asked the Minister of Labour whether he is in a position to make a statement regarding the supply of trained nurses and midwives as a result of the registration recently carried out by his Department?

Just over 400,000 persons have registered under the Nurses and Midwives (Registration for Employment) Order, 1943. Of these approximately 270,000 were engaged at the time of registration in some form of nursing or midwifery work as shown in the attached table. About 130,000 were not engaged in such work, and it is expected that most of these, on account of age, family responsibilities or for some other reason, will prove not to be available to return to the nursing or midwifery services. My hon. Friend will appreciate that any approach to the problem of satisfying the demands for nurses and midwives must include the recruitment of additional persons, at present untrained in such work, the re-distribution where necessary of persons already performing these services and the return to the nursing and midwifery services of experienced persons not at present practising. A number of measures, including the recent registration, have already been taken or decided upon to enable the Ministry of Labour and National Service to deal with these different aspects of the problem. Interviewing both of persons registered recently and of those who came forward in response to the recent publicity appeal began at the appointments offices of the Department in June and during June and July nearly 2,000 nursing and midwifery vacancies have been filled.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the representation made by the Carmarthenshire county council urging the introduction of a scheme for the supply of free milk to persons suffering from silicosis; and what reply he has made to the proposal?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has informed the county council, who proposed to undertake the supply, that he knows of no powers under which they could make such a provision. My right hon. Friend has, however, referred the general question to the Food Rationing (Special Diets) Advisory Committee appointed by the Medical Research Council.

asked the Minister of Health when he proposes to issue a White Paper on the future of the medical services?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 3rd August to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain P. Macdonald).

asked the Minister of Health whether instructions have now been given for the removal of bombed furniture from the nurses' home at Queen Charlotte's Hospital, in order that more accommodation can be made available for patients in the hospital?

My right hon. Friend is still awaiting the proposal from the hospital to which he referred in his reply to the hon. Lady on 29th July. There seems to be a misunderstanding of the history of this case. The facts are that the uncompleted shell of the nurses' home was requisitioned in September, 1941, with the consent of the hospital, for the storage of furniture. In August, 1942, the question of completing the nurses' home was considered and arrangements were being made for the removal of the furniture when officers of the Ministry were informed that the hospital did not expect to need the nurses' home during the war and the use of the premises as a furniture store was, therefore, continued. No subsequent proposal for completing the nurses' home has yet been made to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can now say how many people, men and women, have been informed against by two contacts under Regulation 33B during the last three months?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given in reply to her Question on this subject on 15th July: the complete figures are not yet available.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will speed up production of the miniature X-ray apparatus needed for the diagnosis of tuberculosis; and how many of these machines have been handed over to the Ministry of Health in the past three months?

Production is being speeded up as much as possible, having regard to the demands for X-ray apparatus for war purposes. Four sets have been delivered to the Ministry of Health within the past three months, and three more are expected to be delivered very shortly.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the few remaining trained personnel in the Rehabilitation Service are being called up at the time when it has been decided to make greater use of it; and whether he will reconsider this question?

My right hon. Friend is not aware of any such case, but if my hon. Friend will send me details of any case which he has in mind, I will look into it.

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the staff who were previously employed at the Walkinshaw Street office of the Assistance Board in Johnstone, which has now been closed, have been called up for military service?

I am informed that of the seven members of the staff in post when the Johnstone office of the Assistance Board was closed on the l0th April, 1943, only one is in an age group liable to call-up under the Military Service Acts; he is aged 42 and being, therefore, subject to reservation as a permanent civil servant has been transferred to fill a vacancy arising elsewhere in the Board's service. The remaining permanent staff comprises one aged 44, one aged 56, two aged 51, all transferred elsewhere in the Board's service; also two women temporary clerks aged 46 and 40, respectively. One has been transferred to another Government Department and the other is awaiting transfer.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Inter-departmental Committee on Rent Restrictions is empowered to take evidence?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health in how many areas are houses being kept empty to house persons rendered homeless by future air-raids; how many houses are being so kept empty; and in how many areas is no such provision made?

In the London region there are at present about 4,800 houses reserved for the future needs of the homeless in 92 local government areas. In the rest of the country the number of houses so reserved varies from time to time and I regret that my right hon. Friend has no detailed information.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will, by White Paper or otherwise, indicate to what extent the Water Undertakings Bill as introduced into this House differs from the draft Bill approved by the Joint Committee in 1939?

The recommendation for amendment made by the Joint Select Committee were accepted in 1939 in another place where a number of further amendments were also made, for which I would refer my hon. Friend to the OFFICIAL REPORTS for 27th July, 1939, and 3rd August, 1939, before the Bill was sent to this House. The Bill as re-introduced in another place in 1943 included a number of drafting improvements, a list of which I attach, but was otherwise identical with the Bill as passed in that place in 1939. For the 1943 proceedings, in the course of which a small number of Amendments were made, most but not all of which were drafting Amendments, I would refer my hon. Friend to the House Of Lords OFFICIAL REPORTS for 29th June, 1943, and 6th July, 1943.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will review the rates of billeting allowances for evacuated children, in view of the fact that in many cases the wear and tear on consumable household goods falls on the householder and in view of the higher rates for personnel of the Women's Services and war workers?

As my right hon. Friend explained in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Tamworth (Sir J. Mellor) on 8th and 15th July, the obligations placed on householders on whom evacuated children are billeted differ from those entailed by the billeting of Service personnel, or of war workers, the latter being billeted for lodging only and making their own arrangements for board. When the billeting allowances for unaccompanied children were last increased in May, 1942, an amount was specifically included to cover wear and tear. The position is kept under constant review; but my right hon. Friend thinks that no further increases are justified at present.

asked the Home Secretary by what means a person who is not a member of a fire force becomes a fireman, having regard to the fact that, under paragraph 2 (a) of the National Fire Service (General) No. 3 Regulation (S.R. & O., 1012 of 1943), a fireman may be promoted, whether or not he is a member of a fire force, to any rank by the Secretary of State?

The Secretary of State is empowered by Regulation 7 (1) (a) of the National Fire Service (General) Regulations, 1941, to appoint firemen in the National Fire Service whether as members of a fire force or not. Among the members of the National Fire Service who are not members of a fire force I may mention members of the fire staff at Headquarters, the instructors at the National Fire Service College and officers of the National Fire Service on the staff of Regional Commissioners.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, where a widower with children employing a non-resident housekeeper can demonstrate that he cannot find a house with sufficient accommodation for a resident housekeeper, he will permit an allowance to the widower tax free?

I would refer my hon. Friend to Section 15 (b) of this year's Finance Act from which he will see that the law requires as a condition of allowance that the housekeeper should be resident with the taxpayer. The question of residence was raised in the Finance Bill Debates but I could not see my way then to waiving this condition. The principle underlying the extension of the allowance was to give relief in respect of a person who is taking the place of the child's mother and this entailed that the person in question should be a member of the taxpayer's household.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why working men's organisations who have invested parts of their funds in "Wings for Victory," not exceeding the statutory limits in War Savings Certificates, have been notified that such investments are contrary to the law and the money so invested has been returned?

National Savings Certificates are specially designed to encourage saving on the part of the smaller investor, and for this purpose they carry exceptional concessions, of which the most important is freedom from Income Tax. These concessions make it necessary to limit very strictly both the amount of Savings Certificates which any individual can hold, and the category of investors qualified to purchase them. In practice, therefore, the only corporate bodies permitted to hold Saving Certificates are those which for revenue purposes are regarded as strictly charitable and on that account are exempt from Income Tax. I regret that I am unable to extend the privilege of holding Savings Certificates to such bodies as my hon. Friend suggests, but it is, of course, open to them to support the War Savings Campaign by subscribing to other Government securities on issue.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is still the wish of the Government that companies should not pay dividends in excess of their prewar rates?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now able to make available to the House any information relating to the American pay-as-you-go scheme for payment of Income Tax?

Yes, Sir. I have now obtained from the United States, and have placed in the Library for the convenience of Members, a copy of the United States Current Tax Payment Act of 1943, together with certain additional explanatory documents about it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to bring to the notice of owners of bomb damaged houses, who are contemplating the sale of such houses, their right to compensation under the War Damage Act, 1943?

I am glad to have this opportunity of drawing attention to two points which are no doubt familiar to many owners. The first is that the test of total loss for the purpose of the War Damage Act, 1943, is not a physical but an economic test, and that it is likely that many houses of good quality will qualify for a cost of works payment even if they are physically totally destroyed. The second is that the War Damage Commission can only make a cost of works payment after the war damage has been made good and to the person who actually incurs the cost of making good the war damage; it follows that an owner selling his house should bear in mind that a cost of works payment must be paid by the Commission to the purchaser and not the vendor.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Government Departments are making the utmost use of available man-power during the war emergency by retaining all civil servants beyond the age of 60 for so long as they are in good health, efficient and willing to remain at work?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has yet received a report from the Committee set up to consider the training of civil servants?

No, Sir, but I understand that the Committee is making good progress.

asked the Minister of Health whether the employers should fix stamps on the National Health Insurance cards of all employees for the holiday period during which time the insured contributor receives the holiday payment?

If an employed contributor is entitled to receive remuneration from his employer in respect of a holiday period, the employer is liable to pay health insurance and pensions contributions in respect of the contributor for that period. The question whether a holiday payment constitutes remuneration in respect of the holiday period depends upon the terms of the contract of employment and the conditions of the particular holiday scheme.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will grant permission to the Middleton Borough Council to expend a small amount of their own labour, materials and finances, on the making up of Manor Road, Middleton, as required under the Public Health Act, 1925, in order to remove the danger to public health, and, particularly, to the health of school children attending Manor Road School, occasioned by the pools of stagnant sewage which at present are frequently formed in this road?

No, Sir. As the result of the very thorough investigations which one of any engineering inspectors has made, I am unable to accept the suggestion that the work proposed includes the making-up of the carriage-way, is essential on grounds of public health or would in fact obviate the presence on occasion of flood water from the school playground. I have indicated that I am prepared to authorise the work of paving the second footpath in the street.

asked the Minister of Health the population, rateable value, rateable value per head of the population, public assistance rate, education rate, and the total rates for the following towns: Birmingham, Manchester, Westminster City, Bournemouth, Liverpool, Sheffield, Leeds and West Ham?

I will send my hon. Friend the available information as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Health the total number of births for the years 1914, 1918 and 1940, stating for each year the number of illegitimate live births?

The figures for which my hon. and gallant Friend asks are as follow:

asked the Home Secretary what percentage of boys subjected to Borstal treatment are, on results, restored to useful citizenship?

This Question does not lend itself to precise statistical analysis. Experience shows that about 60 per cent. of persons discharged from Borstal are never reconvicted and that about a quarter of those who are re-convicted do well after receiving a further period of Borstal training. Generally speaking, Borstal training may be regarded as successful in 70 per cent, of cases.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether arrangements simi- lar to those in existence in the Army and Royal Air Force can be made for sailors returning home after an absence of more than a year to get a longer period of leave than 14 days?

Current Admiralty orders provide that men returning from foreign service shall be granted leave on the scale of seven days for every six months abroad, with the proviso that leave in excess of 21 days is subject to drafting requirements.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that when the shoes and clothes of Women's Royal Naval Service attached to H.M.S. "Tana," and stationed at a place of which he has been informed, need replacement, there are no adequate stores and they have to pay extortionate prices when buying shoes; and whether facilities will be provided at this station for the repair of spectacles?

Owing to the absence of suitable local production, it has been necessary to ship practically all supplies of W.R.N.S. clothing {including shoes) from the United Kingdom to the establishment in question. The exigencies of shipping involved a slight delay some months ago, but for the last six months consignments have been despatched regularly and this will continue. In reply to the last part of the Question, an optical dispensing unit is to be installed shortly at this establishment.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the substitution of lower ratings and supply ratings for higher ratings in complements of seagoing ships on the grounds that the higher ratings are not available and also of the large increase in the number of paymaster rear-admirals, paymaster captains and secretaries drawing the pay of higher ranks and extra pay at the same time; and is he satisfied that money is not being designedly saved on ratings, at the expense of seagoing efficiency, to meet the cost of the higher ranks referred to?

The greater war-time responsibilities falling upon the accountant branch have increased the number of appointments for which officers of higher ranks are required, and in common with other naval officers, accountant officers when given appointments carrying higher rank have been granted the acting higher rank for the duration of their appointments. I can assure the hon. Member that there is not the slightest foundation for his suggestion that any increased cost is being met at the expense of ratings' appointments. Men performing the duties of higher ratings allowed by complement are in general given the pay of the higher rating, provided that they do the duties for more than a month and do them satisfactorily.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that labourers and other non-mechanics are being formed into a mechanics branch in the Navy and told that after three years' service they may be placed on the same footing as men who have fully served engineering apprenticeships in civil life; and whether this action has been taken after consultation with the trade unions and with their agreement?

On the assumption that my hon. Friend is speaking of the mechanic branches of the Royal Navy, e.g. engine-room mechanics, these ratings are specially selected men from other branches who have been given a course of technical training, so that they may assist the artificer ratings. They are, in effect, dilutees. They are eligible for advancement after a period of sea service but their rates of pay are not so high as those of the artificers. There is no foundation for the suggestion that they are being given, after three years' service, the same treatment as men who have served engineering apprenticeships.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why a permit to use a rowing boat has been refused to Colonel Roger Treffry, of Treburthick, Porthpean, St. Austell?

Colonel Treffry has made two applications for a permit in respect of a rowing boat, both of which, if granted, would involve the use of the vessel in the open sea. As the hon. and gallant Member is aware, security considerations prevent the grant of permits to vessels to operate in the open sea purely for private pleasure purposes.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the names of the existing charitable organisations to which widows of naval officers who find themselves in reduced circumstances may make application for funds to supplement their pensions?

There are numerous naval and general services charitable organisations to which the widows of naval officers may apply for further income or temporary help. A central bureau for naval officers' charities has been established as a centre of information on the work and scope of these organisations, and puts applicants in touch with the fund most suited to their individual circumstances. The address of the Secretary of the Bureau is c/o King George's Fund for Sailors, 333 Ibex House, Minories, E.C.3.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is intended to issue battle dress to airmen employed on flying duties in the Royal Naval Air Arm owing to the difficulties of adjusting flying-gear over the traditional naval uniform?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any statement with regard to this matter, but I will write to the hon. Member as soon as I have anything definite to tell him.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what restrictions are imposed on the diplomatic, military and consular representatives of foreign nations in this country in respect of the use of petrol?

The petrol allotted to heads of diplomatic Missions and their staffs, including the Naval, Military and Air Attachés, is restricted to quantities that are considered to be sufficient to enable them to perform their official duties. The question is constantly under review, and I am glad to be able to inform my hon. and gallant Friend that considerable economies in petrol thus allocated have been effected during the past few months. The petrol allowances of foreign consular officers are assessed by Regional Petroleum Officers on the basis of what they reasonably need for their consular duties.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the political aspects of the Italian situation are discussed in close consultation with the Soviet Government?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has been able to arrange for the release of the small quantity of the drug penicillin for the case of which he has been given particulars, and where unless this drug is procured soon the young woman will die?

My hon. Friend will now have received a letter from me explaining the position and suggesting a possible course of action.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether he is now in a position to announce the composition of the Board to be set up under the Scottish Hydro-Electric Development Act;(2) when it is proposed to set up the Amenities and Fishery Committees, respectively, authorised under the Scottish Hydro-Electric Development Act?

I hope that it will be possible to announce the membership of the Board and of the two committees referred to within the next few weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent Germany and Italy have fulfilled their obligations generally in respect of British prisoners of war under the Geneva Conventions; what explanations have been received through the Protecting Power in respect of the more important departures from those obligations; and what countermeasures have been adopted by the British Government in their treatment of enemy prisoners of war, with a view to securing full compliance with the Conventions?

His Majesty's Government are regularly notified by the Swiss Government (whose representatives pay periodical visit's to the prisoners' camps) of any failures by the German and Italian Governments to fulfil their obligations towards British prisoners of war under the Geneva Conventions. His Majesty's Government request the Swiss Government' in each case to make formal representations and to take the appropriate steps to remedy any causes of complaint. It would, I fear, be impossible even to summarise the mass of correspondence on this subject, but the hon. Member may rest assured that no case is allowed to pass without representations being made in order to obtain redress. His Majesty's Government have not as yet found it necessary to adopt any counter-measures, with the single exception of the shackling of German prisoners as a reprisal for the shackling of our prisoners in German hands.

asked the Postmaster-General what classes of correspondence, addressed to what persons and Departments, are private individuals entitled to post unstamped?

The Post Office Act of 1908 provides that all postal packets shall be charged with postage, except petitions and addresses to His Majesty, and addresses to either House of Parliament. Members of the public are therefore not entitled to send letters unpaid to any Department or individual. When, however, a communication from a Government Department requires a reply, it is usual for a cover, label or form to be enclosed, bearing the "Official Paid" design, and the address of the office to which the reply is to be sent. This design indicates that postage will be borne by the Government Department concerned and members of the public using these covers, labels, or forms are not therefore required to pay postage, provided that the address is not altered.

asked the Secretary of State for War what measures are being taken for the preservation of ancient monuments in Cyrenaica and Tripolitania?

I append a statement indicating the measures taken for the preservation of ancient monuments in Cyrenaica and Tripolitania. I have taken this opportunity to outline the result of investigations which show that the charges of vandalism made against our troops by the enemy are entirely without foundation.

asked the Secretary of State for War what qualifications are required for commissions in the Pioneer Corps; and whether ex-officers of the last war of suitable age and physical standard are eligible for commissions although they may not possess technical qualifications?

In general any candidate for a commission in the Pioneer Corps, including ex-officers, must have the following qualifications:For Labour Duties: experience in the handling of labour, particularly in the building and allied trades, or of dealing with goods in bulk quantities;For Fire Fighting Wing fire fighting experience in the N.F.S. or a commercial firm;For Accountants in Prisoner of War Camps: accounting experience.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that while the wife of T70216 Company Sergeant-major Edward George Saword, of 3, Myrtle Terrace, Mumbles, Swansea, has been deprived of pay allowances after 26 weeks, she has been held ineligible for an education grant for her two children on the ground that her husband, although posted missing in Greece two and a half years ago, has not yet been presumed killed; and whether he will take steps to rectify an anomaly which deprives this soldier's family of the pay and allowances due if he is living and of the allowance due if he is dead?

I regret that Mrs. Saword's application for an education grant was rejected in error. Her case is being investigated and Mrs. Saword has been informed of the position. Her husband is posted as missing and she is drawing the appropriate continuing allowance of 53s. od. a week. From 16th August this will be increased to 59s. od. a week.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the regiment of artillery, of which he has been informed, which was raised before the war, has been excluded from the list of regiments entitled to wear the name of their unit on their shoulder title as set out in Army Council Instruction 905 of 1943; and whether he will take immediate steps to amend the instruction?

The designation worn at the top of both sleeves of battle dress by all ranks indicates the corps to which they belong. The regiment to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers is, and always has been, an integral part of the Royal Artillery, and therefore wears the designation appropriate to the corps worn by all its regiments. They are, however, allowed to wear a flash in their regimental colours.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Lieut.-Colonel J. O. Stuart has forbidden the circulation of the "Daily Mirror" newspaper among the officers and men under his command on political grounds and because he dislikes a serial cartoon; and whether he will instruct this officer that such interference with freedom of choice of reading matter by officers and men is not within the scope of his authority?

Inquiries are being made about this and I will communicate with my hon. Friend when I have further information.

asked the Secretary of State for War when lists of names of men applying for their release from the Armed Forces in order to return to work in coalmines were closed; and whether, in view of recent developments, the lists will be reopened?

The lists were closed by agreement with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power on 31st December, 1942. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave an outline of these arrangements in an answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Hemsworth (Mr. G. Griffiths) on 4th May. It is not considered that the Army should now release further men.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is able to say what proportion of our troops serving overseas are of, or over, the age of 40; and if any special consideration is given to applications by these men for home posting?

I regret that the available statistics do not enable me to answer the first part of the Question. In view of shipping limitations and operational requirements transfers to the home establishment other than for service reasons can only be considered in the case of ill-health, or in the case of an officer or soldier who has served abroad continuously for at least six years or on extreme compassionate grounds when the physical presence at home of the officer or soldier is essential.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has further considered the question of reducing the period of six years after which a soldier serving abroad may be posted home; and whether he can now state the Government's decision upon it?

There are still a number of men overseas who have been overseas for more than six years and until it has been possible to bring these home it is premature to consider a reduction in the present qualifying period.

asked the Secretary of State for War how far regulations prohibit the employment by the Entertainments National Service Association, for service overseas, of individuals whose parents are naturalised British subjects?

Provided they are themselves British subjects or nationals of Allied or neutral countries without enemy alien connections, these individuals are eligible for employment by the Entertainments National Service Association, but care is taken that individuals who are likely to have relations in enemy or enemy-occupied territory are not sent overseas.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will arrange for a certain amount of tinned foods to be packed into smaller tins, so that those with smaller incomes can more economically distribute their points?

Arrangements are made as far as practicable to ensure that a reasonable proportion of canned foods are packed in smaller sizes. My hon. Friend will appreciate, however, that the small sizes are more extravagant than the larger sizes in tinplate, labour and transport.

Adams asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has considered the desirability of introducing the turn system for all un-rationed foods, namely, fish, tomatoes, fruit, etc., whereby registered customers would each be issued with a card, to be stamped upon purchase, when all customers would have an equal chance of obtaining such goods, unavailable at present to many working women?

My Noble Friend has considered such schemes as my hon. Friend suggests, but has found it impracticable to apply them. Any such scheme, particularly if it depended on registration would in effect ration the foods in question, and rationing, involving as it does the complete control of supplies and distribution by means of permits or vouchers, and implying a sense of entitlement, cannot be applied where supplies are fluctuating and uncertain. In the case of fish, tomatoes and soft fruit, distribution and zoning schemes ensure as far as possible that each district obtains supplies in proportion to its population. Moreover, many retailers already make every effort to divide these commodities equitably among their regular customers. As regards the last part of my hon. Friend's Question, arrangements exist whereby when women workers report food shopping difficulties the local welfare officer of the Ministry of Labour, in cooperation with the divisional and local officers of my Department, will, if he thinks it necessary, take the initiative in arranging meetings of those concerned (workers, retailers, shop assistants, etc.) with a view to framing a local scheme to ameliorate the situation. Many such schemes make use of shopping cards, which are honoured by retailers on an unofficial equal share basis as scarce unrationed foods become available. My Noble Friend is satisfied that such local schemes are more effective than any method which attempted to deal with the problem on a national scale.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he proposes to use the Girls' Training Corps as an instrument of part-time education for girls between 16 and 18 years of age in the new Education Bill?

The Girls' Training Corps is a voluntary organisation offering girls opportunities for training and service freely undertaken during their leisure time. It constitutes an element in the Youth Service and as such will, I hope, continue to make a substantial contribution to the training of girls on the basis outlined in paragraph 92 of the recent White Paper on Educational Reconstruction.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what opportunity has been taken to ascertain the views of the skilled technical experts now in charge of the large State factories in Wales on the capacity of the works now in their charge for conversion to peace purposes so that some security can be given to localities where these works have been established and consideration be given where works have been closed down and a large number of the population has been transferred elsewhere?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths) on Tuesday last. I am gathering information and advice on this important matter from many different quarters.

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether he has given further consideration to the representations made to him urging that in the plans for demobilisation special consideration should be given to those members of the Forces who have served for a substantial time overseas; and whether he is now able to state the Government's policy in this regard?

This matter is under consideration along with other questions bearing on the plans for demobilisation, but I am not yet able to announce any conclusion.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many cases from the city of Manchester, and arising out of the 1914–18 war, have been adjudicated upon by appeal tribunals; and in what percentage of those cases were the widows or men concerned successful?

I regret that the information is not available.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what stage has been reached in the negotiations regarding the wages of young miners?

The question of a national minimum wage for juveniles in the coalmining industry was discussed by the joint negotiating committee under the National Conciliation Scheme on 29th July. Agreement was not reached, however, and the matter has therefore been referred under the provisions of the scheme to the National Reference Tribunal for decision. The two sides of the industry have asked the tribunal to treat the questions referred to them as a matter of urgency.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that the recent taking over of collieries without any full explanation as to why output is unsatisfactory has caused considerable anxiety and a feeling of insecurity to colliery managements throughout the country; and whether, in view of the harm which may be done to total production of British collieries on this account, he will, in the future, before taking over any colliery, issue a statement as to the reasons why such imposition of control is considered necessary?

I am not aware that coal production has suffered or is likely to suffer from the cause suggested. Authorised controllers have been ap- pointed at only two collieries during the last nine months. In the more recent case a statement was issued to the Press before the imposition of the control Order. In the other case I have given a full statement to the House about the reasons for taking control.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give a statement showing the present wage rates of boys and youths from 14 to 21 years of age employed underground and on the surface at coalmines?

I have been asked to reply. Wage rates for boys vary from district to district. It is not possible, therefore, to give the information asked for in full. Payments per shift for underground workers vary from approximately 6s. in the lowest to 8s. 6d. in the highest paid districts for boys of 14, and from 10s. to 14s. for boys of 18. For surface workers the corresponding figures are from 5s. to 6s. 6d. and from 8s. to 12s.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power (1) the amount of coal and coke available for domestic purposes in the Gloucester rural district on 1st August, 1942 and 1943;(2) the amount of coal and coke available for domestic purposes in the Nails-worth urban district on 1st August, 1942 and 1943;(3) the amount of coal and coke available for domestic purposes in the Stroud urban district on 1st August, 1942 and 1943;(4) the amount of coal and coke available for domestic purposes in the Stroud rural district on 1st August, 1942 and 1943;(5) the amount of coal and coke available for domestic purposes in the Cheltenham rural district on 1st August, 1942 and 1943;(6) the amount of coal and coke available for domestic purposes in the Dursley rural district on 1st August, 1942 and 1943?

I do not think it would be wise to publish the stock figures for different areas.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether Mr. de Valera's Government has yet recognised the Emperor Haile Selassie as Emperor of Abyssinia?

I have no information on this point, hut so far as I am aware no Government other than the United Kingdom and certain other Governments of the United Nations has yet recognised the Emperor Haile Selassie as Emperor of Abyssinia.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works how many grains silos and how many silos with drying plants are being erected by him for the Ministry of Food and other Ministries, respectively; what is the present situation; what are the prospects of availability for the present harvest; and who will be responsible for the cost of erecting and running them?

The Ministry of Works has completed 26 grain stores and these are in use. It is also building 15 combined wheat drying and storage plants, for the Ministry of Food. Completion of seven of these latter was promised by September; it is anticipated that five will be completed then, but the remaining two will not be ready until October. The Ministry of Works is responsible for the cost of erecting and maintaining the buildings and the Ministry of Food for operating costs. My Ministry is not erecting buildings of this kind for any other Ministry.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will indicate the number of, and the progress of, the supply of grain-storing and grain-drying plants being erected with the approval and support of his Ministry; whether they will be available for the present harvest; and if his Ministry pays for the costs of erecting and running these plants?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply to a similar Question given to-day by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that Income Tax is being charged on the £2 ploughing subsidy; and whether, in view of the adverse effect that this will have on his scheme for ploughing up more old pasture, he will either double the subsidy or take other steps to rectify the position?

I am aware that the £2 per acre ploughing up grant is regarded by the Inland Revenue Department as a receipt of a revenue nature and therefore falls to be included in the computation of profits for taxation purposes, but I cannot agree that the ploughing up of permanent pasture land is being adversely affected thereby.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the serious losses sustained by poultry keepers in the district of Redhill and Salfords, Surrey, owing to foxes; and whether any steps are being taken to abate this nuisance?

I am aware that losses from foxes have been sustained in Surrey, generally by poultry keepers who have not kept their poultry fastened up at night. Steps have been taken by the pest staff of the Surrey war agricultural executive committee to reduce the number of foxes by gassing their earths in March and April; fox drives have been organised and carried out in many districts. It is proposed to extend these activities. At the present time, however, it is most difficult to deal with foxes effectively because of the excessive undergrowth and standing corn, but the matter is in hand and all possible measures will be taken to abate the nuisance in the Redhill and Salfords districts.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the damage about to be done by the plague of large white butterflies now infesting green crops and laying eggs thereon; and if he will issue advice to counter this pest?

Yes, Sir. White butterflies are now abundant in many districts and unless the resulting caterpillars are destroyed damage is likely. Advice on methods of control of these pests is contained in publications by the Ministry which are available to the public on request. I am sending copies to my hon. and gallant Friend. I am also arranging for the matter to be referred to in broadcast talks.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information about Mr. G. Hills who was arrested at the works of Harland and Wolff at George V docks, on Monday, 26th July, taken to the police court and sent to prison; and whether he will review the case with a view to remitting the man's sentence?

I am having inquiry made and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production how many civilian test pilots have lost their lives testing aircraft since the war began?

This information is not readily available but I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many flying instructors in the Royal Air Force or its reserves have lost their lives since the beginning of the war?

It would not be in the public interest to furnish this information.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether inquiries have been made into the detailed allegations, sent to his Department on 12th May, that 753088, Leading-Aircraftman Barlow, L., was brutally assaulted and dressed in uniform by six non-commissioned officers on 30th March, 1943; whether this man is still in hospital and whether any disciplinary action has been taken?

This case has been fully investigated by a court of inquiry. The court found that no more force than was necessary was used by the station police. In the circumstances, no disciplinary action is called for. The airman concerned has left hospital and is about to be granted leave, pending discharge from the Service.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in cases where an airman claims to be no longer responsible for the support of his wife and to withdraw his allotment, local inquiries or attempts at reconciliation will be made before the wife's allowance is withdrawn?

The matter is still under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many civilian surveyors under the age of 35 and of high medical category are employed by his Department on home duties?

Ninety-six civilian quantity surveyors under the age of 35 are employed by the Air Ministry at home on the airfield construction programme. As reserved personnel are not required to undergo medical examination, I am unable to say what proportion are of high medical category.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will direct that all preliminary work be suspended on the site of a proposed airfield in North Berkshire, the name of which has been sent to him, in view of the proposed destruction of orchards and soft fruit plantations, the demolition of houses, farm buildings and cottages, in spite of an alternate site on flat ground, not subject to flooding, within half a mile of the proposed works being available that will not involve destruction of buildings, etc., and can be prepared in a shorter time; and whether he will agree to a further conference on the site with all the interests concerned at an early date?

The hon. Baronet's information as to the respective merits of the two sites does not accord with mine. I am, however, considering the objections which have been raised, and will communicate with the hon. Baronet in due course.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare whether the clarification of the faulty transmission received from the Neutral Commission in Greece in June has now been obtained; what are the details of the request; and whether a decision has been arrived at regarding the request from Greece for special milk foods which has been under consideration?

We have not yet received a reply to our request for clarification; the second part of the Question does not therefore arise. The request for special milk foods is still under consideration but, in the meantime, arrangements have been made to ship an equivalent quantity of pablum, a food suitable for consumption by children.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare whether he can give any information about the health of men, women and children, in the various parts of Belgium, Antwerp in particular; and how many people are suffering from tuberculosis owing to lack of food?

The conditions which have prevailed in Belgium since the German occupation have inevitably caused a deterioration in the health and fitness, especially of the poorer classes both in Antwerp and in other cities and towns. The worst period was in 1941 when there was a marked increase in tuberculosis infant mortality and rickets, but my information is that the incidence of these diseases declined in 1942, largely as the result of better food distribution. I do not know how many people are suffering from tuberculosis but, as my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, malnutrition is only one of the causes of this disease.