asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will issue to Members of Parliament passes enabling them to enter military detention camps without prior notice?

As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, facilities exist for Members of Parliament to visit detention barracks, and I am glad to say that a number of Members have made use of them. I should like to emphasize that these facilities are still available, and that visits are welcomed. I regret, however, that it would be impracticable to issue the number of passes of the nature required by my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Are the visits which are possible under present conditions visits made without prior warning, or does prior notification have to be made?

I think that in most if not in all cases prior notice is necessary. For one thing it is not much good a visitor going to a camp if all the troops are out on a route march, and it is in the interest of the visitor that prior notice should be given.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman not aware that public confidence in the administration of these camps has been gravely hurt by recent revelations and that nothing will restore that confidence except provision for the inspection of the camps by outside independent agencies without prior warning?

Perhaps the hon. Member will wait until later, when my right hon. Friend will make a statement.

How far are these camps from this House?

They are in different parts of England, and in Scotland. There are also one in the Orkneys and one in the Shetlands.

asked the Secretary of State for War what action he proposes to take in the case of the doctor responsible for certifying the late Rifleman W. C. Clayton, in respect of whose death sentences were delivered against two warrant officers at a recent assize?

asked the Secretary of State for War what action is being taken in respect of the military doctors who failed to ascertain the true medical condition of the late Rifleman Clayton, whose death occurred recently in a military detention barracks?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the court's findings in connection with the death of Rifleman Clayton, he will cause an independent public inquiry to be held into conditions prevailing in military detention barracks?

asked the Secretary of State for War what action he proposes to take against the medical officer who, after examination, ordered medicine and duty in the case of Rifleman William Clarence Clayton, who was suffering from deafness and advanced tuberculosis and died as a result of brutal treatment in Gillingham detention camp?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will cause an independent committee of inquiry to be set up to investigate the conditions now prevailing at Army detention camps and barracks?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the court of inquiry into matters arising from the death of Rifleman Clayton will be held in public; and if Rifleman Clayton's relatives, or their representatives, will be permitted to be present if they so desire?

The Government have decided that an independent inquiry should be held into conditions at Navy and Army detention barracks generally, and I hope to make an announcement shortly as to who is to conduct the inquiry. It will, of course, be for the inquiry itself to determine the manner in which it will conduct its proceedings. In the meantime the Military Court of Inquiry on the special case of Fort Dar-land is sitting, and in accordance with the usual practice this inquiry will not be open to the public.

May we take it that inquiry will be made into the responsibility of the doctor who certified Rifleman Clayton as fit for duty? May I go further and ask whether the inquiry will go back as far as the medical board who passed this man into the Army?

In regard to the second point, I understand that there is a Question on the Paper to the Minister of Labour. As to the first point, as to the responsibility of the military officer, I have had the report of an inquiry into that particular aspect, but I have not had time to study it, and I am not in the position to say anything about it.

Will my right hon. Friend see to it that the terms of reference of the court of inquiry lay particular stress upon inquiry into the action of the doctor who failed in his duty and did not see that the man was ill?

I should not give any terms of reference to the court which would seek to prejudge any question in advance.

When will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to give the information as to the date of the inquiry?

I hope to be in a position shortly to announce the structure of the inquiry. What at present we have in mind is that it it should be conducted by a High Court Judge with assessors, probably from outside, as well as some military.

Will the terms of reference be such as to preclude an inquiry into the points raised by the hon. and gallant Gentleman as to the responsibility of the doctor who certified this man fit for duty?

The functions of the independent inquiry will be to inquire into general conditions in detention barracks, both of the Navy and the Army. Air Force prisoners are confined in Army barracks. The military court of inquiry is sitting to consider aspects of the question at Fort Darland. I have had a report on the particular case of the medical officer, but I returned only late last night, and I am not yet in a position to comment on it. The terms of reference of the general inquiry will certainly cover medical arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men previously employed in the civil prison service are now serving in the Army; and how many of them are employed in work connected with military detention barracks?

The answer to the first part of the Question is 291 and to the second part 138.

Can the hon. and learned Gentleman say why all the 291 are not utilised in this Service, in view of the great knowledge they have of the conditions?

The explanation is that some have been transferred to other arms of the Service, either because they applied for transfer or because they were considered unsuitable for the rank of sergeant and above which is essential.

Can the hon. and learned Gentleman say what proportion of the total these figures represent?

I am afraid not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will allow the findings of the Departmental investiga- tion into the treatment, training, accommodation and feeding of soldiers under sentence in detention barracks to be placed in the Library of the House of Commons?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Wednesbury (Mr. Banfield) on 13th May, 1942, of which I am sending him a copy.

Will the findings of this Departmental Committee be available to the committee of inquiry which the Secretary of State has said is to be set up?

I imagine that if they desire to see them they will be made available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give the total number of detention barracks or camps in the United Kingdom in which soldiers serving in the British Army are detained; and in how many of these first offenders are segregated from other prisoners?

There are 12 military prisons and detention barracks in the United Kingdom. Seven of these are reserved for soldiers serving a first or second sentence of detention. The first offenders in these barracks are segregated from the second offenders.

Can we take it that that is the universal practice?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make it possible for inspecting officers to pay some at least of their visits to detention barracks without previous notice?

It is already possible for inspecting officers to visit these establishments without notice.

Are all inspecting officers aware of that possibility?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War the names of the doctors who passed as fit for the Army the late Rifleman Clayton, who was suffering from tuberculosis?

I have been asked to reply. The whole of the circumstances of this case are at present the subject of inquiry by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War, and my right hon. Friend is not prepared to give partial information in advance of the results of that inquiry with regard to particular aspects of the case.

Does the Minister appreciate that in the advanced condition of tuberculosis the symptoms are very obvious——

Not always.

—when there has been thorough examination and that if it is not intended to give the name of the doctor or doctors implicated in this case, it will show that the War Office are protecting inefficient or slack physicians?

The assumption in the Supplementary Question is not borne out by the facts.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the Financial Secretary to the War Office or the Secretary of State for War has stated that the inquiry instituted would not include the doctors?

I said nothing of the sort.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that many doctors who have read this case have said of themselves, "There, but for the grace of God, go I"?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to inform the House of his decisions on the recommendations of the Cozens-Hardy Committee?

The Report of the Cozens-Hardy Committee covers a wide field, and the Departmental examination is not yet complete. In the circumstances it would be premature for me to make any statement at the present stage.

When does the hon. and learned Gentleman expect that the examination will be completed?

As the hon. Member knows, certain discussions are taking place, and it will have to wait until the termination of those discussions.

asked the Secretary of State for War what expense was incurred by the War Office in connection with the 4th June celebrations in North Africa?

Inquiries are being made into this, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I have received a report.

Is it the view of the War Office that the campaign in North Africa was won on the playing fields of Eton, and that that justified the issue of public stores for a private celebration?

I hope my hon. Friend will wait until we have ascertained whether public stores were used.

Will my hon. Friend agree with me for once, that perhaps it would be a good thing if the total warriors in this House allowed the real soldiers to have a bit of fun when they want it?

asked the Secretary of State for War why the same prospect of advance to commissioned rank given to nurses and to physiotherapists in overseas Forces is refused to women specially trained as masseuses and to other physiotherapists; and whether he will receive a deputation from the chartered society on the subject?

Masseuses are employed by the War Department as civilians under conditions of employment accepted by the Chartered Society of Massage and Medical Gymnastics. This arrangement is working satisfactorily, and I am not satisfied that the adoption of my hon. Friend's suggestion would improve the present service of masseuses. But I will gladly see a deputation on the subject.

Is it not true that the chartered society entirely disagree with that statement and are very anxious to have commissioned rank, which is not the same thing as being employed as civilians from outside the Army?

The deputation will have an opportunity of conveying those views.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware how keenly this is desired, not only by the chartered society but by the medical profession, and if he considers granting commissioned rank, will he also bear in mind for the good of the Service how important it will be only to grant commissions to those who have had full training and hold the diploma of the chartered society?

I will bear all relevant facts in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider giving to men who have been serving in His Majesty's Forces abroad, upon landing in this country on leave, a sum of money in excess of £5, especially when they have in a bank or with the authorities an account to their credit much larger than this amount?

A soldier landing in this country normally proceeds to a unit or place of reception, at which a payment is made in respect of pay and ration allowance before he proceeds on leave. At the same time, a payment can be made of any balance, however large, known to be standing to his credit in his account. The pay accounts of soldiers in India are, however, kept in India, and instructions have therefore been issued that payments on account may be made to such soldiers (to warrant officers £7, to sergeants £5, to corporals and privates £3) in addition to pay and ration allowance for the leave period. Payments in excess of these sums might put the individual's account seriously into debt. My hon. Friend will appreciate that the Army authorities cannot relate payments to credits standing in private banking accounts.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has given further consideration to the granting of leave to those men of His Majesty's Forces who have achieved so much in North Africa, especially in cases where they have served abroad for periods of five years and more?

Officers and men with six or more years of continuous service abroad are being transferred to the home establishment in so far as shipping and the military situation permit. On the general question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 15th April by the Prime Minister to my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke (Mr. Ellis Smith).

It is because in my opinion that reply was very unsatisfactory that I put this Question down. Does not my hon. and learned Friend consider that men who have served five years abroad should have some consideration with regard to leave?

We had better deal with those who have been abroad for six years before we deal with those who have been abroad for five years. We are dealing with the six-year men as fast as we can.

Is not my hon. and learned Friend aware that dissatisfaction was caused in the North African Forces because men were allowed to think before the battle that there would be a reasonable chance of their getting home afterwards, only to be told that it would not be possible? Would it not be possible in future to see that there is not this misunderstanding?

I have not seen any evidence which justifies my hon. Friend's statement.

I will send some.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will publish a report on the administration of Eritrea and Italian Somaliland since its capture?

General information regarding the administration of Eritrea and Italian Somaliland since their capture has appeared in the Press from time to time. I regret that a report of the nature referred to by my hon. Friend is not available, but if he requires information on any particular aspect of the administration, I shall do my best to let him have it.

In view of the fact that we have administered these countries for two years and the methods and principles we have used are likely to be an example in the future administration of captured enemy territories, is it not important that a comprehensive report should be presented to Parliament of the principles we have followed and the results we have achieved?

I would not like the House to take the view that no reports are being made, because the chief administrator reports regularly to the Commander-in-Chief, Middle East, to whom he is responsible. These reports are in the nature of operational reports and are, therefore, not available for publication.

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman consider getting a selection of these reports ready for publication to this House if I put down a Question in a month's time?

I prefer to rest on the statement I made two minutes ago that I will gladly give my hon. Friend any information he may desire.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the occupied enemy territory administration in Eritrea has instructions to give preference to anti-Fascists as against Fascists, and to remove all Fascist slogans from the walls; and whether the half-yearly reports of that administration are available to Members of this House?

If my hon. Friend is referring to the employment of Italians in the administration, the answer is that Fascists are not employed in it and anti-Fascists are. Fascist slogans have been removed. The administration issue no reports comparable to the half-yearly reports issued in peace-time by Colonial Governments.

Could my hon. and learned Friend say whether there has yet been a definite policy for the reorientation of education, and if there has been such a policy could the House have particulars about it?

I think the question of preventing any Fascist education being given in schools has been dealt with and that Regulations have been issued with the object of preventing it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the 1939–43 war medal will be awarded to personnel serving in the anti-aircraft defence of Great Britain who have been killed or wounded in action with the enemy?

I presume my hon. and gallant Friend is referred to the 1939– 43 Star. I would ask him to await the further announcement to be made in due course.

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind that the men who have been killed or wounded in this service have served their country and given just as valuable services as those officers and men who have been on the staff and served at the bases stationed overseas?

There will be no difference between us on that point.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the hardship suffered by other ranks serving in the Army overseas by reason of the delay in obtaining statements of account of pay and allowances, owing to reference having to be made to the United Kingdom where the records are kept; and whether, as has been promised in Middle East General Orders, such statements are now sent by microgram?

I am aware of the difficulties mentioned, and I can give an assurance that everything possible is being done to furnish formations and units serving overseas with essential information regarding the pay accounts of soldiers. This information is transmitted to areas overseas by fast air mail or by microgram. Full use is made of the microgram service available to the Middle East.

Will my hon. and learned Friend state the average time taken for a soldier to get his pay and allowance statement?

My hon. and gallant Friend had better put that Question down.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of dissatisfaction among other ranks in the Army overseas who are liable for Income Tax at the delay in being informed of the amount of their Income Tax assessment; and whether he will take steps, in consultation with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to remedy the position?

I have no evidence of any general dissatisfaction among other ranks overseas over their Income Tax. Such delays in notification of assessments as arise are due, mainly, to war-time difficulties of communication with stations abroad. In the case of the Middle East arrangements have recently been made which should reduce the delay referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend. Paymasters in this country inform the Regimental Paymaster in the Middle East by microgram of the other ranks there liable to Income Tax and he serves the forms. If my hon. and gallant Friend has any particular cases in mind, I shall be glad to cause inquiries to be made if he will send me details.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider amending the form of the soldier's pay book so as to add a column showing weekly the balance of pay as is done in the Union Defence Force?

The pay book is so designed that the entries made in it by company commanders are reduced to the minimum, particularly while units are in the field. The book already contains particulars which usually enable a soldier's approximate entitlement to be arrived at readily. The pay account maintained by the paymaster in this country reflects the many variations due to automatic increases in pay, a number of varying allowances, contributions made by the soldier and charges made against him. I regret therefore that it would be well-nigh impossible satisfactorily to implement my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion which would result in a considerable increase in the paper work to be done by units. For soldiers serving at home the exact particulars can usually be obtained from the paymaster almost by return of post. In the case of soldiers serving overseas, arrangements have been made for paymasters to notify regularly similar particulars by means of the microgram service or other speedy means of communication available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the anti-aircraft guns protecting Hull are now entirely manned by the Home Guard; and to what extent it has recently been the custom to withdraw the crews of those guns at midnight?

The answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir." All these anti-aircraft defences are fully manned during the hours of darkness.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman satisfied that the liaison between the men at the guns and Fighter Command, which is responsible for giving the order to open fire, is sufficiently close to obviate any delay?

I think so, Sir. If the guns do not fire during a raid there is, I think, a very good reason. It may be there is a fighter overhead, and that makes it impossible to fire in the circumstances.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that in the raid in question bombs were falling on Hull for at least five minutes before a single anti-aircraft gun opened fire?

All I can say is that the operational control of guns is in the hands of Fighter Command of the Air Ministry. That is the position.

asked the Secretary of State for War, what steps are being taken to discharge men of C medical category so that they may take up positions in civilian life and be of more use to the country than they are in their present Army occupations?

A soldier who cannot carry out a full day's work in suitable employment is discharged from the Army. But it is not necessary to discharge all men whose medical grading is C. The importance from the point of view of man-power of making full use of them in the Army is fully realised. One of the functions of the Army Selection Centres, which my right hon. Friend briefly described in a reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Brecon and Radnor (Mr. Jackson) on r6th March, is to classify men of low medical category and allot them to duties where full use can be made of them, for example, as trained store-men, telephone orderlies and on certain clerical duties. Men suffering from defects which can be cured are given special remedial training. Many of the category C men are thus able to take the place of men in higher medical categories and release them for combatant service.

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that there is a considerable number of these category C men who could carry on quite well in civil life and do a useful job of war work but who are steadily deteriorating under Army conditions, and will he not have another comb out of these C men with a view to their discharge to civil life?

I think the results achieved by the Army selec4on centres have justified the setting up of those centres, and I would assure my hon. Friend that whatever may be the calls of industry there are jobs to be done in the Army which, if not done by men in C category, would have to be done by men in A or B categories.

Will my hon. and learned Friend encourage the officers commanding training depots to send such men on leave until full time work can be found for them in the Army, to stop them from hanging about for jobs and not having sufficient work to do?

I would prefer that my hon. Friend should give me particulars of cases where men are hanging about.

Does the hon. and learned Member not agree that insufficient attention is paid to the fact that these men would be much more useful to the war effort in civil life?

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that I have already sent to the War Office particulars of the case of a key man in the clothing industry who is now engaged in going on errands for an officer's wife?

I have no doubt that that case is being investigated, and before answering I should like to have the result of the investigation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will outline the alterations in the regulations governing the payment of marriage allowances in respect of separated wives?

An outline of the alterations was announced by my right hon. Friend on 8th December last, of which I will send my hon. Friend a copy.

Can my hon. and learned Friend say with regard to the scheme now in operation that its initial stages will he approved by the other Service Ministers, or did he disagree with the original scheme put forward?

I would prefer the hon. Lady to ask the other Service Ministers whether they agreed.

asked the Secretary of State for War why medical officers in the Home Guard in Northern Ireland are granted only honorary rank whilst those in England are granted commissions; and whether he proposes to take steps to corect this anomaly?

For administrative convenience, the Ulster Home Guard forms part of the Ulster Special Constabulary, and no question of granting commissions in the Army can arise until such time as that force is mustered when it becomes an integral part of the Armed Forces of the Crown.

Is it not part of the Armed Forces, even although attached to the Irish Constabulary?

No, but when it Is mustered it will become part of the Armed Forces.

Does that mean that then they will be granted commissions?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service are now working at the War Office.

Six hundred and thirty-two.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the disappointment among pipers in the Home Guard throughout Scotland as a result of his order forbidding the issue of kilts for these bands; and whether he will allow kilts to be issued to Scottish Home Guard pipers so far as they are in stock?

Bands are not authorised for Home Guard units, and I regret that the issue of kilts as suggested by my hon. Friend would not be justified.

Is the Minister aware that it is reported to the Home Guard that there are plenty of kilts in stock, and is he aware that it is also reported that when the kilted pipers led the march of the 51st Division into Tripoli even the Prime Minister and all others present were thrilled; and if pipers in the home of the 51st Division in Stirlingshire and the counties of Scotland are to be deprived of the kilt in order to economise in cloth, it would remove the spirit of a nation and is bad economy?

The answer to the second part of my hon. Friend's Question is, I am quite sure, in the affirmative. The answer to the first part is in the negative. My information is that the supply position is such that the kilts have been entirely withdrawn even from Regular units, except for the pipe bands of the Foot Guards and of the Scottish and Irish regiments.

Could the Minister not arrange that when special parades are taking place kilts should be issued for that occasion?

No, Sir; I am afraid I cannot give that assurance.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider making a free issue of boots to Army cadets?

I regret that the supply position does not enable such an issue to be made.

As my hon. and learned Friend knows, these cadets are now attached to and are doing their training to a large extent with the Home Guard, and does he not therefore think that in the interests of the cadets and of their training the same treatment with regard to equipment and clothing should be given to them?

Whatever view I might take, I am afraid I must face up to the factual position, and that is that there is a shortage and that there must be some regard to priorities.

How can there be a shortage of boots when new contracts for Army boots and for leather for uppers of Army boots are being placed for greatly reduced quantities? There are millions of pairs in stock.

I take it there has been a shortage of boots in relation to the demand.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that 500,000 pairs of secondhand Army boots have been sold to a dealer in Manchester?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will issue some more stringent instructions with a view to curtailing the excessive speed at which military despatch riders travel, with special reference to built-up areas?

All War Department despatch riders have specific orders to observe certain speed limits wherever they may be. In built-up areas they must in addition observe the speed restrictions in force there by law. The military and civil police are well aware of these instructions and take steps to see that they are obeyed. I do not consider that further instructions are necessary.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman really not aware of the obvious disregard that many of them show every day for the comfort and safety of the civilian population, which tends to bring unfair criticism upon the Army generally, which it does not deserve? Will he therefore consider the issue of more urgent and drastic instructions which may limit this practice?

The instructions are sufficiently drastic. It is a question of whether they are enforced.

Was it not reported some time ago that 90 per cent. of these despatch riders were in hospital?

Is not speed the very essence of success in this war?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that parents of men captured at Singapore are now receiving postcards from them although their names have not been notified by the War Office; and whether he will state the present position?

Yes, Sir. Despite urgent protests and representations the Japanese Government are still considerably in arrears with their cabled notification of the names of prisoners of war, and it has occurred in certain cases that mail from the prisoners has reached their next-of-kin in advance of the official notification of capture.

Has the full list of names been published of those who have been found?

I do not know whether one list has been published, but notification is always sent to the relatives as soon as we receive information about a particular man.

asked the Secretary of State for War on how many occasions the Co-ordinating Committee of the Services, on matters relating to pay and allowances and allied questions, has met?

I would refer the hon. Lady to the first part of the Prime Minister's answer to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Lewes (Rear-Admiral Beamish) on 4th May.

Would my hon. and learned Friend outline the procedure when he disagrees with the policy of the other Service Ministers represented by the Service chiefs on the Co-ordinating Committee?

That is entirely another question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has received further information regarding men who were formerly detained as prisoners of war in P.G. 154 and who were subsequently removed to Italy; whether communication has been re-established with all men who have been removed to other camps; and whether, in the case of men who have not been located, he is still pursuing inquiries through the agency of the Protecting Power, in order that missing men may be traced and brought into communication with their relatives and friends in this country?

I regret that I have nothing to add to the answer I gave on 22nd June to my hon. Friend the Member for Peckham (Mr. Silkin). Inquiries are, of course, still being made through the Protecting Power.

Is there any confirmation of the story that the lives of many of these men were lost in transit to the mainland from North Africa?

We have had reports from a number of survivors. The difficulty is that we are not aware of the identity of those who were originally in camp 154, and that is why it is difficult to give detailed information in relation to those who may have been there.

Will my hon. and learned Friend pursue the inquiry in order to establish, from their associates, whether those who were known to have been in camp 154 are likely to be alive or not?

Inquiries are still being made, and, if necessary, inquiries along those lines will be made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will cause inquiries to be made into conditions at prison Campo 51 and 70 in Italy, as, according to reports of repatriated prisoners food supplies are below standard and the accommodation provided does not give protection from climatic changes?

Camp 51 is a transit camp for prisoners of war arriving in Italy and is believed to be unoccupied, all British prisoners of war having been transferred to permanent camps, in which conditions are appreciably better. I am informed that the stoves ordered for Camp 70 were not installed last winter, but I hope that the representations about the heating of camps in Italy, which have led to improvements at other camps, will have the same result at this camp. I am not aware that the food supplied by the Italians at Camp 70 is below the standard at other Italian camps. Food parcels sufficient to give each prisoner one parcel a week since the beginning of the year have been despatched from Geneva and I have no reason to suppose they have not reached the camp. I will, however, have further inquiries made.

Has the Minister not seen the reports circulating in all parts of the country from men who have been repatriated about the conditions in these camps, especially about Camp 51, where, it is said, men have been for 14 weeks in tents under a tropical sun by day and at nighttime in freezing cold?

I have said that further inquiries are being made.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the shortage of essential craftsmen, such as joiners and blacksmiths, in certain parts of rural Scotland now jeopardises agricultural output; and whether he will secure the release from the Services of key workers in cases where the agricultural efficiency of a particular district is suffering by reason of their absence?

The Department of Agriculture is in constant touch with the Ministry of Labour and National Service and with the Service Departments about the deferment or release of individual key workers of this type. A number of deferments and some temporary releases have been arranged. If the hon. Member has any particular cases in mind, I shall be glad to have inquiries made, if he cares to supply me with details.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the fact that Ministers who are Members of the Commons House of Parliament are not in receipt of salaries as Members of Parliament and, accordingly, cannot claim for Income Tax purposes against their salaries as Ministers the expenses which are deductible against their salaries as Members of Parliament, he will move to appoint a Select Committee to consider the situation, more particularly as it affects junior Ministers?

This matter was discussed by the House during the Debates on the Ministers of the Crown Bill, 1937. Undoubtedly, the position as stated by my hon. Friend discloses a case requiring consideration, in respect of junior Ministers. The Government have not, up to the present, felt themselves able to make any recommendation to the House.

Would not my right hon. Friend give the matter further consideration, having regard to the greatly changed circumstances since 1937?

Is not being in the Government sufficient recompense for excessive Income Tax?

I hope that is personal experience.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the strong desire in Wales for the institution of a Welsh Office under a Secretary of State for Wales; and whether he will make a statement of the Government's intentions in the matter?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister on 10th June last, in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Merthyr (Mr. S. O. Davies).

In view of the unqualified success of the Scottish Office in this and previous Administrations, would not the right hon. Gentleman consider the extension of that very good example for the improvement of government in another part of the country?

I think that we have a tendency to have too many Ministers. One must look very jealously at new claimants.

If evidence were furnished to the Prime Minister to show that there is an overwhelming desire on the part of the people of Wales for this step, would he then consider it?

This is a large topic to be dealt with at Question Time. I am well aware of the sentiment cherished by the people of Wales and also of the very warm desire to gratify those sentiments which is the instinct of the English and Scottish people. At the same time, to create this entirely new Department in present circumstances would not, I think, be practicable.

In view of the fact that the predecessors of the right hon. Gentleman listened to this case, and in view of the increased demand for this change, would he not extend an invitation to the people who wish to state the case to him?

I think I prefer to be a little backward in that matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Ministry of Labour and National Service, by calling up and directing employees of small firms of the paint and varnish industry, is in effect nullifying the agreement reached by the Ministry of Supply and the Board of Trade not to concentrate this industry; and whether he will take the necessary steps to stop this practice and to ensure that there is complete co-ordination between Government Departments on questions of Government policy affecting this industry?

If this Question were put to the Minister of Labour and National Service, he would, no doubt, after due notice, be able to give a suitable reply.

asked the Prime Minister what Members of the Government are responsible for deciding the balance to be maintained between the domestic service requirements of the civilian population as against those of the Services?

All questions relating to the balance between the manpower requirements of the civil population as against those of the Services are decided by the War Cabinet, which, of course, obtains advice from the Minister of Labour and National Service and other Ministers concerned. If a particular issue were raised by Question or in Debate, there would be no difficulty in selecting the Minister to deal with it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what rate has been fixed for the sterling-lira exchange in the occupied Italian islands; and what are the basic considerations which guide him in making this and similar decisions?

I propose to make a statement about this and allied matters at a convenient opportunity. As my right hon. Friend will realise, the basic consideration which governs the fixing of an appropriate rate of exchange is that it should take into account all relevant economic factors, including the level of local prices and wages and other costs.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can make a statement showing the total amount of conversion into 2½ per cent. and 3 per cent. Government stocks made by the banks from the commencement of hostilities to 30th June, 1943; and whether it is the intention of the Government to continue on the same scale these operations until the cessation of hostilities?

I assume that my hon. Friend's inquiry relates to Treasury deposit receipts, which were first issued to the banks on 1st July, 1940. Between that date and 30th June, 1943, the totals of Treasury deposit receipts encashed and the proceeds applied to new 2½ per cent. Government Loans were approximately £525,000,000 and to 3 per cent. Loans approximately £225,000,000. In reply to the second part, the expected advantages of the scheme have been fully realized, and I see no reason to modify the right of the banks to encash Treasury deposit receipts before maturity to cover subscriptions to Government loans on behalf of their customers or of themselves. The extent to which that right is exercised is, of course, a matter within the discretion of the banks.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his assumption is correct? I did refer to Treasury deposit receipts.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that under present conditions the entire overtime earnings of agricultural and other workers are often withheld at source to pay off arrears of Income Tax, and that in consequence, workers are often unwilling to work overtime; and, as this is liable to produce serious consequences to farmers during the harvest season, what steps does he propose to remedy it?

Perhaps my hon. Friend would let me have details of the type of case he has in mind.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the total deposits held by the clearing banks on 30th June, 1940, amounted to £2,469,000,000, and that this sum had increased by 31st December, 1942, to £3,629,000,000; and what profit accrues to the Treasury from these increased deposits?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. In reply to the second part, any profit made by the banks from the use of the funds at their disposal is chargeable to tax.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the difference of £1,200,000,000 represented by these figures is new money created by the banks and that, as he has just explained to the hon. Member for Evesham (Mr. De la Bère), they can, of course, convert all that money into long-distance loans, at 2½ per cent., to their own advantage of £30,000,000 a year, and to the disadvantage of the country? Why does he not take steps through the Treasury to deal with that situation?

The hon. Member must realise that he and I will never agree on this matter.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that I am correct and that he is wrong?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will inform the House under what Regulation and by what procedure can a person whose iron fencing has been removed by the Government for war purposes obtain compensation in respect of the cost of replacement of some form of fencing to protect his property, either now or after the war, apart from any payment made to him in respect of the metal contents of the fencing removed?

There is no Regulation which provides for the replacement or the payment of the cost of replacement of iron fencing taken under Regulation 50(B).

Why is a person whose fences are removed by the Government for war purposes not entitled to compensation in respect of the cost he will incur of replacing them either now or after the war, when, if other property is taken from an individual for war purposes he is entitled to compensation for replacement? Why should this exception be made?

I have already explained that compensation is payable and that it is not the policy to take railings used for essential purposes in connection with the land.

Is the Chancellor aware that the only compensation payable is for the metal contained in the railings and that the cost of putting up a new fence to protect land or buildings is not included? Is he also aware that this serious injustice is caused by a qualification in brackets to Defence Regulation 50B (8) which limits the payment of compensation by the words

"otherwise than by the provision of a substitute for the fixtures"—

I cannot agree with the hon. Member; there are a good many cases in which complete compensation is not payable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, whereas payers of Income Tax are free from any payment of tax on the increment value of National Savings Certificates, the persons in receipt of noncontributory pensions have the annual increment value taken into account in deter- mining the amount of pension to which they are entitled; and why this penalty is imposed on one class of pensioner as against any other class?

The position to which my hon. Friend refers is statutory, both as regards the exemption from Income Tax and as regards the calculation of means for the purpose of non-contributory old age pensions. The Income Tax exemption dates from the institution of War Savings Certificates during the last war, and no further class of security exempt from Income Tax has since been placed on general issue. I could not accept the suggestion that, because this exceptional concession in regard to Income Tax has been continued, capital invested in National Savings Certificates cannot fairly be taken into account in other connections.

As the increment of the interest is added monthly or annually, does that mean that these pensions are reviewed annually in so far as increments are concerned in investments of that character?

Perhaps the hon. Member will allow me to look at that, and I will let him know.

Is not the real reason why Saving Certificates are exempted from Income Tax that those are the terms under which they are issued?

I think that is so.

asked the Chancellor. of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the accounts of the Brush Electrical Engineering Company, Limited, published in "The Accountant" of 12th June, of which a copy has been sent to him with special reference to the item in the profit and loss account, compensation paid to a former director £8,039: whether this amount was paid free of tax; whether this amount has been allowed as an expense in calculating Excess Profits Tax; and whether he proposes to take any action to prevent large compensations to directors which involve the Treasury in the loss of revenue?

I am afraid that I cannot supply my hon. Friend with information regarding the affairs of particular taxpayers since, as he will be aware, the law requires all persons engaged in the assessment of the Income Tax and the Excess Profits Tax to take an oath of secrecy in relation to the assessment. With regard to the last part of my hon. Friend's Question which is of general application, Section 32 of the Finance Act, 1940, provides for the disallowance as a deduction for Excess Profits Tax purposes, of any expense in excess of the amount which is reasonable and necessary.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is understood that such payments are free from Income Tax, and is he not entitled to take steps to see that changes which are not made in the interest of the war, and which may be made for purposes of nepotism are not exempted from tax?