asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that ship's officers who desire to purchase rubber sea boots as part of their equipment are unable to obtain the necessary coupons from the shipping offices without surrendering an old pair of boots; and whether he will arrange for the shipping offices to issue the necessary coupons where the applicant is able to furnish a suitable explanation as to the manner in which his old boots had been disposed of?

The purpose of this arrangement is to ensure the utmost economy in the supply of rubber boots. The officials who issue permits to ships' officers have discretion to waive this rule whenever the applicant has a satisfactory explanation. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind in which this discretion has been unreasonably withheld, I shall be happy to look into it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to make it illegal for any British firm to enter into any agreement or commitments with firms operating from other countries without prior knowledge and consent of the Board of Trade?

This is one of a number of suggestions which have been made for dealing with this question, and my hon. Friend may rest assured that it is receiving careful consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Education the amounts paid by his Department direct to the headquarters of national juvenile organisations for the last four years; the amounts paid to local units of each separate juvenile organisation by local youth committees and by the Board of Education; and the total increase in financial aid to juvenile organisations since 1939?

The grants made by the Board to the headquarters of national voluntary organisations under Article 1 (b) and (c) of the Social and Physical Training Grant Regulations during the last four years have been as follow:

• 1939–40 (half-year—£32,858 (14 organisations).
• 1940–41—£61,135 (19 organisations).
• 1941–42—£75,556 (21 organisations).
• 1942–43—£108,860 (21 organisations).

The direct grants made by the Board to local voluntary organisations under Article 1(

asked the Minister of Pensions why naval auxiliary personnel have been excluded from the provisions in Section 2 of the White Paper on changes in war pensions providing for eligibility for accidents of personnel proceeding to and from duty?

The provisions to which the hon. Member refers were approved by the Government for members of the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force, on account of the special position of members of those Services. Members of the Naval Auxiliary Service serve under special war-time agreements in a mercantile capacity and at mercantile rates of pay and are eligible for compensation from my Department in respect of disablement or death due to war injury, war risk injury or detention, sustained by reason of their service. Other injuries are dealt with by my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty on the terms of the Workmen's Compensation Act as for mercantile personnel generally and I should not feel justified in seeking to amend the Pensions (Mercantile Marine) Act, 1942, to bring within its scope accidents sustained by members whilst not on duty in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many welfare officers have been appointed for overseas work; whether any of them were drawn from welfare officers at home; whether home welfare officers are given the opportunity of offering their services for overseas work and, if not, whether their claims will be considered?

Thirty welfare officers have been appointed by the War Office for work overseas and some others have been appointed locally. None has been drawn from welfare officers serving at home. Any such officer within the age limit for service abroad who wishes to serve abroad will be considered but, as I indicated in my reply to my hon. Friend on 12th October, the conditions of appointment for service overseas differ greatly from those at home.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is a public relations officer for E.N.S.A.; who occupies the position; whether it is whole time; and what is the salary paid?

I understand that Mr. Collie Knox is the Director of Public Relations for E.N.S.A. He is employed part-time. His salary is not paid from public funds and it would be contrary to the usual practice in such cases to give it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an approximate estimate of the number of British officers and men believed to have been transferred from Italian prisoners of war camps into Germany?

At present I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to my hon. Friends the Members for Stockport (Wing-Commander Hulbert) and Plaistow (Mr. Thorne) on 12th October, except that I am much afraid that the bulk of the British prisoners who were in Italy are now in Germany or in German hands.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that no builder is now able, or willing, to enter into any firm contract for the repair of houses or cottages in view of the high cost, not yet stabilised, of labour and material; and, under these circumstances, on what grounds has the limiting figure of £250 been arrived at?

The reply to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir," the limiting figure mentioned in the second part was adopted, in accordance with the recommendation made by representatives of local authorities, in order to secure with the labour and materials available, the maximum amount of improvement to the largest possible number of houses.

asked the Minister of Health what form of technical specification is needed to be provided by house property owners, especially in rural districts, to the local authority when making application for essential repairs to be carried out under the scheme made public by his Department on 19th October; and whether any steps have been taken to carry out a survey of houses in need of repair in each parish by qualified surveyors?

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the circular issued to local authorities with a suggested form of application to be submitted by property owners who wish to take advantage of the scheme. The survey of houses needing repair is a matter for the local authority.

asked the Prime Minister whether, as the institution of a universal free health service conducted by full-time salaried medical officers, involving the ultimate extinction of private practice, comes into the category of a far-reaching change of a controversial character not directly needed for the war effort, he will declare that decisions regarding such a service shall not be made without a general election?

I have been asked to reply. I think that my hon. Friend should first await the promised White Paper, so that he may see what proposals are in fact put forward in it as the basis for public discussion, before he raises the last part of the Question?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give any information as to how the average annual earnings of agricultural workers compare with the average annual earnings of all manual workers in the same age groups?

I regret that information is not available as to the average annual earnings of agricultural workers or of manual workers generally.

asked the Minister of Labour what grants are available from his Department to assist the welfare work undertaken on behalf of Welsh women transferred to war work in the Midlands by voluntary organisations such as the New Wales Union?

In the Midlands and other districts where special welfare facilities are required for transferred war workers and are not otherwise available, I am prepared to consider applications for grant-aid from local voluntary organisations which are in a position to provide such facilities and which are in need of financial assistance for the purpose.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare whether his attention has been called to the Report of Mr. George Exintaris, a former Minister of Agriculture in Greece recently escaped from that country, that the crop has been bad; that there is a deficit of 150,000 tons of wheat and that famine conditions as bad as in the worst five months of 1941–42 will prevail this winter; and what steps His Majesty's Government propose to take to alleviate the distress of our Allies?

Since his arrival in London Mr. Exintaris has been in touch with my Department, and has had an interview with my Noble Friend the Minister of Economic Warfare. The views which he has expressed will, of course; receive the most careful consideration. At the moment, however, I have nothing to add to the statements I have already made regarding, the Greek relief scheme.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare whether he is now in a position to report to this House as to whether the steps taken for the control of domestic supplies of food in Greece, which came into force in October, 1942, have proved adequate; and whether the Swedish Swiss Commission and the Greek Government have expressed satisfaction with the working of the controls?

I regret that the information which I have so far received from Greece does not enable me to give the House an assurance as to the working of the safeguards for Greek domestic produce. In the late summer of this year Greek crops were requisitioned or destroyed in certain areas, allegedly as a reprisal for guerilla activities. The authorities in charge of the relief scheme who protested against these proceedings were informed that steps would be taken to avoid such incidents being repeated. I must, however, make it clear that any repetition would be regarded by His Majesty's Government as being in effect a breach of the conditions of the scheme. As regards the second part of the Question, as far as I am aware the answer is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare whether the supplies of milk and vitamin concentrates included in relief shipments to Greece since April are an addition to the supplies previously permitted to pass through the blockade; and whether he can give an assurance that these supplies fully satisfy the appeals for additional supplies made by the Swedish-Swiss Commission which controls the relief operations in Greece and by other responsible spokesmen such as M. Exintaris?

As regards milk, the supplies authorised in June represent an increase in monthly amounts previously allowed. As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Evesham (Mr. De la Bère) on 14th October, the Commission in June requested the despatch of 260 tons of powdered milk or 600 tons of condensed milk per month. It was decided to authorise monthly shipments from July of 300 tons of condensed milk and 300 tons of evaporated milk. This replaced previous monthly allotments of 300 tons. As regards vitamins, a new six-months' programme was submitted by the Commission in June, representing in some respects a slight increase in the rate of supplies. These supplies, so far as they are obtainable, are being procured and despatched. As regards the last part of the Question, I do not know what appeals, other than requests from the Neutral Commission, my hon. Friend has in mind.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many dwelling-houses his Ministry has, since the outbreak of war, requisitioned, bought, rented or otherwise acquired for Service use in a burgh of which he has been informed; what is the total of bedrooms and of public rooms thus removed from public use; how many of these rooms are now used otherwise than as dwellings; and what other buildings, or parts of buildings, have been similarly acquired in this area over the same period?

Since the outbreak of war 63 dwelling-houses comprising a total of 293 bedrooms and 110 public rooms have been taken over in this place by the Admiralty. Of these rooms, 38 bedrooms and 16 public rooms only are used otherwise than as living accommodation. The number of other buildings or parts of buildings taken over in this area during the same period is 62.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare whether the Government will give a full statement of the proposals for controlled relief made to them by the exiled Governments of Belgium, Greece, Poland and Norway, and by the Fighting French since the spring of 1940?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether there is in existence any scheme whereby specialist teachers, for example, teachers in advanced mathematics, are fairly distributed among schools, so that as many schools as possible may provide their pupils with such specialised teaching; and, if not, whether he will consider introducing such a scheme?

Such a scheme as my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind is not in operation and would be practicable only if teachers could be directed to teach in particular schools. I am, however, at present giving particular consideration to the question of maintaining and, if possible, increasing the supply of specialist teachers in science and mathematics.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that morning and evening railway service between Hackney Downs and Northumberland Park, Tottenham, is inadequate and with results detrimental to the health of elderly men and women employed on war work; and whether he will take steps to improve the service?

I am not aware that the morning and evening railway service between Hackney Downs and Northumberland Park, Tottenham, is inadequate. There are trains from Hackney Downs each morning at 5.24, 6.40, 7.17, 7.44, 7.56 and 8.33, and trains in the evening at 5.27, 6.16 and 7.37. The journey is one of only 12 or 13 minutes' duration and I am informed that the trains are not overcrowded. If my hon. Friend has received any specific complaints, I shall be happy to have them examined.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of President Roosevelt's declaration that nations receiving goods under Lend-Lease will be expected to pay for them by goods or other benefits after the war, strict account will in future be kept of services rendered to America under Lend-Lease and an estimate made of those already rendered?

No, Sir. As the late Chancellor of the Exchequer explained in

Married Couple without Children.
Income for the Year.					Total Tax Payable.
Husband.		Wife.		Total.	If assessed as two Single Persons.			Assessed as Married.
Earned.	Investment.	Earned.	Investment.
£	£	£	£	£	£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.
100	25	80	20	225	11	5	0	Nil
160	40	80	20	300	33	16	0	20	16	0
140	60	40	60	300	34	9	0	34	9	0
350	50	80	20	500	113	12	6	93	12	6
300	100	60	40	500	116	2	6	106	2	6
450	50	100	50	650	178	2	6	158	12	6
400	100	50	100	650	182	5	0	181	2	6
450	50	200	50	750	207	7	6	203	12	6
450	50	40	210	750	212	15	0	233	12	6
400	100	150	100	750	211	10	0	208	12	6
300	200	300	200	1,000	332	5	0	331	2	6
400	100	250	250	1,000	329	15	0	328	12	6
400	100	60	440	1,000	339	5	0	351	2	6
900	100	200	50	1,250	434	17	6	431	2	6
800	200	150	100	1,250	441	10	0	438	12	6
800	200	50	200	1,250	444	15	0	461	2	6
900	100	300	200	1,500	552	5	0	551	2	6
800	200	250	250	1,500	559	15	0	558	12	6
800	200	70	430	1,500	568	15	0	576	2	6
900	100	600	400	2,000	787	5	0	786	2	6
800	200	500	500	2,000	797	5	0	796	2	6

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT Tables, on the lines of Table II in Command Paper 6348 of 1942, indicating the position of two persons when married and unmarried respectively at various income levels, and in varying proportions of earned and unearned incomes?

In Table II in the White Paper on the Taxation of Weekly Wage Earners (Cmd. 6348 of 1942) only earned income was dealt with so that there were only two variable factors, the earned income of the husband and that of the wife, to be taken into account, but if investment income is also to be taken into account, there will be four variable factors (the earned and investment incomes of the husband and of the wife) and consequently it is not practicable to give a full Table on the same lines. Some examples are, however, appended and these show that the total tax payable is normally less if the taxpayers are assessed as married than if they are assessed as two single persons except where the wife has a relatively large investment income and an earned income of less than£80.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what liabilities are incurred by British officers and other ranks serving in India for Income Tax other than those for which they would be subject if serving in the British Isles?

I have been asked by my right hon. Friend to reply. The rates and conditions of Indian Income Tax differ from those of British Income Tax with the result that the liabilities incurred are also different, sometimes greater and sometimes less, in accordance with variations in income and in the size of the family. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of my previous answers of 13th May and 3rd June on this subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether consideration will be given to the question of preference in employment in the Civil Service with concessions in regard to age of entry to ex-Service women, war widows and war orphans, respectively?

I would refer my Noble Friend to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Lonsdale (Sir I. Fraser) on 21st September (OFFICIAL REPORT, Volume 392, column 61.)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in assessing the Service emoluments of civil servants who have been given permission to join one of the Services, the post-war credit of 6d. a day is taken into account as part of current Service earnings when making up balance of civil pay?

No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in order to save the time of the applicant and also rail transport, he will abolish the £2,000 rule with regard to the taking out of letters of administration, and allow all persons residing in the London area and who do not desire to deal through solicitors, to have their cases dealt with in the London office?

The future arrangements with regard to the work of the Principal Probate Registry as a whole are under consideration at the present time, and until certain decisions are taken, I am unable to state whether it will be possible to adopt the suggestion made in the Question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport how many persons have been killed and how many have been injured in road accidents involving, respectively, tramcars, trolley-omnibuses and motor-buses per 1,000,000 passenger miles run by the L.P.T.B. for the past 12 months ended 31St December, 1942?

The figures of fatal and non-fatal accidents per million car miles run by various classes of L.P.T.B. vehicles, in which such vehicles were involved, are as follow:

		FATAL ACCIDENTS.
		Persons.	Per million car miles run.
Central Buses	…	76	·48
Country Buses	…	21	·67
Trams	…	18	·58
Trolleybuses	…	61	·89
Total	…	176	·60
		NON-FATAL ACCIDENTS.
		Persons.	Per million car miles run.
Central Buses	…	5,973	37·5
Country Buses	…	1,024	32·7
Trams	…	1,740	56·1
Trolley buses	…	4,096	59·7
Total	…	12,833	44·2

The basis of car miles has been used because, as I hope my hon. Friend will agree, it is a more appropriate basis of calculation than passenger miles, since the figures of accidents include passengers, pedestrians, and other victims.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what official position was held by Lord Carlisle in Turkey on behalf of the United Kingdom Commercial Corporation; why he has been recalled; whether he has since been asked to resign from his position; and what were the reasons for dispensing with his services?

Lord Carlisle held the position of Chief Representative of the United Kingdom Commercial Corporation in Turkey. He was asked to return because the Board of the Corporation considered a change in representation had been rendered advisable by altered circumstances.

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether he has given consideration to the position that will arise in the post-war period having regard to the fact that American synthetic rubber production will be capable of largely satisfying the needs of the whole world and that the British rubber plantation industry is likely to be seriously affected owing to the Japanese occupation of the Malay Peninsula for a considerable period after the cessation of hostilities; and what steps he is taking to meet this situation?

Yes, Sir; these matters are receiving consideration. Accurate prediction however of post-war needs for rubber or of the state of the Malayan industry is, of course, impossible, and it is too early to form conclusions on how synthetic and natural rubber may fare in competition with each other, but the importance of restoring the prosperity of the plantation industry is fully realised.

asked the Minister of Production whether the supplies of synthetic rubber promised from the United States have been forthcoming; and whether he is satisfied that the further supplies promised will be sent?

The supply has begun and I am confident that, apart from possible transport delays, it will be maintained and increased to meet our needs.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that James Massie, residing at Cottar House, Peterculter, Aberdeenshire, with his wife and two children, are being evicted from their home; that James Massie is serving with His Majesty's Forces; that the Department of Agriculture issued a certificate to the owner of the cottage stating that this house was required for a farm servant and that the house was to be given to the son of the owner; and whether he will have further inquiry made with a view to saving the wife and two children from eviction while the father is absent?

The certificate referred to was granted in February last by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland in terms of the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions (Amendment) Act 1933. If the Department are satisfied that the employment of the person, for whose occupation the dwelling house is required, is necessary for the proper working of the agricultural holding, they have no option but to grant a certificate. But the certificate does not authorise eviction. That requires a sheriff's order made after consideration of all the circumstances. The present case has I understand been before both the sheriff-substitute, and the sheriff principal, on appeal. As regards alternative accommodation, I have brought the circumstances to the urgent attention of the local authority and I understand they are offering alternative accommodation in the district. I will communicate later with the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of boys and girls in Glasgow, under 14 years of age, who have been prosecuted between 1st January, 1937, and 1st January, 1938, and each year up to October, 1943; and the number between 14 and 18 years of age for similar periods, respectively?

I append tables giving the information desired in respect of children and young persons under 14 and between 14 and 17. Separate figures for those between 17 and 18 are not available without special inquiries involving considerable expenditure in time and labour.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will explain the manner in which appeals should be addressed to him under Clause 2 (2) (a) of the Town and County Planning (Interim Development) (Scotland) Bill, and the machinery he has provided for dealing with such appeals; whether the appellants will be heard in person and with their legal or other advisers; what length of time he anticipates will be required to reach decisions; and whether, in the event of an appellant feeling that he has been wronged in law, an appeal against the Secretary of State's decision will be permitted and, if so, how?

Appeals may be lodged with the Secretary of State by sending him a letter setting out the grounds of appeal. The appeals will be considered by the Secretary of State and, where necessary, he will appoint an officer to hear parties along with their legal or technical

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is proposing to publish shortly the reports which he has received up to date from the Scottish Advisory Council on Education?

I have so far received from the Advisory Council on Education two reports on compulsory day continuation classes and two on the recruitment and supply of teachers. I propose to publish the reports on compulsory day continuation classes at an early date. I shall consider the question of publishing the reports on the recruitment and supply of teachers when I have received the third and final report upon that subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total amount of land held, or in process of purchase, by Glasgow Corporation Housing Department for post-war building of houses; the areas where such land is situated; and the number of houses for which plans have already been passed by the Department of Health for Scotland?

The corporation of Glasgow already own about 4,000 acres of housing land which will accommodate about 25,400 houses. As a large number of sites are involved I am writing to the hon. Member giving him particulars of them. The Department of Health have already approved layout and type plans prepared by the Corporation for about 5,200 houses but in common with other Scottish local authorities the corporation will no doubt wish to reconsider their plans in the light of the recommendations which will be made by the Scottish Housing Advisory Committee in their forthcoming report. I expect the report of the committee to be available at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of families in the Glasgow area who require houses; the number of families over five in number in single apartment houses; and the number of tubercular cases on Glasgow Corporation health list to be housed?

The corporation of Glasgow have about 90,000 applications for houses. Information on the second part of the Question is not available. The corporation have on their list for rehousing about 800 families where a member suffers from tuberculosis. In some of these cases, of course, the patient is at present in an institution.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what percentage of the cereal crop in Yorkshire, Durham, Northumberland, Westmorland and Cumberland, respectively, has been spoiled by the bad weather and not satisfactorily harvested?

I regret that it would not be in the public interest to give the information asked for by my hon. and gallant Friend. In any case such damage as has been suffered varies so widely from farm to farm that no general figure, even if published, could be anything but misleading.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will now review the special position of agriculture in Wales, particularly the cultivation of unsuitable hill and mountain land at the expense of the diminution of livestock; and whether he will adumbrate a long-term policy of at least seven or eight years?

I am aware that there are many parts of England and Wales in which it can be said that special conditions prevail. These are fully taken into account when discussing with county war agricultural executive committees the contribution which each can make to food production. The position is kept under constant observation, in consultation with all those who are thoroughly familiar with local conditions, and I do not feel that there is any occasion for the special review suggested. Contrary to the suggestion in the Question, the cultivation of hill and mountain land is now for the most part directed to maintain and where possible increase, not diminish, the number of livestock in those districts. In reply to the last part of the Question, I have already adumbrated a four-year cropping policy combined with a milk production and livestock improvement policy which can with advantage be followed for many years to come.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make any statement on the conduct of the operations in Yugoslavia?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister gave on 20th October last in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley (Mr. Ivor Thomas).

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how the output of saleable coal per manshift worked in the 12 months ended 30th June, 1943, 1942 and 1941, respectively, compares with the published figure of 22.96 cwt. per manshift worked in 1938?

The output of saleable coal per manshift worked during the years ended 30th June, 1943, 1942 and 1941 was 20.83 cwts.; 21.28 cwts., and 21.62 cwts. respectively.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what has been the effect of the Mining Industry Act, 1926, Section 18 (1), authorising Ministerial regulation to secure preference in the employments of getting, handling, hauling, preparing and despatching coal to those already so employed before 30th April, 1926?

Section 18 of the Mining Industry Act, 1926, which was designed to regulate entry into coalmining, is no longer in force. The power to make regulations under this Section was not exercised in view of an undertaking entered into by the Mining Association of Great Britain on behalf of colliery undertakings to restrict new engagements of workpeople of 18 years of age and over

	Percentage of Shifts lost by Wage-earners at the Coal Face.			Percentage of Shifts lost by all Wage-earners.
	Voluntary.	Involuntary.	Total.	Voluntary.	Involuntary.	Total.
1940	Not available		10·34	Not available		8·27
1941	Not available		11·21	Not available		9·03
1942	Not available		12·81	Not available		10·20
40 weeks ended 9th October, 1943 {Provisional)	6·04	8·77	14·81	4·83	7·26	12·09

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many shifts per person per week were worked in the coalmining industry during 1940, 1941, 1942 and the first three quarters of 1943, in the country as a whole and in each district?

As the answer involves a number of figures, I append a in certain occupations to persons who were engaged in those occupations immediately prior to the coal stoppage of 1926. Many miners who had not been re-engaged following the termination of the stoppage were brought back to the industry as a result of the operation of the undertaking.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps are to be taken in weeding out the older men now in the Army for the mines; must there be a personal application for release; will it be left entirely to the military authorities or will a certain age be decided upon and all above that be automatically released?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for East Rhondda (Mr. Mainwaring) on 19th October.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what percentage of shifts was lost by persons at the coalface and by all persons employed in the coalmining industry, respectively, during the years 1940, 1941, 1942 and 1943; and what percentages were lost voluntarily or involuntarily, respectively, in any of these periods for which separate figures are available?

The following is the answer:table giving the information. I would point out, however, that it would be misleading to compare the shifts worked per wage-earner per week for the period January-September with those for a year because of the higher proportion of holidays taken during the first nine months of the year. There were more holidays taken in January-September, 1943, than in the same period of previous years.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the composition of the body to which the technical aspects of the Severn Barrage and ancillary works has been remitted; when a Report can be expected; and whether the Report will be made public?

I have decided to appoint a small technical body to review the conclusions reached by the Brabazon Committee in the light of engineering and other developments since 1933. I hope to be in a position shortly to announce the composition of this body. It is too early to say when it will make a Report, but it will be asked to proceed with its inquiry as rapidly as possible. I should hope to be in a position to publish the Report, but cannot commit myself until I have seen it.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many dwelling-houses his Ministry has, since the outbreak of war, requisitioned, bought, rented or otherwise acquired for service use in a burgh of which he has been informed; what is the total of bedrooms and of public rooms thus removed from public use; how many of these rooms are now used otherwise than as dwellings; and what other buildings, or parts of buildings, have been similarly acquired in this area over the same period?

Since the outbreak of war the Air Ministry has requisitioned 11 houses, with a total of 58 rooms, and has arranged six hirings, comprising nine rooms, in the burgh referred to. One of the houses has since been de-requisitioned and all the hirings have been surrendered. The total number of rooms removed from public use is now 48, of which six are in use otherwise than as dwellings. In the same period, the Air Ministry requisitioned 11 other buildings, comprising five halls, two clubs, a school annex, a public baths, a bandstand and a garage. Two of the halls and the garage are no longer on requisition.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what period of leave is now granted to members of the W.A.A.F. for their honeymoon?

Subject to the exigencies of the Service, members of the W.A.A.F. on marriage are granted privilege leave within their normal entitlement of 14 days every six months. When necessary, compassionate leave up to a maximum of 14 days may also be granted at the discretion of Commanding Officers.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the figures of strength of the R.A.F. and R.A.F. Reserve for the years ended 31st March, 1938, and 31st March, 1939?

The average strengths of the R.A.F. and the R.A.F. Reserve for the years referred to were:

—	1.4.37–31.3.38	1.4.38–31.3.39
R.A.F.	62,473	82,844
R.A.F. Reserve and Auxiliary Forces.	12,669	23,292