asked the Secretary of State for India the monthly pay of lieut.-colonels, majors, captains, lieutenants, and second-lieutenants of British units in India; and the deduction for Income Tax?MR. AMERY,

asked the Secretary of State for India, what steps he has taken to make known to the United States of America and other parts of the world that the responsibility for dealing with the famine in Bengal rests upon the Bengal Government and not upon the Secretary of State; and that that Government is a constitutional body elected under the provisions of the Government of India Act, 1935?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement I made to-day at the end of Questions, in which I endeavoured to define the functions and responsibilities of the several authorities on this matter. The information will doubtless be reproduced in the Press, both in this country and elsewhere.

asked the Secretary of State for India to what extent the famine in Bengal is due to loss of rice supplies from Burma; and to what extent hoarding and profiteering are responsible?

Both are contributory causes and there are many others besides. I cannot evaluate the precise degree to which each is to be held responsible.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has considered the recent communication addressed to him from the mayor and corporation of Calcutta concerning the grave famine situation; whether the communication contains any specific requests or demands; and what action is proposed to be taken in regard to it?

Yes, Sir. The telegram contained a request for imports of food grains. With regard to the latter part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made to-day at the end of Questions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he realises the vast amount of work asked from pharmacists and others in complying with recent requirements, especially under Toilet Preparations (No. 3) Order, needing a far larger staff than it is possible for stores to maintain in present conditions; and v ill he consent to simplification?

The present control of the manufacture and supply of toilet preparations has been worked out in close consultation with the trade. I am satisfied that this control is necessary to check evasion and black marketing by a minority of traders.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why, under the provisions of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Location of Retail Businesses Order (S.R. & O., No. 1065, of 1943), he has made it illegal for a tailor to measure a person at the latter's residence or place of business?

The purpose of this Order, which was made after consultation with the trade, was to bring within the scope of the Location of Retail Businesses Order the establishment by tailors of new branch shops for measuring and fitting clients. I am glad to assure my hon. Friend that the Order does not make it illegal for a tailor to measure a person at the latter's residence or place of business.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider making an immediate concession in coupon value, prior to the coming of winter, to enable the general public in this country to purchase warm underclothing to replace old and worn-out garments, especially in view of the fact that large stocks, now dead, have been accumulated in warehouses and retail houses?

I have recently down-pointed certain cloths and garments made from those cloths and this has had the effect of reducing stocks which had accumulated since rationing was introduced. But I do not propose to down-point underwear, as stocks are not excessive, at present coupon rates, for the winter demand.

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what grounds his Department frequently refuses applications for internal telephone installations?

Highly skilled labour and scarce materials are required in the manu- facture and installation of internal telephone systems. Applications are granted, therefore, only where such systems are shown to be indispensable to the performance of work of national importance.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he has taken to ensure a reasonably good supply of children's toys for sale at Christmas; and whether he has taken any steps to control prices?

I have allowed registered manufacturers and wholesalers to supply an additional quantity of toys and children's indoor games between 13th September and 30th November in order to increase the supply available for Christmas. By an Order made last April, I have limited the margins of profit which manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers may charge for toys and indoor games and, in addition, I have fixed an overriding maximum retail price of 24s. 5d.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in the Tyldesley area of Leigh parliamentary division the colliers cannot have their clogs repaired singly, they must have the pair done or none; that this is causing hardship as it means double the cost and wastes material and labour; and will he have inquiries made to see if this waste can be remedied?

I am aware that it is the practice for clogs to be repaired in pairs, but I am looking into the matter in the light of my hon. Friend's Question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the acquisition by Mr. Rank, on behalf of Odeon Theatres, of the Paramount companies operating in London, Liverpool, Glasgow and Birmingham and his recent offer to buy all the ordinary and deferred shares in Metropolitan Cinema Investments Corporation were made with his consent; and whether they are in conformity with the assurance given to him by Mr. Rank and announced in July that he would not acquire additional cinemas or studios without the consent of the Board of Trade?

I am informed that the purchases by Odeon Theatres, Ltd., of the Paramount companies to which my hon. Friend refers, were completed in August, 1942. Negotiations regarding the shares in Metropolitan Cinema Investment Corporation, Ltd., were far advanced last June and are among those to the conclusion of which I consented in my letter to Mr. Rank of 28th June.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can provide extra coupons for members of the girls' pre-service training units or a coupon-free issue of uniform, as these services are doing valuable work in training young people and were set up at the direct instigation of the Government?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to expand the work being done by the National Association of Girls' Training Corps and associate bodies, he will consider the need of an issue of uniform under agreed conditions to the officers and cadets of the girls pre-service training units, as the work of the Association contributes to both morale and efficiency and the lack of uniform impedes seriously the expansion of the service?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to remove the discrimination between the National Association of Training Corps for Girls and other youth organisations such as the Air Training Corps and the Sea Cadet Corps, he will arrange either for a free issue of uniform or for an extra allowance of clothing coupons to officers and cadets of the N.A.T.C.G.?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to see that uniforms are supplied free to girls joining the Girls' Pre-Service Training Corps, as is the case with boys?

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the fact that an organisation of some 100,000 cadets and 80,000 officers has been built up in the past two years, if he will give further consideration to the issue of uniform, under agreed conditions, to officers and cadets of the girls' pre-service training units?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider allowing uniforms to be obtained for the G.T.C. on proper certification without coupons?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the detrimental effect on recruiting to the G.T.C. of the present policy of requiring coupons to be surrendered when purchasing uniforms and the hardship involved thereby; and whether he will reconsider the present position with particular reference to the unfavourable comparison now existing between the G.T.C. and other training units in this respect?

I have considered very carefully the representations made to me regarding the Girls' Training Corps, but, as I have explained in reply to previous Questions, I regret that I cannot see my way, in view of the shortage of civilian clothing supplies, to grant extra coupons for uniforms for members of this Corps. In this respect the Girls' Training Corps are in the same position as Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and other voluntary youth organisations, who have to provide their uniform out of their normal ration, together with the supplementary allowances made to all under 18 years of age. The uniforms for the boys' Cadet Corps are issued by the Service Departments, which sponsor them, and do not come out of civilian supplies. The question of financial assistance for the provision of uniforms is one for my right hon. Friend, the President of the Board of Education.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether instructions have been given to local price regulation committees to grant licences on request to men invalided out of the Forces who had had to close their shops owing to the war and are now anxious to re-open?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth on 29th June last.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the recent statement of Mr. Henry Wallace, Vice-President of the United States of America, in respect of international cartels operating in restraint of trade; and whether he will set up a committee to inquire as to the effect of these cartels on British production and trade?

I have seen the statement mentioned by my hon. Friend, but I am unable at present to add to the reply given by the Prime Minister on 22nd July to my hon. Friend the Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths).

asked the Home Secretary the number of towns where the residence ban has been lifted?

The area in East Anglia which has recently been freed from the ban on taking up permanent residence includes one borough and 13 urban districts.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Essex County War Agricultural Executive Committee have recently issued a letter headed Our Ref. H.Q/TD /F. Stuffs/DH/(1)/B 886/MM; and whether, in order to effect economy in the use of manpower, he will cause them to simplify their method of registering correspondence?

I am advised that the use by the Essex War Agricultural Executive Committee of reference numbers on the general lines of that quoted by my hon. and gallant Friend does not result in any loss of economy in the use of manpower, as it enables replies quoting the appropriate reference number to be immediately referred to the individual officer concerned with the correspondence. The Essex Committee have been asked to do their best to shorten and simplify reference numbers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, what arrangements exist for the assistance of members of the W.L.A. who become involved in sickness or accident?

Employed members of the Women's Land Army are, like other agricultural workers, insured under the National Health Insurance Scheme so that, in the event of sickness, they qualify for benefit at the appropriate rates; and a Land Army member who is injured as a result of an accident when at work is entitled to the compensation provided under the Workmen's Compensation Act's. All Land Army members who work away from home are recognised as eligible for hospital treatment, should this be necessary, under the Emergency Hospital Scheme for transferred war workers. In addition, the Women's Land Army Benevolent Fund, to which the Government has made a substantial contribution, exists to provide additional financial help where expensive medical treatment or a long period of convalescence is needed after illness or accident, or where circumstances of special hardship exist.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether Miss Amelia King of the John Scurr House, Stepney, has now been accepted into the W.L.A.; and whether she will be entitled to receive and wear the land army uniform?

I am expecting that the enrolment of Miss Amelia King in the Women's Land Army will be effected this week, and as soon as she is drafted to employment she will receive and will be entitled to wear the Women's Land Army uniform.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied that the sugar-beet crop is being successfully gathered in; and how far any appeal for labour assistance has been made to the War Office and Minister of Labour?

Sugar-beet lifting has only recently begun and normally continues until the latter part of December, but my right hon. Friend is satisfied with the progress so far made. As regards labour, my right hon. Friend has arranged for the transfer of additional Italian prisoners to the sugar-beet areas; and he is in close touch with the Ministry of Labour and with the Services who are giving a great deal of help in those districts where they can.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, with a view to safeguarding this country against a repetition of the unemployment which existed prior to 1939 the Government are now in a position to make a pronouncement indicating the policy they intend to adopt, with a view to maintaining the correct balance in this country between the productive capacity and purchasing power?

For the present I do not think it necessary to add to the statements made by my predecessor and by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, in the Debates of 2nd and 3rd February last on the Motion of my hon. Friend the Member for Horsham (Earl Winterton).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give the House any information regarding the discussions now taking place in Washington between representatives of the British and United States Treasuries and some indication of their character and scope?

These discussions are a continuation of the exploratory talks between representatives of the British Treasury and the United States Treasury, of which the late Chancellor informed the House on more than one occasion. They are concerned with possible arrangements for international currency after the war. I am not in a position to make a full statement on the subject at present for a complete report has not yet reached me, but I can assure my hon. Friend that His Majesty's Government is not committed to any proposals which may emerge, and that before a decision is taken there will be an opportunity for Debate in the House.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an assurance that any currency agreement arrived at during the present negotiations in Washington will not be binding on this country until it has been first debated and accepted wy the House of Commons?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider granting to non-manual workers the same concession that has been granted to manual workers in the collection of Income Tax?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes to extend the pay-as-you-go scheme of Income Tax to workers paid monthly as well as those paid weekly?

I shall be referring to this matter at a later date in moving the Second Reading of the Wage Earners' Income Tax Bill and perhaps my hon. Friends would await that occasion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, taking the chief demands upon post-war planning and development of all kinds in which the State is expected to assist, he can state the approximate aggregate estimated cost and how such cost is subdivided?

The Beveridge Report and the White Paper on Educational Reconstruction include detailed estimates of the cost involved in the proposals examined in those papers. On other important questions on which consideration is advancing, the stage has not been reached at which it is possible to publish estimates of cost.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the hardship caused to testamentary beneficiaries, such as a widow and children, by Section 7 (5) of the Finance Act, 1894, which estimates the value of property owned by the deceased by reference to the price such property might fetch if sold in the open market at the time of death; and whether, as war-time prices of property reach an exaggerated level and as Death Duties now have to be paid on these inflated values, the next Budget will amend the law to adjust the burden of taxation such cases where the beneficiaries continue to occupy the property?

I will consider my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion, but I would remind him that the fundamental principle of valuation of property for purposes of Estate Duty is to take market value at the date of death, and it would be difficult to make a departure from that basis for any particular type of property.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of the total number of estates chargeable to Death Duties are under £500 gross value; what percentage of the total revenue from Death Duties is derived from such estates; how the revenue from these small estates compares with the cost of assessment and collection; and will he consider whether a higher exemption limit than £100 would release labour and further encourage small savings without net loss of revenue?

Of the total number of estates charged to Death Duties about 40 per cent. do not exceed £500 gross capital value. They yield about £150,000 which is approximately 0.2 per cent. of the total revenue from Death Duties. I note my hon. Friend's suggestion, but I must point out that, as a detailed examination of these small cases is normally unnecessary, the saving in cost of assessment would be relatively small, and it has to be borne in mind that whatever the limit may be, it is necessary to bring under review the affidavits and wills in all estates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that an Army officer killed in action recently had succeeded to the family estates on the death of his cousin killed in action 10 days previously; and whether Death Duties are payable on the second death and in similar cases?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to Section 64 (2) of the Finance Act, 1940, which relieves from a second payment of Death Duties property passing on successive deaths in circumstances such as those to which the Question refers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why another £50,000,000 has been added to the fiduciary issue?

The continuing growth in the circulation is no doubt due primarily to a continuing increase in the volume of wage payments. It is also probably true that too many notes are still being hoarded; it would be very much in the interests both of the hoarders and the State that these surples notes should be deposited in a bank or invested in war loans.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the retired pay of an Army officer who takes up residence in one of the Dominions is subject to Income Tax at full rates in this country and is also subject to Dominion taxation; and whether arrangements are under consideration which will lessen any deterrent to emigration within the Empire?

Income from sources in this country is in general chargeable to United Kingdom Income Tax whether or not the recipient is resident here. A retired Army officer who takes up residence in a Dominion is therefore chargeable to United Kingdom Income Tax on his retired pay. He is entitled to a proportion of the personal allowances to which he would be entitled if he were resident here, the proportion being that which his income liable to United Kingdom Income Tax bears to his total income from all sources. The question whether he is also chargeable to Dominion Tax on his pay depends on the law of the Dominion concerned. If he is so chargeable he is entitled to a measure of relief from United Kingdom Tax under the provisions of Section 27 of the Finance Act, 1920.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the amount paid by the taxpayer in direct and indirect taxation, respectively?

The Budget estimates of taxation for the year 1943–44 represent about £40 per head for direct taxation and about £20 per head for indirect taxation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, with a view to effecting a number of urgently needed administrative economies, and to meeting the convenience of the public, he will consider arranging for issuing various licences, such as driving, wireless, gun and dog licences, for periods of more than one year as at present?

I do not believe that State that these surplus notes should be the economies and convenience expected deposited in a bank or invested in war by my hon. Friend would be practice.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the fact that the cost of living has greatly increased since the granting of Civil Service pensions after the last war, he will consider the justice of reviewing all such pensions in the light of the present cost of living?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which was given to the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. W. Brown) on the 30th March last, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of his reference, in paragraph 23 of Command Paper 6469, to the Government's policy that two persons of small income should not be liable to more tax if married than unmarried, he will define the income level at which this policy ceases to apply?

The statement in paragraph 23 of the White Paper to which my hon. Friend refers is a statement of the effect of the existing law which requires incomes of husband and wife to be treated as one for taxation purposes. If my hon. Friend will look at the Table on the last page of last year's White Paper on the Taxation of Weekly Wage Earners (Cmd. 6348 of 1942) he will see that for all joint earned incomes up to ₣1,500 joint assessment means less tax than separate assessment.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Government propose to give a grant towards the £250,000 research station to be built at Oxford for eye research?

I have seen the public appeal which has recently been made for £250,000 to build, equip and endow the research laboratories of a Department of Ophthalmology at Oxford University. No question of Government aid towards the cost of this scheme has been raised; if it were, it would no doubt have to be considered along with the other post-war needs of the Universities.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that, while to witness matches by the Slough United Football Club the ordinary entrance ticket cost 6d. including ¾d. Entertainments Duty, the local Customs and Excise officer has assessed the tax on a season ticket of 10s. at 4s. 7d., on a charge of 2.29d. per entrance even if all the 24 matches are attended; and whether he will arrange for a lower rate of tax on the season tickets more in accordance with the ¾d. tax on single entrances, as otherwise the club will be forced to discontinue the issue of season tickets which would be to the disadvantage of the Treasury?

Yes, Sir. A revised assessment on the basis suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend has been authorised in this case.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that 21 weekly newspapers circulate in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight; in how many of these the Ministry is advertising for national savings purposes; what rates in each case are being paid per single column inch; and whether these rates are based on circulation?

The National Savings Committee advertises in eleven of these newspapers. The rate paid for the advertising is in no case more than the paper's lowest trade rate. Rate in relation to circulation was the main factor governing the selection of these papers for advertising purposes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a plan for an international investment board has been submitted by His Majesty's Government or by the United States in the course of the Washington negotiations; and if so, what are the proposed conditions to qualify as borrower?

I am informed that the United States Treasury has prepared such a plan. I have not yet received a copy, nor am I in possession of any detailed information as to its contents.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, under a Treasury ruling, employees in Government Departments who, when registering for military service, register provisionally as conscientious objectors, render themselves ineligible for promotion, whereas they would be entitled to retain any promoted rank received between the time of registration with their age groups and the subsequent date of any provisional registration; that provisional registration as a conscientious objector may be effected at any time within two days after medical examination and is a preliminary adjudication by a competent tribunal; and whether he will amend the rule so that ineligibility for promotion becomes effective either after such persons have been heard by the appropriate tribunal or after medical examination?

The great majority of conscientious objectors apply for provisional registration as such at the time of their registration with their age groups, in the knowledge that otherwise they are regarded as accepting all forms of national service and that the tribunals may regard any later application for provisional registration as indicating a change of view. The existing wartime rule against the promotion of conscientious objectors in the Civil Service applies as from the time when, by registering as conscientious objectors, they first declare that they are not unreservedly at the service of the State. If my hon. Friend's suggestion were adopted, the operation of the rule would be unjustifiably delayed or, in certain cases, completely avoided.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, in which Departments have man-power or efficiency committees of civil servants been established; and in which Departments is it proposed to establish them?

Collaboration with the staff is provided for in the Civil Service by the Whitley system, which is in operation throughout the Service, and all Departments have been asked to make full use of their Whitley machinery in dealing with internal man-power problems. I am not aware how many Departments have chosen for their joint arrangements the titles referred to by my hon. Friend, and, as he will appreciate, it would be misleading to imply that effective action is limited to those who have. Circumstances vary between Department and Department, and whether in a particular case the problem is best dealt with by the appointment of an ad hoc joint committee, or by other means, is for the Department concerned to decide.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of women of 35 years of age and under who are now employed in Government offices?

I have been asked to reply. I regret that, owing to the abandonment, for the duration of the war, of the Civil Service Census, the desired information is not available.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to a resolution of the Devon County Education Committee that it is desirable that the admission of children under 16 years of age to fun fairs should be prohibited by law; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter, in view of the fact that the taking part in the games permitted to be played in these places has not a good moral influence on young people?

The proposal made in the resolution passed by the Devon Education Committee to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers has already been the subject of full inquiry, and in answer to a Question put to me by the hon. Member for Newport (Sir R. Clarry) on 18th March last I informed him that as the result of these inquiries I had come to the conclusion that there were not sufficient grounds to justify me in proposing at the present time new statutory provisions to control admission to fun fairs.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that all appointments of members of the police forces of the country are submitted to two magistrates in petty sessions in accordance with the provisions of Section 6 of the Police Act, 1839; and, if not, will he call the attention of all chief constables to those provisions?

I understand that it is the normal practice for the declaration which has to be made by a constable on appointment to be taken at petty sessions, and I do not think that any further action is required on my part.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has considered representations regarding the promotion and status of retired warrant officers and commissioned officers from warrant rank; and whether he has any statement to make on this matter?

Yes, Sir. An order has been issued making it clear that these officers may be recommended for promotion to acting higher rank in accordance with general naval practice. As regards their status, like other retired officers they normally take rank and command in accordance with the rank they held on the Active List, but arrangements exist whereby in appropriate cases these officers may be granted the higher status of the retired rank they actually hold.

asked the President of the Board of Education what is his attitude towards local education authorities revising their income scales for scholarship awards to take into account wartime conditions; and to what extent have these income scales, in fact, been revised?

My Department is ready to consider favourably any reasonable proposals from local education authorities for revising the income scale for scholarships at secondary schools and and other educational institutions to meet wartime conditions. Most authorities have in fact already modified their scales, and in some instances more than one adjustment has taken place during the period of the war.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his Ministry, in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture, will set up a committee to ascertain, before next season, the approximate cost of production and the approximate date of commencement of picking of strawberries in the various areas in the country?

My Noble Friend is unable to accept my hon. Friend's proposal. The procedure followed in fixing strawberry prices was explained in the reply given to his Question on 14th July and no reason is known why a decision to modify it should be taken at the present time.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give an undertaking that large public works contractors will not be employed by local authorities on housing until after the small and medium local builders, who are more efficient on this class of work, are fully occupied?

My right hon. Friend does not think that the exclusion which my hon. Friend suggests is the right way of securing the best results in the execution of a housing programme: the type of contractor employed must vary with the size and nature of the particular contract.

asked the Minister of Health, whether he is yet in a position to report on the work of the inter-departmental committee set up to review the whole field of rent restriction?

I am glad to say that my Noble Friend Viscount Ridley, who was the chairman of the previous committee on the subject, has accepted the chairmanship of this committee, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. Friend hope to be in a position to announce the full constitution of the Committee very shortly.

asked the Minister of Health, whether he is yet in a position to issue a report on the findings of the subcommittee under the chairmanship of Sir Felix Pole on the part to be played by private enterprise in post-war housing?

No, Sir. The report of the sub-committee has not yet been submitted. I understand, however, that the sub-committee have made substantial progress with the taking of evidence and expect soon to complete this necessary part of their work.

asked the Minister of Health why a licence to buy a duo-therapy lamp was granted to a Wolverhampton firm and refused to a Bilston firm, of which he has been informed, although the latter are further from a hospital than the former?

As stated in the reply to a Question by my hon. Friend on 21st September, one of the considerations which is taken into account in advising the Board of Trade on applications for licence to acquire electro-medical apparatus is whether the apparatus will be used under proper supervision. My right hon. Friend's medical advisers were not satisfied that this would be the case with the Ultra Violet Lamp which the Bilston firm desired to purchase.

asked the Minister of Health what notice was given, under Section 38 of the Rating and Valuation Act, 1925, to the inhabitants of Haxby that a competent person employed to give advice or assistance in connection with the valuation of hereditaments in the parish of Haxby was entering or surveying and valuing hereditaments in the parish of Haxby on certain dates in the course of the past 12 months?

I am informed that the surveys have practically all been carried out with the agreement of the occupiers of the properties concerned and that only in very few cases has it been necessary to invoke the powers of Section 38 of the Rating and Valuation Act, 1925.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning (I) whether it is still the policy of the Government that land taken for public purposes shall be purchased at a price based upon its value in 1939; (2) whether he will take immediate action to check the speculation in land?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for East Birkenhead (Mr. White) on 21st September, 1943, of which I am sending him a copy. I have nothing at present to add to that answer.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works whether the absorbent tiles in the windows of the Chamber are a permanent fixture; and, if not, what is to be done to improve the acoustics when they are removed?

As I stated in my reply to the hon. Member on 22nd September, I am advised that the removal of the tiles would be detrimental to the acoustics of the Chamber. Up till now no solution has been found of the problem of restoring daylight without affecting the acoustics. But in view of the great interest taken by hon. Members in this matter I am arranging for further expert examination of the problem although I am not sanguine of any practical plan resulting.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the production of rubber in Ceylon has attained its maximum; whether there are any hindrances, such as shortage of labour and absenteeism; and whether he is taking any action to stimulate output?

I have been asked to reply. As regards the first part of the Question, figures of production have recently shown a substantial increase. The more intensive tapping recently introduced is not yet fully reflected in the production figures, but I am hopeful that a further increase will be shown in the near future. Difficulties are being experienced both in regard to labour and foodstuffs, but the most recent reports indicate that the major portion of the extra tappers required have now been found locally. Steps have been taken to supplement the rice ration with supplies of other cereals and by these means the Island's cereal requirements have always been met. In answer to the last part of the Question, I would invite the attention of my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply on 2oth July last to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Wycombe (Sir A. Knox).

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the report of the Cyprus trade union delegation on the Leper Institution at Nicosia, stating that there is inadequate hospital and medical staff, insufficient supplies of sera, baths and other medical necessities, rice, oranges, eggs and milk; insufficient cash allowances to feed and clothe patients; that blind leprous patients suffer plagues of flies through absence of swing doors; that the guards put patients to hard labour and sell them food and other essentials at black market prices; that there is no electric light, the cinema is used as a store and patients are not allowed to have a representative committee to put forward their requests and complaints; and what action he is taking in the matter?

The Governor of Cyprus has been asked for a report on this subject and I have no doubt that my right hon. Friend will communicate with the hon. and learned Member when the Governor's report is available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the ratio of population to publicly owned hospital beds available for African men, women and children in Uganda, Kenya, Tanganyika, Nyassaland and Northern Rhodesia, respectively?

As the available information is not up to date, Governors are being asked to supply the figures which will be communicated to the hon. and gallant Member when they are received.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what is the ratio of population to publicly owned hospital beds available for African men, women and children in Bechuanaland, Basutoland and Swaziland, respectively?

The numbers of beds available for Africans in Government hospitals in the High Commission Territories are: Basutoland 254, the Bechuanaland Protectorate 128 and Swaziland 44. The ratio of beds to population is 1: 2,600 in Basutoland, 1: 2,076 in the Bechuanaland Protectorate and 1: 3,483 in Swaziland. If the beds available in the mission hospitals, most of which are Government grant aided, are included, the ratios are 1: 2,000, 1: 1,067 and 1: 1,783 respectively. Plans for the further development of the medical services in the three Territories, to be undertaken as soon as conditions allow, are under active consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that the Universities Mission to Central Africa has been frustrated in the treatment of leprosy by the lack of essential drugs from India, which are held up by shipping restrictions, resulting last year in the closure for from four to seven months of all centres conducted by the mission for treatment, with serious consequences for large numbers of patients; and whether he will take steps to relieve this position?

I understand the drug in question is hydnocarpus oil supplies of which have hitherto been obtained by the mission from local medical officers in Tanganyika Territory. Recent inquiries addressed to Tanganyika Territory show that supplies of this oil are being received from India and are now adequate. I have no information in support of the suggestion that the difficulties last year were due to shipping.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether the recent increase in agricultural wages, authorised by the Central Wages Board, has been applied to forestry workers in Scotland; and what is the minimum weekly wage now paid to these workers?

The recent recommendation of the Central Wages Board for an increase in the minimum agricultural rate of wages does not apply to Scotland where the minimum agricultural rate for adult males is 60s. per week which is the minimum rate now paid to Forestry Commission workers in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can now make any statement upon the Report of the Committee on Hill Sheep Farms; and when will that Report be published?

I understand that the Hill Sheep Committee have very nearly completed their Report and I expect to receive it very shortly. When the Report is ready I shall arrange for its early publication.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is in a position to announce the policy of His Majesty's Government with regard to Scottish education?

The preparation of an Education Bill for Scotland is at present engaging my attention, but I am not as yet in a position to make any statement regarding its contents.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Government's price scheme for cereals is the same for Scotland as for England; and, if not, whether he will press for equality in the schedule of prices?

The Government's control prices for cereals apply equally to Scottish and English producers.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the estate of Braglenbeg, comprising four farms, has been sold recently; and whether he will ensure that those farms will be kept in agricultural use or proper farming?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. The new owner occupies two of the farms, and the Agricultural Executive Committee have no knowledge of any intention on his part to restrict farming operations.

asked the Lord President of the Council what steps have been taken to define the powers and duties of the Scottish Universities Committee of the Privy Council set up by the Universities (Scotland) Act, 1889; what are these powers and duties; how often the said Committee meets: and whether it constitutes the official means of access of the Scottish universities to His Majesty's Government?

The powers and duties of the Scottish Universities Committee of the Privy Council are defined by the Universities (Scotland) Act, 1889, and the Educational Endowments (Scotland) Acts, 1928 to 1935. Under the Act of 1889, the Committee may increase the representation of affiliated Colleges on the University Courts; their approval is required in the case of Ordinances founding new Chairs; they may make or amend certain regulations, decide appeals relating to the duties of professors and settle what particulars are to be included in the annual reports of the University Courts. They are also required to report upon ordinances referred to the Committee by His Majesty in Council under Section 21 of the Act.Under the Educational Endowments (Scotland) Acts, 1928 to 1935, the Committee, in certain circumstances, are required to approve Schemes affecting specified endowments and property and to exercise in relation thereto the functions assigned in other cases to the Secretary of State under the Acts.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the quantity of coal produced in South Wales and Monmouthshire; the amount controlled by the Powell Duffryn Associated Collieries; and the names of the other colliery companies together with the output of coal which each of them controls?

In the year 1942 the total output of saleable coal in South Wales and Monmouthshire was 26,700,000 tons. So far as the other parts of the Question are concerned, I am precluded by the provisions of the Mining Industry Act, 1920, from making public any information of this nature relating to individual undertakings except under certain limited conditions.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the coal output for the five months, May to September, 1942 and 1943, respectively; and what tonnage was lost by stoppages during the same periods?

The output of saleable coal during the 22 weeks ended 2nd October, 1943, was 80,750,000 tons as compared with 84,384,000 tons in the corresponding period of 1942. The estimated tonnage lost owing to disputes for the same periods was 470,000 tons and 620,000 tons respectively

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power which mines have been taken over by the Government?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker) on 9th February. Since that time I have appointed an authorised controller to only one undertaking—Priory Colliery in Lanarkshire, belonging to Messrs. Bairds and Scottish Steel Limited.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has any arrangement with the President of the Board of Trade for an allocation of clothing coupons to young men opting for, or otherwise being directed into, the mining industry?

Yes, Sir. Each new entrant into the coalmining industry is entitled to 30 supplementary coupons if he is employed underground.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will state, for the 12 months preceding and the 12 months following, the establishment of the Ministry of Fuel and Power, the total number of persons employed in coalmining in Great Britain, together with the output of coal, giving separate figures as to employment and output for opencast mining?

The average number of wage-earners employed at coal mines in the year ended 6th June, 1942, was 703,700 and in the year ended 5th June, 1943, 710,700. The total output of saleable coal at coal mines during these periods was 205,650,800 tons and 203,257,800 tons, respectively. There was no appreciable production from opencast mining before June, 1942. In the year ended 6th June, 1943, a total of 2,553,600 tons was produced. Figures of employment in opencast mining for the whole of this period are not available. At the end of May, 1943, the total number employed on sites, excluding those engaged on the screening and transport of the coal was 2,771.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the average number of shifts per week worked in the mines of Great Britain for the years 1937–1938 and the average number of shifts worked per week for the years 1941–1942?

The average number of shifts worked in the coalmining industry per wage-earner per week in the years 1937, 1938, 1941 and 1942 was 5.18, 4.96, 5.37 and 5.33 respectively.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of employees in coalmines to-day and a year ago, giving the face workers separately and also the average output per shift for the same periods?

During the week ended 25th September, 1943, the total number of wage-earners on colliery books was 703,021, of which 285,644 were employed at the face. The output per shift overall was 1.033 tons and at the face, 2.816 tons. During the corresponding week a year ago, there were 711,561 wage-earners on colliery books, of which 279,255 were at the face. The output per shift overall was 1.056 tons and at the face 2.883 tons.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the tonnage of coal in stocks to the latest date for which figures are available and the corresponding figures a year ago?

I do not consider it advisable in the national interest to make public the figures of coal stocks held at different dates.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the recent strikes and loss of output in the coalmining industry as the result of prosecutions and imprisonment for offences that were not punishable before the outbreak of war, he will consider, in conjunction with the Minister of Labour, more humane methods of dealing with such offences so as to avoid these consequences?

Neither my right hon. Friend nor I desire to see miners sent to prison, but if they refuse to pay fines inflicted by the proper legal authorities for breaches of the law I should be interested to know what more human methods my hon. Friend has in mind for dealing with the position.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that his public statement that coke consumers arc temporarily entitled to register with coke producers has been modified by a private instruction to fuel overseers that such registration is to be refused when a merchant is in a position to supply coke; and whether he will explain this apparent variation of a public statement by a private circular to local fuel overseers?

I regret that there was some confusion in the original instructions on this point, but steps have been taken to correct any possible misapprehension and notices have been issued in greater detail in the local Press which set out the position quite clearly. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the local Press announcement which will appear at regular intervals throughout the country.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether the Regional Controller has referred to him the Memorandum on Discipline and Absenteeism in Coal Mines and the adverse effect of the Essential Work Order as at present applied to coalmines, which was recently submitted to him jointly by the Lancashire and Cheshire Colliery Deputies and Shotfirers Association, the Lancashire and Cheshire Colliery Under-managers and Under-lookers' Association and the Lancashire Branch of the National Association of Colliery Managers; and whether he proposes to adopt the remedies suggested?

I have seen the Memorandum on Discipline and Absenteeism to which my hon. Friend refers. My Regional Controller has arranged to meet the three organisations responsible for the memorandum early next week to examine fully with them the suggestions they have made. I shall myself consider the proposals in the light of this discussion.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how much coal has been exported from the United Kingdom to Sicily since the first allied attack; how much is now under order; and how much of these quantities is estimated to be for the use of the civilian population?

My hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that it would not be in the public interest to supply this information. For the Government's policy on the supply of coal to ex-enemy countries, I would refer him to the statement which I made on the 4th August in reply to a Question by the Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker) and to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister on 23rd September in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Newport (Sir R. Clarry).

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of miners from the various coalfields now serving in His Majesty's Forces?

I regret that it would not be in the public interest to give the information requested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has any information as to the cause of the fire that broke out at the Princess Royal Colliery, Bream, Gloucestershire, on 13th September whether all the men employed below ground were withdrawn; whether four ponies which were not withdrawn at the time of the outbreak were found to be dead or missing when the mine was later visited by His Majesty's Inspector of Mines; and why the ponies were not withdrawn with the men?

The fire was started by a short circuit in an electric cable. All the workmen were safely withdrawn except one, who was overcome by smoke and fumes. There were four ponies which could not be withdrawn in the short time available because the roadway by which they usually travelled was fouled by smoke and fumes, and the alternative road by which the men had to escape was obstructed by tubs. To have withdrawn the ponies would have endangered the lives of the men.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is making a special effort to obtain adequate supplies of horses and ponies for use below ground in mines; whether adequate reserves of ponies are being maintained for use in cases of emergency or sickness among the animals; and whether, in each mine employing more than 50 ponies, a 10 per cent. reserve number of ponies is regarded as sufficient?

There is no shortage of pit ponies so far as I am aware. No requests for assistance in obtaining ponies have been received in my Department. Most collieries have some ponies in reserve. The number depends upon the number they require for normal work and their arrangements for obtaining and training additional animals when needed, and I should not like to lay down any fixed proportion as a standard for general adoption.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that in 1942 Sir Charles McGrath, then Clerk to the West Riding County Council, who had a motor car at his disposal for his official duties, took without authorisation in a period of 261 days 295 gallons of petrol from the county council's pumps and used them to run for private and pleasure purposes his private 30 h.p. car, DWT 1, for which he had an allowance of about five gallons per month; and why there is such a delay in prosecuting this case?

I referred this matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions, and I informed the hon. and learned Member by a letter of 30th June last that the Director had advised me that no evidence was disclosed which would warrant proceedings against Sir Charles McGrath.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, having regard to the change in circumstances since the suspension of the basic ration for petrol, he will now consider the resumption of the basic ration?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister how many warships of the Italian Navy have been surrendered; what is the total tonnage of merchant shipping under the Italian flag at the disposal of the United Nations as a result of the armistice; and what is the present position of these ships and crews?

The major part of the Italian Fleet, totalling over too warships of all categories, is in Allied hands. This includes five out of the six battleships in commission and eight out of the II cruisers. More than 150,000 tons of merchant ships have so far been accounted for in ports under Allied control. It would not be in the public interest to go into further detail. The position of ships and crews is still under active consideration, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the ships will be used to the best possible advantage of the United Nations.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that in the course of the recent Battle of Britain thanksgiving services, collections were taken in churches for its disabled heroes and their dependants, whilst displayed advertisements drew attention to the acute distress of these same people, officially estimated at some 25,000; and whether he proposes to remove this stigma by making adequate provision available to them from the Exchequer?

I have not seen the advertisements to which my hon. Friend refers and in this connection I would refer him to the answer which I have given to-day to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne).

asked the Lord President of the Council whether the recent association of the Gas Research Board with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has yet resulted in a report on the further use of valuable byproducts of the gas-making process so as to conserve the nation's coal assets?

Study of the use of the by-products of the gas-making process will, I am informed, be included in the programme of research of the Gas Research Board. Work on this subject will be taken up as soon as staff and equipment are available. No report has yet been issued.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made to implement the Government's recent proposals as to the reform of the Foreign Service?

Of the six main proposals in Command 6420 two, those for the amalgamation of the Diplomatic, Commercial Diplomatic and Consular Services and the Superannuation Bill, have been put into effect by the Order in Council of 20th May and the Foreign Service Act respectively. A new scheme for recruitment and training has been drawn up and will be put into force when regular recruit- ment begins again. The re-grading of certain posts has been begun but cannot be completed until the Service is reconstituted. The proposals for improving conditions of service at home have been agreed and will also be brought into force at the end of the war. As regards administration, the Personnel Department has been set up and a special board has been chosen to advise my right hon. Friend in cases of retirement under the Foreign Service Act. It has also been decided that a Deputy Under-Secretary of State for Administration and inspectors of diplomatic posts abroad shall be appointed as soon as the time is ripe. The proposals for the reorganisation of the subordinate branches of the Service and many other administrative questions arising out of the amalgamation of the Services and their reorganisation are now under discussion between my right hon. Friend and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I hope that these discussions will shortly be completed.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government still recognises the King of Italy as Emperor of Ethiopia?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the proposal for the formation of a Free German Movement in this country has the sympathy of the Government and accords with their views; and, if not, will he take the necessary steps to stop such a movement?

As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs indicated on 28th July, His Majesty's Government do not propose to recognise any such movement in this country. At present His Majesty's Government do not see any reason to interfere with its activities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can arrange to place in the Library copies of the book entitled "Germany's Master Plan," published recently by two officials of the Anti-Trust Department of the United States Government?

I have not yet seen a copy of this book. Copies are now being procured through His Majesty's Embassy at Washington and on receiving them I will consider my hon. and gallant Friend's proposal.

asked the Secretary of State for War what action in respect of the Army he has taken to carry out the recommendations of the Select Committee on National Expenditure that the authorities of all three Services should impress on all ranks of all units the necessity of maintaining a high degree of discipline in the matter of keeping injury to the persons and property of His Majesty's subjects down to the unavoidable minimum; and whether he will quote the order or orders which have been issued?

Great attention is paid in the Army to the prevention of all avoidable damage in the course of exercises and this was fully recognised in the Report of the Select Committee referred to by my hon. Friend. A number of instructions and booklets on the use of land for training have been issued and a training film called "Troops Across Britain" deals with avoidance of damage to crops and agricultural property. In addition, arrangements have been made for an article to appear in an Army Training Memorandum which will draw attention to the substance of the Select Committee's recommendations. Copies of their Report are also being sent to all Army commanders.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many military decorations for gallantry in the field were awarded to A.A. units in Great Britain during the period 1939 to 1943?

asked the Secretary of State for War how many decorations and how many mentions in despatches for bravery in action against the enemy have been awarded to officers and other ranks serving in the Anti-Aircraft Command since the 3rd September, 1943?

Twenty-four military decorations and medals for gallantry, ten mentions in despatches and thirty-one commendations have been awarded to officers and other ranks serving in units of the Anti-Aircraft Command since the beginning of the war for actions directly connected with combating the enemy. None has been awarded since 3rd September of this year.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, when members of the Home Guard are discharged from service on medical grounds, they receive a form of discharge, or whether, in the absence of a signed discharge, they are informed why their service is no longer required; and by whom And in what manner?

The answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir." The immediate commander carrying out the discharge would inform the man of the reason.