asked the Minister of Information whether he will take steps to terminate broadcasts by persons who have escaped from Nazi-occupied territory purporting to give details of acts of sabotage carried out in those countries, as such information must either be untrue or endanger the lives of saboteurs still remaining in enemy territory?

I do not accept either of the alternatives which the hon. Member propounds in the latter part of his Question. Stories dealing with sabotage or escapes are broadcast by the B.B.C. only after they have consulted the Allied authorities concerned or the appropriate Department of His Majesty's Government, or both. I agree that great caution must always be exercised before releasing any such story.

asked the Minister of Information whether the official announcement of the Italian armistice was released for general publication simultaneously in the United States of America and Great Britain?

The armistice was announced in a broadcast statement from Algiers by General Eisenhower and became effective at the time he made this statement. Arrangements had been made to secure that there should be no publication either in Britain or America prior to General Eisenhower's broadcast. But apparently, by some error, advance reports from Algiers correspondents reached the offices of news agencies in New York without any embargo withholding publication until the appointed time. The result was that the news was published in America half-an-hour before General Eisenhower's broadcast.

asked the Minister of Information what was the nature of the inquiries carried out by officials of his Department from farmers in East Anglia; for what purpose were they made; and how many officials were engaged in this research?

This inquiry was made at the request of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, its details being settled in consultation with the local advisers of that Ministry and farmers in different parts of the country. Its object was to assess the relative effectiveness of advertisements, leaflets, broadcasts and other means of publicity in conveying information and advice to farmers. The staff occupied in East Anglia was 12 persons for one week, the figures for the whole country being 25 persons for five weeks.

asked the Minister of Information when he made his statement in New York what information he had about the health of Herr Hess; and what protest he has received against his remarks from the Chief of the Boy Scout movement?

The answer to the first part of the Question is "None, Sir." The answer to the second part is that the Chief Scout rightly disapproved of my remark. But, as I have already observed, it is a good deed to forget a poor joke.

asked the Minister of Information whether his attention was drawn to the fact that on the 9 o'clock news of the B.B.C. on 23rd September about seven-tenths of the time was devoted to the speeches of the Minister of Labour, the Secretary to the Treasury and a Parliamentary Private Secretary, the sole full supporters of the proposal to direct women up to 51 years of age, and only three-tenths of the time to 12 other speakers who opposed the proposals; is he aware that on the midnight news reference was made only to the speeches of the two Ministers and the Parliamentary Private Secretary; and will he take steps to ensure that in future the B.B.C. Parliamentary Reports are better balanced?

I have no reason whatever to think that this account of the Debate on Man-Power was anything but an honest attempt by impartial reporters to give a fair summary of the discussion. With regard to the last part of the Question, I have no intention of interfering with the B.B.C.'s reporting of the proceedings of the House and I do not think that it is the general desire of hon. Members that I should do so.

asked the Minister of Information why the Press was excluded from the conference of women at the Albert Hall on 28th September?

The Ministry of Information had no part in the arrangements for this conference.

asked the Minister of Information whether, when official communiques disclose names of towns which have been bombed, local papers are permitted to publish the fact?

When a British official communique discloses the names of towns which have been bombed in this country, the fact may of course be published in the local press.

asked the Minister of Information if his attention has been drawn to the broadcast made after the 9.45 p.m. overseas news by "The Man in the Street" on 1st October; and whether he will take steps to ensure that such broadcasts of a controversial nature, and damaging to the prestige and unity of this country, shall not be made in future?

When I read the script of this broadcast it struck me that it might have been better phrased. It is one of the inevitable exceptions that prove the rule that the most of the B.B.C.'s broadcasts are good.

asked the Attorney-General why no explanatory memorandum was attached to the Matrimonial Causes (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules, 1943 (S.R. & O., 1325/L. 25) in order that the effect of the changes should be clear without the necessity of studying two Acts of Parliament and one earlier Statutory Rule and Order?

The need for an explanatory note arises mainly in connection with subordinate legislation under the Emergency Powers (Defence) Acts. The Rules to which the hon. Member refers are not made under those Acts. They are Rules of Court, and so far the extension to Rules of Court of the practice of publishing explanatory notes has not been suggested, and I do not think that such an extension is necessary. These particular Rules will be readily understood by the only people who will use them, namely, solicitors who act for petitioners in divorce cases, and in accordance with the usual practice they were published in the Law Papers.

asked the Attorney-General whether the writ issued on 18th April, 1942, in the case of His Majesty's Attorney-General and Sir William James Mallinson, Baronet, and Westminster Bank, Limited, has yet come before the court; whether he has been granted the powers asked for in the Statement of Claim; and whether he has yet investigated the 57 cases involved in the sum of money mentioned in that Statement?

The case to which my hon. Friend refers has not yet come before the court, but it is expected that it will be heard this term.

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether he will consider issuing an interim report on the problems of resettlement in peace-time employment of persons demobilised from the Forces and from war industries, which is having the attention of several Government Departments concerned under the general direction of the Ministerial Committee on Reconstruction Problems?

No, Sir. The question of the resettlement of labour in peacetime employment has been considered by the Ministerial Committee on Reconstruction Problems, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service, who is the Minister primarily concerned with this matter, is now engaged in working out plans to deal with it.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the activities of the Peace Pledge Union in the city of Birmingham, who at recent public meetings have made statements which, unless curbed, may have repercussions on the workers engaged on war work and will increase the peril of men and women in the Fighting Forces; and whether he will take immediate steps to stop this propaganda which is detrimental to the war effort?

Yes, Sir. I have obtained a report, but I do not accept the inference that unless action is taken to stop the activities of this pacifist body serious harm will result. It has been the wish of this House that there should be as little interference as possible with the free expression of views and that the rejection of pacifist propaganda should be left to the free play of public opinion. My present information is that the results achieved by this minority body are insignificant and it would be a mistake to exaggerate its importance by official interference. A careful watch, however, is being kept on its activities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what sums are being devoted by Government for the education of Africans in Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia; what this amounts to per capita of the estimated African populations in those territories; and how each compares with the previous year?

I have been asked to reply. In Northern Rhodesia the provision for African education in the 1942 Estimates was £103,273, representing approximately Is. 6d. per head: in the 1943 Estimates the provision for this Service was £112,155, representing approximately 1s. 8d. per head. The corresponding figures for Nyasaland are £31,665, representing approximately 4.7 pence per head for the year 1942, and £28,922; representing 4.3 pence per head for the present year. In Nyasaland a large proportion of the total expenditure on African education in the Protectorate is borne by the Missions, The decrease in expenditure in 1943 compared with the previous year is explained by the fact that the 1942 expenditure included an item of £3,307 for the construction of Secondary Schools for Africans at Zomba and Blantyre.

asked the Home Secretary how many men and women have been prosecuted for refusing to do fire-watching for the past 12 months, giving them separately?

Statistics on this subject are not available and in view of the amount of work which would be involved I do not feel that I should be justified in calling for such a return.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men and women have been prosecuted for being late for work or absenting themselves from work, giving the men and women separately, for the past 12 months?

During the 12 months to 31st August, 1943, 7,702 men and 1,690 women were prosecuted for absenting themselves from work or being persistently late in presenting themselves for work without reasonable excuse.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the East African Governments have now formulated their plans for further settlement by selected Europeans in the post-war period; whether these involve the gradual breakup of the larger undeveloped European estates; and whether statutory power has been taken by each Government to acquire compulsorily suitable land for settlement purposes?

In Kenya a Settlement Section of the Agricultural Production and Settlement Board has now been set up for the purpose of such planning, but no recommendations by this new section have yet been notified to my right hon. and gallant Friend. A settlement officer has also been appointed to ascertain what areas of Crown land or land already alienated might be made available for further settlement. The matters referred to in the second and third parts of the Question will no doubt be considered in the light of the information so obtained. No schemes have been formulated elsewhere in East Africa for further European settlement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he will take steps to remove the discontent caused in Palestine by the book import licence system, which discriminates even against English books that are already in Egypt and thus is not aimed solely at saving shipping space; and to what extent the distribution of reading matter to men serving in Iraq, Iran, Syria and the Lebanon is further complicated by the system of export licences from Palestine;(2) whether, since under the present operation of the Palestine book importer licence system British newspapers have to be sold at a loss and, in view of the greatly enlarged demand for British books, magazines and newspapers throughout the countries of the Middle East, he will re-examine and co-ordinate the allocation of shipping space for reading material destined for those countries;(3) whether he will represent to the Government of Palestine that it should co-opt leading members of the book and newspaper trades to advise it in technical matters concerning those trades?

The High Commissioner for Palestine is being asked for a report on all the matters referred to by the hon. Member and my right hon. and gallant Friend will communicate with him as soon as a reply is received.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the partial and incomplete reports in the Press, he will have a White Paper or statement issued in order that Parliament, the British public, and our Allies, may be made fully aware of the situation in Palestine as indicated by the recent trials and heavy sentences on two British soldiers for smuggling arms and the conviction and sentencing of others similarly concerned?

I am not at present in a position to add to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War in reply to the hon. and gallant Member's Question on the subject yesterday. I will, however, invite my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies to consider on his return whether any further statement can usefully be made when an authoritative record of the proceedings at the trials is available.

asked the Minister of Supply what reduction has taken place in the staff of the machine tool control in the last six months?

This staff has been reduced by 20 since 1st April.

asked the Minister of Supply why, under the provisions of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Containers and Packaging Order (S.R. & O. No. 1217 of 1943), the Imperial Tobacco Company is given a privileged position as compared with other tobacco manufacturers?

The Imperial Tobacco Company are, by agreement, acting for the whole trade and there is no question of their being given a privileged position as compared with other manufacturers.

asked the Minister of Supply why, under the provisions of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Salvage of Waste Materials Order (S.R. & O., No. 1200, of 1943), there is a provision governing the movement of kitchen waste from Northern Ireland and certain counties in the North of Scotland to other parts of the United Kingdom?

Article 5 of this Order was included to prevent traffic in un-boiled or concentrated kitchen waste between areas subject to price control and uncontrolled areas, except by licence.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware of the shortage of hobnails for boots and shoes throughout the country; and will he take the necessary action to increase the supply?

Our output of hobnails has increased and it is expected that civilian requirements will now be met in full.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will institute an inquiry, at which staff associations will be invited to give evidence, into the sale of fruit and vegetables at a certain establishment, to establish responsibility for the prices and disposal of the produce, the expenditure of public funds and for approving explanations of his officials that the prices of the luxury produce have not been fixed nor any sold this year and that there is a roster system, whereby all members of the staff can purchase the produce; and to set up machinery to dispose of this produce lawfully and equitably in collaboration with the staff side of the departmental Whitley Council?

No, Sir. It was a term of the occupational agreement for this property that the gardens should be maintained in good condition. Formal arrangements have been made for the upkeep of the gardens and for the disposal of the produce either to the local hospitals or on an equitable basis at reasonable prices.

asked the Minister of Supply what supplies of timber His Majesty's Government have recently sought to purchase from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and whether we are now in receipt of supplies from that country?

Contracts have been made with the Soviet trade delegation for the supply of timber to this country up to the limits of shipping space available, and substantial quantities have been imported.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that certain Sunday newspapers are still running cross-word competitions in which the competitors are encouraged to purchase more than one copy of the newspaper with a view to multiplying their efforts by means of the extra coupons obtained in that way; and whether, in view of the urgent necessity for economy in the use of paper, he will approach the Newspaper Proprietors Association and the Newspaper Society with a view to such competitions being confined to single issues of the publication, thus making effective a proportionate reduction in the quota of paper ultimately allowed to such newspapers?

I am not aware that any of the Sunday papers have encouraged competitors to buy more than one copy, but in some cases the published conditions did not make it entirely clear that where additional entries were permitted they might be on plain paper. This has now been corrected.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is proposed to permit the manufacture of ice-cream for any branch of refreshment supply?

No, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has instructed all local authorities to grant the use of British Restaurant premises under their charge to duly qualified voluntary societies for the purpose of providing entertainments, socials and dances in the evenings, especially where there are service men and women and evacuated industrial workers in the locality and no other suitable buildings are available?

No. As the operation of British Restaurants is the responsibility of local authorities, it is for them to decide, according to local circumstances and subject to any agreements with owners of premises, the use to which the premises shall be put when not required for British Restaurant purposes.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he intends to issue any directions, licences or authorisations under the provisions of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Food (Frozen Eggs) Order (S.R. & O. No. 1314 of 1943) which will constitute an extension of the powers sought under the Order; and, if so, will the terms of such directions, licences or authorisations be published in the form of Statutory Rules and Orders?

The answer to the first part of the Question is No, Sir; the second part does not therefore arise.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether a decision has now been reached as to the handling of the milk produced in Nidderdale?

Yes, Sir. My Noble Friend is satisfied that the milk produced in the Nidderdale district can be conveniently sent direct to the consuming centres without passing through a depot. He has, therefore, decided that the depot at Darley shall remain closed and that the Birstwith Depot shall also be closed as soon as the collection rounds have been rearranged.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that out of 61 samples of milk taken in the Swaffham Rural District during the past half-year from unaccredited milk not one sample showed any positive result of tuberculosis; that the same result was obtained from 20 samples of milk from accredited licensees; and whether, as similar results have been obtained in other districts in the county of Norfolk, he will delay any proposals for the compulsory pasteurisation of milk in counties where such freedom from tubercle bacilli is shown?

Whereas my hon. Friend refers to tests of milk in certain rural areas, the Government's policy in regard to the heat treatment of milk, which is set out in Command Paper 6454, applies only to certain urban areas. My Noble Friend sees no reason for postponing the implementing of the Government's policy.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the sources with the respective amounts from which the State derived its £10,000,000 trading profit in the past year and give in each case the price to the producer of the primary commodity; and whether such price was regarded as adequate by the producer or involved him in loss?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply on 15th July, 1943, to the hon. and gallant Member for Ton-bridge (Sir A. Baillie) when I stated that the figure of £10,000,000 per annum represented an annual rate of profit based on the three months ended 31st March, 1942, and that since that date such profits have declined substantially. Such profits are in slight relief of the very substantial subsidies incurred on other foodstuffs, and I informed the House on 13th May, 1943, that the net cost of subsidies (after deducting profits) for the year ended 31st March, 1943, was £145,000,000. The past profit of £10,000,000 was mainly derived from oils and fats (£4,000,000), rice (£1,500,000), cocoa (£1,350,000) and dried fruits (£1,250,000), the primary products in each case being imported. For these foods, as for those on which subsidies are incurred, the Ministry of Food has followed a uniform buying policy of paying to producers prices which are considered to be reasonably remunerative.

asked the Secretary of State of State for War whether he can give any information about the charge made against Gerald P. Bevan, of Ladywood, Birmingham, for stealing secret documents and £50 in money from a deed box?

On 7th October, 1943, at Kesteven Quarter Sessions this man pleaded guilty to stealing a deed box on 22nd April, 1942, from the office of the Officer Commanding the military detachment at a R.A.F. station. The contents of the box, except for £50, were subsequently recovered. He was bound over in the sum of £10 and was ordered to make restitution of £50. This he did. He has now been arrested as a deserter from the Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider increasing the number of air-letters for transmission home now allowed to the Forces serving overseas?

Inquiries are being made into the possibility of increasing permanently the number of such letters allowed. Meanwhile, as announced today by the Postmaster General, the number of air-letters available to troops overseas between now and Christmas is being increased.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information in connection with the train and omnibus crash at Didcot, Berkshire, on Friday night, 1st October; how many people were killed and injured; and what was the cause of the accident at the level crossing?

A bus driven by a civilian employee of a military depot collided at a level crossing with a train. Seven civilians were killed and I should like to take this opportunity to express my deep sympathy with their families. Seven civilians were seriously injured. A court of inquiry is being convened to examine the causes of the accident and pending its report I am not in a position to give any further information.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that all necessary security precautions have been taken in scrutinising the credentials of German prisoners captured in Tunisia and now recruited into the Polish army?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War how far the Russian army need and are still receiving woollen clothes from this country for use in the coming weeks?

So far as I am aware no application has been made for woollen clothes for the Red Army and accordingly none have been supplied.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is in a position to make any statement regarding the recent strikes among dock-workers in Malta?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any statement to make on the strike of dockyard workers at Malta?

There was a strike of Maltese dockyard workmen from the 24th to 28th August and another from 28th September to 7th October. Some employees of the Malta Government, the War Office and the Air Ministry participated in the earlier strike and of the War Office and Air Ministry in the later strike. The strikes arose from the growing dissatisfaction felt by the men with their wages which were proving insufficient to meet the considerably increased cost of living. The unions representing the men had submitted proposals for increased wages early in July. These proposals which were far reaching in their scope had been under examination by the Government of Malta in conjunction with the Service Departments.A conference took place on 26th August between representatives of the Government of Malta and the Service Departments and representatives of the men. The men were persuaded to resume work on an undertaking given by the Lieutenant-Governor that the Governor would use his best endeavours in consultation with the Home Government to place definite proposals before them. As a result of these consultations substantial concessions were offered in the form of an increase in war bonus varying from 10s. to 2s. a week according to the rate of wages, together with a reduction (which would be effected by subsidies) in the prices of rationed commodities calculated to represent a saving of 11s. 8d. a week for a family of five persons. These proposals were considered inadequate by the Union representatives. The position was then again reviewed and some minor improvements to meet points raised by the representatives of the men were included in the proposed terms of settlement. The increased subsidy, which benefited the whole population, was introduced on 21st September, but the Unions' representatives rejected the revised offer on 27th September.As it was considered that this offer provided a fair and reasonable settlement it was decided to put it into force and the terms were published in Malta on 28th September. At the same time it was announced that an expert with wide experience of wages and cost of living problems was being sent to Malta to inquire into and to advise the Government upon the situation in all its aspects. The expert had reached the Colony by 30th September. He will also advise the Government on the question of establishing standing machinery for consultation between the Malta Government and the Service Departments and their employees on matters of common interest.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in connection with schemes promoted by the West Indian Colonial Governments and the Stockdale Commission under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act, he can give an assurance that the legislative council of the Colony concerned, as well as the local authorities and public opinion in the particular district for which a scheme is proposed, are consulted before a decision is taken to recommend a scheme for approval by the Secretary of State for the Colonies?

There is no invariable practice of prior consultation with the legislatures before schemes are recommended for the approval of my right hon. and gallant Friend. The recommendations of the Comptroller, however, are prepared after consultation with the local interests concerned and are now usually published locally. An opportunity is thus given for discussion by the legislative council, should that body so desire, before recommendations are submitted for approval. All moneys provided under the Act are included in the Estimates of the Colonies so that an opportunity is invariably given for discussion of the schemes by the legislative councils. My right hon. Friend has received no suggestion from any of the councils that this procedure fails to meet the needs of adequate consultation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider the desirability of appointing a representative West Indian to the Anglo-American Caribbean Commission?

My right hon. and gallant Friend has nothing to add to the reply to a similar Question asked by the hon. Member on 3rd June, 1942.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the conditions prevailing at the leper institution, Nicosia, Cyprus; and whether action has been taken to remedy grievances and punish those responsible?

I would refer to the reply given yesterday to the hon. and learned Member for Hammersmith (Mr. Pritt) that the Governor of Cyprus has been asked for a report on this subject. My right hon. and gallant Friend will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as the information is available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the price which has been guaranteed to growers of pyrethrum in Kenya under the recently concluded contract; how this compares with prices in preceding years; and the numbers of the European and African licence holders who are affected by this contract?

The Ministry of Supply has guaranteed the purchase up to the end of 1947 of the total East African production of pyrethrum from acreage planted by the end of 1943. In respect of 1944 production, the grower will receive IS. 3d. per lb., the price for each subsequent year being re-negotiated in the light of movements in the cost of production. This price corresponds to that realised by growers in the season 1939–40 and is higher than the return in any other war year. Precise and up-to-date figures are not available regarding the number of licence holders affected, but in May, 1942, it was reported that licence holders totalled 989, of whom 11 were Africans.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that land used for maize-growing is subject to erosion after two to five years breaking of new soil; and, in view of the gravity of this issue to Kenya, what steps are being taken by the local government to prevent it?

My right hon. and gallant Friend is well aware of the dangers of soil erosion in Kenya, and in particular of the risks attendant on maize cultivation. Fresh legislation on the subject has been passed this year and there is a special section of the Department of Agriculture which is concerned solely with soil conservation measures. Proposals for strengthening and extending this service with the assistance of a grant from the Colonial Development and Welfare Vote are now under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement on the new Advisory Committee on Economic Development and Social Welfare set up in Nigeria to deal with post-war development; and why he has adopted this in substitution for the detailed and expert work of a development and welfare commission, similar to that of the Stockdale Commission?

Yes, Sir. The committee, which is under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary and includes the heads of the technical departments and two African and one European unofficial members, has been set up by the Nigeria Government to co-ordinate the planning of post-war development in Nigeria itself. It is in no way a substitute for any regional development machinery which may be established.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will withdraw the Order whereby suppliers of Communion wine are prohibited from sending supplies to Northern Ireland until after the war, as this interferes with the observance of Holy Communion and is resented by members of the Church?

The importation of wines and spirits into Northern Ireland, as into other parts of the United Kingdom, is a necessary part of the general system of import control. Arrangements, however, are made by my Department with the intention of securing that a sufficient supply of Communion wine is available in Northern Ireland to meet the requirements of the Churches. If my hon. Friend will let me have particulars of any Church in Northern Ireland which is receiving insufficient supplies I shall be glad to look into the matter.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he is aware that a block of offices is advertised to be built after the war on the old Westminster Hospital site; and if he will take steps to prevent individual speculative enterprises of this kind from prejudicing general plans for the rebuilding of London?

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." In answer to the second part of the Question, the London County Council are the Interim Development Authority for this area, and the Town and Country Planning (Interim Development) Act, 1943, has conferred on them and my right hon. Friend appropriate powers for use in such a case, if it were found that the project conflicted with the proposed provisions of the scheme for the area.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether any steps are being taken to protect the areas of potential national parks, pending legislation?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend will seek to protect such areas both by including suitable provisions in the General Interim Development Order, which will be made under the Town and Country Planning Acts, 1932 and 1943, and by the exercise of his powers there-under.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether it is a condition of service of education officers that they possess a degree qualifying them for the service required of them; whether the same applies to the appointed technical officers; and, if not required of all of them, how many in each category have educational degrees?

Candidates for appointment to the Royal Air Force Educational Service are normally required to have a full university degree or equivalent qualification. About 99 per cent. of education officers now serving are so qualified. The Technical Branch of the R.A.F. consists partly of officers transferred from other branches, partly of ex-airmen of the technical trades who have been commissioned after experience in the Service, and partly of direct entrants from civil life. All entrants in the last category are required to possess a full university degree or equivalent qualification. No record is maintained of the number of officers of graduate status in the Technical Branch as a whole.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the engagements of education officers are made by contract wherein it is stated the engagements can be terminated by three months' notice either way; and, if so, why the terms of the contract have, in some cases, not been fulfilled by the Air Ministry when applications were made to resign in order to offer their services in other directions?

The conditions of service for Royal Air Force education officers provide that appointments will normally be terminable by three months' notice on either side. Under present conditions, however, an education officer's right to resign is subject to any order or direction which may be in force or may be made under Defence Regulations. Owing to the shortage of education officers, permission to resign has been withheld in all cases where it was deemed that the war effort would best be served by the retention of the officers in question in their present capacity.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what requests have been made for the provision of greatcoats and footwear for Air Training Corps Cadets; and what decision has been made on the subject?

Requests have been received from various quarters for greatcoats and footwear for cadets of the Air Training Corps. I much regret, however, that these articles cannot be provided owing to shortage of materials.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware of the harmful educational effect of overcrowding, as in Wiltshire secondary schools, as, for instance, the Marlborough Grammar School, which is attended by 390 pupils though intended to accommodate only 200; and whether the Wiltshire County Council can now have labour and materials to allow a start to be made with the urgent parts of its educational programme?

With a view to alleviating the overcrowding at Marlborough grammar school the Board approved certain structural alterations in August, 1942, and in October, 1942, agreed to the provision of a hut to accommodate two classes. Since then no further proposals have been received either from the local education authority or the governors. As regards the second part of the Question, priority in the supplies of labour and material available for building has to be given to the Service and Supply Departments and I regret that it is not yet practicable to provide them for new programmes of educational buildings.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, as church heating is a necessity in Northern Ireland from the beginning of October owing to colder weather conditions, he will issue instructions that churches may be heated on the Lord's Day for public worship?

Central heating of controlled premises, including churches, in Northern Ireland is governed by the Waste of Fuel (Northern Ireland) Order, 1943, made by the Ministry of Commerce, Belfast, and not by any Order or Direction made by the Ministry. If my hon. Friend will approach the Ministry of Commerce, I have no doubt that they will look into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in any creation of satellite towns, priority for licensing shops will be accorded to ex-Servicemen?

This is part of a wider problem which is at present being discussed with the principal organisations concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the Washington negotiations on commercial policy, the delegates representing the United Kingdom on Imperial interests have been empowered to discuss arrangements which would render the continuation of a unified Imperial commercial policy impossible?

No, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works what arrangements have been made for the contracting industry to employ its skilled man-power and plant, in view of the fact that construction for war purposes has greatly decreased?

As I stated in my reply of 22nd September last to the hon. Member for Newport (Sir R. Clarry) it is not anticipated that any labour will become redundant within the next few months. Any excavating plant which becomes available will be used in the winning of outcrop coal and other essential work.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works whether he is prepared to discontinue the practice of burning dead leaves in the royal parks and use the leaves for compost?

Leaves such as oak, beech, etc., make excellent compost and are used by the Ministry. The surplus is offered to allotment holders in the Parks or nearby. Plane tree leaves and some others are unsuitable for compost but are burned and the ashes used as fertiliser.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, for public guidance, he will state the average wages now earned by those working in the mines?

The average earnings per manshift worked above and below ground at coal mines in Great Britain were 18s. 11¾d. during the second quarter of 1943, the latest period for which complete information is available.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what progress has been made with the inquiry about the proposed Forth and Clyde canal; and whether the Report to the Ministry will be made available to Members of this House?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether any further steps have been taken, or are under consideration, for the construction of the Forth and Clyde Ship Canal?

Much preliminary work has been done on the technical and other merits of the proposal for a Forth-Clyde Ship Canal. Memoranda have been prepared on particular aspects of the problem; the departmental group appointed by my Noble Friend are meeting to-day to consider these memoranda; but I cannot yet say when their report will be available. As my Noble Friend said in another place, the report will be confidential. He would prefer, therefore, to wait until he has received it before deciding how far it would be proper for him to disclose its contents.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that the transport department of the Glasgow Corporation has issued notices that their motor-omnibuses on certain routes will stop only at motor-omnibus fare stations to pick up and set down passengers which will cause inconvenience and additional expense to many people travelling to and from their employment and consequent reduction of production; and whether he will take action to have this arrangement stopped and the original motor-omnibus stops restored?

The number of omnibus stops has been reduced on certain routes in Glasgow with the object of encouraging short-distance passengers to use the alternative trams, thus leaving more room on the omnibuses for long distance passengers. The effect should be that while some passengers have to walk slightly further at the city end of their journey, all passengers will benefit by finding more room on the omnibuses. The position will be kept under review.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Hetherington Committee on the Reorganisation of Scottish Hospitals has completed its work; whether it is proposed to publish the Report of the committee and when?

Yes, Sir. I have received this Report and copies will be available to hon. Members in the Vote Office today. The Report contains many important recommendations affecting the future of the hospital system of Scotland. Those recommendations are now being considered in connection with the Government's examination of the whole question of a new national health service.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that the withdrawal of the Scottish Motor Traction Company's motor-omnibus on Tuesday and Friday each week, Carlisle to Edinburgh and Edinburgh to Carlisle, is causing great hardship to the people residing between Langholm and Hawick, leaving them without any road transport service; and, in view of the fact that some of these inhabitants live 10 miles from the nearest railway station, will he take immediate steps to provide them with reasonable transport facilities on the days mentioned?

This service was withdrawn on Tuesdays and Fridays, because so few passengers made use of it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether his attention has been called to the uncleansed condition of railway stations, particularly in London, and of the passenger rolling-stock generally; and whether, in view of the fact that dirt spreads disease, steps can be taken to cleanse and disinfect platforms, railway carriages and particularly, train lavatories?

The railways do their best with the limited staff and materials at their disposal to keep their trains and stations clean. Their difficulties are, of course, increased by the very heavy passenger traffic with which they have to deal. If my hon. and gallant Friend has any special case in mind, I shall be glad to make inquiries, but I would ask for his assistance in reminding the travelling public that they can greatly help by using the salvage containers which the railways provide, instead of scattering their litter on station lines and trains.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, with a view to making more adequate provision of transport and saving man-hours for those engaged on munition work and other essential work, the Government will now consider increasing the number of motor-omnibuses in the more congested areas throughout the country?

As my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Labour, said in his statement to the House on 23rd September, the Government are anxious to make all practicable improvements in the transport facilities for workers. In consequence, arrangements are being made to strengthen omnibus services which are used by workers in those places where the need for improvement is most urgent, and where the necessary drivers and conductors can be found.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will make it an offence for an omnibus driver whose omnibus is not full, to fail to stop for a person making a signal to him at a request stopping-place or to pass such stopping place without giving an opportunity for such signal?

I regret the annoyance and inconvenience caused to the public by the occasional failure of omnibus drivers to stop at request stopping places. I suggest to my hon. Friend, however, that such misconduct can be better dealt with through the normal machinery of discipline than by making it an indictable offence.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether to avoid fraud in the re-sale of motor-cycles or motor-cars bought on the hire purchase system but not completely paid for, he will consider imposing a regulation that the registration book must, in the case of vehicles bought on hire purchase, contain an endorsement to this effect and that, in the absence of such endorsement, the hirers should be unable to assert their title against a bona fide purchaser for value?

A Registration Book is not a document of title, and thus does not provide a record of the legal ownership of a motor-car or a motor-cycle. My hon. and gallant Friend's proposal is not, therefore, a practicable safeguard against the fraudulent re-sale of vehicles bought on hire-purchase, and only partly paid for.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether adequate supplies of anti-freeze are now available for doctors and others who use their motor-cars for work of national importance?

Yes, Sir. The Regional Transport Commissioners have been asked to consider favourably applications for anti-freeze made by medical practitioners, nurses and other persons engaged on work essential to the war effort, provided that the nature of their work is such that they cannot reasonably be expected to adopt alternative measures against frost, for example, draining their radiators.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, with a view to saving paper and the labour of ticket clerks and for the convenience of Members of Parliament, he will, for the duration of the war, issue to Members railway passes between London and their constituencies and so avoid the necessity for obtaining tickets for every journey?

No, Sir. The extra cost of the general issue to Members of passes in the nature of season tickets would, I am satisfied, result in a substantial increase in the cost of Members' travelling facilities out of all proportion to any saving of paper and labour of ticket clerks.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will make a statement in regard to the position of owners and owner occupiers of houses completely destroyed by enemy action, explaining on what conditions they are entitled to claim a cash settlement during the war; when no such settlement can be made whether they are entitled to have the amount of their claim determined so that they may know the amount to which they will become entitled; whether payments are to be made on the basis of pre-war prices or of the prices current when payment is made; and defining when payments will commence to be made?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring only to cases where a value payment is appropriate. Many houses of good quality are, however, likely to qualify for cost of works payments, even though they have been entirely destroyed. Where a value payment is appropriate a cash settlement will not normally be made during the war, although the Act provides for advances in certain special cases I am informed by the War Damage Commission that the great majority of the owners of properties classified as total losses may expect to be informed of this classification before the end of 1943, and where they accept that classification they will be advised as soon as possible thereafter of the Commission's provisional estimate of the amount of the value payment. The War Damage Act provides that the amount of a value payment shall be ascertained by reference to values as at 31st March, 1939, though Section II of the Act gives the Treasury power to review this basis in the light of a report by the Commission when value payments generally become payable. In answer to the last part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to Section 22 of the War Damage Act, 1943, which lays down that value payments generally shall be made at

"such time or times as may be specified in Regulations made by the Treasury either generally or as respects payments to be made in different circumstances."

The time or times to be specified will depend on circumstances prevailing after the war and I am not in a position to anticipate what they will be.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if consideration will be given to Income Tax relief to the extent of the rent for alternative accommodation payable by a person who has been bombed out of his home and is still held responsible for the payment of interest on the mortgage and ground rent of this property?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Southend-on-Sea (Mr. Channon) in reply to a similar Question on 20th October, 1942, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Postmaster General what considerations entered into the decision to ask firms for deposits in respect of their telephone calls; and what rate of interest it is proposed to allow them upon the amount deposited?

My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that the practice of obtaining deposits from new subscribers was discontinued some years ago. At the present time deposits are asked for only in exceptional cases where serious difficulty has been experienced in obtaining payment of accounts. No interest is paid on these deposits.

asked the Postmaster-General why it was necessary to fix the last daily collection from pillar boxes in Outer London areas from 27th September onwards at 4.30 p.m. or earlier, black-out at that date being not until 7.20 p.m.?

Several hours of work have to be done before the letters received in the last collections in outer London can be finally despatched from London. They have to be sorted, made up for destinations, conveyed to the stations and put in the trains and these processes are hampered by the black-out. In these circumstances the final letter-box collection in Outer London must be made before 5 p.m. in the winter months, when the black-out varies from 7.15 p.m. to 5.20 p.m., if the connection is to he maintained with the important range of trains leaving London at 8 p.m. While the final general collection in Outer London will be made at 4.30 p.m. during the winter months there will be at least two boxes in each sub-district area from which the final collection will be made half or three-quarters of an hour later. The last general collections will be made at 5.30 p.m. in the Head District Areas and at 6.30 p.m. from the Head District Office.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the difficulties experienced by the authorities in adequately staffing, especially infectious and contagious diseases hospitals; and whether he will consider taking steps to relieve the situation?

Yes, Sir. On the advice of the National Advisory Council for the recruitment and distribution of nurses and midwives, high priority is being given to this type of institution so far as nursing staff are concerned. As regards other staff, I would ask my hon. Friend to await the statement which I hope to make shortly on this subject generally.

asked the Minister of Health whether any steps are taken to prevent the sale of stale milk for human consumption?

Under the Milk Testing and Advisory Scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries milk is tested or keeping quality at the place of first delivery, and suitable advice is given to the producer when necessary in the light of the result of the test.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any further progress has now been made with a view to the exchange of badly wounded prisoners of war, and others, to neutral countries?

I hope that my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary will be able to make a statement to the House on the whole question before the end of the present Session.

asked the Minister of Labour to give a list of countries at present affiliated to the International Labour Organisation?

The most recent list of States members of the International Labour Organisation is that issued by the International Labour Office in 1940. This list is as follows:

Abyssinia	India.
Afghanistan.	Iran.
Albania.	Iraq.
United States of America.	Ireland.
	Japan.*
Argentine Republic.	Latvia.
Australia.	Liberia.
Belgium.	Lithuania.
Bolivia.	Luxemburg.
Brazil.	Mexico.
British Empire.	Netherlands.
Bulgaria.	New Zealand.
Canada.	Norway.
Chile.	Panama.
China.	Peru.
Colombia.	Poland.
Cuba.	Portugal.
Czechoslovakia.	Rumania.
Denmark.	Spain.
Dominican Republic.	Sweden.
	Switzerland.
Ecuador.	Thailand.
Egypt.	Turkey.
Estonia.	Union of South Africa.
Finland.
France.	Uruguay.
Greece.	Venezuela.
Haiti.	Yugoslavia.
Hungary.
(* On 2nd November, 1938, Japan notified the International Labour Office of her withdrawal from the International Labour Organisation.)

The following States sent delegates or observers to the most recent session of the International Labour Conference—that held in New York and Washington in October and November, 1941:

United States of America.	Eire.
	France.
Argentine Republic.	Greece.
Australia.	India.
Belgium.	Luxemburg.
Bolivia.	Mexico.
Brazil.	Netherlands.
British Empire.	New Zealand.
Canada.	Norway.
Chile.	Panama.
China.	Persia.
Colombia.	Peru.
Costa Rica.	Poland.
Cuba.	Siam.
Czechslovakia.	Union of South Africa.
Dominican Republic.	Uruguay.
Ecuador.	Venezuela.
Egypt.	Yugoslavia.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the International Labour Office did not participate in the Bermuda Conference on migration, the Hot Springs Conference on food supplies and the Washington discussions on monetary stabilisation; and whether His Majesty's Government intend to use the International Labour Office in connection with important questions of post-war reconstruction?

The Bermuda Conference on refugees was an exploratory discussion between His Majesty's Government and the United States Government, and there was no reason to associate the International Labour Office with it. As regards the Hot Springs Conference on Food and Agriculture, the International Labour Office accepted an invitation to submit papers for study by the Conference. The Washington discussions on monetary stabilisation are taking place informally between His Majesty's Treasury and the United States Treasury. As regards the last part of the Question, it is the desire of His Majesty's Government to associate the International Labour Office, wherever practicable, with post-war reconstruction work.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in the portion of the public assistance institution at Royston, Hertfordshire, which is not under military requisition, 12 old men are looked after by five male and five female employees, two of the latter being of military age; and what he proposes to do about this waste of manpower?

I am informed that the facts are not as represented. There are 16 permanent inmates and on the average about the same number of casuals. The staff consists of 4 men and 5 women, but 3 of the latter are employed part-time only. The work of the institution includes the cultivation of several acres of land.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses have been dealt with under the Housing (Rural Workers) Acts since September, 1939?

Approximately 3,700.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is satisfied that the activities of A.M.G.O.T. in Sicily are based on the principles of democracy and are in keeping with the declared policy of the United Nations for the provisional control of liberated territories?

I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend said on this subject in his statement to the House on 22nd September last, to which I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what governmental provision is made for members of the W.L.A. who are taken ill or sustain accidents?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given yesterday to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Taunton (Lieut.-Colonel Wickham) of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Labour what is to be the weekly total of the hours of work of the boys and girls of 16 to 17 years of age whom he proposes to direct to the aircraft industry?

The hours of employment of females and young persons are controlled by the Factories Act, 1937, and in the absence of special authorisation under Emergency Powers in an individual factory, the total weekly hours will be limited by the provisions of that Act. Special authorisations are given only after examination of all the circumstances in the individual case, and I am therefore unable to give a more specific answer to my hon. and gallant Friend's Question.