asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of a shortage of labour in certain sections of the cotton industry and what proposals he has for dealing with the matter?

In the early part of this year there was a shortage of labour in the spinning section of the cotton textile industry. Special steps were taken to increase the labour force, and as a result about 5,000 persons have been placed in or returned to the industry during the past six months. The labour requirements of the industry are at present under review in connection with the existing and prospective demands on the industry for production.

Has my right hon. Friend any proposals for making the cotton industry more attractive to possible entrants or re-entrants? Is he aware of the statement made the other day by the Minister of Fuel and Power that he had taken action to make miners' wages more comparable with those in other industries? Can my right hon. Friend do something similar for the cotton industry?

I understand that the whole question of wages in the industry is under review.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in taking account of the terms of well established industrial arrangements which he has power to accept as an alternative to the machinery of appeal under the Essential Work Order, he will ensure that all unions are given equal rights of representation in respect of their own members within the established machinery, before he decides that it is a suitable alternative?

No, Sir; it would not be practicable for me to give such an undertaking.

In view of the importance of the principle involved, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment at the first opportunity.

asked the Minister of Labour the lowest rate of wage fixed by any trade board at the present time?

The lowest general minimum time rates are 1s. 0¼d. per hour for adult male workers in the fustian cutting trade and 7d. per hour for female workers in the drift nets mending trade. I should, however, point out in both trades piece work predominates and minimum rates for piece work have also been fixed.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the advisability of adopting a minimum rate and making it the national statutory minimum for the whole country below which it would be illegal for any person to be employed?

I should want notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Labour whether men, surplus to the Dock Scheme in operation on Merseyside and elsewhere, on the day of the count are included in the monthly unemployment returns?

So far as such men, though not actually at work, remain in the employment of, and are in receipt of remuneration from an employer, as is the case with the majority, they are not included in the returns as unemployed.

asked the Minister of Labour whether arts students at universities and university colleges and approved institutions who are in medical groups of grade 3 or a lower grade will be allowed to continue their studies under appropriate conditions?

Yes, Sir. The arrangements must necessarily be subject to variation from time to time, and I contemplate that they should correspond generally with those applicable to women students.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the inequality in the wage rates for ship-repair workers in electrical trades in different districts; and whether, since this bears hardly on workers transferred from one district to another, he will take some steps to adjust the situation?

The rates in operation in the various districts are those agreed between the two sides of the industry, and any readjustment is a matter for negotiation through the appropriate machinery.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding further withdrawals of labour from the retail non-food distributive trades?

In view of the number of women urgently required for the Services and for vital war industry, I have decided, in agreement with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, and after consultation with the Central Advisory Panel for the Retail Distributive Trades (other than food and coal) that, in addition to the withdrawals which have already taken place, all women born on or after 1st January, 1907, should be withdrawn from those trades, and that in certain specified sections of the industry—a list of which I am arranging to have circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT—the withdrawal should extend to women born on or after 1st January, 1897. A limited period of retention up to six months may be granted to women whose withdrawal would result in the closing down of the business or branch of the business in which they are employed. It will be further open to an employee to represent that exceptional hardship, which may include hardship to the employer, would result from the withdrawal. Such cases will be considered by the Ministry or, on an appeal, by a Local Appeal Board in the light of decisions given by the Umpire under the National Service (Postponement Certificates) Regulations. Employees making representations on hardship grounds, will be informed that they may appeal to the local appeal board and may be accompanied to the hearing at the board by their employers.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether he can give an assurance that sufficient labour will be left, particularly in rural areas, to enable distribution of essential goods to be carried on? Further, will he direct his officers to give special attention to the claims of one-man businesses and other small concerns?

As I said the other day, I cannot give assurances to anybody, in the light of the present war situation. Any pledges I gave might be misinterpreted and might lead to an improper balance between the claims of one and the other. I can, however, assure the hon. Gentleman that the question will be dealt with on its merits and I think quite fairly.

In view of the importance of this subject, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he has seen a Motion on the Order Paper to-day calling attention to the whole problem of manpower in the distributive trades? Can he facilitate a Debate on the subject?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the wage rates in force for omnibus drivers in the Lincolnshire area are lower than those of unskilled labourers in the same area, and are likely to give rise to an industrial dispute unless remedied; and, as discussions with representatives of the National Union of Railwaymen have shown them to be in sympathy with the complaints of these omnibus workers but require his support, what action does he propose to take?

I have nothing to add to the answer given to my hon. Friend on 9th December.

As this has already given rise to one strike and a number of prosecutions, does the Minister propose to wait until there is another strike before he does anything?

Because there is one strike it does not of necessity mean that another will follow. The union must deal with the problem.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in order to ensure regular working, he has applied, or intends to apply, the Essential Work Order to the corn-threshing industry?

No, Sir. I have consulted my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture on this question, and he agrees with me that the application of the Essential Work Order is not at present necessary.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in some districts there is serious delay in threshing on farms, for this very reason? Has he any information on that subject?

No, Sir, I have not heard of it.

It is so; it is very real.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make any statement on the one-day strike in one of the Vickers works in the Home Counties on 14th December?

A brief stoppage of work took place in connection with proposed changes in the arrangements for supplying the workpeople with tea. Work was resumed on the same day, and further discussions are to take place before the new arrangements are introduced.

asked the Minister of Labour who are the members of the Technical Personnel Committee and what are their functions?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for London University (Sir E. Graham-Little) on 26th November.

I did put this Question down for the Lord President of the Council, but perhaps my right hon. Friend can say whether the Committee reports direct to him or to the War Cabinet. Also, will he give the names of the members of the Committee?

The persons serving on it are principally officers from the different Departments, drawn from the technical staffs. I will consider whether I can circulate the names. The Committee report to me.

Is there a university representative on it?

No, Sir. I do not think there is. That is why it is so successful.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether transport facilities have now improved in the town previously notified to him; how many fresh omnibuses have been put on; whether a larger omnibus depôt is to be established there consistent with the industrial needs of the district; and whether the local factory engaged on war production has been asked by the transport company for a lump-sum guarantee in order to extend essential war transport services?

In accordance with the offer made more than two weeks ago to the management of the factory in question by the Regional Transport Commissioner, the two existing omnibus services have been expanded. The time tables have been revised to cater more effectively for the shift workers, and a small additional mileage is being run. In the same offer, the Regional Transport Commissioner promised to put on additional vehicles for the morning and evening shifts, provided the factory management would guarantee a reasonable payment for the service. We are still awaiting the decision of the management on this proposal.

Is it necessary for the employers to guarantee a lump sum before these buses will be put on?

If the transport authorities are asked to put on a new service, I think it is desirable that there should be a reasonable financial arrangement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the Regional Commissioners for the London Civil Defence Region are refusing approval for the provision of separate lavatory accommodation for women wardens, when it is the policy of his Department that separate accommodation must be provided for women engaged in fire-watching at business premises; and whether he will see that separate lavatory accommodation is made for women wardens?

I am not aware that there has been any refusal to authorise separate provision where the need is established. The numbers on duty are smaller and other circumstances differentiate wardens' posts from business premises.

Does my right hon. Friend think it right that the people who forgather all night at these posts should not have separate accommodation?

The numbers are very small, and accommodation is often restricted. To provide separate accommodation would involve a considerable amount of labour which is not available. After all, there is no difficulty about this when private families are visited by their friends.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the long period which has passed without serious air-raids on this country, he will consider the desirability of allowing Civil Defence workers to engage more freely in other part-time services in connection with the war?

I presume my hon. and gallant Friend is hot referring to part-time Civil Defence personnel. A large amount of useful work is being done by the greatly reduced number of those necessarily retained for whole-time duty in the Civil Defence Services. But I agree with my hon. and gallant Friend that there is room for improvement and I am already considering how certain difficulties that have arisen in the working of existing arrangements can best be dealt with.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the lackout time in the morning as, if this could be reduced, it would lead to saying of fuel?

The black-out period corresponds generally with the hours of darkness, and shortening this period would therefore be unlikely to lead to any substantial saving of fuel.

Would it not be possible to save fuel if people could put up their blinds earlier in the morning rather than have, to wait for the present regulation time?

I saw the hon. Member's point. It is, of course, one of the diffi- culties that when we adjusted the hour at night we suffered for it, in a way, in the morning. Although I agree that there is a slight margin of twilight, so to speak, or early dawn, I do not think that any material saving of fuel would result from the adoption of the suggestion that has been made.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give Members of this House, on request, the names of any of their constituents who continue to be detained under Regulation 18B contrary to the recommendation of the Advisory Committee?

No, Sir. I regret that I am not prepared to comply with this request.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his reply prevents a Member of the House from carrying out what is part of his proper duties to a constituent, and that to refuse that permission is to treat the House with contempt?

I do not agree at all. I resent any suggestion that I treat the House with contempt. I am responsible to the House; I accept that responsibility. I do not think it is right that this should be done, as I think it would lead to a good deal of confusion.

Is it not the case that any of these persons detained can, if they think fit, communicate with their Members of Parliament?

That is so, and I assure the hon. Member that they often do.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a special fire risk arises where business premises that have been damaged are completely boarded up, if no fire guard is in the premises and where it is impossible to see from the street a fire which takes hold inside; and whether he will provide that the boarding up must be so done that if such a fire occurs it can be detected from the outside?

I recognise the special nature of the fire hazards presented by unoccupied business premises, and I propose shortly to introduce measures to deal with this subject.

asked the Home Secretary how many surface shelters are being closed in the London County Council area and in the various local government self-contained areas touching the Metropolis, respectively?

Proposals to close a number of surface shelters in the London Civil Defence Region are before the Regional Commissioners and the shelters concerned are being individually examined by the Regional staff with a view to deciding in each case whether the contemplated closure would be justified. This survey is now in progress and I regret I am not yet in a position to give the desired figures.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the observations of Lord Justice Goddard in the case of Arbon versus Anderson and Others, on the subject of the relationship between solicitor and client; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

As I have indicated in replies to previous Questions on this subject, this is a matter in which conflicting considerations arise. The persons detained under the Regulation are of differing types and include from time to time persons suspected of being enemy agents. In addition, therefore, to the considerations mentioned by the learned Judge there are also considerations of national security to which I must give due weight. I am, however, reviewing the whole policy in the light of the observations made by his Lordship.

In making this review, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the learned Judge pointed out that all ordinary prisoners had the right or consultation and communication with their solicitors and that this right is violated only in the case of people who are detained?

I am aware of what the learned Judge said on this point, but there are considerations about these cases which distinguish them from ordinary prisoners.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, having regard to the anxiety felt concerning the question of juvenile delinquency and in view of the success attending the measures which the Board of Education and the local education authorities have taken during the war to promote the care and welfare of temperamentally difficult children, he will consider the advisability of bringing this latter type of provision more closely into relationship with that of the Home Office in respect of delinquent children?

In considering measures for the care of temperamentally difficult children, my Department are keeping in close touch with the Home Office. The joint circular issued by the Departments in June, 1941, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member, included suggestions that the juvenile courts should avail themselves of the facilities provided by local education authorities through child guidance clinics and otherwise. My right hon. Friend and I are anxious that these facilities should be used to the full and extended so far as is practicable in the present circumstances.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to advise the local education authorities to persuade all boys and girls to join the different clubs, as this would put an end to a great deal of juvenile crime?

The hon. Member will realise that the youth services are being carried out as extensively as possible under the ægis of the local authorities. I am satisfied this influence is gradually being extended.

As the peak age for juvenile delinquency is 11 or 12, will the right hon. Gentleman extend the playing centres for children under school age?

I am aware that that is the age, or slightly older, when the peak comes, but I should require notice of the hon. Gentleman's Question.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether it is proposed to continue the award of State scholarships; how many will be available in the coming year; and whether they will be held over for those who are called up for war service?

The answer to the first and third parts of the Question is in the affirmative. The number of State scholarships to be awarded in the coming year will be decided when the number of entrants to the Higher Certificate Examinations, on the results of which these scholarships are awarded, is known.

asked the Minister of Health whether the regulations permit medical practitioners to make a charge to panel patients for the issue of doctors' certificates for ill-health when these are demanded by an employer?

Insurance medical practitioners are required to give medical certificates only for the purposes of the National Health Insurance Acts. They are not forbidden to give and charge for certificates required for other purposes.

Is the Minister aware that these charges are being made, and that often they are as much as 1s. or 2s. 6d. for each certificate, and is he aware that this is a serious burden on low wage-earners?

Perhaps the hon. Member will give me some information about the matter from his angle. I have stated what the law is.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the charges are being made and will he make provision to stop them?

In the case where a man is a member of an approved society, for which he needs one health certificate, and also a member of a friendly society, for which he needs another, will the Minister make some arrangement for a copy of the certificate to be granted and so save great expense?

I will look into that point.

asked the Minister of Health what arrangements exist outside the Poor Law for enabling persons suffering from diabetes to obtain insulin free or at reduced prices?

A person who is insured under the National Health Insurance Acts is entitled, to obtain insulin as a part of his medical benefit if it is prescribed by the doctor attending him. Local education authorities may provide insulin free or at reduced rates for children and young persons attending schools and educational institutions if the necessary sanction to this arrangement has been obtained. A general sanction is now being given. Local authorities have power with my approval to provide temporary supplies of insulin for the poorer inhabitants of their districts. I am issuing a circular drawing attention to this power and conveying my approval to its exercise for the period of the war, and I will send my hon. Friend a copy.

The right hon. Gentleman stated at the end of his reply that diabetics may be enabled to get their insulin free or at reduced prices from local authorities, but would it not be possible for the Minister to arrange for them to obtain it from the county councils, for then it would be spread over the entire county instead of coming from the urban district council or the rural district council? If that were possible, I would thank the right hon. Gentleman very much for this Christmas box to the diabetics.

I hope the hon. Member will thank me for the Christmas box, anyway, but I am sorry to say it is not possible to accept his suggestion, as county councils are not among the authorities who can exercise this power under the law.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that there are a number of diseases and physical conditions of patients, not stated in Group 1 or 2, for which doctors think a liberal supply of milk is necessary; and whether he will make arrangements whereby patients who are not covered by Group 1 list of diseases but are considered to be permanently ill can have two pints of milk per day provided the need for such an allowance of milk is certified by his or her doctor?

I am aware that certain doctors hold the view suggested by my hon. Friend. The comparative needs of different groups of people for liquid milk, including persons suffering from various diseases, have been most carefully considered in conjunction with the Food Rationing (Special Diets) Advisory Committee of the Medical Research Council. In view of the supply position and the need for maintaining at least a small supply for the healthy population, it has been possible to grant full priority only to those for whom a liberal supply of milk is a therapeutic necessity, and a smaller priority allowance to those for whom a moderate amount of milk is necessary. In the circumstances my Noble Friend would not feel justified in extending priority to other classes of temporary or permanent invalids for whom additional supplies of milk can only be regarded as a comfort and not a necessity.

Is my hon. Friend aware that in cases of this kind a liberal supply of milk is judged to be necessary by the doctor in attendance, on the patient and should the special knowledge of the doctor be ruled out by the Committee?

As my hon. Friend knows, doctors do not always take the same view, and we must be guided by the decisions of the Special Diets Advisory Committee and the Medical Research Council. We must have some central body to guide us, and we must act in uniformity throughout the country in accordance with their advice.

asked the Minister of Health what steps he proposes to take to deal with the shortage of suitable agricultural cottages in East Suffolk; and if he will consider the building of a minimum number of cottages in order to deal with the present shortage?

As I recently stated during the Debate on the Address, I fully realise the unsatisfactory housing conditions which obtain in many parts of the country, but the present demand on the available resources of labour and materials for works of urgent strategic importance preclude me at present from entertaining general proposals for the provision of new houses. I am, however, considering in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries whether any special steps can be taken to meet the urgent needs of agricultural workers.

Is the Department represented in the discussions now going on between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Agricultural Workers' Union?

My Department is in close touch with the Ministry of Agriculture on the whole subject.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider suspending the granting of cottage certificates by war agricultural committees; and whether he will take steps to prevent any unfair eviction from tied cottages during the war?

A certificate issued by an agricultural executive committee is merely one item of evidence that a court is required to take into account in deciding whether to grant an order for possession. This certificate shows the agricultural needs; but it is for the court to weigh those against other considerations. The arrangements for obtaining possession of agricultural cottages are, however, to be re-examined in consultation with the interests concerned.

Are the war agricultural executive committees responsible for finding alternative accommodation for farmers and farm workers who are turned out by their order? Is the matter being discussed in the talks that are going on?

No farm worker is turned out by order of the war agricultural executive committees. All that the war agricultural executive committees have to do is to give a certificate whether in their opinion a cottage is needed for agricultural purposes. The question as to hardship and alternative accommodation has nothing whatever to do with the war agricultural executive committees. It is solely a matter for the courts.

What steps is the Department taking to find alternative accommodation for small farmers?

That certainly does not arise out of the Question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he has taken to ensure that swill is sterilised before distribution from camps and other points of Government concentration where large quantities are always available?

The Departments concerned have agreed that swill from Service establishments should wherever practicable be sterilised by concentration or boiling before disposal to stock keepers, and appropriate arrangements are being made as quickly as practicable.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether as it is the Government's intention to get 1,000,000 more acres of land ploughed for the coming harvest, which must be a net increase of tillage acreage, he can now make a statement showing where the labour is to come from to achieve this, in view of the acute labour shortage on farms throughout the country?

Most of the additional regular labour required on farms will have to consist of women, and farmers needing further help should apply to their Executive Committee or to the Women's Land Army well in advance. I hope to have some additional prisoners of war available by harvest time and also an increase in the strength of war agricultural executive committees' gangs. As regards seasonal labour, it is intended to extend and develop still further the various schemes that have been in operation this year. I am aware that the labour problem created by the new ploughing-up programme will be a difficult one, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the Government will do everything in their power to provide the labour required so that the additional acreage can be properly cultivated and the crops harvested.

Does the right hon. Gentleman fully realise the position, with inadequate labour to deal with the land already ploughed up? If you put an additional 1,000,000 acres on top, the position will be well nigh impossible, given the best will in the world?

If I had thought that was the case, I obviously should not have asked for additional ploughing-up.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can make a statement regarding the potential call-up of a further 10,000 men from the farms; and whether he can announce the result of his conference with the Minister of Labour on this matter?

There is no present intention of releasing for military service any specified number of workers now employed in agriculture. Only those young men who are not identified as "key" workers on their farms will be released.

I hope the right hon. Gentleman will always bear in mind my earnest desire to assist him in every possible way.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will now reconsider his decision in connection with making a pronouncement on Government long-term policy for agriculture, and give an assurance that he will do this early in 1943?

No, Sir.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that verbal promises were given to the farmers, and is he aware of the tremendous efforts they have made in the national interest? Would it not be in the national interest that some definite scheme should be announced?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative and to the last part in the negative.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to cope with the dearth on the land of skilled tractor-drivers, men with a mechanical sense and a knowledge of simple maintenance work?

Instruction in tractor-driving, and the use and care of farm machinery, has been given during the war by county war agricultural executive committees. In order that this work might be intensified, I have recently asked committees to appoint machinery instructors, and to start a concerted drive to ensure better knowledge in regard to the care, and use of machinery.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that in different winter milk yields are mainly due to insufficient feeding of cows and heifers in the six weeks before calving; and whether this will be remedied by in creased rationed food?

I am well aware of the need for adequate feeding of cows and heifers before calving, but I cannot altogether accept that the position is as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend. Dairy herds receive priority in rations and special provision is made for in-calf animals.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that dried grass is the finest possible food for cattle and that a great deal of it is available, but is not being used, in the aerodromes of the country?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the large increase of arable acreage and the negligible increase in the threshing tackle in the country, he will take steps to have the latter increased before next harvest?

The production of threshing machines in the latter part of 1942, and the manufacturers' programme for 1943 should result in a considerable increase of tackle available for the next harvest.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in several districts there is insufficient tackle and that some farmers will not have straw to bed their cattle down?

It is not so much a question of lack of machines as the difficulty of seeing that they are adequately distributed.

Major Sir Derrick Gunston: Is my right hon. Friend making arrangements to import more harvesters from the United States?

That is being done. We got sanction only yesterday for a largely increased programme from Canada and the United States. When they will arrive depends on the shipping situation.

As great difficulty has arisen in more than one county in the matter of distribution, will the officers of the Department enter into discussions with some of the agricultural executive committees to see if the system of distribution cannot be improved?

I shall be very glad to have particulars. I am always trying to improve the position. If my Noble Friend can offer any suggestions, I shall be only too glad to see if they can be adopted.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now make a statement regarding the fees paid to serving officers and men for broadcasting?

The existing rules as to, the fees paid for broadcasting apply to all Crown servants, both civilians and members of the Fighting Forces, whereas the Question which my hon. Friend has asked refers to serving officers and men alone. I have great sympathy with the view that the member of the Fighting Forces who gives an occasional broadcast or so describing his own experiences on active service ought to be allowed to receive the appropriate fee in full. I have, therefore, reconsidered this matter with the object of devising an arrangement which will allow the whole of the fees for broadcasts of this kind to be retained, while maintaining safeguards against what I think would be an undoubted objection if civil servants or Service personnel were allowed to earn substantial supplements to their official emoluments by retaining the whole of the fees for a regular course of broadcasts on matters with which they are connected in their official as well as their private capacity.

I have, therefore, decided, after consultation with the Minister of Information, that in the type of case in which the 50 per cent. rule at present applies all Crown Servants should in future be allowed to draw the full fees up to a maximum of £50 per annum, but that in respect of any fees in excess of £50 a year the 50 per cent. arrangement should operate. I am advised that this will mean in practice that the occasional broadcasts given by members of the Fighting Forces on their experience in action will earn the full fees.

May I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his generous concession, which effectively covers the case?

Will the right hon. Gentleman make some arrangements with regard to the fees paid to Members of the Government and Members of the House for broadcasting?

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that this concession also extends to members of the Forces who provide the script for broadcasting but do not do the actual broadcasting?

I will look into that.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that I raised this question originally?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has yet fixed the remuneration and conditions of service for medical men to serve on the pension appeals tribunals which it has been promised are to be set up?

No, Sir.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that although the Government have promised to set up the tribunals, they have delayed doing so because of the alleged shortage of medical men? How can they expect to get medical men if they do not lay down the conditions on which they will serve?

Before I fix the fees I must know the exact conditions that will obtain at the time. It may be that I must fix the fees on a full-time basis, but until the position is resolved I cannot proceed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to resolve it in time for our re-assembly?

That is a matter for the Minister of Pensions.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the importance of securing the widest possible circulation for the Beveridge Report, he will consider issuing the Report at a popular price, as was done in the case of the Samuel Report on the Mining Industry?

An abridged edition of the Beveridge Report is on sale to-day at 3d. a copy.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has considered the co operative selling plan in connection with post-war export trade which has been sent to him; and whether he will make a statement?

The Com- mittee under my Chairmanship is examining all problems likely to affect our export trade after the war. Attention has been given to methods of joint marketing on the lines referred to by my hon. Friend. From discussions that have already taken place between my Department and export industries there is evidence that many industries propose to examine, in connection with their post-war plans, whether this form of co-operative selling can, with advantage, either be adopted or extended.

Will my hon. Friend give some interim report on the work of his Department, of which we hear so little and upon which so much depends?

A report on the prospects of post-war export trade will in due course be rendered by my right hon. Friend the Paymaster-General.

Will he do that soon?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any information about the case made against Israel Small, who was charged at Dartford, Kent, on Saturday, 12th December, with having 1,000 ration books, 346 clothing coupon sheets and 70 clothing coupon books; and what he intends doing about the matter?

This case is at present sub judice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there is an acute shortage of batteries for deaf-aid which is causing hardship for the deaf; whether he will take steps to remedy this; and whether he will remove the purchase tax from the batteries as they are necessary surgical instruments?

Arrangements were recently made to increase production of high tension batteries for hearing aids and supplies of this type of battery appear to be satisfactory. There have been difficulties in the production of some low tension types due to the placing of certain urgent Service contracts. These difficulties have been overcome and supplies of low tension batteries should shortly be adequate to meet the needs of the deaf. The matter of the Purchase Tax is under consideration.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department on what grounds the month's notice of discharge on account of redundancy given to Mr. John Rodgers, recently employed as director of post-war export planning in his Department, which was due to expire on 30th April, 1942, was extended to 17th May, 1942, thus ensuring that further reserved employment in another Department became available immediately following the expiration of his service in the Department of Overseas Trade?

Mr. Rodgers' appointment was extended until the 17th May because it was found impracticable for the permanent Director who succeeded him, as part of a general reorganisation of the Department, to take up his new duties before that date.

Can the hon. Gentleman conceive of any circumstances in which this officer would cease to be indispensable?

The hon. Gentleman had better ask the Department in which he is serving.

asked the President of the Board of Trade in what circumstances has one of his regional factory space inspectors in the Midlands appointed as his assistant at a salary of £500 per annum and motor-car expenses a man of military age with no experience, who resides in the same house; was this appointment made by advertisement and after reference to the qualifications of ex-Service men in the area; for how long his name appeared on the register of the Appointments Board; whether he will terminate it immediately and take appropriate action against officers in his Department who knowingly had any part in it?

I presume the hon. Member is referring to an officer appointed to fill a vacancy for an assistant in the North Midland Region of the Factory and Storage Premises Control. The salary paid is £450, not £500 as stated in the Question. There is no special allow- ance for motor-car expenses; provision is made for travelling under the regulations applicable to civil servants generally. No advertisement was made, as this officer was recommended by the Regional Factory Controller, he applied through the Ministry of Labour and National Service, was appointed on probation, and I have a satisfactory report on his work.

Does the Minister ask us to believe that it was not possible to get either a man above military age or a woman, and was he really restricted to getting a man of 31 or 32?

I do not ask the hon. Member to believe anything, but I state the facts as I know them.

Does the Minister consider that it is in accord with public policy that the Civil Service should be made a dumping ground for people to avoid military service?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has received any substantial number of dive-bombers manufactured in England since the end of 1940; and whether the Air Council still considers dive-bombers as obsolete or of only secondary importance?

The answer to the first part of the Question is that aircraft of this type for the Royal Air Force are being produced in America. As for the second part, I would remind the hon. Member that, as I said in my Estimates Speech of 4th. March, dive-bombers were ordered at a time when all the operational evidence was in favour of the dive-bomber. I added that since then operational conditions had changed, but that nevertheless the Air Staff hoped to find good use for this type. I have nothing to add to the statement which I then made, except to say that recent operations have increasingly shown the advantages possessed by the fighter bomber and light bomber over the dive-bomber.

When will these dive-bombers come into operation, or have they come into operation?

No, Sir, but the fighter bomber has been in very effective operation.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the anxiety and dissatisfaction caused in the Royal Observer Corps owing to his recent action in dismissing certain men aged 50 and over, he will, as the corps cannot be considered a military organisation, be willing to receive a deputation of Members of Parliament on the subject?

The decision to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers was announced to the House on 25th November and has since been the subject of debate. It is already in operation and, glad as I am to discuss with hon. Members matters in which they are interested, no useful purpose could be served by reopening this question.

Does my right hon. Friend then refuse to receive a deputation? I do not quite understand that, in view of the fact that I am suggesting in the Question that he should receive a deputation of Members of Parliament to state the case on behalf of those who have been or are being dismissed.

If my hon. and gallant Friend or any of my hon. Friends wish to see me to ask for further explanations, of course I am at their service, but the decision cannot now be altered.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that he has a constitutional duty to perform, and that if Members of Parliament wish to see him as a deputation, they are perfectly entitled to do so?

I have already said so twice.

asked the Minister of Information to what extent the British censorship have refused to allow criticisms of Admiral Darlan to be transmitted to the United States?

Criticisms of the arrangement with Admiral Darlan have from the beginning been passed by the British Censorship under the established rules.

Is there not considerable misunderstanding in America as a result of our censorship of news sent to America from the Near East?

I do not think there is any censorship of news sent to America. There may be misunderstanding in America on the subject.

Is there not delay?