asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the numerous complaints of the shortage of razor blades and the inferiority of the steel used, he will publicise the fact that daily honing in a tumbler of hot water before and after use will make the blades last from six to 10 times as long.

I am very grateful to my hon. and gallant Friend for giving publicity to this interesting method of lengthening the life of razor blades, and I hope that many people will try it.

While thanking the Minister for his satisfactory reply, may I ask him if he is aware that I had a letter last week from an admiral who has used one blade for 11 months and a telegram from a technician who has used two blades in three years, the first having been accidentally broken?

May I ask whether this admiral might be bearded, and whether it is the case that this alleged miracle is scientifically established?

Would the Minister make it possible to get hot water?

Will the right hon. Gentleman disseminate this information to the troops, as there is no doubt that it is correct?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the 30 utility furniture coupons issued to newly married couples are not sufficient adequately to furnish one room; and will he consider restoring the number to 60.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the experience by bombed-out people in furnishing their new homes, he will consider increasing the number of coupons allotted to them for utility furniture so that they can buy bare necessities.

I have recently, as the House knows, extended the priority classes entitled to utility furniture, and I shall increase the allowance as soon as circumstances permit. I am glad to say that the production of utility furniture is rising, but the labour and material which can at present be spared for this purpose are strictly limited.

While appreciating my right hon. Friend's reply, may I ask him whether he will sympathetically bear in mind those cases where the husband is serving in the Forces and the wife is endeavouring to establish a home for him on his return?

Yes, Sir, certainly. I am most anxious to do the best I can for the various sections entitled to these coupons, but the choice is between giving a larger quantity to a smaller number of people or maintaining the present allocation, in which a larger number can participate. In the present state of supply conditions, it is better it should remain as it is.

Will my right hon. Friend be good enough to bear in mind the position of those who have been bombed out and see whether it is not possible to give some increase?

There is a special allowance for people who have been bombed out. Over and above the basic allowance of 30 coupons, seven units are allowed to each additional person, irrespective of age, who has been bombed out.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to Patent Law Reform.

Yes, Sir. After consulting my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor I have appointed a Committee with the following terms of reference:

"To consider and report whether any, and it so what, changes are desirable in the Patents and Designs Acts, and in the practice of the Patent Office and the Courts in relation to matters arising therefrom.

In particular, the Committee is requested to give early consideration to, and to submit an interim report or reports on—

(a) the initiation, conduct and determination of legal proceedings arising under or out of the Patents and Designs Acts including the constitution of the appropriate Tribunals; and

(b) the provisions of these Acts for the prevention of the abuse of monopoly rights; and to suggest any amendments of the statutory provisions or of procedure thereunder which, in their opinion, would facilitate the expeditious settlement and the reduction of the cost of legal proceedings in Patent cases and would encourage the use of inventions and the progress of industry and trade."

• Mr. Hubert Gill,
• Mr. James Mould,
• Captain B. H. Peter,
• Dr. David Pye,
• Mrs. Joan Robinson,
• Mr. II. L. Saunders,
• Dr. A. J. V. Underwood.

Is it right to say that the necessity for this inquiry arises out of the misuse of the present patent law, whereby people take out patents to prevent development and progress, rather than to utilise them for those who want progress?

That view is very widely held, and because it is widely held and because, if it is true, it is a serious matter, I have decided to appoint this Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that Russia is placing large orders in the United States for post-war delivery of various goods; whether any orders have been placed in this country; and if so, to what extent.

Supplies to Russia, both from this country and the United States, are at present limited to goods required during the war period. I understand that no orders with firm delivery dates for post-war supplies are yet being placed by the Russians either in this country or the United States, though business men in both countries are naturally discussing future possibilities.

Does my right hon. Friend not consider that the future prosperity of the people of these islands would be better served if we paid more attention to rebuilding our own export trade and less to consideration of such expensive commitments as the Beveridge Report?

I am all in favour of the export trade, as I have frequently stated, but I must not be taken to be against social security—quite the contrary.

Does my right hon. Friend contemplate the appointment of an Anglo-Russian Committee to take advantage of any opportunities in this direction that might arise?

I doubt whether we need a special committee, but I should be glad to get in touch with business people, indeed, I am in touch with a number of business people interested in Russia, and we are giving them every possible encouragement to foster trade.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that those who are now pressing this matter are the people who terminated the former Russian trade agreement?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any indication to owners of industrial buildings and plant in North Wales which have been requisitioned by the Government as to their position after the defeat of Germany, particularly where work of a civilian nature only is being undertaken therein, as it is important for their future plans to know when these buildings will be 'released.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether in view of the fact that firms concentrated out of activity as a result of economy in respect of labour and factory space, are to have a right to re-establishment after the war, the same right will be accorded to those commercial or trading organisations whose existence has been terminated by official requisitioning of their premises.

Much must depend upon the progress of the war, not only in Europe but also in the Far East, and it is not possible at present to foresee the conditions under which the requisitioned premises referred to by my hon. Friends will be released for peace-time purposes.

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that the companies which have taken over these premises, with Government sanction, have their own factories and equipment intact in London, and does he realise the hardship likely to occur to these North Wales business concerns through uncertainty as to when their premises will be available to them?

I am sure my hon. Friend realises that it is very difficult to make a hard-and-fast statement at this stage of the war. What we aim at doing, is to get production started up again as quickly as we can, having regard to all the circumstances.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he has now reached any decision on the question of price control of furniture sold by auction;

I am glad to say that progress is being made with this exceedingly tricky problem, and I hope shortly to be able to announce an effective scheme for controlling these prices.

Is the Department aware of the great exploitation which is taking place against the public in relation to auction sales; and will my right hon. Friend regard this as a matter of some importance?

I am very well aware that all sorts of racketeering are going on in this business. We have been making our best efforts to find a scheme that shall be watertight and enforceable. It is easy to make an Order, but more difficult to make one which can be enforced. We are, however, giving high priority to the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the concession in relation to prices in the Goods and Services (Price Control) Wool Yarn and Wool Cloth Order (S.R. & O., No. 316, of 1944), is limited to firms in Cumberland, Durham, Northumberland, Westmorland and Scotland.

The Central Price Regulation Committee advised me that, in view of certain cost increases peculiar to the areas to which my hon. Friend refers, a revision of the maximum prices hitherto permitted for these areas was justified.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the Customs Export of Goods (Control) Order (S.R. & O., No. 320, of 1944), which relates to two Acts of Parliament and modifies another Statutory Rule and Order, contains no explanatory memorandum despite the fact that, while it appears to affect the export of over 40 separate commodities, it cannot be understood unless it is explained.

This Order makes a number of minor additions to, and deletions from, the Export Control List. A full explanation was issued to the general and trade Press and circulated to trade bodies concerned. This explanation was also published in the Board of Trade Journal for 1st April. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of this explanation and am placing another copy in the Library.

Do not Members of Parliament who have to consider this Order deserve some consideration; and would not my right hon. Friend consider putting his house in order before the forthcoming Debate on delegated legislation?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the absence of any memorandum explaining the Emergency Powers (Defence) Protected Areas Order (S.R. & O., No. 380/S.16, of 1944), he can state the effect of the Order.

This Order cancelled the Orders which established the protected areas referred to. It was possible to do this in view of the application of more stringent by-laws to visitors in those areas.

Would my right hon. Friend draw the attention of his Depart- ment to the recommendation of the Donoughmore Committee that delegated legislation should explain itself?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why, in the corrigendum slip to the Emergency Powers (Defence) Benzole and Coal Spirit Order (S.R. & O., No. 172, of 1944), the word coal, when it appears second in the definition coal spirit, means crude coal spirit and refined coal spirit is printed in italic type; and what is the meaning of the corrigendum slip.

The corrigendum slip was issued to correct a printer's error which I regret, and the use of italics was to draw attention to the one word incorrectly produced in the order as printed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare the amount of chrome ore being exported from Turkey now, together with comparable figures since 1938.

Since this Question was put down, hon. Members will have seen the welcome news that the Turkish Government has prohibited the export of chrome ore to the Axis. Owing to difficulties of transport it is not possible to say what quantity is at this moment being exported to the United Nations. As regards the figures of past years, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

May we take it that these exports will cease from now, or from some future date?

They ceased as from the morning of 21st April.

While congratulating the Government upon their success in this matter, may I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he will bring to the attention of our oldest Ally this example of the help which can be given by a neutral nation?

I hope that the Turkish example will not be lost upon them.

Can my hon. Friend give the figures of the contracts between Turkey and Germany during the last two years?

That is another question. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put it down.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the result of his review of the rates and conditions of pensions of Boer War pensioners administered by the Royal Hospital, Chelsea.

These Boer War disability pensions which are administered by the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, will in future be assessed on the same basis as the bulk of the Boer War disability pension cases, which are administered by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions. This, in effect, means that Great War disability pension rates will be given where they are more advantageous than the existing award. I am arranging for the cases to be reviewed on this basis.

May I take this opportunity of thanking my right hon. Friend for the prompt way in which he has dealt with these hard cases?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that at the meeting of the "Forces Parliament," M.E.F., held on 5th April, an official decision on which the committee of the parliament had not even been consulted, was read out, ordering that the name of parliament must not be used; that there must be no publicity of any kind, even war correspondents being excluded and that the proceedings must be supervised and directed by an Army education officer; that the troops present protested with a vote of approximately 600 to one; whether he will immediately reverse this treatment and, in particular, will direct that the threats to post the leaders of the protest be not carried out.

asked the Secretary of State for War, on whose instructions the Forces in Cairo have been deprived of the opportunity of running discussions in the form of a mock parliament; for what reason this educational activity was stopped; and will he give instructions that the ban on this feature shall be lifted.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what grounds the Army amateur parliament or discussion group in Cairo has been banned; if any of those who protested have been threatened with posting; and if he will reinstate it to its former status and so give members of the fighting Forces freedom of expression on subjects of interest in a war to save democracy.

I am expecting a report on this. If the Commander-in-Chief has intervened, as suggested, it was no doubt in the interests of discipline and of maintaining the non-political character of the Army.

Would the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that if he is waiting for a report, he could not do the House and the country a much worse service than to assume, in advance, that the people reporting will report in their own favour, and to tell them so?

Does the right hon. Gentleman suggest that the general officer in command exercised his authority on the ground of discipline? How does he know? Has he had any communication to that effect, or is he expressing his own opinion?

I am expressing my own opinion, from my knowledge of the general officer commanding.

If that is so, will the right hon. Gentleman afford this House an opportunity of debating whether his opinion is right or wrong?

I think the House had better wait until I have had a report on the matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have this morning received a report from Cairo, which states that the action was taken in view of the unfortunate German propaganda concerning the parliament? Will he state whether, in fact, the excuse which was given holds water, and whether it would not be as well to close down this Parliament also?

Is the right hon. Gentleman's expression of opinion intended by him to give a clue to the kind of report that will be welcome?

On the contrary. The report was asked for before this Question was put down.

Is it not the case that the Secretary of State for War and the High Command are concerned not so much that the troops are discussing politics, as that they are discussing the wrong kind of politics?

While the right hon. Gentleman is awaiting the report, will the full activities of this amateur parliament be allowed to continue under the new Regulations?

That is a matter, in the first instance, for the Commander-in-Chief. I prefer to say nothing further until I get his report—

But the right hon. Gentleman has said something.

except that I have the utmost confidence in the Commander-in-Chief.

Would the right hon. Gentleman, since he is waiting for a report, stop the public relations officer of his Department from putting round all sorts of friendly descriptions of this matter in the prass?

I do not know to what reports the hon. and learned Member refers. Perhaps he would bring to my notice the suggested or planted articles to which he refers.

Might I suggest that the right hon. Gentleman should communicate with a Press cuttings agency?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that under the Administration of Estates Act, 1925, on the death of an intestate bachelor his father and mother are equally entitled to the grant of administration and a share of the estate; and why his Department under the Regimental Debts Act, gives the father precedence of the mother as the person entitled to the estate.

Yes, Sir, and due effect is in practice given to these principles in distributing any sums due to an officer or soldier who dies intestate. Medals and decorations cannot be distributed in this way and if the man has not made a will they are sent to the next-of-kin in the order of relationship laid down under the Regimental Debts Act.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that compensation for loss of officer's kit due to enemy action is subject to depreciation amounting in some cases to 50 per cent.; and will he take steps to see that an officer is not financially penalised by reason of enemy action.

An officer is responsible for the maintenance of his kit from his emoluments. If kit is lost, in circumstances in which compensation is admissible, the compensation is based on the reasonable cost of replacement of the articles specified in a published list, less an abatement for wear and tear. This abatement takes into account the estimated useful life of the article lost but in no case exceeds 50 per cent. of its value new. If depreciation were ignored, the officer who lost his kit would be at an advantage over the officer who had to replace his kit when it was worn out.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this rigour of treatment is greatly resented by serving officers, and will he not re-examine the whole question?

My experience has been that when serving officers complain, and the trouble is taken to explain the Regulations to them, they go away satisfied.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many of the troops who took part in the battle of El Alamein and who left their kit at the base in Cairo have now discovered articles of personal equipment to be missing from their baggage; and whether replacements or compensation in full is provided by the Army authorities.

I regret that I have no particulars which would enable me to answer the first part of the Question. Replacement is made, in cash or kind, of all articles of personal equipment necessary for the performance of military duties. Other personal property is, generally speaking, carried by the owner at his own risk.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in one regiment, which left its kit bags in Cairo, practically every officer's kit was tampered with; that many of the men received nothing but empty kit bags, and that they have been told that they will receive no compensation?

If these were articles of equipment and not bulky personal belongings, which were not necessary for active service, it seems to me that the individuals concerned have been wrongly informed. Perhaps the hon. Member will let me have particulars of the regiment and I will investigate the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War why an order has been issued to R.A.M.C. officers in India stating that, while other ranks will be brought home at the end of five years' service overseas, officers may have to remain abroad for a further year; and on whose authority it was issued.

Inquiries have already been made about this, but a reply has not yet been received.

asked the Secretary of State for War, why he has refused the honourable Member for East Willesden permission to see the captured German Tiger tank.

As I have explained to the hon. Member, my decision in this case followed the reply given by the Prime Minister on Tuesday last to a similar, but more general, request from the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes).

Does not my right hon. Friend realise that this request is a very simple one, for information which ought to be made available, if required, to every Member of this House?

The request was that facilities should be furnished to the hon. Member specially. The Prime Minister's reply amounted to a postponement of meeting that request for Members generally, and it seems to me to follow that what the Prime Minister has declined to grant, at any rate for the time being, to Members generally, cannot be admitted to one particular Member.

Are there not very strong reasons, on practical grounds, for permitting any Member who may have technical knowledge of problems pertaining to tanks, an opportunity of seeing this vehicle?

That point seems to be covered by the Prime Minister's answer.

Why not have this tank brought into New Palace Yard, so that we can all see it?

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that hon. Members of this House have had several opportunities, both before and during the war, of inspecting British tanks, even those on the secret list, and does he not think that the refusal of this request is a little petty?

I am simply following the course laid down on Tuesday last by the Prime Minister.

Is it not a fact that there is no request of any character for any special facilities, and that the request which I made was put in a long time before the Prime Minister's answer? Is this not, in fact, a case of the Secretary of State for War shielding himself behind the Prime Minister?

It is not that I am shielding myself behind the Prime Minister, but that the Prime Minister's decisions are binding upon me.

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether it is intended to use the Cavalier tank for fighting against the enemy;

It is undesirable, particularly at this time, to give the enemy any information about the weapons which may be used in action against him.

Has not the Minister already declared that the Centaur is out of production and out of date?

Only in a secret Debate.

Is it not a fact that it has already been publicly stated that both the Cavalier and the Centaur are not to be used in their original roles to fight against the enemy?

On a point of Order. Is it in Order for any hon. Member to make reference to statements made in a Secret Session?

Is it not a fact that the House has been misled for years about the situation concerning these tanks, and that the right hon. Gentleman is using this formula about not giving information to the enemy to conceal his own misdeeds?

How could it be wise, on security grounds, to give a denial or confirmation of the allegations underlying these Questions?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether production of the Covenanter tank has been discontinued; whether this tank is still intended to be used in action against the enemy, or for what purpose will these tanks be used.

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." As to the second part it is undesirable to disclose to the enemy any information about the types of weapons to be used in action against him.

asked the Secretary of State for War why an official allegation has been made that the Official Secrets Act has been contravened in consequence of the receipt by the Civil Service Clerical Association of information as to the staggering of hours of certain civilian staffs in his Department; what action is to be taken against the official responsible for this information, as such information is constantly passed to recognised staff associations by their Departmental representatives and is devoid of security information which could be of use to the enemy and such action makes it difficult for recognised staff associations effectively to discharge their trade union functions.

I think the hon. Member has misunderstood the position. There is no intention whatever of interfering with the right of staff associations to discharge their trade union functions. The question is simply whether a Government employee is entitled, without authority, to send his association a copy of, or to communicate the contents of, documents and letters to which he has had access in the course of his official duties. To this question, whatever the documents involved, the answer must be "No." The ultimate sanction for the current War Office instructions on this matter is, of course, the Official Secrets Acts, but in the type of case which this appears to be there is not, and never has been, any intention of asking for a prosecution under those Acts. The case will be investigated and dealt with as an ordinary matter of office discipline.

Is not the Minister aware that it is common practice in Government Departments to deal with matters affecting staff conditions and conditions of work, in documents which are, technically and officially, secret, and that if the individual is not at liberty to communicate the substance of them to his union, and his union is not free to act on that information when they get it, it constitutes an effective estoppel on action? If he wants to take effective action—

Mr. Hammersley.

On a point of Order. May I have a reply?

The hon. Gentleman has made more of a long and connected argument than a supplementary question. He cannot expect a reply to that. It would be too long. If he had put his question more shortly he would have got a reply.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is yet in a position to state what action has been taken to ensure that all soldiers over the age of 21 will be placed on the Electoral Register: and what steps will be taken to keep this Register up to date.

In order to be placed on the Service Register officers and other ranks must complete an Armed Forces Declaration Card. Full instructions about this were issued on 1st April, including a notice which is posted on every unit notice board. These instructions include provisions for keeping the register up to date.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that it is sufficient to place on notice boards extracts from A.C.I. 483, which puts the onus of registration on the men, rather than on the Services?

The notice on the notice board shows rather more than that. It says in block capitals, "If you do not complete Army Form B.2626 you will not be able to vote." That seems to me to go a pretty long way.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that the fact of the notice being on the notice board fulfils the promise which was given, that it would be brought to the notice of every soldier that he would be entitled to vote in this way?

I do not see what could be a better fulfilment of the promise. The practice of inducing soldiers to go and look at the notice board for instructions, which concern them, has been developed very much.

Should not every person in the Forces who has reached the age of 21 be automatically placed on the register? Why should there be any discrimination between the men serving in the Forces and the civilian population?

That is a different matter. Mr. Shinwell: Is it a different matter?

I take it that the right hon. Gentleman has looked at this A.C.I.? Is he aware that there is considerable machinery to be gone through by the soldier before he can get his vote? Will he make it an order that commanding officers shall see that their men are registered, and that it is not merely left to the men to look at notice boards, which in many cases are non-existent in field forces?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many Army establishments where this notice has not been put up at all? Does he regard that as effectively carrying out the promise?

Perhaps the hon. Member would give me notice of this long list of Army establishments where the notice has not been put up.

What steps have been taken to acquaint soldiers serving abroad with the position as to appointing proxies?

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would put that question down. I would like to have notice of it.

Would the right hon. Gentleman not consider appointing one officer for each large unit, possibly a brigade, whose duty it would be to see that these men who are fighting for this country should also take part in governing it?

I will certainly consider that.

Has not the Army a simple means of registering every man? Would the right hon. Gentleman not agree that when each man went for his pay he could fill in the form at that time? That would ensure that every one was registered.

Answer.

Can I have a reply? I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what date his attention was first drawn from the Middle East theatre of war to complaints against "V" cigarettes; and at what date it was decided no more should be issued.

Representations were first made about these cigarettes in November last and arrangements were immediately made to supply British cigarettes instead. These arrangements took effect in Italy in February and in the Middle East the issue of "V" cigarettes should stop in a month or so.

Can my right hon. Friend tell me what was the expense of the withdrawal of these cigarettes?

Not without notice, I am afraid.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the practice of the War Service Grants Committee to disregard a proportion of a wife's earnings in the assessment of a grant, he will follow the same practice in assessing dependants' allowances.

I think my hon. Friend will find that the War Office practice for dependants' allowance is in line with the practice of the War Service Grants Committee in dealing with dependants.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the increasing accumulation of work in the London District Legal Aid Bureau owing to shortage of staff; and, as this is affecting a large number of cases involving domestic affairs of serving soldiers, what steps he is taking to augment the present staff.

Yes, Sir. Arrangements are now in hand to increase the staff of this Legal Aid Section.

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether he will take steps to convey to the military personnel who have carried out the duties of those transport workers who have elected to go on strike at a time of great national anxiety the sincere gratitude of the public whose requirements have been guaranteed by their courteous service.

While thanking my hon. and gallant Friend for the terms of his Question, I hope he will agree with me that it would hardly be appropriate to single out these troops from the rest of the Army for special commendation.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether it is not the view of the officers and men of the army that these transport and other workers who have gone out on strike, regardless alike of the nation's necessities and the instructions of their own union officials, have done more to help the enemy than any "fifth columnist" paid by Hitler?

Are we to understand that the use of troops as strike breakers is the policy of the War Office?

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that for their services, these men are automatically granted the vote?

asked the Secretary of State for War to make a statement on the war in Burma.

I am afraid not.

When is my right hon. Friend likely to have this information?

I am afraid I cannot say that, either.

asked the Secretary of State for War what alterations it is proposed to make respecting the infliction of corporal punishment on West African and East African soldiers; and the number of such punishments given during the preceding two years.

I am not yet in a position to add anything to the replies given on this subject last Tuesday and Wednesday.

Why should it take such a long time to make a very simple decision of this kind?

It is not so simple as all that. Inquiries have to be made.

But the information is in the possession of the right hon. Gentleman, and the only decision is whether a punishment not inflicted upon other troops should be inflicted upon these troops.

When is the right hon. Gentleman going to make up his mind? Why is it necessary to have an inquiry into the question of whether men should have corporal punishment inflicted upon them? Cannot the right hon. Gentleman make up his own mind?

I am entitled to consult—in fact I should be foolish not to consult—the people under whose command these troops are serving.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he proposes to take with regard to both a limitation and a control of the purchasing power of the Allied Armies in liberated territories of Europe.

It would not be in the public interest to say in advance what steps are proposed in the direction desired by the hon. Member. The desirability certain circumstances of limiting and controlling the purchasing power of invading armies is fully appreciated by His Majesty's Government and by the Government of the United States of America. The Supreme Commander is also fully acquainted with the problem.

In view of previous very serious mistakes in this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind his recent statement about the danger of creating wild inflation?

The circumstances are completely different. In any case, I do not, in the least, admit the suggestion that the previous exchange rates have been fixed on wrong figures.

Is it not a fact that, up to the present, the purchasing power of the British soldier has been very carefully controlled by the War Office?

asked the Secretary of State for War how many native commissioned officers there are in the Armed Forces of the Crown to-day.

I regret that this information is not available.

Would it not be possible to obtain it, because I have asked for it already from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and he is unable to give it to me?

I am afraid I have not got it. I think it would take a very great deal of time and trouble to get it.

Is it so very difficult to give the number of commissioned and non-commissioned officers in the Colonial Forces?

It is not only a question of the Colonial Forces. I am not asked that Question. I am asked for the whole Forces of the Crown, and they are spread out in a very large number of theatres of war.

Is a Welshman in a Welsh regiment to be regarded as a native?

Or an Englishman in an English regiment?

asked the Prime Minister if, whilst recognising the exigencies of service with the Forces he will state the broad principle which is applied to the granting of leave to members of the Forces who have served for three years overseas, without home leave.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave on 22nd February last in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker).

Can we have an assurance that the broad principle is under constant review, and that cases of hardship are really considered when men have not been able to see their families for three years?

If the hon. Member will look at the answer I have given, I think he will find that that point is fully answered.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to separate Austrian prisoners of war from Germans, in view of the decision taken at the Moscow Conference.

Yes, Sir. This is done whenever it is administratively possible.

Are they in separate camps or in the same camp?

I am sorry, but I could not answer the hon. Member's question without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when it is intended to introduce salary increases for teachers in Scotland, in view of the need to attract the increased numbers of teachers required now and post-war, and in view of present underpayment hardships.

The National Joint Council to deal with salaries of teachers in Scotland has recently adopted a revised constitution under which it falls to me to appoint a neutral chairman; negotiations with both sides of the council with a view to securing an agreed nomination are at present in progress and I hope to make an announcement shortly. I shall then ask the council to frame, for my consideration, revised scales of salary, having regard to the recommendations of the Advisory Council on Education.

Is the Secretary of State aware that at a conference of prominent teachers on Sunday, it was stated that Scottish school teachers' wages were much lower than those of English school teachers? Will he see that Scotland, which is ahead in education, is also ahead in the payment of salaries?

I cannot, without notice, vouch for the information which my hon. Friend has given me.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement on progress made by the Scottish Hydro-Electric Board; and where the first schemes are to be undertaken.

The development scheme of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board has, as the Hon. Member is aware, been approved by the Electricity Commissioners and confirmed by me. I understand that the Board's first constructional scheme, if approved by the Electricity Commissioners will be submitted to me for confirmation at an early date. Information will then be published as to the site of the projects covered by the scheme; and the scheme itself will be available for inspection at the Board's offices and at other convenient places and will be placed on sale.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether contracts on work connected with the Scottish Hydro-Electric Power Scheme are being issued in the near future; and whether he has taken any specific steps to ensure that Scottish firms have an opportunity of tendering for such contracts.

The placing of contracts by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board for constructional work will arise when their first constructional scheme—which I understand is likely to be submitted to me at an early date—has been confirmed. I am assured that the Board intend, so far as tendering may be possible, to give Scottish firms an opportunity to tender for such contracts.

In view of the fact that this scheme will be projected at a very early date, will my right hon. Friend take definite steps to see that contracts are not handed out 400 miles away, when they could be carried out on Scottish territory, by Scottish organisations?

Certainly; that is the point of my answer.

Is the scheme of a substantial nature?

I do not want to say anything about the scheme until it is published.

Will my right hon. Friend make it clear that firms having a brass plate in Edinburgh, are not necessarily Scottish firms?

That may be so, but it does riot bar those and other firms from tendering.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he intends to convene, at an early date, a meeting of all Scottish Members of Parliament al St. Andrews Place, Edinburgh, in order to discuss a comprehensive statement by himself, on the steps taken, up to date, on post-war reconstruction for Scotland.

Recent experience has shown that under war-time travelling restrictions meetings in Edinburgh are not convenient for a number of members, but I am always prepared to endeavour to arrange a meeting either in Edinburgh or London if a general desire for such a meeting is manifested through the usual channels. Meantime I am sending my hon. Friend copies of recent reports by the Council on Industry.

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the main purpose of this Question is to get a clear-cut, comprehensive statement from the Secretary of State on the question of post-war reconstruction, and the steps taken up to date, in view of the grave anxiety now being expressed in many responsible quarters in Scotland that nothing very much is to be done for that country?

I do not accept the last sentence in the slightest degree. A great deal has been done but the Question was whether I would summon a meeting in Edinburgh. I have answered by saying that I am prepared to summon a meeting, either in Edinburgh or in London, if a request is made through the usual channels.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the suggestions sent to him by the Lochaber Labour Party regarding the reconstruction and extension of the Caledonian Canal to accommodate and allow through passage of seagoing shipping from coast to coast; and if he will make a statement.

I have brought the resolution in question to the notice of my Noble Friend the Minister of War Transport, and of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board and the Scottish Council on Industry, but I am not in a position to make any statement in regard to it, beyond saying that these and other proposals relating to the Caledonian Canal are at present under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether, during the coming Commonwealth Conference, the visiting Dominion Prime Ministers will be invited, in accord with precedent, to become members of the War Cabinet, or whether the meeting of the Dominion Prime Ministers will constitute a supreme Empire War Cabinet.

It is the intention to invite the Dominion Prime Ministers, during their stay in this country, to attend meetings of the War Cabinet not concerned with purely United Kingdom affairs, as well as the special meetings of the Conference of Prime Ministers which form the staple of our work.

Is it not constitutionally correct to say that a meeting of Dominion Prime Ministers, with the Prime Minister of this country, does, in fact, under the Statute of Westminster, become an Empire Council?

I should like to see that on the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a repre1.entative group of members of Congress has been set up to advise and help with the formulation of plans for the maintenance of peace; and whether he proposes to inaugurate a system whereby representative Members of this House can assist the Executive in such matters on which it is desirable to enlist the active co-operation of all political parties and groups.

The answer to the first part of the Question is, "Yes, Sir." As regards the second part, I do not at present see any reason to change the existing system whereby His Majesty's Government are able to take advantage of many valuable suggestions made by hon. Members at Question Time, in the course of debate, and in other ways.

What becomes of this position when His Majesty's Government take no notice at all of what hon. Members may say?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that we appreciate very much his tribute to hon. Members at Question Time?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the publication of a despatch to the New Zealand Government by General Freyberg, G.O.C. New Zealand Corps, on the operations at Cassino; and whether any despatch has been received by the Government from the G.O.C. British Troops.

The answer to the first part of the Question is, "Yes, Sir," and to the second part, "No, Sir."

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that it is somewhat incongruous that a subordinate commander can send a despatch to his own Government, parts of which are published, and yet the supreme commander sends no despatch? Will he consult the Prime Minister, so that we can have a rather better explanation of why the public are not allowed to see some of these despatches?

The point is that the general officer commanding the troops of a Dominion has the right to report to his own Government in despatches, and the question of despatches being published here is another matter. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put down a specific question on that.

Is not the refusal to publish despatches in this war due to a desire to cover up blunders?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take steps to ensure that the disabilities under which British married women suffer under the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Acts will be given consideration at the forthcoming conference of Dominion Premiers.

asked the Prime Minister if it is his intention to ascertain the views of the Prime Ministers of the Dominions on the subject of the nationality of married women during the forthcoming Dominions Conference.

The forthcoming meeting is a personal meeting of Prime Ministers for discussion of broad issues of policy arising out of the war. I do not think that the question which my hon. Friends have in mind could appropriately be discussed.

The Deputy Prime Minister will realise that this is a question of practical significance, which cannot be left indefinitely in cold storage. Can he give an assurance that, if this question will not be discussed at immediate meetings, the Prime Ministers will, at least, be asked to discuss the matter in their respective Dominions, with a view to a discussion at their next joint meeting and a decision being arrived at?

That is rather another matter, and I would like to consider it.