asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why, of the 1,000 new houses to be allocated on Clydeside, only 200 are allocated to Clydebank and in view of the fact that the destruction of houses by enemy action was greater in this burgh than elsewhere on the Clyde, that before the war Clydebank was overcrowded, and that since the war there has been an influx of workers into the area, whether he will reconsider this decision and authorise the provision of new houses in excess of 200?

Under the new Scottish housing programme of 1,000 houses 80 per cent. have been allocated to war-damaged areas on Clydeside. But there is unfortunately no known formula for giving universal satisfaction when only a limited number of houses is available to meet a large demand.

Is the Secretary of State aware that his reply will be heard with dismay in Clydebank? Is he aware that "the foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests" but that the workers in Clydebank have nowhere of their own to lay their heads? What is the Secretary of State going to do to meet this tragic situation in Clydebank, where there are no homes for the people?

The Question on the Order Paper relates only to the allocation of the very limited token number of houses to be built. I can assure my hon. Friend that we have done our best to allocate these as fairly as possible.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the heaviest amount of damage has been done at Clydebank and will he not see that Clyde-bank gets a bigger part of the allocation?

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that there is substance in the pleas that have been made and that the dimensions of this token programme need to be reconsidered?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will indicate the adaptations, modifications and exceptions which he proposes to make to the Electric (Supply) Acts, 1882 to 1936, referred to in Clauses 16 (1) and 21 of the Hydro-Electric Development (Scotland) Bill, in time to allow of consideration before the Bill is examined in Committee?

As my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Advocate promised during the Second Reading Debate it is the Government's intention to table timeously Amendments to the Bill setting out adaptations and modifications in the provisions of the Acts of 1926 and 1935 relating to the Central Electricity Board in their application to the North of Scotland District. No undertaking was given to schedule the adaptation of the Electricity (Supply) Acts as a whole, but I hope that it may be possible to deal with this also by way of Amendments to the Bill.

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that these Amendments-will be put down timeously so that they may be considered before the Bill is examined in Committee?

That is what I said in my answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the desirability that crofters in the West Highlands and Islands should be enabled to make the most effective use of their crofts, he proposes to take any steps to instruct the crofters in up-to-date agricultural methods?

For many years the North and West of Scotland Colleges of Agriculture have had instructors and instructresses stationed in these districts for the purpose stated in the Question. I am glad, however, to say that the North of Scotland College has now secured, in addition, the services of Dr. Fraser Darling. Dr. Darling is the well-known scientist and naturalist, who has successfully cultivated a croft on the Island of Tanera off the Ross-shire coast and is thus able to speak from practical experience of crofting problems. Dr. Darling's services which will be on a part-time basis, will consist of giving practical instruction, advice and demonstrations to the crofters.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his encouraging statement, will he see that when the demonstrations take place, good notice is given, as most of the crofters are in remote areas, where they are very widely scattered and where there are great difficulties of transport, as it would be to the advantage of every single crofter to attend the demonstrations?

That suggestion will be borne in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether the question of rating of site values is included in the terms of reference to the Committee which he has appointed to inquire into rating problems in Scotland; and, if not, will he reconsider the terms so as to include such a reference;

I announced the terms of reference to this Committee in the House on 24th February during the Second Reading Debate on the Hydro-Electric Development (Scotland) Bill. I am sending to my hon. Friend a copy of the statement I then made. The purpose of the inquiry is to examine only very limited aspects of the Scots rating system. The membership of the Committee is at present under consideration.

In view of my right hon. Friend's well-known support in the past for the rating of site values, does not he agree that there is now a favourable opportunity to include this in the terms of reference of the Committee, and why has he not done so?

It is very obvious that within the terms of a Hydro-Electric Bill it would be impossible to amend the whole of the rating system.

Do the terms of reference include an inquiry into what seems to an Englishman to be the odd practice of requiring that houses shall be deroofed before the owner can be let off rates?

No, Sir.

Did not the Secretary of State indicate in his speech that the terms of reference would be wider?

I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the exact terms I used.

The exact terms which the right hon. Gentleman used and the terms he is using now are contradictory.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will issue a White Paper setting out the methods adopted in Scotland to solve the administrative problems of religious education?

A White Paper (Cmd. 6426) with regard to the provision made for religious instruction in the schools in Scotland was presented to Parliament last month, and it deals with the subject raised in the hon. Member's Question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has remitted any special inquiries or asked for any interim reports from the reconstituted Advisory Council on Education and the Youth Advisory Committee?

After obtaining the views of the Advisory Council on Education as to the subjects into which they should inquire and their relative urgency, and with the approval of the Council of Ex-Secretaries of State, I have made five remits to the Advisory Council. I will with my hon. Friend's consent circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I am at present discussing with the Chairman of the Scottish Youth Advisory Committee the subjects into which inquiry should be made by that Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is intending to introduce an Education Bill for Scotland this Session?

I am afraid that in the present Session of Parliament there will be no opportunity for a Scots Education Bill.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will ensure that in bombed areas house factors, when re-letting vacant private houses and flats, give preference to bombed-out families who are at present homeless?

I have no power to require property owners to let empty houses to families who have been rendered homeless by enemy action, but I understand that in at least one area the local authority have been able to come to an arrangement with the property owners under which a preference is given to such families. I welcome arrangements of this kind, and I hope that the publicity which will be given to my hon. Friend's Question will serve to encourage such arrangements in other areas. In addition, I have given all local authorities powers to find accommodation for homeless persons by billeting or by the requisitioning of empty houses.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that he might seek powers for this purpose, in view of the fact that the arrangements have broken down in so many bombed-out areas?

This is a matter that can hardly be considered by Question and answer. There are very serious difficulties.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether it is necessary for a householder in making application for petrol to allow him to attend church on the Sabbath, to give the names of the members of his household in the application so as to make them eligible to travel in the motor-car; and whether the nearest suitable church means the usual place of worship, that is, the church and congregation of which they are communicants and members, even if such place of worship is not the nearest to the home of the applicant?

The answer to the, first part of the Question is in the negative. As regards the second part, the nearest suitable church normally means the church of the particular denomination concerned, nearest to the home of the applicant, but I shall be happy to consider any exceptional case if my hon. and gallant Friend will give me particulars.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware of the inferior quality of much of the coal, including domestic, due to stone and other non-combustible material being mixed therewith and now being brought to the surface, and of the waste of transport, labour, time and money caused thereby, together with frustration of statistics of output, etc.; and whether he will order more effective steps to be taken to secure that only genuine coal is put on rail?

Yes, Sir. My Regional Officers are keeping a close watch on the position and are taking all possible steps to maintain the standard of preparation of coal. Inquiries I have made indicate that over a considerable proportion of the national output the standard has been well maintained, but I would remind my hon. Friend that the position is now such that a use must be found for every ton of fuel produced, including some for which there was little or no demand before the war. It is mainly in relation to this inferior residue of the national output that difficulties arise.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman be good enough to inspect a sample of alleged coal which I extracted, and which represents 4 lbs. of solid stone in one shovelful of coal, from a truck in a siding in Buckinghamshire, supposed to contain the best house coal, for which £3 a ton is charged; and does he think it reasonable that poor people should be asked to pay this price for coal which undoubtedly is adulterated?

No, Sir, I do not agree that it is right that it should be sold. I should be glad to look into the case which my hon. Friend has in mind. I must add, however, that every type of coal has to be used at the present time, and most of the complaints are of the type to which the hon. Member referred. I am sure my hon. Friend will agree that there is a shortage of labour when it comes to the screening and sorting out of the coal, and that is one of the great difficulties.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in certain areas there is a very definite complaint about this and that last week in Northumberland, in a supply of two tons of coal, there was from 50 to 75 per cent. of stone, and that I have a sample with me to show to him? Is he further aware that there is no shortage of men to do the screening work?

I cannot accept my hon. Friend's contention that there is no shortage of labour on the screening. That is not so. It may be the case in the particular instance he has in mind, and I will look into that case. I find it a little difficult to believe that 75 per cent. of stone was found in the coal.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that industrial coal, to which the attention of his Department has been drawn frequently, contains more than 50 per cent. of moisture and incombustible material, and when wagons are brought a long distance, does not this represent a very serious waste of transport?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power when and in what manner the recent proposals of the London and Home Counties Joint Electricity Authority had been communicated to the Electricity Commissioners or any member thereof; and what was the attitude adopted in regard thereto?

The London and Home Counties Joint Electricity Authority sent me on 15th February a memorandum of proposals, stating that a copy had been sent to the Electricity Commissioners. I appreciate the work that has been put into this memorandum, and I am consulting the Electricity Commissioners about its proposals.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will indicate the nature of the differences of opinion which have caused the resignation of Dr. Smith from his position of Director of Gas Supplies?

Dr. Smith wrote to me on 19th February saying that it appeared that he had fulfilled the task allotted to him when he was appointed in 1941 and he therefore desired to terminate his services with my Department. He felt that his effort? could better serve the national cause if exercised elsewhere. There have been certain differences of opinion between Dr. Smith and myself during the last eight months. These have arisen only on occasions when I felt myself unable to accept the advice which he rendered to me.

In view of the grave disquiet occasioned by Dr. Smith's resignation owing to the confidence they have in him, did the right hon. and gallant Gentleman personally discuss the differences of opinion between him and Dr. Smith since the resignation was handed in?

I have not consulted him' since that time, but I had on many occasions before.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman believe that the appointment of a Committee with a non-technical chairman will be more advantageous to the national interest than a man with high technical qualifications?

Facts and not opinions should be asked for at Question Time.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will state on the coal production side the names of those members of his Department who have resigned this year and the position they held?

The following officers of the Production Directorate have resigned or have been released during this year: Mr. T. E. B. Young, Chief Production Director at Headquarters. Mr. H. Watson Smith, Production Director, North Midland Region. Mr. J. H. French, Assistant Production Director, North Western Region.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman give any indication as to the reasons for these gentlemen's resignations?

With regard to Mr. Young, the company which lent him to me were in a serious difficulty because his deputy was seriously ill and was not likely to resume work for several months. The company in question is a very important one as far as output is concerned, and I felt I should agree to Mr. Young's release. They have promised me that when Mr. Young's deputy returns they will be glad to let me have the advice of Mr. Young again from time to time. With regard to Mr. Watson Smith, much the same situation arose.

Have these appointments been replaced?

We have in the place of Mr. Watson Smith a panel of technical people doing the work. I am hoping to replace Mr. Young very shortly at headquarters and the same applies to the North Western region.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he can give any information in connection with coal seams found 16 feet below the surface between the villages of Answorth and Cossall, Nottinghamshire; what sort of coal it is; and whether he has granted the lease to a new company to work the coal?

Yes, Sir, the coal is the Piper seam of general house and manufacturing coal which is well known, extensively worked in the North Midland coalfield and outcrops in the neighbourhood mentioned. The answer to the latter part of the Question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he can make a statement indicating what steps are being taken to develop methods and processes of utilising coal, particularly of derivatives from coal; and what his Department is doing in this matter?

While my Ministry is not directly responsible for the conduct of research work, it is in close touch with the Fuel Research Station of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, which is carrying out an extensive programme of research into the properties of coal, its utilisation and the utilisation of its by-products. My Ministry is also in touch with the British Coal Utilisation Research Association, the Gas Research Board and other industrial research bodies engaged on important work in this field. Moreover, as my hon. Friend may be aware, the Ministry is in control of the coal tar industry and of the production of benzole. Considerable progress has been made in substituting the liquid products of coal for imported petroleum products and the Ministry has acquired much valuable information bearing on the production and utilisation of coal by-products.

Do these various bodies report to the right hon. and gallant Gentleman the findings of their investigations, and does he propose to publish their report?

I should like notice of that Question.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps are being taken to increase the use of waste coal such as anthracite duff?

Every effort is being made by the Ministry to increase the use of low grade fuels, and the opening up of further fields for their absorption is a special subject of study by the Fuel Efficiency Committee. Considerable tonnages have already been absorbed, releasing better quality coal for other purposes. Particular attention is directed to the possibilities of anthracite duff. Certain industries have given valuable assistance by taking increased quantities, and industrial trials, directed to widening the possible outlets, are at present in progress.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the total weight of ash in the coal used for industrial purposes and for domestic purposes in Great Britain during 1942; whether any estimate has been made in terms of thermal units of the waste in hauling such ash about the country; and in view of the increased efficiency in boiler plant which would result if this ash were eliminated, what action he proposes to take?

I regret that it is impossible to provide the statistics for which my hon. Friend asks. Every effort is being made, however, to maintain the standards of preparation of coal for both industrial and domestic purposes, and to reduce the length of haulage of fuel with high ash contents.

Are all the coal washing plants being used, and is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman taking any steps to increase them?

We are doing everything we can to increase the supply of the washers I think he has in mind, but the hon. Member will realise that there is a shortage of material and also of labour.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why certain colliery companies have been ordered to send coal to Dublin; and whether, in view of the shortage in this country this policy is to be continued?

The supply of coal for Eire has been considered by the Government from time to time and certain limited quantities have been made available. There has been no formal direction by the Ministry to collieries to provide coal for Eire. Supplies are released through the normal trade channels from those collieries where the coal can best be spared at the particular time.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that some of this fuel will be used to provide light and heat to the German and Italian Legations in Dublin; and that, as so many Seaham pitmen are fighting Germans and Italians in North Africa, our company resent this.

It is not a matter for me to decide. The Government have agreed that certain limited quantities should go to Eire.

Is there any reason why coal should go to Ireland when we are so short in this country?

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that there is universal support in the country for Ireland being allowed sufficient coal?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the purpose and result of the visit of officers of his Department to Messrs. Jarrett and Company, 78, West Street, Old Market, Bristol?

asked the President of the Board of Trade why inspectors from his Department recently visited the premises of Jarrett and Company, 78, West Street, Bristol?

Officers of my Department visited this firm on 18th May, 1942, for the purpose of inspecting their records of dealings in goods controlled under the Limitation of Supplies (Toilet Preparations) Order. No action was taken as a result of the visit.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a large proportion of the rubber plantation companies in Malaya are controlled by administration companies such as Eastern Industries, Limited; and whether he will consider a revision of company law which would restore to shareholders democratic control of their companies?

I am informed that many rubber plantation companies used to find it convenient to employ agencies to supervise and manage their interests in Malaya, but that such arrangements did not affect the control of the shareholders.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the wide dissatisfaction with the austerity clothes regulations, whether he will consider the advisability of conferring with practical representatives of the bespoke "tailoring trade, as distinct from the manufacturing interests, with a view to amending the regulations, thereby making them more practical and thus removing the serious irritation they are causing to professional and business men in particular?

These regulations were introduced in May, 1942, after consultation with the trade. Their purpose was to effect a substantial economy in shipping space, materials and labour, and in this they have succeeded. The need for such economies is even more urgent now than it was ten months ago, and I could not agree to any amendment of these regulations which would diminish their effectiveness in this respect. Subject to this condition, I shall be glad to consider any representations which the trade may wish to make.

May I thank my right hon. Friend for being prepared to receive representatives of the bespoke tailoring trade and ask him whether the austerity regulations were originally intended to apply only to utility clothing and not to non-utility? Is it not a fact that trousers with turn-ups wear longer than non-turn-ups?

No, Sir. There was never any limitation of these regulations for utility clothing. Turn-ups are a very debatable subject. I do not accept the view of my hon. Friend, and I would like to let him know that on the turn-ups regulations alone millions of square feet of cloth have already been saved. The Services have no turn-ups, nor do many hon. Members of this House who take particular care of their tailoring.

With regard to my right hon. Friend's statement that he would be prepared to receive representations from the trade on this subject, has he not already received representations from the National Federation of Merchant Tailors?

I have not met them personally. A deputation came a few days ago and met the Director-General of Civilian Clothing at the Board of Trade and put certain suggestion to him. I repeat that, subject to the condition that these economies are essential and must be maintained, I am prepared to listen to anything the trade may submit.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the anxiety of expectant mothers caused by his failure to provide perambulators; and what steps he is taking to meet the current demand?

Many manufacturers, who were engaged before the war on perambulators, are now working, wholly or partly, on direct war work. Further, the materials available for perambulator manufacture are very short, particularly plywood and steel. Nevertheless, production has increased considerably since last year, thanks to the co-operation of the trade and as a result of simplification in design. If, however, my hon. Friend has evidence of a serious shortage in any particular area, I shall be glad to look into it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one shopkeeper in Middlesbrough said he had orders for 700 perambulators and could not supply more than 10 per cent? Will the right hon. Gentleman realise that this is an important industry and that it ought to be provided with more materials?

I have had this matter very much in mind and have taken special steps in conjunction with the trade to increase production. Production is considerably greater than last year. If my hon. Friend will send me particulars, I shall be glad to have the question of Middlesbrough's share of the output looked into.

But will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he will take adequate steps to meet the demand?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any steps are now being taken to improve the distribution of safety razor blades; and whether he is aware that there is now an acute shortage in the supply available to the general public?

Despite the shortage of labour and steel strip, the number of razor blades available for the general public is little less than before the war. Every effort is made to distribute supplies as fairly as possible throughout the country, but if my hon. Friend has evidence of a serious shortage in any particular district, I shall be glad to look into it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman go into any chemist shop or barber's at random in London, and in five places out of six he will be told that none are available? When he says that the same number are being made as before the war, is he counting the safety razors supplied to the Armed Forces?

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise how unfair the shortage of razor blades is to us poor brunettes as compared with blondes?

I am anxious to be fair all round. The total production of safety razor blades is greater in spite of the difficulties I have indicated, but a considerable part of it goes to the Services. The civilian population, excluding what goes to the Services, have very nearly as many as before the war. If there are defects in distribution, I shall be glad to look into them on evidence from particular areas.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Army Bureau of Current Affairs syllabus on the Beveridge Report and the decision of Parliament upon it will be available to the Army serving overseas?

A limited number of copies of all A.B.C.A. pamphlets published is sent overseas.

May I ask whether that will include the instructions which have been issued on this matter?

I said that a limited number of all the pamphlets published will be available.

Is it intended to enliven Army life by also sending a syllabus of the Scott and Uthwatt Reports?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any arrangements have been, or are being, made to give war bonuses to soldiers at the end of the war?

As stated by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Bassetlaw (Mr. Bellenger) on 4th March, 1942, the question of gratuities for soldiers at the end of the war will have to be settled by the Government of the day in the light of the circumstances then prevailing.

asked the Secretary of State for War what farmers have to pay for the use of soldiers doing farm work; who receives the pay; and whether the soldiers get any extra pay for the work?

Farmers have to pay either at rates comparable with the rates of wages fixed for unskilled farm labourers or, in the case of work for which piece rates are customary, at the appropriate piece work rate. The payments so made are credited to Army Funds; the soldiers are not given extra pay for the work. This is what is done when soldiers are detailed for this duty by arrangement with the military authorities. Soldiers voluntarily assisting farmers when off duty may make private arrangements with the farmer for payment, and may keep whatever money they get.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some cases soldiers do receive cash from farmers extra to what the farmer has to pay to Army funds, and that they would welcome a little cash recognition of their efforts for the farmers? Will he reconsider this matter?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the allowances his Department agreed to pay in respect of the children of widows serving in the Auxiliary Territorial Service are now in operation; and whether officers as well as other ranks are covered by the decision?

I regret that the amendment of the Regulations has taken some time, but I hope that the changes will be promulgated shortly. Those entitled to the allowance will receive it retrospectively from the beginning of December. In some cases the regimental paymaster has admitted claims and paid the allowance. Officers as well as other ranks are covered by this decision.