asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make any statement with regard to the progress made by the appointments offices since their establishment?

The new appointments offices have made a good start during their first ten months' work. They have placed some 8,000 men and some 3,000 women in appropriate war-time employment of the special types with which they deal. They have found many substitutes for men called up and they have put forward to the Fighting Services a very substantial number of men qualified to receive technical commissions. The appointments offices have also done a great deal of useful work in placing women university graduates and in supplying women and girls possessing special qualifications for responsible work in the munitions industries and in the Women's Auxiliary Services. Important new responsibilities connected with the recruitment of technical officers for the Fighting Services and with the employment of nurses are about to be placed upon these offices.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the small reduction in man-power employed by the insurance companies as agents and collectors from 48,800 in August, 1939, to 44,000 in June, 1942, he is taking any steps to rationalise the collection system so as to divert man-power to purposes more essential to the war effort?

My Department is now considering this question in consultation with the Industrial Assurance Commissioner,

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will have inquiries made regarding the case of Miss Joan Sutton, who is in the employ of Mr. Henry Sale, of Sheep Street, Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, with a view to ensuring that the Birmingham Hardship Committee shall be put in possession of the full facts of this case?

As I have, already informed my hon. Friend, inquiries are being made and I will communicate with him in due course.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has now completed his inquiries into the case of the girls who were convicted at Aberdeen Sheriff Court of leaving their employment and who complained of verminous billets and bad food, and whether he has any statement to make on this matter?

I have written fully to my hon. Friend with regard to these cases. My inquiries have established that the billets at which these girls were placed were clean and respectable working class homes. There is no evidence that the girls made any complaints before returning to Scotland. Had they done so the matter would have been investigated immediately and they necessarily exposed themselves to prosecution by acting as they did.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he has any statement to make regarding the demonstration of workers at a factory, of which he has been informed recently, because of the inefficient management; and whether he intends to meet the workers with a view to considering changes in the management of the company?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the matter referred to by the hon. Member. Such difficulties as have arisen derive largely from changes in design and in methods of production which have had to be made and consequent misapprehensions concerning the utilisation of plant. These are not the result of inefficiency of management. As regards the second part of the Question, the answer is "No, Sir." My right hon. Friend had, however, arranged some time ago to visit this factory in the ordinary course of his visits to the area, during the first week in March. He will meet the joint production committee as he does at all factories which he visits.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he is aware that the recently appointed Director of the National Institute for Medical Research, who succeeds in that office a Nobel Prize winner in medicine, possesses no medical qualification and and has had no medical training; what is the present composition of the Medical Research Council and whether he is satisfied that there is adequate representation of clinical medicine on that body?

The new Director of the National Institute for Medical Research is a distinguished investigator in an important branch of medical science, who has already been head of a department in a medical school of the University of London. I am aware that he is not medically qualified, but I may point out that the clinical departments of the Medical Research Council are not comprised in the National Institute. The present members of the Medical Research Council are as follow:

• The Rt. Hon. Lord Balfour of Burleigh (Chairman).
• Sir William M. Goodenough, Bart., D.L., J.P. (Treasurer).
• Sir Charles MacAndrew, T.D., M.P.
• Professor T. R. Elliott, C.B.E., D.S.O., M.D., F.R.C.P., F.R.S.
• Sir Wilson Jameson, K.C.B., M.D., F.R.C.P.
• Professor S. P. Bedson, M.D., F.R.S.
• Mr. E. Rock Carling, F.R.C.S.
• Professor F. C. Bartlett, C.B.E., F.R.S.
• Professor E. D. Adrian, O.M., M.D., F.R.C.P., F.R.S.
• Sir Henry H. Dale, G.B.E., M.D., F.R.C.P., F.R.S.
• Professor D. Keilin, Sc.D., F.R.S.

The principal subjects represented by the eight members appointed in respect of their scientific qualifications are clinical medicine, surgery, preventive medicine, pathology and bacteriology, pharmacology, physiology and neurology, biochemistry, and psychology. I am satisfied that this provides a well balanced representation of the different branches of medical science.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to prevent a repetition of the recent flooding in certain parts of the Trent Valley, caused by certain frontagers refusing to allow the Catchment Board to strengthen the bank where their land abuts the river; and whether compensation is paid to the victims of these obstructive acts?

Recent flooding of the Lower Trent Valley was due to an exceptionally high tide and not to the causes mentioned by the hon. Member. The second part of the Question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Minister of Pensions the peak number of pensions granted for disablement in the great war; what is the total amount which has been paid; what was the average amount of pension per head; the highest and lowest amount per person; and how many pensions are now being paid?

The figures for which the hon. and gallant Member asks will take some little time to prepare. I will circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT at an early date.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what information he has received indicating that ships for Germany are now being built in Sweden?

I presume that my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind recent Press reports from Sweden that a number of trawlers are being built in that country to German order. The Admiralty has received similar reports, and certain details in their design indicate that these trawlers are intended to be used for naval purposes. The building or fitting out in a neutral country of vessels for warlike uses to the order of a belligerent is prohibited by international law, and the Foreign Office have therefore sent instructions to His Majesty's Minister to take the question up strongly with the Swedish Government.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works what annual revenue is derived from historic ruins or remains to visit which fees are charged by the State?

The receipts for the financial year ending 31st March, 1942, from ancient monuments and historic buildings were £7,500. Some of these monuments are at present closed to the public. In addition, there are Royal Palaces such as Hampton Court and the Palace of Holy-rood House, for which entrance fees amounting to £2,800 were received.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons in receipt of public assistance in the Northleach district on 31st December, 1942?

I regret that I am unable to state the number for the date mentioned, but I understand that the figures for institutional and domiciliary assistance at the nearest available dates were 96 and 19 respectively, making a total of 115.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the example of the Downham Rural District Council in making allowances off the rent of council houses in respect of children under, and of, school age; and, as the rents suggested for rural workers' houses under the Government's new proposals would be in the neighbourhood of 12s. 2d. per week, including rates, whether he will approve of the rural district council in question making similar deductions in respect of children and assist them in this matter?

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." As regards the second part, no approval is necessary, in view of the powers given to local authorities by Sub-section (5) of Section 85 of the Housing Act, 1936. No further Exchequer assistance would however be available on this account.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the rural district council of Downham was, before the war, engaged upon a scheme for the erection of 450 houses to meet the demand for rural workers' houses in that area; that this was preceded by a survey of housing conditions in the area which disclosed that there were approximately 600 houses in various states of unfitness for the housing of rural workers, 400 of which were deemed unfit for human habitation by the medical officer of health; that about 14 houses had been constructed when war broke out, whereupon orders were received to stop building; and whether he will reconsider the allocation of 36 houses to this rural district council under the Government's proposal for erecting 3,000 rural workers' houses?

I am fully aware of the comprehensive schemes for the improvement of rural housing conditions on which this and other rural district councils were engaged at the outbreak of war and share their disappointment at the interruption of progress. The war-time agricultural building scheme recently announced is admittedly a very small contribution to the total need but the total number of houses must depend on the amount of labour and materials which can be made available, having regard to the requirements of other vital schemes. This being so, I should not feel justified in suggesting to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture that the allocation to Downham Rural District should be increased.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is the general practice of London authorities partially repairing bombed and unoccupied houses which belong normally to private landlords, to let them to tenants of their own selection; and whether after the war such houses will revert to their original ownership?

The answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir"; the second part does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information in connection with four German prisoners who escaped in the North Midlands while being taken by train to a camp by the police; and are they allowed to travel in the same carriages as other passengers?

On the occasion referred to by my hon. Friend two prisoners escaped from a train. It was not, so it seems, a planned escape and they gave themselves up after 48 hours. A full inquiry is being held into the incident. Prisoners of war are not allowed to travel in the same carriages as ordinary passengers and did not do so in this case.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in all cases, endeavour is made consistent with the demands of the Service to grant men embarkation leave?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, taking the latest available figures, he can give the percentage of men called up but rejected on medical examination; and also the percentage of men called up and enlisted but who have been since the start of the war invalided out of the Army?

The answer to the first part of the Question is 20 per cent. The figures of men invalided out of the Army do not differentiate between those called up under the National Service Acts and enlisted, and those serving in the Army on other engagements, and I regret that I cannot therefore give my hon. Friend the answer to the second part of his Question.

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent his Department are responsible for the general specification and general design of tanks?

The War Office is responsible for specifying the general characteristics—that is to say performance, armament, armour protection and fighting qualities—required of armoured fighting vehicles. The Ministry of Supply are responsible for the design, development and production of armoured fighting vehicles along the lines of these general specifications.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can see his way to resuming the consideration of applications for naturalisation by refugees from Nazi oppression who are accepted for service in the Army with liability to be sent overseas, on the ground that if they are sufficiently trustworthy to fight for this country they deserve to have their application for citizenship considered?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to a Question by the hon. Member for the Forest of Dean (Mr. Price) on 18th February.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the issue, dated February, 1943, of a periodical called "The Vanguard," which contains anti-Semitic matter, fulsome praise of Hitler and the Nazis, and abuse of this country in general and the Prime Minister in particular; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with this paper?

I share the view of the hon. Member as to the obnoxious character of this obscure publication which is published in Scotland and I have considered in the past, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether it was necessary to take action against the paper under the Defence Regulations. The view has hitherto been taken that its influence was negligible and that such action would merely give its views a greater prominence than it is likely to achieve in its native obscurity. I will, however, continue to keep the publication under observation.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the continued running of the Waterloo hare coursing cup races, involving a public exhibition of cruelty and waste of beef-steak, chicken, eggs, etc., supplied to the dogs employed; and, as blood sports of this nature are not in the public interest, will he undertake to put a stop to them?

In the Protection of Animals Acts, 1911 and 1921, Parliament made specific provision with regard to coursing, and whatever may be the arguments for amending these provisions it would not be justifiable to use the Government's war-time powers for the purpose of dealing with the controversial question of blood sports. If waste of food fit for human consumption can be proved, proceedings are instituted under the Waste of Food Order, and my Noble Friend the Minister of Food would be glad to have information of any infringement of his Order.

asked the Home Secretary to what extent it is now the custom for Metropolitan police constables to wear two different numbers, one on their overcoat and one on their ordinary neck lapel; is he aware that this duplicate numbering tends to confuse the public in their identification of police constables; that on the afternoon of 10th December when the hon. Member for Rochdale was stopped in his motor-car by the motor police, constable X44 had in this way two identification numbers; what were the circumstances of this duplication; and whether he was reprimanded or reproved by the accompanying constable, police constable X626, for this negligence on duty?

I presume that my hon. Friend is referring to an incident about which he wrote to me and on which I sent him a full reply. There is no question of any custom for members of the Metropolitan police to wear different numbers on their overcoats and tunics. As I have already explained, the police officer concerned happened at the time to be wearing the mackintosh belonging to a colleague, and the matter has been brought to the notice of the proper authorities and appropriate action taken. There was no question of any attempt by the officer to conceal his proper number which in fact he gave correctly.

asked the Postmaster-General whether there is normally a serious congestion on the telegraphic facilities between the Middle East and England; and what is the usual delay on private messages?

There is not normally serious congestion on the telegraph facilities between the Middle East and England. The transmission time for private messages to and from members of the Forces varies according to the location in the Middle East of the addressee or sender. For units near the base the overall time should not be more than four or five days.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can account for the irregularity in the receipt of airgraphs by members of the Forces in India, two airgraphs for instance dated in England 30th October and 22nd November, 1942, being delivered together in Karachi on the 24th December?

Airgraph letters addressed to members of H.M. Forces in India are despatched at frequent intervals and by the most expeditious air route available on each occasion. The times of transmission of the films to India vary but the present average is approximately two and a half weeks. This excludes the time required for processing at each end, the interval between posting and departure of the aircraft, and the time, depending on the location of the addressee, required to effect delivery. I cannot account for the delay which occurred in delivery of the first of the two letters to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers but if he can let me have the letter or give me further particulars, I will have inquiry made.

asked the Postmaster-General why airmails dated September from India have just been delivered in this country, thus taking nearly 20 weeks for the journey?

Owing to the shortage of aircraft capacity the ordinary air mails from India are forwarded by air only as far as a port in Africa whence they are sent to the United Kingdom by sea. Certain air mails despatched from India in the early part of October last were embarked at an African port towards the end of October on a ship which unfortunately was seriously delayed en route and the mails were subsequently transferred to another ship reaching here on 18th February.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the Public Trustee in deciding that when British firms owe balances to enemy aliens, or aliens in occupied territories, these sums must be paid to the Public Trustee whereas, if the same British firms are owned balances, other than by the same enemy aliens, by enemy aliens in the same enemy or occupied territory, the Public Trustee has no authority to set off such sums against the balances due; and whether he will take steps to alter this practice?

The law requires that debts due to enemies must be paid to the Custodian of Enemy Property and preserved by him in contemplation of arrangements to be made at the conclusion of peace. It would not be consistent with this requirement, or equitable between one trader and another, if certain persons could set off debts due to them from other enemies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the associations representative of our basic industries, and other industries responsible for the employment of many thousands of workpeople, have been asked to furnish the Government with their own suggestions for post-war organisation of their industries on a basis of providing full employment, subject to the Government undertaking to give private enterprise every opportunity to expand and benefit from its enterprise?

If my hon. Friend will refer to the statement on reconstruction that my right hon. Friend made to the House on 3rd February, he will see the purpose and nature of the approach being made to industries.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the committee appointed in connection with the scheme for assisting export trade by making advances to traders in respect of unpaid debts for goods in enemy or enemy-occupied countries has completed its work?

Yes, Sir. This Committee, which I appointed in consultation with my right hon. Friend, the President of the Board of Trade, in August, 1940, has not made any recommendation for over 12 months and practically no applications for such advances are now received. Accordingly, my right hon. Friend and I have decided that the facilities for further advances should now be withdrawn as having served their purpose. The Committee during its existence has recommended a number of advances, and I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my thanks to the chairman and members of the Committee for their valuable services in connection with this scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether a satisfactory explanation can be given for the "raiders passed" signal being sounded on the night of 16th February, 1943, in a certain city during a period of anti-aircraft gun action; and what steps he has taken in the matter?

After the area referred to was clear of enemy aircraft, the "raiders passed" signal was sounded in accordance with normal procedure. Shortly before the signal was given, however, and possibly for a minute or two thereafter, a few rounds of A.A. fire were directed against one of our own night-operating aircraft.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether aeroplanes carrying airgraph letters for the troops abroad are civil machines, or partly military and partly civil; how many machines are solely devoted to carrying airgraphs; and how many airgraphs can each machine carry?

Airgraph films are carried on Service or civil aircraft from this country to the Middle East whichever may be the quickest at any particular time. From the Middle East to India and South Africa they are normally carried on civil aircraft only. No aircraft are used solely for this purpose as the films take up a very small fraction of the pay-load of any one aircraft. One pound of airgraph films contains about 4,000 letters.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he can give an estimate of the contribution to the war effort in saving of petrol and tonnage effected by the restriction put on retail deliveries throughout the country?

Yes, Sir, housewives and retail traders have made an important contribution to the war effort by their ready acceptance of the restrictions imposed by schemes for the rationalisation of retail deliveries. By the many small individual economies which the schemes secure, we have, up to the present time, saved petrol at ah annual rate of about 25,000,000 gallons. About 34,000 vehicles have been released. Over one half of these economies are in the distribution of foodstuffs. These results are an encouragement for the further steps now being taken to rationalise deliveries of milk, bread and coal.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in his next Budget, he will consider making it compulsory for foreign, as well as Irish, labour drawing wages in this country to pay the appropriate Income Tax irrespective of periods of residence?

I can see no ground for an alteration of the existing law in relation to the taxation of the classes of persons to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers.

asked the Minister of Information who was chiefly responsible for making the arrangement of the pageant held at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, 21st February?

The arrangements were made by officials of the Ministry of Information and the general production of the pageant was in the hands of Mr. Basil Dean, Director of E.N.S.A.

asked the Prime Minister whether any assistance is being given to the residents of the Scilly Islands in view of the prohibition of the conveying of flowers; and whether the steamer plying between the islands and the mainland is also forbidden to carry flowers?

As regards the first part of the Question I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Penryn and Falmouth (Major Petherick), on 28th January last, of which I am sending him a copy. The answer to the last part of the Question is in the negative.