asked the Minister of Health whether any report has yet been submitted by the Inter-Departmental Committee on Dentistry set up by the Secretary of State for Scotland and himself.

Yes, Sir. The Committee have presented to the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. Friend an Interim Report in which certain recommendations are made regarding the place which dentistry should take in the National Health Service proposals. My right hon. Friend is most grateful to the Committee for this valuable Report, to which he is giving close study. He proposes that the Report should be published and made available to Members as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Health by what authority doctors charge their panel patients a fee of 1s. for signing their certificates for priority milk and eggs.

Insurance medical practitioners are required to give medical certificates only for the purposes of the National Health Insurance Acts. They are not forbidden to give and charge for certificates required for other purposes.

asked the Minister of Health to what extent hospital staffs are Obliged to inject anti-tetanus serum in all cases of accident, except where the patients refuse to permit this; whether he is aware that the serum occasionally has disastrous effects as at the Norfolk and Norwich hospital recently, where a patient died from anaphylactic shock caused by an administration of the serum; and whether he will intimate to those hospitals with which his Ministry has any connection that it is inadvisable to make the administration of anti-tetanus serum a routine matter.

So far as air raid casualties and other cases falling within the Emergency Hospital Scheme are concerned, hospitals are instructed that tetanus anti-toxin in the doses prescribed in the instructions must be injected in all cases of injury. I am advised, on information supplied by the Medical Research Council, that the danger of anaphylaxis is very small, and I am not prepared to advise hospitals in the sense suggested in the last part of the Question. It may be added that the only cases of tetanus amongst air raid casualties reported to my medical officers have occurred where no anti-toxin has been given or where the instructions have not been fully observed.

asked the Minister of Health what action he proposes to take so that Servicemen and others who have had to vacate their homes may obtain possession thereof as soon as possible.

The Rent Restrictions Acts contain provisions designed to facilitate the recovery of possession by owners who require them for their own occupation, and I understand that representations have been made to the Inter-Departmental Committee on Rent Control, which is reviewing the whole field of rent control, regarding the special claims of ex-Servicemen in this matter. The Report of this Committee is expected shortly, and I will consider what action if any is necessary in the light of their recommendations. As regards houses which have been requisitioned during the war, it is my intention that these shall be released to owners who require them for their own occupation as soon as ever circumstances permit.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare if he can give the House any recent information on food conditions in Germany.

Although the weather was very favourable throughout last winter and spring, during this summer most crops in Germany, and in particular root and fodder crops, suffered from prolonged and widespread drought. Bread grains, which are largely winter sown crops, suffered least of all, and are only a few per cent, below last year's harvest. Oats and barley, on the other hand, appear to have suffered considerably, and these crops have undoubtedly fallen well below expectations. Potatoes also have suffered greatly from drought, though the crop is somewhat better than last year, when the potato harvest was one of the worst for decades.It seems likely that the shortage of fodder will affect the livestock situation. While every attempt is being made to avoid inroads into cattle numbers, preparations are under way for the premature slaughter of a number of young pigs. This may create some meat surplus in the near future, but will probably lead to shortage at a later stage.There can be little doubt that the fat situation is a matter of serious anxiety to the German authorities. This year's oil seed harvest is hardly any larger than last year's. Milk and butter supplies have declined in spite of all efforts to increase the farmers' deliveries, and the reduction in the pig population must to a certain extent affect the output of pig fat. This is serious as, with the exception of Denmark, most of Germany's external sources of fats have disappeared.In terms of calories, last year's takings from the occupied countries amounted to 10 to 12 per cent. of Germany's total intake. This was sufficient to supply nearly the whole Germany army, so that indigenous food supplies could be kept almost entirely for civilian consumption. This year, when most of the occupied food supplying territories are liberated, the German army will need to be fed from German indigenous food supplies and reserves.It was announced on 16th October that the bread rations were to be reduced, the allowance for normal consumers, heavy workers and very heavy workers being cut by 7 ounces a week (thus bringing the ration down to 79 ounces per week) and children up to six years old and self supples by 3½ ounces a week. It was also announced that 2 ounces of fat, representing 30 per cent. of the normal consumer's fat ration, would be replaced by a meat allocation of about 4 ounces, in addition to the usual meat ration. The general effect of these changes is that the diet for German civilians will become even more monotonous. The loss in calories due mainly to the reduction in the bread ration will amount to 100 calories a day for normal consumers, heavy and very heavy workers, and 50 calories a day for children and self suppliers.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what attitude he proposes to adopt against the German Home Guard in view of the fact that when the British Home Guard was first constituted as the L.D.V. its members were officially denounced by Germany as francs-tireurs who could not in any circumstances be given the benefit of combatant status and would be shot out of hand.

I am advised that no substantial distinction can be drawn between the position in international law of the Volkssturm and of the L.D.V. when they were formed in 1940. As the right hon. Member is aware, His Majesty's Government were throughout satisfied that the L.D.V. fulfilled those requirements of international law which would entitle them upon capture by the enemy to be treated as prisoners. Provided, therefore, that members of the Volkssturm conform in practice to the requirements of international law and carry out their operations in accordance with the rules of war, they are entitled to be treated as legal combatants. If, however, they depart from the provisions of international law and the rules of war, they lose such protection and will be treated accordingly. I do not consider that the threats which were uttered by the Germans in 1940 about the L.D.V. are material in considering the status of the Volkssturm at the present time.

asked the Prime Minister whether, as we advance into Germany, we are proposing to constitute courts to try Gestapo and similar criminals accused of murder and torture contrary to the laws of war.

It is certainly the intention of His Majesty's Government that suitable courts should be constituted for trying any Germans, whether they belong to the Gestapo or not, who are alleged on sufficiently strong grounds to have been guilty of offences against the rules of war. The exact constitution of these courts is at present under consideration by the Allies.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will allow the Kentish basket-making industry to manufacture more shopping and household baskets or make arrangements to ensure that such baskets made by Italian prisoners of war shall be marketed through the local industry instead of being peddled to the public direct.

I regret that the general manufacture of shopping and household baskets from willows cannot yet be allowed. The available supplies of willows are still required for making baskets essential to the war effort, but in order to avoid loss of livelihood a limited production of shopping baskets is permitted by blind and disabled workers incapable of other work. I understand that since 17th October, when my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War answered a question on this subject, instructions have been issued prohibiting any scheme for basket-making by Italian prisoners of war in their spare time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how soon he will consider making household goods coupon free and permit towels and tea-towels to be either of lower coupon value or coupon free.

The only essential household goods which are rationed are towels and tea-towels. On these, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for West Edinburgh (Lieut.-Commander Hutchison) on 26th September.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider controlling funeral costs in view of the high charges made by some undertakers to the relatives of those killed by enemy action.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the excessive charges for funerals by undertakers; and what action is contemplated to fix a reasonable rate.

At my request the Central Price Regulation Committee have investigated this matter. Their preliminary report makes it clear that the control of funeral charges presents great legal and administrative difficulties. I am, however, giving further consideration to this question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the shortage of civilian clothing, he will now be prepared to remove bespoke tailoring from the list of non-essential businesses.

I am not quite clear what my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind in referring to a list of non-essential businesses. But for some time the bespoke tailoring trade has enjoyed a measure of protection for its labour under special arrangements which have been made, in consultation with me, by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he proposes to take to assist the British motor industry to catch up with the technical progress made by the American motor industry between 1939 and December, 1941.

Fifty-six applications have been received from firms in the motor vehicle industry for facilities for experimental and preparatory work for post-war production. All these applications have been granted.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of children's clothing coupons which were not used in the last rationing period; and whether there is a shortage of such clothing.

I have no means of knowing how many children's coupons were not used, but I should expect that the number was very small. With regard to the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Acton (Captain Longhurst) on 10th October.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to alleviate the present acute shortage of matches.

Matches are being made in this country up to the limit of the capacity available. A steady rate of production has been maintained during the past two years, and, in addition, there are ample supplies of utility lighters. I am not aware of any acute and general shortage, but if my hon. Friend will send me particulars of any specific complaint, I will have it investigated.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what information he has with regard to the existence of price-fixing arrangements within the white lead industry; and what steps he proposes to take to control the price of lead paint during the Government's post-war building programme.

I understand that the principal manufacturers of white lead have an agreement among themselves as to prices, but since the beginning of the year they have undertaken not to raise them without the consent of the Ministry of Supply. The Central Price Regulation Committee is in touch with the industry, with a view to making recommendations for controlling the prices of paint.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what information he has as to the existence of price-fixing arrangements within the bath manufacturing industry, either under the auspices of the International Bath Association, Limited, or otherwise; and what steps he is taking to ensure that the supply of cheap baths after the war will be commensurate with the number of new houses built.

I am advised that before the war there were in force from time to time manufacturers' agreements regarding the prices of enamelled baths. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply and my right hon. and Noble Friend the Minister of Works and I are in touch regarding the provision of a sufficient supply of baths at reasonable prices.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the production of improved types of gas cookers from sheet steel is being retarded by manufacturers of gas cookers who, as owners of foundries, are closely tied to the use of cast iron; and what steps he is taking to secure a larger supply of improved types of these cookers.

According to my information the use of sheet steel in the manufacture of gas cookers is increasing. I am taking steps, in consultation with my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power, to increase the output of gas cookers and to ensure that they are of the most efficient types.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that no improvement in the supply of babies' teats, either separately or on bottles, has taken place in the Morpeth constituency and that acute distress is being caused thereby: and if he will see that some of the increased supply is made available in that area.

I am glad to say that, following the action I indicated to the House in reply to Questions on 26th September, the weekly production of teats has doubled as compared with the average for July and August, and is still increasing. Larger supplies are now reaching the shops. I have taken steps, in consultation with the manufacturers and distributors, to ensure that supplies are evenly distributed over the country. I am having a special inquiry made into supplies at Morpeth.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of casualties amongst doctors serving in the Navy during the war up to the present time.

I regret it is not in the public interest to give particulars of casualties suffered by individual branches of the Royal Navy.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether sufficient capacity for present requirements can be made available in the inland camps owned by his Department in order to release any seaside holiday camps leased and partly occupied by his Department, desirable both on the grounds of economy and for preparing holiday camps for next spring.

The Admiralty intend to arrange for the earliest practicable release of requisitioned property consistent with the needs of the Navy for the prosecution of the remaining stages of the war. Holiday camps will receive fair consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what staff is now employed in providing British scientific missions in the Dominions.

At the present time there are no special United Kingdom Scientific Missions in the Dominions, but frequent visits are paid by individual Scientists and close liaison on scientific matters is maintained with Dominion representatives in London.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs on how many occasions the Union Jack has been flown over the offices of the United Kingdom representative in Dublin since 3rd September, 1939.

It has not been the practice to fly a flag from the Office of the United Kingdom representative to Southern Ireland.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, having regard to the advances made in the study of psychic research during the past 25 years, he considers the provisions of the Witchcraft Act, 1735, are now applicable to public and private meetings of spiritualists, or societies for psychical research, held in their own churches or halls, or in hired premises, where a medium is engaged to demonstrate or lecture; and if he will take steps to introduce legislation to amend the law.

Although the Witchcraft Act, 1735, is over 200 years old, it is not an archaic or obsolete Statute. It abolished proceedings for witchcraft, sorcery, inchantment or conjuration, and substituted a provision penalising fraudulent pretences to exercise or use such arts or powers. The question whether an offence against the Act is committed in any particular case is a matter for the decision of the courts. As at present advised I see no reason to introduce amending legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department upon whose instructions the police at Altrincham took action to ban the spiritualist public meeting on 15th October, 1944; and upon what grounds the police interfere with religious freedom by objecting to payment for seats at meetings held by spiritualists or societies for psychic research, or the taking of a collection, even when the whole or part of the proceeds are for charitable purposes.

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to the meeting which was, in fact, held in the Town Hall, Sale, on 15th October. The police took no action to ban this meeting. I understand, however, that the question whether money would be taken at this meeting was relevant to the question whether the consent of the justices to the opening of the hall on Sunday was required.

asked the Secretary of State or the Home Department (1) whether his attention has been directed to the recent banning of a public meeting convened by spiritualists at Altrincham, on the application of the police to the justices, on the ground that such meeting would be a breach of the provisions of the Witchcraft Act, 1735; whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to ban all public meetings where mediums propose to demonstrate their psychic gifts; and how is this reconciled with the inherent right of public assembly and religious freedom;(2) what objection there is to people paying for tickets for seats at any public meeting convened by spiritualists or societies for psychical research; and whether he will put an end to police interference with religious freedom and threats to ban such meetings where tickets are sold or a collection is to be made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, following upon his written assurances given to the National Union of Spiritualists after the deputation at the Home Office, on 27th July, 1943, he now proposes to authorise the banning of public meetings held by spiritualist churches or societies for psychic research, where mediums are engaged to demonstrate their psychic gifts and/or lecture thereon.

I would refer my hon. Friends to the reply which I gave on 26th October to a Question by the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. W. J. Brown) and to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is able to give the numbers, separately, of boys directed to the mines and optants who have entered the coalmines in County Durham; and as a result of such entry, how many extra face producers have been obtained.

About 2,800 men from the ballot and 1,000 optants and volunteers have entered the coal mines in County Durham. Information is not available as to the number of additional face producers obtained as a result of such entry, but there was an increase of 1,913 workers employed within 20 yards of the coal face on the 23rd September, 1944, compared with the corresponding date a year ago.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power in view of the fact that the present overall efficiency of coal utilisation in this country is estimated to be only 30 per cent. and that well over half the heat content is wasted by domestic and industrial users, what steps are being taken to ensure a steady annual improvement; and what is the present Government contribution to all forms of coal utilisation research.

The Fuel Efficiency Committee and the Domestic Fuel Planning Committee, acting under the auspices of my Ministry, have, for the past three years, done all in their power, despite war-time handicaps, to promote the more efficient use of fuel. Almost every factory using more than 100 tons of coal a year has now been visited by experts who have advised how their consumption can be reduced. The importance of using their existing appliances as economically as possible has been kept constantly before householders. I am glad to say that the public response has been very encouraging, and a steady annual improvement is taking place. As regards the second part of the Question, the present annual Government contribution devoted wholly to fuel research is £208,000, in addition to which certain other research bodies receive grants from the Government, part of which is devoted to fuel problems.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if, having regard to the present high price of coal, he will take such steps as will ensure that consumers get more coal and less stone per cwt.

There has been some deterioration in recent years in the preparation of coal, but generally such deterioration has not exceeded that which could be reasonably expected to arise from the difficulties of war-time working. There are, however, cases where the deterioration in quality exceeds that which is reasonably justified, and my Regional and Group Production Directors have been instructed to take steps to improve the preparation of the coal.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what use is being made of open-cast coal; why, instead of distributing it, it is necessary to stack it in bulk or under conditions which tend to self-combustion; and whether those dealers who do stock it are aware of the risk of such combustion.

Opencast coal is supplied as a general purpose coal to all types of consumers, including railways, gas and electricity undertakings, and all types of industrial and domestic consumers. Aready between 9,000,000 and 10,000,000 tons of open-cast coal have been distributed to these various markets. Stocks exist to maintain the market demand during the winter when the rate of production is normally less than in the summer months and to meet anticipated overseas requirements in connection with military operations. All stock dumps are laid down in accordance with the advice of the Fuel Research Station of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The method adopted is designed to minimise the risks of self combustion. The problem of the spontaneous heating of coal, whether deep mined or open-cast, is well known to producers, factors and large consumers who are aware of the need to be constantly on guard against fire in large stocks.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has completed his survey of the British coalfields and proposes to make an early announcement of policy on prospective developments, new sinkings, equipment and organisation.

The survey to which my hon. Friend refers has not yet been completed. Until I have been able to make a careful study of that survey, and of the recommendations of the Technical Committee of Mining Engineers which I have appointed, I shall not be in a position to make a statement on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether the Miners Welfare Committee are taking steps to provide welfare amenities for the wives of miners in addition to the existing arrangements.

A number of Miners Welfare Schemes already modate women's leisure-time activities, but the Miners Welfare Commission is anxious that this provision should be extended, and will shortly lay before the District Miners Welfare Committees suggestions for this and other developments of the work of the Miners Welfare Fund.

asked the Minister of Labour how many chemists, physicists and engineers have been released from war service during the past two years and guided into coal research.

So far as my information goes no releases from the Forces for the purpose referred to in the Question have taken place. I am not aware of any such releases from other forms of war service.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the average earnings of men employed in the mining industry for adult workers and for workers of all ages, respectively.

The average cash earnings per shift for all wage-earners employed in the mining industry was 22s. 3d. per shift during the month of July. Separate figures are not collected for adult workers only, but it is estimated that for them the average rate was roughly 23s. 9d. These figures exclude the value of allowances in kind, which amounted to about 8d. per shift.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether sufficient progress has yet been made with steam wagons, producer-gas lorries or coal-gas cars, to justify any hope that post-war motor transport in Great Britain can make substantial use of home produced coal; and if not, what steps are being taken to expedite large scale research and development in this field.

As a result of experimental and development work sponsored by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and the Mines Department before, and in the earlier part of, the war, and of the scheme operated in the last two years by the Ministry of War Transport, considerable experience has now been obtained of the use in this country of producer-gas for road transport. Present information, however (including the experience to which I have referred), does not suggest that road transport in this country is likely to make substantial use of home-produced solid fuel after the war for this purpose or of steam wagons and coal-gas cars, so long as liquid fuel is available at a reasonable price. The question of further research and development in this field is under consideration in connection with the general programme of post-war fuel research.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps are being taken by his Department to popularise and extend the use of electricity in agricultural districts generally.

During the war it has been necessary owing to shortage of labour and materials to restrict the development of electricity supplies to cases of hardship and the requirements of the war effort, which have, of course, included those of agriculture. If my hon. and gallant Friend is thinking of postwar development of electricity I would refer him to the answer given on 20th June by my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for East Grinstead (Colonel Clarke).

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether it is possible to give the approximate date on which the investigation by the Committee of Inquiry into the Gas Industry will be completed; and whether this Report will be made available to the public.

I am afraid I am unable at present to indicate the date by which the Committee of Inquiry into the Gas Industry will have completed its work. The Report of the Committee will be published.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the fact that the declared calorific value at which gas is sold varies from undertaking to undertaking, he will publish a comprehensive list, setting out the declared calorific values of the gas undertakings throughout the country since, without such information, it is impossible for consumers adequately to exercise their powers and ensure obtaining value for their money.

Gas undertakings are required to give public notice of declaration or alteration of the calorific value of their gas and most undertakings state their calorific value on the bills which they render to consumers. I do not think that in present circumstances. I should be justified in publishing a special list of declared values such as my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in boring for oil, any other minerals have been found; and whether official announcements of such discoveries are being made for public information.

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." As regards the second part, Section 9 of the Petroleum Production Act, 1934, which applies the provisions of Section 23 of the Mining Industry Act, 1926, to petroleum borings, requires persons who bore for oil to supply information of the boring and, if necessary, furnish specimens of the strata passed through, to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The conditions under which this information is furnished are governed by the provisions of Section 23 of the Act of 1926, to which I would refer my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he has any information about the new aviation fuel which has been discovered by a State Department of the U.S.A.; and how this discovery affects the future of fuel in this country.

I have bean asked to reply. I am aware of developments in the U.S.A. in the production of a new aviation fuel. It is, however, too early to state what effect these developments will have on the future of fuel in this country, but production could be undertaken here if necessary.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he can arrange for practical demonstrations throughout the country as to how the efficient use of coal can be ensured in connection with domestic lighting, heating and power both now and in connection with post-war reconstruction.

During the war, exhibitions on domestic fuel economy and efficiency, including an impressive one at Dorland Hall in 1942, have been organised from time to time by my Ministry; indeed, as recently as 12th October an exhibition on this subject was held in London by the courtesy of the Royal Institute of Public Health and Hygiene. In order to extend public interest in domestic fuel efficiency, I have appointed, in each of the 11 regions of the country, Domestic Fuel Economy Organisers, who have, with the collaboration of local education authorities and women's voluntary organisations, arranged many practical demonstrations to housewives on the economical and efficient use of domestic fuel burning appliances.As regards the post-war housing programme, my Ministry has co-operated with the Ministry of Works in arranging the present exhibition of Housing Equipment at Birmingham, the object of which is to illustrate the "Housing Manual, 1944," to which my Ministry have also contributed. Local authorities and other interested bodies have been invited to the exhibition, which includes fuel burning appliances. Demonstrations on both war-time and post-war aspects of domestic fuel efficiency will be continued, but in present conditions these are limited by the shortage of man-power and of appliances.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether any arrangements have yet been made to test the potentialities of gas grids in actual practice in the United Kingdom; and, if not, when he anticipates it will be possible to initiate such research.

The Committee of Inquiry into the Gas Industry which I recently appointed has informed me that it is proposing to investigate the operations and potentialities of the gas grids in this country.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will arrange for the allocation of agricultural petrol to be put on a three months' basis in place of the present two, thus saving time, paper and postage.

I have considered from time to time the possibility of extending the rationing period for agricultural petrol, but I am satisfied that, owing to the marked seasonal changes in demand, a longer rationing period than two months would cause inconvenience to applicants and additional work to the Regional Petroleum Offices owing to the constant adjustments which would need to be made.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that tickets for a lottery, described as a football pontoon, are being sold in large quantities, and during official hours, in the War Office, week by week, under the auspices of a body describing itself as the Union of State Servants' Social Club; whether any breach of official regulations is involved in this activity; and in what circumstances staffs can be spared from their official duties to carry on this traffic.

Tickets for a lottery are being sold in the War Office by the Union of State Servants, a Civil Service Association the membership of which is not confined to employees of the War Office. No official sanction has been given for the holding of the lottery, which a representative of the Union states is being conducted according to the requirements of the law. The ticket sellers were instructed by the organiser not to sell tickets during official hours and no complaints have been received that the time of the staff is being wasted. The running of sweepstakes is not in specific terms forbidden by the Office Instructions. Nevertheless, after due consideration, I have come to the conclusion that the War Office ought formally to discountenance lotteries and sweepstakes of this kind organised by sectional interests inside the War Office and instructions are being issued accordingly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private C. W. Farmer, 6021421, Essex Regiment, discharged from the Army on 21st September, 1944, after 4½ years' service, with one leg amputated above the knee, has been given, for the purpose of equipping himself completely with clothes for his resumption of civilian life, the sum of £2 15s. 9d., and refused any other supply in money or in kind; and whether he will immediately redress this.

Until the new scheme for the supply of civilian clothes to men discharged was introduced on 16th October a man was given a more limited supply of civilian clothes. But he could if he wished take a cash allowance instead. Private Farmer definitely stated that he preferred the cash allowance. The regulations existing at the time were therefore fully complied with.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the claim of Mr. H. E. Pooley, of Adisham, near Canterbury, agreed to by the C.R.E. Canterbury, for £583, on 28th August, 1943, and passed on several occasions for settlement, has not yet been paid.

The evidence so far produced in this case does not establish that any payment can be made by the War Department. But, as my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, the case is now being re-examined to ensure that any justifiable claim is met.

asked the Secretary of State for War if men serving with the M.E.F. are given equal facilities with men in the B.L.A. to come home and give evidence in divorce cases when this is necessary.

The Commander-in-Chief in any theatre has complete discretion to grant compassionate leave. I am aware that in a few cases men in the British Liberation Army have been granted leave for a few days to appear in divorce cases in Scottish courts. I understand that this saves a lengthy alternative procedure which is peculiar to Scotland. The procedure for England and Wales is much simpler. Even in Scottish cases Commanders-in-Chief in more distant theatres generally do not consider that the advantages of personal appearance where there are no other special circumstances justify the long absence from duty involved in a journey from those theatres and this view seems to me a reasonable one.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, the area of land owned by the Commission in Wales in each of the years 1924 and 1934 up to the latest available date; the number of men employed in each separate area in Wales; and the number of trainees employed.

In 1924 the Forestry Commission owned in Wales 5,800 acres of land, in 1934 107,000 acres and in 1944 166,300 acres. The number of men employed by the Commission in their North Wales Division was 418 on 1st inst. and in their South Wales Division 207, the number of juveniles (trainees) being 78 and 68 respectively.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what number of colleges there are in England, Scotland and Wales and what number of students were trained for forestry in 1930, 1936, 1939 and 1944 in each of the colleges; and whether scholarships are given to students and, if so, by whom such scholarships are granted, the amounts given and upon what basis they are given.

I am unaware of the number of colleges there is in Great Britain. Degrees in forestry are granted by the Universities of Oxford, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Bangor. There are also a few colleges which include some elementary forestry instruction in wider curricula. The information asked for in the second part of the Question is not immediately available, but will be collected and handed to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will cause special inquiries to be made into the possibility of increasing supplies of fats and sugar for the manufacture of cake and flour confectionery in Deal and district where, owing to the return of population, an acute shortage has been caused.

The population in the Deal district has, between 31st December, 1943, and 14th October, 1944, risen by four per cent. Allocations of fats and sugar to bakers are adjusted periodically on a sliding scale, by which increases or decreases in the allocation rates are made by reference to population movement. In the event of any extraordinary movement of population special arrangements are made by the Ministry for the issue of supplementary permits for fats and sugar and other rationed commodities. Such a situation has not arisen in the Deal district, but should it do so, the necessary action will be taken to deal with it.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of casualties amongst doctors serving in the R.A.F. during the war up to the present time.

I regret that it would not be in the public interest to give this information.

asked the Minister of Education if any steps are being taken to remove the black-listed schools in Wales as a first instalment under the Education Act, 1944; and will he state the number in each area in Wales, together with the date of the last survey taken by his Department.

All questions relating to schools which for any reason are defective will now be dealt with under the development plans as provided in Section 11 of the Education Act, 1944, which must take into account the condition of school premises in the light of the building regulations which will shortly be issued. The last survey of school premises was made some years ago and is no longer relevant.