asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what procedure is to be followed by mineowners, and /or ex-miners, to make application for release from the Armed Forces of those who had previously been in their employ?

Only men with previous underground experience serving in the Army at home who were born on or before 6th October, 1907 (6th October, 1913 in the case of the Pioneer Corps) will be considered for release. The War Office will supply my Ministry with particulars of such men who are not barred for military reasons and who are shown in War Office records as ex-underground workers. When it has been established that immediate underground work is available the War Office will be asked to authorise release. Within the limits indicated and subject to certain military provisos, the War Office are also prepared to consider applications for the release of men with previous underground experience who were not working in the coal-mining industry at the time of enlistment. Any such man who wishes to be considered should apply to the colliery at which he desires to work giving full particulars of his previous underground experience. The colliery will then apply to my Ministry and if it is clear that the applicant satisfies the age condition the War Office will be asked to consider the case.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what new obligations as to information are imposed on a colliery owner by the Emergency Powers (Defence) Fuel and Power (Information) Order (S.R. & O., No. 1358, of 1943); and why the Explanatory Memorandum attached thereto does not supply this information?

The obligations imposed on colliery owners as such by the Ministry of Fuel and Power (Information) Order, 1943, are contained in Articles 1 and 2 of the Order. They cannot, however, be described as "new," as colliery owners already supply me periodically with the information required by these Articles and on forms similar to those to be used for the purposes of the Order. This was explained in paragraph 1 of the Explanatory Note attached to the Order. The Fuel (Records and Information) Order, 1942, was previously used for the purpose, but owing to the recent Defence Regulation 55AA it became necessary to make another Order since obligations to furnish information are now imposed under that Regulation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what rules have been prescribed for a local inquiry, which must precede the establishment of a British Restaurant, where representations have been received that the catering trade is able to give the required service; how many such inquiries have been held; and with what results?

In accordance with the undertaking given by my Noble Friend the instructions of the Ministry are that if representations are received from local caterers, in relation to a proposal by a local authority to establish a British Restaurant, to the effect that the catering trade in the area can give the required service, full inquiry must be made locally by a representative of the Ministry and a report prepared for consideration by the Ministry before a decision is reached as to whether the proposal should be approved. Protests against the establishment of British Restaurants have been received from local caterers in 41 cases and in all these cases inquiry has been made locally. Of these, six were in anticipation of proposals which were never formulated, two were withdrawn and in three instances the protests were upheld and the proposal for a British Restaurant was not approved. In the remaining 30 cases, the establishment of the British Restaurant was approved.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food how much fish has been destroyed at United Kingdom ports during the past six months; and for what reasons?

During the six months ended 30th September, 1943, the quantity of white fish condemned at the principal ports was 43,012 cwts. or 1.1 per cent. of landings. Nearly all this fish had been brought by carrier vessels from long distances and was in bad condition on arrival. In the same peroid, 3,768 cwts. of herring, or 0.4 per cent. of landings, were destroyed: on four occasions the fish could not be marketed in a fit condition for consumption, and on one occasion the fishermen would not sell at the price offered by the merchants. Of the cargoes of imported salt fish discharged during this period and so far examined, 2,262 cwts. or 7.1 per cent. were found to have deteriorated and were condemned.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any negotiations have been initiated with the Government of New Zealand with a view to promoting emigration from Great Britain to New Zealand after the war?

This subject has already been taken up with His Majesty's Government in New Zealand in common with those in the other Dominions but they have not yet expressed definite views.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the relationship of Eire to the forthcoming Empire conferences on civil aviation and other matters; and will Eire be invited to send representatives to these conferences?

Representation at the recent civil aviation conversations was confined to Empire countries engaged in the war. As regards possible future conferences, it is of course obvious that the Eire Government would not attend any conference bearing on the war.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will give priority to talks and lantern or film lectures on the British Empire in the schools over similar talks on foreign countries?

The Board are endeavouring, by courses for teachers and otherwise, to provide information and to promote interest in the British Commonwealth. A large number of lectures and film displays on the Empire are given to school children under the auspices of the Imperial Institute. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend copies of two memoranda which will show him the wide range of printed material on the Empire which has recently been made available to the schools by arrangement with the Ministry of Information.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the purpose and intention of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Regulation relating to Cinematograph Quotas (S.R. & O., No. 1377, of 1943)?

This Regulation was made at the request of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Information in order to secure the widest possible distribution for certain feature-length war films such as "Desert Victory" and "Battle of Britain."

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the orders that retailers must not sell fountain pens in excess of 17s. 6d., advertisements appear weekly offering such goods at £4 and whether, as these cases are obviously cases of profiteering, he will institute inquiries and take the necessary prohibitive action?

If my hon. Friend will let me have particulars of the advertisements to which he refers, I will have inquiries made at once.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many of the 90,000 domestic wireless sets which were in process of manufacture last midsummer have been completed and placed on the market; how many similar supplies have been received in the last six months from the United States; how they have been distributed; whether sets of simple standard designs are now being manufactured in Great Britain; and when these will be available for the public?

Between 1st June and 30th September about 14,000 of the sets in process of manufacture earlier this year have been completed and marketed. This is disappointing, and I have taken steps to urge manufacturers to expedite the agreed civilian programme during the remainder of the year. Some 8,000 sets have recently been imported from the United States and will shortly be released through normal trade channels. As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Evesham (Mr. De la Bère) on 8th June, discussions were then proceeding with the trade on the manufacture of sets of a simple standard design, but I added that no sets of this type could be available until next year. A design has now been agreed, and deliveries of raw materials and components have been planned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement on his plans for the restoration of British export trade following the cessation of hostilities; whether he is in a position to inform House of the progress of negotiations with the United States Government with this object; and whether the representations submitted by industrial and commercial organisations are receiving sympathetic consideration?

I would refer my hors-Friend to the full statement on this subject which my right hon. Friend the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department and I made in the Debate on Overseas Trade on 27th July last to which I have nothing at present to add. My hon. Friend can rest assured that the representations on this subject submitted me by industrial and commercial organisations are receiving careful consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Explanatory Memorandum to the Utility Apparel (Women's and Maids Underwear and Nightwear) (No. 2) Directions (S.R. & O., No. 1323, of 1943) is not understood by the trade; and whether he will consider issuing a further explanation of this Order?

No, Sir. I have received no complaints from traders that these directions are not understood, and I am informed by the trade associations concerned that they have had no queries from their members. If my hon. Friend will let me have particulars of the points about which he is in doubt, I shall be glad to provide any further explanation.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that many officers over 33 years of age who joined the R.N.V.S.R. and trained at their own expense, have been penalised for their patriotism by losing seniority and promotion compared with officers of the same age who joined the R.N.V.R. after the outbreak of hostilities; and will he inquire into the position and take the necessary steps to remedy this injustice?

Prior to the war men whose peace-time activities made them suitable were invited to forward their names to the Admiralty as being willing to be called upon to serve with the R.N.V.R. in commissioned rank in the event of a national emergency. Following interview and selection these men's names were recorded and the list so compiled was known as the Royal Naval Volunteer Supplementary Reserve. Its members held no rank or seniority and were required to undertake no training. Prior to mobilisation, members of the R.N.V.S.R. could withdraw their membership by notifying the Admiralty. On the outbreak of war, the R.N.V.S.R. was discontinued, and its members were granted commissions as temporary officers in the R.N.V.R., coming under all regulations governing that reserve. No promotion facilities open to R.N.V.R. officers generally have been withheld from these officers.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take steps to give powers to petty sessional courts to order the repatriation of any person from the Irish Free State who has been found guilty of a criminal offence?

No, Sir. This is a matter for the Home Secretary and the necessary powers are contained in Defence Regulation 18 (2A) and (2B). The police have the necessary instructions as to reporting any case which seems to call for their exercise.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give instructions to local authorities that when, in order to arrive at the appropriate public assistance award it is necessary to calculate the income arising from capital, the person affected should on application be supplied with a copy of the assessment showing the amount of capital deemed to be available and the calculated income assumed to arise from the capital?

My right hon. Friend has no doubt that most local authorities would supply this information on application and he does not think it necessary or desirable to give any special instructions in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the regulations regarding overseas service for the A.T.S.; and whether he will give preference to those who are anxious to go?

Only auxiliaries who volunteer are accepted for service overseas. They must be recommended by an A.T.S. officer not below the rank of senior commander and they must be of a certain medical standard. They can only be accepted if they are over 20 years of age and have no children under 14.

asked the Secretary of State for War what period of leave is now granted to members of the A.T.S. for their honeymoon?

An A.T.S. auxiliary may be granted 14 days' unpaid leave on marriage or as soon as possible during the six months immediately following marriage. Up to 14 days of her entitlement to privilege leave may be added to this unpaid leave if the auxiliary wishes.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will inquire into the alleged wastage of man-power at Mile End camp, Oswestry, where senior warrant officers are doing fatigue duties?

These allegations have been investigated. There is a number of warrant officers and non-commissioned officers at this camp who have become temporarily surplus to Army requirements owing to the reorganisation of various units. This is unfortunate but inevitable from time to time in an Army which adapts itself to the changing requirements of war. The men in question will be posted to newly formed units as soon as they can be formed. A detailed examination of their employment while at this camp shows that there is no foundation in the allegation that they are being used for fatigues. They are used to supplement the staff at the camp and to act as instructors with other units. Some of them built a 30-yard range and others helped for a time with farm work. This was useful work but admittedly not work on which non-commissioned officers should be employed, even, as in this case, as volunteers. Special arrangements are therefore being made for holding and training personnel of this kind until their new units have been formed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet appointed a committee to consider the post-war education of the Army; if so, what are the terms of reference or principles on which the committee is working and who is the chairman and the members of the committee?

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." The chairman of the committee is the Under-Secretary of State for War. The Board of Education, the Central Advisory Council for Adult Education in His Majesty's Forces, the London County Council, and the Ministry of Labour and National Service are represented in addition to the War Office. The committee's terms of reference are:

"To consider plans for providing educational and vocational facilities for the Army during the period of demobilisation, in order to give occupation and training to officers and men while they remain in the Army, with a view to their resettlement in civil life."

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in a recent issue of the "War Office Weekly Review of Intelligence," designed to be read by all officers, the Soviet demand for the opening of a second front is described as more persistent in its boring monotony than any previous one; and whether he will put a stop to the use in official publications of language calculated to excite resentment or hostility against the Soviet Union?

This mistake was due to careless editing and not design. I have taken steps which I hope will prevent a repetition. The opinion expressed no more represents the official view of the War Office than it does of the Foreign Office. I would remind the hon. and learned Member that the document was marked "Secret" and that its contents could only have reached the public by an unauthorised disclosure of which I take a serious view.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has beep drawn to the criticism, both within and without the Army, of the statement on the cover of the publications of the Army Bureau of Current Affairs, prohibiting other than official persons having access to their contents; and whether, if he is satisfied that there is nothing in these publications that should be kept secret from the general public, he will take steps to have the prohibition removed?

I am not aware that the restriction of the distribution of these publications to the persons for whom they are intended in any way impairs their usefulness for the purposes for which they are written.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether soldiers discharged under King's Regulations, paragraph 390 (xviii) (a), are eligible to draw their postwar credits on discharge?

No, Sir. As stated in my reply to the hon. Member on 2nd February, post-war credits are specially released for payment to persons invalided out of the Service or to the estate in the event of death. Otherwise, like Income Tax post-war credits, they do not become payable until after the war.

asked the Secretary of State for War why S.M.L.E. rifles are not supplied to cadet corps; and, if these cannot be made available, why after four years of war it is not possible to supply these corps with a small quota each of ordinary service rifles?

The regular forces and the Home Guard must, as my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate, be given priority over the Army Cadet Force in the supply of arms and at present it is unfortunately not possible to spare any rifles permanently for the cadets. Each cadet unit is, however, affiliated to a Home Guard unit and this enables cadets to use Home Guard weapons for training. In addition, a considerable number of Sten guns are now being made available for the use of cadets.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that George Patrick Harvey, aged 17 years, a private in the General Service Corps, was vaccinated and inoculated on the 30th July; that this was stated in evidence at the inquest to be in accordance with the regulations; that Harvey was put on flax-picking the following Sunday, became ill and was admitted to Derby City Hospital on 14th August and died on 18th August, his death being said by a pathologist to be due directly to vaccination; that a month previously the unit had a soldier suffering in the same way following vaccination; and whether the practice of vaccinating and inoculating on the same day will now cease?

Private Harvey was vaccinated against small-pox and was inoculated with his second dose of typhoid vaccine on 30th July in accordance with regulations. A man is excused duty on the day on which he is inoculated and on the day after but unless he reports sick he is regarded as fit for duty thereafter. Private Harvey did not report sick and there was therefore no reason why he should not have picked flax on 1st August. He reported sick on 14th August. It is confirmed that his death was due to post-vaccinal encephalitis. On 12th July, 1943, a soldier from the same unit was admitted to hospital on account of an illness which was thought to be due to post-vaccinal encephalitis, although it was impossible to make any definite diagnosis. This soldier recovered and returned to duty, and the lymph used in his case was not of the same batch as that used in the case of Private Harvey. No other cases of encephalitis occurred in Private Harvey's group. Post-vaccinal encephalitis will occur in a very small proportion of people vaccinated against small-pox, but simultaneous inoculation with typhoid vaccine is not a factor in determining its incidence, and I am advised that there is no reason for altering the present regulations.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether His Majesty's Government have any information about the diet provided by the Japanese Government to prisoners of war in their hands; and what steps are being taken to remedy any deficiencies in that diet?

The reports received from the Protecting Power and the International Red Cross Committee regarding conditions in camps in Japan, Korea, Shanghai and Hong Kong indicate that prisoners generally are probably receiving a ration not less than that applicable to Japanese depot troops; it consists generally of polished rice with a little flour, vegetables, fish and sometimes a little meat; fruit is sometimes available in Japan and rations in Shanghai have often been supplemented from local supplies by the efforts of local friends or the International Red Cross Committee delegate. But the evidence leaves no room for doubt that these rations are inadequate to maintain our prisoners over a long period in reasonable health, and the Japanese Government have been pressed to remedy its deficiencies in energy value, animal protein fat, calcium and vitamins. In particular they have been asked to supplement the diet with soya beans (which contain practically all the deficient properties), but they have refused owing to alleged lack of supplies. They have also been urged to issue unpolished rice instead of polished rice, but they claim that the bulk of the available rice is already polished; some rice bran has, however, been issued by them.So much for the areas about which we have definite reports, but more than three-quarters of the prisoners held by the Japanese are in areas south of Hong Kong and in these areas the Japanese Government has hitherto banned all visits to the camps by independent witnesses, except for one small camp in Indo-China. His Majesty's Government have protested against this failure to honour the provisions of the Prisoners of War Convention which the Japanese have undertaken to observe, but their protest has hitherto been unavailing. Reports as to conditions in Siam, Malaya, Burma and the Dutch East Indies are lacking. We have, however, received some information, which is regarded as reliable, and this indicates beyond reasonable doubt that the provision of food in these areas almost invariably falls short of the standard which the Prisoners of War Convention requires, and, as I have already explained, this standard on the Japanese basis over a long period is inadequate for our prisoners. The situation in the Southern area is, therefore, serious.His Majesty's Government are profoundly dissatisfied with the actions and attitude of the Japanese Government in this matter, and all possible means are taken to represent their views to the Japanese Government. Such relief measures as are open to His Majesty's Government have been taken. The House is aware that the maximum use of such space as was available on Japanese ships returning to Japanese controlled territories with exchanged diplomatic and civilian personnel has been made to carry relief supplies consisting largely of food; and full use will be made of any future opportunity. In addition, funds have been made available by the British Red Cross, with the support of His Majesty's Government, to make local purchases in areas where this can be arranged. Here again, the measure of possible relief is largely dependent on the willingness of the Japanese authorities, first to make supplies available under reasonable conditions, and secondly to facilitate the distribution of these supplies to and in the camps.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why no Explanatory Memorandum was attached to the Debts Clearing Offices (Italy) Order (S.R. & O., No. 1436, of 1943), having regard to its unintelligibility without such a memorandum?

I would remind my hon. Friend that the assurance given to the House as to the provision of explanatory material related to subordinate legislation under war-time Acts only. I hope that any doubts about the scope of the Order referred to in my hon. Friend's Question will be removed by the explanatory statement which will be made when the Order is submitted for the approval of the House.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in valuing land for the purposes of Death Duties, it is taken at its value on 31st March, 1939?

No, Sir. Under Section 7 (5) of the Finance Act, 1894, all property passing on a death has to be valued for Estate Duty purposes at the market value at the time of death.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that for an offence against Regulation 76B of contravening a prohibition or restriction on the export of goods, default in payment of a fine of £ 300 will carry a maximum of six months' imprisonment, while for a similar offence against the Customs Act the same fine will carry a maximum of 12 months' imprisonment; and whether he will consider doing away with this anomaly by providing the same scale of punishment for the same offence, whether under Defence Regulations or the Customs Act?

If my hon. Friend has in mind an offence against Defence (General) Regulation 76B (I), dealt with summarily under Regulation 92, the maximum fine is £100 and three months' imprisonment could be ordered if the fine be not paid. If the offender be prosecuted under Regulation 76B on indictment, the statutory provisions to which the Question refers in regard to imprisonment in default of payment of a fine would not apply, as they relate only to fines imposed on summary convictions. I do not consider that any action is called for.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider exempting goods made by the war disabled and cripples from Purchase Tax?

In so far as such persons make and sell chargeable goods to an amount exceeding £500 a year, they are subject to tax like other persons engaged in trade, and I am afraid it would be impracticable to provide a special exemption in their favour.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the refusal of an Excess Profit Tax allowance to Mr. A. C. S. Holden of Beech Farm, Neatishead, Norfolk, who is now a prisoner of war in Germany, on the ground that he never actually ran this farm before the outbreak of war; that Mr. Holden being a Territorial officer was called up before he could take possession though in his absence his farm has been worked by a late partner in another concern and by a neighbour; and whether, to avoid the penalisation of patriotism in a case of this kind, he will introduce amending legislation in his next Finance Bill?

I regret that I cannot, by way of Question and answer, enter into a discussion of the affairs of individual taxpayers, as the determination of liability in individual cases is a matter for the assessing and appeal authorities. I may, however, say that where an individual before joining the Armed Forces qualified for the personal standard which is allowed for Excess Profits Tax purposes where a proprietor works full time in the business for more than half of the chargeable accounting period, it is the practice to regard him as continuing to qualify for that standard although he is no longer able to work full time in the business. It would appear, however, that in the case which my hon. Friend has in mind, this treatment could not be regarded as appropriate as the individual concerned did not work at any time in the farm business.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any agreement in principle has been reached as a result of the discussions on currency which have recently taken place in Washington?

The conversations on post-war currency proposals have had valuable results in explaining the respective lines of approach of the British and American Treasuries, and in clearing up certain differences. No question of agreement arises until His Majesty's Government have considered the matter. There must also be at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner further consideration by experts of the United Nations.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many civil servants have returned to London within the past 12 months?

Apart from movements of staff occasioned by overriding military or other operational needs, of which it would be undesirable to give particulars, the total number of civil servants who have returned to London within the last twelve months is estimated at approximately 2,500.

asked the Prime Minister why, in Orders made by the Minister of Food, the word "Minister" is always defined, whereas this practice does not appear to be adopted by other Ministers, thus conveying the impression that the Minister of Food has a different constitutional status from other Ministers?

My hon. Friend is mistaken in thinking that this definition is always included in Orders made by the Ministry of Food and never in Orders made by other Departments. In Orders where there are frequent references to a Minister, it is obviously convenient, and saves repetition, to define at the outset which Minister is referred to and, thereafter, to use throughout the shorter phrase "the Minister."

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why the Department of Agriculture for Scotland are unable to offer any practical assistance to deal with the menace of foxes and hooded crows on farms in the Highlands of Scotland and particularly on hill-sheep farms; and whether he will consider the decision that this is a matter for local action by the farmers concerned?

Agricultural Executive Committees are prepared to assist farmers in organising combined action against these pests, either in the arrangement of drives or in the formation of associations for the employment of hunters or trappers. I understand that such measures have been introduced with some success in a number of areas, including the Cowal district of Argyllshire, and I feel that local co-operative effort of this kind is likely to be of more practical assistance to farmers in the defence of their interests and in the discharge of their responsibilities than any attempt to organise a central service, particularly in these days of great man power difficulties.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many widows in Scotland have been taken over by the Assistance Board; how many of these have received increased allowance and to what extent; and how many widows still catered for by public assistance committees have had increases consequent upon the passing of the Pensions and Determination of Needs Act?

Up to 24th September, 1943, supplementary pensions had been granted to 3,263 widows under 60 in Scotland, of whom 1,910 had been receiving outdoor relief from the public assistance authorities. I regret that information as to the extent of increased allowances in these cases is not available without disproportionate expenditure of time and labour in enquiries. As the provisions of the Pensions and Determination of Needs Act, 1943, relating to outdoor public assistance are to operate from 1st November, 1943, the last part of the Question does not at present arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many previous recipients of supplementary pensions have received benefit from the passing of the recent Pensions and Determination of Needs Act and to what extent; and what is the prospect of a further increase for those who have not received the benefit they anticipated?

Increases on account of the new treatment of capital and superannuation payments or both were given in 13,569 cases in Scotland. In 8,010 cases the increases were 2s. or less, in 1,980 cases 2s. 6d. and in 3,579 cases 3s. or more. As regards the last part of the Question, I am not sure what my hon. Friend has in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the Seafield Estates, at Balmacaan in Inverness-shire, were sold in December last year; that a number of transactions have taken place since, involving change of ownership; and whether precautions are being taken to safeguard the public purse should the Government decide to requisition this land?

According to my information the Balmacaan Estate was sold by the trustees for the proprietor at Whitsunday, 1942, and resold in August, September and November, 1942. Part of it was again sold in January, 1943. With regard to the last part of the Question my hon. Friend will be aware that the Interim Report of the Uthwatt Committee recommended that, in order to obviate increases in the cost of land required for public purposes due to speculative dealings, the compensation payable in respect of public acquisition or control of land should not exceed sums based on the standard of values at 31st March, 1939. The Government have already announced that they accept this principle and will in due course introduce legislation to give effect to it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what repairs have been carried out on agricultural holdings on the Rosneath Peninsula?

The repairs to buildings on Clachan Farm which were carried out by the agricultural executive committee are almost completed. Work at Little Alden has been instructed by the estate owners, and I am informed that the contractors expect to be finished by 28th November, the final date specified in the Committee's directions.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many classes in Scottish schools had over 40 and how many had over 50 pupils on the latest date for which figures are available?

On 31st March, 1939, the latest date for which statistics are available, there were in Scottish schools 6,127 primary classes and 223 post-primary classes with over 40 but not more than 50 pupils on the roll. At the same date the numbers of classes with over 50 pupils on the roll were 197 primary and three post-primary.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland approximately how many teachers are now serving in the Forces; and what percentage that number is of the total male teachers?

The latest date for which complete figures are available is 31st March, 1942, when the position was as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many reports he has received from the Education Advisory Council; and whether he proposes to publish them?

I have received two reports from the Advisory Council on the recruitment and supply of teachers. I am expecting a final report on this subject in the near future when I shall be in a position to consider the question of publication. I have also received two reports on compulsory part-time education, the second of which is just to hand. I shall decide as to publication as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children in Scotland are receiving only part-time education; and in what districts is this lack of facilities for full-time education operating?

According to the latest returns by the education authorities the number of children receiving half-time education had fallen from 14,662 on 12th June, 1943, to 10,787 on firth September, 1943. The education areas in which these children reside are the burghs of Aberdeen, Dundee and Glasgow; and the counties of Aberdeen, Angus, Ayr, Lanark, Renfrew, Ross and Cromarty and Stirling.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of the 14,662 children reported last June as receiving half-time education are still under this handicap; and how many of the 30 schools occupied for other purposes have now been released for their proper function?

According to the latest returns from the education authorities the number of children receiving half-time education had fallen to 10,787 on nth September, 1943. In the eight education authority areas in which the occupation of schools for other purposes is given as the reason for the failure to restore full-time education, three of the 30 day schools which were still wholly occupied in June last have since been released. Active steps are being taken for the release of certain other schools or for the provision of alternative accommodation. In practically all the areas where half-time education is still in evidence the effects are limited to the infant and primary departments.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will lay a White Paper outlining his proposals for the reform of Scottish education?

I shall not be in a position to consider the question of laying a White Paper on educational reconstruction in Scotland until I receive the reports on certain remits to the Advisory Council on Education in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Report of the committee which is examining the herring fishing industry will be available; and whether it will be published?

I am informed that the Committee hope to be in a position to report by the end of 1943. The question of publication will be considered immediately the Report is received.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the recommendation of the Central Wages Board for an increase in the minimum rate of wages for agricultural workers does not apply to Scotland; and whether he is taking any steps to secure Scottish agricultural workers an increase in wages equal to that enjoyed by farm workers in England?

The Scottish Acts of 1937–1940 differ from the English Acts in that they do not empower the Central Wages Board to take the initiative in fixing minimum wages for agricultural workers but lay that duty on eleven district agricultural wages committees who have regard to local conditions. Three of the committees have resolved to recommend increases in certain local rates, while the other eight have resolved against revision meantime. The Central Board has met to consider how to secure uniformity, but has not yet reached a decision. The Secretary of State has no power to intervene in the fixation of these. minimum rates.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the number of places in the camp schools; how many are filled; which educational authorities are using the schools; and on what basis children are selected or invited to attend them?

There is accommodation for 1,062 children in the five camp schools in Scotland. At 9th October, 1943, 603 children were resident in the camp schools. The schools are used by the education authorities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee. The children selected by the education authorities are normal children between the ages of 8 and 12 years whose parents desire them to be evacuated to the camp schools.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many girls in secondary schools receive domestic training before their final year; and how many girls leave school before completing their final year?

I regret that accurate statistical information on these questions is not available. But I estimate that over 70 per cent. of girls in secondary schools received domestic training before their final year and that about 80 percent. receive some form of domestic training before they leave school.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland at what rate a new entrant to the teaching profession with graduate training is now paid?

The salaries vary according to the scales in force in each area. The initial salaries for new entrants who hold an ordinary degree range from £200–£235 for men and from £180–£215 for women. Honours graduates teaching their special subjects in a secondary school receive initial salaries varying from £250–£280 for men and from £200–£235 for women.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any additional pre-apprenticeship courses in building have now been established?

Since the Joint Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State informed the hon. Member in August about the provision of pre-apprenticeship building courses at Ayr, Kilmarnock, Coat-bridge and Dundee, courses have been established at Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Inverness, and it is expected that a course will be started at Glasgow within the next few months.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether it is now possible to obtain a list of the passengers who sailed in the "Ceramic" on her last voyage?

It is not customary to publish the lists of passengers who sailed on ships which have been lost, but as a list has been published in the South African Press I have sent a copy to the hon. Baronet for his own information.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether the cheap travelling facilities to visit members of the Forces extend to widowed mothers; and, if not, will he consider granting them the facilities thus provided?

If members of H.M. Forces are in hospital, close relatives, including mothers, whether widowed or not, can obtain vouchers for cheap railway travel to visit them. If the patient is on the danger list, two such relatives can travel free. Wives and dependent children of members of the Forces may travel at reduced fares, irrespective of the purpose of their journey. Other relatives are not eligible for this concession and my Noble Friend would not feel justified in extending it at the present time, when passenger facilities are severely overtaxed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will consider further improvement of the lighting on long-distance inland trains?

Improvements in train lighting were authorised in the early part of this year and in most of the railway passenger coaches now in use these improvements have been carried out. I regret that I cannot encourage my hon. Friend to hope for further improvements at present, not only for security reasons, but because of the shortage of the labour and material which would be required.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of the large number of fires caused to crops by railway engines this summer, he will see that all railway companies place tin hoods over the stacks, as is done in America with such good results?

The height of railway over bridges and tunnels in this country makes it impracticable to fit our locomotives with the type of tin hood which is fitted in the United States. The British load gauge also makes it inadvisable to adopt other devices which have been successfully used abroad because their adoption would reduce the steaming capacity of the engines and would thus seriously affect the operating efficiency of the railway system. I would like to assure my Noble Friend, however, that the railway companies are taking all practicable measures to reduce the risk that crops will be destroyed by fires caused by sparks from locomotives and that the matter is receiving my close attention.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether pilots of Transport Command, who regularly flew into Malta during the height of the battle, are eligible for the 1939ߝ43 Star?

This matter is at present under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether pilots in non-operational commands are eligible for the D.F.C.; and, if so, how many have been awarded since 1939?

Officers and warrant officers are eligible for the Distinguished Flying Cross if they display exceptional valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy. These conditions apply irrespective of the type of command in which the person recommended is serving. Since the outbreak of war, one Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to a pilot serving in a non-operational command.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether there are any operational training units for Transport Command?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether R.A.F. pilots will automatically be granted a B licence after the war?

All candidates for B licences must, of course, satisfy the requirements of the regulations in force at the time. The current regulations provide that in the case of Royal Air Force pilots, the examining authority may grant exemption from certain of the practical and technical tests, according to the qualifications of the candidate.

asked the Minister of Information for what purposes he has used the £270,000 paid to his Ministry by the Brewers' Society for the last three years; and in what way this gift was shown on his Estimates?

No sums of money have been paid to the Ministry of Information by the Brewers' Society, but it has generously made available to the Ministry advertising display space in the home Press over the last three years. This space has been used by the Ministry for the purpose of current Government campaigns and publicity. With regard to the latter part of the Question, this gift is not shown in the Estimates of the Ministry since no money has been paid or received by the Ministry in respect of it.