asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether the 4s. increase in the price of coal will increase the net receipts of the colliery companies or whether it will be paid into the Coal Charges Fund.

The whole of the increase will be paid into the Coal Charges Account.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has received the final Report of the American Mining Section of the Combined War Resources Board upon the coal industry in this country.

Yes, Sir.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman make a copy of the Report available in the Library?

I cannot say yet.

Is it not true that this Report contains a very serious indictment of the whole organisation of the mining industry in this country; that it exonerates the miners from all blame; and, in view of its importance in regard to the future of British industry in general, is it not desirable that hon. Members should be acquainted with the facts?

At the moment the position is not quite what my hon. Friend suggests. A summary has been issued, by agreement on both sides, that is, between the Americans and ourselves. My hon. Friend will appreciate that we are not the only parties to this Report. Up to date the agreement has been to issue a summary, and that has been done.

Whatever this Report may or may not contain, is it not desirable that we should have it? What conceivable objection is there to making the whole Report and not a summary available, so that those interested in this very important matter of coal can have the benefit of seeing the views of experts?

I am prepared to consider that. I only want to repeat that it is not a matter which is in my hands alone. This is a Report which applies to both sides of the Atlantic and at the moment the agreement is that we should only publish a summary. I am prepared to look into the matter but at the moment I cannot say any more.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman agree to publish such part of the Report as refers exclusively to the organisation of the British mining industry, and we will concern ourselves with our own business and let the Americans themselves look after theirs?

It is American business as well as ours, but I am prepared to consider the matter. I repeat that it is not a matter for us alone.

I beg to give notice that at the first opportunity I shall raise this very serious matter.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power, what have so far been the requirements of liberated Italy for coal; and how far these have been met from British and how far from American sources.

Although a considerable tonnage of coal has been required for the needs of the Allied Forces in Italy, both for their own consumption and for use on railways, public utility plants and industries necessary to military operations, very little coal has been shipped into Italy for civilian use. It would not be in the public interest to give figures of total shipments into the Italian theatre, but I can inform my hon. and gallant Friend that no coal has been sent there from this country since January. All the requirements have been met from the Sardinian mines, which are being operated under Allied military control, from South Africa, India and the United States.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is now prepared to publish the statistics of British coal exports for the years since the war.

As my hon. and gallant Friend will know, figures of the total quantity of coal shipped as exports and foreign bunkers from 1938 to the end of the first quarter of 1944 were given in Table 23 of my Statistical Digest {Command Paper 6538).

If I put down a Question, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say how much of that coal has been paid for, and how much has not been paid for?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether exports of British coal to the Argentine are still continuing; and whether it is estimated that a demand for British coal is likely to follow the termination of hostilities.

The answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir." With regard to the second part, I anticipate that there will be a demand for British coal, but the extent to which it will be possible to meet that demand will depend upon the supply position.

Is the reason for our non-export of coal to the Argentine at present, lack of shipping or lack of coal?

I should think that the best answer would be—a combination of the two.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman be careful to see that we do not surrender all the advantages we formerly possessed in the export of coal to the Argentine?

Of course not. I regard that as an extremely important part of our post-war position, but my hon. Friend will appreciate that the question of present supply does come in.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will state the consumption of coal by the Armed Forces of the United Nations in Great Britain during the coal year 1943–44.

I regret that, as stated in the Statistical Digest recently issued by my Ministry, I am precluded on security grounds from giving figures of the total consumption of coal by the Armed Forces of the United Nations in this country during the last coal year.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is in a position to estimate the tonnage of British coal which will be required for the Armed Forces of the United Nations operating on the Continent of Europe in the coal year of 1944–45.

Estimates of the coal which will be required from this country for operational needs on the Continent of Europe form part of my supply programme for the current coal year. My hon. Friend will realise that I could not on security grounds state to what these estimates amount.

Will the Minister say whether he thinks that the conditions this winter are going to be easier or worse than they were last winter, having regard to the operations on the Continent of Europe?

They certainly will not be any easier because we have to meet the requirements for operational purposes—they certainly will not be easier than last winter.

When the right hon. Gentleman exports coal, what does he get back in exchange?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps he proposes to take in view of the fact that the output of coal has dropped by 100,000 tons a week and that the price of coal to the domestic consumer has risen by 4s. a ton.

I am taking all the measures I can on the lines indicated in my speech to the House on 13th July last, to increase output and to reduce consumption by securing greater economy and better use of fuel. I regret to say, however, that the increase of output, which we were entitled to expect from the Wages Agreement of April last, has not materialised. Since then output of coal has fallen materially. Output per man has fallen by 5 cwts. per week mainly owing to an increase of 25 per cent. in voluntary absenteeism. Although there have been no regional stoppages of work there are still every week a large number of local and unofficial stoppages. If the present unsatisfactory rate of output continues, there will be a serious risk both of interference with, the war effort and of hardship in many households this winter. It is therefore of vital importance that all persons in the mining industry should improve output during the critical winter that lies ahead. The only real and immediate remedy for the position lies in their hands.

Are we to understand then that the Minister is not proposing himself to take any steps to deal with the situation he has now outlined?

That really, if I may say so, is rather an unfair statement, because a good many steps have been taken. My hon. Friend ought to be aware, if he listened to the Debate on 13th July, that steps have been taken, but a great number of those steps will take a very long time before they come into fruition.

Is the Minister aware that the miners are liable to lose the goodwill of the consumers in this country?

Am I to understand from what the right hon. and gallant Gentleman says in his reply, that the whole of the blame for reduced output is to be placed on the shoulders of the miners; does he not think that he should look in some other directions; and would he not find some information in the Report of the American Section of the Combined Board?

My hon. Friend must not be too touchy on these things. The figures I gave him were only for the six months since the Wages Agreement, compared with the same six months last year, and during that period the day-to-day production per man has dropped by five cwts. That can be remedied and the remedy for that lies largely in the hands of the miners, and he knows that that is true.

Is the Minister aware that the main problem is that of the increasing age and exhaustion of the men, and that it is no good flogging a tired horse?

I might be prepared to believe that if it were not for the fact that the highest rate of absenteeism is among the younger age groups.

Do not the facts that the Minister states point clearly to the necessity of restoring the disciplinary powers of managers?

How much profit has gone to the shareholder?

In reply to my hon. Friend the Member for The Wrekin (Mr. Colegate), he knows perfectly well that the Essential Work Order must remain, because it is the basis of our war effort; and if you are to restore the full disciplinary powers of managers to the sanction of dismissal, you also will have to restore to the men freedom of movement in the industry.

Is it not a fact that voluntary absenteeism is considerably below what it was in pre-war time, on the statistics which the right hon. and gallant Gentleman himself has given to the House?

My hon. Friend will know better than I do that there are certain coalfields which in peacetime work only a few days in the week, but there has been a really quite serious increase in the last six months of voluntary absenteeism. While I appreciate his point about the pre-war position, there has been a definitely serious increase, as I say.

But is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the figures show that voluntary absenteeism is not half what it was in pre-war time, according to his own figures?

I think we had better get on.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what percentage of coalpits is now mechanised; and what is the approximate value of mechanical equipment introduced since 1st January, 1944, from British and American sources, respectively.

There were 949 coal mines at which coal-cutting machines were in use during the year 1943 and 717 mines at which conveyors and loaders were in use. The percentages of the total number of coal mines at work during that year were 53 and 40 per cent. respectively. The approximate value of mechanical equipment delivered to collieries during the period 1st January to 31st August, 1944, was:

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend confirm my own impression that the progress is very far from being satisfactory?

I can assure my noble Friend that it is as fast as, under the circumstances, we can expect.

Is it not a fact that almost every coal mine in this country is held up because of the failure of manufacturers to supply coal machinery on order at the present time?

That has been the position, but there has been a tremendous improvement, largely since the Ministry's Mining Supplies Department came into being. The increased capacity available to these manufacturers is very much greater, and I am hopeful—indeed it has been the fact that the leeway has, to a great extent, been made up.

May I ask the right hon. and gallant Gentleman if, in highly mechanised pits, employers are not able to get renewals for conveyors and so on, would not that have a tendency to reduce output?

Certainly, Sir, but that has nothing to do with the previous question of my noble Friend. There is a difficulty in regard to conveyor belting, for instance, which we are largely overcoming and which in a very few months I hope will be completely overcome. Factory space for making the machinery was taken over for munitions but a good deal has been restored to its original purpose and a great deal of leeway has been made up.

Arising out of this Question, and other Questions which are always being put in regard to the mining industry of this country, does the Minister not think that the time has arrived to nationalise the mines?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if it is the intention of the Government to allow public-service vehicles to have as much fuel as is required to operate adequate services before any basic ration of petrol for private motor-cars is restored.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is able to hold out any prospect of the restoration in the near future of basic petrol rations to residents in rural areas.

I would refer my hon. Friends to the reply given last Tuesday to similar Questions.

I do not think that reply covers this point exactly, but will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman give an assurance that, if he has to allow fuel for private motor cars, he will give priority to public' service vehicles?

It is pretty obvious in view of the difficulties in certain rural districts, and indeed in urban districts, that very high priority will have to be given to public service vehicles.

Is it not a fact that in rural districts public service vehicles are inadequate, and all the more so because of the influx of evacuees on account of flying bombs in urban areas; and further, is 'the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the position is very difficult in rural areas where tradesmen do not deliver, and where people are many miles from the towns and shops?

I am very well aware of what my hon. and gallant Friend has just pointed out, and because of that we have, within the limits of the supply position, been as generous as we possibly can in rural areas. Whenever relaxation is possible, there again very high priority will be given.

Why is priority given to vehicles run on producer-gas?

That is another question altogether.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can make any statement as to Government policy for increasing the British population in the Dominions.

I am not quite clear what the hon. Member has in mind. If he refers to measures designed to encourage an increase in the birth rate in the Dominions, that is a matter for the Dominions themselves. If he refers to migration from this country, the policy of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom has been stated on various occasions, the last being the statement by my Noble Friend in another place on the 24th May. I cannot to-day add anything to these statements except to say that the Government are at present in consultation with the Dominion Governments on the subject.

Could the hon. Gentleman give a rough estimate, of when he will be able to give us a full statement?

No, Sir. I am afraid I am not able to do so. This matter depends on the result of our conversations with the Dominions.

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. The hon. Gentleman has just stated that because of a statement made by his Noble Friend in another place, he has nothing to add. Are we to understand that we must rely on statements made in another place, which in fact we cannot debate and question in this House? Is that the position?

Statements made by Ministers in another place are official statements, and they are therefore ones of which we can take notice here.

Could not my hon. Friend give a slightly less official answer? Could he not say that it is the policy of His Majesty's Government, in consultation with the Dominions, to do everything possible to bring about emigration to the Dominions? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that he sits on that Bench constantly stone-walling every question which is put to him? It is hopeless!

No, Sir. I did make a statement on this particular question in December on the lines which the Noble Lord desires now. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are in favour of a policy of emigration, but it must be carried out in close collaboration with the Dominions.

Is my hon. Friend aware that there were a number of very good reports, both official and unofficial, presented to His Majesty's Government before the war? Would he cause a re-examination of all those reports to be made?

Yes, Sir. All those reports are being re-examined at the present time, and conversations are taking place between His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and the Governments of the Dominions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that mothers are compelled to purchase a bottle every time they desire to replace a teat; and whether he will arrange for a supply of teats sufficient to enable them to be sold separate from the bottles.

This may be so in some cases, but as my right hon. Friend said in reply to Questions last week, arrangements have been made for a large increase in the output of teats, and supplies independent of bottles will be reaching the shops in increasing quantities very soon.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend see to it that the condition imposed by a shopkeeper, that the purchase of a teat must be accompanied by the purchase of a bottle, is made illegal in view of the increased quantity of teats?

As soon as a sufficiency of teats is available in the shops, under Section g of the Goods and Services (Price Control) Act it will then be illegal for anybody to make it a condition that the purchaser of a teat must buy a bottle. At the present moment, however, it is fairly obvious and common sense, I think, that if a man only has enough teats to match his bottles, he shall sell the two together and not separately.

Would the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether his Department are advised by any woman at all?

I am happy to say that we have the advice of several ladies.

But are they married women?

The right hon. and gallant Gentleman has told us that these teats are going to be supplied very soon. Is he aware that we had that answer last week? How much longer have we to wait?

We shall have to wait one week less than last week, quite obviously.

The babies will not wait.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that retailers cannot buy these things from the wholesalers at the present time?

My right hon. Friend has already explained that production has been increased, but it takes a certain length of time for the crude rubber to be turned into teats. They will be in the shops very soon.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that when I was a baby there were no teats at all? I used to have a sugar bag put in my mouth.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to increase the number of licences for the export of British manufactures.

At present exports are being limited mainly to meeting the essential needs of Empire and Allied countries. These restrictions will be relaxed as rapidly as the claims of war production and other essential work, including the supply of the needs of our own civilians, permit.

Does not my right hon. and gallant Friend think that the time has come when exporters might be given some idea of the plans of the Government in this matter?

It is clearly impossible for the Board of Trade, or for any hon. Member of this House, to know exactly how this war is going to end. We are at present in touch with exporters and are giving them what information we can, but we are not prophets.

Is it not time that the Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade came to this House and gave an account of his Department's post-war plans?

Who is the Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the fact that the Trade Returns of the United Kingdom are no longer published, he will arrange to place in the Library abstracts of the Trade Returns of the U.S.A. and of other countries which continue to publish such returns, in order that hon. Members may be able to ascertain the major facts of British overseas trade.

I propose to publish shortly particulars of our export trade in 1943 and preceding years.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many requests he has received from British manufacturers to receive facilities similar to those now available to American manufacturers under Mr. Donald Nelson's declaration to prepare for peacetime production; how many have been granted; and what progress has been made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has made any survey of the requirements of British industries interested in export trade with a view to considering whether allocations of personnel and materials can now be allowed for the preparation of designs, manufacture of samples and filling of initial export orders on a scale which would be large enough to enable British manufacturers to keep in touch with potential customers, but would not appreciably diminish production for war purposes.

On a point of Order. Question 21 was originally addressed, Mr. Speaker, to the Secretary of the Department of Overseas Trade. I was informed that the President of the Board of Trade was interested in policy, and that the Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade was his assistant. Why should I have an answer from my right hon. and gallant Friend the Parliamentary Secretary who is not concerned with exports?

That has nothing to do with me; it is a matter for the Ministry itself.

Facilities to make various preparations for peacetime production are now being granted, provided that the work can be done without impeding war production. Since the statement which my right hon. Friend made on this subject on 18th July, applications have been received from about 160 manufacturers in a dozen different industries, rather more than half of these have already been granted, and very few have been rejected.

May we have an assurance on behalf of the President of the Board of Trade that proper liaison is kept between my right hon. and gallant Friend's Department and the Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade in connection with this important matter?

I can assure my hon. Friend that my two right hon. Friends in this, as in other matters, work hand in glove.

Did my right hon. and gallant Friend say that he was also answering Question No. 30 with Question No. 21?

Yes, Sir.

Then may I ask him whether he appreciates that there is a very widespread feeling of dissatisfaction at the way in which applications for small facilities for export orders are now being treated; and, further, that manufacturers in this country wish to be satisfied that the Board of Trade, which is supposed to look after their interests in the post-war period, is properly representing their case? It is not enough merely to wait for applications to be received and then hand out delaying replies to Questions in this House.

I am very well aware that there is considerable and healthy anxiety in the country about the position of export trade, but I am not aware that traders are blaming the Board of Trade for the hold-up because I think they realise, by and large, that the conditions which limit exports now are outside the control of the Board.

Are permits being given in general, or being limited by the countries to which it is proposed eventually to export goods, when they are made? Is the Minister aware that the delay which has been referred to will only be endurable if it is evident that his Department are doing everything they possibly can to put the matter in train?

I am sorry that my Department is unendurable to my hon. Friend. We are doing our best in this difficult matter, but there is a definite limitation on the countries to which exports can be allowed.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say definitely when a statement will be made setting forth the policy of His Majesty's Government, when replies will be made to all the points which have been put forward by delegation after delegation, so that the country will know where we stand in this matter?

I do not see how it will be possible to make a general statement about the position of overseas trade until the war with Germany has been concluded.

Is the Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade consulted on this matter?

He is consulted on all matters which have to do with overseas trade.

In view of the unsatisfactory position that is revealed by this series of answers, I give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish a list of industries connected with the export trade for which technical man-power as well as labour will have priority as soon as the military situation permits.

No, Sir. I am in constant touch with my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Labour, on the whole question of providing labour, including technical workers, for export as well as essential home trade. But I do not propose to publish any such priority list as my hon. Friend suggests.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware what grave disquiet there is among exporters as to the complete lack of policy? Is he ever going to answer any Question at all?

I thought my hon. Friend was asking not about policy but about priorities.

Is the Department, in conjunction with the Ministry of Labour and National Service, compiling a list of priorities?

We have this matter very carefully in hand and at the right time the necessary information will be available.

May I have a further and more explicit answer? I asked whether my right hon. and gallant Friend was compiling a list of priorities.

No lists are being compiled for publication.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent British exporters are prohibited from corresponding with former overseas customers on commercial matters; and if all enquiries for British goods from such customers have to be submitted to the Joint Production Board in Washington.

There are no prohibitions on commercial correspondence except those arising from the Trading with the Enemy Act, but some delay must elapse before communication by mail or telegraph can be re-established with liberated territories. The answer to the second part of the Question is "No, Sir."

Does my right hon. and gallant Friend realise that this is one of the matters on which widespread misapprehension exists? It is very desirable that a frank statement should be made on the subject.

If my hon. Friend has any specific cases to which he can draw my attention, I shall be glad to look into them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that the majority of persons employed in the Lancashire cotton industry are females, he considered the domestic, social and physical implications involved before he recommended the introduction of double shift working in that industry.

An extension of double shift working is recommended on the ground that without it the expense of installing modern machinery in many cases would not be justified. This recommendation is, of course, designed to benefit operatives as well as employers. There is no question of expecting all workers to change to this method of working without regard to their domestic, social and physical circumstances.

Does not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman think it is a very grave matter indeed for a Government Department to suggest de-grading the conditions of employment, especially of women workers?

There is no question of de-grading the conditions of anybody, but it is absolutely essential that expensive machinery should be used to the best advantage.

Seeing that operatives for one shift cannot be obtained, how does the Minister propose to get operatives for two shifts?

When the war ends, I hope there will be operatives for both shifts.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the introduction of the double shift principle is one of the most practical propositions which he has put forward?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the general complaint regarding the shortage of blankets and sheets; and whether, in view of the restricted supply during the war period, he will consider an increase in the quantity now available.

In recent months steps have been taken progressively to increase the production of sheets, and as my right hon. Friend informed my hon. Friend the Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson) on Tuesday last, arrangements have now been made for material hitherto used for blackout cloth to be switched to sheets. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply, at my request, has arranged for a substantial number of cotton-warp blankets to be manufactured and these should be coming forward shortly. I shall take every opportunity of increasing supplies of sheets and blankets, but at present there is no spare labour and capacity in the cotton and wool textile industries.

Do I understand that arrangements will be made to vary the coupon requirements? It is no good placing sufficient sheets and blankets on the market unless the coupons are made available.

Neither sheets nor blankets have ever been on coupons.

Do I understand that the white sheets are to be mainly reserved for members of His Majesty's Government, and the wet blankets for the manufacturers?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will arrange for spare parts for wireless sets being made available in larger quantities in view of the fact that new sets cannot be produced and large numbers of existing sets are useless owing to small parts not being available.

I am glad to say that the improvement in the supply of components is continuing and the quantities available should be sufficient for the reasonable maintenance of sets in use. The supply of most types of valves is adequate but some special types are still rather short. The new sets of standard design for the civilian market are now being delivered to the shops. If my hon. Friend will let me know of any particular shortages he has in mind, I will do what I can to help.

Has the Minister seen the new utility radio sets? The components of the set are very good and efficient, but the outside appearance is cheap and nasty. Can he do something about them?

I do not at all agree with that description. I have examined the sets and I liked them. I think they are very good, practical sets.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to provide for the supply of alarm clocks, having regard to the acute shortage which causes inconvenience and adversely affects good time-keeping.

As I have previously stated, we depend at present almost entirely on imports for our supplies of alarm clocks. During the last twelve months large quantities have been imported from the United States and Canada and have been distributed here. Further supplies are on their way.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that it is impossible to obtain alarm clocks in retail shops in most parts of the country?

I am aware that there is difficulty but there is a trickle of alarm clocks coming into the country.

Are arrangements being made to get alarm clocks and watches from Switzerland as soon as communications are open?

That matter is being kept in view.

Will my right hon. Friend supply an alarm clock to the Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the sale of furniture by hire purchase results in excessive costs to the purchaser, up to 150 per cent. being added to the manufacturers' costs; and what steps he proposes to prevent this exploitation.

The maximum charge which may be made for hire purchase facilities is 20 per cent, of the cash price of the furniture less the customer's deposit. If my hon. Friend knows of cases where more than this has been charged, I should be glad to have particulars.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this figure of 150 per cent. was given by the Secretary of State for Scotland last week, and what does he propose to do about it?

I was not aware of that, but I will have inquiries made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will furnish a list of the new appointments which have been made to strengthen the staff of his department with a view to enabling him to undertake the responsibilities that will fall upon him in accordance with the Government's White Paper on Employment Policy.

Early this year Sir William Palmer, who was then serving in the Ministry of Production, was appointed Principal Industrial Adviser to the Board of Trade. The Control of Factory and Storage Premises is the department of the Board mainly concerned with the White Paper proposals for the balanced distribution of industry, and its staff has already been and is being further strengthened. The Regional Staff of the Board of Trade has also been strengthened in a number of regions. Further appointments, including, the possibility of transfers from the Supply Departments, are under consideration.

Is it not clear from the three day Debate that we had that the House is not prepared to authorise the Government to go forward with this policy? Why have the Government proceeded with it?

I do not agree at all. I believe that the House of Commons gave the authorisation.

Was not the Motion specifically drawn so that it did not involve endorsement?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare if he is now in a position to report whether the altered circumstances in Europe enable his Ministry to permit the shipment of relief foodstuffs for distribution under neutral control in the countries still occupied by the enemy.

His Majesty's Government and the United States Government are now considering whether, in view of the altered circumstances in Europe, any change is desirable in their present blockade policy with respect to those Allied territories still in enemy occupation. I am not yet, however, in a position to make a statement on this subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare if he has made any estimate of the losses in supplies of metal to Germany as a result of military events in recent months.

As the answer is a long one, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare what steps his Ministry is taking to prevent the escape from Europe of Nazi leaders and other German nationals on outward bound Spanish ships.

For the last two years His Majesty's Government has administered a system of passenger and crew control on all neutral ships sailing to or from European ports. As the House is aware, neutral ships, whether inward or outward bound, are not allowed to pass through our controls without a ship navicert, and this document is in no case granted until the list of passengers and crew has been approved by our Consular authorities at the port of embarkation. In recent weeks every outward bound Spanish ship has been required, as a condition of her ship navicert, to call at a British contraband control base, where we can satisfy ourselves that no unauthorised persons are on board.

asked the Secretary of State for War what N.A.A.F.I. or canteen arrangements are available for British troops in Italy; and why they compare unfavourably with those available for Dominion and American troops.

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements are made by N.A.A.F.I. for the refreshment and entertainment of British troops in Rome and other Italian cities; and how such arrangements compare with those made for Dominion and American troops.

I am glad to have the opportunity of removing certain misunderstandings which appear to exist on this subject. On 10th August N.A.A.F.I. opened a club in Rome capable'of accommodating 5,000 troops a day. It houses cafeterias, snack bars, soda fountains, games rooms, music rooms, lounges, a gift shop, a library, a barber's shop, a photographer's, orchestras, cinemas and other amenities. There is also a chapel and a chaplain. A club has also been opened in the Royal Palace at Naples and it provides similar facilities on an even larger scale. The welfare (as opposed to catering) side of these clubs is in the hands of members of the W.V.S. and having seen both clubs for myself within the last month or five weeks I can testify to the admirable work which is being done. Indeed neither club has anything to fear from comparison with those provided for Dominion and American troops. There are smaller clubs and restaurants in other Italian towns and it is intended to open others, for example, in towns which have recently been captured, such as Florence and Ancona if it is found that they are required. Incidentally, in addition to the N.A.A.F.I. Club there are in Rome other clubs for British soldiers, notably one run by the Y.M.C.A., and there are British restaurants run by the Army where soldiers can get meals without impinging on civilian supplies.

While greatly reassured by my right hon. Friend's reply, may I ask if he saw the letter that appeared in "The Times" during the Recess; and if things are as good as his reply would indicate, how could such a detailed series of charges appear in the Press from, apparently, an entirely bona fide source?

That I cannot understand.

While very much reassured by my right hon. Friend's reply may I ask if he is aware that there is a feeling among the troops in Italy that they are rather in a backwater and are not considered to be, so to speak, on a par with the troops fighting in North-Western Europe; and will he make certain that the utmost publicity is given to the fact that the arrangements are as good for them as for Dominion and American troops?

I have answered the second part of the question. I found no impression among the troops in Italy that they were a forgotten Army.

While I would not question in any way the efficiency and the wonderful organisation of clubs in Italy, will the right hon. Gentleman tell us something about N.A.A.F.I. supplies to troops in advanced positions in the forward line? Will he tell us for instance about beer and cigarette supplies and other things which are very important for troops in advanced positions?

That does not arise out of the Question, which deals with the back areas, but perhaps the hon. Member will put a question down.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the anxiety created in the Sussex resorts by the statement issued to the Press by the South-East Area Command, to the effect that the risk to life from mines on the South Coast might continue for years; and if he will institute an inquiry as to the responsibility for placing mines in unrecorded places.

Many minefields were laid in a great hurry after the evacuation from Dunkirk, but I know of no case where a record of such fields was not kept. All these areas are now being searched and it is not until the authorities are entirely satisfied that every reasonable precaution has been taken to make the beaches safe that a clearance certificate is issued and the barriers removed. Even then, there may still be danger from mines which have been shifted from their original positions by the action of the sea and which have not been detected. The statement to which my hon. Friend refers merely acknowledged this regrettable but, I hope, remote possibility.

Will my right hon. Friend answer the Question why mines were placed in unrecorded places, as distinct from unrecorded areas? Have any records been kept of the numbers that have been put in?

They have not been put in unrecorded places.

May I put the specific question with regard, not to unrecorded areas, but to unrecorded places?

I do not suppose that the position of every one of the hundreds of thousands of mines was marked by a stake, but the general areas of the minefields were marked.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is impossible to lay extensive minefields and to know the exact spot at which every mine has been placed?

asked the Secretary of State for War what issue of civilian clothing a soldier now invalided receives; and how this issue compares with the outfit the Government is prepared to give on general demobilisation.

The discharged soldier at present receives a civilian suit, cap, collar and tie and studs but after r6th October he will receive the same clothing as will be given to men released after the end of the war with Germany, namely a civilian suit, hat, shirt with two collars, tie, one pair shoes, two pairs socks, raincoat, studs and cuff links.

Can this be made retrospective?

I do not think that that is practicable.

Does this arrangement apply to officers?

Is the Minister aware that many soldiers are being discharged without any clothing at all—[Laughter]. I appreciate the joke, but there are cases of constituents who have been discharged without any civilian clothing.

I think that in that case they must have elected to take the, money grant instead. If the hon. Member has cases where men have had no grant or clothes I shall be glad to look. into them.

The right hon. Gentleman has already been notified of cases of that type.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether facilities are given to men to whom duty-free customs labels are issued to register their parcels, or what redress they have if these parcels are lost.

The answer to the first part of the Question is, "No, Sir." If a parcel is lost, compensation is paid subject to the conditions and limits laid down in regulations of the Army Postal Service, and the commanding officer may issue another free label.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what date the orders or instructions regarding the reversion to voluntary status of the Home Guard were in the hands of the battalion commanders; and on what date the relative orders or instructions were given to the B.B.C. and the Press, respectively.

The military situation on the Continent warranted a relaxation of Home Guard duties and orders were issued to Commander-in-Chief Home Forces on 6th September. I broadcast a message to the Home Guard on the same evening which was reported in the Press on the following day. There was ample time for all orders to be in the hands of battalion commanders before 11th September, the effective date of the relaxation.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these orders were not in the hands of battalion commanders until several days after they saw them in the Press and heard them on the B.B.C.? Will he take steps in future to see that any such orders are issued in the form of A.C.I's before the Press and the B.B.C. get them?

That is a very desirable general rule, but not one of universal application.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has been able to arrive at any conclusions regarding the issue of the 1939–43 Star to personnel serving in A.A. Command during the Battle of Britain, from August, 1940 to June, 1941.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 26th September last in reply to Questions on this subject.

When my right hon. Friend is considering these matters, will he bear in mind that the victors of our first victory, the aircrews in the Battle of Britain, have so far received no distinctive mark for their unique services, but have only the ordinary medals?

I doubt very much whether that is the case. I think they certainly have the Silver Rosette, but I will inquire about it.

May I respectfully suggest that they might have something which is really distinctive, such as a pair of pilot's wings in miniature, as their services were quite unexampled?

I think that all these matters will be better reviewed when we come nearer to the end of the war. Later on I am answering another Question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement showing by what processes members of the fighting forces stationed overseas at the time of any general election will be enabled to inform themselves of the main political issues raised at the election and of the names of the candidates for whom they or their proxies can vote.

Personnel—that is jargon for officers and men—are able to keep themselves informed of the broad political trends by listening to the wireless and by reading the ordinary newspapers and journals. At the time of a General Election the information given in these ways on political questions will no doubt increase considerably. The short interval between nomination day and polling day will in most cases preclude personnel overseas from receiving in time literature specially prepared in support of particular candidates. This was one of the reasons for the provision made in the Parliament (Elections and Meeting) Act for facilities for voting by proxy.

Does not the latter part of the reply indicate that special steps should be taken to see that those whom we in this House have taken such trouble to see are registered are given the opportunity of getting to know what the issues of the election are?

Everything possible will be done, subject to the limitations of time and space.

Was Mr. J. B. Priestley's symposium last night the first part of the Common Wealth campaign?

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the Government know what the issues at the next General Election are likely to be?

I should think that broadly we can see how matters are shaping themselves. As to the broadcast referred to, I was fortunate in having other engagements at the time.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that, in order to get the proxies back to the registration officers from men serving overseas, especially those in distant theatres, they will have to send them far in advance of any election, and that that will mean they can only give their intention to vote for a party? Is that what the Prime Minister wants, rather than that they should vote for a particular candidate?

I cannot think that an election is imminent in the sense of what you call impending, but I can assure the House that no one is more anxious than I am that every facility possible and practicable, having regard to the fact that fighting is still going on on an increasing scale, should be given if possible to the troops to understand what are the issues for which the opposing candidates stand and for recording their votes on the largest possible scale. That is our intention. It would be disgraceful if, through any lack of care and forethought on our part, these men, who have, in my opinion, the first right to express an opinion, were deprived of their opportuunity to do so. I say all this under the reservation which may be imposed by the force of physical events.

In view of the impossibility of continuing such an important matter by question and answer, I beg to give notice that I will raise it on the Adjournment.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is intended that in the post-war organisation of the services women are to be given any part.

This matter is under consideration, but I do not expect that it will be possible to announce any decision for a considerable time.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that this matter has been under consideration for a very long time, and that it is an important matter which ought to be decided before the war is over?

asked the Prime Minister what age and service groups it is anticipated that it will prove possible to release from the Forces upon the conclusion of hostilities in the European theatre.

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the recently published Command Paper 6548 giving the Government's proposals for reallocation of man-power, to which I have nothing to add.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give special consideration to those men who have been serving long periods overseas by counting one year's service overseas as equal to two years' service at home?

All this is dealt with in the White Paper, and I understand there is to be a Debate upon it.