asked the Minister of Labour what representations he has received of the serious shortage of nursing and domestic staffs in infectious diseases hospitals; and whether he has had any consultations with the Minister of Health with the view of remedying the position?

I am fully aware of the serious shortage of nursing and domestic staffs in certain hospitals, including hospitals for infectious diseases, and I have discussed the position with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. Local appointments officers of my Department are already reviewing the position of nurses and midwives who registered on l0th April under the Nurses and Midwives (Registration for Employment) Order, 1943, and in placing available women, priority is being given to vacancies in those hospitals, including hospitals for infectious diseases, where the shortage is most acute. As regards domestic staff, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for East Islington (Mrs. Cazalet Keir) on 13th May, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men and women, respectively, have been transferred from Wales to England, and from England to Wales, by direction of his Ministry?

The number of women transferred from Wales to employment in England after registration under the Registration for Employment Order and the National Service Acts was 1,455 up to 1st June, 1943, from 16th June, 1942, on which date my Department started to keep records in this connection. In the same period 114 women went from England to work in Wales.

In view of the effect of these transfers on the life of Welsh towns, will the right hon. Gentleman see that only voluntary transfers are made in future?

I am afraid I cannot accept that.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the remarks on 27th May of Sir Gervais Rentoul when convicting a dog trainer of the international circus for cruelty; and whether he will direct the man concerned to work connected with the war effort?

I am having inquiries made into this case and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that many persons had to seek other employment when cotton mills went on short time or closed down; that they are being recalled now and some are objecting to it and wish to remain at their present work; and whether full consideration is given to them?

Yes, Sir. Owing to the urgent need for experienced workers in some sections of the cotton industry, I am asking ex-cotton workers, including some engaged in munitions production, to return to their former employment. Where workers are transferred compulsorily to cotton by direction under Regulation 58A the normal procedure of appeal to a local appeal board against the direction is available.

Are there any further efforts they can make if the appeal board rejects their appeal?

No, Sir.

Will my right hon. Friend have some regard to the conditions obtaining in the cotton industry, and could not efforts be made to make the cotton workers' position a little better than it is at the present time, because they are being driven back to conditions they did not like from positions where they have been getting better wages?

I have to follow the rate for the job, and wages in the cotton trade have been arranged with the cotton Union, and I am happy to say that there have been material improvements made in the cotton trade during the war.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, because of the withdrawal of members of the staffs of professional accountants' offices, apprehension and unrest are being caused among members of the public who are unable to obtain the skilled advice and assistance they require in connection with their tax affairs; and will he state the number of women within the scope of the National Service Acts who are at present employed in the offices of the Inland Revenue in connection with the administration and collection of Income Tax, Excess Profits Tax, National Defence Contribution and War Damage Contribution?

I have had no evidence that apprehension and unrest are being caused among members of the public owing to the withdrawal of staff from accountants' offices. Deferment of calling-up has been granted to a very considerable number of accountants and male members of their staffs who are liable for military service, and men over military age are not being withdrawn from the profession. Deferment is not normally granted in the case of women who are liable under the National Service Acts, but other women possessing special qualifications are not being withdrawn. The second part of the Question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

In regard to the reply to the first part of my Question, is it not a fact that in certain cases arrangements were made that essential members of professional accountancy staffs would not, in fact, be called up unless suitable substitutes could be found, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the cases which I brought to the attention of the Ministry such substitutes were not found and considerable hardship is being caused to my constituents?

I am advised on this matter with regard to accountants by a headquarters committee, who go into the thing very carefully. I cannot guarantee prior substitution in every case, and I take this occasion to say that I am afraid that prior substitution will have to go very shortly altogether, because when I send substitutes people want to keep their own staffs, and they make it difficult to take on the substitutes.

Is the Minister aware that in certain cases such a guarantee was given?

I should want notice of that question.

Is it to be understood that professional chartered accountants are exempt from military service at all ages?

Oh no, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is intended to publish a book containing the war record of the Ministry of Labour, an account of the achievements of industry in organising and utilising man- and woman-power and the contribution made by the organised workpeople in the workshops in the training of workers; if so, when will it be published; and will he see that a large sale is organised and that copies be sent to all military units and to all His Majesty's ships?

A book on the mobilization of the man- and woman-power of this country has been written and is now with the printers. Publication and distributional arrangements are in the hands of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Information.

Will my right hon. Friend convey this suggestion to the Minister of Information with a view to getting as large a sale as possible organised, and will he also see that the suggestion in the Question that copies should be broadcast to all people serving in His Majesty's Forces is carried out?

I will bear that in mind.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that there will be enough paper to supply everybody with a copy?

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the achievements of the workers in this war are such that they should be made known, and would not paper be well used on a publication of this character?

Will the Minister see that this book gives some recognition to the work of industrialists, who have not been referred to at all?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will forthwith call for volunteers to form the Armed Forces or part of those Forces necessary for the occupation or policing of such areas overseas as may have to be occupied or policed after the war, in order to release naval, military and Air Force personnel who have served abroad either to return home or to civilian employment as soon as possible?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to him by the Secretary of State for War on 1st June and to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Swindon (Mr. Wakefield) on 20th May, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in considering applications for postponement or deferment of military service, technicians engaged in cinema production have their specialist work fully taken into consideration; whether interested Government Departments are consulted in the matter; and whether the advice of these Departments is taken, particularly respecting the avoidance of handicaps to production?

Applications for the deferment of calling-up of men engaged in film production are referred to an independent Advisory Committee which gives careful consideration to their specialist work. Interested Government Departments are afforded the opportunity of making representations to this Committee, and due weight is given to their advice on all matters affecting production.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether the appropriate trade union is taken fully into consultation?

The Department is in the habit of consulting everybody who asks to be consulted.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that, under the present provisions for pensions and allowances for the widows and children of deceased members of His Majesty's Forces, these dependants may be reduced on the termination of war service grant, especially in areas where rents are high, to a standard of living far below that deemed proper during the life of the deceased man; and whether he will consider as an urgent matter the application of the minimum unit standard of 18s. in such cases?

The question raised by my hon. and learned Friend is among the matters which I am examining following the Debate in this House on 23rd March last.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not prepared to say that it is an urgent matter to ensure that these widows, who may be bearing another child or may be bringing up a number of children and may be quite unable to work, are assured of a minimum standard?

This and many other matters mentioned in the Debate are indeed matters of importance. I am doing my best to get down to the consideration of all of them so that I can make a comprehensive statement to the House.

My right hon. Friend says that it is a matter of importance; is he not prepared to say it is a matter of urgency?

In view of the fact that a war service grant is given to a wife in order to bring her up to a minimum level of subsistence, will my right hon. Friend inquire into the reasons why, as soon as a wife becomes a widow, her pension automatically reduces her income below the Minister's own standard of minimum subsistence?

My hon. and gallant Friend is behind the times; I am considering that and have been doing so for some time.

Does not the present position leave these women below the standard which will be achieved for civilian widows under the Pensions and Determination of Needs Bill?

I am considering that too.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will consider the introduction of the principle of ante-natal allowances in the case of posthumous births on the lines already applied by the Service Departments in the case of births during the father's life?

I am glad to have the opportunity of stating that from the outset of the scheme my Department has paid a pre-natal allowance to a widow in receipt of a pension in any case where the pre-natal allowance period began after the termination of the period for which pay and allowances are continued by the Service Departments. Payment is made by the Service Departments in any case where the pre-natal allowance period begins whilst Service pay and allowances are still in issue.

Can my right hon. Friend say why, as many months have elapsed since the Services adopted this principle, his Department have not announced their adoption of the principle?

We have put it into operation, which is better than announcing it.

Does this also include an unmarried dependant?

I should want notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Pensions the maximum amount of pension now awardable to a parent, or to parents, respectively, in respect of the death on active service of a private soldier son in respect of whom dependency is established; and the date of the Warrant fixing these amounts?

Under the Royal Warrant of 12th January, 1943, the maximum pension awardable to one parent is 16s. 6d. and to two parents 19s.

Arising out of this disclosure, does my right hon. Friend think these meagre figures are in any way related to the reasonable considerations of compensation for dependency? Will he not merely consider the matter but take steps to put an end to this shocking rate of pension?

This is also a matter which is being fully considered by my Advisory Committee.

is the Minister considering the parents' pension——

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. Could you make an appeal to Members to speak up instead of whispering?

Is the Minister also reviewing the case of a mother whose son has been making an allotment but now receives no pension at all?

I am reviewing the whole position as regards parents.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that the time has gone by for consideration and that the time has now come for some action?

During the recent Debate 14 propositions were put to me by Members who regarded them as being equally as important as the question which my hon. and gallant Friend has just put to me. I have already stated that it would be far better that I should come forward with a comprehensive scheme dealing with all these matters.

When will my right hon. Friend be in a position to make an announcement?

This year, next year?

I do not take the hon. Member's example. I will make an announcement as soon as it is possible to do so.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the case of the late Lieutenant E. McPherson, Royal Naval Reserve; that this officer was twice torpedoed and then developed a nervous condition due to the torpedoing and later a disability which proved fatal; that his widow and orphans are entirely without means; and will he reconsider his refusal to grant a Service pension?

As I have explained to the hon. Member, Mr. McPherson's death was due to a malignant disease of the abdomen which I am advised was neither caused nor influenced in its pro- gress by the officer's war experiences. In these circumstances, I regret, therefore, that a pension cannot be awarded to Mrs. McPherson.

Can the right hon. Gentleman really justify that statement to this House after the advice which has been given to him, namely, that this man's death was completely unconnected with the Service, seeing that he was twice torpedoed, that he was subjected to an operation under Service conditions, and that he was, in fact, accepted as A.I when he went into the Navy?

This is a case of cancer. I have consulted my medical advisers and other medical experts, not merely on this particular case, but on the general question of this disease, many times. The advice given to me is that this officer's death cannot be ascribed to war service. Mrs. McPherson will have an opportunity now of presenting her case to an appeal tribunal, and we shall get a decision from someone outside the Ministry.

In the meantime will not the Minister temporarily reconsider his decision, because the widow and children are now completely dependent upon charity?

Answer!

The hon. Membér is a little impatient. He asked me to answer when I was getting up to do so. I am always courteous to the House, and I hope Members will be courteous to me. In reply to the hon. Member for Carmarthen (Mr. Hughes), I will go carefully into this matter, but I must repeat that the advice which has been given to me up to now is that deaths from cancer have nothing to do with war service.

Will the Minister reconsider the whole question of cancer, because it is constantly used as an excuse and a reason for escaping liability by the Ministry?

We shall have an opportunity shortly, now that tribunals are set up, of having this matter determined outside my Department or my advisers. In the meantime I will see what can possibly be done in this case.

Is the Minister not aware that the country is becoming impatient about cases similar to this where something is done only after pressure? There is a deep-rooted impression that, the men in the Minister's Department are using their skill and ingenuity to cheat these men.

I have travelled widely and extensively, interviewing war pensions committees and branches of the British Legion throughout the country—I have just returned from an extensive tour of Scotland—and I do not agree at all with the view that has been expressed by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can inform the House as to the number of cases of members of the Forces, who have been discharged from the Forces owing to disability, who have made application for pensions and whose claim has been rejected; and what percentage of such rejection have been psycho-neurosis cases?

I regret that it would not be in the public interest to give the figures asked for in the first part of the Question. As regards the second part, the percentage is about 17.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of meetings held by his Central Advisory Committee during 1943; and the matters submitted to the Committee for their advice?

The Committee have held three meetings, and in addition there were three meetings of a subcommittee. The following matters have been put before them for consideration:

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will consider the granting of family allowances to disabled ex-Service men who marry, after becoming disabled, in cases where there is definite proof that a contract to marry was entered into before the date of disablement?

The granting of family allowances to disabled men who marry after receipt of their disability is a matter which I have already promised to bring before my Central Advisory Committee.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has yet any announcement to make with regard to improvements to the Royal Warrant for Pensions as a result of the views expressed and representations made to him?

No, Sir, I have not yet completed my consideration of all the various matters affecting the Royal Warrant which have been represented to me.

When shall we have some definite assurances?

In addition to the matters brought forward in the Debate and representations which have been made to me from various organisations representing ex-Service men, I have received a suggestion from the British Legion in Scotland which is of a fundamental and drastic nature, and I felt it my duty to consider that suggestion along with the others before making a clear statement to this House. I have been to Scotland for interviews, and I am going on with my investigation.

Would not the Minister consider working on the principle of "Fit for service, fit for pension"?

In view of the fundamental changes in the administration of the Pensions Warrant suggested by the British Legion in Scotland, does the Minister intend to hold up his proposals until he has given complete consideration to their views?

It is not a question of administration. The suggestions made by the British Legion in Scotland deal with a principle which goes to the root of the matter, and I feel that I ought to give it due consideration before making a statement.

Will the Minister answer my question?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the result of his consultation with the Minister of Production with regard to the issue to members of industrial fire brigades of suitable uniform clothing and boots on the same terms as are already given to members of the National Fire Service; and, if not, when it is likely that a decision will be made?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend on 17th March last. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Production has been giving very full consideration to the whole question of uniform supplies, but, as my hon. and gallant Friend will realise, the supply position is becoming more difficult as time goes on.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that men discharged for inefficiency from works fire brigades and joining the N.F.S. at once get a full issue of uniform, while the only issue available to industrial fire brigades on payment is made of cotton twill which is quite unsuitable?

I do not think I should be disposed to accept the assumption on which that question is based.

If I bring a definite case before the right hon. Gentleman where such a thing has happened, will he look into it?

Certainly.

asked the Home Secretary how many police forces in England and Wales time the speed of motor-vehicles by a system of hand signals by police officers; and whether this method is considered satisfactory?

I regret that I have not the information to enable me to answer the first part of the Question. There is no reason why, in competent hands, the method of timing referred to should not produce accurate records of speed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this practice is continually being condemned by judges and chairmen of quarter sessions owing to the likelihood of error' which always works against the motorist?

I have not been aware that there was general discontent in the Courts. I am aware that any motorist who gets caught for speeding feels that there is something wrong about it.

In view of the fact that private motoring is now nonexistent and the only motor cars on the road are those engaged on essential services, will the right hon. Gentleman abolish the system?

On the other hand, it has been impressed upon the public by the Supply Departments that unnecessary speeding is wasteful of petrol and rubber. In any case I am really not concerned with the merits of the law. I find the law as it is, and I have to enforce it.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that although there are fewer cars on the road, the public are greatly alarmed at the number of fatalities?

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now make a statement regarding electoral reform, especially with regard to by-elections in war-time?

I regret that I am still unable to add anything to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State gave to the Question on this subject by my bon. Friend the Member for East Birkenhead (Mr. Graham White) on 12th May.

Does my right hon. Friend recollect that the Prime Minister said that a statement would probably be made before. Easter and that he himself a few weeks ago told me he hoped to make a statement before Whitsuntide?

What the Prime Minister said was that he might be able to make a statement before Easter, and I said that if I could not make a statement before Whitsuntide, I. should be very disappointed. I hasten to add that I am.

Will this statement give an opportunity for a Debate?

I think not. I propose to make a Parliamentary statement in answer to a Question or otherwise, but I cannot commit myself that legislation will be involved. I think that it probably will be, in which case there would be ample opportunity for the House to debate and examine the proposals.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information about the explosion at the junction of Dean Street and Romilly Street on the night of 29th May; what amount of damage was done; if any people were injured; and what was the cause of the explosion?

I am informed that this incident is the subject of a criminal charge, the trial of which is pending. In these circumstances all I can properly say is that the damage was not extensive and that happily nobody was injured.

Who is prosecuting in the matter?

I am afraid I cannot say without notice.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the remarks on 27th May of Sir Gervais Rentoul when convicting a dog trainer of the international circus for cruelty; and whether he will see that the act concerned is withdrawn?

I have seen news reports of these remarks. Power to suppress the training or exhibtion of a performing lies not with me but with a court of summary jurisdiction, which, on complaint of cruelty in these connections by a constable or officer of a local authority, has power by order to prohibit the training or exhibition, or to impose conditions thereon. Further, in addition to, or in lieu of, a penalty imposed for an offence under the Protection of Animals Act, 1911, the Court has power to order the removal of the offender's name from the Performing Animals Register, or order his permanent or temporary disqualification from registration.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the increasing number of widows who have been deprived of pensions under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1936, owing to the failure of their husbands to make the necessary 104 contributions under Section 5 (1) of the Act, for various reasons, and the hardship caused thereby, he will consider the advisability of steps being taken to modify the number of contributions to be made under that Section of the Act?

The point raised by my hon. Friend will be considered in connection with the Government's examination of the proposals contained in Sir William Beveridge's Report.