asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make a statement regarding the compilation of the register of small traders who have been, or may be, forced to close their businesses owing to the war?

Yes, Sir. Plans are now complete for a register of traders who have withdrawn from retail trade since the war began or may be forced to withdraw before the war is over. Registration will be voluntary and subject to the following conditions:

A trader must have closed a shop since the beginning of the war. He must have been in business for a minimum period before closing. He must have dealt in goods or services covered by the Location of Retail Businesses Order. A shopkeeper who sold his business as a going concern will not be eligible for the register, but may apply to have his name entered on a supplementary list.

Application forms can be obtained from local Chambers of Trade or Chambers of Commerce, Citizens' Advice Bureaux, W.V.S. representatives in rural areas, or from the Board of Trade. Arrangements are also being made to advise members of His Majesty's Forces, both at home and overseas, and members of the Merchant Navy, how to apply. In certain cases applications may be made by proxy. All applications will be acknowledged without delay, but, as the staff on this work must be kept to a bare minimum, it may be some time before final acceptance can be notified.

As I have already stated, this register is "a first step to safeguard the interests of retail traders who have already withdrawn or who may be forced by circumstances to withdraw in future." Many will wish to re-open their shops after the war, and, if, as seems likely, some control over the opening and re-opening of shops is continued for a time after the war, the information provided by the register and the supplementary list will help us to operate this control with fairness to those retailers who have been forced to close during the war.

May I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that statement, which will be very welcome to many small traders?

In view of the steps my right hon. Friend is now taking, will he ask his Department to consider making, after the war, a complete census of distribution in this country, as is done in some other countries?

I very much regret that before the war no such census was made; if it had been, it would have helped me very greatly. As my right hon. Friend appreciates, man-power considerations make it quite impossible to embark on that now, but after the war I will certainly give it very careful and sympathetic consideration.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's statement mean that there will be a system of licensing for shop opening after the war?

If my hon. Friend will read the answer, in which I chose my words very carefully, he will see there just as much as can be said now.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the widespread and growing feeling of injustice throughout the National Association of Girls' Training Corps, he will reconsider his decision regarding the granting of some assistance, either by coupons or financial help, towards providing members of the various units with uniform?

As I have explained in answer to previous Questions on this subject, I regret that, in view of the increasing stringency of supplies, I cannot justify a coupon concession to these organisations. The question of financial help is one for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education.

In view of the fact that the boy cadets get their uniforms given to them at 14 years of age, is it not very unfair that the girl cadets should get no assistance at all, seeing that the majority of them will probably be joining the Services at a later date?

As the hon. Lady knows, there has been a lot of consideration of this matter. I would like to point out to her that the voluntary youth organisations have no coupon concessions at all. In this respect the organisation referred to in the Question is treated in exactly the same way as the Boy Scouts. I would also point out that growing girls—and many of those concerned here fall into that category—get 10 extra coupons in any event. I am sorry I cannot go further, but the shortage of supplies is the predominant factor, which has to be borne in mind all the time.

Do not boys grow, too?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the immense strides and progress made by this movement in recent months, and will he consider the good effect there would be on the morale of these girls if this comparatively small concession were made?

I cannot go any further than I have stated. I have the greatest sympathy with and appreciation of the work of these young people in these organisations, but I am sure that if hon. Members put to them the position with regard to the shortage of supplies due to the demands of the Forces and the conduct of the war, the morale of these young people will be elevated rather than depressed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my supplementary question?

I am afraid I did not hear it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the shortage of electrolytic condensers in the Midlands; and whether, as such shortage may seriously affect large numbers of wireless owners, he has any proposals to make for remedying it?

The shortage of electrolytic condensers is due to the ever-increasing demands of the Fighting Services for radio equipment of all kinds. I fully recognise the importance of keeping civilian wireless sets in use and steps have already been taken to increase production of electrolytic condensers.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in my constituency, and I have no doubt in others, 25 per cent. of all repairs to wireless sets are due to breakdowns in this particular apparatus?

I have been giving personal attention to this matter for some little while. I have had a number of reports on the difficulties of owners of wireless sets. I am glad to say that arrangements have now been made which, if they are carried out, as I hope they will be, by those concerned, will mean that by the end of March next we will have filled up the gaps in the 1942 maintenance programme.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is his intention to allocate wool for under-garments for boys; and, if so, when would these garments be ready for purchase by the public?

The needs of infants and young children up to the age of four are being met by the production of all wool under-garments. As supplies of wool yarn are limited, the production of all wool underwear for the rest of the population has had to be cut down, in order that the maximum number of warm garments may be produced from wool mixed with other yams. The output of boys' undergarments made of mixtures of wool and cotton has been substantially increased by these measures.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to meet the pressing needs of war-workers and in order to reduce absenteeism, he will arrange immediately for a wide distribution to retailers of alarm clocks and cycle lamp batteries for sale at reasonable prices?

Before the war nearly all our alarm clocks were imported, and we now depend mainly on the United States for our supplies. Imports from the United States have decreased owing to the requirements of American war production. My representative in Washington has already taken up this question with the United States authorities, and I am now myself in communication on the subject with my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister Resident in Washington for Supply. The Service demand for batteries absorbs a large part of the current output and has much increased lately. I recently asked the head of the firm who are responsible for the bulk of home production to come and see me and impressed on him the importance of doing everything possible to increase production so as to meet civilian as well as Service requirements. The supplies made available for civilians during the past six months have been substantial, and I hope it may be possible to increase them still further.

While I thank my right hon. Friend for his reply, will he bear in mind the urgency of this problem in relation to production?

I intend to keep on prodding with regard to both these things.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's answer include electric alarm clocks, which use a smaller weight of metal than mechanical ones?

Yes, Sir. With regard to the electric and the other variety, we are still dependent nearly exclusively on the United States for imports of these. Before the war we got them largely from France, Italy and Switzerland, as well as the United States.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the lack of alarm clocks is having a serious effect in the coalfields in the North, where large numbers of miners go to work at one o'clock and two o'clock in the morning, and are largely dependent on alarm clocks?

Yes, Sir, I am very conscious of that. That is one of the reasons I am pressing vigorously forward in the matter.

Could not my right hon. Friend arrange to have the old knockers-up with a long pole?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether in view of their war record, especially as the Pioneer Corps now play their part in combined operations and were among the first troops to land in North Africa and that so many officers and men have been transferred from Royal regiments and corps, he will now recommend that the title and honour of Royal be granted to the Pioneer Corps?

I think that it will be best to follow the normal practice and postpone consideration of such matters as this till the end of the war.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Soviet Government or its representatives in this country and the Board of Education were consulted as to the list of books respecting the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics recommended by the Army Bureau of Current Affairs for political discussion in Army groups; and if he will give a list of the titles and authors of the selected books?

The lists to which my hon. Friend refers were included as bibliographies in Army Bureau of Current Affairs publications, but were not themselves recommended for discussion. Similar lists for many other countries have been issued, and it has not been considered necessary to consult either the Board of Education or the Governments or their representatives here. I will circulate the lists asked for in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it would have been desirable to consult these fountain heads in both cases?

No, I do not think it is necessary. In supplying a list of books which the officers conducting the Bureau may consult if they wish without any recommendation, I do not think it is necessary to consult any outsiders.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he permits the foulest slanders against our great Ally to be circulated?

If the hon. Member will read the list, which I will circulate, he will see that only one of the books mentioned is hostile to the Soviet Union, and that is specifically stated to be a hostile book.

Is it not right to hear both sides of the question?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether an adequate summary of the Beveridge Report has been published by the Army Bureau of Current Affairs; and whether officers are being given every encouragement to initiate discussions on the Report in their units?

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) the reasons for the withdrawal of a recent issue of "Current Affairs" containing a summary by Sir William Beveridge of his recent Report on Social Insurance and Allied Services;

(2) whether his attention has been called to a broadcast on 22nd December, 1942, by Mr. R. G. Casey, Minister of State, in the course of which he said that the Beveridge Report had aroused the greatest interest among the troops in the Middle East; and whether he proposes to make available to them the full Report or the report in brief and, if so, when?

There has been a great deal of misunderstanding on this subject. In the first place, there has been no ban on discussion of the Beveridge Report in the Army. Any soldier can read the Report or the abridged form of it as much as he likes, and the Command Education Authorities are being encouraged to provide lectures on the subject by qualified lecturers, both military and civilian, under the ordinary Army Education Scheme. A. B.C.A. discussions are on a quite different footing. The basis of these is a weekly compulsory parade at which regimental officers are required to initiate a debate on a prescribed subject aided by a brief provided for them but not for the soldiers. The briefs are contained in alternative weeks in the two A.B.C.A. publications "War" and "Current Affairs." To me it seems obvious that it is absolutely vital that these briefs should not only be completely objective but should in addition be generally accepted as being so.

When then I was shown an issue of "Current Affairs," containing, besides an official brief, a summary of the Beveridge Report written by the author himself, I took the view that compulsory discussion of this subject in the Army ought to be postponed until there had been at any rate a preliminary Debate in this House on the subject. For one thing it might easily have conveyed the impression that the scheme set out in the Report was settled Government policy whereas in fact no decision of any kind has been taken. Unfortunately, the matter was, for various reasons into which I need not enter, brought to me at a very late stage and the copies had already left the printer for distribution. It was, therefore, necessary to give orders for their withdrawal. The choice presented to me was a difficult one, but I have no doubt that I took the better of the two courses open to me. The factor which principally weighed with me was the absolute necessity of keeping A.B.C.A. out of possible political controversy, particularly in view of the fact that attendance at these debates is compulsory.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his decision has caused grave dissatisfaction, and that controversial matters have frequently been discussed at these discussions, even including the U.S.S.R.? Does he intend in future to put a ban on controversial discussion?

The hon. Member must read into my answer no more than is contained in it. Discussion is reasonably free, provided that it can take place in the light of all the facts and on a brief which is objective, and with no suspicion of partiality.

Why does the right hon. Gentleman assume that members of the civilian Army are less intelligent than a great number of other people and are likely to assume that the Beveridge Report is settled Government policy, when that is not considered by anyone else to be a likely conclusion to come to?

I do not assume that members of the Army are less intelligent than the civilian population or anyone else. They are an extremely intelligent class.

Would not the summary prepared by Sir William Beveridge be regarded as purely objective? Moreover, why does the right hon. Gentleman set himself up as an arbiter on matters of alleged controversy which are to come before men in the Forces?

I do not set myself up as an arbiter in the least. As one of the original parents of the A.B.C.A. scheme, I am extremely sensitive of any possibility of its being involved in controversy so that it becomes a failure. In the present instance, controversy has left it and has centred itself upon me, and I am content that it should be so.

Is it not highly undesirable and improper that lectures of a political nature should be delivered to the Forces, and is it not virtually impossible to lecture on such matters as tariffs, post-war reconstruction and the Beveridge scheme without betraying political views unless the lecturer is vapid or uninteresting?

The knife edge is certainly an extremely narrow one.

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I will raise the matter on another occasion.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many copies of the bulletin concerning the Beveridge Report, issued by the Army Bureau of Current Affairs, were not returned after its withdrawal?

Copies are still being sent in, and the returns are not yet complete.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider making this bulletin available to Members of the House, out of the ample stocks now presumably in hand, so that they can judge for themselves how completely objective and harmless it is?

No, Sir.

But why? May we understand why my right hon. Friend declines to put hon. Members in possession of the facts? Are we not entitled to know all the facts objectively and will he not reconsider his decision?

I will certainly give the matter further consideration, but I think it would be much better to wait and see what final edition might be sent out in the light of the situation after the Debate in this House.

In view of the laudatory foreword which is written to this leaflet, will my right hon. Friend have the whole thing published to the House of Commons? We want copies so that we can see what is written as a foreword to the Beveridge Report for the Army.

It is not laudatory; it is impartial.

I have said that I will reconsider the matter.

In doing that will my right hon. Friend consider using his influence with other Ministers, particularly the Minister of Information, so as to enable the House to know what other Ministries have done to expound and commend this Report to the British and foreign publics?

asked the Secretary of State for War the percentage of officers who have benefited by the increases in pay and, as a separate figure, the percentage of married officers, with and without children, who have benefited by the increased rates of family lodging allowance which came into force on 1st October?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the recent increases of pay to subalterns and captains, he can state the approximate number of each rank who will thereby benefit?

The number of those entitled to benefit by the increases in pay is not yet known, since much of the relevant information is not in the possession of the pay authorities who must therefore in a large proportion of cases await claims from officers, but it would not in any case be a large proportion of the total number of officers. The percentages of married officers who benefit from the increased rates of family lodging allowance are: of those without children, 55 per cent.; of those with children, 75 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether an effective organisation for searching for the missing has now been established in the Middle East?

As was explained in an answer to my hon. Friend on 10th March, 1942, the primary responsibility for tracing missing soldiers rests with the local military authorities. Their organisation for carrying out this work has for a long time been effective. I am glad to say that owing to the improved situation in the Middle East, the local military authorities will in future be able to avail themselves of the assistance of voluntary workers organised by the War Organisation of the British Red Cross Society and Order of St. John, to carry out inquiries for the missing among patients in those military hospitals to which they can be given access in the Command. Steps have been taken to organise this service, which will shortly be started. Most of the searchers will be ladies who have had experience of this work in the United Kingdom.

Are we to assume that this is actually going on now?

I am not sure whether the ladies sent from this country have actually arrived, but they are on their way.

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent the War Office is relying upon dowsers for advice on water supply and in what theatres of war; whether this action has been taken with the approval of the Government's scientific advisers; and whether he has any information regarding the reliability of advice given by dowsers during the course of the present war?

The War Office does not rely on dowsers for advice on water supply in the United Kingdom, and so far as I know the only place where they have been tried is the Middle East. A report of their performance there showed a very small percentage of successes, and orders were issued that scientific geological methods only were to be used.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether all incumbents, or other persons in charge of church bells, have received instructions as to the course to be pursued in the event of invasion?

Instructions to the military authorities to make the necessary arrangements with incumbents and others responsible in regard to the ringing of church bells were first given in 1941. Reminders have been given from time to time and the latest instructions on the subject were sent out this month.

If an invasion takes place, how long will it take for the parson and the key to be found? Will it work, as we have a complete siren system throughout the country?

Local military commanders are being reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure, as far as may be practicable, that the bells are in proper working order and can be rung at any time.

It is not a question of whether the bells are all right, but you have to find the parson, who may be out at a christening or something.

Local military commanders are responsible for seeing that that is all right.

It all seems futile; it is futile.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to announce the promised simplifications of the Army pay system?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the proposed simplification of the Army pay system?

As I indicated in the Debate on Service Pay and Allowances on 10th September, it is impracticable to remove the complications caused by the existence of the pre-1925 and post-1925 rates, but in agreement with my right hon. Friends the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Ministers in charge of the other Service Departments, I have decided to introduce certain alterations in the Army Pay Code, the details of which will appear in Army Orders. I may add that I shall be prepared to place copies in the Library of the House.

These changes, including that which I mentioned in that Debate, are:

(1) The consolidation into inclusive rates of pay of the proficiency additions and service increments of the private soldier which are at present expressed and accounted for separately.

(2) The inclusion in consolidated rates for lance-corporals, corporals, and lance-sergeants of proficiency pay and special proficiency pay irrespective of service in recognition of the fact that their selection for promotion implies the attainment of the required standards of proficiency.

(3) The reduction of the number of trade groups from five to four.

The effect of these alterations will be, first, to make it more easy for the soldier to understand his entitlement; second, to ease the administrative burden of commanding officers; third, by simplifying the compilation of pay accounts, to reduce correspondence between pay offices and units, and thus to lessen the number of operations required in the pay offices themselves.

While appreciating the efforts which the right hon. Gentleman has made, may I ask whether his proposal will enable a slip to be placed in a soldier's paybook to enable him to know what the rates of pay are? Having regard to what appears on the face of them to be rather inadequate modifications and simplifications, would my right hon. Friend keep the matter before him and be prepared to receive further representations if necessary?

It is the intention to put a slip in the paybook. I am always most anxious to pursue the question of simplification of pay and of the Army administrative system generally, but the hon. and gallant Member realises, I have no doubt, that simplifications invariably have to proceed by levelling up and, therefore, have to be expensive.

When will the report be published?

The Army Orders will be published as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the waiting periods before promotion comes to lieutenants and captains are fixed with regard to peacetime conditions or to war-time experience; and whether in war-time the demand for officers is so great as to suggest the waiving of such lengthy periods or the placing of officers without promotion on the reserve?

The number of officers in each rank above lieutenant is determined by war-time requirements. The number is made up by acting promotion in the first instance. Officers are selected for such promotion by merit and no qualifying period of service is required. Officers are not retired or placed on the reserve so long as they can be suitably employed in their own or higher rank.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an assurance that, in so far as is possible, every endeavour will be made to enable members of His Majesty's Forces and, in particular, members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service proceeding on short weekend leave, who have to travel long distances to make an early start so that they can reach their homes or destination on the same day and may not be compelled to remain overnight at railway stations before obtaining a connection and reaching their destination?

My hon. Friend will appreciate that long-distance travel on short pass cannot be encouraged in view of the pressure to which the transport services of the country are now subjected. At the same time I have no doubt that where special circumstances exist applications are dealt with sympathetically.

Is it not a fact that at the railway termini in London are to be found large numbers of men who have been unable to reach their destinations on the same day, and is it not possible to request commanding officers to exercise every possible endeavour to do their best to avoid adding to the difficulties?

I think the congestion in London stations is due not so much to the fact that soldiers are sent off at unsuitable times as to the fact that they leave their units as soon as they can without regard to the train connections available.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this problem does not affect London only but that it is met with in Birmingham and other provincial cities, and will he consider taking further steps in the matter?

I cannot undertake to reconsider the general position, which has been taken up in consequence of the pressure to which the transport services of the country are subjected, but in cases where special circumstances exist applications are already dealt with.

Would not common sense and consideration do a great deal in this matter? A great deal more could be done.

I am all for exercising common sense, but not up to the point where it becomes uncommon nonsense.

My right hon. Friend is ignorant of what he is ignorant of.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the setting-up of some distinctive mark on the uniform of Welsh soldiers or men serving from Wales?

I regret that it would not be practicable to accept this proposal. As was explained in answers to similar Questions by my hon. Friends the Members for Londonderry (Sir R. Ross) and Stratford (Mr. Groves) on 21st May and 2nd June, 1942, respectively, to do so would cut across the existing system of badges for units from all parts of the United Kingdom.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a general desire in Wales that this should be done, and will he not, as one of the members of the Cabinet responsible for Wales, respond to this feeling and give the matter his sympathetic consideration? It could quite easily be done, and it would meet the national feeling in Wales.

It is not quite easy to do it. My hon. Friend is not correct in saying that. There are Welsh divisions which have Welsh divisional signs, and the Welsh units have individual signs, but I do not think it is practicable to have a special badge for Welsh-speaking soldiers in whatever unit they may be.

I did not mention "Welsh-speaking soldiers." I spoke of soldiers from Wales.

Well, I meant the same thing.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I desire to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Army educational classes and discussion circles vary in the latitude allowed in the various units; what is the average number and approximate percentage of units attending such gatherings; and whether, in order to encourage civic education, he will ensure that soldiers are as free to discuss any social, political, or similar matter in their free time, whether spontaneously or in organised groups, as when they were civilians?

I assume that my hon. Friend in the first part of his Question is referring to the lectures under the Winter Educational Scheme and the discussions under A.B.C.A. arrangements. Both these are compulsory for the men concerned but I have no figures showing the numbers attending them. I am not sure what my hon. Friend means by latitude. The general subjects both for lectures under the Educational Scheme and for the discussions under A.B.C.A. are approved by the Educational and A.B.C.A. authorities but no doubt some lecturers and some officers in charge of discussions are more successful than others in keeping to the point. As regards the soldiers' spare time they are free to indulge in voluntary discussions on social, political or similar matters provided that they do not do so in organised political groups.

May we have a further explanation of the latter part of the answer?

If the hon. Member will allow me, I will read paragraph 541 of King's Regulations:

"No soldier is permitted to take any active part in the affairs of any political organisation or party either by acting as a member of a candidate's selection committee or by speaking in public or publishing or distributing literature in furtherance of the political purposes of any such organisation or party or in any other manner."

That does not mean, I take it, that soldiers are precluded by the Regulation from attending a discussion circle or conference organised by political parties?

Does the hon. Member mean inside the regiment or outside? If outside, certainly not, inside, certainly.

Will the Minister tell us whether it is because he kept too much to the point that the hon. and learned Member for North Hammersmith (Mr. Pritt) was stopped from speaking?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state in detail the difference in the prices of the different articles which comprise an officer's uniform with and without purchase tax?

As the answer consists of a table of figures, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the serious damage and loss to the pigeon service occasioned by birds being shot at in flight; and what steps he has taken to warn the public not to interfere with this essential part of the war effort?

Yes, Sir. I am well aware of the damage which is being done to the pigeon service by the shooting of pigeons in flight and am glad of this opportunity of drawing attention to the matter. Efforts have already been made, by a Press campaign, by a film sponsored by the Ministry of Information, by posters and by circulars sent from the Ministry of Information to all holders of game licences, to make the public aware of the importance of the matter and of the difference between carrier pigeons and wood pigeons.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the proposals submitted by the hon. Member for South-east Leeds for a system of stabilised family allowances such as is already in existence in the case of dependants' allowances, and with what results?

Yes, Sir. I have considered the proposals submitted by my hon. and gallant Friend, and while they are attractive in many respects, I regret that it is impracticable to put them into effect in present circumstances.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the expense would be very small, that the convenience would be very great, and that there would be an enormous saving of paper and man-power, and is it not the case that the objection that the proposal is not practicable is one from the Treasury?

I do not wish to dissociate myself from the Treasury. Dogs do not eat dog in this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the British Red Cross Prisoners of War Fund, which provides parcels of essential commodities such as razor blades, soap, socks, foodstuffs, etc., now find themselves in debt to the extent of about £500,000; and, to avoid our prisoners being dependent upon charity for their essential requirements and in order to make them a first charge on the nation, he will consult with the Treasury with a view to the cost incurred being a direct charge on the National Exchequer in place of being left to charity?

No, Sir. My hon. Friend is misinformed as to the financial position of the War Organisation of the British Red Cross and Order of St. John, which, thanks to the continuing generosity of the public, is well able to meet all its liabilities.

Can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that prisoners of war will not suffer loss of parcels through lack of funds?

I can give a categorical pledge in answer to that question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the feeling prevailing among the relatives of those serving men who were at Singapore; and will he give an assurance to them that they will be notified immediately word comes to the War Office of what has happened to them?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the continued anxiety felt by relatives of British officers and other ranks known to be missing in Malaya and Singapore, he can say what further information is now being supplied by the Japanese Government, through the Red Cross Society or otherwise, with regard to the British prisoners of war in their hands?

The Japanese have sent at intervals a few lists of names of those captured in Malaya and Singapore. The total so far received is only a small proportion of the total number captured. The lists come by short wave wireless from Tokyo to the International Red Cross. Committee at Geneva and from there are telegraphed to London. I am well aware of the anxiety felt and gladly give an assurance that next-of-kin are notified as soon as we have information.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the time spent as prisoners of war qualifies officers for promotion to a higher rank?

Where promotion is governed by time, time spent by an officer as a prisoner of war reckons for promotion as though he had been effective with his unit.

asked the Secretary of State for War what has been the response of the German Government to the decision announced by His Majesty's Government in December and actually carried into effect on 12th December to free all German prisoners from shackles; and whether, at the present time in any camp in Germany, British prisoners are subject to so-called reprisals by shackling, the imposition of a ban on correspondence or the withholding of parcels?

I am not at present in a position to make any statement on the matter of shackling. The restrictions on prisoners' mail have now been removed.

Are we to understand that the shackling of our prisoners of war is still going on in camps in Germany?

I am afraid that that is the case.

If the reason is that the Germans object to some regulation that we have telling commanders to bind prisoners if necessary on the field of battle, surely we might give it up in order to allow our men to be free?

That seems to be an argument and not a question.

Could we not ask the Protecting Power to arbitrate on the matter?

Seeing that this serious matter has been prolonged for many weeks, and even months, cannot we have a report about it on a near date?

The Government will make a statement to the House, I have no doubt, as soon as it is possible to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make available to Members of Parliament the Report of the Committee set up by him to investigate the question of marginal land cultivation?

The Report in question was presented by a Committee presided over by a Departmental official and was prepared for a Cabinet Committee. My right hon. Friend does not, therefore, propose its publication.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that there is very great interest in this question, and will it not raise suspicions that there is something that the Government wish to hide if the whole Report is not made available?

I do not think that is the case, but I will bring my hon. Friend's observations to the notice of my right hon. Friend.

Can the hon. member say whether the extreme powers given to county committees were recommended in the Report?

That is another question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are being taken to implement the recommendations contained in the Report of Whisky Storage by the Edinburgh and Glasgow Technical (Fire Prevention) Committees?

The recommendations in the Report are in accordance with general policy which has been followed by the Regional Commissioner since the beginning of the dispersal scheme in June, 1940. The proprietors of the bonds concerned have been asked by the Regional Commissioner to carry out the recommendations in the Report relating to further dispersal or re-stowing of whisky stocks and to structural alterations. Air-raid shelters which are in dangerous positions have been closed.

May I take it that the Regional Commissioner is to satisfy himself that these steps are, in fact, taken?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) when he expects to receive the report of the Committee he appointed last year, under the chairmanship of Lord Balfour of Burleigh, to inquire into the hill sheep farming industry in Scotland; and whether the report will be made available to hon. Members at an early date;

(2), whether he is aware that, while the hill sheep farmers of the Highlands appreciate the steps taken by the Government to help them over their difficulties by financial subsidies such as those granted each year since 1940, they feel this short-term policy of subsidies should be replaced by a long-term policy which would enable farmers to plan ahead with confidence; and whether he will take action on these lines to guarantee them a reasonable market for their produce?

My right hon. Frie1nd understands that the Hill Sheep Committee have practically completed the hearing of evidence but that it may be some time before they are in a position to report. Until he has received their recommendations he cannot make any statement as to the long-term measures which may be practicable and desirable to improve the position of hill sheep farming in Scotland. But my right hon. Friend fully agrees with my hon. and gallant Friend on the desirability of a long-term policy.

Is the Minister aware that the issue of this Report is awaited in the Highlands of Scotland even more keenly than elsewhere, and may I ask that it should not be too long delayed?

Yes, sir. My right hon. Friend would welcome this Report at the earliest possible moment.

Is it not a fact that the Committee is considering only post-war problems?

The remit of Lord Balfour of Burleigh's Committee asked in effect for an indication of the basis on which a long-term policy might be framed.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the extensive supplies of lime that can be obtained from the Island of Lismore; and whether, in view of the acute need for lime on the arable and sheep-farming lands of North Argyll and of the Government's policy of developing as many lime workings as possible in the Highland and Islands, he will consider reopening the Lismore workings when planning agricultural development in Scotland for the post-war years?

My right hon. Friend is aware that the Island of Lismore has useful lime deposits which it may be possible to develop in post-war years when transport will be more readily available. My right hon. Friend will certainly keep my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion before him.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that Soviet scientists and mining experts, etc., and notably Professor I. Bardin, of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics Academy of Science, claim that the problem of the underground gasification of coal has been solved, and that, as a result of full-scale Government tests, begun in 1938, plants are now being worked successfully at Gorlovka, in the Donetz basin and at Lisiskansk, thus releasing underground miners and transport workers for other services above ground; and whether his Department has made experiments of this nature?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of accidents in and around coal mines for the years 1939, 1940, 1941 and 1942, respectively; how many were fatal; and the percentage of all accidents to the total employed for each year?

In view of the number of figures involved, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, have them circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is there an increase or a decrease in the percentage of accidents of all kinds?

I have not yet the figures of accidents for this year. A3 far as fatal casualties are concerned, there is a decrease by comparison with the year before, but I am afraid that I have not the figures for 1942 of the total accidents.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power, whether, in view of the continued unsatisfactory coal production, he has considered using subterranean gasification of coal?

I have seen various reports on the work carried out in Russia on the underground gasification of coal, but the information available is not sufficiently complete to enable me to decide whether this process could, with advantage, be adopted in this country. I am accordingly making inquiries through the Soviet representatives in this country who have kindly arranged to communicate with their Government.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the present position in regard to coal production and consumption and on the man-power position in the coalmines?

Production during the three months before Christmas improved, and the improvement if continued on that scale, together with the maintenance of the recent level of savings in consumption, would enable the coal budget to be balanced. As regards man-power, I am glad to be able to inform the House that the number of men recruited into the industry, particularly those coming from other industries, has exceeded the expectations of last summer. The effect of the additional men has been largely to offset natural wastage in the past four months.

Is the Minister aware of the considerable dissatisfaction at the slow progress made in providing means for the men at canteens, and will he take steps to accelerate it?

I am fully aware of the matter, and I have done all I can. I will certainly continue to do so.

From what industries have men been taken into the mines? It was stated that men had been obtained from other industries where they were free to go into the mines, and I would like to know what the industries were.

That was done under the arrangement made last year, concerning men formerly connected with the mining industry who had gone into other industries at different times.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what progress has been made with the establishment of a medical service in the regions?

A selected number of candidates from the long list of applicants for regional posts in the Mines Medical Service are being interviewed this week and appointments will be made as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the Miners Welfare Commission, in consultation with the Ministry of Health and the district welfare committees, has been very actively engaged in the search for suitable buildings for miners' rehabilitation centres. A centre in Scotland to accommodate 200 miners was opened on 11th January, and the rehabilitation centre at Berry Hill has been taken over by the Miners' Welfare Commission from the Mutual Indemnity Company. Negotiations are in progress for the acquisition of buildings elsewhere and good progress is being made generally in the other work involved in setting up centres to cover all the chief coalfields.

Is the Minister aware that he can be congratulated upon finding so many doctors for this purpose, when the Minister of Pensions declares that he is unable to find doctors for his pensions tribunals?

Will the Minister consider consulting the Central War Medical Services Committee as to the disposal of man-power in the Forces in making these appointments, so as not to choose people who ought to be called up for the Forces?

My hon. Friend can take this assurance from me, that we are in constant touch with all these authorities.

How many doctors are being appointed?

I think eight will be appointed in the regions and one at headquarters—nine altogether.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give consideration to the appointment of a Minister of National Development at an early date with the responsibility of examining and working out plans with local authorities and industry which will assure employment to members of His Majesty's Forces when returning to civilian life, as well as to those now employed on the manufacture of arms and munitions?

The problem of the resettlement in peace-time employment of persons demobilised from the Forces and from war industries is engaging the close attention of the several Departments concerned, under the general direction of the Ministerial Committee on Reconstruction Problems, presided over by my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister without Portfolio. I do not think the appointment of a further Minister is called for in this connection.

Would the Minister consider the issue of an interim report so that the Government may have the confidence of men who are now serving as to what their position will be when the war ends?