asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider providing employment for the substantial number of unemployed men in the valleys of South Wales and, in particular, a very substantial body of registered non-mobile women, instead of extending his control to women in the older age categories?

With the co-operation of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Production, I am continually seeking to have new war production placed in districts where there are immobile unemployed workers. Unemployment in the Welsh valleys has been greatly reduced since the outbreak of war, but there are still in certain districts men and women anxious to obtain employment on war work and I will naturally call upon these men and women before making demands upon older women in the same area.

Is not the Minister aware of the grave social problem of women being taken into employment and their husbands being left on unemployment assistance and then unemployment assistance being taken away, with the result that the husbands have to live on the earnings of their wives? Surely this is a problem which should have greater attention than it has received? Will be make another effort to see what he can do to deal with these pockets of unemployment?

I will make every effort.

asked the Minister of Labour what inquiries were made of women's organisations before the decision was arrived at for the registration of women between 45 and 50 years of age; in particular, was the Women's Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Labour consulted in the matter; and what was their advice?

No special inquiries were made of women's organisations. The Women's Consultative Committee has discussed this matter on different occasions; the advice given to me by this Committee is confidential.

What is the object of having a Women's Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Labour if they are not consulted in such a highly controversial matter as the registration of women between 45 and 50 years of age?

I can add nothing to the answer I gave.

Is the Minister aware that graver anxiety arises in this matter from the fact that the evidence to the country is to the effect, in general, that the step is not necessary?

I think my hon. Friend had better wait for the Debate.

Would the Minister agree that the raising of the registration age will really facilitate the release of women who have genuine household duties and make available for paid employment women who have not household duties and are at present idling?

I think I would ask hon. Members to await the Debate, when the facts can be ascertained.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to state the proposals of the Government for the organisation of domestic service after the war?

I have nothing to add to the reply given to my hon. Friend on 24th June.

Will the Minister bear in mind in this connection the importance of securing standard conditions as regards pay, hours and holidays?

Yes, the whole of that is being considered.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will take steps to avert the danger of the stoppage of the Edmonton trolley-bus depôt, owing to the favourable treatment given to the local chairman of the Transport and General Workers Union in the matter of late turns and total attendances?

I understand that it has been the practice of the London Passenger Transport Board for many years to allow its employees all reasonable facilities to carry out duties falling to them when acting in a public capacity. I am informed that the facilities granted to the employee in question, who is both an officer of his union and a Borough Councillor, are similar to those granted to other employees and subject to the same conditions. I have no evidence to support the suggestion that he has received more favourable treatment than his colleagues.

Is it not the case that the facilities given to this man are completely withheld from officials of other unions under the L.P.T.B., and that this gives rise to grave discontent? Will he see that there is equality of treatment?

I understand that facilities are given to every union that has an agreement with the Transport Board.

Is the Minister not aware that there are minority unions in this industry?

I understand that there is one breakaway, union, which is most unfortunate.

May not that be due to the character of the union from which they broke away?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the intended meaning of the word "Luminising" in the Emergency Powers (Defence) Factories Order S.R. & 0., 1053, of 1943), having regard to the facts that this word is not in common use and that the Order contains no explanatory memorandum?

This Order amends the principal Order of last year in which the expression "luminising" is defined. I am sending a copy of the two Orders to my hon. Friend.

Can the Minister explain where he got the word from?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that an expectant mother was recently prosecuted by his Department for refusing a direction to work under the Essential Work Order; that the case was dismissed by the Salford police under the Probation of Offenders Act; and will he consider issuing instructions that expectant mothers are exempt from such proceedings?

The officers of my Department already have instructions not to place any pregnant woman in employment against her wish. In the case referred to by my hon. Friend the woman concerned gave no intimation that she was an expectant mother until her appearance in Court for failure to comply with a direction.

Did I understand the Minister to say that there are instructions against doing this?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the desire felt in all parties to protect the interests of the small tradesman, when such protection is not at the cost of the general public, he will consider, both from the immediate and long term point of view, the establishment of agencies or the utilisation of employment exchanges, so as to enable the ordinary person to get into easy direct touch with such tradesmen as carpenters, plumbers, painters, etc., without resort to firms of builders or contractors whose intervention removes the personal touch between the client and the tradesman and doubles the cost of the services rendered?

I presume my hon. Friend has in mind, not an engagement under a contract of service, but the making of a contract direct with an individual building tradesman for the performance of a particular piece of work. It is not normally the function of the Employment Exchanges to act as intermediary in such cases.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men and women transferred to other parts of the country from the North of England and from Scotland and Wales, respectively, since the beginning of the war?

The numbers of women of registration age who were transferred to other parts of the country between 16th May, 1942, and 17th August, 1943, from Employment Exchanges in the Northern Region, Scotland and Wales respectively were 5,494, 3,652 and 1,950. These figures do not include women called up to the Women's Auxiliary Services. Information is not available as to the number of men who have been transferred nor is it available in respect of women prior to the date I have named.

Can the Minister supply the House with the separate figures for Wales?

I will pick out the Welsh ones and let the hon. Member know.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in Government Departments, and in industry, women are in many cases retained at work on overtime pay, although the work they have to perform could be completed in shorter hours: that most women resent this and desire to be efficiently employed; and what action does he propose to take?

The efficient employment of women in Government Departments is primarily a matter for the Treasury. With regard to women employed in industry, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Moss Side, Manchester (Mr. Rostron Duckworth) on 20th April, 1943.

Even if employment in Government Departments is a matter for the Treasury, is it not the Minister's concern to see that all persons are efficiently employed and that no labour is wasted?

It is my duty to see that they do not get too many, if I can resist their demands, which I keep on doing.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the widespread resentment felt against a certain type of young woman married to serving officers in this country who are without any domestic ties or family responsibilities who are at the present moment occupying accommodation at the hotels adjacent to their husbands and who avoid calling-up and do not undertake any useful war work; and what steps he proposes to take to follow up and utilise this potential labour?

I am aware that there has been criticism regarding cases of the kind described, but special inquiries which were made last year did not disclose that any substantial number of women were avoiding their obligations in that way. Existing instructions provide that a woman found to be living away from home with her husband should be considered for employment in the area in which she is living.

Is it possible to get the co-operation of commanding officers through their officers as to the location of their wives?

I would ask the hon. Member not to impose any more difficulties on us.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, arising out of the discharge of a labour manager from the General Electrical Company, at Wembley, the National Service officers and appeal boards are instructed, when dealing with cases concerning works managers, labour managers or welfare officers, to take into account not only the responsibility of these officials to the companies or organisations that employ them, but also to the general welfare of the community and the employees under their control; and whether it is his policy to encourage a code of independent professional conduct among such officials?

National Service officers are already instructed that labour managers and welfare officers should have the confidence both of the firm and of the workers. In my view, this is the only basis on which persons attempting to fufil these functions can do so successfully, and this fact is generally recognised by the members of the profession. I do not issue similar instructions to local appeal boards, but I have no doubt that they have these considerations in mind.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the shortage of labour in laundries in Oxford; and whether he is in a position to announce any policy?

Yes, Sir. My local offices are doing their best to overcome this shortage. Women are not being withdrawn from laundries under the National Service Acts or under the Registration for Employment Order, and it has been agreed with the Board of Trade that special steps should be taken to restore wastage where essential work is affected.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that his Department recently prosecuted Edith Buckley, age 21 years, a cotton operative, of Oxford Street, Oldham, for having gone on holidays with her family without the permission of her employer; that she bad been absent from work for only four days in four years through sickness; that, in imposing a nominal fine of 5s., the magistrate's clerk declared that, in view of the woman's good record, it was disgraceful to bring her to court; and whether he intends taking disciplinary action against the officers of his Department for instigating this prosecution?

My attention has also been called to this case by the trade union concerned. I am having special inquiries made and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

Is it possible for my right hon. Friend's officers to be given instructions not to proceed in cases where it is obvious that the magistrates will not convict?

The difficulty in this case is that the magistrate did convict, in spite of making the comment. Therefore, I must make special inquiries.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the magistrate imposed only a nominal fine because he was compelled to do so.

Is it not a fact that the magistrate said that this was a case which ought never to have been brought.

I am not going to accept without inquiry comments from the bench in any case where my officers are concerned. Magistrates often make comments which are not warranted.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Government has yet decided on the position of employers and employees in regard to the reinstatement of serving men in the posts they vacated on being called up, especially with reference to the common occurrence that such posts have been filled twice since the war started by men and women who have now joined the colours; and what is the position in this respect of those who voluntarily joined the fighting forces?

Proposals are under consideration which I hope to be able to bring before the House in the near future.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men and boys who have been directed to go to underground work and the success which has attended this direction; and the number of volunteers for work in the mines since the option was given for this or the services?

With regard to the first part of the Question, I regret that the information is not available, and could not be obtained without disproportionate expenditure of effort. With regard to the second part of the Question, up to 31st August the number of men who had effectively opted for underground mining in preference to service in His Majesty's Forces was just under 5,000. Of these, 3,099 had up to that date been placed in employment in coalmines and 1,103 in mines other than coalmines.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, pending the adoption of a general system of conscription of young men for the mining industry, he will suspend the practice of directing youths employed on surface-work in collieries to work underground without giving them the alternative of joining the Services?

As this matter comes within the scope of the forthcoming Debate, I would ask my hon. Friend to await my statement on this subject.

I thank my right hon. Friend for his reply, and will await with interest what he has to say. But will he bear in mind that the suggestion contained in this Question represents the almost unanimous opinion in the coalfield?

I thank my hon. Friend for awaiting my statement I do not think his Question is really based on the facts.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of youths in the 17-years-old group who registered in the city of Glasgow on 18th September and opted for the mines; and how many youths of the same age group attending public schools in England volunteered for the pits?

I am obtaining the available information, which I will send to my hon. Friend, but I should mention that separate figures are not obtained as between one school and another.

Will by right hon. Friend give me any information on the first part of the Question, as to how many registered and how many opted in the city of Glasgow last Saturday?

I cannot tell; it is too early to get the information.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I could give it to him?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has issued a notification to employers recommending that they should allow leave of absence to those employed by them who are members of the Army Cadets or similar organisations to attend camp; and, if not, whether he will consider issuing such a notification?

No, Sir, but I understand that the Inter-Services Cadet Committee recently issued a circular after consultation with the National Production Advisory Council of the Ministry of Production, in which, while the needs of production are recognised, employers of young persons are asked to do all in their power to enable them to attend camp. I do not think any action on my part is called for.

Does my right hon. Friend agree with such recommendations?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he contemplates any action against individuals or associations organising, in war-time, strikes unsupported by the appropriate unions, designed to exact an amendment of the law or withdrawal of an Order in Council?

I have certain powers to deal with individuals who take part in a strike in connection with a trade dispute or who absent themselves from work without good cause, and I am ready to use those powers in appropriate cases according to the particular circumstances. Strikes of the kind to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers definitely impede the war effort. If necessary, the law will have to be strengthened.

Will my right hon. Friend, in addition to using such powers as he has, suggest to the official unions in these industries that they should regard men who take part in unofficial strikes in the same light as they do those who refuse to take part in official strikes by the unions?

In making these inquiries, will my right hon. Friend go deeply into the question of whether the strike arises from the manager mis-managing the concern?

The point is that in this country there has been built up joint machinery, through which practically every grievance in industry can be dealt with, and unofficial strikes are definitely impeding the war effort, and going a long way towards destroying the effectiveness of the unions themselves.

In what way can my right hon. Friend take action against a body of 15,000 or 16,000 men on strike?

I am not suggesting that, but I think something should be done against those who for the moment supersede the executive and disregard instructions.

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent arrangements have been made to utilise the services of the large number of aliens now in this country?

As the answer is rather long, I will, with my hon. Friend's consent, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Does my right hon. Friend think of employing German prisoners in this country?

I would like notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, at a Government training centre a local unmarried trainee of 21 years of age or over receives, under the.wages scheme, 71s. 6d. per week, while a local single disabled ex-Service man of the same age, working at the same bench, receives only 475. 6d.; and what steps he proposes to take to end this differentiation, which is not fair to men who have sacrificed limbs or health in the country's service.

Trainees, whether disabled or not, receive the same wages if they are taking the same course. Special provision is made for disabled persons who are not fit to take the ordinary courses, and these receive allowances, together with payment of daily travelling expenses. The allowances are not subject to deductions for Income Tax or insurance, as are the wages paid to ordinary trainees, but they are in general somewhat lower than the net receipts of the trainees receiving wages and the rates of allowance are at present under review.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to come to any decision soon on that matter?

Oh, yes.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered a letter from the secretary of the Nine Mile Point Colliery workmen about Howard Seymour, who had been dismissed from the colliery because of a dispute about the safety of his place and the absence of timber to make it safe, and whose appeal was heard but no decision given for six weeks or more, during which this man was idle and then directed to go to the Pontymister steel works, where he is now doing labouring work; and will he take steps to see that cases of this sort are dealt with more promptly and the services of such men retained in the mines?

Inquiries are already being made into this case, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will see that before the introduction of the Education Bill the Committee presided over by Sir Arnold McNair will have reported?

I cannot give any undertaking that this Committee, which is engaged with a review of the long-term policy for the training and supply of teachers, will report before the introduction of a Bill; though its findings will be made available directly they are completed. I can well understand that my hon. friend will desire to have as much information as possible on the subject of the future recruitment of teachers. No doubt opportunities will occur from time to time to give the House the latest news on this subject.

In view of the fact that about 80,000 additional teachers will be required, does my right hon. Friend not think it would be far better to have the report of the McNair Committee on teachers before us before we start to discuss the question?

I do not think my hon. Friend quite appreciated the tenour of my reply. We do not depend on the McNair Committee alone for the supply of teachers. We depend on them chiefly for giving us long-term plans for the future recruitment, as well as the supply, of teachers. If I have additional information on Government policy for the recruitment of teachers, the importance of which is vital, I shall certainly give it to the House, and, if possible, before further steps are taken.

When will this long-awaited Bill be introduced?

There is a Question an the Paper about that.

What machinery now exists to deal with the temporary, or emergency, situation, apart from the long-term policy? My right hon. Friend has dismissed that question, apart from the Committee's Report.

That is just what I did not do. I said that if there was additional information to be given on Government policy, apart from that contained in the Committee's Report, on immediate plans for swelling the teaching profession, as far as it can be done in wartime, I would certainly impart it to the House, because I realise the importance of the matter.

That is apart from the McNair's Committee Report?

Yes, Sir.

Should not the Committee be asked to present an interim Report, which would be available to the House for discussion?

No; I would rather do it in the way I have said, give separate information on the recruitment of teachers, and let the McNair Committee finish their job without being rushed to a certain date.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the bad effects of the halftime education given to evacuee children or to children in the reception areas to which other children have been evacuated, he will now take steps either to have evacuee children brought back to their own schools or to take over adequate buildings in the reception areas?

It has generally been found possible by the hiring, where necessary, of additional accommodation or by other temporary expedients to provide both evacuated and local pupils in reception areas with total weekly periods of instruction which at least approximate to normal. If, however, the hon. Member has evidence that in any particular reception area this is not the case, I should be ready to investigate the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is satisfied that medical officers of health throughout the country are ensuring that the milk supplied to school children is clean and of good quality; that periodical tests, are being carried out; and that in doing so they are co-operating with the county war agricultural committees?

I am satisfied that medical officers of health take all practical steps by carrying out periodical tests and otherwise, to ensure that the milk supplied under the Milk in Schools Scheme is clean and of good quality. I understand that in county areas generally suitable cooperation exists with the county agricultural committees. My noble Friend the Minister of Food and I are proposing in the near future to conduct a census of the type of milk supplied to all schools in order to make provision for heat-treated or tuberculin tested milk where this is practicable and desirable and where neither of these types is now supplied.

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate how frequent these tests are?

I shall want notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he proposes to give effect to the recomendations in the Scott Report for educating the public in the proper use of the countryside?

I am considering this recommendation in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he can give (the percentage of pupils proceeding from the primary to the different categories of secondary schools in England and Wales during the years 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941 and 1942?

Of the pupils who in 1938 were in the age group 11–12, at which the primary stage normally ends, 9.5 per cent. proceeded to secondary schools, 2.5 per cent. proceeded later to junior technical and similar schools, while the remainder continued their education in public elementary schools: Of those who remained in elementary schools, about half were in reorganised senior schools or departments. I regret that no figures are available for the years subsequent to 1938.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied with the water supply in the Dursley rural district; and what steps he has taken to improve the situation?

A scheme for the utilisation of an additional source to remedy the recent deterioration in the water supply position in this area has been put forward by the Dursley Rural District Council, which is the responsible local authority. It has received my approval, has been given all necessary priorities and is now being carried out. I am advised by the local authority that the pipeline is virtually complete, that all other components are on the site and that it is expected that the scheme will be operation in a few days time. The water will be chlorinated before being put into supply, and regular tests will be made.

asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made in surveying the water resources of the country, so that full information may be available in connection with the selection of sites for new towns and the making of any necessary changes in the location of industries?

Information as to the availability of water supplies from public undertakings is readily obtainable by industrialists and other prospective consumers from the undertakers themselves. There is close liaison between my Department and other Departments including the Ministry of Town and Country Planning who consult my Department as requisite. The work of the Inland Water Survey, which consists of recording, collecting and publishing measurements of flow of rivers and, in conjunction with the Geological Survey, estimates of yield of underground services, has been generally suspended during the war as the central and local personnel concerned have necessarily been engaged on work more closely related to the prosecution of the war. This work, which must be on a long-term basis, is of great value and I hope that it will be possible to develop it on a larger scale when conditions are more favourable.

What has happened to the several reports by the Central Advisory Water Committee, the Water Pollution Research Board and the Inland Water Survey Committee? Is it not desirable that the reports of these Committees should be co-ordinated so that the public could have some general information on the matter?

If my hon. Friend will look at the Report recently presented by Lord Milne, he will find that a great deal of that information is there. If he wants more, I shall be glad to furnish it.

Is the Minister satisfied that his Department is the best Department to deal with the water supply?

I have no doubt about it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that the suggested water undertakings to be created will be under municipal or national ownership?

I could give no pledge about that, but the issues involved in the Milne Report will come before Parliament in due course.

asked the Minister of Health what action he proposes to take to implement the recommendation of the Select Committee on National Expenditure with regard to maternity allowances for women engaged in industry; and if he is aware that his delay is having serious effects on the health of women who tend, through economic necessity, to stay too long at work?

I have been making inquiries to ascertain the extent to which women engaged in industry do in fact remain at work to a late stage in pregnancy or return to work too soon after childbirth. These inquiries are nearly complete, and I hope to be able to make a statement shortly.

asked the Minister of Health, whether he will consider the granting of maternity benefits to women employed in the Emergency Medical Service?

Women employed in the Emergency Medical Services who are insured under the National Health Insurance Acts are, subject to the fulfilment of certain qualifying conditions, entitled to payment of maternity benefit in respect of confinement.

Is it not a fact that these disqualifications largely prevent these women getting benefit?

I am not sure whether the hon. Gentleman is thinking of those who are excepted from compulsory insurance. If that is so, I shall be glad to give him a precise answer about that.

asked the Minister of Health when the White Paper on the Re-organisation of Health Services will be published?

No, Sir. I am not yet in a position to say.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any information as to new methods of treating shell shock now being tried by the medical profession?

All the modern methods of treatment are used at the special neurosis centres set up under the Emergency Hospital Scheme. These centres are kept abreast of the latest developments of medical knowledge on the subject through my consultant advisers on neurology and psychiatry and in other ways. If my hon. Friend has in mind any particular method of treatment, perhaps he will communicate with me.

Is it not a fact that Lord Horder's Committee stated clearly that the term "shell shock" is an entire misnomer?

asked the Minister of Health what practice is to be adopted by the Assistance Board with regard to pensioners in receipt of supplementary pensions when these pensioners enter rate-aided, rate-maintained and voluntary hospitals?

The Assistance Board inform me that their normal practice is to continue payment of a supplementary pension after a pensioner is admitted to hospital in those cases where the pensioner has commitments such as rent or the maintenance of dependants which cannot be met out of his basic pension or other income and in other cases to suspend payment. To safeguard the position of widows under Section 4 (2) of the recent Act, however, the determination will in all cases remain formally in force for at least six months after the pensioner is admitted to hospital.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is in a position to announce when the Assistance Board will make a report on the codification of the scales of supplementary allowance to old age pensioners?

asked the Minister of Health (1) when it is expected that the Assistance Board will issue its promised codification and simplification of the whole body of regulations;

I understand from the Assistance Board that their consideration of proposals for the amendment of the existing Regulations on supplementary pensions has reached an advanced stage. I am not, however, in a position to forecast at what date revised Regulations will be submitted nor what the content of these Regulations will be.

When can I repeat this Question, so that we shall know definitely?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put it down when we return.

asked the Minister of Health, which local authorities for housing have adopted schemes of granting rebates on the rents of subsidised houses in proportion to the number of the tenants' children or to the extent to which their incomes fell below a certain amount per member of their families; what percentage of the population these local authorities represent; and what steps have been taken to induce local authorities who have not yet adopted such schemes to do so?

I regret I have no information which would enable me to supply the details asked for, but the matter is being considered as part of the general review of the housing problem which is at present being made.

In view of the hardship from which many householders are suffering owing to the tendency of landlords to refuse tenants with children, will the right hon. Gentleman really take strong steps to encourage this system of rent rebates, so that at least the houses towards which the general ratepayers and taxpayers have contributed shall be available for families with children?

As I have said, we are reviewing that matter in connection with the whole housing question.

Would it not be a relief to these people to take the rates off the houses, never mind the rents?

Is it not possible to give consideration to the suggestion that in respect to houses owned by local authorities the first class of people to have consideration should be those with children?

I will send my hon. Friend the Circular governing the matter, and he will see that there are special obligations on local authorities.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give an assurance that as soon as practicable after the war every inhabitant of these islands shall be decently housed and give a broad outline of the methods to be adopted to achieve this end?

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." As regards the second part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statements I have made both in Debates and in answer to Questions in the House. I am not in a position to add to these statements at present, but shall do so as and when circumstances permit.

On several occasions I have taken exception to there being no forward policy by the right hon. Gentleman's Department as far as housing is concerned. How much longer are we to wait?

I do not accept that suggestion.

asked the Minister of Health whether he intends to get the views of industrialists on the housing of their workers; and can he give any statistical evidence of the loss of efficiency in industry due to bad housing?

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir" and to the second part "No, Sir."

When the right hon. Gentleman asks for advice from industrialists on housing, will he ask some women, because they will advise him not to put central heating in larders?

I am not asked about women here, but the fact is that the committee and sub-committees concerned have taken a mass of evidence not merely from individual women but from all kinds of organisations of women.

How many women are on the committee?

Five on the main committee and an additional five on the subcommittees.

And how many men?

asked the Minister of Health whether there is an official definition of a slum house, as no Housing or Public Health Act gives such a definition?

The term "slum house" is one generally understood, and commonly used by those not wishing to resort to legal language, as describing a dwelling defined in the Housing Act, 1936, as one which is unfit for human habitation and is not capable at a reasonable expense of being made so fit.

Is it not possible for the Department to fix a definite life for the property—such a life as will prevent slum conditions prevailing?

I cannot discuss that on this Question.

Does it not depend a great deal upon the inhabitants of the property?

I think my answer was a definite and precise one.

asked the Minister of Health whether the construction above ground level of all the houses under the 3,000 agricultural cottage building programme has now commenced; and whether any have yet been completed and occupied?

The latest progress returns made by the local authorities show that of the 2,730 houses for which tenders had been approved by the end of August, 1,644 were under construction at that date and 1,055 had reached various stages from dampcourse level upwards, 293 having reached first floor level or a more advanced stage. The number now under construction is 1,974. Two houses have been completed but are not yet occupied and others are on the point of completion.

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect that these two houses will be occupied, and was the flourish of trumpets last week largely futile?

The rural district council asked me to go down, and I went, as I felt it was my duty to do, and saw two very good houses.

Can we have an assurance that, when the next two are completed and there is an opening ceremony, the right hon. Gentleman will make arrangements with the Minister of Fuel to prevent so many cars being present?

That is not my responsibility. The only cars for which I was responsible were one for myself and my staff from Whitehall and one from Tunbridge Wells for the regional staff. There may have been as many Press cars as. any others. That headline story was a sample of the basest kind of journalism.

How many persons who had nothing to do with the building of the cottages were present?

I am sure that question will be regarded with indignation in the district, because most of the people who came were vitally interested both in agriculture and in local government there. This kind of sneering does not do any good.

If it takes seven months to build two cottages, how many centuries will it take to build 3,000?

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a pledge that in any new housing he is likely to undertake, provision will be made for cupboards?

There are cupboards in these houses, but my hon. Friend will understand that just now one of the most difficult problems in housing or any kind of building is, timber.

On a point of Order. May I ask your guidance, Sir, whether the Minister is in Order in referring to a supplementary question on a matter of fact as a sneer?

If hon. Members would speak up, I might perhaps hear. I have not heard a single word so far.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has now had investigations made into the use of chalk, in suitable areas, for post-war housing?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to him on 25th March, 1943. I understand that a report on the subject is, at their request, being prepared for the committee which I mentioned in that reply.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered a letter forwarded to him by the honourable Member for West Lewisham, written by a firm of owners or owners agents offering particulars of certain small empty houses in Camberwell to a possible weekly tenant, but stipulating that they do not desire any children on the property; and what action he proposes to take about stipulations of this character in relation to the public interest and the needs of a nation at war?

Yes, Sir, and I am much obliged to my hon. Friend for bringing this correspondence to my notice. My attention has been drawn from time to time to similar instances of landlords who refuse to let their premises to tenants with children. Restrictions of this kind are obviously not in the national interest, especially at the present time when there is a heavy demand. for housing accommodation in most parts of the country. If they are to be maintained, private rights must be exercised with a full sense of responsibility, and if the practice referred to spreads, I shall certainly consider a drastic increase in the powers which I have recently delegated to local authorities to requisition empty houses to provide accommodation for families inadequately housed.

Is it not in the national interest that the name of this firm should be published?

I will confer with my hon. Friend about that.

Would it be possible for the Minister to acquaint these house agents that actually they are acting as agents for birth control?

My hon. Friend will see that the Question and answer may help in forming public opinion about it.

How many cases of this description have to take place before the Minister decides to take any action?

Is not the Minister aware that the refusal of factors to let houses to people with children is widespread, and cannot he take action immediately?

We must see how the present plans develop.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that even men in the Services with children are unable to get houses?

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the position of high national importance of Members of Parliament and the fact that they have to judge how the duty of service in the Legislature can best be performed, whether Members of Parliament are entitled to travel in and out of the country as long as it does not involve subversive action against the State?

No, Sir. I gather that my hon. Friend's Question arises out of a refusal of an application by him for a permit to visit Eire primarily for a. change of air and environment. The question of travel by Members of Parliament to neutral countries has been considered by the Government on several occasions, and their view has always been that in this matter Members should be subject to the same rules as other persons. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister does not think that the high national importance of a Member of Parliament's position, or his duty of service in the legislature, would be in any way enhanced by granting him special facilities for leaving the country.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his statement with regard to me personally, that the main reason was that I wanted to go for the benefit of my health, is entirely incorrect and misleading the House? It was one of the reasons and not the entire reason, which is set out very clearly in the correspondence with the Home Secretary, and therefore is it not very wrong to make a reflection upon an hon. Member in this fashion?

I understood that that was the principal reason why the hon. Member wanted to go.

Is it not the case that the privilege of Members of Parliament is not personal and that it is not an advantage personally to hon. Members, but that the privilege is the privilege of their constituents, and King's officers have no right to hinder a Member of Parliament from doing what is, in his judgment, part of his public duty?

Is it not true to say that the privilege of hon. Members is confined to this country?

But is not the hon. Member's health a national asset?

asked the Prime Minister, whether his attention has been drawn to the grievance on the part of those serving in the anti-aircraft units in the United Kingdom that their active service has not been considered by the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals in time of war; and whether this matter is under consideration?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider extending the grant of the general 1939–43 medal to members of the Air Transport Auxiliary in view of the danger they ran from enemy air attacks whilst carrying out their duties, particularly at the time of the Battle of Britain?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave yesterday to Questions on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to make any further statement on the question of Ministers of the Crown being permitted to claim as deductable against salary any expenses arising out of the performance of their duties as Members of Parliament?

This matter has been considered, but my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister does not propose to make any recommendations to the House on this subject at the present time.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why this small class of persons should be the only people in the country who are taxed on money which is not income, when every other citizen is entitled to deduct from his remuneration the expenses necessarily arising out of his job, and why is this precluded in respect of these people?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, as conditions now are, it does not pay an hon. Member of this House to draw his salary as an Under-Secretary?

Answer.

May I have an answer?

I am quite aware of these things.

The right hon. Gentleman might have answered it, anyway.

asked the Prime Minister to what extent the Government are making provision for the feeding, fuelling and clothing of ex-enemy countries on the Continent of Europe during the coming 12 months; whether such provision will entail further sacrifices by our own people in this country; and is he aware that any substantial further sacrifices for this purpose will cause widespread resentment?

Clearly, the problem whether the local production of food, fuel and clothing in ex-enemy countries during the next 12 months will be sufficient to meet the basic necessities of the population depends largely on the course of the war. But His Majesty's Government, in consultation with the United States Government, have for some time past been studying the whole problem and are endeavouring to make such provision as may be necessary to ensure that there is no interference, due to unrest arising from want, with the operations of our Armies in such countries. No commitment in regard to these countries has been entered into which would involve further sacrifice by our own people and I need hardly say that the prior claims of our own people as well as those of occupied Allied territory will not be disregarded.

Is it contemplated that there will be any further additional sacrifices male by our people to meet the needs of people in foreign countries?

I have already answered that.

Is it not a fact that our people are quite prepared to bear further sacrifices if they help us to get peace after the war, and, further, is it not a fact that we cannot hope to get such a peace if there are large parts of Europe starving?