asked the Minister of Information whether he will give a list showing the names of Members of both Houses of Parliament who have broadcast over the British Broadcasting Corporation's system since the beginning of the war up to date and the amount paid to each in fees?

As I told my hon. Friend on 25th November the fees paid for broadcasts by private individuals are a matter which I think should be left to the Governors of the B.B.C.

asked the Minister of Information whether he has considered the copy sent to him of the resolution of protest passed by the Birmingham branch of the National Union of Journalists against the alleged unfair treatment meted out to the Birmingham evening Press on the occasion of General Smuts' speech to both Houses of Parliament and on various other occasions; and whether he has any statement to make?

Yes, Sir. The evening Press generally had good reason to feel unfairly treated in not being warned of the last minute decision to allow Field Marshal Smuts' address to be broadcast "live." An apology was issued to them on the same evening. But the Birmingham Branch of the National Union of Journalists are in error in supposing that

"there have been innumerable occasions on which embargoes have been timed to give; the B.B.C. an advantage over the Press."

asked the Minister of Information whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that a supply of special notes on prisoners of war, sent by the publicity department of the Red Cross and St. John War Organisation, London, to the county president of that organisation in County Down,. Northern Ireland, was returned to the sender by his Department on the grounds that these notes had not been passed by the censor; and can he state the reason for this action?

Yes, Sir. Those who hold a permit to do so can send printed matter to Northern Ireland provided they affix the special permit label to the parcel. I am afraid that the Red Cross and St. John War Organisation failed to do so on this occasion and consequently the parcel was returned to them by the Post Office.

asked the Minister of Information what steps have been taken to secure effective distribution of "Front Line" throughout the United States of America, South America and the neutral countries?

We are in the midst of negotiations with publishers in many countries in order that the widest possible distribution may be given to this fine book.

asked the Minister of Information to what extent opinions publicly expressed in the United States of America which are adverse to, or critical of, this country, are subject to censorship over here and vice versa; and whether he will make representations to the United States Government with a view to securing a general relaxation of this particular form of censorship?

Public expressions of opinion in the United States, however critical they may be, are not subject to British censorship, nor are British newspapers required to submit opinions about the United States to censorship. Commentaries and articles broadcast or cabled abroad automatically pass through censorship but no restriction is imposed unless they are such as to give a wholly distorted picture of British opinion or are calculated to throw suspicion on the good faith of either country in matters of primary importance to the war effort. I cannot accept my hon. Friend's suggestion that I should thrust unsought opinions on the American Government as to how they should conduct their censorship arrangements. Were I to do so I should certainly lay myself open to the rejoinder that anyone who is called Minister of Information should at least know that since 1776 Americans have preferred to manage their affairs without the aid of any member of the British Government.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Trans- port whether he has considered the need for the institution of a ferry service across the Manchester Ship Canal between Trafford Park and Weaste, to operate day and night; and, if not, will he have an investigation made into the proposal?

I have received no evidence that the ferry service proposed by my hon. Friend is required, or that it would promote the war effort. If he will let me have such evidence, I will make further inquiries. I should warn him, however, that the proposal would involve various technical and other difficulties and that the full efficiency of the navigation on the Ship Canal would be the predominant consideration on which a decision would be based.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether some extension of freight rationing is to be applied to trade between Great Britain and New Zealand?

The position of New Zealand is the same as that of other Dominions. When the space available in ships sailing from this country to New Zealand is not enough to carry all the goods which New Zealand desires to import, it is necessary to determine what goods are most urgently needed. This is primarily a matter for His Majesty's Government in New Zealand, with whom I am in consultation on the subject through the High Commissioner in London.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware of the fact that in certain towns in the North-Midland region late omnibuses are run for those having permits after the last ordinary services now operating; whether his attention has been called to the fact that where accommodation exists in such later transport admission is refused to soldiers in full kit proceeding home on short leave; and whether he will give instruction that any such soldiers should be allowed to travel in such transport if accommodation exists?

I am glad to be able to inform my hon. and gallant Friend that on December 10th the Regional Transport Commissioner issued instructions that, if there is room, servicemen with kit should be allowed to travel on late omnibuses provided for priority travellers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will consider the granting of priority travelling facilities on local omnibus services to midwives on duty?

It is not always practicable to operate schemes of priority travel by omnibuses; but, where this can be done, consideration will certainly be given to midwives travelling on duty.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he can make any statement with regard to his requirements about public travel during the Christmas period?

The arrangements which have been made for public travel during the Christmas period are broadly similar to those made for other Bank Holiday periods during the past twelve months. The railway companies have received instructions that between 21st December and 29th December no more trains may be run on any week-day or Sunday than have been run on any ordinary week-day or Sunday, respectively, in December, 1942. Trains may continue to run in parts, but each part will count as a separate train. There will be no additional facilities for travel by road. The dates of leave for members of the Armed Forces have been so adjusted as to reduce leave travel at Christmas time as much as possible. Vouchers for visits to evacuees, and free or assisted travel on leave by the civilian staff Government Departments, will be suspended. My Noble Friend is confident that the public will desire that as at other Bank Holidays, essential war traffic shall have priority, and that, in their own interest, they will refrain from making journeys which are not essential.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what is the present normal equipment of lifeboats; and whether he will consider ensuring that better provision is made, especially in the case of lifeboats in ships routed in tropical zones, for water supplies, protection against exposure to the sun, simple surgical instruments and medical aids and tackle for catching fish and birds to supplement the food supplies?

The equipment which the Ministry of War Transport now requires ship-owners to provide in ships' lifeboats is designed to meet, so far as is practicable, the needs of shipwrecked seamen on every ocean, and in all conditions, including conditions in the tropics. I append particulars of the articles laid down as required. The minimum supply of water now required is approximately three quarts per person. This is about treble the pre-war requirement, and more water, in addition to this minimum, must be provided, as far as is reasonably practicable. Sun protection is afforded by canvas hoods and weather cloths fitted to the boats, and also by protective suits which are supplied to all members of the crews. Supplies for the use of passengers are now coming forward. An approved first aid kit must be provided in each lifeboat; the contents of these kits have recently been reviewed with expert medical advice. Fish hooks are now being provided by shipowners.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he has considered the need to increase the use of the canals between Leigh, Barton, Stretford, Sale and Manchester, in particular, and other parts through which the canals run; and will he make a statement?

Every effort is being made to increase the traffic on the canals, including the Bridgewater Canal, up to the limit of their capacity. If my hon. Friend will give more particulars of the traffic he has in mind, I will be happy to look into the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is now in a position to review the effect of the withdrawal of cheap travelling fares; and, in particular, whether he will give the reduction in the number of passengers carried on weekdays and on Sundays by London suburban trains and by omnibuses, trolleybuses and tube railways, respectively?

My hon. Friend will appreciate that the figures of traffic carried in different months are affected by seasonal variations and other changing factors, including, for example, the cessation of the Green Line Coach services. For this reason, it is impossible to isolate and measure the effect of the withdrawal of cheap day fares. Comparing the total bookings on the main line railways throughout the country at full ordinary, monthly return and cheap day fares in September and October respectively, there was a reduction of over 24 per cent. This compares with a seasonal reduction of about 11 per cent. between the corresponding months of last year. In the London area the number of passenger journeys on the main line railways was 1,266,482 less in October than in September. In 1941 the corresponding reduction was 377,841. It is not possible to give separate figures for Sundays and weekdays. On the London Transport Board's railways the number of passengers who previously travelled at cheap day fares was very small, and the effect of withdrawing these fares is not discernible. On the Road services of the London Passenger Transport Board the passenger receipts for October show a small decline (2.3 per cent.) compared with September, and some of this reduction was due to the withdrawal of the Green Line Coaches. In terms of mileage the net saving effected by the cancellation of the Green Line Coach services amounts to about a million vehicle miles a month. It has not been necessary for either the main line companies or the Transport Board to augment their normal train services to deal with any of the previous Green Line Coach passengers who may have transferred to rail services.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what was the weekly output of saleable coal produced in the North Derbyshire district during the four weeks ended 31st October, 1942?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him 15th December, when I stated that it would not be in the public interest to give actual figures of output for individual districts.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of boys under 16 years of age employed below ground in mines in each year since 1938; the number killed in each of the eight divisions each year by accidents; the number injured and disabled for more than three days; and the rate of injury per 1,000 employed?

The information is not yet available in respect of this year; for the years 1938–41 it is as follows:

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food in view of the fact that only 24 per cent. of the mothers receiving priority milk are applying for the anti-scorbutic extracts provided by the Government to offset the deficiencies of pasteurised milk, what other steps are being taken to offset these deficiencies?

No, Sir. I am not aware of the fact stated in the first part of my hon. Friend's Question. Previous to the 1st of this month the scheme for the distribution of vitamins was limited to children. It was then extended to expectant mothers, but no information is yet available as to the number who have applied for the vitamin preparations being distributed by my Department. It is also not correct to say that the vitamins are being issued in order to offset the deficiency of pasteurised milk. In these circumstances the last part of the Questions does not arise.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what information he has as to the effect upon human fertility of the removal or inadequate replacement of vitamin E in the bread now in general consumption?

I am advised that experts are not in agreement regarding the influence of vitamin E on human fertility. Vitamin E is a natural constituent of the germ of wheat. Having regard to the steps now being taken to ensure that national wheatmeal flour and bread contain as much of the germ as possible, there are no grounds for regarding the bread in general consumption at the present time as inadequate in respect of this vitamin.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food when he proposes to lay on the Table the Order for instituting the company known as the Soft Drinks Industry (War Time) Association, Limited, to take over the whole of the soft drinks trade in this country?

The Soft Drinks Industry (War Time) Association was incorporated under the Companies Act, 1929, on 7th August of this year and no Order is necessary in connection with its incorporation. The objects for which the company was formed are set out in the memorandum and articles of association of which copies can be obtained from the registrar of companies in the usual way. I could not accept the expression used by my hon. Friend as an accurate description of the purposes for which the company was established.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why torches requiring No. 8 batteries were allowed to be manufactured and put on the market since there is now a widespread shortage of the necessary batteries and no indication of the supply being increased?

The manufacture of torch and lamp cases designed to hold No. 8 batteries has been totally prohibited since the 7th September, 1942. The sale of manufactured torch cases is not subject to restriction or control.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that firms who have been compelled by his Department to cease production are required to pay war risks insurance, war damage insurance, fire insurance and boiler insurance, as well as rates, and at the same time to keep their plants on a maintenance basis; and whether he proposes to take any action to relieve their present position?

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the closing of firms under the concentration of industry policy. It is an essential part of this policy that nucleus firms should make provision for the payment of the necessary current expenses of firms closed under the scheme.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his post-war plans for rebuilding our overseas trade look mainly to the output of mass production or to what extent to the arts and crafts output of small workshops as well; and what steps, in that case, are being taken to encourage and keep alive the little workers, even in war-time?

In the past firms of all sizes participated in export trade and I hope they will continue to do so after the war. So far as is consistent with making the best use of the limited resources of labour and materials which are now available to meet the essential needs of the civilian population, I have left unhindered the activities of arts and crafts workers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the large number of horses now being used on the road he will consult with the National Master Farriers' Association with a view to encouraging the frog method of shoeing whereby thinner steel shoes are employed and the frog of the horse's foot is allowed to come more fully into play?

I will certainly discuss my hon. Friend's suggestion with the National Master Farriers' Association.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the appointment of Governor Lehman to administer relief in North Africa is limited to that area; and how this relief work is co-ordinated with that planned by the Inter-Allied Requirements Bureau appointed by the meeting of representatives of the United Nations at Saint James' Palace in 1941?

According to the official United States' statement, Governor Lehman will undertake the work of organising American participation

"in furnishing relief and other assistance to victims of war in areas re-occupied by the Forces of the United Nations."

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the Report of the Inter-Allied Requirements Bureau, under the chairmanship of Sir Frederick Leith Ross, is to be presented to a meeting of representatives of the United Nations?

The report by the Allied Post-War Requirements Bureau, when completed, will be submitted to the Inter-Allied Committee set up in accordance with the resolutions of the Allied Meeting held at St. James' Palace on 24th September, 1941. It is not possible to say when the Report will be ready but the work of the bureau is proceeding actively.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the first £1 of earnings, which is ignored in the case of the wife of a serving man for the purpose of calculating any war-service grant that may be due, also applies in the case of a widowed mother who was wholly dependent upon her serving son?

This matter is receiving further consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the need for man-power standard for peacetime, the Government will concentrate on finding work for the 101,080 who were returned in November as still unemployed?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given to the hon. Members for Moss Side (Mr. Rostron Duckworth), Kilmarnock (Mr. Lindsay), and Finchley (Captain Crowder), on 3rd December, 19th November and 15th October respectively.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will inquire the reasons why there are so many men under 21 years of age at present employed in agriculture in the county of Gloucester?

Young men under 21 years of age are not indefinitely retained in agriculture in Gloucestershire or any other county unless they are identified as key workers. The process of identification is not yet complete in respect of men born in 1923 and 1924. As regards the 1923 age-class and the first half of the 1924 age-class, those not so identified by 1st January, 1943, will thereafter be called up; those in the third quarter of the 1924 age-class not so identified by 1st February, 1943, will thereafter be called up. Men born later than the third quarter of 1924 have not yet been required to register under the National Service Acts.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will have inquiries made into the circumstances under which Miss Doris Sadler, of 112, Rectory Lane, Tooting, S.W.17, who has been for six years with a chemical manufacturing undertaking and who is medically unfit for service with the women's forces, has been instructed to report for general duty in a Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes canteen; and whether he will direct the attention of the appropriate authorities to the tact that this girl has been trained to deal with poisons and drugs, the manufacture of which is a national necessity, and ask them to investigate the matter further?

I am having full inquiries made and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will inquire into the case of a general practitioner, aged 41, who has been recommended by the local war committee for compulsory enlistment, although he has a wife, two children, a mother and a sister to support, and there are younger doctors, unmarried and without such commitments in the same district, remaining unenlisted; whether he will inquire into the constitution and activities of the local committee responsible for this action; and will he revise this decision?

If my hon. Friend will furnish details of the practitioner and the local medical war committee concerned I will have inquiries made. I ought, however, to explain that a local medical war committee in nominating practitioners for His Majesty's Forces is concerned solely with the effect of his withdrawal on the civilian medical needs of the area and not with any question of personal hardship.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the British Medical Association, in carrying out its private scheme for protection of practices, is denying to insured persons their legal right to tree choice of doctors, several instances of which have been furnished to him; and by what authority this action is allowed?

An insured person's statutory right to select a practitioner is subject to acceptance by the practitioner. The provisions of the scheme to which my hon. Friend refers do not appear to me to infringe this limited right, but I will look into the latest incidents which my hon. Friend has brought to my notice, if he will send me the names of the insurance committees and the practitioners and patients involved.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production when Sir Roy Fedden will take up his new duties in America; and what staff is at present employed by him?

Sir Roy Fedden is leaving for America very shortly. He will be accompanied by a staff of 10.

asked the Minister of Health what is the number of taximeter-cabs now licensed in Romford and the number licensed for the nearest available date before the war; and what is the reason for the increase or decrease?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Health is informed that there are 93 hackney carriages now licensed in the borough of Romford, and that on the 31st August, 1939, the number was 24. The matter is not one in which he has any jurisdiction. The grant or refusal of licences is entirely for the local authority, except that an unsuccessful applicant for a licence has a statutory right of appeal to the courts. The information before my right hon. Friend does not show how the number of licences has come to be increased, although it does show that the council have given careful consideration to the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning what directions have been issued to Government Departments in connection with the limitation of supplies of hot water for the use of personnel employed there; and whether objection has been raised to the use of baths by persons employed on continuous duty for 24 hours or more where baths already exist and the water is economically used?

The following directions about the supply of hot water for domestic purposes were issued to Departments in September, 1942:—

"Domestic hot water supplies should be shut off altogether wherever possible or restricted to a brief period between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. or 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. according to departmental convenience."

asked the Minister of Supply the qualifications of Mr. Oliver Lucas for the post of Director-General of Fighting Vehicle Research, Development and Design; and how long he has held that post?

Mr. Lucas was appointed Controller-General of Research and Development in the Ministry of Supply in July, 1941, and in that capacity gave a great deal of his time to the problems of research and development relating to armoured fighting vehicles. Three months ago the Armoured Fighting Vehicle Department was re-organised and Mr. Lucas, at my request, accepted his present post so that he might devote the whole of his time to armoured fighting vehicle work. Mr. Lucas has had long experience in the engineering industry and has an intimate practical knowledge of the inter-relationship of research, design and production.

asked the Minister of Supply what posts are occupied by Mr. H. P. Trouncer and Mr. Windett; and what are their ages and qualifications?

Mr. H. O. Trouncer is an Assistant Secretary in the Machine Tool Control and deals with financial and administrative questions. He is 34, and joined the administrative staff of the Ministry in March, 1940. He is a member of the Institute of Actuaries. Mr. Windett is Statistical Officer to the Controller-General of Machine Tools. He is 38 and has served in statistics branches of the Ministry since December, 1939. He previously held a statistical post under the Central Electricity Board.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning the number of persons employed, and at what cost, in the acquisition and collection of railings in the North Midlands Region?

The number of persons wholly or partly employed on this work is 13 at an estimated inclusive cost of £420 per month for salaries and travelling expenses.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that there has been a considerable fall in the production of copper in Northern Rhodesia; whether he can state the reason for this fall; and will he appoint a commission to investigate the situation?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative, and the second and third parts do not therefore arise.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Mr. C. S. W. Maeyer, vice-chairman of the Mufulira Branch of the Northern Rhodesia Mineworkers' Union, and Mr. F. S. Maybanks, general secretary of the same union, who were detained by the governor of Northern Rhodesia in October, have been brought to trial; and what is the charge on which their detention was ordered?

Neither of these persons has been brought to trial. In accordance with the Northern Rhodesia Emergency Powers Regulations, under which they were detained, objections which they made to the order for detention were considered by an Advisory Committee. In the case of Mr. Maeyer, the Advisory Committee felt that there were not sufficient grounds for his detention but that his presence on the Copperbelt was undesirable. He was informed of the Committee's recommendations, and that it was proposed to deport him to South Africa, where he was born, but that he would be allowed to leave of his own accord if he so wished. He stated that he was willing to leave, and he left for South Africa some weeks ago. The Advisory Committee recommended that Mr. Maybank should continue to be detained. The Governor of Northern Rhodesia decided that it was inadvisable that he should be kept indefinitely in custody in the territory, and was accordingly authorised to take steps under the Emergency Powers Regulations for Mr. Maybank to be removed to this country where he was born. On arrival here, Mr. Maybank will no longer be subject to detention. The grounds on which the detention of these persons was ordered were given by my right hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in reply to a Question on 2rst October.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is a growing feeling among officers that undue preference is given to Regular officers in all appointments, both to staff courses and to staff appointments and that the percentage of Regular officers given vacancies at the staff college and in higher positions on the staff bears this out; and whether he will take steps to see that in filling vacancies adequate consideration is given to the claims of Territorial and other non-Regular officers?

When officers are being considered for staff appointments or for attendance at Staff College courses no distinction whatever is made between them on the basis of the commissions they hold. The experience, training and efficiency of the officers are the factors which determine whether they are selected. My impression is that this is well understood in the Army but I welcome this opportunity to assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the claims of non-Regular officers are fully considered.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information in connection with the death of four soldiers and injuries to 16 on the night of 7th December, south of Croxton, Leicestershire?

Inquiries are being made into the circumstances of this accident and I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as they are completed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many men, coming from Home Guard duties, wish to attend political meetings and committees before going home to change, especially in the London suburbs; and whether the existing regulations on this subject will be relaxed to enable citizens to do this?

I see no reason to alter the existing regulation which forbids officers and members of the Home Guard to attend political meetings and committees in uniform. In the event contemplated in the Question, the Home Guard concerned should apply for permission to leave parade early enough to allow him to change his clothes before attending the meeting, or, if that would not meet the case, for permission to change his day of Home Guard duty for the particular occasion.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that crossed swords against an officer's name in the Army List denote that he has served in previous campaigns to the present one, as well as that he has cither been Mentioned in Despatches or received a decoration since 1939, he will cause an additional distinguishing mark to be added to the names of those officers who have received recognition during the present conflict?

The names of those Army officers who have been decorated or mentioned in despatches since 1939 have been published from time to time in the London Gazette. The special symbols and letters against certain names in the Quarterly Army List are inserted for official reference, having regard also to security considerations. That purpose is adequately served by the existing practice, and there appears to be no valid reason to alter it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will investigate the case of a graduate of London University, details of which have been submitted to him, with long administrative experience now serving as a private soldier, a gunner, who was recommended by the Recruiting Board of London University for a commission in January last and who has repeatedly applied for a transfer or a commission as technical administrative officer, but who remains in a position in which his specal qualifications are wasted?

University graduates who are recommended for commissions by Joint Recruiting Boards prior to their call-up are required to show during their period of service in the ranks that they possess the qualities required of a commissioned officer before acceptance for cadet training. In accordance with this procedure the graduate referred to was interviewed by his Unit Selection Board and although in possession of administrative abilities was found to be lacking in power of command and leadership. He has therefore, not yet been accepted as suitable for training as a' potential officer but his progress as a leader is being carefully watched.

asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been called to a meeting of the Bradford City Council on 8th December, when a proposal of the Rating Committee to revert to the rating of owners of houses under £10 rateable value and the compounding system was defeated by 33 votes to 31; that three members who admitted having financial interests in the matter voted with the majority although the town clerk had advised the council of the effect of Section 76 of the Local Government Act, 1933, as to members of the council having a pecuniary interest; and whether he will refer the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions with a view to a prosecution being instituted?

Without expressing any opinion as to whether the result of the investigation would justify proceedings I have asked the Director of Public Prosecutions to make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give an undertaking that the interests of pensioners of the Shanghai Municipal Council will be considered in any negotiations with the Chinese authorities on the relinquishment of extra territorial rights in the settlement of Shanghai?

I can assure my hon. Friend that this question is being borne in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the allegation that British subjects in a camp at Nanping, Fukien, have been so badly treated by the Japanese that two-thirds of them have died of starvation and illness; and whether he proposes, through the Protecting Power, to make proposals to the Japanese Government as to action we shall feel called upon to take if this treatment continues?

I am glad to say that the Press report to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers is untrue. Nanping is in unoccupied China and there is no Japanese camp there.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that members of the Royal Observer Corps frequently have to wait two or three weeks for their pay, apparently owing to a shortage of the postal drafts used for this purpose; and whether he will either arrange for the supply of these drafts to be increased or, alternatively, for some other method of payment to be adopted?

Some delay in the issue of pay to members of the Royal Observer Corps occurred recently in two areas owing to difficulties in connection with the supply of postal drafts. The delays that occurred were wholly exceptional and I am assured that the supply of drafts will in future be adequate.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will reconsider the refusal of the Paper Control to reimburse the Hendon Paper Works Company, Limited, of Sunderland, in accordance with the terms of the contract between himself and the company, the cost of unloading straw stored on his behalf and subsequently removed upon his instructions after damage by fire?

I am advised that neither the terms of the contract nor the principle on which such, transactions are based call for the reimbursement of this cost by the Ministry of Supply.