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

Yes, Sir. Following the statement which I made in the House on 13th October, I appointed three committees to prepare plans for the fair distribution of clothing, pottery and hollow-ware to small retail shopkeepers. These committees have now reported, and I have approved their proposals, which will come into operation on 1st January next. Speaking generally, all three plans provide that small retailers of the goods in question shall receive, as a minimum, a definite percentage, in terms of value, of the goods they bought from each of their suppliers in a standard year. For the clothing scheme, a small retailer is defined as one whose total turnover was not more than £5,000 in the standard year, which is 1939. For pottery and hollow-ware, the maximum turnover figures are £3,000 and £2,500 respectively, and the standard years, 1st December, 1940, to 30th November, 1941, for pottery, and 1st June, 1939, to 31st May, 1940, for hollow-ware.

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the percentages, which differ for each of the three classes of goods and also for different areas owing to recent movements of population and other factors. The committees will remain in being to supervise the working of the schemes and recommend any changes which they consider necessary in the light of experience. I hope that it will not be necessary to apply legal compulsion. I prefer to rely on the good will and common sense of the traders concerned, who will, I am confident, co-operate with the committees to make the schemes successful. If, however, the committees report to me that anyone is deliberately, and without reasonable excuse, refusing to give his small customers their fair share under the scheme, I shall investigate the case, and, if necessary, issue Directions.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for what he has said and appreciating his endeavour, might I ask whether he can recall what he said on 13th October about a conference with the Minister of Labour on the call-up of small traders, because that seems a very important point? If the small trader is to go on distributing goods in the rural areas, he must be there to do it.

Yes, Sir; I am in touch with my right hon. Friend, and I think he intends to make a statement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is not exclusively a problem of supplies, but of the fact that shopkeepers and their assistants are being called up?

That is quite true. Of course, the distributive trades have to make their due contribution of man and woman-power to fight the war.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the distributive trades always make the greatest contribution of all?

Can my right hon. Friend say when the Minister of Labour will be able to make his statement?

Will the directions issued by my right hon. Friend have the force of law?

If necessary, I am quite prepared to issue directions having the force of law, but I hope it will be possible to make the scheme work without that. If my hon. Friend the Member for Stone (Sir J. Lamb) is referring to the statement by my right hon. Friend on the question of call-up, I think that question had better be addressed to my right hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the high prices of various kinds of toys charged by the stallholders in a Birmingham bazaar, where a wooden engine, without mechanism or pedals, is priced at £9 19s. 6d.; and what he intends doing about the matter?

Such a price for such an article appears outrageous and a complaint should be laid by the person from whom this sum was demanded before the local price regulation committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the sale of Christmas toys is being restricted, since there are substantial quantities in the manufacturers' hands, for which there is an eager market?

Restrictions on the supply of toys, as on other less essential forms of production, are imposed in order to divert labour and materials to work of national importance. In view of representations made to me that considerable stocks of toys, already manufactured, were being withheld from sale at Christmas owing to quota restrictions, I made an Order last Saturday allowing free supply of the cheaper kinds of toys by manufacturers and wholesalers until 26th December.

Does my right hon. Friend think that this will be in time to catch the Christmas trade?

Yes, Sir, I am advised that it is in time for that. I want to emphasise that it is not designed to allow more toys to be manufactured, but to clear out the stocks in the hands of manufacturers and wholesalers.

What steps are taken to see that the prices of the toys do not become exorbitant?

The concession applies only to toys below a certain price. It applies only to toys and children's indoor games, at a price not exceeding 5s. at the manufacturers' level, 6s. 8d. at the wholesalers' level, and about 13s. retail.

Is there any means of preventing the trader from charging 5s. for a 1s. toy?

How many of these toys can be bought out of £2 a week?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consult with the pottery industry on its post-war problems and ask all the representative organisations to give consideration to the need to prepare for a large-scale expansion of the industry to cater for the world market, and let him have their reports for consideration in preparation of a pottery industry post-war plan?

Preliminary discussions have already taken place with the representative organisations of the pottery industry on its post-war problems, and particularly those connected with the resumption of its export trade. I hope that these discussions will shortly be resumed, and meanwhile I should be very glad to receive any proposals which any of these organisations may wish to submit.

During the discussions will the President of the Board of Trade also have regard to the increasing problems of the industry arising out of the war situation?

Yes, Sir, I have that very much in mind. I am in very close touch with the various sections of the pottery industry, and I would like to pay my tribute to the way they are doing their best to increase production, under conditions of very considerable difficulty.

Will my right hon. Friend also keep in mind the Scottish aspect of this matter?

Scottish aspects are never forgotten.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement as to the future activities of the Retail Trade Committee which was set up by his Department?

In view of the statement which I made to the House on 13th October on retail trade policy and of the action since taken to put this policy into effect, I do not propose to ask the Retail Trade Committee for a further report. I have so informed the Chairman, and I have thanked the Committee for their three valuable and interesting reports. I am sure that the House would also wish to express their appreciation of the Committee's work.

Can my right hon. Friend, in view of the fact that he has now abolished this Committee, make an early statement on the opportunities that will be given to traders who have been compelled to close down during the war to reopen when hostilities cease?

All the problems of postwar trade will be gone into most carefully. The problems of trade and industry as a whole cannot be too much broken up. I am naturally in touch with my right hon. and learned Friend the Paymaster-General, who has general charge of these matters, and I shall consult the trade associations and trade unions concerned in drawing up schemes for post-war trade.

When will my right hon. Friend be able to make a statement on the register?

That is a different question, and perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put it on the Paper. But I may say at once that I have-taken steps to get this register prepared. It is well advanced, and before long it will be possible for entries to be made on the Register, Progress has been made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any statement to make on the Liabilities (War-Time Adjustment) Act as it affects traders who are endeavouring to remain in business during the war?

As my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General informed my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgwater (Mr. Bartlett) on 2nd December, this Act has already enabled many traders to continue in business who would otherwise have been compelled to cease trading. There may be others now in difficulties on account of the war who have hitherto failed for various reasons to seek the help which this Act might afford them. I hope that any trader in this position, or who sees trouble ahead, will not hesitate to consult the liabilities adjustment officer for his district. With the assistance of my Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor I have taken a number of steps to make the Act better known to traders. The national trade press, as well as the trade associations concerned, have been most helpful in making its provisions more fully understood by the public, and, in particular, in explaining how it can help small traders and others to carry on. In addition, the B.B.C. recently gave a very informative talk on the Act.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that small plain earthenware jugs, formerly retailed at 1s. 9d. each, are now being sold at 6s. 11d.; and whether he will do something to stop this exploitation of the public?

Under the Domestic Pottery (Maximum Prices) Order, which I made last June, the maximum retail prices for plain earthenware jugs range from 1s. 2d. to 2s. 9½d., plus Purchase Tax, depending on size and grade. If my hon. and gallant Friend will give me details of any specific cases where higher prices have been charged, I will have investigations made by the local price regulation committee, to whom, of course, complaints can be addressed direct by any member of the public.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that when the 6s. 11d. mark is rubbed off these jugs it is possible to see the original mark of 1s. 9d., which shows clearly that there is exploitation of the consumer?

We are always prepared to prosecute in cases of deliberate evasion of these price control Orders. The most expeditious course is for the persons who have a right to complain locally to lay the matter before the local price regulation committee; but since my hon. and gallant Friend has raised the matter, perhaps he will communicate with me, and we will go into it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare whether blockade conditions now apply to all parts of Metropolitan France; and/or whether navicert cargoes are permitted?

Yes, Sir. The blockade applies to all parts of Metropolitan France in Europe, and it follows that no navicerts are granted for cargoes consigned to this territory.

Is it not the same position as was applied before the occupation of unoccupied France?

It is the same except in respect of certain cargoes of relief foodstuffs which were allowed to pass at the request of the American Government.

Has that now been stopped?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare whether he will make a statement as to the food conditions now prevailing in the countries of Europe occupied by the Axis forces, especially as regards the position of young children; and whether he will issue a White Paper containing the latest information available on this subject?

Food conditions in countries occupied by the Axis forces have not substantially changed since the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend on 2nd July. While special provision is generally made for nursing mothers and very young children it is broadly true to say that in Belgium, Holland, France and Norway the food shortages are most acutely felt among children of school age and adolescents. As regards the last part of the Question, I hardly think the subject is appropriate to a White Paper, but I shall be glad to furnish my hon. Friend with any information on this matter which it is within my power to give.

While I thank the Minister for his reply, in view of the great public interest in this matter, could not this information be published in the OFFICIAL REPORT or otherwise made available to the public?

It would be a very long statement to publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT, but I will consider what my hon. Friend has said.

Will the Minister give an assurance that there is no intention in any way of relieving the blockade on occupied Europe?

Our constant endeavour is to tighten the blockade.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare whether the supply of foodstuffs and other necessities to Greece is proceeding satisfactorily; and whether he has any information respecting short age of food supplies in Norway, Belgium and Holland?

Shipments to Greece from Canada have so far been regularly maintained. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 21st July to my hon. Friend the Member for the English Universities (Mr. Harvey), and also to the answer which I have just given.

May we take it that most of the supplies sent to Greece have been delivered and that very little has been destroyed on the way; and is it possible to secure information from the Governments named in the Question regarding their present food position?

I have already given a statement regarding the food situation in Belgium, Holland and Norway, and I do not think there is any great shortage of information regarding conditions in these countries. As regards the first part of the Question, the shipments from Canada have all reached Greece according to schedule, but I would not like to say that I am yet completely satisfied as to the working of the safeguards for the protection of Greek domestic produce.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the anomaly that exists in the rates of pay to officers and non-commissioned officers of the Army Educational Corps whereby officers get lower and non commissioned officers higher rates than do the comparable ranks in other corps; and whether he will raise the rates of pay to Army Educational Corps officers?

Officers of the Army Educational Corps are paid at rates which are more favourable for captains and less favourable for subalterns than those of other non-technical arms. The pay of non-commissioned officers of the Army Educational Corps (except probationers) is equivalent to that of tradesmen in other arms. The question of bringing the rates of pay of Army Educational Corps officers into line with those of other non-technical arms is now being examined.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether consideration is being given to improving the pay of captains whose present rate of 16s. 6d. per day compares unfavourably with the old rate of 19s., and with the present rate for a major of 28s. 6d. per day?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the announcement by the Lord President of the Council on 26th November that captains who have completed three years' service in the rank will be eligible for 17s. 6d. a day.

Is it not a fact that this will only apply to those who have been so inefficient that they have been three years in one rank, and that there will be very few eligible? Is not that so?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are few captains eligible for the rise in pay of 1s. a day for captains of three years' service recently announced; and whether, in order to make the concession of practical value, he will extend it to all captains of two years in that rank?

I regret I cannot accept my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.

Is it not a fact that there are so few officers to whom this increase of pay has been given that the whole thing is slightly farcical and creates an impression among officers that what the War Office and the Treasury are trying to do is to give a paper concession which in reality provides no concession at all?

I do not accept that statement of the case. This matter was fully investigated, and a statement of policy was made by the Lord President of the Council, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for War why facilities are given for the free distribution of "Blighty" throughout the Services; and whether any of the profits of the company owning this periodical go to the benefit of serving soldiers?

There is in the Services a great demand for magazines of all kinds, and this demand is only partially satisfied by the existing supply. "Blighty" is generally appreciated by the troops and the facilities which already exist for distributing magazines to them are used for distributing "Blighty." No charge is made for it, and the question of soldiers benefiting from any profits it may earn does not arise.

In view of the fact that the Parliamentary Secretary discussed this matter with me at some length and he has had figures presented to him showing nearly £100,000 profit made by a few people, is it not discourteous to ignore that aspect of this problem?

The hon. Member has been told that I am considering these aspects of the case, but I am not sure that I shall not come to the conclusion that the question of the treatment of any profit is entirely a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who, to the best of my belief, takes 100 per cent. of excess profits.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that his last statement is entirely wrong? In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now permitted the establishment of a company of Army cadets in Kensington?

I understand that such a unit is about to be formed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now say what arrangements have been made for increasing the authorised establishment for Army cadets in the London area?

The authorised establishment of the Army Cadet Force in the London area was increased on 6th October, 1942, and recruiting to complete the new establishment is taking place.

Does my right hon. Friend remember that in September last I drew his attention to the fact that the Army Cadet establishment of 175,000 for the country had not been reached, whereas the very small establishment of 4,500 for the London area had been reached many months ago, involving the refusal of the establishment of a cadet company in Kensington? Does he not recognise how undesirable it is that boys anxious and willing to become Army cadets should be thwarted in their desire?

I answered an earlier Question on this subject, when I stated that a unit was now being formed there.

Can my right hon. Friend say by how many the establishment of the London area is being increased?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now satisfied that the troops are getting the best and latest films from the Kinema Renters Association upon satisfactory financial terms?

I hope to be able to make a statement about this shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to state that the restrictions upon showing films to the troops, within two miles of a cinema, have been with drawn?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the showing of films to troops stationed within two miles of a public cinema?

Hitherto the Army has not as a general rule been able to show films within two miles of a public cinema. In special cases exceptions were of course made. I am glad to say that arrangements have now been made with the trade which abolish the limit for all films twelve months after their general release. This will result in a considerable and valuable increase in the cinema entertainment available for the Army, and I should like to express my appreciation of the readiness of the trade to help the Army in this way.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether generally operating sets will be provided quickly so that advantage can be taken of this very satisfactory arrangement?

I would rather like notice of that question, but we have a sufficient number of operating sets to meet the increase in the supply of films coming forward.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the nature of the arrangements made with the trade; is there any payment or compensation involved?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that since his attention was drawn to the theft of goods from Glasgow Movement Control Embarkation Depôt, two 15-cwt. vans have been loaded with bales of cloth and cases of food supplies; that these supplies, of at least 30 cwt. have been taken from private houses by certain officers back to the docks; that orders have been issued to take away ordinary leave; that motor-cycle despatch riders are to be on duty for 57 out of 72 hours; that other penalties are being imposed, such as sending men overseas, for exposure of these thefts by officers; and what steps he proposes to take?

The facts mentioned by the hon. Member are being investigated, and I will communicate with him when the investigation has been completed.

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why the letter from me giving the name of the individual who has furnished details has not been dealt with? What kind of inquiry is taking place, seeing that this individual for three or four weeks up to last Friday had not even been interviewed by any inquiry committee; and is he aware that, following the Question being in the papers, these goods have been taken from private houses on instructions by officers and dumped back into the docks? Is not a real inquiry to take place?

I can certainly give the hon. Member a guarantee that a real and full inquiry will be made.

As the right hon. Gentleman speaks of a real inquiry, can he explain why the individual giving the information has not been interviewed and has been penalised by officers for three or four weeks?

I am not prepared to accept the second part of that question without further inquiry.

It is true.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider an improvement in the status of Army emergency chaplains, enabling them to achieve the substantive rank, pay and allowances of captain, with the accompanying opportunities of promotion to higher rank?

The status of emergency chaplains in the Army on being commissioned is equal to that of captain, and they receive the allowances of that rank. Their subsequent promotion depends on selection for vacancies in the next higher class. Their pay on first being commissioned is 15s. 4d. a day. I am not aware that there are grounds for an increase.

In view of the great work being done by Army padres, would the Minister consider the whole status of Army chaplains, particularly as regards the question of promotion?

Far be it from me to belittle the grand work being done by Army chaplains, but I think the hon. Gentleman should bear in mind that they start their Army life with the status of captain. They do not have to come in as second lieutenants.

Has not an Army chaplain the best hope of promotion in the next world?

asked the Secretary of State for War what regulations his Department has issued which would preclude members of the Home Guard from making representations to Members of Parliament on Service matters?

None, so far as I am aware.

Will the Minister allow it to be broadcast that individuals in the Home Guard have the right to approach Members of Parliament?

Judging from my correspondence, I do not think there is any need for that to be broadcast.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that for the last six months at least 100 members of the Home Guard from 7 Zone Area travel to Rainham, are away 11 hours to fire eight shots when a, range is available at Edmonton; that other units spend days at Bisley and Purfleet when nearer ranges are available; and whether, in view of these and similar cases, he will take immediate steps to avoid, in future, such wasteful expenditure?

I shall be glad to have any cases investigated in which money, time or firing facilities have been wasted. But I should perhaps explain that the firing itself is only one part of firing instructions at the range, and the number of rounds fired does not necessarily indicate whether the practice has been useful or not. Facilities at ranges vary greatly, and in the limited time available for training members of the Home Guard it is often better to take a, number of men to a large range some distance away rather than to a small range near at hand. These factors vary from unit to unit, and I am satisfied that in general the most economical and expeditious arrangements are made.

Will the Minister consider closely any correspondence I send to him on this question?

Certainly, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now any statement to make on the question of the supply of greatcoats to units of the Home Guard in Leeds?

Instructions went out a month ago to issue greatcoats instead of capes to all members of the Home Guard. These instructions are being carried out as fast as possible.

While I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, having regard to the delay, will he do what he can to expedite the issue before the winter becomes more severe?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can indicate the extent of the suggested changes in the facilities for officers and cadets to obtain a wider range of supplies of officers' equipment and uniforms through the official supply depots and stores; and when the promised changes are to become effective?

This matter is under consideration.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that assurance, may I ask whether he recalls the promise made by the Lord President of the Council three weeks ago that it was under active consideration at that time?

So it is.

When are we likely to have a pronouncement?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether priority can be given, when military personnel are brought home from overseas on compassionate grounds, other than medical, to men over 40 years of age with family obligations and to those who were already serving overseas before this war began?

Opportunities for transfer to the home establishment occur so seldom that the application of the priority suggested in the Question might well lead to the exclusion of cases with even stronger claims. As things are at present, I do not think the general arrangements now in force for these transfers can be altered. I gave a brief outline of these arrangements in an answer to my hon. Friends the Members for Leigh (Mr. Tinker) and East Fulham (Mr. Astor) on 8th December.