asked the Minister of Labour the number of registered unemployed at the latest available date; and what change this represents as compared with three months earlier?

At 12th April, 1943 (the latest date for which figures are at present available), there were 76,769 persons, aged 14 and over, registered at Employment Exchanges in Great Britain as wholly unemployed (excluding 21,669 persons classified by interviewing panels as unsuitable for ordinary employment), 1,312 registered as temporarily stopped, and 2,010 registered as unemployed casual workers. As compared with 18th January, the numbers wholly unemployed showed a decrease of 16,939, those temporarily stopped a decrease of 1,802, and unemployed casual workers a decrease of 185.

asked the Minister of Labour what arrangements have been made for insurance agents to be transferred to other work in certain towns; whether such arrangements were discussed through the machinery set up to deal with the Kennet Report; and, if not, whether any consultations have taken place with the unions concerned?

The arrangements for interviewing these agents in certain towns are being carried out in accordance 'with the normal procedure under the Registration for Employment Order and consequently there was no prior consultation with the advisory bodies set up under the Kennet report or with the trade unions. The function of the advisory bodies referred to is not to deal with individual cases but to advise as to general plans for releasing staff.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will reconsider the case, details of which have been sent to him, of a medical student, the son of a. consulting surgeon, who has passed the second examination of the English Conjoint Board and, on that achievement, was accepted as a clinical student at the Middlesex Hospital, but, because he failed to pass the corresponding examination of Oxford University (1st B.M.), has now been de-reserved and is thus prevented from continuing his clinical studies at the hospital, the authorities of which have expressed their strong desire that he should do so?

One of the conditions for the continued reservation of a medical student is that he shall be periodically certified by the responsible authority of his University or other training establishment, as making satisfactory progress in his studies. This restriction is necessary, not only for more general reasons, but because the number of places for medical students is limited and an unsatisfactory student is not only failing to qualify himself but is preventing some one else from doing so. The reservation of the student to whom my hon. Friend refers was withdrawn in January last following the receipt of a report from his University that he had failed to make satisfactory progress in his studies. Previous representations in this case have been very carefully and sympathetically considered, but no special circumstances have been advanced which would justify the exceptional course of restoring reservation to this student. The fact that, in the time which must inevitably elapse between de-reservation and calling up, a student is able to pass an examination, whether in connection with his original course of study or for a different qualification, does not in any way invalidate the adverse report upon which it has been decided to withdraw his reservation. I am, therefore, unable to reconsider the decision in this case.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the list of diseases held by the current consensus of medical opinion to be neither caused nor aggravated by military service?

The hon. Member will appreciate that it is impossible to extract from all the diseases known to medical science a complete list of those in the causation or worsening of which war service would be unlikely to play any part. There are, however, certain diseases or groups of diseases the onset or development of which would normally be unaffected by service, and I append a list of examples of the more common of these. It should not be assumed, however, that every case in which the disability is due to one of these diseases is necessarily rejected.

asked the Minister of Pensions what allowances will be paid to an officer who is seriously disabled and unemployable on account of his pensionable disablement?

In the cases referred to the disability retired pay will be supplemented by £26 a year and the allowances payable for a wife and children will be at the normal rates of £36 a year for a wife, £30 for the first child, and £24 for the second and each other child. In addition, such of the officers as are in receipt of retired pay appropriate to the highest degree of disablement and are in need of constant attendance in consequence of their pensionable disabilities, will be eligible for an allowance on that account up to £100 a year.

asked the Minister of Pensions when the regulations with regard to the supplementation of pensions of seriously disabled pensioners who are unemployable will be published?

Provision for the supplementation of the pensions of seriously disabled pensioners who are unemployable by reason of their pensionable disablement will be included in the new Royal Warrant which is in course of preparation. After full consideration I have come to the conclusion that this is not a matter in which it would be appropriate to lay regulations, but I shall be glad to take a convenient opportunity of explaining to the House how the Warrant provision is to be administered.

asked the Minister of Pensions when the new Royal Warrant for War Pensions will be published?

My hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that the new provisions announced in the White Paper will cause a considerable amount of additional work for my Department, and I cannot give a date for the publication of the new Royal Warrant. It is, however, in preparation and in the meantime the new provisions will be applied.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will indicate the procedure to be adopted where claimants for pensions have had their claims rejected because their disabilities, now within the scope of the Royal Warrant, have hitherto been excluded?

Any person who is dissatisfied with the decision of my Ministry and who feels that his claim would succeed under the new conditions of entitlement should apply to the Ministry for his case to be reconsidered.

asked the Minister of Pensions the total number of men and widows concerned with the last war whose cases have been before appeal tribunals; and what proportion of these appeals have succeeded?

There were approximately 197,000 appeals to the pensions appeal tribunal on entitlement issues, of which some 58,000, or 29 per cent., were successful. The exact number of persons concerned cannot be stated as in a very few disablement cases there would have been more than one appeal. Assessement appeals numbered 142,700, of which 41,670, or 29 per cent., were successful.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of men and widows now drawing pensions in respect of the last war, dividing the former into varying percentages of disability and giving, as far as he can, the number who are known to be unemployed for disability reasons and for other reasons, respectively?

The number of pensioners drawing disability pensions in respect of the last war on the 31st March last was as follows:

Per cent.
100	…	23,330
90	…	2,630
80	…	12,630
70	…	19,820
60	…	30,930
50	…	47,700
40	…	47,750
30	…	76,170
20	…	114,370
Service-cum-disability pensions	…	10,710
Total	…	386,040

The estimated number of widows drawing pensions on that date was 115,960. As regards the number of disabled men of the last war who are known to be unemployed I am afraid that I cannot add to the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for Lonsdale (Sir I. Fraser) on 1st April last.

asked the Minister of Pensions what arrangements are being made to secure the payment of pension in Eire in connection with those British subjects in Eire who have joined the British Army and who have suffered in the war?

British subjects in Eire who have served in the British Army and have suffered disablement in consequence of their service are eligible for compensation under the provisions of the Royal Warrant. Payment of pension is made through the Eire Post Office and the Ministry has a regional office in Eire to which such persons may apply for information.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, on further medical examination, it has been possible to increase the pension of Mr. Davison, of I, Glebe Crescent. Forest Hall?

The answer is in the affirmative. I am, however, making further inquiries regarding the treatment aspect and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as my inquiries are completed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what was the cause of more licences to slaughter houses being issued than were issued in 1940 unless larger quantities of meat are being sold for human food; whether officials of his Department visit horse-slaughtering establishments to ascertain how a horse purchased for £34 can be slaughtered and sold at the controlled price of 53s. 8d. per cwt. on the basis of the average weight of a horse dressed after slaughter being 10 cwts., or at least £6 below the cost price; and, as this indicates that horse meat is being sold improperly, what steps are being taken to strictly supervise this trade?

The increase since 1940 in licensed slaughterhouses for the slaughter of horses for human consumption may be ascribed to the greater demand for this foodstuff together with the cessation of the export to the Continent of live horses for slaughter. As regards the second part of the Question, visits are paid to horse-slaughterers' premises by officials of my Department when there is reason to suppose that infringements of the relevant Orders are taking place and if my hon. Friend will send me particulars of the transaction to which he refers, I will have it investigated. As regards the last part of the question, my hon. Friend will appreciate that it would not be desirable to indicate the steps which are being taken to supervise the trade, but he can rest assured that everything practicable is being done.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what rates per single column inch are paid to the various weekly newspapers throughout the country for Ministry of Food advertisements; whether, in any cases, the prices paid are below the pre-war scale of trade advertisements; and in how many cases these advertisements have been with- drawn from newspapers when the proprietors have found it necessary to increase their charges for Government advertising?

My Department's advertisements in weekly newspapers are paid for at rates not exceeding the lowest series trade rates per inch, less a Government discount of 2½per cent. If the Govern-merit discount is disregarded, there are two weekly newspapers to which the rate now being paid is lower than that paid in 1939. In 36 cases my Department has withdrawn its advertisements from papers on the ground that the charges were not justified in relation to circulation. In one of these papers the Ministry began to advertise later when the paper rates were lowered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that an old-established: Jour mill, details of which have been submitted to him, which has long confined its production of flour to extractions of 92 per cent. and 100 per cent., respectively, has been informed by the cereal products division that it must cease that production as all controlled flour millers are now required to dilute their grits in conformity with C.M.C.356; and as that Order abolishes the production of whole-grain flour and thus cancels repeated previous assurances by the Ministry that whole-grain flour shall be available to the public on demand, what is the present position of flour millers wishing to produce a whole-grain flour?

My hon. Friend appears to have been misinformed. There is nothing to prevent the miller to whom he refers continuing to extract from the grist, for the purpose of speciality flour, the same percentages of flour as hitherto.

asked the Minister of Information whether he gave approval to the declaration in the British Broadcasting Corporation, European Service, on 25th July, that one enemy alone now remains for the United Nations and for the Italians, Nazi Germany?

No, Sir. The European Service of the B.B.C. broadcasts an average of 300,000 words a day and their scripts are not s normally referred to me in advance. The particular broadcast mentioned was made at 7.30 a.m. on 26th July.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that Weeford School has no water supply; that water has to be carried 200 yards for all school purposes and that a supply could be laid on at small cost; and will he, in the interest of the health of the scholars, arrange for this to be done forthwith?

I am aware of the position at this school, but the great demands on building labour and controlled materials make it difficult to comply with the hon. and gallant Member's request. The premises are in general so unsatisfactory that the question of their replacement must arise as soon as circumstances permit.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is satisfied that the milk supplied to schoolchildren is clean and of good quality; and what steps are taken to have periodical tests?

Under the Milk in Schools Scheme, milk may only be supplied by persons who have been approved by the Medical Officer of Health on the ground of the source and quality of their supply. It rests with the medical officer of health to determine what periodical tests or other evidence he should require for the purpose of his approval.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many Church of England non-provided or voluntary schools in England and Wales were recognised under the Act of 1902; how many, up to the latest convenient date, have been taken over by a public authority; how many Church of England schools are now not up to the standard laid down for provided schools; and what are the numbers of pupils concerned in all these classes, respectively?

On 1st January, 1906, the first date after the passing of the Act of 1902 for which reliable figures are available, there were 11,418 Church of England schools with accommodation of 2,761,917 children (attendance figures are not available). Between 1903 and 1938 some 870 Church of England schools were transferred to local education authorities; I have no record of the number of pupils in these schools. No distinct standards of accommodation are laid down for provided schools. The last general survey of all public elementary school premises was made in 1925, and of the Church of England schools then listed as unsatisfactory 398 remain on the list: the number of pupils on the registers of these schools is 70,234.

asked the President of the Board of Education what denominations in addition to the Church of England have their own non-provided schools in England and Wales; how many there are for each now; how many pupils are concerned; and how many such schools have been taken over by public authorities since the Act of 1902?

Following is the answer:

Schools of Denominations other than Church of England.
ENGLAND AND WALES.
31st March, 1938.
(the latest date for which information is available.)
Denomination.		Number of Schools	Number of Pupils.
Roman Catholic	…	1,266	377,073
Methodist	…	119	17,235
Jewish	…	13	4,533
Others*	…	176	22,635
* These consist mainly of schools in which the religious instruction is described as undenominational.
The number of voluntary schools other than Church of England schools transferred to local education authorities between 1903 and 1938 is, approximately, 800.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in order to reduce hardship in working-class homes where husband and wife are legally separated, he will introduce a regulation to the effect that unpaid household duties give the wife a legal interest in the furniture and effects?

As I explained in answer to a Question by my hon. Friend on 24th June, I am advised that it is very doubtful whether any attempt to settle these difficult problems on a legal basis would be satisfactory. In any event, such a subject could hardly be dealt with in a Defence Regulation.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is with his authority that at night many drivers of taximeter-cabs refuse to take a fare going in the opposite direction to that in which they are driving?

A cab driver who is plying for hire is not entitled to pick and choose his fares. Misunderstandings sometimes arise at night between would-be hirers and drivers who are returning home (with perhaps almost empty tanks) and are not seeking hirings, but who may nevertheless be willing to take a passenger going in the direction of their home or garage.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works what purpose the regulation preventing the hiring of a taximeter-cab within the precincts of Hyde Park serves?

Regulations applying to Hyde Park prohibit taxis loitering or ranking in the Park to attract fares. The Regulations do not prevent the hiring of a cab available for hire when it is passing through the park.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that there have been recently a number of escapes of boys from the Borstal Institution, Rochester; that several houses in the district have been broken into and that this is causing considerable apprehension in the district, particularly in the case of ladies who are living alone; and whether he will take steps to ensure that greater control is exercised over these boys?

Yes, Sir, I am aware that there have been a considerable number of escapes from Rochester Borstal Institution and I fully recognise and sympathise with the anxiety and trouble caused to local residents. The question of reducing the number of escapes from this Institution has been receiving close attention, and certain steps have recently been taken to this end. I am glad to be able to say that though the population is higher this year than in 1942, there have been fewer escapes this year than in the corresponding period last year, and there has been a further decline in the last two months which I have reason to hope will be maintained. My hon. Friend will, however, appreciate that a Borstal Institution is not intended to be run on prison lines and that Borstal training is not compatible with complete safe custody, since it is an essential feature of the system that those who respond to training should be given a gradually increasing measure of freedom. Much thought has been given to this problem and every effort is being made, and will continue to be made, to reduce the number of escapes to a minimum.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make it clear to Bulgaria that the allowance of free passage to Allied troops alone will not constitute unconditional surrender, but that there must be positive assistance to the United Nations if wrongs done by Bulgaria are to be righted?

It is impossible at this stage to make any pronouncement on the conditions which will form the terms of any armistice suspending hostilities between this country and Bulgaria.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of small capitalists who now have investments in any of the savings movements of the country?

I append figures showing the numbers of persons with an interest in the various forms of "small savings" enumerated in my reply of 6th July to my hon. Friend the Member for Chislehurst (Sir W. Smithers). It is hardly necessary for me to point out that the same person may have an interest in more than one form of saving.

TABLE
Date.	Number of Persons(approx.)
National Savings Certificates, holders, 30th June, 1943	16,500,000
3 per Cent. Defence Bonds: holders, 30th June 1943	1,500,000
Post Office Savings Bank depositors, 30th June, 1943	16,750,000
Trustee Savings Bank depositors: in Ordinary Departments, 30th June, 1943	3,300,000
in Special Investment Departments, 30th June, 1943	360,000
(NOTE.—All depositors in Special Investments Departments are also depositors in Ordinary Departments.)
Holders of Stock (other than 3 per Cent. Defence Bonds) on Post Office and Trustee Savings Banks Stock Register	1,500,000
Birmingham Municipal Bank: depositors, 31st June, 1943	537,000
Building Societies:
Shareholders, 31st Dec, 1942	2,010,000
Depositors 31st June, 1942	756,000
Industiral and Provident Societies:
Shareholders, 31st Dec, 1941	9,982,000
Societies Registered under the Friendly Societies Acts: Members, 31st Dec., 1941	9,509,000
Registered Trade Unions: members, 31st Dec., 1941	5,981,000
Railway Savings Banks: depositors, 31st Dec., 1941	187,000

Industrial Assurance Companies and Societies. The number of policies is about 106,716,000. The number of insurers is not available, but may be very approximately estimated on the assumption that each insurer holds an average of three policies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that some retailers are breaking the law by overcharging and cannot be proceeded against owing to the inability to produce invoices from the wholesaler which are purposely not forthcoming; will he take steps to stop this practice; and will he urge his Department not to be so reluctant to prosecute for fear of failure to obtain conviction, as the notices of cases tried draws public attention to abuses?

This question is receiving my right hon. Friend's careful consideration, in consultation with the Central Price Regulation Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the advisability of setting up a public relations department similar to that of the Ministry of Food to keep the public informed with regard to prices and utility goods which are available?

The Board of Trade has already a public relations department. Its duties include the giving of information to both the trade and the public on the Government's policy and enactments relating to all consumer goods other than food.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the affairs and policy of the United Kingdom Corporation in India is controlled by the Government of India or by the Government of the United Kingdom; whether there are Indian directors on this corporation; whether the conduct of this corporation is amenable to guidance or control by public opinion in India; and whether it has any monopolistic rights of trade, in fact or in law, or preferences over Indian industry and Indian interest generally?

The United Kingdom Commercial Corporation acts in India, as elsewhere, on behalf of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, and by far the greater part of its activities there consists in securing supplies for Russia. There is no Indian subsidiary and there are no Indian directors on the Board in London, but naturally it acts in consultation with the Government of India, which is responsible for Indian interests. It has no monopolistic rights or preferences except in so far as priority may be essential on occasion for Russian or other immediate war requirements. It makes the utmost possible use of trade channels in India.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any attempts are made to check the identity and activity of residents at service hostels and canteens in London who board there for weeks without a break?

Before a man books a room in a service hostel his leave pass and his Army Book 64 is examined. Beds can only be booked for short periods and the man's pass is examined at each rebooking.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the present acute deficiency of ante-natal and postnatal accommodation for unmarried mothers; and whether he has plans on an adequate scale for remedying this, either by financial assistance to voluntary organisations willing to establish hostels, or otherwise?

I am aware of the need for accommodation of the kind referred to by my hon. Friend. I have made special arrangements to provide for certain classes of case transferred by the Government away from their own homes. Assistance to voluntary organisations can be given by welfare authorities, with whom I intend to communicate on this matter in the light of recommendations made by my advisory committee, to whom I referred this question for special consideration. I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the circular when it is issued.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will be able to make any statement on the working of the Rent Restrictions Acts before the Summer Recess?

Consultations as to the constitution of the Committee, the appointment of which I announced last week, are proceeding but I do not think that it will be possible to make a further statement before the Summer Recess.

asked the Minister of Health whether, before local authorities requisition empty houses, they will announce their intended choice so as to give the former tenants the right of return should they wish to exercise it?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given this morning to Questions by my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth (Sir L. Lyle) and my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Penrith (Lieut.-Colonel Dower).

asked the Minister of Health whether, when local authorities requisition any house, they will be required to take over the terms of the lease of the previous tenant who otherwise may be financially victimised?

No, Sir; where houses are requisitioned the provisions of Section 2 (1) (a) of the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939, apply, and the Landlord and Tenant (Requisitioned Land) Act, 1942, provides for the disclaimer of leases in certain circumstances.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will investigate the methods of local authorities in compelling every owner whose property requires attention at the present time to have the work carried out by the corporation building department, as has been done in the case of house property in Derby; and whether, in fairness both to the owners and the ratepayers, he will ensure that details are published as to how such work is carried out?

I am making inquiries into the allegations made by my hon. Friend and will write to him as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the possibility of securing that money clue from parents in respect of their children evacuated under the Government scheme shall not be subject to the six months limitation period of the Summary Jurisdiction Act, 1848.

As I indicated in reply to a Supplementary Question by my hon. Friend on 8th July, I am looking into this question.

asked the Minister of Health when he will be able to instal a miniature X-ray apparatus in the East Riding of Yorkshire, seeing the nearest centre is 60 miles away?

I am unable to forecast when further mass radiography units additional to the number now in production on the first order will become available; but I have suggested to tuberculosis authorities that mutual arrangements should be made between them for sharing in the use of the units now in course of allocation. The apparatus is readily transportable, and its use is therefore not restricted to permanently located centres.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the importance of establishing the fact, and the date, of the performance of immunising inoculations against diphtheria, he will direct all local authorities that arrange for immunisation to require all medical practitioners who perform the operations and are paid for them out of public funds to give a certificate to the parents or guardians of immunised children setting forth the number of inoculations given and the date, or dates, on which they were made, and to see that records of all such operations are entered in a register that shall be opened to the public for search on payment of fees similar to those prescribed in the case of smallpox vaccinations?

No, Sir. I do not think that requirements which obtain under statute in the case of vaccination against smallpox, which is compulsory upon parents, are necessarily appropriate in the case of the service conducted by local authorities for voluntary immunisation against diphtheria.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many of the recommendations of the Forster Report, relating to the entrance of boys to the mining industry, have been put into force?

An interim training scheme covering all new entrants. And broadly based on the principles laid down in the Forster Report, was introduced last November and is being developed in cooperation with the regional staffs.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether there are any gas companies besides the Bradford-on-Avon Gas Company, a subsidiary of the British Gas Light Company, who have declined to co-operate in the saving of solid fuel?

I am not prepared to accept the implication in my hon. Friend's Question that the Bradford-on-Avon Gas Company are not co-operating in promoting fuel economy in respect of which they are working to an instruction issued by my Department. So far as I am aware other gas undertakings are following the same course.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether any decision has yet been reached as to the provision of additional trains on the long-distance services?

As I foreshadowed in a statement which I made on 9th June, my Noble Friend has considered the possibility of strengthening certain long-distance services on which, owing to an increase of Service and other essential travel, overcrowding is constant and serious. As a result he has authorised some additional trains to be run on certain days of the week, if occasion requires, on certain routes serving, in the main, important industrial areas. I would remind my hon. Friend that these additional trains may be taken off again without warning, if war conditions so demand. My Noble Friend has also authorised the provision of certain special trains in connection with works holidays, in cases where there are large numbers of transferred workers returning to their homes under the Ministry of Labour's assisted travel scheme and where the traffic can most conveniently be carried by a special train. These trains will not be provided during the Bank Holiday period.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can assure the House that there is no intention on the part of His Majesty's Government to alter permanently the structure of local government without examination of the whole question by a Select Committee of both Houses of Parliament?

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that no major reform of the general structure of local government will be instituted without the fullest investigation, but His Majesty's Government are not yet in a position to indicate what precise form the investigation should take, and my hon. and gallant Friend will understand that in any case Parliamentary sanction will be necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give the names of the principal British representatives in Allied Military Government in Occupied Territory, together with their business and public service qualifications?

The names of the principal British representatives in Allied Military Government in Occupied Territory are as follow:Major-General Lord Rennell of Rodd, C.B.: Chief Civil Affairs Officer;Colonel R. J. P. Thorne-Thorne: Chief Staff Officer;Colonel A. P. Grafftey Smith: Chief Finance Officer;Colonel Gordon Cheyne, O.B.E., M.G.: Chief Health Officer;Lieut.-Colonel C. R. S. Harris: Custodian of Enemy Property;Group-Captain C. E. Benson, D.S.O.: Regional Military Administrator.I regret that it is contrary to custom to disclose details of personal history and the qualifications of individual members of His Majesty's Forces.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of the fact that passengers in first-class railway compartments are frequently unaware of their obligation to permit four to sit on each side where other passengers are standing, he will take steps to make this order better known?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Murray) yesterday.