asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to the setting-up of a committee to investigate the best way of organising the service of domestic workers?

This matter, the importance and urgency of which I fully appreciate, is one of considerable difficulty and has necessitated a great deal of close and detailed study. I have made progress in my consideration of the problem and have certain proposals in mind designed to alleviate the present situation, but I have not yet completed my consultations with my colleagues. As soon as I am in a position to announce definite plans I will make a statement to the House.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is nearly six months since he originally said he was considering this problem? Will he be in a position to give a more detailed answer before the summer Recess?

Yes, Sir, I think so.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the present time is a very appropriate time to bring forward proposals of this kind, in view of the great difficulty which anyone experiences in getting any kind of domestic help?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that cooks and kitchen staff in school canteens under local and county education authorities arc included in the Schedule of Reserved Occupations, similar protection will be given to persons employed as cooks and kitchen staff at public schools?

I have already made arrangements under which the cooks and kitchen staff at all these institutions will be treated alike.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what these arrangements are?

I have arranged equality of treatment between the two sections referred to in the hon. Member's Question.

asked the Minister of Labour why Mr. Alan Southan, of 7, Temple Square, Willenhall, an industrial chemist, was kept without employment for eight weeks, no employment being offered to him; and whether he will take steps to see that such waste of man-power does not occur in future?

On registration under the National Service Acts Mr. Alan Southan was under 25 years of age, and when he left his previous employment on 23rd April, 1943, his deferment from military service was accordingly cancelled. He applied for a commission with His Majesty's Forces and was accepted subject to medical examination, which took place on 21st May. He was medically reexamined on 28th May and referred to a specialist, on whose report, dated 11th June, a decision on his medical grading was postponed for six months. Particulars of Mr. Southan's qualifications were then submitted to a Royal Ordnance factory, where he took up employment on 21st June.

Is it not a fact that he was doing nothing during this time, and is it not rather regrettable?

If a person applies for a commission and a medical category is involved, it is very difficult for me to put him in work until I know the final decision.

On a question of procedure, is it not a waste of Parliamentary time to put a Question like this on the Order Paper? Would it not be better in a matter of this kind to have dealt with it through the Minister?

On a point of Order. Is not a Member entitled to speak up for his constituents?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that among war workers in different parts of the country there is much irritation, due to the belief that many women, especially between 4o and 5o years of age, are avoiding all forms of effective service; and whether his Department investigates all alleged cases of the kind which may be brought to its notice?

I have had no evidence of this kind, but I can assure my hon. Friend that any alleged cases of avoidance of national service which are brought to notice are investigated. I would remind my hon. Friend that the maximum age for registration for women under the Registration for Employment Order is 46.

Is it not a fact that many women already called up who are at present completely wasted would be better employed outside or in their own homes?

I do not agree with my hon. Friend. I think the women have been used appropriately in the occupations for which they are suitable. I have no doubt the hon. Member has suffered some disappointment in consequence of my judgment.

Will the Minister consider whether raising the registration age might not be the best way of dealing with the difficulty referred to in the Question, and might be the means of releasing a considerable number of women now taking shelter in the form of household and domestic workers in establishments where there are four or five domestic workers for a household of two or three people?

Where?

Quite a number.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether brick- layers, formerly employed by small builders and who have been directed by him to work for large contractors, will now be permitted to return to their former employers so that agricultural workers' cottages may be built by local labour for local needs;

(2) how it is that large firms of building contractors have sufficient labour available so that they can start building agricultural cottages on 15th July, whereas the individual builder in the rural areas has had so much labour withdrawn that he is unable to undertake new work or to keep up with the demands made upon him;

(3) whether, in view of the heavy withdrawals of labour made by his Department and the great demands made upon rural workers at harvest-time, he will direct the large contractors nominated by the Ministry of Works to bring into the district of their operations all workers needed for the erection of agricultural workers' cottages, including ancillary workers such as lorry-drivers, clerks, cooks, cleaners, storekeepers, etc.?

In planning the allocation of building labour, provision has been made for labour for 3,000 agricultural cottages, and this work has been given equal priority with the rest of the Government building programme. In so far as there is not sufficient local labour available for this work, I should be prepared to arrange for permission to be given for the transfer of labour or for the direction of labour from elsewhere and, if necessary, to consider the possibility of arranging for the return of workers previously transferred away from the rural areas who can be released from the essential Government work on which they are engaged. These labour arrangements will apply whether the construction is undertaken by small or large contractors. I do not anticipate any interruption of harvest arrangements.

While thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask him what steps he is taking to see that this arrangement, as indicated in his answer, is brought to the knowledge of local firms —small firms—who are very eager to build agricultural cottages and think it is far more satisfactory to do so by local labour?

The question of determining whether labour shall be supplied is in the hands of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works, and according to the figure and places determined then I shall see that it is supplied.

Would it be possible to suspend the call-up of local rural labour temporarily until these cottages are completed, instead of transferring labour?

I cannot suspend any call-up anywhere if I am to meet the requirements of the Forces for coming events.

asked the Minister of Labour how many training centres for ex-Service men are now in operation and how many men are at present undergoing training?

Ex-Service men are accepted for training at all the Ministry's establishments which cater for civilians. No separate figures are available of the numbers of ex-Service men at present in training in these establishments.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman say how many establishments there are at present?

Yes; we are providing training for civilians at the moment at 21 Government training centres. There are two others which are allocated exclusively for the Forces, 49 technical colleges, 14 industrial establishments under arrangements made under what is known as "scheme M," and two residential establishments at St. Loyes and Leatherhead.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give any idea of the approximate number of men being trained?

I have not got it; I will try to get it.

Is there not waste of money in training these men, as these schemes interfere in many instances with the relaxation agreement?

I do not agree with my hon. Friend. I do not think they interfere with it a bit.

asked the Minister of Labour whether in view of the loss of the right of appeal to a hardship tribunal in the case of members of the Auxiliary Air Force discharged and simultaneously called up for service in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, he will take steps to amend Section 4 of the National Service (No. 2) Act, 1941, so as to preserve in that case, and all similar cases, the rights provided by Section 6 of the principal Act?

The statutory provisions for granting postponement of liability to be called up under the National Service Acts are designed to deal with the call up of men from civil life to the Armed Forces or to a Civil Defence Force. I am not satisfied that these provisions would be appropriate for cases of transfer from one Force to another. Any difficulty that may arise in such cases is best dealt with on the lines indicated by my right hen. Friend the Secretary of State for Air in the answer he gave on the 9th of this month to my hon. Friend.

As the calling-up notices which the Minister of Labour has issued to these men upon the termination of their engagement are civil notices and not military notices, is it not only right that these men should have the same treatment as civilians?

These men do not cease to be members of His Majesty's Forces. Therefore I cannot deal with the case for transfer from one Force to the other in the same way as in the original case.

I am asking whether the right hon. Gentleman will take steps to amend the Act.

No, I do not think that would be practicable.

asked the Minister of Labour what arrangements have been made for the completion of the interrupted training and apprenticeship of young men who volunteer and are accepted for air-crews from reserved occupations?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave him on this matter on 21St January last. I have not yet completed my consultations with the industrial interests concerned, but, if in the meantime my hon. Friend has any actual instance in which difficulty has arisen, I should be glad to consider it.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Southampton Borough Council have decided not to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of the chief sanitary inspector; and whether he is satisfied with the position of this matter, having regard to the advantage which such appointments have in setting free highly-trained medical men to concentrate on the work for which they are specially appointed, as recommended in the Ministry's Circular 2624?

I am informed that the County Borough Council, after full consideration, decided that in fairness to those sanitary inspectors who are at present in the Forces, it would be preferable to postpone the appointment of a chief sanitary inspector until the cessation of hostilities. One of the Council's sanitary inspectors is carrying out all the duties previously carried out by the chief sanitary inspector, and is accepted as acting chief sanitary inspector by the remaining inspectors. The matter is one within the discretion of the Council, and in which it Would not be proper for me to intervene.

Would the Minister agree that the Southampton Borough Council could do what other local authorities do, and appoint somebody in a temporary capacity for the duration of the war?

Yes, but the Southampton Borough Council have discussed this fully, and have come to a democratic decision about it.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that questions of this kind are best left to the Members for Southampton?

Does the Minister know that this decision was reached on the advice of the hon. and medical Member for Southampton (Dr. Thomas)?

asked the Minister of Health whether any recent inquiry has been made regarding the effect of diet and housing conditions upon the incidence and prevalence of zymotic diseases?

I am not aware of any medical inquiry such as my hon. Friend mentions.

Is it not desirable that such an inquiry should be made?

That is an entirely different matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the National Anti-Vaccination League is circulating literature to expectant and nursing mothers, advocating a course of action with regard to vaccination and diphtheria immunisation contrary to the declared policy of his department; and whether he has any statement to make?

Yes, Sir. I am of opinion that they are best countered by effective and positive action. The Ministry and local authorities are therefore continuing propaganda to advise parents to have their children protected by methods supported by the best medical opinion.

Does my right hon. Friend consider that it is right and proper for women in this condition to be subjected to a barrage of conflicting views?

I think that on the whole the conflicting views have helped to bring the truth home to them.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the National Anti-Vaccination League is regarded as a charity organisation and excused the payment of Income Tax?

That, of course, is not my responsibility.

Will my right hon. Friend ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is regarded as a charity?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will do that.

asked the Minister of Health whether any inquiries have been made as to the comparable cost of building agricultural cottages of chalk instead of brick in suitable districts?

No, Sir, as I have not received any proposals from rural district councils to build in chalk. If my hon. Friend has any relevant information, I should be glad to have it.

Cannot flint be used for the building of houses where it is available?

There are a number of factors involved.

Are not a number of mediaeval buildings built of chalk?

asked the Minister of Health the superficial area of the proposed rural houses, and the price per superficial foot as contained in the tenders?

The superficial area of houses, including out-buildings, illustrated in the plans issued to the local authorities concerned, ranges from 1,046 to 1,136 square feet for parlour houses, and from 870 to 1,036 square feet for non-parlour houses. The price per foot super represented by tender prices received, which councils have been authorised to accept, varies from 13s. 5d. to 16s. 11d.

Does the price include the cost of roads and sewers?

This is the price per superficial foot of the houses.

Is it not the case that the building of these agricultural cottages has been transferred to the Ministry of Works? Why is my right hon. Friend now dealing with it?

That is not the fact. There are a very large number of councils going forward, inside the Government's decision, under the original plan.

What is the percentage increase on the pre-war price?

My hon. Friend should put that question down.

Is the report true that the height of the ceiling is being reduced from 8 ft. to 7 ft. 6 ins.?

That question should be put to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works. The questions to which I am replying relate to the plans put out by the Ministry of Health; the report about a 7 ft. 6 in. ceiling relates to the plan of the Ministry of Works.

On a point of Order. Questions are put down to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, and now we are informed that he cannot reply on the height of the rooms because the matter has been transferred to the Ministry of Works. Where do hon. Members stand?

My hon. Friend is entirely in error. He has not given his mind to the subject. If I had been asked the height of rooms in these particular cottages for which I am responsible, I should have said 8 ft.

What is the right hon. Gentleman responsible for?

Building them.

asked the Minister of Health whether the prices tendered for the 3,000 houses to be erected in rural areas are based upon the figures of 240 and 336 bricks per day for 42½ inch and 9-inch brickwork, respectively; and to what extent the high prices tendered are due to this artificial limitation of output as compared with the pre-war figures?

Tenders have been invited on the understanding that the Essential Work Order shall apply. With regard to the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies given yesterday by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works.

Has there been, in fact, a single piece of work started on these cottages anywhere in the country?

Yes, Sir.

Where?

My hon. and gallant Friend had better put that question down. It does not arise out of this Question.

Are not too many people muddling with this matter?

My hon. Friend is the muddler.

asked the Minister of Health whether local building firms asked to tender for agricultural cottages have received any assurance that the necessary labour would be made available to successful tenderers?

The scheme approved by the Government for the erection of these cottages includes arrangements to ensure that the necessary labour will be forthcoming.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the action taken by a local authority in connection with a case of compulsory requisitioning of a certain property, of which private notice has been given him, as a result of which a family with II children have been given a house with only two bedrooms, and six children have to sleep permanently in an outdoor shelter; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I understand that the house originally occupied by this family, which had been damaged by enemy action, will shortly be ready for occupation again, when immediate arrangements will be made for them to return to it.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will furnish particulars as to the prices obtained by local authorities for houses erected with State assistance under the Housing Acts and sold since the outbreak of the present war, and the conditions imposed by him when giving his sanction for their sale?

In the small number of cases involved, the valuations made by the district valuers range from £410 to £585. I have no infirmation of the prices actually obtained, since my consent in each case was given subject to the condition that the sale price was not below the district valuer's figure.

In giving his consent did the right hon. Gentleman also stipulate that these houses should not be de-controlled? That is implied in my Question.

I would like notice of that.

asked the Minister of Health whether land purchased now by local authorities for post-war housing will rank for subsidy?

The cost of land will certainly continue to be taken into account in determining the amounts of subsidies.

Has my right hon. Friend decided the amount of subsidy?

No, but local authorities are thoroughly familiar with the position.

Is my right hon. Friend going to base this subsidy on the pre-1939 value or on the present value of the cottages?

asked the Minister of Health whether local authorities, in their plans for post-war housing, should proceed on the assumption that there will be a Government subsidy?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is in a position to make a further statement regarding the possibility of bringing representatives of the Fourth Indian Division to this country?

I am in consultation with my right honourable Friend the Secretary of State for War an this matter, and I hope to be able to reach a definite decision shortly.

Is the right hon. Gentleman giving serious consideration to the possibility of sending some representatives of this Division to America?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for India why the letter sent by Mr. Gandhi to the Viceroy on 23rd September, 1942, in which he condemned acts of violence was omitted from the published correspondence; and why no statement respecting the existence of this letter was made by the Viceroy or the right hon. Gentleman himself?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. The only letter received from Mr. Gandhi during September was addressed, not to the Viceroy, but to the Secretary of the Home Department of the Government of India. This letter was dated 23rd September, and was so described in the material given to the Press in India. It was referred to in Mr. Gandhi's letter of 19th January—though incorrectly—as a letter of 21st September, and was consequently so described in the correspondence given to the Press in London. I am sending a copy of the letter to the hon. Member, from which he will see that, while referring to the "reported deplorable destruction" that had taken place, Mr. Gandhi claimed that the responsibility for it rested with the Government and not with the Congress Party and did not categorically condemn acts of violence.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that Mr. Rajagopalachari specifically states that a letter was sent by Mr. Gandhi condemning these acts of violence? Was not this known to the Viceroy and nothing was said about it at a time when Mr. Gandhi was being criticised for not expressing any opinion upon these acts of violence?

Either the hon. Member or Mr. Rajagopalachari has been misled, however unwittingly, by a slip of Mr. Gandhi's pen.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any statement to make respecting the appointment of Field Marshal Sir Archibald Wave11 as Viceroy; whether any Indian was considered for this position; and what new political developments the appointment denotes or will be accompanied by?

I feel sure the House will share the general satisfaction at the appointment by His Majesty of this very distinguished soldier as Viceroy and will wish him every success in discharging the responsibilities of that high Office. I need not say that the new appointment does not imply any change in the settled policy to which His Majesty's Government are pledged with regard to the development of Indian self-government. Sir Archibald Wavell's wide outlook on men and affairs and the experience he has already acquired of Indian administration are an assurance that he will be no unworthy successor of the statesman who has now served as Viceroy with such high distinction over a period exceptional both in its length and in its difficulties.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the part of my Question regarding the possibility of selecting an Indian for this position?

No, Sir, I am not prepared to answer that.

Then am I to take it that no Indian was considered for this position or judged to be suitable?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will give an assurance that it is not intended to put the new Order with regard to fireguards into operation before an opportunity has been given for a discussion in the House?

would invite my hon. Friend's attention to the statement which I made during the recent Debate on Statutory Rules and Orders. I indicated that sympathetic consideration would be given as regards Parliamentary time for a Debate on important subordinate Orders, if it is shown by a substantial number of hon. Members that they wish it. The Fire Prevention Orders are undoubtedly of importance both on account of their object and the number of people they affect. But the principle of compulsory fireguard duty has been accepted without serious question for two and a half years. The new Orders, besides consolidating a number of much amended Orders, will introduce modifications shown by experience to be necessary. These have been the subject of full discussion with all the various interests involved, including the trades union and employers' organisations, and it is generally agreed that they will represent a substantial improvement on the existing Orders.

asked the Home Secretary whether wardens, who neither enrol nor are directed to undergo a Home Guard training course, are entitled to compensation, in event of injury, while voluntarily taking a course; and is it at the same rate as the Home Guard?

Wardens are not required to undergo Home Guard training unless they have been enrolled in the Home Guard service. Compensation for personal injury sustained during such training is payable to wardens only if they have been so enrolled, and then the prevailing conditions of the Home Guard service will apply.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether steps are being taken to drain the Dovey Valley, in Central Wales, and the marshes adjoining its mouth, with a view to increased food production?

Some 1,200 acres of Borth Bog on the South side of the estuary of the River Dovey are being reclaimed by means of drainage work and a proposal to reclaim a further r,000 acres of the Bog is under consideration. No large-scale drainage work is in progress elsewhere in the Dovey Valley.

Will the value of improvements as the result of Government expenditure eventually go back to the owners, or will it remain with the Government?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any canvas or bell-shaped tents are available to house volun- tary workers for the harvest since all alternative accommodation will be exhausted?

Yes, Sir. In collaboration with my Noble Friend the Minister of Works, arrangements have been made for reasonable provision of this form of temporary accommodation. Tents will be supplied only through county war agricultural executive committees for the establishment of camps for voluntary workers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether consideration has been given to making use of a day shortly on a nation-wide scale in order to draw attention to the need for encouraging voluntary assistance to help to gather in the harvest and as an appreciation of the efforts of all associated with the farming industry?

asked the Minister of Agriculture what are the objects he has in view in holding the proposed National Farm Sunday on 4th July, 1943?

Yes, Sir. It is proposed that, with the approval of the Churches, Sunday, 4th July, shall be celebrated as Farm Sunday, and I have invited county war agricultural executive committees, in collaboration with local organisations of farmers, farm workers and other interests, to arrange public meetings on the afternoon of that day. The main purpose of Farm Sunday is to allow the men and women in agriculture to meet together on one day before tackling what will probably be the toughest harvesting job in our history. It will afford an opportunity for recognition of the efforts that have been made by the farming population during the war, and I hope will encourage them to continue and even improve on those efforts. It may also remind townsmen and countrymen that their help will be needed to get the harvest in.

I have been asked to address one of the meetings, and arrangements are being made, through the courtesy of the B.B.C., for my address to be relayed to other meetings throughout the country. Arrangements for the meetings will be left to local initiative, and although they will inevitably be affected by local circumstances, there has been a favourable response from most counties, and I have every reason to believe that the demonstrations will successfully achieve the objects for which they are designed.

Has my right hon. Friend taken account of the fact that the hour fixed for his own broadcast is such a one that no farmer or farmworker will be able to listen in to it?

My hon. Friend may rest assured that the date and the time were very carefully considered, having regard to a number of other circumstances, and I am afraid I cannot agree with him that farmers will not be able to attend because, on the contrary, most counties are arranging special demonstrations.