asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that some firms are making arrangements to pay their workpeople up to seven days in arrears because of bookkeeping difficulties due to the institution of pay-as-you-earn deductions for Income Tax; and if he will take steps to see that firms genuinely in need of extra staff for this work are assisted to obtain it?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply of 17th February to the hon. and gallant Member for The Hartlepools (Colonel Greenwell).

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the recently published survey of family budgets, compiled by the Oxford Institute of Statistics, a copy of which has been sent to him, according to which the food price index of the Oxford Institute of Statistics increased between May, 1940, and June, 1943, by 35 per cent., due to an increase in the cost of unrationed and point-rationed food, whilst the food price index of his Department rose by only 6 per cent.; and what steps he proposes to take to adjust this discrepancy.

As is stated in the Bulletin this increase of 35 per cent. occurred in the average expenditure on food among the sample of households concerned, and was due to higher expenditure on unrationed or point-rationed foods, and to more liberal purchases of the more expensive kinds of vegetables and fruit, as funds were available. It has, therefore, no relevance to the cost-of-living index of my Department, which is designed to indicate the change in prices between two dates of items which are, as nearly as possible, identical in quality and amount at both dates. In short, the figure in the Bulletin shows the increase in the amount actually spent and not the increase in the cost of the same things at the two dates.

Does the Minister not think that these official figures give rather a false picture, and that the other figures are nearer the actual cost of living for the normal life that one has a right to expect for working-class people; and will he not consider bringing his figures more into line?

No, Sir; the figures I have to issue relate to the change in prices. They do not deal with the standard of living or the cost of living but only the change in prices of the items which are taken into account.

In view of the fact that the Ministry of Labour index is widely quoted as a measurement of what is a basis for wages and so on, if the Minister cannot alter that index can he give us another index which does indicate the real increase in the cost of living?

I think it would be a most unfortunate thing in the middle of a war. We had some of that in the last war. I prefer to wait until things reach their post-war value in money and then take up again the inquiries which were going on when the war broke out.

Is it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman's figures are accurate for those who abstain from the black market?

Is it not the case that for 20 years this House has tried to get more accurate figures?

Yes, they have suggested that the figures ought to be more accurate, but no one has ever suggested a better method of estimating the change of prices than this index. I have had a good deal of experience with it, and I do not want confusion between measuring the standard of living and measuring the change in prices. They are two entirely different things.

As the official figures do not include fruit and vegetables, in which the greatest increases in price have taken place, is it not a fact that these statistics give a more accurate picture than the official figures?

There is a positive danger if we follow the policy of trying to bring down the working class to a fodder basis which I detest. I think that a progressive standard of living is a matter for negotiation, a matter for the trade unions to press on with from year to year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the nature of the debts and the businesses of the sundry debtors owing £12,886 as shown in the published accounts for the year ended 31st March, 1943, relative to the Carlisle area of the State management districts under his control.

Upwards of 40 per cent. of the item of £12,886 for sundry debtors in the statement of assets and liabilities as at 31st March, 1943, for the Carlisle State Management District is in respect of supplies of beer from the Carlisle Brewery to the Gretna state management district, the account for which is rendered quarterly: about 43 per cent. of the amount was due from trade customers, such as licensed tenants, clubs, Service messes and canteens, who are generally allowed one month's credit. The balance was in respect of rents accruing due, and the amounts owing by individual customers at hotels and customers with current accounts for wines and spirits.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the danger caused by the speed, especially in the London area, of Service motor-cars of all nationalities; and will he instruct the police to take action.

I am informed by the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police that, so far as the Metropolitan Area is concerned, police observation does not support the suggestion of particularly dangerous speeding by Service drivers. The military authorities are doing all they can to promote the safe driving of Service vehicles, and the police are paying special attention to the question of securing compliance with the speed limits by Service personnel.

Have the British police power to stop and prosecute drivers of cars belonging to all the Allied Forces?

Yes, Sir, I understand that that is so, and that, in fact, they do so. In the case of the American Forces, under the United States Visiting Forces Act, they stop the driver, take particulars, and report him to the commanding officer.

Does the commanding officer take appropriate action?

I understand that he does.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the case of cars belonging to the Forces, and also of private cars, they go so fast that it is almost impossible for the police to catch the numbers of the cars?

I am advised that generally it is not too bad, but undoubtedly some such instances occur. If there is a police patrol car about, it is capable of going faster.

Can my right hon. Friend not solve the whole problem by investigating the number of accidents for military cars and the number for civilian cars, which would show that the military cars are no worse than civilian cars?

I will consider that. What it would show I do not know.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in the interests of the sobriety of the young, he will make an Order that no person under 21 years of age shall be supplied with alcoholic liquor in a public house; and for its proper working arrange that all minors shall have their ages entered on their identity cards.

The Intoxicating Liquor (Sale to Persons under Eighteen) Act, 1923, prohibits the sale and supply of intoxicating liquor in bars to persons under 18 and also prohibits the treating of such persons. My present information would not justify the extension of this prohibition to persons under 21. On the question of identity cards, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 20th January by my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Health to a Question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Knutsford (Sir E. Makins).

Is the Minister aware of the strong feeling in the country that this matter should be dealt with at once to safeguard the youth of our country from temptation?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the implication in the first part of this Question will be generally resented, particularly by the young men and women in the Forces, between 18 and 21, whose general standard of conduct and sobriety does them the highest credit?

There is a problem here, about which I am doing my best. There is a good deal of exaggeration by people who have, quite legitimately, a cause to further, and it is difficult to make up one's mind how far the evil is widespread. I do not want to make Regulations unless the case for them is reasonably proved.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the reasons why Robin Pinchard, former member of the British Union of Fascists, who was sentenced on 23rd February at Bristol assizes to five years penal servitude for damaging 15 telephones and conspiring to damage others, had previously been released from detention under Regulation 18B after six months.

This man was detained under Defence Regulation 18B in January, 1942, on the ground that he had been a member of and active in the furtherance of the objects of the organisation formerly known as British Union, and that it was necessary to exercise control over him. He was heard by the Advisory Committee, and, after consideration of their report and a careful review of all the circumstances of his case, I came to the conclusion in July, 1942, that it was no longer necessary to exercise control over him by detention. I accordingly authorised his release on conditions, with a view to his taking up useful work.

Is it not clear from the evidence that this was a political crime, committed to assist the enemy and to endanger the cause of this country?

I think it bears that interpretation—I do not think that is unfair. On the other hand, it may be explainable by the fact that this is a peculiar type of person, who likes to do naughty things to call attention to himself.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a great number of men, of friendly nationality or status, have been interned for years in the Isle of Man, not for any suspicion of enemy sympathy, but because they have—

That is a general question, which has nothing to do with this matter.

May I call attention to the fact that this is a question as to how far it is legitimate to detain this man in the Isle of Man because—

rose—

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Japanese subjects registered here when ordered to do so.

The requirement that all foreigners resident here shall register with the police has been in force since the last war. Japanese became subject to the alien enemy restrictions in December, 1941, and I do not know of any failures to report to the police on that or any other occasion. The number at present registered is approximately 570, of whom 400 are men.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the services of the taxicab drivers for five years during air-raids, he will see that they are recommended for rewards.

Taxicab drivers, in common with other sections of the community, have acquitted themselves well under air raids, but as far as recognition of their services is concerned, it would, I fear, be impossible to discriminate between them and other sections of the community which have been no less deserving.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can take steps to improve the system of communications for reporting fires.

A carefully-prepared communications system is in operation for reporting fires, whether due to enemy action or not. These arrangements are under constant review in the light of experience. I am always glad to receive suggestions for their further improvement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of the safeguards which were proper and necessary at the beginning of the war, to prevent dispersal of effort, have become less necessary now, in view of the greater experience of the wardens' and other services; and will he see whether it is possible to simplify the procedure in order to achieve greater speed?

I am not clear what the hon. Member's suggestions are, but if he will let me have particulars of them, I will gladly consider them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how far the number of allegations of corrupt practices in municipal administration has increased since the abandonment of elections of municipal councillors.

I do not know what is the basis for the suggestion in my hon. Friend's Question that there has been an increase in allegations of corrupt practices in municipal administration during the war. In any case, however, I have no reason to think that the suspension of municipal elections has had any significance in this connection.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will issue instructions to passport officials to give special consideration to doctors and nurses crossing to and from Northern Ireland, with a view to the speedy issue of their travel permits.

I am aware of no grounds for any complaint of delay in granting exit permits to doctors and nurses who qualify for a permit under the travel regulations.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire into the serious complaints about the delays made in the case of doctors who are in a position to cross the Channel, but cannot get permits? Will he look into it?

If the hon. Member will let me have particulars, I will certainly do my best to look into it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has considered a letter from the Liverpool Council of Social Service, dated 23rd February, 1944, concerning his withdrawal of the certificate of efficiency from the Liverpool and Area Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society; what is the nature of his reply; and will he meet a deputation of Members of Parliament from the Liverpool area to discuss the present unsatisfactory situation in relation to this matter owing to there having been no adequate inquiry before the withdrawal of the certificate and the setting up of another similar body.

As to the circumstances in which the certificate of efficiency of this society was withdrawn I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 24th February last to the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. William Brown). Having regard to the history of this society during the past two years, I cannot accept the suggestion that there was no adequate inquiry before the withdrawal of the certificate. I am, of course, willing to meet any Member of Parliament who wishes to make verbal representations to me, but the position was carefully considered before my decision was taken and it would not be right for me to encourage expectation of a reversal of that decision.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I say that I am not satisfied, and beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will give particulars of the present position of the inhabitants of the Channel Islands as regards food, fuel and clothing supplies; and whether any further steps can be taken to secure controlled relief for them through the International Red Cross.

Such information as is available indicates that, while there is a shortage of essential supplies, as compared with this country, the deficiencies have not been such as to impair the general health of the inhabitants. That we cannot share our supplies with our fellow countrymen in the Islands must be a matter of deep regret to all of us, and the question of finding any method of helping the Islands has received, and will continue to receive, close attention.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has considered the attack upon the administration of English prisons published in "World Review," a copy of which has been sent to him; and what steps he proposes to take by action in the courts or otherwise to vindicate the character of the warders and other officers of His Majesty's prisons.

I am satisfied that the article in question is a malicious and deliberately untruthful attack on the prison administration in general and on the prison officers in particular. From internal evidence, it would appear that the article was written by a man who has had 10 convictions, including five for obtaining money or goods by false pretences. The editor of the "World Review" tells me that, in printing the article, he had no intention of associating himself with the views of his contributor, and that he regrets the appearance of any mis-statement reflecting upon the prison officers or the prison administration. In the circumstances, I do not think that any further action on my part is called for.

Will the Home Secretary consider the possibility of increasing the number of these convictions to 11?

Will the Minister see that the editor of this review publishes in a forthcoming issue a disclaimer of the allegation?

I will do my best; but I must say that the editor, in consultations that my officers had with him, has been very reasonable and sensible about it. I will do what I can on that point.

Is it not a fact that the character of the warders and other officers of our prisons is of the highest integrity, and that they carry out a most difficult task most efficiently?

Yes, with very few exceptions, that is true.

Will the Minister agree that, although the character of the officers is beyond question, they often have to impose Regulations which need looking into?

As the Regulations are mine, I must presume they are all right, though they may be capable of improvement.

asked the President of the Board of Education (1) if he will state the amount of rate levied for elementary and secondary education in each of the administrative counties of England and Wales for 1943;

(2) whether he will state the amounts from the proceeds of a 1d. rate levied for elementary and secondary education purposes in each of the administrative counties of England and Wales for 1943.

The answer to these Questions is contained in a tabular statement, which I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the internee camps in the Isle of Man have recently been closed; and whether he has considered the desirability of removing the majority of internees to camps in Port Erin.

No internment camps in the Isle of Man have been closed for some time, but the position is kept under constant review. As regards the second part of the Question, the suggestion that the majority of internees should be transferred to the camps in Port Erin has been considered, but in present circumstances is not practicable.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the retention of all these camps does not involve some waste of public funds and of man-power, in view of the large numbers of internees who have been released?

No, Sir. We have effected economies as the numbers have been reduced, and, within the limits of practicability, I think these considerations are fully met.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Malton Rural and Urban District Councils are being requested to pay superannuation contributions and a transfer value in respect of his previous appointment with other local authorities on account of their employment of a temporary resident engineer in connection with their sewage disposal scheme; whether these councils have received any contributions towards the transfer value from the other local authorities who had previously employed this officer; and whether he will introduce amendments to the Local Government Superannuation Act, 1937, to secure that local authorities may not be forced to pay superannuation contributions and transfer values in respect of employment for which they were not responsible.

I am not aware of all the material facts in this case, though my hon. Friend was good enough to make my predecessor acquainted with the position as stated in the first part of the Question. I do not contemplate the introduction of legislation to amend the Local Government Superannuation Act, 1937, in regard to either of the matters referred to in the last part of the Question.

Will the Minister consider this hardship on local authorities and see whether he cannot do something, otherwise than by legislation?

It is a very complicated matter, and perhaps the hon. Member will see me about it.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning to what extent local authorities are dealing with their planning problems through joint committees in coterminous areas; and what is the scope and method of this co-operation.

As the answer is necessarily long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the hardship suffered by persons who have purchased annuities by reason of the fact that the annuitant has to pay Income Tax on the full amount of the annuity, although a large portion of it is represented by the return of the annuitant's capital; and will he consider the removal of this injustice in his forthcoming Budget.

I am afraid that I cannot see my way to introduce legislation to alter the existing taxation of annuities.

Can my right hon. Friend explain the justification for levying Income Tax on instalments of return capital; is he aware that annuitants are generally people of very small means who are very heavily hit in this way, and will he give the matter further consideration?

I know the facts, and can only refer my hon. Friend and the House to the Report of the Royal Commission on Income Tax, which went into the matter in all its aspects very thoroughly indeed in 1920.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the terms of the proposed appropriate instrument, Royal Warrant, Order of His Majesty, etc., referred to in Clause 7 (2) of the Pensions (Increase) Bill.

The detailed application to the Services of the principles of the Pensions (Increase) Bill requires careful working out. I will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend when I am in a position to announce the final details.

Will my right hon. Friend say whether the terms are substantially the same as those announced in his Bill and whether there will be an opportunity on the Bill to discuss the terms for the Services?

Yes, Sir. The intention is that the terms should be substantially the same; the form may be different but the terms will be substantially the same.

asked the Prime Minister whether the decision of the Secretary of State for War not to accredit to the forces now preparing for overseas a correspondent from the "Daily Worker" applies equally to the R.N. and R.A.F.

rose—

Congratulations upon the right hon. Gentleman's Freedom of Aldershot.

I thought my hon. Friend might be referring to Bury St. Edmunds.

The decision to which my hon. Friend refers in this Question was not a decision of the Secretary of State for War, but a decision of His Majesty's Government. The ruling covers all three Services, and there is no intention of changing it.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is yet in a position to announce the names of the members of the Royal Commission on Population and to make any further statement on the technical inquiries associated with it.

Yes, Sir. I will, with the leave of the House, circulate the names of the members in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The Royal Commission will meet for the first time to-morrow. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Health has appointed three Committees to assist the Royal Commission respectively on the statistical, the economic, and the biological and medical aspects of the inquiry. I will also circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of the members and the terms of reference of these three Committees. The Secretary of the Royal Commission itself and of the three Committees is Mr. N. F. McNicoll, of the Ministry of Health.