Written Answers
Statutory Rules And Orders (Offences)
asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that 6,000 Statutory Rules and Orders have been issued since September, 1939, most of them penal in effect; that in many cases many of the persons affected by such Statutory Rules and Orders do not become aware of them; and in these circumstances is he prepared to introduce a Bill providing that the rule of law to the effect that ignorance of the law is no defence may be suspended in respect to offences under Statutory Rules and Orders for the duration of the war?
I have not had time to check the number of those which create offences but the number is no doubt large. The hon. Member's suggestion is I think impracticable. All practicable steps are taken by the Departments to make the effect of these Orders generally known, and where Orders are of special interest to particular sections of the public, special measures are taken to bring them to the notice of those most affected. His Majesty's Government attach great importance to this procedure. If proceedings are taken and the person accused satisfies the Court that his offence was inadvertent the Court can of course always take this into account in considering any penalty.
Trade And Commerce
Razor Blades (Supplies, Andover)
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the extreme shortage of razor blades in Andover and district due to the reduction in supplies and the great increase in population since the war began; and whether he will take measures to improve the situation?
No, Sir. I have no evidence that Andover is not getting its fair share of razor blades.
Post-War Planning
asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether consideration is being given, in post-war planning, to the practicability of international bartering of commodities;(2) whether consideration is being given, in post-war planning, to the question of securing an agreed fiscal policy among the nations concerned?
His Majesty's Government are giving close attention to all practicable measures for securing, by international agreement, conditions favourable to an expanding world trade after the war.
Leather Stocks (Order)
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will explain the purpose and effect of Statutory Rule and Order, 1943, No. 334?
This Order enables manufacturers to use up stocks of leather, already cut to shape as top-pieces, for the heels of footwear.
British Army (Accidental Injuries)
asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers or men who meet with an accident whilst on duty and after recovery suffer from some continuing disability and are retained in the service, receive any compensation for the injury sustained?
No compensation is payable while they continue to serve, but on the termination of their service they are eligible for consideration for awards from the Ministry of Pensions.
Enemy-Occupied Countries (Relief Stocks)
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any stocks are now being accumulated for the relief of famine in Europe as the Continent is released from enemy occupation; whether it is proposed to set up any pooling authority for this purpose and any distributive authority; and, if so, of what nature?
Certain stocks of foodstuffs (principally wheat) are already available and the possibility of accumulating further stocks of foodstuffs, and also medical supplies and clothing, is under active consideration. The question of the appropriate organisation for holding and distributing relief stocks is a matter which concerns all the United Nations, and His Majesty's Government are in consultation with the United States Government and other United Nations on this subject.
Food Supplies
British Restaurants
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why, in view of the fact that shopkeepers can be, and are, fined heavily for imposing conditions of sale in order to do their best to make a profit, the Ministry of Food infringe their own regulations as regards the British Restaurants, whereby conditions of sale are imposed in connection with goods purchased and taken away?
My attention has been called to the refusal of a local authority to sell the sweet course alone at a British Restaurant for consumption off the premises. My Noble Friend is advised that to refuse to sell is not an infringement of the Food (Conditions of Sale) Order.
United States Armed Forces
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can present an estimate of the value of the weekly supplies of rationed food to the Armed Forces of the United States of America in Great Britain; what, on the basis of present supplies is the probable consumption of the current year; and whether special consideration is being given to the needs of the United States army in respect of supplies?
I regret that it would not be in the public interest to give my hon. Friend the estimates for which he asks in the first and second parts of the Question. The answer to the third part of the Question is, "Yes, Sir."
Wales (Representation On Committees And Advisory Councils)
asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will cause to be issued to all Government Departments an instruction that Wales shall have representation on all bodies undertaking a national investigation, in order to avoid such oversight as occurred in the absence of representation from Wales on the National Council for the Recruitment and Distribution of Nurses and Midwives?
The question of Welsh representation on committees, advisory councils and similar bodies was the subject of a directive issued a year ago to Government Departments. The text was contained in the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister on 24th March, 1942, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.
Fiduciary Note Issue (Increase)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any statement to make about the amount of the fiduciary note issue?
Yes, Sir. The Treasury acting under the power conferred by Section 8 of the Currency and Bank Notes Act, 1928, as subsequently amended, have authorised an increase in the amount of the fiduciary note issue by £50,000,000 to £1,000,000,000 as from 13th April, 1943. The Treasury Minute will be laid before Parliament.
Foreign Service (Recruitment)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the average number recruited annually for the Foreign Office and the diplomatic Service, respectively, in the 10 years before the war?
The average annual entry into the Foreign Office and Diplomatic Service, which was a combined Service, was seven.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is to be the composition of the Board which will select and interview candidates for the Foreign Service; and will he consider the inclusion in it of persons outside the Service qualified by their experience in education, business and political activities to form an opinion of the outlook and character of the candidates?
The interview boards which will conduct the viva voce part of the entrance examinations for the Foreign Service will be constituted by the Civil Service Commission, who fully appreciate the importance of including on these boards, not only representatives of the Foreign Service, but also other persons qualified to form an opinion on the suitability of candidates for that service.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in connection with the White Paper proposals for recruitment to the Foreign Service immediately after the war, he will instruct the Selection Board to make a survey of the various unofficial agencies which have been concerned with international relations in the economic and political fields during the war, such as the British Broadcasting Corporation, Chatham House, Lend-Lease administration and liaison and public relations work in the Army?
I will draw the attention of the Civil Service Commission to the hon. Member's suggestion, but I would point out that in any event there will be nothing to stop employees of the organisations referred to, who come within the prescribed age limits and are otherwise qualified, from presenting themselves as candidates for the new Foreign Service.
China (British Representation)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consider the appointment of a special commissioner to the Republic of China, as also the establishment in that country of a fully staffed and equipped Press bureau?
I am not entirely clear what additional representation my hon. Friend has in mind. British representation in China is, of course, in the able hands of His Majesty's Ambassador at Chungking. He is already assisted by, among others, a representative of the Ministry of Information and a Press attaché with an adequate staff and offices, not only at the embassy at Chungking, but also at three branches elsewhere in China.
United States Forces, Europe (Supplies)
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what is the saving in tonnage at the latest available date in trans-Atlantic supplies to the United States armed forces in Europe due to the provision of food, fuel and war equipment for such forces by His Majesty's Government since the United States of America entered the war?
The latest available information about the saving of tonnage due to the supplies furnished by His Majesty's Government to the United States Forces in Europe was given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget speech on Monday last.
Street Surfaces, London (Non-Skid Material)
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in the post-war planning of the London streets, he will take powers to prevent local authorities from surfacing their streets with wooden bricks, which form a treacherous surface in wet weather, in view of the fact that the composition of a non-skidding surface is now well known?
Shortly before the war began, a committee was set up by the Ministry of Transport, with the help of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, to investigate the question of skidding on streets paved with wooden blocks. In its first Report, which was presented in 1940, it recommended forms of surface treatment which have, in practice, proved effective. The Committee have continued their experiments on the subject, and a further recommendation on the subject will very shortly be made. In view of these facts, I am not at present satisfied that it would be wise to adopt the course proposed by my hon. and gallant Friend.
Railway Fares
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware of the effect of the last increase in railway passenger fares on the increasing number travelling by omnibuses on the roads for short journeys; and will he consider the advisability of reducing such fares and bringing them in line with omnibus fares for similar journeys so as to relieve congestion on the roads and effect a saving of petrol and rubber?
I cannot accept my hon. Friend's suggestion that the abolition of cheap day fares has caused any general or considerable diversion of passenger traffic from rail to road, and I have received no evidence which supports that view. I regret that it is not practicable to reduce local railway fares, for the reasons which I gave in an answer to my hon. Friend the Member for the Forest of Dean (Mr. Price) on 7th April.
Road Accidents (Children)
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of the many road accidents caused by motor vehicles and especially in regard to fatal accidents to young children, he will consider some means of keeping children off the roads by means of broadcasting to mothers?
My hon. Friend will be glad to know that my Department, in collaboration with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, are doing all that they can to promote the safety of children on the roads. They are receiving valuable assistance from the British Broadcasting Corporation who broadcast frequent talks to parents about what they should do to instruct, control, and help their children.
Contractors' Frauds, Liver-Pool (Departmental In-Vestigation)
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can make a statement on the investigation into the Liverpool frauds case; and whether any action for negligence has been taken against officials in his Department?
The investigation into the circumstances of the frauds perpetrated upon the Ministry of War Transport and Admiralty by a firm of contractors at Liverpool, to which I made reference in my reply on 16th December last, has ended and a joint statement which I append representing the conclusions of the two Departments has been drawn up. With regard to the second part of the Question, my hon. Friend will see from the statement that a general warning of the need for enhanced care and vigilance has been conveyed to officers of both Departments but that the circumstances of the present case do not warrant drastic disciplinary action against any individuals, with the exception of the two men who were convicted at the Liverpool Assizes and are now undergoing terms of imprisonment.
Following is the statement:
The Admiralty and the Ministry of War Transport, in conjunction, have investigated the circumstances of the frauds perpetrated upon the Crown by F. H. Porter, Limited, a ship boiler-scaling and cleaning company, as revealed by the proceedings which led to the recent conviction at the Liverpool Assizes of a director and the secretary of the company and of two officials in the employ respectively of the Admiralty and the Ministry of War Transport.
2. The company of F. H. Porter, Limited, carry out a certain amount of work for both Departments under the emergency repairs agreement and for private firms of shipowners, as main contractors, but their main work is that of sub-contractors. The chief device by which the company defrauded the Crown of the substantial sums referred to in paragraph 12 below, consisted of the entry on their payroll of non-existent employees. The method adopted was fully described at the court proceedings. Briefly it was as follows: Fictitious names were inserted in the pay roll, the insertions being carried into the roll by Porter himself personally with the cognisance of his co-director and secretary. In addition, boys and other lower grades of labour had their wages charged in the cost sheets at higher rates than their grades entitled them to. The original wages records were then destroyed, leaving only for record purposes the actual cost sheets which were produced for certification.
3. Prominence is given here to the fraud connected with the wages because it is under this head that by far the largest overcharge was made; in addition there were overcharges on the hire of lorries by the Ministry of War Transport from Porter in connection with the movement of Government stores to and from the Government store depot and vessels in the course of fitting out. There were also charges in respect of the theft of timber.
4. In order to demonstrate how it was possible for such extensive depredations in the matter of wages overcharges to be successfully accomplished by such means, the normal system of financial checks applied to ship-repairing work carried out for the Government and the relevant facts and circumstances concerning the Departments' transactions with the company of F. H. Porter, Limited, during the period in question, should be briefly explained.
5. The establishment charges of all main contractors and most of the important subcontractors are investigated annually by the accountants of the Department concerned (in the case of F. H. Porter this duty is carried out by the Ministry of War Transport in collaboration with the Admiralty). In addition, direct costs are checked by the Department for which the work is done. When this check is carried out by the Admiralty, the accountants are assisted in this duty by a staff of recorders who are divided among the various shiprepairing firms in each district, and whose function it is to see, as work proceeds, that labour and materials charged to the job are properly so chargeable. These men are trained mechanics whose employment in time of peace is confined to the Royal Dockyards. The extension of this system to private shiprepairing yards during the war is rendered possible by the number of pensioners available who form about two-thirds of the numbers employed in these yards. Even so, owing to the paramount demands upon skilled labour of new construction and repair work in both Government and private yards, and the consequent shortage of recorders, the concurrent check of the recording staff has until recently had to be confined exclusively to main contractors. Arrangements are, however, now in operation whereby a certain amount of time is given by recorders to the checking of sub-contractors' accounts.
6. The Ministry of War Transport are unable to employ a recording staff, as they have no peace-time organisation to use as a source of supply in war and are precluded from drawing on industry for the same reasons as prevent the Admiralty from obtaining sufficient staff to cover more than part of the ground. Nevertheless, co-ordination between the staffs of the two Departments enables the Ministry to derive some benefit from the activities of Admiralty recorders in firms which are carrying out work for both Departments.
7. Although the work of sub-contractors has not until recently been concurrently checked by recorders, their claims on main contractors have always been subject to investigation by accountants.
8. With regard to the Crown's transactions with Messrs. F. H. Porter, it should be explained that this company had applied to their main contractor for advances on account pending acceptance of their final claims. The main contractor also required advance payments and included in his application the requirements of Messrs. F. H. Porter Ltd. In June, 1940, an arrangement was made whereby Porter's claims for advances were submitted by the main contractor to the Ministry, the claim for wages being in respect of those paid in the preceding week. This claim was certified by the company after the claim had been subjected at the offices of the main contractor to an arithmetical check by the Ministry of War Transport accountant; it was signed by him and by an official of the main contractor. It was then passed to the Ministry's senior inspecting officer (Mr. Mills) to confirm that work for the Ministry's service was being done on the ships named and that in his opinion the estimate of wages as shown was reasonable. At the beginning of 1941 and at the instance of the Ministry of War Transport, discussions took place between the district accountants of the Admiralty and the Ministry and the local supervising recorder of the Admiralty in an endeavour to impose a further check upon Messrs. F. H. Porter Ltd., and arrangements were made locally for the supervising recorder to check the direct costs against the Ministry. The main responsibility for a current and detailed check of the numbers of employees chargeable in respect of the work done was, apart from the check which it must be assumed was im- posed by the main contractors before certifying the claim, thus placed upon the supervising recorder. This man was one of the two Government officials convicted and sentenced at the Liverpool Autumn Assizes last year. He did not report any irregularities. It must be stated that this man was not convicted on charges connected with the fraudulent claims for wages. He was convicted on charges relating to petrol and of corruption. The responsibility for the review of the work in respect of which the company's claim was made was, as already stated, placed upon the Ministry's senior inspecting officer. This officer was the other of the two Government officials convicted and sentenced at the same Assizes. This officer was also not convicted in connection with the main fraud relating to wages certificates but on other charges of conspiracy to defraud the Ministry of War Transport and theft of timber. The costs investigating staff of the Ministry of War Transport checked the requests for advance payments with the sums shown as disbursed in the books, reserving the right of further examination of the company's records until such time as the final accounts should be presented for investigation as part of the bills of the main contractor. Owing to arrears of work and to dislocation caused by air raids, only 2 per cent. of the total claims by Porters since the outbreak of war had been finally accepted by the Ministry at the time of Mr. Porter's death in January, 1942. Of the remainder, the bills presented by the main contractor up to 31st August, 1940, had been settled provisionally, with a right to re-open, and the balance represented only progress payments. Inquiries about the labour force shown as employed by Porters had been set on foot by the Admiralty in December, 1941, but it was the police inquiries and the death of Mr. Porter which actually disclosed the existence of the fraud.
9. The investigations which have been conducted do not lead to the conclusion that, apart from the two officials just mentioned, any of the employees of either Department was privy to the conspiracy or contributed by neglect or inefficiency warranting drastic disciplinary action to the loss which the Crown may suffer. Nevertheless, the circumstances of this case point to the need for enhanced care and vigilance, and the Admiralty and Ministry of War Transport have taken steps to bring this object lesson to the attention of all their officers engaged in these duties.
10. Remedial measures have been taken which will, it is hoped, make it much more difficult for frauds of this kind to be perpetrated in the future in the ship repairing industry. To describe these in too much detail might help to defeat their object, but it can be said that they include the imposition of unexpected checks and, as indicated earlier in this statement, the wider spreading of the activities of Admiralty recorders.
11. In the devising of remedial measures the co-operation of the Dry Dock Owners and Repairers Central Council has been of great assistance especially in obtaining particulars of the systems of cost checking practised by their member firms. These have been examined in detail and the result is generally very satisfactory.
12. It is not yet possible to give final figures showing the extent of this fraud, but the total claims made by the company in respect of work done for the account of the Admiralty, the Ministry of War Transport, and the War Risks Clubs, up to the end of 1941 when the Company was reconstituted, include overcharges estimated to amount to about £750,000. The total amount of the claims for Admiralty work is estimated to be about £250,000 which, it is estimated, includes overcharges amounting to about £125,000. As regards the claims made for other than Admiralty work, it is not yet possible to divide these amounts accurately between the various interests involved. Negotiations are being actively pursued with the Company in order to effect the maximum recovery possible. About £310,000 has already been recovered by the police in bank notes of small denominations. These notes are alleged to represent a substantial part of the proceeds of the frauds and there are other possible sources of recovery.
13. The board of the company has now been reconstituted and strengthened and an Admiralty accountant has been stationed at the works to supervise payments. The company is continuing to do good work (there has never been criticism of the quality of their work) as sub-contractor to both Departments.
14. The Admiralty and the Ministry of War Transport wish to endorse the words of the assize judge in praise of the Liverpool police. The Departments and the industry alike have reason to be grateful to the officers whose skill and patience have revealed this scandal.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he can make a statement on the investigation into the Liverpool frauds case; and whether any action for negligence has been taken against officials in his Department?
I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty has given him to-day.
Directional Signposts, Rural Areas (Re-Erection)
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is now in a position to make a statement about the re-erection of signposts in rural areas under certain precautions?
As my hon. and gallant Friend the Financial Secretary to the War Office said in reply to my hon. and gallant Friend on 7th April, the re-erection of signposts in rural areas is now under consideration, and I hope that an early decision may be made.
Road Haulage (Control)
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what control is exercised by regional traffic commissioners over divisional and area haulage officers, respectively, in relation to material, supplies and routes; and what orders of these officers are subject to confirmation or refusal by the commissioners?
The Regional Transport Commissioners decide what traffic shall be moved by road. The officers of the road haulage organisation operate the vehicles in which it is moved, and are responsible for ensuring that it is moved with the greatest practicable economy in road mileage. My hon. and gallant Friend will see, therefore, that the functions of the Regional Transport Commissioners and of the officers of the road haulage organisation are quite different and distinct, although the two organisations work in close co-ordination.
Railways (Carriage Paid) (Amendment) Direction, 1943
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will give a brief explanation as to the reasons for the introduction by his Department of Statutory Rule and Order, No. 463?
I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Swindon (Mr. Wake-field) on 12th April.
Malta (Mental Asylum And Leper Hospital)
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in the island of Gozo, in the Crown Colony of Malta, the mental hospital, asylum, and the leper colony are in the same enclosure of an old walled building, inadequately separated by a wall and that one medical officer in charge acts as medical superintendent of both institutions; whether he will improve these arrangements; and what recent improvements have taken place in the dietaries of these places?
The mental asylum and the leper hospital are within the same en- closing wall but are in separate buildings adequately separated by open grounds and an inner wall. Each institution is entirely self-contained. One resident medical superintendent is in charge of both institutions but the asylum is visited regularly by the medical superintendent of the mental hospital, Malta, and the leper colony is similarly visited by the leprosy control officer. The present arrangements are reported to be satisfactory. Since November, 1942, the dietary has been increased and improved in relation to increases and improvements which I am very glad to say it has been possible to make in the dietary of the general population following a very material improvement in the supply position.
Aircraft Factories (Management)
asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether, on each occasion before deciding to make any changes in the management of aircraft factories he arranged an impartial inquiry into their production position; and whether he will give an assurance that he will adopt a similar procedure in the future?
It is my practice in all such cases to have an impartial inquiry first carried out by persons, such as members of the Industrial Panel established by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Production, who are not connected with my Department. Provided the matter is not one of extreme urgency I shall continue to follow the same practice.
Ministry Of Supply
Dale Mills, Rochdale (Lighting)
asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of the lighting defects in the Dale Mills, Rochdale, which have repeatedly been notified to his Department, and which are impeding production; and whether anything can be done, in co-operation with the Ministry of Labour, to expedite the necessary repair work and renovation required so as to improve production and lessen risks of injury to employees?
After necessary investigation, a licence to proceed with this work has been issued and I understand that it is now under way.
Timber Control (Sir William Mallinson)
asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that an action is now pending in the High Court against Sir William J. Mallinson, Deputy Controller in the Timber Control, and his trustees, in which it is alleged by the Crown that many breaches of trust have been committed by Sir William J. Mallinson; and will be therefore reconsider his decision not to suspend Sir William Mallinson from his office pending the hearing of the action?
The nature of the legal proceedings was described in my answer to the hon. Member of 21st October last. The answer to the second part of the Question is "No, Sir."
Penicillin
asked the Minister of Supply whether he will give the names of the members of the committee set up to report upon penicillin and to conduct clinical trials thereon; upon what date did the work begin; and when is a Report to be expected?
I append the names of the members of this committee. The first meeting was held on 13th October, 1942. The object of the committee is to secure that all available information regarding clinical and chemical trials and methods of production is collected and exchanged and that everything possible is done to promote the most rapid development.
Following are the names:
Chairman.
Mr. Arthur Mortimer—Deputy Director of Medical Supplies, Ministry of Supply.
Members.
Professor A. Fleming—St. Mary's Hospital.
Professor H. W. Florey—School of Pathology, University of Oxford.
Professor H. Raistrick—London School of Hygiene.
Sir Robert Robinson—The Dyson Perrins Laboratory, University of Oxford.
Dr. C. R. Harrington—Medical Research Council.
Dr. A. N. Drury—Medical Research Council.
Dr. V. D. Allison—Ministry of Health.
Professor I. M. Heilbron—University of Cambridge.
Lt.-Col. Sir Russell Wilkinson—Military Medical Advisor, Ministry of Supply, together with representatives of firms engaged in production of penicillin.
Machine Tools (Order)
asked the Minister of Supply the purpose of Statutory Rule and Order, 1943, No. 490; and, in particular, what is the meaning of the word "controlled" in respect of this Order as it is not defined therein?
The purpose of the Order is to give statutory force to arrangements which have long been in operation for controlling the acquisition of new machine tools. The word "controlled" only appears in the Order as part of the phrase "Controlled new machine tool," which is defined in Article 3 to mean any new machine tool not being a woodworking machine tool.
Book-Keepers (Rates Of Pay)
asked the Minister of Supply in which establishments of His Majesty the revision of the rates of pay of book-keepers, agreed with the Civil Service Clerical Association1 on 10th November, 1942, has not been put into operation; and what is the explanation of the delay in these establishments?
I find that there have been some isolated cases of delay, and instructions have been given for the payments to be made forthwith. I am having the causes of the delay looked into. I am grateful to the hon. Member for drawing my attention to this matter.
Barrow Hematite Co, Ltd
asked the Minister of Supply whether it is proposed to pay compensation to any of the directors of the Barrow Hematite Company, Limited, for loss of office?
No, Sir; no allowance for any such compensation is included in the price for those of the company's assets which the Government are purchasing?
Road Haulage Officers
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will publish a list of all divisional and area haulage officers, respectively, showing in each case date of appointment and prior occupation; and indicating, in the case of those not previously in the public service, which officers were on the Central or Supplementary Register of the Ministry of Labour prior to selection and appointment?
The information for which my hon. and gallant Friend asks is as follows:
| Division. | Name. | Date of Appointment. | Prior Occupation. | |
Divisional Road Haulage Officers.
| ||||
| Northern | … | N. Porter | 25.1.43 | Director and Secretary of two road transport companies. |
| N. Eastern | … | R. Hanson | 4.12.41 | Managing Director of a road transport company. |
| N. Midland | … | W. Donaldson-Wright, M.Inst.T. | 1.4.43 | Managing Director of a road transport company. |
| Eastern | … | *J.W. Calvert | 25.1.43 | Managing Director of a road transport company. |
| London | … | J. S. F. Pollitzer, M.Inst.T. | 2.2.42 | Partner of a road transport company. |
| Southern | … | M. F. Horner, A.M.Inst.T. | 1.1.43 | Area Manager, Hauliers National Traffic Pool. |
| S. Western | … | G. B. Smart, M.B.E., A.M.Inst.T. | 4.12.41 | Managing Director of a road transport company. |
| Wales | … | N. C. McPherson | 1.2.43 | Area Manager of a road transport company, appointed Area Road Haulage Officer from 2.2.42. |
| Midland | … | J. Morton, A.M.Inst.T. | 1.1.42 | Managing Director of a road, transport company. |
| N. Western | … | R. B. Stockdale | 14.1.42 | Director of a road transport company. |
| Scotland | … | J. B. Hastie, A.M.Inst.T. | 4.12.41 | Managing Director of a road transport company. |
| S. Eastern | … | J. B. Garrett | 25.1.43 | Transport Manager of a road transport company. |
Assistant Divisional Road Haulage Officers.
| ||||
| Liverpool | … | W. A. Bridge | 1.1.43 | Area Transport Manager, Wholesale Meat Transport Association, appointed A.R.H.O. 1.1.42. |
| Birmingham | … | E. Whiting | 1.4.43 | Area Transport Manager, Wholesale Meat Transport Association, appointed A.R.H.O. 31.3.41. |
| Scotland | … | J. Farquhar | 29.3.43 | Traffic Organiser, Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Soc, appointed A.R.H.O. 2.2.42. |
Area Road Haulage officers.
| ||||
| Northern | … | D. M. Inglis | 29.3.43 | Traffic Manager with local authority, appointed T.M.O. 4.6.42. |
| T. Gordon | 1.1.43 | Area Manager, Hauliers National Traffic Pool. | ||
*P. E. Suffield, M.Inst.T. | 22.3.43 | Transport Manager, Road Transport Contractors. | ||
| N. Eastern | … | H. L. Fenton | 1.1.43 | Area Manager, Hauliers National Traffic Pool. |
| J. Newham | 1.1.43 | Haulage Contractor (own business), appointed T.M.O. 2.2.42. | ||
| E. B. Hutchinson, M.Inst.T. | 25.1.42 | Road transport Organiser | ||
| H. J. Sharpley | 2.2.42 | Secretary, Transport Association. | ||
| N. Midland | … | G. W. Travers | 1.1.43 | Area Manager, Hauliers National Traffic Pool. |
| W. P. Ross | 1.1.43 | Area Manager, Hauliers National Traffic Pool. | ||
| F. Lever | 2.3.42 | Depot Superintendent, Road Haulage Firm. | ||
| Eastern | … | A. Porter | 23.2.42 | Director, Road Haulage Co. |
| J.H. Cole | 1.1.43 | Area Manager, Hauliers National Traffic Pool. | ||
*A. E. Ivatt | 18.1.43 | Previously employed by various haulage firms. | ||
| P. H. Brien | 8.2.43 | Wholesale Meat Transport Assocn.; appointed T.M.O. 31.3.41. | ||
| F. Thomsett | 11.2.43 | Civil Servant (Ministry of War Transport) (ex Manager of Transport Co.), appointed T.M.O. 28.4.41. | ||
| Division | Name. | Date of Appointment. | Prior occupation. | |
| London | … | A. W. Balne | 9.2.42 | Assistant to General Manager, Road Transport Company. |
| J. H. Cleveley | 1.1.43 | Area Manager, Hauliers National Traffic Pool. | ||
| C. T. Thompson | 8.2.43 | Supervisor, Road Transport Co.; appointed T.M.O. 1.3.42. | ||
| F. Kidd | 3.2.43 | General Manager, Road Transport Co.; appointed T.M.O. 19.2.42. | ||
| H. V. Payne, M.I.T.A. | 8.2.43 | Transport Manager; appointed T.M.O. | ||
| Southern | … | L. Robson | 8.2.43 | County Transport Manager, Wholesale Meat Transport Assocn.; appointed T.M.O. 31.3.41. |
| R. B. Sharp | 5.4.43 | Office Manager, Road Transport Co.; appointed T.M.O. 2.3.42. | ||
| H. Wheeler | 1.1.43 | Area Manager, Hauliers National Traffic Pool. | ||
*H. C. Lanning, A.I.T.A. | 12.4.43 | Area Manager, Road Transport Co. | ||
| S. Western | … | *F. Dean | 22.3.43 | Transport Manager, Road Transport Company. |
| P. E. Carr | 2.2.42 | Transport Organiser. | ||
| L. E. Briggs, M.Inst.T. | 8.2.43 | Assistant Manager, Road Transport Co.; appointed T.M.O. 9.2.42. | ||
*C. E. Skinner | 27.3.43 | Operating Superintendent, Road Transport Co. | ||
| H. M. Fish | 23.2.42 | Director of Haulage Firm. | ||
| Wales | … | *F. Beauchamp | 8.2.43 | Asst. Transport Manager, Road Transport Co.; appointed T.M.O. 24.11.41. |
| H. C. Parker | 11.2.43 | Manager, Haulage Contractors; appointed T.M.O. 11.5.42. | ||
| O. Nash | 8.2.43 | Civil Servant (M.O.W.T.), appointed T.M.O. 9.2.42. | ||
| Midland | … | *T. F. Hargreaves | 29.3.43 | Director, Road Transport Co. |
| R. Henson | 8.2.43 | Transport Manager, Road Haulage Firm; appointed T.M.O. 28.4.42. | ||
*W. T. Pemberton, A.I.T.A. | 25.1.43 | Director Road Transport Co.; appointed T.M.O. 26.5.41. | ||
| N. Western | … | * A. C. Griffiths | 8.2.43 | Transport Manager, Road Transport Co., appointed T.M.O. 1.1.42. |
| C. J. de Burgh | 1.1.43 | Area Manager, Hauliers National Traffic Pool. | ||
*H. Howarth | 22.3.43 | Own business, Haulage Contractors. | ||
| W. C. King | 8.2.43 | Transport Foreman, Road Transport Co.; appointed 1.5.42. | ||
*W. S. Finlayson, A.M.Inst. T. | 2.11.42 | Assessor previously Haulage Contractor (own business). | ||
| Scotland | … | J. L. Rule | 1.1.43 | Area Manager, Hauliers National Traffic Pool. |
| J. Kirkland | 1.1.43 | Area Manager, Hauliers National Traffic Pool. | ||
| A. MacPhail | 11.2.43 | Transport Manager; appointed T.M.O. 1.5.42. | ||
| E. Betts | 1.1.43 | Area Manager, Road Transport Co.; appointed T.M.O. 3.2.42. | ||
| J. S. Ogg | 8.2.43 | Civil Servant (M.O.W.T.). | ||
| T. A. Alcorn | 9.2.43 | Representative previously Haulage Contractor on own account; appointed T.M.O. 16.2.42. | ||
| S. Eastern | … | W. F. Myers | 8.2.43 | Maintenance Engineer, Admiralty Transport; appointed T.M.O. 18.2.42. |
| R. Hutton | 10.2.43 | Transport Manager, Wholesale Meat Transport Assocn.; appointed T.M.O. 1.9.41. | ||
| NOTES:* = Officer appointed through the Appointment Department, Ministry of Labour and National Service. | ||||
| T.M.O. = Traffic Movement Officer, Ministry of War Transport. | ||||
Nurses And Midwives
asked the Minister of Labour whether he will ensure that newly qualified nurses who are also qualified midwives shall be free to practise either general nursing or midwifery at their option and shall not be directed into midwifery against their will?
I can give no such assurance, since it is essential that nurses and midwives should be employed where they are most needed. In taking action to meet the problem of distribution I propose to obtain the advice of the National Advisory Council on which nurses and midwives are adequately represented. I would naturally wish to consider the desire of any individual nurse or midwife.
Road Safety (Straying Animals)
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, inasmuch as in the absence of negligence there is under the existing law no liability upon owners or occupiers of land adjacent to highways in respect of damage caused by animals straying on to such highways, he will, with a view to ensuring the safety of the public, cause the law to be amended so as to afford protection to persons lawfully using such highways?
The adoption of my hon. Friend's proposal would make it necessary to fence all grazing land which is adjacent to a highway. I am sure he will recognise that that is quite impracticable at the present time.
Royal Air Force
Civilian Personnel (Employment)
asked the Secretary of State for Air the reasons for staffing the MF/DF Organisation within the Royal Air Force by civilians instead of Royal Air Force personnel; and whether the civilians are thus exempted from military service?
This organisation, which was formed before the war, is staffed mainly by civilians because the duties and conditions of service are appropriate to civilians. The replacement of civilians by Service personnel would, therefore, not be justified. Moreover, it would involve the displacement of highly specialised experience. In these circumstances, although the civilians concerned are not exempted from military service, it has been agreed with the Ministry of Labour and National Service that they shall not be withdrawn from their present employment.
Political Subjects (Discussion)
asked the Secretary of State for Air under what conditions political meetings may be held on Royal Air Force stations; and whether the existing safeguards are considered satisfactory?
R.A.F. personnel are not permitted to take an active part in the affairs of any political organisation or party. It follows that political meetings may not be held at R.A.F. stations. On the other hand discussion of political subjects in the wider sense by discussion groups at R.A.F. stations is, of course, permitted. The answer to the last part of the Question is in the affirmative.
Ministry Of Information
Crown Film Unit
asked the Minister of Information the functions of the board of management for the Crown Film Unit, its powers and complete composition; why Mr. J. Arthur Rank was appointed, and what exact powers he will possess?
The functions of the Board are to help the Ministry of Information with advice about the organisation and work of the Crown Film Unit. It meets under the chairmanship of a senior Ministry official and includes representatives of the Crown Film Unit and members of the Ministry. Mr. Rank was invited to join the Board because of his great experience in matters appertaining to the production of films, which we regard as one of the most important tasks entrusted to the Ministry. I have a lively appreciation of the fact that in film matters all wisdom is not a monopoly of the Ministry of Information.
Broadcasts To Italy
asked the Minister of Information whether the British Broadcasting Corporation broadcasts to Italy are emphasising that once again the German troops under Rommel have sacrificed the Italians?
Yes, Sir.
Military Communiqués (Broadcasting)
asked the Minister of Information whether he will ensure that the North African communiqués are read out verbatim in the British Broadcasting Corporation's Home Service of news every evening and not paraphrased or not replaced by descriptive telegrams from war correspondents?
No, Sir. The B.B.C.'s aim is to be understood by all its listeners, and it would be a mistake to assume that to read out an official communiqué verbatim is necessarily the best method of securing this.
Beveridge Report (Talks)
asked the Minister of Information what instructions have been given by his Department to his official speakers at meetings as to the discontinuance of further talks upon the Beveridge Report?
None, Sir.
Post Office
Letters (London And Home Counties)
asked the Postmaster-General the time at which letters must be posted in the Metropolitan area to be delivered by the first post next day in the Home Counties area?
To ensure delivery by the first post anywhere in the Home Counties area, letters should be posted by 10 p.m. in head district areas (12 noon in the rest of the London postal area). Letters posted up to 5.30 p.m. in head districts (4.0–4.36 p.m. in Sub-Districts) also secure delivery by first post next day throughout the Home Counties with very few exceptions.
Flowers And Flower Plants (Order)
asked the Postmaster-General the purposes of Statutory Rule and Order, 1943, No. 499?
The Order referred to cancels the previous Order (No. 219 of 1943) which prohibited the transport of flowers and flower-plants by post.
Royal Navy
U-Boat Warfare
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any statement to make on the shipping losses during March, having regard to the statement made in the United States of America by the Secretary of the United States Navy?
I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to a similar Question by the hon. Member for Seaham (Mr. Shinwell).
Deceased Officers And Ratings (Identification)
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the reason for the Order in Council (Statutory Rules and Orders, 1943, No. 385), made under the provisions of the Navy and Marines (Property of Deceased) Act, 1865, which amends the Order in Council of 14th September, 1915?
The purpose of the Order in Council is to simplify the procedure for disposing of the naval assets due to the estates of deceased officers and ratings by dispensing with independent certification of the claimant's identity in cases where the Admiralty has sufficient evidence of identity from particulars furnished by the deceased officer or rating during his service.
Office Staff, Devonport (Illness)
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that, following the employment in a temporary capacity in the expense accounts department of the Admiralty at Devonport of a person who was suffering from tuberculosis and who has since died therefrom, other members of the staff who worked in the same office with him have contracted tuberculosis; how many claims for compensation have been received from the staffs affected; that the remainder of the staff are apprehensive that further cases will come to light; and whether he will arrange for urgent action to be taken in respect of the compensation claims received and immediate steps to satisfy the remainder that everything is being done to prevent the spread of the disease among them?
This matter has been the subject of careful investigation at H.M. Dockyard, Devonport, and the results are at present under consideration in the Admiralty. No claims for compensation from the staff affected have so far been received, but their position in this respect will receive the most sympathetic examination. Most of the staff in the section affected were pulmographically examined last September and the room concerned was disinfected. My hon. Friend may be assured that the situation is being carefully watched and that all practicable steps are being taken to safeguard the health of the staff.
National Fire Service
asked the Home Secretary what is the total strength of the National Fire Service in the United Kingdom, men and women respectively; and how many there are employed on administrative duties?
It would be undesirable on security grounds to give the total number of members of the National Fire Service. I may say, however, that less than 2½ per cent. of the National Fire Service in England and Wales, including full-time and part-time personnel, are engaged on administrative duties. The proportion of full-time personnel alone engaged on administrative duties is about 6 per cent.
Northern Ireland (Skilled Workers)
asked the Minister of Labour whether, in consultation with the Government of Northern Ireland, he is able to employ skilled workers, now unemployed in Northern Ireland, for work in essential war factories in this country?
Yes, Sir. There are standing arrangements between my Department and the Ministry of Labour for Northern Ireland under which skilled workers who become unemployed in Northern Ireland and who are available for transfer are transferred to suitable work in the munitions industries in this country.
Hampstead Garden Suburb (Roads)
asked the hon. Member for Central Leeds, as representing the Eccle- siastical Commissioners, with regard to the roads and by-ways on the Hampstead Garden suburb estate of the Commissioners, whether these are private roads on private estates; whether he is aware of their bad condition, from the health point of view, and what steps he proposes to take to improve these conditions for the benefit of the estate residents?
The eastern part only of the Hampstead Garden Suburb is on land belonging to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. On the Commissioners' estate, the through roads have mostly been taken over by the local authority and are public highways; minor and accommodation roads are private roads. The maintenance of the private roads is an obligation of the lessees; the condition of some is recognised to have deteriorated; attempts have been made and are being continued to rectify the position; but the difficulty with regard to labour has hitherto prevented progress.
House Owners (Number)
asked the Minister of Health whether he has any statistics to show the number of individual house owners in the country?
No, Sir.