asked the Secretary of State for War why the permanent pension awarded to Sergeant Alfred Faulkner, No. 5247, Bedfordshire Regiment, on 18th April, 1935, of 25s. per week, has been reduced to 10s. 6d. since 16th December, 1941?

The disability pension granted to Sergeant Faulkner of 10s. 6d. a week was increased in 1935 to 25s. a week under the terms of Army Order 471 of 1922 which provided for the increase of certain injury pensions subject to the pensioner's total income not exceeding £200 a year, if married, or £150 if single. In 1939 a further increase of 2s. 4d. a week was payable. His total income has since increased to such an extent above £200 that the increase in his basic pension is no longer payable.

asked the Secretary of State for War in view of the complete monopoly granted by his Department to the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes for the distribution of sports goods to the Army which has caused serious loss and in some cases ruin to the trades concerned, what compensation he is proposing to those persons and firms who are suffering?

I regret that my right hon. Friend cannot accept the suggestion that compensation should be paid in these circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for War when he will be able to make a statement on the proposed simplification of the Army pay system?

My right hon. Friend hopes to be able to make a statement early in the New Year.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to report further progress in the equipment and training of the Palestine Regiment?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Bilston (Mr. Hannah) on 15th December, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can give any information in connection with an anti-aircraft shell that exploded on the pavement in Croyde Avenue, Middlesex, on Saturday, 21st November; whether any people were hurt and whether any property was damaged; and what was the cause of the explosion?

I have been asked to reply. The inquiry into the accident referred to in the Question has established that a shell was fired from an anti-aircraft gun as a result of the faulty drill of two men against whom disciplinary action has now been taken. Nobody was hurt but two houses were damaged.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will inquire into the case, details of which have been furnished him, of a university graduate in medicine who has been called up for service as a private in the Army where his professional training would seem to be wasted?

I am unable to trace the receipt of details of the university graduate in medicine to whom my hon. Friend refers, but I will gladly investigate the case on receipt of those details.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will inquire into the case, details of which have been submitted to him, of an honours university graduate, a research scholar in physics, who is now employed as a private, notwithstanding protests from his teachers who are unable to replace him in the research work which he was doing at a university chemical laboratory when called up?

The facts submitted by my hon. Friend have been investigated but I regret that a sufficiently strong case has not been made out for the release from the Army of the graduate in question. The scope of his employment in the Army is limited by the fact that he registered as a conscientious objector and has been posted for non-combatant service only.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the interest of the health of the Army, he will cause all men returning from leave to be medically examined and, if found to be suffering from venereal disease, to be treated immediately, without loss of proficiency and other pay and without having to go to a hospital known to treat mainly such diseases, so as to ensure that the nature of his disability should not be known to his family and friends?

All soldiers returning from leave are medically examined and if found to be suffering from venereal disease are admitted to the venereal disease departments of certain military hospitals, none of which is designated as a Venereal Disease Hospital. If a soldier loses his physical efficiency as a result of his own action he loses his proficiency pay but it is restored to him as soon as he regains his full efficiency as a soldier. This rule applies to soldiers who contract venereal disease.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that second lieutenants, now abroad, with nearly two years' service are still awaiting promotion to the rank of lieutenant; that this is specially the case in West Africa; and whether he will take immediate steps to effect promotions long overdue?

Until the recent reduction in the qualifying period required to six months, all second lieutenants remunerated under the Pay Warrant were, in the absence of non-recommendation, automatically promoted lieutenant on completion of 18 months' commissioned service during the present emergency. If my hon. Friend will send me particulars of any cases where this is not being done I will have them investigated. On the other hand, officers of Colonial and other local forces normally continue to serve under the conditions applicable to such forces irrespective of whether they also hold emergency commissions in the British Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the interests of economy, he will consider the issue to commissioned, as well as other ranks, of battle-dress only and the gradual replacement by it of distinctive officers' uniform though not of emblems of rank?

No, Sir. I do not consider that a change in the present arrangements is justified.

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether Rudolf Hess was one of the German prisoners of war put in chains?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private L. Bratley, 4341952, D Company, East Yorkshire Regiment, is a prisoner in Italian hands; that the Italian authorities have taken away his uniform; that he and his comrades are short of warm clothing; and will he ask the Protecting Power to take steps to see that British prisoners in Italian hands are provided with adequate clothing?

I am investigating this matter, and will communicate with my hon. Friend in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now received any further information in connection with the fact that our prisoners in German reprisal camps are being deprived of shaving tackle, soap, towels, toothbrushes, brushes and combs, books, etc.; and whether the inquiries of the Protecting Power have brought this form of reprisal to an end?

My information shows that reprisals have not been carried out in special reprisal camps but in ordinary prisoner of war camps. As far as I am aware the reprisals referred to have ceased and I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Wycombe (Sir A. Knox) on 15th December, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many, and which, local education authorities in England and Wales agreed in 1942 to release children over 12 years of age from school during term-time to assist in agricultural work in accordance with the provisions of the Defence Regulation of 30th April 1942; the total number of children so released before and after 30th September; and the total number of school days missed by the children?

I regret that the information required is not available, and in view of the reduced staffs of local education authorities, I think the hon. Member will understand the difficulties of obtaining the figures she desires.

asked the President of the Board of Education when he will be in a position to announce his education proposals?

The hon. Member can rest assured that as soon as I am in a position to make an announcement on this subject I shall do so.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the increase in industrial employment, he is satisfied that the factory inspectorate is adequate to prevent the violation of laws safeguarding the interests of women and young persons employed in industry?

The authorised strength of the inspectorate has been increased by 25 per cent. since the beginning of the war. I look to the trade unions to assist me by reporting cases affecting their members. This is an effective method of assisting the inspectors.

asked the Minister of Labour if the policy of transferring labour from mineral water manufacture to brewing, as recently carried out at Luton, will be followed in other cases; and whether he will give instructions to his officers not to bring pressure on those who do not desire to engage in brewing?

Where workers are released from a concentrated industry, they are available for placing on whatever other work seems most suitable and most important. I have no evidence that workers have been directed against their will to work in breweries.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the case of Albert Theobald, a London Passenger Transport Board driver who, having served seven years in the Army, wished to rejoin but could not obtain his release from the London Passenger Transport Board because he would not enrol in the Home Guard; was sent to prison for one month at Watford Police Court; did the man have legal advice; and whether, in view of the evidence of the trade union, he will remit this sentence?

My inquiries indicate that the information on which my hon. Friend's Question is based is mistaken. According to my information, Mr. Theobald if he had wished to join the Army could have done so at any time before the 8th April, 1942, when the Essential Work Order was applied to the undertaking of the London Passenger Transport Board. He took service with the Board in January, 1940, and on the 14th April, 1942, applied for release to take up employment as an electric crane driver. In August, 1942, he again applied for release in order that he and his wife, might live at Hayes with a relative. In November he was prosecuted for failing to enrol in the Home Guard, and when before the court alleged that he had been prevented from joining the Army because the London Passenger Transport Board would not release him. I am told that he was not legally represented at the hearing, but the case appears to have been fully investigated by the court, and I have been unable to find grounds for advising any interference with the sentence, which expires to-morrow.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take steps to ensure that, after the war, the seats provided in shops for shop assistants shall, in fact, be available for all assistants and that managements shall no longer be able to penalise assistants who use these seats?

No representations on this matter have of recent years been made to my Department, but when an opportunity arises for any general review of the provision of the Shops Acts, this question might properly be included in such review.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state, separately, the number of children at present in approved schools who have been convicted of offences, who are beyond control and who have been found to be in need of care and protection; the number of children sent to approved schools for non-compliance with school attendance orders; and the number of children sent to approved schools under these categories in the past 12 months?

The number of boys and girls in approved schools at the end of November was 10,322, but I regret that separate figures for the categories mentioned are not yet available. I find, however, that of the boys and girls admitted to approved schools in 1941, 4,662 had been guilty of offences, 284 had been found to be beyond control, 280 had been found to be otherwise in need of care or protection and 117 were committed for persistent disregard of a school attendance order.

asked the Home Secretary how many children and adolescents are in remand homes and similar institutions; how many new establishments of this kind have been started during the past two years; and what further steps does he contemplate in view of the difficulty of magistrates at the present time in dealing with young offenders?

No figures are available to show the exact number of children and young persons detained at a particular date in remand homes and similar institutions, but the total number of places provided is about 2,000 and it may be assumed that most of these are filled. In the past two years, schemes for 36 new establishments, providing 1,100 places, have been started, and of these 24, providing 750 places, are now open. Further schemes are also under consideration. The existing pressure on remand homes should also be relieved as new approved schools which are now being provided come increasingly into use. I hope that the effect of these measures to ease the difficulties experienced by the courts will become increasingly apparent in the New Year.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that the instruction and tasks given to children in reformatories in such requisitioned buildings as have been brought into use provide sufficient physical training and also the carrying out of work that can be directly associated with the war effort?

The only approved schools housed in requisitioned buildings are four which had to be evacuated from their own premises. At these, as at all approved schools, physical training receives full attention. Work associated with the war effort is keenly encouraged and many schools are making notable contributions. Three of the schools housed in requisitioned buildings are for children of school age. At the fourth the boys so far admitted have been largely engaged in making improvements necessary to enable the premises to be brought into full use.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the abolition of black-out in urban areas, having regard to the fact that it affords no security against bombing and is responsible for many casualties and hinders all air-raid precautions activities?

No, Sir. The blackout has proved its value as a defence against air attack and, whilst modifications have been made in particular respects where circumstances justify them, there can be no question of its abolition in urban areas.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Blackpool Corporation's part-time rescue service was performed by employees of the corporation's highways department in addition to their ordinary Juties from 1939 until 5th November, 1941, resulting in a great saving of man-power by avoiding the use of full-time paid rescue workers; that the total cost was £2,788 instead of about £10,000, which full-time workers would have cost; and whether he will arrange for an independent inquiry into his department's refusal to reimburse the council this expenditure which resulted in a net saving to local and national funds of about £7,000, whilst producing admittedly efficient results.

No further inquiry into the facts of this case which involved payment for part-time duty, at the full Civil Defence rate, to men in receipt of their ordinary wages, would serve any useful purpose. The acceptance of this principle would have a contrary effect to that suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is keeping a watch on the "People's Common Law Parliament"; whether he is aware that this organisation is Fascist and defeatist in character; and what action he is taking to deal with its seditious activities?

A watch is kept on the activities of this organisation, and appropriate action would of course be taken should occasion arise. As at present advised however I do not think that the activities of this organisation are of such a character as to call for any action on my part.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can yet make any statement as to the position of the bombed-out evacuees at Horndean?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any statement on this matter, but as soon as I am able to do so, I will, as promised in reply to his Question of the 19th November, communicate further with my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider making it compulsory for photographs to be affixed to the new identity cards which it is proposed to issue?

As stated in my reply of 20th November, 1941, to my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgwater (Mr. Bartlett), I know of no new considerations which affect the main conclusions set forth in the full statement by my predecessor, circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT of 11th July, 1940, respecting the obstacles to the establishment of universal photograph-bearing documents in a nation-wide system of registration.

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether he will take steps to legalise stage performances on a Sunday, whereby artistes give their services voluntarily so as to raise funds for services welfare and other causes' arising out of the prosecution of the war;(2) whether he is aware that a proposed Sunday performance of the Sisters of the Grail presentation, "No Room," at the New Opera House, Blackpool, arranged on behalf of the Catholic Youth Movement, had to be postponed till another day owing to the application of the Lord's Day Observance Act; that a number of the girls taking part in this performance could not be released from their essential war work on a week-day; and whether he will take steps to prevent the banning of charity shows on Sundays, which raise large sums of money for services welfare and other charitable causes?

I am aware of the incident at Blackpool to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. On the general question of Sunday performances I would refer him to my reply of the 3rd December to the hon. Member for Keighley (Mr. Ivor Thomas) which related to charitable performances as well as those given for profit. As I then indicated, I am not prepared to re-open the question without some clearer indication than I have at present that the House wishes to reconsider the decision it reached a year ago.

asked the Home Secretary how many canteens for the supply of intoxicants have been authorised under Defence Regulation 60AA during the first year of its existence; whether in every case the notification was for six months; and in how many cases has a second application for authorisation been made and granted?

As regards the position in England and Wales 57 canteens have been authorised in the year ending 9th October, 1942, and of these one authorisation was for two months, and the remainder for six months. Over this period 14 applications for renewal were made and granted.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the possibilities of a State-aided scheme under which all persons who suffer amputations might be supplied with artificial limbs, taught to make the best use of them, and be given every chance of re-establishing themselves as useful citizens?

War-time arrangements, particulars of which I will send to my hon. Friend, are already in force for the provision of artificial limbs, with instruction in their use, free of charge to Service cases, civilian casualties and war-service injuries in civil defence and in the Merchant Navy. These arrangements new extend, on a contributory basis, to other civilians provided that they are capable of taking up useful occupation if supplied with limbs. The question of long-term post-war arrangements will be reviewed as part of the whole subject of hospital and medical services.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the landlords of certain flats in Central London have raised rents from the pre-war figure of £100 to £120, although the increase in local rates used as justification for raising rents is only approximately 1d. per week, or 4s. 4d. a year; that flats upon which no rates have been paid while unoccupied are now being let as furnished in order to evade the Rent Restrictions Act, although such furniture consists of landlords' fixtures only; and whether, in view of the hardships caused to tenants, he will look into these matters?

I am always glad to make inquiries concerning any case of this kind which is brought to my notice, and if my hon. Friend will send me particulars of the premises to which he refers in the first part of the Question I will look into the matter. As regards the second part I would draw his attention to Section 10 of the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions Act, 1923.

asked the Minister of Health, in view of his predecessor's reply, on 13th July 1939, that less than half the infants born have been vaccinated and that vaccination has been killing more children for some years than have died of smallpox, will he put a stop to infant vaccination?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health how many cases of diphtheria are recorded in the Ministry's Returns amongst immunised children in England and Wales from 1st January, 1940, to 30th September, 1942; and how many deaths from diphtheria occurred in immunised children from 1st January to 30th September, 1942?

Figures are not yet available beyond 30th June, 1942. Between 1st January, 1940, and that date the number of notified cases of diphtheria among immunised children under 15, as estimated from local authority returns, was approximately 5,000. The number of deaths from diphtheria among immunised children between 1st January and 30th June, 1942, was 17.

asked the Minister of Health in how many instances he has overruled resolutions taken by the Central Medical War Committee with regard to allocation of medical man-power; whether there is any appeal from decisions of that committee; and, if so, in what form it should be made?

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the recommendations made by the Central Medical War Committee, with due regard to the medical needs of the civilian population, for the recruitment of individual doctors to serve as medical officers in the Forces. In a comparatively few cases, the number of which I cannot give without a special analysis of the records, I have decided that recruitment should be postponed for varying periods and, with negligible exceptions, the Committee has on reconsideration concurred in my view. No formal appeals are involved in this procedure. A doctor may, however, apply for postponement of calling up on grounds of personal hardship or for registration as a conscientious objector in the same way as any other person liable to recruitment.

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department is enforcing through the Central Medical War Committee the agreements between local practitioners designed to protect the practices of those absent on national service or deceased; whether acceptance of the scheme by doctors is allowed to be made a condition of admission to panel practice; and to what extent the operation of this private scheme remains within the unchecked authority of the British Medical Association?

I have no power either to interpret or to enforce the private agreements made between practitioners for the purpose of the protection of the practices of their colleagues, though I am aware of the scheme, and in view of the general participation of insurance practitioners therein, and the importance of safeguarding the interests of practitioners who undertake national service, I have recommended insurance committees to assist in its operation so far as it relates to insurance practice. The right of a registered practitioner to join an Insurance Medical List cannot be limited to participants in the Protection of Practices Scheme.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the local medical war committees appointed by the Central Medical War Committee, are, in many instances, enforcing upon patients and doctors the private scheme of the British Medical Association with regard to the protection of practices; and, as these activities involve a breach of National Health Insurance Regulations, regarding free choice of doctors, whether he will put an end to this?

The private scheme is, as I understand, enforceable by agreement between participating practitioners, and its general administration is undertaken by Local Medical War Committees. The scheme does not involve any infringement of the provisions of the Regulations as to free choice of doctor.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the letter sent to him by the hon. Member for Gillingham with regard to a product which can be mixed with milk to make it self-sterilising; and whether he will investigate this question before proceeding any further with the schemes for compulsory pasteurisation?

Yes, Sir. The letter suggests that all milk should be bottled on the farm and states that researches are being made with a view to obtaining a product from seaweed to be mixed with milk. Apart from any other considerations which may arise, it is, in my view, most undesirable that preservative substances should be added to food if they can be avoided, and in view of the established merits of pasteurisation, I should not be prepared to delay any measures which may otherwise be found desirable, on account of the investigations referred to.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will give details of the cases notified as smallpox at Edinburgh; the age, sex, dates of vaccination or revaccination; date of appearance of smallpox rash; date of death or discharge from hospital; source of infection, if known; and the reason why smallpox cases were allowed in the institution from which the majority of the cases came?

I regret that there has not been time before the Recess to prepare a statement of the particulars for which the hon. Member asks, but I will send him such a statement as soon as possible. As regards the last part of the Question, the institution referred to does not admit persons suffering from infectious diseases; the patients who were found to be suffering from smallpox, or suspected smallpox, while in the institution had been admitted for other (non-infectious) conditions.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is instituting any special inquiry by his Department into the implications of the recommendation in the Beveridge Report that a national medical service should be set up in the country as part of a social security scheme?

Yes, Sir. Considerable preliminary work in regard to the hospital services has been going on for some time, and the implications of the remainder of Assumption B in the Report are under consideration.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing in the area of the Vaynor and Penderyn Rural District Council with the proposal to amalgamate this council's district with the Merthyr Tydfil area for national registration purposes; and whether he will have the position re-examined?

I am having inquiries made and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as these are completed.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that farmers doubt the possibility of harvesting the crops on the extra 1,000,000 acres to be ploughed up next year, in view of the shortage of labour; and whether he will make better arrangements than this year?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I have given to-day to a Question asked by my hon. Friend, the Member for Evesham (Mr. De la Bère).

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that considerable delay has occurred in obtaining permission to repair a farm barn at Manor Farm, Castlethorpe, Northamptonshire, partly destroyed by fire two months ago; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made as to the reasons for this delay?

According to my information, no application for repairs was received from the owner of the barn until 5th November last. I do not consider that there has been any undue delay in handling this application.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the growing number of cases of ill-treatment of horses, due largely to ignorance, he will cause the war agricultural executive committees to warn horse owners and users generally against such action?

I am not aware of such cases. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that farmers are behind with their sugar-beet harvest; and whether he will arrange for a concentrated labour effort to deal with it before severe frosts come?

The latest information in my possession is that most of the sugar-beet crop has now been lifted and I am expecting that, with the assistance of soldiers and prisoners of war who have been concentrated on this work in the eastern counties, it will be possible to finish lifting within the next three or four weeks.

asked the Minister of Supply the number of persons employed, and at what cost, in connection with the acquisition and collection of scrap metal in the North Midland Region?

The collection of scrap metal is in the hands of the Ministry of Works and Planning, the local authorities and scrap merchants. No persons in the employment of the Ministry of Supply are engaged on such work.

asked the Minister of Supply on what grounds the Miscellaneous Chemicals Control has refused supplies of lactic acid for the manufacture of lactic sugar for medicinal purposes, although it is not in short supply and is available for other purposes?

Application for supplies of lactic acid for the manufacture of lactic sugar has been made by one firm to the Miscellaneous Chemicals Control. The available supplies of lactic acid are required for other and essential purposes, and the application was refused, after consultation with the Ministry of Health, as not being for a purpose essential in the national interest.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Northern Ireland farmer, whose annuity payable under the Land Purchase Acts is less than £100, will have the said annuity made the basis for his Income Tax assessment under Schedule B?

The question whether farming is assessable under Schedule D or Schedule B depends on whether or not the annual value of the land as determined for the purpose of Schedule A exceeds £100. In Northern Ireland the annual value for this purpose is the amount of the poor rate valuation. Where the £100 limit is not exceeded and the liability is accordingly under Schedule B, the amount of the Schedule B assessment will be three times the annual value as determined for Schedule A or in cases in which a purchase annuity smaller than the Schedule A annual value is payable under the Land Purchase Acts, three times that annuity.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the War Damage Act, 1941, and the amending Act operate so as to debar owners of contributory properties from the recovery of portions of war damage contributions from mortgagees in cases where the mortgages were created in the course of business for the construction of properties subsequently acquired by individuals subject to the mortgages created as aforesaid; and whether, in view of the unequal distribution of the burden of war damage contribution in such cases, he will take steps to remedy the situation?

The position of mortgagors and mortgagees in respect of contributions under the War Damage Acts was fully considered when both Measures were before the House, and I do not contemplate as present advised further legislation on the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning whether all alternatives were considered before it was decided to requisition the residence of Earl Baldwin?

The hon. Member has been misinformed. The requisitioning of Astley Hall has never been under consideration by my Department nor, so far as I can ascertain, by any other Department.

asked the Minister of Pensions, what is the total number of claims for pensions during this war that have not been granted?

As the majority of cases in which awards have not been granted relate to members who have been invalided from the Forces, and as it is not in the public interest to give figures relating to the number of discharges, I regret that I cannot give the information requested.

asked the Minister of Pensions what steps have been taken to ascertain the total number of qualified medical practitioners not now in general practice who would be able and willing to act as members of appeal tribunals?

I have made inquiries of the bodies responsible for the allocation of medical men and of the Service Departments, but I have now arranged to set up a sub-committee of my Central Advisory Committee to assist me in a further examination of this problem.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the number of free working days in the last year available for taking cases of appeal' by the existing tribunal?

The work of the existing tribunals in England and Wales is controlled by my Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor, and I understand from his Department that members are engaged on a part-time basis and it is not possible to say to what extent they would be available for further service if this were asked of them.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is now in a position to state his decision in regard to granting constant attendance allowances to civilians injured by enemy action on the same conditions as applied to Service cases?

I am glad to have this opportunity of stating that I have obtained authority to give constant attendance allowances in civilian cases on similar conditions to those applying to a private soldier in the Army.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether the Niger irrigation area near Bamako, in French West Africa, is now being used and for what purpose; and to what extent French, British and German capital is involved?

I regret that I have at present no information on this subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the shortage of electric torch and cycle batteries; and whether he will take steps to see that those who are obliged to travel at night have preferential treatment?

There are fewer No. 8 torch batteries this winter than last owing to heavy Service requirements for batteries, but they are still being made in very large numbers. I am not aware of a shortage of other types of torch batteries, supplies of which have been increased to compensate for the decline in output of the No. 8 size. Steps have been taken which should lead to a substantial and early increase in supplies of cycle lamp batteries to a level adequate to meet the needs of all those who have to travel at night.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will increase the supply of batteries for bicycle lamps in the Cheltenham area?

Steps have already been taken to increase supplies of bicycle lamp batteries in the Cheltenham area.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider how far the titles Minister of Defence and Secretary of State for War are logical and fitting at the present time; and will he advise His Majesty to change these titles to Minister for War and Secretary of State for the Army, respectively?

Sir, we must beware of needless innovation especially when guided by logic. Statutory sanction would be required.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the proposals that are being made in the building industry to meet post-war conditions will also apply to the engineering industry; what steps are being taken to set up the necessary machinery, seeing that dilution has been carried through with good-will; and what action is to be taken to avoid the last post-war chaos which had such a bad effect on the engineers?

The post-war conditions in the engineering industry are under careful consideration as a part of the general subject of resettlement and reconstruction and it is proposed in due course to enter into consultations with the organisations concerned.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the concern arising in the minds of many people in cases under the Essential Work Order where workpeople have been discharged and, on appeal, have been redirected to their former employment, but employers have refused to re-employ them; and what action he proposes to take that will compel such employers to carry out their obligations?

I am glad to say that the number of cases in which employers do not readily comply with directions to reinstate workers is very small. Such cases as do occur, however, cause me much concern since I attach great importance to the smooth working of the Essential Work Orders being facilitated by both employers and workers honouring their obligations under them. I shall continue to take proceedings against offending employers in suitable cases and I have instructed my officers to watch the situation closely.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement as to the prospects of an early settlement of the dispute at the North British Locomotive Company works; and, in view of the fact that the men did return to work in order to facilitate a settlement nearly two months ago, will he intervene further to settle the difficulty still outstanding and obtain concessions for the workers which may in fact end the dispute?

This dispute was in course of being dealt with under the agreed procedure of the industry when a further stoppage of work occurred. The trade union officials concerned and my officers are continuing their efforts to secure a resumption of work which will permit negotiations to continue.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the shipbuilding output is hampered by the low wages paid to both skilled engineers and unskilled shipyard workers, who now get wages of one-third or one-fifth the amount earned by many men who make tanks or guns; and whether he will take action to secure better wages for shipyard workers, by introducing piece-rates or otherwise, and so give effect to the recommendations of the National Expenditure Committee, reduce the hardships of these men, and secure a better output of ships?

I do not accept the statement made in the first part of the Question as representing the general position. As the hon. Member is aware, the settlement of wages is a matter for the negotiating machinery of the industry. With a view to improving output, I have taken every opportunity of urging both sides of the industry to examine the question of extending piece-work methods. I am satisfied that these are being introduced into an increasing number of yards and that the matter is one to which both sides are giving full consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will now intervene with fresh proposals to settle the stoppage of work at a shipyard, of which he has been informed, in view of the fact that the present reluctance of the men to return to work is because the firm wrongfully refuse to pay full rates during the earlier period of stoppage; and, in particular, will he consult the Lord Advocate to stop any proceedings being taken against these men and assist the trade union officials to secure a resumption of work?

The majority of the workpeople involved resumed work yesterday. The question of taking legal proceedings in this case is a matter for the Lord Advocate and it would be quite improper for me to interfere, or to comment upon the merits of the dispute.

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the 190,662 work-less on r6th November last have been unemployed since September, 1939; and whether there are any who were unemployed before that date?

I regret that the desired information is not available.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, on the London and North Eastern Railway, Bishop Auckland branch line, arrangements can be made, in view of the recent curtailments in the omnibus services, whereby the 11.17 p.m. Durham to Bishop Auckland train could stop at Brandon Colliery station en route every night in addition to Saturdays as at present?

I am making inquiries and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as they are complete.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, on the Durham to Bishop Auckland line of the London and North Eastern Railway, the 10.15 p.m. Durham to Brancepeth train, operating only on Saturdays, could be allowed to complete its journey at Willington, which is the next station and approximately 2½ miles distant to Brancepeth, where full staff is on duty and ample facilities exist to arrange for the return journey of the train?

I am making inquiries and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as they are complete.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of the inevitable reduction of omnibus services, he will make some arrangement by which long distance should be given preference over short distance passengers?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Ton-bridge (Sir A. Baillie) on 10th December.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will give the output per man-shift worked at the coalface; the average number of shifts worked per man at the coalface; and the percentage of shifts lost, from all causes, at the coalface for the four weeks period ending 28th November, 1942?

In the four weeks ending the 28th November, the output per man-shift worked at the coalface was 2.92 tons; the average number of shifts worked per man at the coalface per week was 5.20; and the percentage of shifts lost, from all causes, at the coalface, was 13.72 per cent.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Sir George Mahon, now employed in his Department, was previously employed in a post for which reservation from military service would have expired about April 1941, in accordance with official statements made at the end of 1940; that, by joining the Civil Service in January 1941, he secured further reservation; whether, and for how long, he was registered with the Appointments Board for a post in a Government Department; what is the exact nature of his present employment in connection with matters relating to wool and textiles; and what previous experience he has had of this industry?

Sir George Mahon became a temporary civil servant in January, 1941, and was transferred to the Board of Trade in May, 1942. He is of Southern Irish nationality. Prior to January, 1941, he was not resident in the United Kingdom. He was, therefore, not registered with the Appointments Board, and was not, and is not, liable for service under the National Service Acts, and the question of reservation does not apply. He is at present employed as a temporary administrative officer in the Commercial Relations and Treaties Department, a post for which he was qualified by his previous business experience. His duties cover a wide range of trade questions, and his only connection with textiles is in the export of wearing apparel.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the functions discharged in his Ministry by Mr. Francis Meynell; what salary or allowances he receives; and whether his emoluments, salary or allowance, are subject to Income Tax?

Mr. Francis Meynell holds the post of Adviser on Consumer Needs. He is in charge of a branch of the Board of Trade responsible for reporting upon the effect of the various measures taken to control the production and consumption of essential articles of clothing and household goods. He is unpaid, but is entitled to an allowance, free of Income Tax, in respect of expenses actually incurred, subject to a maximum payment of £150 a year.

asked the Minister of Supply whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. C. W. Monk, who is assistant in the Research Department of the Ministry of Supply and who is now to be retired without a pension after years' of service; and whether he will exercise his discretionary powers by permitting Mr. Monk to continue as a laboratory assistant until he reaches the age of 65 and so qualifies for a pension?

The retention of Mr. Monk until May, 1943, when he would become 65, had been approved, but he voluntarily resigned his appointment and ceased duty on the 30th November, 1942. Mr. Monk is eligible for the grant of a gratuity under the Superannuation Act, 1887, but could not qualify for a pension, since he was too old for establishment when a scheme for the grant of establishment and pensionability was applied (in 1936) to the grade of laboratory assistant.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is our diplomatic and Consular representation at Tangier, especially in view of German intrigue in a neutral territory?

British Consular representation at Tangier consists at present of a Consul-General, who is a member of the Diplomatic Service, together with an appropriate staff, including two career Consular officers, a military attachée and a Press attaché.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make on the policy of His Majesty's Government towards Albania?

Yes, Sir. His Majesty's Government sympathise with the fate of the Albanians, a people among the earliest victims of Fascist aggression. They wish to see Albania freed from the Italian yoke and restored to her independence. The form of regime and government to be introduced into Albania will be a matter for the Albanian people themselves to decide at the end of the war. What I have said does not in any way prejudge the question of Albania's position in relation to such future arrangements as may be reached between the various Balkan States. His Majesty's Government regard the question of the frontiers of the Albanian State after the war as a question which will have to be considered at the peace settlement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the British Council in their house at Liverpool have set apart a room for the exclusive use of white Americans, to which no coloured Americans are admitted; and whether, as the British Council is financed by the British Government and the declared policy of this country is against the imposition of any colour bar, he will have the matter investigated?

The public rooms at the Allied Centre at Liverpool are used by white and coloured persons alike, including United States citizens, and there is no question of any colour bar. There are in addition private rooms reserved for particular nationalities. The decision as to the use to which the room reserved for United States citizens should be put was taken by the local hospitality committee. If the local committee decide in the light of local circumstances to reserve individual rooms for special purposes, that is not a matter in which the British Council would think it desirable to intervene.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the importance of the regulations relating to the quarantine of dogs coming from abroad, in preventing the reintroduction of rabies into this country, he is satisfied that the machinery for enforcing them is working satisfactorily?

I am satisfied that at present the regulations which require dogs brought from abroad to be detained in quarantine are being properly enforced. I realise, however, that when the time arrives for troops and other personnel to return to this country in large numbers, the problem may become more complex and I am therefore keeping the matter in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that recently a raid was made upon the offices and homes of three members of the executive of the People's National Party of Jamaica, books and private papers being seized and certain members arrested and imprisoned without trial; and whether he will take steps to see that the Government hold a public and impartial investigation into these incidents?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. Action against these persons was taken under Regulation 18 (1) of the Jamaica Defence Regulations, 1940, which corresponds to Regulation 18B of the United Kingdom Defence Regulations. They have a, right of appeal to the Advisory Committee in Jamaica and I am not prepared to request the Governor to hold a special inquiry into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the serious plight of agriculturists in Trinidad; and whether it is part of the policy of His Majesty's Government to accept loans from an island which should be subsidising its own primary producers as in this country?

In general it is the policy of His Majesty's Government that local needs in the Colonies should be met before loans of surplus funds are accepted from them. I should be grateful if my hon. Friend would give me particulars of the serious plight of agriculturists in Trinidad to which he refers and of the primary producers who should in his opinion be subsidised.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Advocates (Forensic Robes) Regulations exempting advocates who are Moslem sheiks from robing in court without making the like provision for advocates of the Hebrew persuasion, and the passport rules allowing Moslem women passports without requiring their photographs but making no such allowance to Hebrew sayes to whom photography is forbidden by the tenets of their faith, are both contrary to Section 15 of the Mandate for Palestine and the Order in Council, S.R. & O., No. 1282 of 1922, declaring that there shall be no discrimination between the inhabitants of the Holy Land on the ground of race or religion; and whether he will take steps to remove these occasions for discrimination?

I am in communication with the High Commissioner for Palestine with regard to my hon. Friend's representations with regard to the Advocates (Forensic Robes) Regulations and the Passport Rules of Palestine, and I will communicate to him in due course the result of my inquiry.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the recent fire in a Boston night club in which 490 people lost their lives, he is satisfied that night clubs and other similar establishments should be conducted with entire freedom from control, and, as large numbers of people frequent such establishments including members of His Majesty's Forces as well as the general public, will he take powers to ensure that persons frequenting night clubs are safeguarded by the provision of adequate precautions against fire, sufficient exits, etc.?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to a Question by the hon. Member for Bodmin (Mrs. Beatrice Wright) on 3rd December.