asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make arrangements for the training of staff for military detention barracks in such barracks and not, as at present, in other places and under conditions foreign to those obtaining in such barracks.

In accordance with the recommendation made in the Oliver Report a school of instruction for the training of the staff for military detention barracks has been established at Fort Darland. The first course assembled on 6th January. Pending its establishment arrangements were made for courses of instruction to be held at the detention barracks at Aldershot, but after the beginning of March no further courses will be held there.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange that the normal 48 hours' leave allowed to officers in military detention barracks between their normal quarterly leave, shall be given on days other than the officers' normal week-end off duty.

In order to make sure that there is no misunderstanding on this point a memorandum has been sent to the commandants of detention barracks explaining that the period of 48 hours' leave allowed quarterly under the normal leave rules is additional to any other leave or off-duty period.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now permit units of the Home Guard to purchase kilts for their pipe bands from existing stocks held in ordnance stores.

I am afraid not. The supply position is such that kilts have been withdrawn—as my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware—even from Regular units except for the pipe bands of Foot Guards and of Scottish and Irish infantry regiments.

Could my right hon. Friend not reconsider his decision in view of the very special pride which Home Guard units in Scotland take in their pipe bands?

I am afraid not. I have considered it over and over again and it is no good my promising reconsideration unless there is a prospect of success. In this case I am afraid there is no prospect.

Is the right hon. Gentleman forbidding the Home Guard to do something they would like to do for themselves?

asked the Secretary of State for War on what basis it is decided that messengers employed at headquarters of the War Department may, in some circumstances, be established while messengers in the out-stations of the War Department are held to be ineligible for establishment.

This, as my hon. Friend is aware, is a question which affects the Government Service generally. The normal rule is to establish only those messengers to whom special responsibilities are allotted.

Why is it that messengers who have, as the Government know very well, been employed for the whole of their lives, are denied establishment and pensions except a small percentage?

I think that is a question which had better be addressed to the Minister responsible for the Civil Service as a whole.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman responsible for the War Ministry; and cannot he use his great powers with the Treasury to see that his Department, at least, is above reproach?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the estimated cost of producing the daily paper SEAC, published in Calcutta for the South East Asia Command; the Government to which this expense will be charged; the reasons for producing a new daily newspaper when there are daily papers in Calcutta, Madras and Ceylon; and the grounds for promoting a second-lieutenant to brigadier-general as editor of SEAC.

As far as can be ascertained at this stage this paper will pay for itself. The ordinary Indian newspapers which in the main are produced for residents in India do not provide the type of news, particularly local home news, which the troops are anxious to have. It was therefore decided to fill this want by the production of a newspaper on the lines of the very successful Eighth Army publications and I understand that this paper, which is at present only sold east of the Bramaputra, has proved to be very popular with the troops. On the last part of my hon. Friend's Question I would refer him to a reply I gave last Tuesday to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for South East Essex (Flight-Lieut. Raikes).

Would it not be very much better for the British and American Forces serving in this command to get some knowledge of the country in which they are serving, which they can only get from the regular daily Press?

I imagine that living in the country they will get a pretty good idea of it without recourse to the daily Press.

Has this second lieutenant been given the acting or local rank of brigadier?

That has nothing to do with the Question. I said that I had been definitely informed that he had no local rank and that his substantive rank and his complete rank is that of second lieutenant.

Is it not rather curious that there should be this apparent vendetta against a young officer who is as admirably suited to do this work as Mr. Owen is?

Would it not be better to release an officer from the Army altogether if he is to act as editor of a newspaper?

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in the case of those men who are killed while engaged in Army exercises in which live ammunition is used, he will consider changing the classification of the cause of death from accidental to something more appropriate to the circumstances of the cases, such as killed on active service.

The term "killed" is used, generally speaking, to designate deaths which occur in action against the enemy. All deaths which occur in the course of Army exercises are designated as "died." These include deaths which may unfortunately occur from causes such as drowning or a fall from a height, not connected with the question whether live ammunition is being used or not. I do not think therefore that the introduction of any such distinction as that suggested in the Question would be justified. But if a soldier is killed from any cause while engaged in training in this country, it is a case of death on active service.

Is it not a fact that where live ammunition is used a certain number of fatalities must be anticipated? Therefore, surely the word "accidental" is not really appropriate for cases such as these?

I had hoped that my answer indicated perfectly clearly that the word "accidental" was not used in published lists.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the provision of light diet at base hospitals in Italy is insufficient for patients suffering from gastric disorders or from dysentery, and if, to rectify this state of affairs, he will consider having the relatively small quantities of foodstuffs required supplied regularly by air.

I am glad to say that the incidence of dysentery and gastric disorders in this theatre of war has been very low in recent months. It has been difficult at times to maintain an adequate supply of fresh eggs but I do not know that there has been any other difficulty in providing suitable light diets for patients in base hospitals.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that officers have had to return to this country in order to obtain a suitable diet, and will he consider transporting the necessary small amount of foodstuffs by air to help out the position in base hospitals?

My answer, I think, casts a certain amount of doubt on my hon. and gallant Friend's information. If he still believes that his information is correct, perhaps he will send it to me.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the universal desire of serving men to hear topical news about home and home affairs he will arrange with E.N.S.A. the despatch of two or three selected men or women expert in topical news and primed with the required information.

I agree with my hon. Friend that as much news about home as possible should be provided for troops overseas. It is not, however, the function of E.N.S.A. to do this. It is done partly through newspapers and broadcasting, and much attention is being given to increasing and improving the supply of topical news through these channels. In addition, news and general information about the home front are also being given to an increasing extent as a part of Army Education by means of "British Way and Purpose" pamphlets and A.B.C.A. discussions.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that it has been the practice of A.M.G.O.T. to disregard the results of free municipal elections held in forward areas in Italy under the auspices of the field security police and to replace officials so elected by the Fascist officials whom they had succeeded; and whether he will see to it that this practice shall now cease.

I fear the hon. Member has been gravely misinformed. No elections have been or, in the circumstances, could have been held in Italy up to date.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is absolutely unimpeachable first-hand eye-witness evidence of the facts set out in my Question, and will he re-investigate the matter, to save himself the humiliation of being hoodwinked by his own subordinates?

I will certainly investigate the evidence if the hon. Member will send it to me.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is widespread complaint in the recovered territory of Italy against the action of A.M.G.O.T. in suppressing the wishes of the inhabitants?

There, too, if the hon. Member will produce unimpeachable evidence that this is so, I will certainly have it investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Jews have fought in the Middle East in our Armies there, in the Far East, and the British Isles.

There are at present over 40,000 Jews in the British Army and in the local Forces in the Middle East.

Has the right hon. Gentleman got the number of Gentiles?

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers serving on Territorial commissions at the outbreak of war have since been promoted to the rank of brigadier, or higher.

Ninety-five.

Is not this an unduly low proportion in view of the number of civilian Territorial Army officers now employed?

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put that down if he wants to ask a question about the proportion. I thought 95 was a very considerable number.

asked the Secretary of State for War why retired officers employed in his Department on matters requiring military experience and incapable of transaction by civilians are none the less classed as employed in a civilian capacity, and therefore subject to non-beneficial unemployment and health insurance; and whether, in view of the resentment thereby occasioned, he will alter the classification.

These gentlemen, although employed in military branches, are temporary civil servants, and as such are subject to the ordinary statutory provisions of the National Insurance Acts. Unemployment and Health Insurance benefits under those Acts are secured to them and are payable without regard to means. In the circumstances, I am unable to agree to any alteration in their classification.

Do not these officers still hold the King's Commission and draw retired pay, and do they not require military knowledge to perform the duties which they have to perform? Is there any reason, in that case, why they should be classed as civilians?

As my hon. and gallant Friend knows, it is a practice which has been going on for a great many years, and I personally do not see sufficient reason for upsetting it.

Is there any reason why, because it has been going on for a number of years, it should continue to go on? Is it not an injustice? These officers can derive no benefits. Does not my right hon. Friend think——

That is not a question, but an argument.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to make a statement dealing with the stranding of more than 300 soldiers recently at Wallasey.

I am informed that the arrangements made to receive these men on the evening they arrived at Wallasey were in some respects inadequate. In particular, the cooker in their billets was defective. In view of the terms of the Question which the hon. Member addressed to me on 18th January, I should perhaps make it clear that the staff of Movement Control were in no way to blame for this. I regret this occurrence, and the appropriate disciplinary action has been taken. I should add that as soon as it was realised that a hitch had occurred the officer in command of the unit, with the assistance of the unit which was responsible for the arrangements, immediately took emergency steps to provide the men with meals, and all the men were duly despatched on leave by six in the evening on the day after their arrival.

Was there any extension of their leave, as this happened owing to a mistake?

I do not know about that.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now make public when officers and men of the Lincolnshire Regiment participated in the fighting and suffered casualties from the commencement of hostilities, say for reasons of this regiment's safety, to 31st October, 1943.

These details were given in a statement issued to the local Press at the end of last May. Since then this regiment has taken part in the fighting on the Burma frontier.

How is it that the right hon. Gentleman can give a list of the casualties of a single regiment, when no casualty lists at all have been issued since September, 1942, for the whole country?

That seems to me a very different question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put it down.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether arrangements will be made for exhibitions of Army equipment similar to that recently on view in Oxford Street to be shown in provincial cities.

Yes, Sir. Arrangements are being made for such an exhibition by the Ministry of Information. It is hoped that it will be shown in Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff for a month in each town, beginning, if possible, in April.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any of the last allocation of houses have been completed.

The actual work of construction of last year's special allocation did not begin until the late summer, and no group of houses, I am informed, has yet been completed.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the number of rooms requisitioned in Greenock by the Services; and whether he will make representations to have released for housing purposes those requisitioned by the Services but used otherwise than as dwelling-rooms.

I have obtained from the town clerk of Greenock a list of private dwelling-houses requisitioned by the Service Departments, and I have written to the Departments concerned asking them whether any of these can be released for housing purposes.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that figures have already been given, and will he direct action to be taken upon those figures?

That is what I am doing now.

Will my right hon. Friend make some inquiries in the City of Glasgow to see whether Service Departments which have taken rooms over are really utilising them?

If my hon. Friend can give me any instances of where it is not being done I will certainly take action.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when and where the first tribunals to assess fair rents for furnished sub-let tenancies will sit.

The Glasgow tribunal has already been set up. I understand that over 100 cases have been referred to it, regarding which it is in communication with the lessors and lessees in accordance with the regulations under the Statute. Sittings of the tribunal for oral hearings will be arranged as necessary, and due intimation given to the parties affected. So far 113 other local authorities have represented that the recent Act should be applied to their areas. It is proposed to cover these areas by 25 tribunals, and selection of and invitations to individuals to become members of these tribunals is being proceeded with.

Is there any area in which the local authority have asked for a tribunal and been refused?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered the Report of the committee presided over by Sir John Boyd Orr dealing with child mortality; and what action it is proposed to take.

Yes, Sir. On the day of publication, I invited the associations of local authorities and other interested bodies to consider the report with a view to discussions which I propose to open immediately. I may add that preliminary estimates indicate that the infant mortality rate, while still unsatisfactory, is likely to be lower in 1943 than it has ever been in Scotland.

Am I to understand that this is a reason for not discussing this report, which discloses a most ghastly situation; and is it a fact that the Minister consulted with only one or two authorities?

Not one or two authorities. As I said, I have invited the associations of local authorities, which covers them all, to consider the report, and, as the hon. Member is aware, there are many matters of great variety in which I hope to stimulate activity.

Will the Minister press on local authorities to proceed immediately to provide maternity accommodation, in view of the shocking housing conditions that exist?

Is the Minister aware that, if this report applied to some other country, this whole House would be shocked at the terrible state of affairs disclosed, but because it is about a part of Scotland, where this has always been known, it is ignored?

The report is not being ignored. It was published as early as possible, and I drew the attention of the associations of local authorities to it on the day of publication. Arrangements are now being made for active preparation for remedial action as far as possible.

In a very short time, we shall be having a Supply Day, and it will be perfectly appropriate to raise this question on the Minister's salary. May I ask the Minister however if he will see that we have a whole day in this House to deal with this question, not merely a general Supply Day, on which other subjects can be discussed, as this is a serious matter?

That is a question which ought to be put to the Leader of the House.

May I put the question to the Leader of the House?

Is the Minister aware that the vital statistics and all material evidence have been at the disposal of his Office during his whole term of office; and is there any guarantee that he will take any more active measures now, than he has done in all the past years when he had the matter under control?

Is the Minister aware that this is one of the few civilised countries in the world where no provision is made for the expectant mother in industry, and that she is worn-out even before her confinement?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power to what extent conscientious objectors have proved proficient when employed in the coalmines; and whether he proposes to extend employment of these people in the coalfields.

In reply to the first part of the Question, there is no information available about the proficiency of individual miners. With regard to the second part, I have nothing to add to the reply made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour to the hon. Members for Holland with Boston (Mr. Butcher) and Tamworth (Sir J. Mellor) on 9th December, 1943.

As I have not the answer by me, could the Minister say whether he is not prepared to take suitable steps with conscientious objectors at the same time as the calling-up of these young untrained boys?

They are, in fact, treated like the others called up, and there is no differentiation at all.

Will the Minister invite those hon. Members who want to force everybody else down the pits to go down the pits themselves?

Is the Minister not aware that, in the mining villages, we neither know nor care whether they are conscientious objectors or not? We want conscientious coal-getters to get coal, and that is all that matters to us.

Is the Minister aware that all the boys being sent to the mines just now are conscientious objectors?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware of the hardship experienced by householders who have neither gas or electricity available either for cooking or for heating; and whether he will authorise local fuel overseers to allow additional supplies of coal in such cases.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 18th January to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Wycombe (Sir A. Knox).

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that in the city of Glasgow residents in tenement buildings are only allowed five cwts. per month of coal; that they have no storage accommodation; that, in most cases, they have neither gas nor electric fire; that this allotment is inadequate and particularly so where there are young children; and will he cause inquiry to be made into the position.

The maximum quantity of house coal which may be supplied to controlled premises in Glasgow is, in February, as it was in January, 5 cwts. per month. I appreciate the need to make special provision for consumers who have no storage accommodation. Those who had such accommodation were urged to stock up during last summer and autumn in order to release labour and transport during the winter to supply those with no storage accommodation and priority of delivery is now being given to householders without reserve stocks. With the exercise of proper economy and the judicious use of alternative fuels, I am satisfied that 5 cwts. per month should suffice to avoid undue hardship in the majority of cases, but the Local Fuel Overseer has authority to grant licences for additional quantities in cases of illness or where there is exceptional need.

Is the Minister aware that, in practically one-half of the houses in the city of Glasgow, five cwt. is the total consumption of coal, and alongside all that there are people who have been able to store larger amounts and who still receive the five cwt.; and will he take steps to sweep away this awful form of rationing which has no equality? I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter again, because it is indefensible.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the Government's policy for wage rates in the coal-mining industry; what are the terms of reference of the National Reference Tribunal; and whether their award of 22nd January was related to a change in the cost of living, to production, or other economic considerations.

The Government's policy for wages machinery in the coal-mining industry was set out in paragraph 20 of the White Paper on Coal (Cmd. 6364) published on 3rd June, 1942; the functions of the National Reference Tribunal were set out in the third report of the board of investigation into wages and machinery for determining wages and conditions of employment in the coalmining industry which was incorporated in an agreement between the Mining Association and the Mineworkers' Federation of Great Britain on 25th May, 1943; the Tribunal's Award on 22nd January resulted from a reference to the Tribunal of an application by the Mineworkers' Federation; the grounds for the decision were stated in the Award and summarised by the Chairman, Lord Porter, in a statement issued to the Press on 23rd January.

Do the Government expect the award to increase production; and what will be the increase in the retail price of coal if the Government accept the award?

Obviously, I must have notice of the second part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, as the Government cannot possibly tell at this stage, and with regard to the first part relating to increased production, we had better wait and see.

Is the Minister aware that this means nothing whatever to the key men in the way of an increase and that it will have a very bad effect generally on the coal mining industry?

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many permits have been granted by his Department for the installation of air-conditioning plants in cotton spinning mills in the last two years; and in what respects are the conditions at these mills different from the conditions at those mills where permits have been refused.

During 1942 and 1943, 50 licences were granted. Each application is carefully investigated and licences are granted where the need is greatest.

Does not that show that, in spite of the repeated statements of the right hon. Gentleman that he desires to remove these restrictions, in point of fact very little has been done, and will he see that in future there is less obstruction in the granting of these licences?

No, Sir. What it shows is, that the majority of applications have been granted—50 granted and only 38 refused. We shall do all we can, within the limits of labour and material available, to meet the claims of other industries as well as cotton.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the great shortage of batteries for torches and cycle lamps in Yorkshire; and what steps are being taken to improve the existing supply.

My area distribution officers are looking into this matter. I understand that deliveries of batteries for some districts of Yorkshire have recently been delayed, but supplies are now on the way.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the shortage is causing great danger in the black-out as well as presenting a considerable problem in regard to transport?

We are doing better than last winter; we have increased production compared with that of last winter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if it is his intention to make concessions and coupon readjustments in austerity clothing for women.

No, Sir. The special reasons which have led me to remove the style restrictions on men's suits, and which I explained last week, do not apply to women's clothes.

If the women's organisations bring pressure to bear on my right hon. Friend for a special concession and a coupon readjustment, will be capitulate in the same way as he did to the men in respect of pockets and fancy turn-ups?

I think that women are much more reasonable and much less conservative than men in these matters, and I want to thank them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that large stocks of ladies' coats and costumes are at present being frozen in many warehouses along with millions of coupons; and will he instruct manufacturers what steps can immediately be taken to relieve or ease the position?

No, Sir. At the end of November wholesalers' stocks of women's coats and costumes represented only one and a half months' sales, which is not excessive.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of the new wireless sets, shortly to be available, will be allocated to Scotland; what arrangements for fair distribution will be made; and the prices to be charged.

Both the imported sets and the war-time standard sets will be distributed to retailers on the basis of pre-war trade. I have no reason to fear that Scotland will not receive her fair share. I hope shortly to announce maximum prices for these sets.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will cause the supply of radio valves and component parts to be increased in order that sets now out of commission may be brought into active use; and will he make a statement on this matter.

Supplies of many types of valves for civilian wireless sets are adequate, but some special types are short. In view of the very heavy Service demands, I regret that I cannot hold out any hope of an early increase. I am glad to say that larger quantities of other components are now available for civilian wireless sets than last year.

May I take it that these valves and components are being fairly distributed?

Yes, I hope so. If, however, in any particular district there seems to be a shortage, my officers will look into it and try to correct it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the proportionate differences in the allocation of razor blades to civilians and to men in the Services; and whether he can hold out any hope of an increase in the allocation to civilians.

On the average, a man in the Forces now gets about twice as many blades as a man in civil life. Production is strictly limited by the labour and material available. But I am glad to say that there has been some increase lately.

Would my right hon. Friend tell us why there must be this discrepancy; and is he aware that, if it goes on, he will be complicating your task, Mr. Speaker, because some of us will have to come to this House wearing large and bushy beards?

Were my hon. Friend so to act, he would not incur the same penalties as if he were in the Forces.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many applications for licences to install minor equipment to improve working conditions in cotton spinning mills, the cost of which does not exceed£200, have been refused by his Department during the last 12 months.

For air-conditioning plant costing£200 or less, two applications were refused in 1943 and 13 were granted. For portable industrial vacuum cleaners, nine applications were refused and three were granted.

Does that answer indicate that there is some discrimination? Why should these desirable improvements be refused when, by the terms of the Question, the amount of material and man-power required is very small?

There must be discrimination so long as we receive the advice of factory inspectors, whom we always consult on this matter, as to which case is most urgent. There is not enough to go round.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why representations were made by the Government to the British Aluminium Company, Limited, to remove from the boards of companies connected with it an Ally whose name has been given him and who has been serving for two years in the R.A.F. receiving the D.F.C. and bar.

No such representations have been made by the Board of Trade nor, so far as I am aware, by any other Government Department.

In view of that answer, will the right hon. Gentleman convey to the company, the feeling that their action towards this wing-commander is most un-chivalrous and unworthy of British hospita- lity and ask them to consider sympathetically his reinstatement on the board?

Is it not disgraceful that a man who has served the Allied cause so well should have this discrimination preferred against him?

My Department has no responsibility in the matter.

But will the right hon. Gentleman convey the opinion which has been expressed in this House to the company?

Perhaps they will read it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make some pronouncement regarding the arrangements that have been concluded for expanding and developing our export trade to Russia for the post-war period.

Trade between this country and Russia is at present conducted under arrangements agreed between the two Governments. These are, of course, concerned with the supply of goods essential to the war effort. It is not at present possible to say when, or how, these arrangements will need to be modified. But, whatever arrangements are made for the post-war period, His Majesty's Government look forward to a large and expanding trade between our two countries.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider at this stage of the war, encouraging those engaged in the export trade to get a footing in the markets of the world?

This Question is about trade with Russia. We hope to have a large footing in the Russian market after the war and we hope that they will have a large footing in ours.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will arrange for permission to be granted to postmen in rural districts to purchase rubber knee-boots free of coupons.

Postmen, for whose duties rubber boots are considered essential by the Post Office, already receive a coupon-free issue. In view of the many claims upon the very limited supplies available, I regret that any wider issue is not possible.

May we take it from that reply, that the Minister is determined that these men shall be "masters of their feet and captains of their soles"?

asked the President of the Board of Trade in what Act or Regulation there is a definition of what constitutes a British film; and what are the necessary qualifications.

These qualifications are set out in Section 25 of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1938, and in two subsequent Orders in Council. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend copies of the Act and of these two Orders.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he proposes to revise the Act relating to British film production; and whether he proposes shortly to set up a committee to reconsider the position upon the lines of the Moyne Committee of 1936.

The Cinematograph Films Act, 1938, does not expire until 1948. The answer to the second part of the Question is, "No, Sir."

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is some alarm in the country lest control of the British film industry should ultimately pass overseas? Will the Government take any action that seems suitable to them to prevent that happening?

Yes, Sir, I am carefully watching the position. But, in view of the period the present Act has still to run, it is premature to set up a Committee at the moment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements have been made by his Department to regulate the sale of alarm clocks.

As the number of alarm clocks imported from North America is very limited, I have arranged for them to be sold only against buying permits, available to those workers who have regularly to get up between midnight and 5 a.m. These permits are issued through the trade unions, and through certain Government Departments. The clocks, on importation, are distributed, through the horological trade pool, to wholesalers for supply to retailers against permits surrendered to them by their customers.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Sunderland there are more alarm clocks than permits; and does he not think that it would be as well for him to get one, so as to wake himself from his dream of regulating both the waking and sleeping hours of the public?

I hope my hon. Friend has one himself. I will draw his observations to the attention of those concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will shortly take steps to put the Prevention of Fraud (Investments) Act, 1939, into full operation?

Yes, Sir. I have decided to fix 15th April as the date by which applications for licences to deal in securities must be submitted to my Department. Some further time must be allowed for consideration of these applications, and I aim at bringing the Act into full operation by the middle of July next.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the report issued under the auspices of all sections of the Lancashire textile industry, a copy of which has been sent to him, in particular those suggestions affecting his Department and with what result?

I am considering this report with close attention, but I am not at present able to make any statement on it.

Has my right hon. Friend also received a report prepared by the trade unions on this matter and, if so, will he give it the same attention?

Yes, Sir, certainly. As my hon. Friend knows a number of trade union representatives were on the committee which made the report referred to by my hon. Friend the Member for West-houghton (Mr. Rhys Davies).

My right hon. Friend says he is considering the subject. When does he think that I might reasonably put down another Question to find out what is in his mind about the report, if anything is in his mind about it by then?

I have a lot in my mind but I think it premature to make a statement until I have had a little more time to study the report. It has taken a long while to compile and it must be read with care, because it represents the work of many months by prominent people in the industry.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the desirability of giving the House an opportunity to debate this matter, because it introduces most important factors in relation to our export trade?