asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information in connection with the three soldiers who were killed and six injured on both July when a lorry ran into a military unit marching along the road near Bletchley, Buckinghamshire; and whether any action has been taken against the lorry driver?

A military inquiry is being held into the circumstances of this deplorable accident. I understand that the lorry was a civilian lorry and if any action is taken against the driver it will be taken by the civil authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the tins containing the petrol supplied to the Army are often of unsatisfactory construction, since they leak and are easily pierced and, when empty, are thrown away as useless; and whether, in the interests of economy, he will arrange for them to be more solidly constructed?

The 4 gallon non-returnable tin hitherto generally used for the rapid packing and distribution of petrol and oils has been found to be insufficiently robust under certain conditions of transportation and use. It is being gradually superseded by heavy gauge metal returnable packages of various types and the use of the light package is being restricted accordingly and reserved for services for which its construction and design are most suited. The used tins are to a large extent recovered by the salvage organisation for other purposes as well as for scrap metal.

asked the Secretary of State for War who are the members of the committee advising him in compiling the list of medical reference books to be issued to field general hospitals for use of medical officers; how often does this committee meet; what was the date of the last revision of this list; and whether he will circulate a copy of this list in the OFFICIAL REPORT or place it in the Library?

The Director General, Army Medical Services, is advised in these matters by the Army Medical Department Consultants' Committee whose members are the following:

• Major-General D. C. Munro, Consulting Surgeon to the Army.
• Major-General A. G. Biggam, Consulting Physician to the Army.
• Major-General L. T. Poole, Director of Pathology.
• Major-General D. T. Richardson, Director of Hygiene.
• Major-General C. Max Page, Consulting Surgeon.
• Major-General A. B. Austin, Director of Army Dental Services.
• Major-General A. W. Stott, Consulting Physician.
• Brigadier F. D. Howitt, Consultant in Physical Medicine to the Army.
• Brigadier A. S. Daly, Consulting Anaesthetist to the Army.
• Brigadier J. R. Rees, Consulting Psychiatrist to the Army.
• Brigadier Sir Stewart Duke-Elder, Consultant in Ophthalmology to the Army.
• Brigadier D. B. McGriggor, Consultant in Radiology to the Army.
• Brigadier G. Riddoch, Consulting Neurologist to the Army.
• Brigadier M. L. Formby, Consultant in OtoRhinology to the Army.
• Brigadier R. M. B. McKenna, Consulting Dermatologist to the Army.
• Brigadier L. H. Whitby, Consultant in Resuscitation and Blood Transfusion.
• Brigadier H. Cairns, Consulting Neuro-Surgeon to the Army.
• Brigadier W. Rowley Bristow, Consulting Orthopaedic Surgeon to the Army.
• Brigadier H. Stobie, Consulting Dental Surgeon.
• Brigadier W. Anderson, Consulting Surgeon. Brigadier D. Buxton, Consulting Orthopaedic Surgeon.
• Brigadier H. C. Edwards, Consulting Surgeon.
• Brigadier W. D. Small, Consulting Physician.
• Brigadier R. C. Priest, Consulting Physician.
• Brigadier D. F. Stephenson, Consulting Physician.
• Brigadier A. Hedley White, Consulting Surgeon.
• Brigadier F. A. Stammers, Consulting Surgeon.
• Brigadier A. E. Porritt, Consulting Surgeon.
• Brigadier H. A. Sandiford, Director of Psychiatry.

This committee meets once a month. The latest revision of the list of medical reference books issued to all medical units at home and abroad was started in May of this year and was completed early in July. As soon as copies are available one will be placed in the Library of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether in view of the limited recreational facilities for troops in the Middle East Force, he will continue to allow horses in remount and other depots, when not wanted for essential transport purposes, to be ridden by soldiers off duty and on leave, as a healthy means of exercise and recreation?

There is no intention of discontinuing the present arrangements in the Middle East for the hire under certain conditions for recreational purposes of War Department horses not required for military duty.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that a Mining Subsidence Bill had passed through all its stages in this House in June, 1939; that it was not further considered in another place, probably owing to the outbreak of war; whether he will have the matter reconsidered or remitted for attention by the authority responsible for post-war reconstruction, especially with regard to the hardships entailed on small house owners?

The answer to all three parts of the Question is "Yes."

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that a few large colliery companies in Lancashire are dismissing from their employment a number of partial compensation men who are not released from the mining industry within the Essential Work Order, cannot register at the employment exchanges, and are forced to live on the meagre amount of partial compensation they receive; and what steps he is prepared to take to end this state of affairs and have the men restored to their employment in view of the shortage of man power in the mining industry?

The Ministry's regional controllers have been given particulars of partially incapacitated men in their regions who are unemployed. They have been asked, in consultation with their regional boards, to take whatever steps are practicable to ensure the re-employment in the industry of men of this type. I am inquiring into the circumstances described by my hon. Friend, and I will let him know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Information why Frank Pitcairn, who went recently to Algiers for a short visit as a civilian correspondent for the "Daily Worker," with the endorsement of his Department and the Foreign Office, was, on arrival, informed he would not be allowed to communicate with his paper and requested to leave after sending one short cable; and whether there is full cooperation in this respect between his Department and the authorities in Algiers?

We have always received the most generous measure of co-operation from the authorities in Algiers but we have never attempted to interfere with the regulations which they have laid down with regard to the visits of civilians who are not accredited war correspondents. As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary explained last week, Allied Force Headquarters agreed as a special case to receive in Algiers a number of civilian Press correspondents for a period not longer than a month. Mr. Pitcairn's arrival in North Africa was, however, too late to enable him to claim any facilities under this special arrangement.

asked the Minister of Information whether the widest possible distribution of the film "World of Plenty" has been arranged, both by the usual trade means and in special Ministry of Information programmes?

I hope that theatrical distribution for this film will shortly be arranged by the usual trade means. Following its theatrical release it will be widely shown by the Ministry's mobile units.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that, apart from Government spokesmen, including the Prime Minister's broadcast on the four-year plan, no hon. Member has been invited to propound views on reconstruction on the British Broadcasting Corporation; and whether he proposes to afford such opportunities to hon. Members?

Apart from the Prime Minister's broadcast on 21st March, no Member of Parliament has specially broadcast his views about post-war reconstruction on the B.B.C. A few extracts from hon. Members' speeches on this subject have been included in news bulletins. Though I am sure that every Member of this House has interesting views on reconstruction, I doubt if the Governors of the B.B.C. could accommodate all of them in their overcrowded programmes.

asked the Minister of Information whether he intends to make any arrangements so as to free the British Broadcasting Corporation from political influence at the first General Election and promote complete impartiality in the provision of political broadcasts?

I cannot forecast the conditions which will prevail at the next General Election, but I have no doubt that a fair and reasonable arrangement will be made which will be generally deemed acceptable.

asked the Minister of Information whether, in view of the resignation of the joint Director-General of the British Broadcasting Corporation, he intends to effect any reorganisation of the directorate; and whether hon. Members will have an opportunity of expressing their views on any new appointments?

I am discussing with the Chairman and Governors of the British Broadcasting Corporation the situation brought about by the regretted resignation of Sir Cecil Graves from his post as Joint Director-General of the Corporation. But the appointment of any successor lies with the Chairman and Governors and I see nothing in the charter of the B.B.C. which requires or even encourages them to invite Members of the House to express their views on the staffing of the Corporation.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that the broadcast by the British Broadcasting Corporation of a Scottish half-hour for the benefit of the many Scots in the Eighth Army is rendered almost worthless by being sent out on a wave-length which is extremely difficult to receive; and whether he will cause better arrangements to be made for this feature?

I am informed by the B.B.C. that this broadcast is transmitted on three wavelengths and that transmissions are specially directed in order to provide the best possible reception in the Mediterranean area. I am not aware of any such difficulties of reception as the hon. Member alludes to.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider increasing the allowance of clothing coupons for the next period in view of the fact that people's stocks of clothes which they possessed at the beginning of the rationing are now getting worn out and need replacement, or, alternatively, will he consider allowing a greater allowance to women than to men in view of their greater needs in this respect than men?

As my right hon. Friend and I have explained on a number of occasions the supply position will allow no increase in the clothing ration in the next period. The size of the ration is at present under consideration, and I hope my right hon. Friend will make an announcement shortly. As regards the second part of the Question, I cannot agree that women need more coupons than men. The coupon rates for the various garments are calculated so as fairly to balance the differing needs of men and women.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Imperial Chemical Industries informed the Government at the beginning of the war that their international agreements had been declared null and void?

Current commercial agreements with foreigners are frustrated and illegal by the ordinary operation of law when the foreigner becomes an enemy, and no formal declaration of nullity is required, but I.C.I. informed the Government at the beginning of the war that their cartel agreements with persons who had become enemies were regarded as dissolved.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he proposes to take to restore or increase the pensions of retired officers whose pensions were reduced by to per cent. in 1934, bearing in mind that the present rate causes hardship owing to the increased costs and unusual conditions of living at the present time?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Petersfield (Sir G. Jeffreys) on 4th August last.

asked the Chanceller of the Exchequer whether British pensioners of the Shanghai Water Works Company, Limited, a public utility company, can be given the same privileges as regards advances from the Exchequer as have been accorded to British pensioners of the Shanghai Municipal Council?

No, Sir. The arrangements in question only apply to municipal bodies and I fear that I cannot extend them to public utility companies.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state for each of the past to years to 31st March the amount of the net profit on the note issue of the Bank of England and the amount credited to the miscellaneous revenue of the Exchequer?

Before 28th February, 1939, the net profits of the issue department were received by the Treasury and paid into the Exchequer under Section 6 of the Currency and Bank-notes Act, 1928, and consisted of the net income from the securities held by the issue department after taking account of any profit or loss on periodical revaluation. After February, 1939, under the Currency and Bank-notes Act, 1939, the assets of the issue department have been valued weekly and transfers in respect of any differences arising from such valuation have been made to and from the Exchange Equalisation Account; and the profits of the issue department received by the Treasury under Section 6 of the Currency and Bank-notes Act, 1928, have also been paid into the Exchange Equalisation Account. The sums received by the Treasury in respect of the profits of the issue department in each of the 10 years to 31st March, 1943, have been as follow:

Year ended—		£	s.	d.
31st March, 1934	…	2,660,000	0	0
31st March, 1935	…	2,754,848	3	4
31st March, 1936	…	1,448,000	0	0
31st March, 1937	…	985,000	0	0
31st March, 1938	…	Nil
31st March, 1939	…	Nil
31st March, 1940	…	6,078,262	1	7
31st March, 1941	…	8,892,648	4	6
31st March, 1942	…	7,637,031	6	3
31st March, 1943	…	9,070,697	14	7

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the amount of profits, and how distributed, from sales of Government controlled Sierra Leone ginger since the introduction of control of this produce?

I have no information as to the exact profit realised by the Sierra Leone Government on the sale of ginger to the Ministry of Food in 1942 which was the first year of control, but it appears that the profit was about £14,000. The Governor intended to retain this sum for the ultimate benefit of the producers, primarily by maintaining the price to be paid in future years. During the current year the price paid to the grower has been increased to 4d. a lb. with the resulting elimination of any profit by the Sierra Leone Government. As far as I am aware it has not, therefore, been necessary so far for any expenditure to be incurred from the profits realised in 1942, but I am making inquiries in the matter and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the heavy sentences of fines, imprisonment and caning inflicted in the magistrates' courts, Seychelles, upon natives using obscene language and of similar sentences in the supreme court for theft of produce; and whether he will make inquiries, with a view to legislation to alter the powers of these courts?

I have no information about the alleged cases of heavy fines, imprisonment and corporal punishment in the courts in Seychelles, to which my hon. Friend refers. If, however, he will furnish me with particulars of these cases, I will consider whether any inquiry is called for.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received the petition, dated 27th February, 1943, from certain members of the Legislative Council of British Guiana and trade union leaders, calling attention to serious grievances prevailing amongst workers in the Colony and making recommendations for remedies; and what action he has taken upon the same?

Two members of the Legislative Council, British Guiana, addressed to me on 27th February last a petition covering a field which ranged over political, social, economic and labour matters. The Governor reported that when discussing this petition with its signatories, he had expressed general sympathy with their point of view, but had emphasised the difficulty of attaining immediately, and particularly under war conditions, the many desirable objectives they had in view. He also pointed out that several of their requests would involve the Governor in the exercise of drastic and arbitrary powers. The petitioners assured the Governor that they fully appreciated the handicaps and difficulties of the Colonial Government. I have replied to the petition approving the line taken by the Governor at this interview and adding certain detailed comments which the Governor will no doubt communicate to the petitioners on receipt of my despatch.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the total number of Africans in our East and West African Colonies who are now working for industrial and agricultural private employers under compulsory ordinances: what are the average rates of pay, the hours of labour, and the maximum period of compulsory service in any one year?

A considerable amount of detailed information is required to give a full answer to this Question and I am afraid I have not had time to complete the necessary inquiries. I should, therefore, be very much obliged if my hon. Friend would be good enough to put this Question down next week when I shall be able to give a full answer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the backward social, economic and educational standards prevailing among the indigenous populations of our East African Colonies, he has under consideration the setting up of a special development commission on the lines of the Stockdale Commission now at work in the West Indies?

The question of the best machinery for extending help to other areas, similar to that being given in the West Indies, is one which I have in mind, and I would refer to the remarks I made on 16th March in the Debate on Colonial Administration, in replying to a similar point made by the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Creech Jones). The establishment of a commission for East Africa on the lines of the Stockdale Commission is not, however, at present in contemplation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the actual amount to date which has been spent on schemes approved under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act since the passing of the Act in 1940; and the amount spent in Colonies other than the West Indies?

Figures of actual expenditure in the Colonies are not available to any recent date, but the issues from the Exchequer to 30th June, 1943, in respect of all schemes made under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act amount to £742,924. Of this amount £357,428 was in respect of territories other than the West Indies. I would, however, remind my hon. Friend that the total estimated expenditure on schemes already approved under the Act is £4,431,169 of which £1,1910,736 has been approved for expenditure in Colonial territories other than the West Indies.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he is aware of the anxiety felt by workers in a certain aircraft factory in the North-west area at the proposed transfer elsewhere consequent upon the substitution of American personnel; and what steps he proposes to take to find employment for such skilled workmen in the area adjacent to their present place of employment?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the anxiety of the workers in question. I myself recently visited the factory concerned and explained to the workers the circumstances in which it had become necessary for them to be transferred to other employment. I informed them that, so far as is practicable, it is the intention of the Ministry of Labour and National Service and my Department, to transfer them to work in the aircraft industry, and further that every effort would be made to place those with domestic responsibilities within reasonable distance of their homes.

asked the Minister of Supply whether, in view of the large surplus of straw expected as a result of the 1943 harvest and of the shortage of paper, steps will be taken to liberate sufficient steel for the purpose of some extra paper-making machinery?

Yes, Sir. Steps are being taken to increase further the consumption of straw, in place of other materials, for paper and board production and the necessary steel will be made available.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will prevent publishing houses from claiming their quota of paper even though they do not themselves require any in order that they may give or sell the supply thus obtained to firms which are already using their full quota?

I do not feel I should be justified in reducing in this way the total quantity of paper made available for books, which is a percentage of the consumption in the pre-war year.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he has yet received the report of the analysis of the samples of iron-ore taken from the Dromara and Dechomet mines; and, if so, whether he would state the percentage of the iron content found therein?

I have not yet received from the owner the further samples which, at my lion. Friend's suggestion, I invited him to furnish for analysis.

asked the Minister of Supply when a new Order relating to growing trees is to be issued to replace the Control of Growing Trees (No. 2) Order; and whether he will take steps to ensure that it is comprehensible to those engaged in the industry?

A new Order, intended to clarify certain points of difficulty which the operation of the existing Orders has revealed, is in preparation.

asked the Minister of Pensions why applicants for Service pensions are required to furnish the Minister with a certificate from their panel doctor setting out their pre-Service medical record for National Health Insurance purposes; who bears the expense of this investigation; and whether he proposes to discontinue it?

The Ministry when it first considers the award of a pension does not normally ask for the information in question. Where, however, an individual has notified his intention to refer his case to an Appeal Tribunal the information is invariably sought in order that the Tribunal may have before it all evidence which may be relevant to the matter at issue. The information is also obtained in certain cases where the man asks the Ministry to review a refusal to award a pension and where the pre-Service medical record may have a bearing either way on the claim. I do not propose to discontinue obtaining this information where it appears necessary for a fair determination of the points at issue. The man concerned is supplied with a form on which to obtain the necessary particulars, and unless a fee is required by his panel doctor should not normally be put to any expense in the matter.

asked the Home Secretary on what date the City of Westminster reported that the buildings in Abingdon Street were in such a condition that they were dangerous to the public?

So far as I am aware, no report has been submitted by the City of Westminster. The decision to demolish these buildings was taken as a result of surveys made by the appropriate officers of the London County Council between December, 1942, and February, 1943.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to state the number of women fire-watchers already fully employed either as house- wives or war workers who will be relieved of compulsory fire-watching by reason of his recent decision making such duties compulsory for aliens?

I would refer to the answer which was given to my hon. and gallant Friend on 8th July. No statistics such as would enable me to give the information asked for in this Question are available, but when the compulsion of aliens enables the required quota of fire guards for business premises to be made up of men, women will be released for duty in street fire parties.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the live membership of the National Union of Agricultural Workers; and what percentage this is of the total number of regular male workers on farms?

I am informed by the National Union of Agricultural Workers that their present membership is between 85,000 and 90,000, including a certain number of women, but excluding members serving with the Forces. Statistics of labour employed are not being disclosed during the war, but on the basis of the 1939 figures, the present Union Membership would represent about 20 per cent. of the total regular male workers aged 18 and over, employed on farms in England and Wales.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give compensation to the farmers in Northern Ireland who in the past have derived revenue from the sale of their grass seed, but have been ordered this year to cut a considerable portion of their hay crop before the seed is ripe, on the plea that there will be no market for the seed?

No, Sir. In 1942 the acreage saved as grass seed in Northern Ireland was considerably in excess of the normal: and the Government undertook to purchase the whole of the surplus from the 1942 crop and the whole of the 1943 crop. It was, in these circumstances, necessary to ensure that a large surplus should not again be produced, and to direct Northern Ireland farmers to make a considerable cut in the production of grass seed. Even so, I am informed, the revenue derived from grass seed will be much greater than was normal before 1942.

asked the Attorney General whether his attention has been called to the loose, gummed, corrigendum slip headed S.R. and 0. 1943, No. 766, purporting to correct the Braces (Manufacture and Supply) Direction 1943, of 2nd June 1943; and whether he will be prepared to ask the courts to take notice of this Order which bears neither date nor validating signature, nor the imprint of His Majesty's Stationery Office?

My attention has been called to the corrigendum slip referred to. I would be prepared to submit to the Court that notice should be taken of this Order but the Court would in my opinion be entitled to and might require other evidence that the Order, together with the corrigendum slip, set out the Directions of the Board of Trade.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will introduce legislation to safeguard the position of married women and their right to accumulated trading surpluses in co-operative societies, in view of the recent court order in the case of Mrs. Blackwell and the Oxford Cooperative Society?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given to the hon. Member for West Fulham (Dr. Summerskill), the hon. Member for Central Bradford (Mr. Leach) and the hon. Member for Gloucester (Mr. Boyce) on 12th May. I have nothing to add to these answers except that the case is, as I understand, at present under appeal, and in any event, therefore, the question of the introduction of legislation could not arise at present.

asked the Minister of Health, whether his attention has been drawn to the refusal of certain local authorities to make up war service pay although decisions by the National Arbitration Tribunal have awarded some proportion of such pay; whether he is aware that certain authorities have expressed their resentment at being required to put into force something that was regarded as discretionary under the Local Government Staff (War Service) Act, 1939; and whether he contemplates legislation to restore to the local authorities discretion in this matter?

No, Sir. I am unable to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Accrington (Major Procter) on the 18th February last.

asked the Attorney-General when he anticipates that the Report of the Rushcliffe Committee on Land Registration will be available?

The Land Transfer Committee, presided over by Lord Rushcliffe, has completed its deliberations and presented its report. It is hoped to publish it shortly.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the approximate annual budget of the Sea Cadet Corps; and how many personnel are employed full time in its direction?

The Admiralty control of the Sea Cadet Corps involves the delegation of matters of administration and welfare to recognised central associations, to which financial grants are made. These grants amounted in the last financial year to approximately£37,000. The duties of direction at the Admiralty devolve upon the Admiral Commanding Reserves and at the present time he has a staff (including clerks) of 16 engaged wholly or in part on sea cadet work at headquarters, together with eight area officers to supervise the work of the various units. Details of the expenditure incurred and staff employed by central associations in connection with Sea Cadets are not available at the Admiralty.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his Ministry has any information as to the length of time it takes good pickers to gather one pound of whimberries; and, if not, whether he will take steps to obtain this information?

The time taken to pick a pound of whimberries varies with the dexterity of the pickers and the density of the crop, but, in relation to the prices determined for picking other fruits and berries, I am advised the pickers price for whimberries leaves no ground for complaint.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the fact that in many districts industrial workers are able to get a canteen meal at midday while agricultural workers in the same district only get an extra three ounces of cheese a week, some further additions can be made to the agricultural worker's ration in his home?

No, Sir. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Chislehurst (Sir W. Smithers) on 30th June last. I would add however that the special ration of cheese for agricultural workers is at present 12 ozs. a week, that is to say, an addition of 9 ozs. and not 3 ozs., to the ordinary ration of 3 ozs. a week.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will give an assurance before any Regulation is made scheduling areas in which milk shall be heat-treated that the Regulation will only be applicable in areas in which a rationalisation scheme is then in operation, and where the population exceeds 10,000?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to paragraphs 26–28 of the Command Paper "Measures to Improve the Quality of the Nation's Milk Supply" to which I have nothing to add at present.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in areas scheduled under his new Milk Scheme, it will be permissible for parents who prefer raw milk for their children or themselves to obtain delivery?

Yes, Sir, provided their existing retailer is able to supply T.T. or accredited milk but not otherwise in scheduled areas.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the new milk policy involves any different treatment of the existing manufacture of butter and cheese?

No, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the large plum crop expected in some districts, a modification can be made in the road delivery radius to enable plum crops, where they are plentiful, to be sent by road for a longer distance than would be possible at present?

Any modification of the restrictions on the transport of plums by road will be made if circumstances arise which make such modification necessary to prevent waste of fruit. Licences necessary in this connection will be issued by my Department in consultation with the Ministry of War Transport as in 1942.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is in a position to make any further statement on the possibility of an increase in the jam ration?

My Noble Friend has decided to release for consumption next winter a quantity of imported canned jam which has been held as a measure of security by my Department but is no longer required for this purpose in view of the home supplies which will shortly be available. This imported jam together with certain home-produced jam, such as plum or rhubarb, which is in good supply, will it is estimated be sufficient to provide for the greater part of the coming winter a special ration of I lb. per person each four weeks in addition to the existing ration. Further particulars will be announced in due course.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will order an inquiry to be held into the loss to farmers in Northern Ireland, through conforming to the Ministry's regulations, regarding the raising and sale of early potatoes; and whether he will take immediate steps to see that these potatoes are purchased from the producers at once and compensation paid for the loss incurred?

My Noble Friend cannot accept the implication that farmers in Northern Ireland have suffered any loss through conforming to my Department's Order prescribing conditions of sale and prices for new potatoes, nor does he consider that any inquiry is necessary. Adequate arrangements have been made for the purchase of surplus early potatoes and by the end of this month the surplus will probably have been cleared. The Regulations relating to the raising of early potatoes to which my hon. Friend refers were not made by my Department.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what is the cause of the delay in distributing the Algerian wine recently imported into this country?

Since the scheme designed to ensure equitable distribution was agreed with the trade, there has been no delay in releasing the small quantity of wine available. More than three quarters of the first allocation has already been released to the first hand distributors.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why shipping space has not been given for shipments of olive oil from Algeria to Great Britain which is badly needed in this country, in view of the number of ships that are returning partially laden?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for North Battersea (Mr. Douglas) on 30th June.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the forthcoming reduction in the amount of plain chocolate avail- able for sale, which may render it difficult or impossible for next-of-kin to purchase it for inclusion in their parcels to prisoners of war and is the only foodstuff which may be included in such parcels, he will make arrangements whereby the Red Cross and St. John War Organisation may be enabled, on the request of the next-of-kin, to send a greater quantity of chocolate than is at present permitted?

I do not anticipate that the next-of-kin of prisoners of war will experience the difficulties which my hon. Friend expects.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will inquire into the depletion of staff in the grocery and dairy trades in the Rochester area which threatens to affect the feeding of the people; and what answer he has given to the complaints of the Rochester Food Control Committee on the subject?

As a result of a resolution passed by the Rochester Food Control Committee the Ministry is inquiring into the staff position of the grocery and dairy trades in that area. No final reply has yet been given to the food control committee. In the meanwhile any member of these trades who finds himself in difficulty as regards his staff should immediately get into touch with the D.F.O. at Tunbridge Wells.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why supplies of early potatoes were sent to South Wales from other areas when there were supplies available among the local growers?

No early potatoes have been sent to South Wales by my Department since sufficient supplies became available locally. Between 15th and 17th June orders for approximately 475 tons were received and fulfilled from Cornish supplies. Since that time no orders have been received from, nor supplies sent into, South Wales.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the unthrifty cows, which it is proposed to kill, will be added to the national meat ration?

In so far as the meat is fit for human consumption it will be used either as ration meat or as manufacturing meat (sausages, meat pies, etc.).

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that General Eisenhower, at a conference of Press representatives held in mid-June at which about 100 Pressmen were present, imparted information, which he asked them to keep secret, to the effect that Sicily would be the first point of invasion within a month; and whether, in view of the possibility of such advance information leaking out to the enemy, notwithstanding non-publication in the Press, steps will be taken to warn British commanding officers against giving information to Pressmen concerning prospective military operations?

I have no information in regard to the first part of the Question. As regards the second part of the Question, very full and precise instructions are already in force. In view of the tactical surprise effected and of the result achieved in the present operations no addition to these instructions appears to be necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether all personnel who were mobilised in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in September, 1939, as air crew, will receive the 1939–43 star?

I would ask my hon. and gallant Friend to await the statement which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister proposes to make before the House rises.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that certain insurance companies before the war insisted upon an extra premium before accepting liability for the death of anyone engaged in aviation or aeronautics; that this condition persisted after the insured became a pilot in the Royal Air Force on active service, although no similar condition would be imposed upon active service in the Army or Navy; and whether, in view of its deterrent effect on volunteering for the Royal Air Force, he will arrange with the insurance companies to accept risks in the Royal Air Force in war-time as part of the general average risk of service in any arm and make this retrospective in the case of fighter pilots in the Battle of Britain who were not covered on account of endorsement against aviation or aeronautics?

I am aware that the pre-war practice of certain insurance companies was as stated and that, in consequence, some aircrews of the Royal Air Force may be in a less favourable position than officers of the Armed Forces employed on ground or surface duties. I regret that this should be so, but I have, of course, no power to require insurance companies to treat pre-war policies as covering, without the payment of extra premiums, the risks involved in war-time service in the air. I am, however, looking into my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion and will communicate with him again as soon as possible. Meanwhile, I have no evidence that men have been discouraged on the score of insurance difficulties from volunteering for flying duties in the Royal Air Force.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how much paper was authorised to the Women's Voluntary Service for the purpose of circulating, with its Fifth Anniversary Birthday Greetings, the Minister of Supply's letter of appeal for salvage, together with the communications of 11 other Ministers?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 15th July to his Question dealing with the same subject.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will give instructions to the Departments concerned that redundant officials whose service has been of value should be suitably thanked on the termination of their appointment; and is he aware that the present method of communicating with redundant officials in connection with volunteering for service with His Majesty's Forces has caused adverse comment and is not likely to advance their efficiency in other posts?

While those who have promoted the war effort in any capacity can rest assured that their services are fully appreciated by the Government, I think that the expression of that appreciation in particular cases can best be left to the discretion of the Departments concerned. As regards the last part of the Question, I am unaware of any such criticism, but I shall be glad to inquire into the matter if my hon. and gallant Friend will give me particulars of what he has in mind.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, as examinees cannot be told by medical boards the reasons for their rejection, he will consider allowing the medical board to inform the doctors customarily attending such examinees, should their identity be known?

The medical boards are already prepared to give information if approached by a man's own doctor.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether the bridging of the Severn Estuary is in contemplation in connection with the reorganisation or extension of road or railway facilities; and whether he will consider in conjunction therewith the Severn Barrage Scheme, reported upon favourably by a Select Committee in 1933, with a view to increasing the electrical generating resources of the country in a manner that will not be more costly than coal produced electricity but which will have the advantage, in perpetuity, of conserving the nation's reserves of coal?

Yes, Sir, the question of a Severn crossing is under consideration, and I hope that a practicable scheme will be prepared. If it were decided to construct a barrage, it would certainly be desirable that the barrage should carry a road; but I do not regard the plans for a crossing as necessarily dependent upon a barrage scheme.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he can make any statement on the frequent strikes and stoppages on omnibus services owing to the action of employees in the Great Metropolitan area?

I am unable to accept my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion that there have been frequent strikes and stoppages on the omnibus services of the London Passenger Transport Board. During the last two years there have been three stoppages on these services; none of them lasted more than a day or two; and only four depots were involved.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of the importance to his Department of accurate knowledge of haulage rates, he will ascertain from the Milk Marketing Board, and publish the rates it has approved for the carriage of milk in different parts of the country?

Road haulage rates for the collection of milk are settled by agreement between the Milk Marketing Board and the hauliers concerned, or, if no agreement is reached, by arbitration. The rates are not, of course, uniform in different places; each rate must be settled by reference to the circumstances of the case, and the costs involved. I do not think, however, that there are any departmental reasons which would justify the labour involved in the publication of the large number of individual rates involved.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (I) whether he is aware that the guard of the Great Western Railway Company's train carrying mail from London to Penzance which caught fire recently did not know of the fire until the train pulled up; and what means of communication are available between the guard of the train and the engine driver and those responsible for signalling the train;(2) whether he is aware that the Great Western Railway Company's mail from London to Penzance caught fire near Twyford on Wednesday, 7th July, and that many bags of mail were destroyed; that fire engines were unable to get close enough to attend the blaze and only after considerable delay did a fire-fighting train arrive with pumps, chemical extinguishers and other apparatus; that in the meantime severe traffic delay occurred; and will be consider avoiding similar delays in future by having aircraft available for dropping necessary supplies by parachute quickly on the spot?

The train had the usual means of communication, but unfortunately neither the driver nor the guard knew that a fire had broken out. The fire was first observed by a signalman, who stopped the train at the nearest signal. It was unfortunate that at this point there was no road access to the line, but I understand that the railway fire-fighting train arrived promptly and operated efficiently. I am glad to assure my hon. Friend that the traffic delays were less serious than might have been expected. I am afraid my hon. Friend's suggestion about the use of aircraft is not practicable at present, but I will bear it in mind for the future.