asked the Secretary of State for War how many regiments of the Army, excluding the Brigade of Guards, and how many battalions of the same are being dressed in Guards barathea or barathea of the Guards shade; what prices do young officers pay for such uniforms compared with the prices laid down in the Board of Trade, Goods and Services (Price Control) Order, No. 2556; and from what source do manufacturers obtain the yarn for the making of such cloth?

An officer is allowed to wear material of whatever type he prefers provided it is one of those normally used, that is, khaki barathea, whipcord or serge. Officers of the Brigade of Guards usually wear a special barathea. There is no Regulation against other officers wearing this barathea if they wish to, but I know of no unit in which all the officers wear this cloth. I understand the Wool Control release the necessary yarn for its manufacture. A Service jacket and trousers in this barathea cost between £12 3s. 5d. and £14 3s. 6d. The prices in the Order referred to by my hon. Friend vary between £12 3s. 10d. and £13 7s. 9d.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I say that I was hoping that he would give us a general statement upon what appears to be a general ramp on the part of military tailors who seem somehow to have information from commanding officers on what is dress uniform for a particular regiment, instead of the Service type of uniform or standard uniform laid down by the Army Council? Cannot the right hon. Gentleman make a general statement?

I made a general statement. If the hon. Member is referring to the Question which I answered the other day in regard to the supply of articles from ordnance, I hope to make a further statement shortly. I see no evidence, in the figures which I have given in my answer, of what the hon. Member refers to as a general ramp.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries about what has happened in O.C.T.U. camps where tailors' shops are being set up which seem to encourage young officers to spend more than they ought to do upon their uniforms out of their uniform allowance?

asked the Secretary of State for War why paratroops who are wounded on active service have deducted the 2s. a day granted especially to them as para-pay or jumping allowance; and whether he will take steps speedily to remedy this injustice to the paratroops which has caused disquiet amongst serving men and the civilian population?

Parachute pay of 2s. a day is granted to the personnel concerned because of their special duties. In common with other forms of additional pay it ceases to be issuable if the individual concerned ceases to perform the duties, whether through wounds or injuries or for other reasons for a period exceeding 21 days. As the reason for its issue is no longer present in such circumstances, its continuance would not be justified.

Does the right hon. Gentleman feel that this would be likely to stimulate recruiting in those needed sections of our Forces? Further, do we, the right hon. Gentleman in his capacity as Cabinet Minister and servant of the State and myself as Member of Parliament, suffer reduction of pay when we are off duty by reason of sickness? Will not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider this question?

We do not get special additions to our pay for performing special duties but a consolidated rate of pay for performing all our duties.

Is not this case on a par with that of officers who are permitted to hold their temporary rank up to three months if they are wounded, and therefore does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that there is some justification in asking for this matter to be reconsidered?

The only difference between the two things is that in one case they have three months and in the other they have 21 days. If the question is whether I will consider the assimilation of the periods, my reply is that I certainly will do so.

Is not the Minister aware that a Cabinet Minister obtains extra allowance for the job he is doing? If he is ill, is the Cabinet Minister reduced to the ordinary £600?

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I reluctantly beg to give notice that I will raise this matter at a suitable opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the letter from the Battersea Borough Labour Party and Trades Council, dated 11th February, complaining about the use of members of the Home Guard for purposes outside their duties; whether he has replied to that letter and on what date; and what was the nature of the reply?

I regret that a careful search has failed to trace the receipt of the letter referred to. I understand that a copy is being sent to the War Office where it will be fully considered. I will then communicate with my hon. Friend.

Would the right hon. Gentleman explain how one of his clerks knew the contents of this letter, more than is contained in my Question?

Because the clerk of one of my private secretaries rang up the hon. Member's house and asked him whether he could furnish a copy of the letter and in fact sent a sent a special messenger to get a copy of the letter; and the letter has not yet arrived.

Is the Minister aware that this information was communicated before any information was supplied by me?

That, to the best of my knowledge, is contrary to my recollection of the events.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information in connection with £500,000 Home Guard accounts shortage which is reported in the Comptroller and Auditor-General's statement for the year ended 31st March, 1942; and what he intends doing about the matter?

I do not think I can usefully add anything at present to the explanation given by the Comptroller and Auditor-General in his report. The Committee of Public Accounts will have an opportunity of going further into the matter in the near future if they so desire, when the Army Appropriation Account for 1941 is under consideration.

Does not the shortage referred to in the Auditor-General's Report cover the entire period from the inception of the Home Guard until 31st March, 1942; and furthermore is not the shortage almost entirely due to stores and equipment destroyed by enemy action?

So far as the first part of the question is concerned, that is certainly the case. As regards the second part, I would not like to commit myself to saying that it is almost entirely due, but it is certainly materially due, to that reason.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Home Guard personnel have been informed that, when called upon to muster, they are expected to bring a 24-hours' supply of food with them; and, in view of the difficulty in complying with this order, will he cancel it and arrange for the men to be issued with an iron ration as they report at their respective depots for duty?

Arrangements for feeding the Home Guard when mustered have been made, and there is no reason which can be foreseen why these arrangements should not work. It will, however, be a time of emergency and unavoidable delays may occur. It is, therefore, considered prudent and in the interests of the men themselves for them to bring some food with them. The regulation says no more than this. I am unaware of any order to bring a 24-hours' supply of food.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider issuing to the personnel of the Royal Armoured Corps badges signifying technical qualifications similar to those issued to observers, wireless operators, air gunners, &c., in the Royal Air Force?

The question of issuing distinguishing badges is now being examined.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give the number of officers of both A and B category, respectively, employed by the Claims Commission in both London and the country who are under 35 years of age; what steps are being taken for their replacement; and the number so graded who are between 35 and 40 years of age?

There are 48 officers in the Claims Commission in category A and 15 in category B under 35 years of age. There are 37 in category A and 4 in category B between 35 and 40 years old. Steps have been taken to transfer those under 30 in category A to field units and their place in the Claims Commission will be taken, as far as possible, by other officers with the necessary technical qualifications who are not suitable for service in field units.

Can the Minister say when the releases will actually take place? Is he not aware that there are many men in the ranks who have knowledge of this work and who might be commissioned and used to replace younger men?

My experience is that it is extremely difficult to replace these people. In regard to the first part of the question, transfers are taking place now.

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements he has made, or has in mind, for the more general use of military bands during the coming summer months?

Instructions have been issued that bands should, as far as possible, take every opportunity offered by civil authorities to play in public. It must not, however, be forgotten that the primary duty of military bands is to play for the troops.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, as far as it went, may I ask whether he will not consider the greater use of bands marching with troops through the streets of our cities and towns? Would it not stimulate the morale of the troops themselves as well as that of the onlookers? That is what we want.

As most of the movements between towns take place in motor vehicles, I do not think a band would look very well playing in two or three separate motor lorries.

Will bands be entitled to play the "Internationale"?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to state what steps have been taken to remove the hardships inflicted on the wives and dependants of soldiers under close arrest?

The present rules are about to be modified in order to allow the qualifying allotment from the man's pay to be paid to the family for the full period of his detention. I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as the details have been settled.

Will this apply to officers?

I would rather not be pressed further at the moment. The details have not been settled. I will make a statement when they are settled.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been directed to the fact that the military authorities suggested there should be a special entrance for officers at the new Young Men's Christian Association centre near London Road Station, Manchester; and, as this is not in accord with the policy of the War Office, will he make it clear that the special entrance can be used by all serving in the Armed Forces?

I understand that the entrance referred to gives access to a Y.M.C.A. club for officers which happens to be under the same roof as the new Y.M.C.A. Centre. I am not aware that there has been any breach of War Office policy. I have just been informed that the Y.M.C.A. have decided to use all the accommodation at the building referred to for other ranks and provide the officers' club elsewhere.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that officers and men have been found dining together throughout the land, and is it not a waste of labour and material to build special entrances, particularly in these democratic days?

It is not a question of a special entrance; it is a question of two separate clubs in the same building.

asked the Secretary of State for War when certain accounts, of which he has been informed, were last audited?

These accounts were last audited on 28th January, and the next audit will take place next week.

While I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, can he state whether the accounts were found in a satisfactory condition?

Yes, Sir.

Thank you.

Is a Question in Order when the reference is so vague that no Member of the House apart from the questioner has any idea what it is all about?

It is in Order. Whether it is clear or not, does not rest with me.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what is the reason for withholding the name of the organisation concerned?

May I say that I gave full details in the Question I handed to the Clerk at the Table, and that they were ruled out by the Clerk at the Table?

The Question could not be put on the Paper more clearly on account of security reasons.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give instructions that correspondence intended for Lieut.-Colonel Gates, at one time commanding a training battalion at Matlock, and addressed "c/o the Under-Secretary of State for War," shall not be forwarded to the hon. and gallant Member for Prestwich?

I am sorry if this mistake has been made. It has been impossible to trace the occurrence, but special instructions have been issued to those likely to be concerned to avoid such a mistake in future.

Will the hon. and gallant Member for Prestwich (Major Gates) be offered a job on the staff?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the complaints still being made against the conduct of Lieut.-Colonel W. B. V. H. P. Gates, it is now proposed, failing his resignation, to terminate his staff appointment?

I have received from the hon. Member a letter in which he describes two new subjects of complaint against the officer in question. One of these complaints is that the officer used in public a phrase derogatory of Members of this House. I am satisfied that this is not so. In point of fact most of the members of the officer's family, his secretary and he himself were subjected to a stream of telephone inquiries by daily newspapers. Under this stress I understand that the officer ultimately remarked that he was not interested in yapping dogs. As to the second complaint, I am having detailed inquiries made. If action is necessary as a result of those inquiries it will be taken.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider at the same time the fact that the illegal punishments inflicted on the men are on the records of these men, and would it be possible to have these records erased?

I will certainly consider that.

Arising out of the original reply, may I put it to the right hon. Gentleman that many Members of this House are having communications making allegations about other people? Those allegations might be right or wrong, but would he consider in the case of any which is brought giving an undertaking that there will be no victimisation of the persons whose names are mentioned in the letters?

I am perfectly prepared and willing to investigate any case which is brought to my notice, but I think it is incumbent upon the hon. Member bringing it to my notice to satisfy himself that there is at any rate a prima facie case for the accusation made.

Should a man who has been proved a bully be allowed a staff appointment?

That was the subject of the Debate which took place, I think last week, in this House.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now able to state the approximate number of Germans engaged at El Alamein; and what quantity of them escaped to Mersa Matruh and the West?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Eye (Mr. Granville) on 16th March.

I put this Question down to the Prime Minister. In view of the fact that it has been generally stated in the Press that some 60,000 Germans escaped to the West, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the declaration by the Minister of Defence that the directive given to take or destroy the enemy had been carried out was, to say the least, a bit misleading?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the House and the country are getting a little tired of the continual attempts to disparage the victory of the Allied troops in Africa?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the country likes to be told the truth and that it does not like misleading statements, and this one could not deceive the enemy?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will permit uniformed Members of the National Fire Service who are posted away from their homes to have access to the voluntary Service canteens?

The admission of personnel of the National Fire Service was fully and sympathetically considered. I regret, however, that the present strain on the canteen services is such that it is impossible to extend its facilities to others than those now catered for.

Will my right hon. Friend recollect that after considerable pressure in this House he permitted members of the Women's Land Army to have access to voluntary canteens, and will he therefore not extend this to other uniformed Services serving under the Crown?

Since the case of the Women's Land Army—and I think their case is special—I have had a series of representations from the Ministry of Food exhorting me to reduce the consumption of food in canteens. That seems to me to create a material change in the circumstances.

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a large number of cadets, including many senior warrant officers and non-commissioned officers, who had successfully completed their training at the pre-Officers' Cadet Training Unit training centre, Wrotham, have recently been rejected by No. 21 Selection Board, after a brief test and interview; and whether, in view of the discouraging effect of rejection in these circumstances, he will review the cases recently rejected by this Selection Board?

I regret that, owing to an unfortunate misunderstanding, the War Office Selection Boards who interviewed these men before they went to the pre-O.C.T.U. 'training centre passed candidates who were not up to the standard normally required. The men concerned were therefore re-examined by the Selection Board attached to the training centre. The Board had before it the results of the written tests carried out by the earlier Board, and it was unnecessary to repeat these tests, which in any case form a comparatively small part of the whole procedure. I am satisfied that this was the right course to adopt and that it would not be in the interests of the Service to send on candidates to O.C.T.Us. until they are considered fit to become efficient officers.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of the candidates had passed successfully through their training at the pre-O.C.T.U. unit before being interviewed by the Selection Board?

I am not aware of that. In fact, I think that that is not in accordance with the information at my disposal; but I will look at my information again and verify that.

Was there any departure at this O.C.T.U. from the procedure which certain Members were privileged to inspect at certain camps some weeks ago? We were then fairly satisfied with the methods of examination.

The officer in command of the pre-O.C.T.U. was not satisfied with the quality of some of the candidates, and he had them re-tested. I think unfortunately, in the light of after events, he did not have a complete re-test. He took for granted the previous written test.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the case of a soldier, whose name has been forwarded to him, who has been sentenced to 42 days' detention for stealing a mug to take the place of one stolen from him; and whether, as the soldier had previously borne the highest character, he will order the remission of the unserved portion of the sentence?

In the daily routine of barrack life soldiers must constantly leave exposed their arms, accoutrements and kits, as well as their private property. They trust to the honour of their comrades, and stealing in these circumstances is regarded as particularly disgraceful. The value of the article stolen does not affect the gravity of the offence. The court no doubt took all the facts into consideration in awarding the sentence, which is not unduly heavy. Detention is corrective, and does not carry with it the stigma of imprisonment. Moreover, if the man earns full remission he will serve only 28 days.

Is my right hon. friend aware that this offence is not stealing, in the normal sense of the word, but part of the process of scrounging, which every hon. Member who served in the last war knows about?

I would not accept that for a moment.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the local authorities in Glasgow against the proposed transfer to that town of an office and its large staff; and whether he will discuss with the Department concerned the desirability of finding accommodation for this office in the southern counties so as to obviate complaints about transfer of English workers to Scotland, with the consequential billeting difficulties?

I have been asked to reply. The difficulties in connection with the reception of this office in Glasgow have been such that it has proved impossible to carry out the projected move, which on general grounds is desirable and in many ways might be considered very necessary. I am satisfied that suitable alternative accommodation cannot be found for the office in England.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any statement to make regarding the question of milk price parity?

The Government have had before them the proposals put forward by the Scottish Milk Marketing Board for assimilating the price paid to producers of milk in Scotland with the average of the prices prevailing in England and Wales, but, after careful consideration, have not been able to accept these proposals. I have explained the position fully to the Scottish Milk Marketing Board and to the National Farmers' Union of Scotland. I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the explanatory statement issued by the Board to its registered producers on the subject.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his explanation will not satisfy the Milk Marketing Board; and does he intend to do nothing at all to remove this disparity, which is giving the English producers a decided advantage over Scottish producers?

Except for the last part, I can answer the hon. Gentleman's supplementary by saying this. There is no doubt that there is dissatisfaction with the present position, and I have offered to discuss with the Scottish Milk Marketing Board any alternative proposals that they can put forward.

Is there any alternative proposal to regulate the price? It is the question of price that is involved.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the names of the War Agricultural Executive Committee for South Ayrshire; by what process were they selected, and whether the Farmers' Union and the Farm Servants' Union were consulted?

I am circulating the names of the Committee members in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The members were originally selected by the Secretary of State, on information available in the Agricultural College and the Department of Agriculture, for their knowledge of agriculture, for their standing in the community, and with due regard to the functions of the Committees as agents of Government. The National Farmers' Union of Scotland were asked for any observations on the provisional list of names before appointments were made. The Scottish Farm Servants' Union were given an opportunity of saying whether they wished farm servants to be specifically included in the personnel of Committees.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that the bulk of the farmers in South Ayrshire know nothing about how this Committee was appointed, and that there is tremendous resentment over its personnel?

I can only repeat that the National Farmers' Union of Scotland was consulted on the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the indignation aroused among parents in all parts of Scotland against the Memorandum he issued to education committees, recommending that children should be kept in schools during the month of August and receive their holidays in October, which is very often the worst month in the year for weather in Scotland; and whether he will immediately countermand the Circular?

No, Sir. I have received no expressions of hostility to the proposals in the Memorandum referred to. On the contrary, I am assured that the proposals are receiving support from education authorities generally, from the teachers' organisations, and from the public Press. I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a full account of the recommendations sent to education authorities on this matter.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that nothing has caused more trouble in education authorities than the Memorandum which was issued, and is he aware that the Educational Institute of Scotland is not favourable to the scheme?

That is directly contrary to my information.

Are we to understand that the children are to get their summer holidays in October?

No, Sir; that is not so.

Are the children to be compelled to undertake this work?

No, Sir.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the parents and the children are looking forward with great pleasure to doing this work?

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that the implication of the Memorandum which he has issued is that, as potatoes are lifted in October, the children will get their holidays in October?

No, Sir; that is not the statement in the Memorandum. There is to be a month's holiday, as usual, in midsummer, and a fortnight or some other time, as may be appropriate to the circumstances in different districts, to be staggered, later on.

Is there really so much difference between the climate in Scotland in one month and in another?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the extortionate rents being charged for furnished apartments in Scotland; and whether he will take some action to regulate these rents, in view of the serious shortage of houses?

I have received several representations on the subject, including one recently from Glasgow Corporation. I am considering whether, and if so, what action can usefully be taken.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, as a war measure, he will consider having a survey taken of available accommodation in the Clyde area, including larger houses occupied by one or two people, with a view to providing apartments for people who have to work in that district?

Surveys of available accommodation have been made by all the local authorities on Clydeside, and I have encouraged local authorities to make every possible use of existing accommodation by billeting and by requisitioning unoccupied houses. The requisitioning of parts only of large houses at present not fully occupied raises difficult questions, but it has been adopted as an exceptional measure in one Clydeside area, and I should be prepared to consider similar proposals from local authorities where the conditions warrant it.

While I thank my right hon. Friend for his reply, does he not think that, if an appeal was made to certain people who have these houses, they would be prepared to take in these tenants, as a good many people want housing accommodation; and could not something on these lines be done, as there is in Glasgow and the suburbs a large number of the bigger houses unoccupied?

I think we had better take the advice of the local authority on these matters. As I have already said, if any local authority will make application on these lines I will gladly consider it.

Is the Secretary of State also aware that some of the people who have to work and live in the Glasgow area are living in shops which are rat-infested and some in houses of two or three apartments, that the death-rate among children and the tuberculosis rate are increasing in many districts, and that really something must be done?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the housing situation in Clydebank is being worsened by tenants who left to avoid air-raids and sub-let their houses now returning to Clydebank and evicting the sub-tenants, who are engaged on vital war work and cannot get other accommodation; and will he treat this matter as of extreme urgency to protect these war-workers?

In so far as war workers who have taken sub-lets are not protected by the Rent Restrictions Acts, I am prepared in appropriate cases to authorise the requisitioning of the houses to enable the war workers to continue in occupancy.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power, what action he is taking to deal with surplus coal stocks so as to avoid short time and unemployment in the mining areas?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 16th March to the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths) a copy of which I am sending to him. Generally speaking, there are no surplus coal stocks, and the question of the avoidance of short time and unemployment does not therefore arise except in special circumstances. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind, I should be glad if he would let me know of it.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether it is his intention this spring to issue a regulation to suspend the use of central heating in public buildings, on similar lines to last autumn, with the object of saving fuel?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that the schemes of local authorities to provide holidays at home are being seriously interfered with by the refusal of petrol for bands; and will he allow fuel for the transport of musicians and instruments required for this purpose?

I have no indication that any local authority is in difficulties on this account. I shall be happy to consider any case of which my hon. Friend will give me particulars.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that the refusal of petrol for the movement of bands, which constitute only a part-time occupation for their owners, is in some cases requiring more fuel to be used from the hiring of taxi-cabs, which may have to make several journeys instead of only one; and will he look into the whole matter?

I do not regard the transport of members of a part-time band as justifying an allowance for a private car, and I have no reason to believe that a net economy would be achieved by granting petrol for this purpose.

Will the Government consider the whole question of making holidays at home a real success this year?

We have made arrangements with the local authorities for that purpose, and we have had already from the hon. Gentleman's own constituency a reply saying that they were very pleased with the arrangements that we had made.

Thank you.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the urgent need for further economies in the use of cloth for suitings, he will consider the wholesale manufacture of a boiler-suit type of garment that will protect good suits or promote extended wear of part-worn suits and encourage universal adoption of this style of dress by civilians?

Boiler suits and other types of overalls are already available at specially low coupon-rates and anyone can use them for the purpose suggested by my hon. Friend. It would not be wise, and might indeed seriously disorganise the clothing programme, to arrange for the production of boiler suits on a much larger scale, unless I was satisfied that this increased supply would be matched by the demand.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman had representations from many organisations and local authorities suggesting some kind of boiler suit or protective garment for fire guards; would it not be better for persons who have good suits to have a battledress such as he himself spoke about; and would not they become popular in different parts of the country and worn with dignity by the average professional man and even by the wage earner?

I will do what I can to increase production of the type of garment that my hon. Friend has in mind if I find there is an increased demand for it, but at this stage of the war we have to be very careful that any increase in clothing material for any one kind of garment is not at the expense of other kinds, and I must keep a balance.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether arrangements can be made for employees in industries included under Occupational Supplement Schedule, G.O.S. 10, to obtain extra coupons in order to purchase boiler suits and overalls?

Workers included in the Schedule to which my hon. Friend refers are entitled to 10 extra coupons for the rationing period of 15 months ending 31st August. These coupons may be used for the purchase of industrial overalls and boiler suits which are available at specially low coupon rates.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give the designation of the civil servants in connection with factory premises control in Nottingham who have authority to use private motor cars, identifying the size or horse-power and average monthly allowance of petrol in each case?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he is aware of the uneasiness prevailing in the Lancashire cotton industry relative to the decision of the Washington Government to offer to transfer idle manufacturing machinery from the United States of America to some of the South American Republics; that this may adversely affect the British cotton export trade after the war; and will he represent these views to the authorities in Washington?

As I have already informed my hon. Friend, the United States authorities no doubt consider that there are advantages, in view of the shortage of shipping space, in sending to Brazil and other South American countries plant which is lying idle in the United States owing to war conditions, rather than finished materials. His Majesty's Government and the United States Government maintain close touch on all questions affecting the use of the productive resources of the United Nations for the common war effort; and I do not feel that special representations on this particular matter are called for.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that, while idle machinery in the United States is to be transferred to some of the South American Republics, idle machinery in Lancashire remains in this country; and does not he understand that the people of Lancashire affected by this are feeling that there is some element of unfairness in the situation?

As my hon. Friend knows, I am keeping in close touch with Lancashire cotton representatives, and I am sure that these matters are being well kept in mind by the combined board.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is taking steps to relieve the serious shortage of wood for clog soles in the Westhoughton district, which is likely to adversely affect the attendance of miners at their employment; and whether, in future allocations of wood for this purpose, he will bear in mind that men following certain mining occupations wear out one clog quicker than the other?

There is a general shortage of clog soles, owing to greatly increased demand, but output has already risen by over 70 per cent. compared with 1941, and I hope to raise it still further. The final point to which my hon. Friend refers will be borne in mind.

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman will see that clog soles are provided soon for this district, because some men may be unable to go to work?

Yes, Sir, I am doing my utmost, and, as I have said, we have made a big increase compared with 1941.