asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is now in a position to state when he intends to introduce the new Education Bill?

As soon as I am in a position to make a statement regarding the Government's intentions in this matter I will do so.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the unsuitability of the Regulations now governing technical colleges, irrespective of their tradition, location, size and scope of work, and which tend to prevent much-needed expansion in the higher branches and in research; and will he re-examine the position, with a view to the development of all branches of technical education?

No, Sir. The Regulations relating to further education, including technical education, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy, are of a very general character and in no way restrict the development of technical colleges according to their individual needs and circumstances or of any grade of work in those colleges. I am well aware that there is room for a considerable expansion of technical education in this country and this is a matter to which I am giving careful consideration in connection with my proposals for post-war educational reform.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, in view of his circular of 23rd November, 1942, to local authorities, whether he has received assurances that the local authorities who, up to that date, had not been active in stimulating vegetable production in gardens and allotments are now alive to their responsibilities?

I have every reason to believe that local authorities realise the necessity of stimulating vegetable production in gardens and allotments, but the actual results must of course depend largely on local conditions.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what measure of response has been shown by local authorities to his advice by circulars of 15th April and 23rd November, 1942, that they should arrange for the cultivation of the gardens of bombed or unoccupied and apparently ownerless houses; and whether members of the public are authorised to demand permission so to cultivate in appropriate cases?

Since 23rd November, 1942, borough urban and rural district councils have been empowered, without my consent in each individual case, to take over bombed sites for cultivation provided there was no evidence of cultivation and the owner or occupier could not be traced or was unable or unwilling to cultivate the land himself. I have no information as to the number of cases in which local authorities have exercised such powers, but my Department has given consent as regards some 7,50o sites, practically all of which were taken before the 23rd November, 1942. Application for permission to cultivate sites must be made through local authorities.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the serious disrepair into which farm buildings required for storing food for human and animal consumption are now falling due to shortage of labour and materials; and what steps he is proposing to take in order that the products of the farmers' efforts may not be wasted?

Yes, Sir. I have the problem very much in mind.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the serious shortage of building operatives for the repair of agricultural buildings; and that unless the return of men drafted to other work be expedited, many buildings will not be in a fit state to store the food now being produced for human and animal consumption; and what action he is proposing to take?

Subject to the requirements of the Forces and of urgent Government building works, special consideration is given to the needs of rural areas in regard to the repair of farm buildings and other essential agricultural maintenance work. In appropriate cases, the call-up of men of military age is deferred and transfer to Government works does not proceed unless substitutes can be provided. While my right hon. Friend could not undertake, as a general rule, to return men previously withdrawn from rural areas, he would be prepared to consider the possibility of arranging for such return in individual cases where the men can be released from the essential Government work on which they are engaged and where other arrangements to meet local requirements cannot be made.

asked the Minister of Production whether he is yet in a position to give a favourable answer to the inquiry of the Northern Ireland Government for the urgent release of building materials, since operators are available, and the lack of housing is causing hardship?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. I have nothing at present to add to the reply which I gave to the hon Member for West Belfast (Mr. Beattie) on 1st June.

asked the Minister of Health when he proposes to call for tenders from local builders for the building of agricultural cottages in Wiltshire?

All the local authorities concerned in Wiltshire have now advertised for tenders. It is open to local builders to submit tenders in response to those advertisements.

asked the Minister of Health to what factors he attributes the price difference in tenders for the 3,000 rural houses varying between 727 and £ 1,499?

Material factors are that the tenders in question relate to different schemes in different parts of the country; the tendering was carried out under different conditions; and schemes differ substantially in scope. Moreover, the fact that many contractors are tendering for the first time under war conditions of housebuilding is no doubt contributing to produce a wider variation than usual between the highest and lowest tenders. The highest tender referred to in the Question has not, of course, been approved for acceptance.

asked the Minister of Health the present position in point of construction of the rural houses allotted to East Yorkshire?

No actual construction has yet started in East Yorkshire. A tender for re) houses has been approved and tenders for the other 56 houses allocated to the East Riding have either been received by the rural district councils or will be received by them within the next week.

asked the Minister of Health what tenders have been accepted for the rural cottages allotted to Essex; and what are the dates of completion accepted by the contractors?

Tenders for six houses allocated to the Epping rural district council have been accepted; work is to commence next Monday; the time for completion is three months.

asked the Minister of Health whether taking the latest figures he can state the average rent of dwellings in rural districts, in county boroughs outside Greater London, in other urban districts and in Greater London, respectively?

I have no information about the rents of privately owned houses which would enable me to supply the information desired, but, as my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the Rent Restrictions Acts have prevented any increase in such rents over those payable on the 1st September, 1939. A return was obtained from local authorities in England and Wales showing the numbers and rents of houses and flats belonging to them at the 3oth June, 1936. The return was included in a White Paper Command 5527 published in July, 1937, of which I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy and I would refer him to Table 1.

asked the Minister of Health in view of the shortage of midwives and the need for better conditions when the Report of Lord Rushcliffe's Committee dealing with these matters may be expected; whether he can state the total number of State certified midwives and how many of these are practising?

I understand that the report of the Midwives Salaries Committee is likely to be issued in the course of the next week or two. As regards the second part of the Question, the number of midwives on the roll for England and Wales is approximately 67,000, and the number of midwives in actual practice is between 14,000 and 15,000.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has brought to the notice of local authorities generally the possibility of obtaining on easy terms for maternity homes the many large country houses now being closed because of high taxation and inadequate staff to run them?

My hon. Friend is probably aware that a number of large country houses have been taken up for maternity and other purposes under the Government evacuation scheme and I think that local authorities are fully aware of the possibilities, and the difficulties, of their use. I shall be prepared to consider any proposals that local authorities submit to me.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will issue an instruction to members of his staff amending the instruction issued by his director of local administration on 12th November, 1942, regarding invitations issued to members of his staff to attend outside meetings, in order that it may be brought into line with the instructions issued by the Treasury that official permission to attend such gatherings has not to be obtained if the purpose for which the gatherings are called has nothing to do with the official work of civil servants?

I am not aware of any difficulties which have in practice arisen since the issue of the instruction of November last and I do not think my staff are under any misapprehensions. I will, however, take steps to see that they are further informed as to the actual position.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the light of present circumstances, he is prepared so to change Government wages policy in relation to civil servants as to give equal pay as between men and women in the common classes, that is, classes employing both men and women, in the Civil Service?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Information what are the usual conditions governing the employment of naturalised British subjects in the Ministry of Information?

The conditions are those applying generally in the Civil Service.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the unsatisfactory conditions prevailing at Dartmoor, both as affects prisoners and staff, he will consider the closing down of this prison?

So far as concerns the prisoners, I do not think it is right to regard Dartmoor as a specially unsatisfactory establishment, but I am aware that living conditions there are difficult for the prison staff. It is not, however, possible to dispense with this prison accommodation in present conditions and any question of closing down the prison must be deferred till after the war.

asked the Home Secretary what is the net increase, namely, increases less reductions, in the number of posts above the basic grade of male officer in the prison service since the war, and what percentage increase this represents?

In 1939 there were 1,995 approved posts in the basic grade of prison officers and 233 higher posts. There are at present 1,574 approved posts in the basic grade and 224 higher posts. The present proportion of higher posts to approved numbers of the basic grade is higher than at any previous time.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that 55 per cent. of the male officers in the basic grade of the prison service can entertain no reasonable hope of ever being promoted out of that grade; whether he is satisfied with that position; and what steps he proposes to take to improve it?

In this service—as in many other services—the number of supervisory posts required is not sufficient to open prospects of promotion to more than a substantial proportion of the staff. This is one of the considerations of which account is taken in settling the terms of service and retirement, including the provision of long service increments.

asked the Home Secretary under what auspices a meeting hostile to the Yugo-Slav Government was held in Livingstone Hall on 16th June; and whether he will take steps to prevent further demonstrations against an Allied State?

The meeting in question was held under the auspices of the Union of Democratic Control and was addressed by Yugo-Slays who discussed the affairs of their country and criticised the Yugo-Slav Government. The power to prohibit public meetings is limited to cases where a meeting is likely to cause serious public disorder or promote disaffection, and the need to exercise this power can only be judged as occasion arises. According to the information in my possession it would not be correct to describe this meeting as a demonstration against an Allied State. Appropriate action would, of course, have to' be taken if our foreign guests in this country abused our hospitality and our tradition of freedom of expression by indulging in activities calculated or likely to impede the war effort of the United Nations and I hope that any British organisation which takes an interest in the domestic affairs of our Allies will be careful to temper that interest with a proper discretion.

asked the Home Secretary under what circumstances certain aliens who are making propaganda against the Yugo-Slav Government were recently allowed into this country; and how many persons are involved?

I am obliged to my hon. and gallant Friend for giving me particulars to enable me to identify the individuals to whom his Question refers. I am having the records looked up to ascertain the circumstances in which each of the persons mentioned in his list was admitted to this country and I will inform him of the result.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to make any statement in regard to compulsory fire guard duty for aliens?

Under the fire guard Orders which I hope shortly to sign aliens of certain specified nationalities who are exempted from Article I of the Aliens (Movement Restriction) Order may be required to perform fire guard duties. The Orders will cover the nationals of 19 Allied and neutral countries, aliens of enemy nationality, Stateless persons and British protected persons. Chief officers of police and appropriate authorities or departments will have power to object on security grounds to the employment of particular aliens on fire guard duties.

asked the Home Secretary why, at the present time of acute labour shortage, he has sanctioned the employment of labour for the demolition of empty buildings in Abingdon Street?

Under arrangements made with the Ministry of Labour, labour is allocated for the purpose of demolition either to remove danger to the public or, in the case of buildings damaged beyond repair, to recover materials valuable to the war effort. In the present case the work was undertaken primarily to remove danger to the public from buildings which had been damaged by enemy action. Valuable materials have also been recovered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why, in Regulation 838, 1943, soft drink makers are not allowed to make such drinks without sugar, as diabetics value such drinks and this deprives them of such drinks?

My Noble Friend has not overlooked the desirability of providing some sugarless soft drinks for diabetics, and he is prepared to permit by licence, under the Order referred to by the hon. Member, the manufacture of an approved range of such drinks by a limited number of firms which are qualified to produce them. My Department is making the necessary arrangements in consultation with the Soft Drinks Industry (War Time) Association, Ltd.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the recent warning that certain canned goods may deteriorate if not consumed forthwith, he will indicate to housewives, who laid in stocks of canned goods early in the war, which kinds can be kept indefinitely?

The position with regard to the canned goods to which my hon. Friend refers was quite exceptional and my Noble Friend is advised that there is no occasion to take any special action with regard to canned goods generally, consequent upon this particular occurrence. Steps will, however, be taken again to issue to the Press and to the public, as on 7th January, 1942, a short guide approved by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Food, as to the normal period during which different kinds of canned foods may safely be kept in private households.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what control, if any, is exercised over the sale of horseflesh; to what extent horseflesh is being purchased for human consumption and incorporated with normal foodstuffs; and whether he is aware that the organisation, known as the Dumb Friends League, state that it is almost impossible to obtain horseflesh to be used in the preparation of special foods for dogs?

The sale of horseflesh for human consumption is subject to the provisions of the Horseflesh (Control and Maximum Prices) Order, 1941, which, inter alia, prescribes maximum wholesale and ail prices and requires every whole- saler of the commodity to hold a licence granted by the Minister of Food. The Order also provides that horseflesh for human consumption may not be sold in any premises where horseflesh not for human consumption or other meat is sold. Retailers of horseflesh for human consumption also require licences under the Food (Local Distribution) Order, 1943. Further provisions in regard to the sale of horseflesh are contained in Section 38 of the Food and Drugs Act, 1938, which provides, inter alia, for the exhibition of a notice in premises where horseflesh for human consumption is sold. As my Department does not control supply and distribution, I am unable to furnish the information asked for in the second part of the Question as regards the extent to which horseflesh is purchased for human consumption. The Horseflesh Order referred to above prohibits the manufacture, preparation and sale of any meat product or compound article of food containing horseflesh. As to the last part of the Question, representations have been received by my Department from the organisation referred to. It would only be possible to increase the quantity of horseflesh available for dogs either by the slaughter of more horses, which would lead to the killing of serviceable animals, or by the diversion to dogs of horseflesh fit for human consumption. My Noble Friend is not prepared to take any step in either of these directions.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that owing to Government control no accounts have been published by Messrs. Hovis, Limited, since 1939; what is the reason for this long delay; and whether he will now settle the details of the financial arrangements in the interests of shareholders and public alike?

The financial agreement between my Department and the flour milling industry, under which the industry is remunerated in respect of the first three years of control, was concluded on 10th November, 1941. The ascertainment of the payments to be made under this agreement is based upon financial statements which controlled flour millers are required to furnish. Until these statements are received the Ministry is not in a position to effect a settlement under the agreement.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the difference in rations between the mining community and the general public?

All sections of the community are allowed the same individual rations for household consumption, but in the case of cheese a special ration in place of the ordinary ration may be granted in lieu of catering facilities to certain categories of workers (including miners working underground), who are unable to get home to a mid-day meal. Where pithead canteens are provided they are entitled to supplies of food on the Category A scale of allowances to industrial canteens which includes special allowances of bacon, meat, fats, cheese, sugar and preserves.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his Department is officially recommending any meatless days each week for non-manual workers?

No, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will make a statement with regard to the proceedings on 24th June of the War Time Association of the Soft Drinks Industry?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on 30th June to the hon. Member for Denbigh (Sir H. Morris-Jones).

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, with reference to the recent Order reducing the retail price of dried egg packets as from 27th June, whether a rebate will be allowed on stock in hand of retailers at the end of the period, or an extension of time granted on application to clear stocks at present prices, in view of the loss that would be incurred in cases where it has been impossible to clear stocks by the appointed date?

An allowance to assist traders to meet the loss in stock values consequent upon recent reduction in the price of dried egg will be made to both the retail and wholesale trade. The arrangements have been announced by my Department after discussions with representatives of both sections of the trade concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the continuing shortage of alarm clocks; and what steps he proposes to take to make available some such utility product?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on 6th April to my hon. Friend the Member for Abertillery (Mr. Daggar), to which I have at present nothing to add.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the complaints of workers on the North-east coast, and elsewhere, regarding the absence of low or reasonably priced watches; and whether steps can be taken to meet this situation?

I am aware that all war-time shortages give rise to complaints. As cheap watches and watch parts are not made here, and are not procurable from America, the only country which could now supply us with more watches of this type would be Switzerland. Import licences are being issued for limited imports of Swiss watches, but in view of the urgent need for conserving Swiss exchange I regret that additional importation from this source could not be justified.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the introduction of a Bill to restrict monopolies in this country similar to the Anti-Trust Act of the United States of America?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which was given on this' subject on 23rd March to my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke (Mr. E. Smith), to which I have at present nothing to add.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will reconsider the number of coupons required for women's stockings, since many women cannot follow his advice to wear no stockings owing to orthopaedic troubles or tendency to blistered feet, which also make it difficult for them to wear non-fashioned stockings; and whether, having regard to the amount of walking now demanded of women of all ages and as the average life of a woman's stocking does not exceed one month at present, will he arrange for fully-fashioned stockings to be purchased for two coupons per pair instead of three and non-fashioned stockings for one coupon instead of two?

I regret that, in the present stringent supply position, I am not able to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion. Following action taken by my Department I am glad to say that stronger stockings are now beginning to appear in the shops and the proportion of these will steadily increase.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps the Governor of Aden is taking to relieve the food shortage in Aden?

The Governor of Aden recently asked for 20,000 tons of millet over the next 12 months and for authority to spend —30,000 on famine relief, principally for the purchase of grain to be issued free or at reduced prices or as payment in kind. The expenditure has been authorised, and the Middle East Supply Centre is making arrangements for sending the millet to Aden.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, now that the ship's lifeboat, designed by Mr. Francis H. Lowe, has successfully passed all the tests imposed by his Department, he will take early steps to ensure that this class of lifeboat is fitted to all new ships and used as replacements where damage to other ships occurs or when they become obsolescent?

The sea trials of Mr. Lowe's new lifeboat took place on 22nd June, and I am now awaiting the considered views of the representatives of the various interests who were present. When I have received their reports I hope to be able to make arrangements, as I promised my hon. Friend on 27th May, to supply the lifeboat to ships in which it may be practicable to install it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether his attention has been called to the thefts from outward bound cargoes; and what attempts are made to trace where these take place?

Yes, Sir, I regret to say that thieving from cargoes, both inward and outward bound, has increased since the beginning of the war. My hon. Friend will understand that the blackout, the shortage of packing materials, and the shortage of man-power have all added to the difficulties of preventing such theft; but I can assure him that the police, the dock authorities, and the railways are acting in close co-operation, and are doing everything in their power to trace and to stamp out what must be regarded as a despicable sabotage of the national war effort.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he can give any information in connection with the report of the British Coal Utilisation Research Association about a new domestic fire-grate which radiates 45 per cent. of the heat contained in coal or coke; and when this grate will be put upon the market for sale?

My right hon. and gallant Friend is following with interest the investigations being carried out by the British Coal Utilisation Research Association and other organisations with the object of developing more efficient domestic fire grates. This particular fire grate is still in the development stage and I am unable to state when it will be put on the market. The grate is being examined by the technical and scientific experts who advise the Government in these matters.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, owing to complaints as to shortage of the supply of coal within certain areas in Northern Ireland, he will look into this matter and make arrangements whereby a sufficient supply of coal is provided to meet the requirements of all living in that part of the United Kingdom?

The programme of coal supplies to Northern Ireland is arranged by agreement between my Department and the Ministry of Commerce in Northern Ireland. Under present conditions it is not always possible to adhere strictly to programmed allocations owing to urgent demands for operational or other essential requirements. Every effort is made, however, to ensure that Northern Ireland supplies are treated on the same basis as those of the rest of the United Kingdom. Distribution of coal in Northern Ireland is carried out by the Minister of Commerce and any complaint of shortage in particular areas should be brought to his notice.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will reconsider the case of a schoolmaster at a high school, whose name and details of whom have been supplied to him, whose right leg is paralysed and whose allowance of petrol has been reduced from two gallons per month to one gallon for three months; and whether, as his need has not diminished, the former allowance can be restored?

I find that the total allowance to the gentleman named by my hon. Friend is 22 gallons for the current three-month period, as it was for the previous period. Of this amount the applicant is now authorised to use in three months, only one gallon for domestic purposes; for the preceding three months he was granted permission to use four gallons. The reduction is due to the disallowance of claims for certain purposes which cannot be regarded as justifying the expenditure of petrol.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to the arrangements whereby holders of S petrol coupons may apply for new motor tyres to replace worn-out tyres?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for West Islington (Mr. Montague) on 24th June.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will instruct His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington to furnish full Reports on the proceedings now taking place in the American courts under the Anti-Trust Laws?

I have seen accounts of these proceedings in the Press, and I have no doubt that His Majesty's Ambassador will be reporting on them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in what circumstances a subscription paid by an employer to a scientific institution on behalf of an employee would be treated as a working expense for the purpose of taxation?

A subscription paid by an employer on behalf of an employee to a scientific institution the activities of which directly affected the employer's business and the duties of the employee would be regarded as an expense deductible in the computation of the employer's trading profits for purposes of taxation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total sum now paid under the compulsory war damage contribution scheme and, separately, the total sum paid to meet claims resulting from enemy action?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 22nd June to the hon. Member for Southampton (Mr. Craven-Ellis).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that hardship occurs where motor-car owners are compelled to take out a licence before applications for petrol can be considered; and whether he will consider, when no grant is made, refunding the licence payment?

I am aware that when applying for a petrol allowance a motorcar owner is required to produce a licence to use the vehicle. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to Regulation 28 (2) of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations, 1941, which provides that where a council is satisfied that a vehicle in respect of which a licence has been taken out has not been used upon any road repairable at the public expense at any time during the currency of the licence, the holder shall upon surrender of such licence be entitled to a refund of the duty paid.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the resolution from Tyldesley District Council asking for an increase in the standard rate of 10s. a week of old age pension to meet the increased cost of living and what reply he has made thereto?

As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, this matter is now under examination in connection with the Beveridge Report.

asked the Minister of Health in how many cases of evacuated children the parents have vanished and cannot be traced?

Comprehensive statistics are not available; but information obtained from some of the larger evacuation authorities suggests that the number of parents who cannot be traced is not likely to be large.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is contemplating to institute further research into the causes and prevention of mastitis in dairy cattle, in view of the strong representations made by the Ayrshire Cattle Herd Book Society?

I have carefully considered the representations referred to by my hon. Friend. As was explained in reply to the hon. Members for Renfrew (Major Lloyd) and Springburn (Mrs. Hardie) on 6th April, research into cattle diseases is being carried on at various centres in Scotland and elsewhere under the general guidance of the Agricultural Research Council, working in Scotland in association with the Scottish Board of Research in Veterinary Science. The work is being most actively pursued, and as close co-ordination of research is essential the establishment of a separate Scots organisation would not appear to be an improvement on the existing arrangements. Special Scots points will not be overlooked, inasmuch as Scotland is represented on the Agricultural Research Council; while the Scottish Board of Research in Veterinary Science, as mentioned in the reply of 6th April, includes eight science professors in Scots universities and six leading members of the veterinary profession in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the continued injustice of paying a lower price to Scottish milk producers is causing a growing resentment among 8,000 farmers and is inimical to the agricultural war effort; and what action he now proposes to take?

I regret that there is in the meantime nothing I can add to my replies to the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Sloan) on 30th March, of which I am sending the hon. Member copies.

asked the Attorney-General for what reasons, following on a request from the appropriate staff association for reference to arbitration of a claim that county court bailiffs should be given the standard cash allowances prescribed by the Treasury for the use of private motor cars on official business, special Government licences entitling the motor cars of such officers to be used are being withdrawn although the circumstances now prevailing are the same as when it was decided that these motor cars were essential for official business; and will he reconsider the matter?

I am informed that no request for arbitration in this matter has been received from the appropriate staff association. Certificates were issued to certain county court bailiffs not because it was decided that private motor cars used by bailiffs are essential for official business but with a view to protecting the cars and controlling the issue of petrol pending the collection of information from the courts concerning the extent to which the cars were used and for what reasons. The continuance of the certificates is being considered in each case in the light of the information received from the courts, the changing circumstances due to the declining volume of process to be served by the bailiff and the general instructions, issued by the Treasury, that the need for certificates must be kept constantly under review.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware of the wastage of man-power in the ports, and particularly in London, due to each ship-broker maintaining a complete organisation; and what steps he proposes to take to reduce the numbers engaged?

I am not aware that man-power is wasted through the maintenance of complete organisations by ship-brokers, nor have I, after inquiry, been able to discover any case in which such wastage has occurred. If, however, my hon. Friend has such cases in mind, and will let me have the necessary details, I will be glad to investigate them.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the particulars sent to him of a statement made by the North-West Regional Commissioner for Civil Defence; is he aware that the speech has caused anxiety among ship- owners; and will he instruct this officer to set a higher example of discretion and avoid careless talk in future?

I have considered the statement to which my hon. Friend refers but I do not think that it affords any ground for taking such action as he suggests.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements have been made in the African Dependencies in the matter of clothing, allowances, tools, travelling and restoration to civil life of Africans honourably discharged from the Army and other Fighting Services?

The responsibility for arranging clothing, allowances and travelling on discharge rests with the appropriate Service authorities. I am making inquiries on this point, and will communicate further with my hon. Friend later. I am also obtaining from the civil Governments precise information as to the arrangements for restoration to civil life, including the provision of tools. They are fully alive to the problem, and I would refer to the answer I gave to the hon. Member on 12th May, about Africans discharged owing to injuries.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what agreements have been entered into by the local governments of Jamaica and other West Indian Colonies with the United States authorities governing the importation of workers into the United States; and whether the terms of the agreements can be printed in the official record?

Only the Governments of Jamaica and the Bahamas have so far made agreements with the United States authorities for the importation of labourers into that country. Copies of the Jamaica agreement have not yet been received. As the agreements in respect of the Bahamas are extremely long, I am sending copies to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is satisfied with the present position of agriculture in Trinidad; to what extent crops are being left in the ground unreaped owing to shortage of labour; and whether it is possible to transfer surplus labour from Barbados?

Neither I nor the Colonial Government consider the present position of agriculture in Trinidad satisfactory, and a strong committee under the chairmanship of the Agricultural Adviser to the Comptroller for Development and Welfare was appointed some time ago by the Government to make recommendations for future agricultural policy. This Committee has recently reported and the Colonial Government is now studying its proposals with a view to the reorganisation of the Colony's agricultural system. In reply to the second part of the Question, statistics are not available over the whole field of agriculture showing what proportion of the crops has been left unreaped owing to the shortage of labour. In the main the sugar industry has been the most hard hit from this cause, but in any case such statistics would not show the full extent of agricultural losses, as shortage of labour has hindered new plantings and in particular the extension of food cultivation. Owing to shipping difficulties in the Caribbean it does not at present seem possible to transfer any considerable number of labourers from Barbados to Trinidad even if suitable housing and essential amenities could be ensured for them. The Governor of Trinidad has, however, recently discussed the whole labour question with the Sugar Manufacturers' Association, and I understand that the Association are considering whether they can put forward to Government a practical scheme for the introduction of agricultural labour in the Colony.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information regarding the detention in Nigeria of Imondu, a former railway employee and president of the Nigerian Railway Workers' Union; and why restrictions have been placed on his movement?

The person mentioned was detained by the Governor on 23rd January under the Defence Regulations, but on 12th February the Detention Order was replaced by an Order, also made under the Defence Regulations, restricting his movements to certain areas of his native province. The reason for this action was that he had been concerned in a deliberate attempt to bring about a misunderstanding between the employees and the management, with a view to producing a stoppage of work in the essential service of the railway, which forms a vital link in Nigeria's war effort.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether civil employees in the British Army headquarters in the mandated territories of Palestine and Tanganyika will be eligible for British naturalisation after a period of service of five years or upwards?

I have been asked to reply. The statutory provisions relating to the eligibility for naturalisation of persons in the service of the Crown are the same whether they are so serving in mandated territories or elsewhere.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the posting home of a soldier who has served overseas for six years or more is to be taken to mean that he will be kept on home service for the duration of the war; and, if not, how long such a man may normally expect to stay in this country?

As far as possible postings are made in these cases which, it is hoped, will not entail the man's reembarkation in the near future. But my hon. Friend will appreciate that the situation in war-time is liable to change rapidly. No guarantee can therefore be given that in such cases a man will not be posted to a unit which is subsequently required for early embarkation, and I regret that no undertaking can be given that a man will be retained at home for any fixed period.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the total personnel now employed in the Auxiliary Territorial Service?

I regret that it would not be in the public interest to publish these figures.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many mobile cinemas for the troops are operated overseas; and whether he will consult with the welfare authorities with a view to providing as many as possible in isolated stations?

Eighty-four projectors are in use overseas for the benefit of the troops in addition to the facilities which are at present being provided by the E.N.S.A. organisation. Measures are under active consideration to increase the showing of films to troops overseas but my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that the shortage of projectors and other equipment at the present time is a major limiting factor.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Army Council have now considered the statement made by Mr. Justice Humphreys and the jury at the Maidstone Assizes on Friday, 25th June, in connection with the charge made against Quartermaster-Sergeant Salter and Regimental Serjeant-Major Culliney, who were found guilty of manslaughter of Rifleman W. C. Clayton; and what he intends doing about the matter?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for Dewsbury (Mr. Riley), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why No. 1620527, A.C./ 2, G. G. Farrow, who claims to have become a conscientious objector, has not been granted facilities to appear before the Advisory Tribunal in respect of his second qualifying sentence of imprisonment which ended on 12th January, 1943; and whether the Royal Air Force will adopt the same practice as the Army in permitting such applications in respect of each qualifying sentence?

It has been decided to follow War Office practice and arrangements are in hand to enable this airman to make a further appeal to the tribunal.

asked the Minister of Production whether he will cause an inquiry to be made, from a management and production point of view, into the state of affairs existing at a factory in the Midlands, the name of which has been given to him?

The factory concerned is entirely engaged upon Admiralty contracts. I am in touch with my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty, and we will communicate with my hon. Friend at an early date.