well known to the enemy that ships are frequently leaving this country and the use of codes would not conceal that fact. I do not consider, therefore, that any general use of code names for ships would afford any greater measure of security than now exists. As I have already stated, the important thing is not to give away the exact times or dates of sailing or the routes to be followed. As my hon. Friend is aware, a special inquiry into cognate matters has been made by a High Court Judge, and my Noble Friend is now considering his report. Until decisions have been made, I would prefer to add nothing to the reply which I have made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, in spite of his statement in the House in reply to a Question on 10th February that, where excessive assessments were in force on 3rd September, 1939, these assessments would be reduced, inspectors of taxes are refusing to act on this direction even where Schedule A assessments were reduced in 1941 and are insisting on the payment of war damage contributions on the basis of assessments as at 3rd September, 1939; and whether he will issue fresh instructions on this matter?

I would remind my hon. Friend that my statement to which he refers was confined to the exceptional cases covered by the reply which I gave on the 18th November, 1941, to the hon. Member for Chesterfield. The exceptional cases were those in which the owner of a property was not liable to Income Tax and had, therefore, no interest in applying for a reduction of the Schedule A assessment in force at 3rd September, 1939. If my hon. Friend has in mind any such cases in which an adjustment of the assessment has been refused and will let me have particulars of them, I will gladly have inquiries made and will communicate with him as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the interests of paper saving and economy of man-power he will consider reducing the number of separate Income Tax envelopes sent to individual taxpayers and including all the different communications in one envelope, at any rate, when such communications are sent by the same post?

Every effort is made to reduce to the minimum the number of separate communications sent to individual taxpayers, and I am informed that, in addition to standing instructions on the matter, instructions recently issued have emphasised the importance of ensuring, wherever possible that all communications to the same addressee shall be sent in a single envelope. I must, however, remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the Income Tax is assessed separately on different sources of income and where these sources arise in different areas separate communications are often inevitable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether his Department receives at regular intervals from the War Damage Commission details of the action taken by it in respect of the control of properties for the repair of war damage; whether he has any right of overriding such action or whether his approval is automatic and what right is vested in the owner of property who feels he has been unfairly treated by the local authorities to appeal against their decision;

The powers of the War Damage Commission to impose, as a condition of receiving a payment under the War Damage Act, requirements as to the nature of the works to be executed for making good war damage or as to the application of a value payment, are contained in Section 7 of the War Damage Act, 1941. These powers can only be exercised in the public interest as laid down by directions given by the Treasury under Section 7 (1). It is the practice of the Commission, in exercising the powers, to consult freely with the Ministry of Works and Planning and other appropriate Departments. The Commission is required by Section 7 (7) to afford local or public authorities affected an opportunity of making representations, and it is open to such authorities to make representations with regard to the type and lay-out of any works or buildings to be executed to or in place of the damaged properties. The owner or owners of the damaged property are also afforded an opportunity of putting their case before the Commission. The final decision rests with the Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will so amend the Order under which the Territorial efficiency decoration is awarded as to make service in the Home Guard admissible in respect of this award?

The Efficiency Decoration is intended to serve as a reward for long and meritorious service in an auxiliary force which involves a liability to train in peace and it would not, therefore, be appropriate for service in the Home Guard to be reckoned for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will investigate the case, details of which have been sent to him, of a university graduate, a master of arts and a teacher by profession, now serving as a gunner, whose transfer to a form of service where his special training would be more suitably used has been recommended by a senior officer but has been refused by the Army?

I have had this case investigated. The soldier's unit was mobilised for service abroad at the time his transfer was being considered. My hon. Friend will appreciate that it is most undesirable to withdraw men from a unit in such circumstances and such withdrawals are only authorised if men are specially needed for other employment or for training as officers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will issue instructions to officers in charge of barracks in the Scottish Command that they may give certificates to enable officers in that command to obtain payment of field allowance for the 12 months prior to May, 1942, when such officers were living in completely unfurnished accommodation, and none of the articles in War Accommodation Schedule No. 10 were provided?

I have no reason to think that field allowance has not been issued in the Scottish Command where entitlement existed. If any officer considers that he has not received field allowance to which he was entitled he should bring the matter to the notice of his unit Commander. If my hon. and gallant Friend is aware of any case in which field allowance has been improperly withheld I shall be glad if he will let me have the particulars.

asked the Home Secretary the number of escapes from Borstal, Rochester, since this was reopened for use; how these figures compare with peace-time escapes; and whether the regulations governing this peace-time experiment are suitable for war time?

The institution was reopened on 10th April, 1940. From that date to the end of 1940 there were 33 escapes; in 1941 there were 71 escapes; and from 1st January, 1942, to 31st October, 1942, there were 106 escapes. In 1937 there were 24 and in 1938 28 escapes. The considerable increase in the number of escapes is due to several factors, including the shortage of experienced staff and the abnormal restlessness of young persons under war-time conditions. The question of what special steps can be taken to deal with the matter at this institution is receiving my attention, but I do not think that the general system of administering Borstal Institutions can properly be described as a peace-time experiment. This system has been operating with good results for 30 years.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many requests have been made by His Majesty's Government to the Government of the United States of America, in pursuance of the Anglo-American Agreement of 24th August, to make available patent rights, information, inventions, designs or processess required for war production?

Nine, Sir. The information supplied under this agreement of course represents a very small percentage of the total quantity of information constantly coming forward from the United States Government.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether the working hours of horses and ponies in mines have been substantially increased per day or per week as a result of the drive for increased output; whether action has been taken when ponies appear to get out of condition owing to strain or overwork; and whether the ponies get their regular food supplies at their working places "in bye" during the shift as well as a regular supply of clean drinking water?

Owing to the more regular working of mines the horses are in some cases having to work more days per week but not usually more hours per day. The answer to the second and third parts of the Question is "Yes": in the comparatively rare instances where the inspectors find otherwise, appropriate action is taken.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the total number of horses and ponies used below ground in mines at 30th June, 1942; the number of mechanical conveyors used at the same date; the percentage of the total output carried by conveyors; the number of portable motor-haulers; and the proportion of the total output handled by them?

The information, so far as it is available, is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will take up with allied and neutral Governments and with representatives of the free organisations of enemy countries, the possibility of setting up an international commission to study and report upon the question of securing the recognition of some existing or artificial language as the normal medium for international communication, treaties, conventions, etc., and upon the steps which should be taken by individual Governments to render such recognition effective?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consult other members of the United Nations with a view to the treatment of Austrians on similar lines, in view of the fact, that they are regarded as enemy aliens here and have been removed from the category in the United States of America?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a similar Question on 5th March by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Paymaster-General whether, in the preparation of reconstruction programmes, any attempt has been made to deal with the problem of expiring leaseholds in the case of owner-occupiers of leasehold dwellings?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, on behalf of all the Governments of the United Nations, he will immediately make known to the German Government and people that the compulsory evacuation by the German authorities of Poles, Dutchmen and Belgians from their homes will automatically deprive Germans who, at the end of this war may be living either East of the Oder or West of the Rhine, of any grounds of consideration in the event of a policy of transference of population being adopted?

I am of course only in a position to speak on behalf of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. So far as they are concerned, I can assure my hon. Friend that the sufferings caused to innocent people by the German policy of the compulsory deportation of civilians from the occupied countries of Europe will be a very relevant consideration in determining postwar arrangements in Europe.