asked the Minister of Labour if he will grant to branch managers of employment exchanges the same war bonus as paid to civil servants of the same grade, the same rate of pay for overtime and holidays with pay.

Branch managers are not civil servants, but agents whose conditions of service have been agreed by the Departmental Whitley Council. The general Civil Service conditions as to pay, bonus, overtime and holidays are, therefore, not applicable to them, although, in fact, it has recently been agreed that they should, generally, receive war bonus at the same rates as civil servants.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will consider adapting the functions of either manpower or hardship committees so as to meet the growing need for providing some machinery whereby the release of men and women from call-up may be effected in cases in which circumstances have so changed that in the new conditions they would have originally been exempted.

Release from the Forces is a matter for the particular Service Department concerned, which acts in consultation with my Department when industrial considerations arise. I have no reason to suppose that the existing arrangements are not adequate.

Having regard to the fact that a similar subject is being raised on the Adjournment tomorrow, I will seek an opportunity, if I may, to take this point a little further.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to recent prosecutions of youths for refusal to obey directions to work in the coalmines, and the sympathetic view taken by some magistrates in cases where the youths are members of pre-Service organisations and anxious to enter a fighting unit; and whether he will now reconsider his decision, and exempt from the ballot, youths with two years proficient service in these organisations, and whose records show them to be especially suitable for service in one of the Armed Forces.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any statement to make, having regard to recent police court decisions in the cases of youths refusing to carry out the directions of the Ministry to work in the mining industry, with a view to clarifying the position.

asked the Minister of Labour, whether, in view of the growing protests against the policy of balloting for the mines, he will now reconsider his decision and exempt from the ballot boys who have reached a required standard of pre-Service training, and who desire to enter the fighting Services.

The decision to direct young men to work in the coalmines was taken by the Government after the most careful consideration. Having regard to the vital necessity to increase the labour force in the industry if the war effort is not to be impeded by lack of coal, there can, at present, be no question of a revision of that decision. As regards the ballot scheme, there is no doubt that, on the whole, it is working well, and that the system of the ballot is the fairest that can be devised. The young men who have patriotically accepted the position—and they are the overwhelming majority—are doing extremely well; all honour to them. The number of young men who have disobeyed directions to undergo training for coalmining is very small. I am anxious that all possible steps should be taken to persuade them to obey the directions, and thus avoid having to penalise them, but if they disobey the directions I have no alternative but to institute proceedings.

Some statements that have been made seem to imply that there is some indignity about work in the coalmines, but the truth is entirely the reverse. My attention has also been drawn to remarks, said to have been made by the chairman of a local committee of the Air Training Corps, that he would do what he could to support members of the organisation who fail to comply with the lawful directions given to them, and I must, in this connection, remind all who are in positions of authority, that it is their duty to encourage those with whom they have influence to serve their country wherever it is found necessary in the national interest to post them. Any person who encourages young men to act otherwise, is doing a great disservice to the country at this grave juncture of the war. As regards the action of certain magistrates, while I am always pleased to see justice tempered by mercy, it is the duty of magistrates to enforce the law, and it is no part of their function to use the courts for expressing their personal views on the policy of that law, and certainly not to exercise their judicial powers so as to defeat its purpose.

As regards the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for East-bourne (Major Taylor), I would point out in respect of the members of the Air Training Corps, that all young men who volunteer and are accepted for flying duties in the Royal Air Force or the Fleet Air Arm, are automatically exempted from the ballot, and it is, therefore, only members of that Corps who are training for ground duties who are liable to be directed to coalmining. Having regard to the extreme importance at the present time of increasing the labour force in the coalmining industry which has a very high priority, I should not feel justified in exempting further categories of young men from the operation of the ballot.

On a point of Order. Is it in Order for the Minister of Labour to comment on the action of magistrates, or on what their duty is in certain cases?

The right hon. Gentleman merely made a general statement and did not comment on the action of particular magistrates.

With great respect, as I heard the right hon. Gentleman, he gave a direction to magistrates on what their duty was.

I did not hear it in that sense.

While I should like to thank the Minister of Labour for the very full reply he has given, I feel that there are certain aspects of this matter that need clearing up, and as I see no possibility of doing so by Question and answer, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether in view of the increasing strain imposed on hospital nursing staffs, he will enable nurses attached to industrial establishments to be transferred to hospitals if they so desire, as many of those nurses cannot now secure this permission.

In order to strengthen the staff of the hospitals in the near future, I am arranging, with the co-operation of industrial nurses and their employers, that there shall be loans of services of a proportion of these nurses from factories where they can best be spared. I have also recently reviewed the cases of the younger women employed as industrial nurses, with a view to their transfer to hospital work. My general policy is to allow industrial nurses to be released for hospital work, if they so desire, subject to the need, in some cases, for providing substitutes beforehand.

While expressing appreciation of the Minister's reply, may I ask him whether these industrial nurses who have applied to be transferred to hospital but who, heretofore, have been refused, can now make a fresh application?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of male persons under the age of 30 who are at present employed in theatres and music-halls; how many have served with His Majesty's Forces, and for what reason were they discharged.

I regret that the information asked for by my hon. Friend is not available.

Will the same consideration as is shown in this case be shown to small private traders?

Yes, Sir. I think I have tried to treat everybody justly.

Is not the Minister aware that some of the most tragic cases are among those fellows who cannot go into the Army or the Air Force, and who Teel it very deeply?

asked the Secretary of State for India if he has considered the complaint made by the editor of "Reynolds" newspaper against the political censorship applied to their special correspondent Mr. D. N. Tahmanhet; and if he is taking further action to prevent political censorship in India.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is in touch with the Government of India with a view to effecting a re-organisation of the censorship.

I understand that the hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr. Dobbie) is referring to an article in "Reynolds' News" on 23rd April. I am in communication with the Government of India regarding the censorship of Press messages from India, and hope to be in a position to make a statement on the whole question fairly soon.

In conjunction with this matter, will the Minister consider other complaints which I am able to submit to him?

Yes, Sir, I will consider the whole question.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman's reference was to the message sent from India to this country referring to hunger, from which message the censor eliminated the word "hunger"?

I am referring to the message of 23rd April from Mr. Tahmankar.

Is the Minister aware that political censorship now being applied by his Department is causing great disquiet among the Indian people?

My Department applies no censorship. I have already stated, in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for East Fulham (Mr. Astor) on 18th May, the principles according to which the censorship of the Government of India is applied.

Will the Minister also inquire into the censorship of letters—to which my Question relates—and not only that of Press messages?

My communication to the Government of India covers that subject also.

Is it not the case that, apart from narrower political issues, this censorship did, in fact, prevent the British people from knowing the full extent of the Indian famine for far too long?

I must await an answer to my communication.

asked the Secretary of State for India what steps are being taken to improve nutrition in India by providing synthetic vitamins and food yeast as additions to a diet mainly of cereals.

Apart from their use by the Services, large supplies of synthetic vitamins have been distributed under medical supervision for the treatment of famine victims in Bengal. World supplies are very limited and there cannot at present be any question of their general use as part of an Indian diet. But the results of experimental administration in Bengal and by the Services are now available to the Government Nutritional Research Laboratory at Conoor which exists to study and recommend possible improvements in nutrition in India. Plans for the production of food yeast and its use in civil and military diet are before the authorities in India and are to be the subject of consultation with experts who will shortly be available in that country.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will indicate the measures that are being taken to prevent the recurrence of famine in Bengal.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply, circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT for 6th April, to a question by the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen).

Will the Minister consider instituting an inquiry, by commission or some other means, into the whole question of the pressure of population on the present food resources and productive capacity of India?

I think the Government of India have already announced that they are contemplating an inquiry into the famine position.

With regard to the inquiry—I thought it was instituted and not only contemplated by the Government of India—when does my right hon. Friend think it will be finished; and when will the report be circulated, as there is a great feeling of responsibility about the matter in this country?

I understand that the contemplated or arranged commission, will be setting to work in a very few weeks' time. It is under instructions to work as quickly as possible, but I cannot at this moment give definite dates.

Will my right hon. Friend consider circulating the names of the members of the Commission in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

As soon as they are finally settled, I shall be glad to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for India approximately how many women are now employed in coal-mining; and how much coal has been exported in recent months.

The latest available return shows that before the removal of the ban on underground work by women about 32,000 were employed, all above ground. Since the removal of the ban about 10,000 have been employed underground. Limited coal exports from India are taking place for important war purposes.

How many women are working on the surface; and, if exports of coal are now taking place from India. does it not seem that the right hon. Gentleman's previous references to the need for women being employed in mines for Indian purposes, no longer holds good?

No, Sir, on the contrary, the Indian coal situation is still very acute. At the same time, it has been very necessary to send certain limited exports from India for important war purposes.

May it not be that Indian women are working underground and producing coal in India, for export to countries where women are not allowed to be employed underground in coal mines?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether in view of the unsatisfactory conditions of the canteens in India under the present system, he will appoint officers from outside to make a report and recommendations, and communicate the same to this House.

I have already asked for a report from the Government of India and I see no reason to appoint officers from outside to report on a matter which is within the competence of the Government of India and the Commander-in-Chief. I wish to make it clear that, in asking for a report, I in no way associate myself with the view that the canteen system in India is inefficient or incompetent. On the contrary, when regard is had to the difficulties in obtaining stores both from the United Kingdom and United States of America and to the strain put upon the organisation by the great expansion of the forces in India, I consider that remarkably good work has been done in this connection.

Will this report be made public as soon as it is received?

I cannot guarantee that.

Does my right hon. Friend think that a 48 per cent. charge on goods going into India for our troops is really efficient, or that it operates satisfactorily?

Under very difficult circumstances, yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for India how many fully-trained nurses there are in India; and what steps are being taken to increase training facilities.

The total number of nurses for the civil population is understood to be about 5,000. Provincial Governments are making every effort to increase the number of nurses, but hitherto the response in India has been somewhat disappointing.

In view of the fact that in the Burma campaign nurses have been in very short supply, can my right hon. Friend say whether any V.A.D.'s have been sent out?

If the hon. Lady is referring to military nurses, I must point out that my reply dealt with civil nurses. Military nurses are the responsibility of the War Office. Undoubtedly there has been difficulty in getting as many as are needed, but I understand that some 250 V.A.D.'s are being sent out, to supplement the existing staff.

How many of the 7,000 are Indian nurses?

I think they are mostly Indian.

asked the Secretary of State for India what are the terms of reference of the Health Survey and Development Committee and when it is likely to report.

In connection with post war reconstruction plans, the Committee is "to make a broad survey of the present position in regard to health conditions and health organisation in British India and to make recommendations for future development." It is hoped that it may report this year.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware of the serious shortage of teachers in the elementary schools of the Nottinghamshire local education authority; that this shortage is affecting the efficiency of the service; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this deficiency.

Local shortages of teachers are admittedly more difficult to meet than they used to be, because a higher proportion of the teaching staff consists of married women and teachers staying on beyond retiring age, who can- not be transferred away from their homes. My Department has sought, by a system of allocating newly-qualified teachers to the service of a particular authority, to secure a fair distribution of new mobile recruits. This procedure is continuing, and meanwhile, as my hon. Friend will see from Circular 1654, which I am sending him, I have acted on one recommendation of the McNair Committee's Report, which will have the effect, in due course, of widening the field of recruitment for teachers.

Will my right hon. Friend consult with the Minister of Labour, with a view to removing the age restriction on women who wish to enter the teaching profession; and will he persuade the Minister of Labour to desist from calling up women students once they have commenced their training?

Everything that has been done by the Minister of Labour in this respect has been done in consultation with me and with my full agreement. Naturally, I would like to get more teachers but I must have regard to the national needs at the present time.

asked the President of the Board of Education why he will not support the application for the release from the Army of No. 10596110, Private R. L. Hallam, R.E.M.E., made by the Loughborough education authority, in view of the fact that this man is now medical category C 2 and that it has been impossible to find a substitute male teacher to fill his former position at the Limehurst senior school.

The post to which Mr. Hallam desires to return is not a special one which could not be filled by someone else, and my evidence does not support the contention that the authority have tried unsuccessfully to find a substitute. In any case, Mr. Hallam is under the minimum age at which the Army authorities are normally prepared to entertain recommendations for deferment or release. The Army urgently needs men at the present time who can perform non-combatant service. If,, for medical reasons, the Army can make no further use of Mr. Hallam's services, it is for them to arrange his discharge.

In view of the admitted shortage of teachers, could not this man be more usefully employed in his civilian capacity, as a teacher, rather than on non-combatant duties in the Army?

I have looked into the matter, and a great deal of information has been given to my hon. and gallant Friend. I have refused to make an exception in this case, because of the rules. I have indicated, as well as I can, the manner in which this case stands in regard to those rules.

asked the President of the Board of Education how long it will take, at the present rate of progress, for provision of school dinners to be made for all schoolchildren.

The scheme covering 75 per cent. of the children, which is about the proportion thought likely to wish to have dinner at school, was expected to be completed in rather more than three years from now; but I have good reason to hope that, as a result of various measures taken by this Department, this period will be considerably reduced.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the steps he has taken will give considerable satisfaction?

But is my right hon. Friend aware that some mothers, curiously enough, desire to have their children at home for the mid-day meal?

We make full allowance for that in all our arrangements, but we wish to see the dinners-in-school service used as widely as possible.

Will my right hon. Friend give full consideration to the provision of adequate domestic help for this purpose and not throw all the work involved on the teaching staff?

Does the right hon. Gentleman collect information from certain authorities which are more successful in this matter than others, and does he advise others as to the methods by which those authorities are able to make the scheme a success?

Yes, we try to spread the good news; and, as a result, we have increased the service of meals from 300,000 three years ago to 1,500,000 now.

asked the Minister of Health if, in view of the dangerous condition of sewage in the River Bourne, of which he has been informed, he can now make a statement as to what steps it is proposed to take to ensure that the pollution is stopped and the health of those living in the valley not endangered.

The sewage works concerned are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War, whose officers have been in touch with my Department, and now state that the bed of the River Bourne is being cleaned out as far as Newton Tony; that the excess flow over 800,000 gallons per day (for which the works were designed) is being irrigated over adjacent land; that it is intended to irrigate the whole of the effluent as soon as the necessary pumping plant can be obtained and meanwhile to secure a temporary pump if possible; that the employment of expert supervisory staff is under consideration; and that fortnightly analyses will be forwarded to my Department. I have arranged for my technical officers to visit and report on the situation in a month's time.

Arising out of that reply, will my right hon. and learned Friend see if it is possible to expedite the matter?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health how many doctors he intends to make State-salaried officials on the initiation of the proposed National Health Scheme.

I cannot accept the implication of the Question. If the hon. Member will look at the White Paper, he will see that there is no intention of turning doctors into State-salaried officials, and that, even where—as in the health centres—remuneration by salary is mentioned, it is suggested as one among other possible alternatives.

But in view of the fact that the White Paper authorises the Minister to establish health centres and State-salaried doctors, if he considers the public interest demands it, does not that mean that this Government, or a future Government, can create a State-paid bureaucratic service?

No, Sir. My hon. Friend's conception of the White Paper is very far from the mark.

asked the Minister of Health how many doctors will be required to undertake the proposed National Health Scheme.

There is no reliable means of assessing this at present, but I have no reason to doubt that, when doctors return from the Forces, the number of doctors available will be sufficient to enable us to make a good start with the new Health Service.

As there are over 70,000 doctors on the British register, and not half of that number are required for this service, does the Minister remember the ruthless remark of his Parliamentary Secretary in the health Debate, when the hon. Lady said that those who were unemployed could retire, or go to the Colonies?

The hon. Member is giving information, not asking for it.

Could the Minister not consider abolishing the medical men and getting on with the health service?

asked the Minister of Health if he can now say when he intends to introduce a Bill in regard to a National Health Scheme.

No, Sir.

Is the Minister aware that, if he should bring in his Bill, based on the proposals of the White Paper there are those of us in this House who are prepared to combine to fight the Bill, Clause by Clause?

asked the Minister of Health if he will consult with the representatives of workmen's medical aid societies before deciding upon the provisions of the legislation based on the White Paper on the health services.

Yes, Sir.

Would the Minister also consult representatives of workmen's hospitals, such as the Manor House Hospital at Hampstead?

I shall be glad to consider that suggestion.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the Birmingham Estates Committee considers it should have the right to nominate tenants to houses suitable for the working classes which have been bombed and made habitable by the committee; and, as he has already ruled that the owners of such houses have a right to let, will he ensure that it is possible for the landlord to regain control of his property as soon as it is available.

I have made inquiries of the Birmingham Corporation, and I am informed that the Estates Committee make no claim to nominate tenants to war- damaged houses which have been repaired by them, except in respect of Corporation houses, or houses which have been duly requisitioned by the Corporation. I understand, however, that the Corporation are considering making representations to me for the grant of increased powers. In the event of any such representations being received, I should of course give full consideration to the views expressed by my hon. Friend.

Is the Minister aware that property owners have paid the war damage contribution, and that it has not been paid by the Corporation; and does he not consider that property-owners should retain control of their own property?

When the question arises, I shall take such matters into account and consider both sides, but, of course, special measures in the present special circumstances do need to be taken in regard to housing problems.

Is the Minister aware that often in London the only way a property-owner can get his bombed houses repaired is through the local authority, and that they ask for the privilege of nominating the tenants, when they do the repairs?

asked the Minister of Health if, taking any type of rural house built under his 3,000 schemes, he will analyse the costs under such building as labour, materials, etc.

The councils by whom houses have been built under this scheme have invited their contractors to supply details of the cost of labour and materials. At present such information has been received for 32 parlour houses, and this indicates that, on average, labour represented 42 per cent. and materials 58 per cent. of the building costs of these houses.

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes generally to adopt the recommendations in the Third Report of the Rural Housing Sub-Committee of the Central Housing Advisory Committee.

Yes, Sir. The report is being published to-day and I am issuing to local authorities a circular asking them to co-operate in establishing the joint county committees on rural housing which are the subject of one of the principal recommendations in this report. I am also asking them to proceed as soon as circumstances permit with the thorough and comprehensive survey of rural housing conditions which is recommended as a basis for the long-term housing programme. The financial recommendations in the report are being considered in the consultations as to the nature and amount of Exchequer subsidies which are proceeding with the Associations of local authorities. I hope in due course to be submitting to Parliament the Government's proposals for the amendment of the Housing (Rural Workers') Acts on the lines recommended. The recommendations regarding extensions of rural water supplies are covered by proposals which are already before the House.

Does that mean that we are going to get agricultural workers' cottages in the near future, at a rent the workers can afford?

I hope that we shall get agricultural workers' cottages but I cannot commit myself to the near future.

At a rent they can afford?

asked the Minister of Health whether, to check the rapid deterioration of many houses owing to lack of suitable material for current repair, he will, in the interests of adequate accommodation, consider the release of the necessary requirements at the earliest possible date.

General arrangements have been made in consultation with the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Supply to facilitate the release of essential materials and the possibilities of further assistance are now being examined. If my hon. Friend has any particular difficulties in mind, I shall be glad to look into them if he will let me have details.

asked the Minister of Health the number of authorities to which a rural district council in Kent has to apply first of all to obtain approval of, and then to proceed with the erection of, long needed housing work; and whether this same procedure is to continue after the war.

I assume my hon. Friend has in mind the approval of proposals for building new houses. When I am in a position to authorise the general provision of such houses by Local Authorities I have it in mind that the instructions issued will ensure that the Local Authority, before submitting their proposals to me, has to consult only the planning authorities.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will accept the recommendations of the committee now conducting investigations under another Ministry with the object of ascertaining the accurate strengths now attributable to steel and cement as soon as this committee's Report is complete; and whether he will issue model by-laws in accordance with their findings.

In so far as any changes may be necessary in the model by-laws, I can assure my hon. Friend that they will be made after due consideration.

While thanking my right hon. and learned Friend, may I ask him if he will make a point of doing this as quickly as possible, because engineers and architects cannot get on with their drafting, until they have information on this matter?

My hon. Friend will appreciate that the Question asks whether I will accept the recommendation of a committee which has not yet reported, but, of course, I shall act with proper expedition.