asked the Minister of Health if he will give private enterprise the same facilities as he contemplates giving to local authorities in site works, road making and sewering, so that house building may start on the largest possible scale when building becomes practicable.

When sufficient experience of the new scheme has been gained the question whether it would be practicable to extend it in the manner indicated by my hon. Friend will be considered.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state the number of local authorities who have co-opted women to their housing committees.

There are women on the housing committees of many local authorities, but I am afraid I am not aware of the number of authorities who have co-opted women to these committees.

asked the Minister of Food if he will inquire into the size of jam stocks held by grocers, etc., in Brecon-shire and Radnorshire.

According to information collected by my Department, retail stocks at the beginning of February in the counties mentioned by my hon. Friend were about double the usual stocks, while wholesale stocks were about 25 per cent. larger than usual stocks.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the accumulating stocks of jam in the hands of distributors in the country; and if he will take steps to make this available to the public.

I am aware that substantial stocks of jam have accumulated in the hands of distributors as a result of the reduction in sales of jam occasioned by the Sugar or Jam Scheme. My right hon. Friend is giving consideration to this matter, and hopes to be in a position to make an announcement on the subject in the near future.

asked the Minister of Food if he will now consider increasing the ration of cheese to agricultural workers in view of the heavy nature of their work in areas where there are no canteen facilities for hot mid-day meals as at industrial war establishments in urban areas.

A special ration of 12 ozs. of cheese per week is already available to certain categories of workers, including agricultural workers, who are unable to use canteens or other catering facilities and require to take packed meals to eat at their work. The present supply position would not permit of any increase in the special ration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the class of industrialists that have been consulted by his Department in the county of Durham; whether they are engaged in the heavy industries such as coalmining, iron and steel manufacture, shipbuilding and light industries generally; and whether any post-war planning has definitely been agreed upon to meet the future needs of the county.

As I stated on 8th December, it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to create and maintain a greater diversity of industry and a more balanced employment in areas, such as the county of Durham, which before the war were too much dependent on one or two industries. With this aim in view, I am in touch with various industrialists, including a number who are engaged in the lighter industries.

asked the Secretary of State for War what percentage of illiteracy has been observed in the case of recruits to the Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of persons who have been found on joining the Army not to be able to read or write.

I would refer my hon. Friends to a reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Daventry (Major Manningham-Buller) on 15th December.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement respecting the bombing and shelling of field hospitals respectively on 7th and loth February in the Anzio area; and whether, generally, the immunity of the Red Cross is being observed.

I could not give a categorical answer to this Question without considerable investigation. There have been certain incidents but, generally speaking, as far as Field Medical Units are concerned, the immunity of the Red Cross emblem has been respected. No official report has reached me that it has, in fact, been violated in the Anzio area.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the general complaint of non-commissioned officers and men serving in the Middle East that the majority of hotels, clubs, restaurants, etc., in that area are in bounds to officers only; and what steps he is taking to remedy the grievance.

My attention had not been drawn to this, and I should be glad if my hon. Friend would send me particulars of these complaints, so that they can be investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether troops who have been stationed in Iceland during the British occupation there are entitled to wear the 1939–1943 medal.

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is satisfied that the Home Guard have full information as to the local telephone facilities available in the event of their being called upon to deal with enemy airmen brought down in their district.

Extensive arrangements exist to ensure that members of the Home Guard are well acquainted with these matters.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he can give for 1943, or for the first eleven months thereof, the percentage of shifts lost by wage-earners at the coalface and by all wage-earners respectively, with separate figures for shifts lost voluntarily and involuntarily.

Final figures of the percentages of shifts lost in the coal-mining industry for the year 1943 are not yet available. The provisional figures of voluntary and involuntary absenteism at the coalface are 6.1 per cent. and 9.0 per cent. respectively. The corresponding figures for all wage-earners employed are 4.9 per cent. and 7.5 per cent.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the output of saleable coal per manshift for the four weeks ended 31st October, 27th November, 25th December and for the year 1943 respectively.

The provisional figures of the output of saleable coal per manshift worked during the four weeks ended 30th October, 27th November and 25th December, 1943, were 1.04 tons, 1.04 tons, and 1.03 tons respectively. For the year 1943 the provisional figure is 1.03 tons.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the average coal output per manshift worked at the coalface for the quarters ended September and December, 1943, respectively.

The provisional figures of the average saleable coal output per manshift worked at the coalface during the quarters ended September and December, 1943, were 2.82 tons and 2.83 tons respectively.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the categories of men now being released from the forces to work in the mines; in particular, whether men in the Navy are being considered in this connection; and if additional steps will be taken.

The procedure for the release of men from the Army was described in my reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for East Rhondda (Mr. Mainwaring) on 19th October last. Briefly, it was decided that 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), could be considered for release. Subsequently it was agreed that men of any age in Medical Category "C" could be considered. There are, however, certain military provisos which prevent the release of some men who satisfy the age conditions. It has recently been agreed that certain men with previous underground experience serving in the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines and the ground staff of the Royal Air Force at home are to be considered for release. Information as to the conditions governing eligibility for release has been issued to H.M. Ships and Establishments by the Admiralty and to all units of the R.A.F. at home by the Air Ministry. All men have had the opportunity to see these conditions. Particulars of men whom the Admiralty and the Air Ministry are prepared to release will be sent to my Ministry and as soon as an offer of underground work is available action to secure release will be taken. No application can be considered except through the Commanding Officer, and if he informs a man that release is impossible the decision must be accepted as final. In addition, the Ministry of Labour and National Service are making arrangements with the Service Departments under which volunteers for underground work in the coalmining industry with no previous underground experience may be considered for release from the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the Army and the Royal Air Force. All the Service Departments reserve the right if necessary to refuse release to men who satisfy the conditions governing eligibility for release. As regards the last part of the Question, the possibility of further releases is under constant consideration in the light of changing circumstances, but I am afraid that there is no prospect at present of the Service Departments being able to release men who are ineligible under existing rules.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power when he expects to be able to make a statement on the present position in the mining industry in relation to the wages question.

The cost of the increases awarded by the National Reference Tribunal in minimum weekly wages and in the rates for war-time and weekend work, and for holidays with pay, will be a charge on the Coal Charges Account. I have met representatives of the Mineworkers' Federation of Great Britain and the Mining Association and suggested that an immediate overhaul of the wages structure of the industry should take place, and I have proposed that the two sides of the industry should set up a Committee to decide as a matter of urgency the procedure to be followed.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the industries in which, after the Greene Award, the coalmining industry was 23rd in average wage rates.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving the industries in which the coalmining industry was placed 81st in the list of average wage rates at the beginning of the war.

Following are the two lists of industries for which my hon. Friends have asked. They have been derived from figures relating to the average earnings per adult male worker published by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service.I would remind my hon. Friends that, in reply to a Question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Accrington (Major Procter) on 31st January last, I stated that these lists relate in every case to average weekly

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the proceeds per ton of coal sold at the pithead; and the average cost of coal to industrial and domestic consumers at the last convenient date.

The average proceeds per ton at the pithead of commercially disposable coal at the present time are estimated to amount to about 32s. per ton. The delivered cost to consumers is subject to large differences according to the qualities of the coal purchased and the transport charges incurred. I regret that no figures are available to show the average cost.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the minimum profit per ton permitted to be charged to the coal charges fund; the number of colliery undertakers that are drawing upon the fund to realise this minimum profit; and the total amount paid from the fund to date to meet this charge.

The Government have guaranteed a minimum national credit balance of 1s. 6d. per ton on the ascertainment costs of the industry; the greater part of this balance is available as profit, though not the whole of it. All the colliery undertakings are allowed price allowances from the Coal Charges Account at such rates as may be needed to maintain district credit balances; these balances vary in different coal mining districts but the average accords with the National balance. The total amount chargeable to the fund for price allowances from 3rd June, 1942, to 31st December, 1943, is £27,500,000; it is allowed to the collieries by deduction from the coal charge which they have to pay. The credit balances of the industry during the period were of course substantially less than £27,500,000.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what machinery exists in his Department for checking claims made by necessitous undertakings against the Coal Charges Order Fund, 1942.

Claims made by colliery undertakings are examined by accountants appointed by the Executive Boards of Districts, by the Executive Boards themselves, and finally by a headquarters Committee formed of members nominated by the Central Council of the industry and others by myself. At all stages full reports and information are available to the Committees. The scheme operates under arrangements which I have approved under paragraph 6 of the Coal Charges Order of June, 1942.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the present levy per ton being paid into the Coal Charges Order Fund, 1942, and the latest total figure in the fund, with the latest total claims made against the fund by necessitous undertakings.

Under Statutory Rule and Order, 1944, No. 109, which is now awaiting the approval of the House, the Coal Charges Levy is increased to 8s. per ton as from the 1st day of February, 1944. Payments into the Coal Charges Account from its inception to the 31st day of January, 1944, amount to £57,720,000; payments made out of the account to Necessitous Undertakings up to the 31st day of January, 1944, amount to £4,637,000.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many necessitous undertakings in the coal industry are receiving help from the coal charges fund; how many there are in Lancashire; and what are the percentages both for Lancashire and the whole of the coal industry.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the present number of necessitous undertakings under the Coal Charges Order, 1942, in the British coalfield.

The number of undertakings in the coal industry which have received financial assistance during the period from 1st July, 1943, to 31st January, 1944, is 84; of these eight are situated in Lancashire. These figures represent respectively about 9 per cent. of the undertakings in the industry, and about 20 per cent. of those in Lancashire.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why it was that Sergeant Kennard's application for a commission was refused after he had been recommended for a commission and had passed satisfactorily various tests at the officers' school at Cosford; and if he proposes to grant Sergeant Kennard's application for his discharge after 26 years' service with the R.A.F.

This non-commissioned officer was adjudged to fall short of the requisite standards in certain respects and he was accordingly not commissioned. So far as I am aware no application for discharge has been received.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he can make any statement as to State encouragement of petroleum refining on a major scale in this country, especially in the direction of collaboration between chemical and oil-refining interests.

The scale of petroleum refining in this country is at present determined by war exigencies, but I am well aware of the issue raised by my hon. Friend, and the whole subject is being carefully studied in my Ministry.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether it is a regulation of his Department that unused coupons returned at the end of a period have the effect of reducing the petrol allowance for the next and ensuing periods; and whether he will make this regulation widely known.

No, Sir. The return of unused petrol coupons does not prejudice the subsequent allowance of an applicant.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the cost of salaries and wages at headquarters and in the regional organisation of his Department since its creation; the costs of local fuel overseers organisation; the costs of subsidies in connection with coal transport; the cost of the production of briquettes for all purposes; the costs of coal stocking programmes; the costs of loans for purchase of machinery and plant; and the money advanced to cover wage increases in the industry, together with the date for which such particulars are available.

The net cash expenditure by the Ministry of Fuel and Power, and the Mines and Petroleum Departments of the Board of Trade during the period 1st April, 1942, to 31st January, 1944, under the headings indicated is given below. Separate figures from 11th June, 1942, the date on which the Ministry was set up, are not readily available.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has any estimates of German casualties on the Russian front during the past six months.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the figures issued from time to time by official Soviet sources.

asked the Minister without Portfolio if he will publish a table showing the amount spent per household on fuel by areas for the most recent period available on the lines of that given in the Beveridge Report, page 86; the meteorological statistics for the same areas; and the infantile mortality and death rate for same areas.

I doubt whether it will be possible to obtain the information required by my hon. and gallant Friend, but I am making inquiries and will communicate with him on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in 997 Petty Sessional Divisions there are 368 justices of over 75 years of age; and if he is taking steps to retire these gentlemen in any event from work in juvenile courts.

The return from which my hon. Friend quotes has just been furnished to me. I have noted the figure to which he refers, and I will consider the position in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Lord Chancellor.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what subsidies are paid by His Majesty's Government for nonfood but essential articles, excluding munitions of war.

The main subject of subsidies paid outside the range of items indicated in the answer given on 2nd February to my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for Wycombe (Sir A. Knox), is the stabilisation of civilian clothing prices. It is estimated that the cost of subsidising the price of raw materials going into such clothing is about £5,000,000 to £6,000,000. In addition there is a subsidy of about £2,000,000 towards additional war-time costs incurred on the transport of coal.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered the scheme submitted to him for the employment of spare-time volunteer labour on house building in Greenock; and if he has any statement to make.

I have given this scheme personal attention and welcome it as a possible means of meeting the labour shortage that so severely curtails building programmes. There are, however, as I have informed my hon. Friend, one or two points in the proposals which will require to be cleared up before it could be put into operation. If these points can be satisfactorily adjusted I shall be glad to do anything I can to have the experiment started in Greenock.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many owner-occupied houses there are in Scotland.

I am informed that the figures are not available and that their preparation would entail a detailed analysis of every Valuation Roll. I am afraid I do not feel justified in asking for this to be done at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many building societies operate in Scotland; and how many individuals are utilising the services of these organisations for the purchase of houses.

I am informed that the number of building societies registered under the Building Societies Act, 1874, and operating in Scotland is 55 and that the number of individuals in receipt of loans from these societies is 17,107.

asked the Minister of Agriculture why he has authorised county war agricultural executive committees to add a percentage for overhead charges to the standard or authorised prices for casual farm labour or for the hire of agricultural implements, as this policy adds considerably to the farmers' production costs; and if he will consider clearly defining and strictly limiting such charges.

Instructions have recently been issued to county war agricultural executive committees which are designed mainly to secure that farmers hiring labour from Committees are not able to obtain this labour more cheaply than other farmers who employ comparable labour direct. Accordingly, Committees have been instructed, when making charges at time rates, to include in their charge, in addition to the actual cost of wages, the employer's share of the contributions under the State Insurance Schemes, Workmen's Compensation Act insurance premiums, the cost of holidays with pay and other similar items which are normally borne by the farmer when he employs labour direct. The items to be included are clearly defined in the instructions that have already been issued. I am not aware that the charges made by Committees for the hire of agricultural implements include any charge for overheads. The Ministry has indicated to Committees minimum rates estimated to cover the outlay on the supply and maintenance of the machinery hired out.

asked the Minister of Agriculture why he has instructed labour offices of the county war agricultural executive committees to charge 3s. 9d. per man per hour as the standard labour rate of lifting sugar-beet.

No such instruction has been issued, and if the hon. Member will let me know which Committee is said to be making this charge, I will have inquiries made.

(asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will state the revenue obtained from the county war agricultural executive committees from overhead charges for casual farm labour and the hire of agricultural implements.

I regret that in regard to labour the information desired by the hon. Member is not available. As regards implements, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his previous Question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if he will consider the advisability of instituting a general system of non-stop omnibus journeys from the outer London areas to the various Metropolitan termini, during the morning and evening peak hours of traffic, with a view to economising in the use of petrol and tyres and giving quicker transit to passengers unable to travel by rail.

While I recognise that my hon. Friend's proposal would have some advantages, I am afraid that a general system of non-stop omnibus services would duplicate existing railway and tube services, which are much more economical of man-power and imported materials. I am informed, moreover, that omnibuses in London cater mainly for short-distance passengers, even during the peak hours. For these reasons, and in view of our restricted resources in vehicles and personnel, I regret that I do not think it would be wise to institute the services which my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare whether he has considered the Kershner proposals for sending fat, cereals, meat and milk to Belgium, France and Holland, a copy of which has been sent to him, and to the support that the scheme has received in America on account of Dr. Kershner's experience in the organisation of relief; and what action the Government propose to take in regard to the proposal.

I have considered the proposals to which my hon. Friend refers. I have nothing to add to my previous statements on this subject.