asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to state when the report of Lord Hankey's Committee on Higher Appointments will be published, in view of the keen interest taken in the subject of the committee's enquiry.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the last part of the reply given to the hon. Member for Kilmarnock (Mr. Lindsay) on Tuesday last.

That reply said that the report would be issued very shortly; and can my right hon. Friend give a clear indication of what "very shortly" means?

"Shortly" is very difficult to define.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the continued shortage of cooks, porters, laundry workers, waitresses, wardmaids, office cleaners and housemaids at the London Hospital and other hospitals in the London region threatens to cause the closing of beds for which patients are waiting; and what action he proposes to take.

Yes, Sir, I am aware of the shortage of staff in the London hospitals and I am glad to have this opportunity to make a statement on the position.

During the period of the heavy "flying-bomb" attacks, the London hospitals evacuated a large number of their patients and their staff demands were much reduced. In the last two months these demands, enlarged by the need to replace excessive wastage, consequent upon the dislocation caused by the bombing, again became urgent. This coincided with the need to provide domestic staff for the hostels for building workers brought into London to repair bomb damaged houses, a measure pressed from all quarters as one demanding the highest priority. The extent of this unexpected drain on our manpower resources is shown by the fact that 3,400 domestic workers have been found for these hostels.

Even during this exceptionally difficult period the hospitals were not neglected and in the past two months 63 cooks, 756 full-time and 115 part-time domestic workers and 163 orderlies, porters, stokers and maintenance men were placed. I am sending my hon. Friend details of placings in the London Hospital to which be makes specific reference, and the figures show that of 62 domestic vacancies notified, from 23rd August to 7th November, 51 applicants have been submitted and 44 placed. Further demands have since been received. Now that the staffing of the building workers hostels is almost completed, I hope that it will be possible to make further progress in meeting the demands of hospitals which will enjoy first priority for the supply of domestic labour.

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that it would be a great calamity if beds had to be closed owing to lack of staff, and does he hope that he will be able to avoid that?

I think so; I am pressing on with it, but I would make all urgent appeal to the voluntary hospitals in London to introduce a little more up-to-date personnel management. It would help me enormously if their staffing measures were not so antiquated.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware not only the London hospitals but other hospitals in the country find themselves in this position with regard to cooks and staff; and will he give as much consideration to county hospitals as he is giving to London hospitals?

Yes, Sir, there is first priority for hospitals all over the country.

asked the Minister of Labour whether information with regard to proceedings of the Catering Wages Commission, which is denied to the Press and to private persons, is available to officers of his Department.

Yes, Sir. Information is constantly being interchanged between the Commission and my Department and this no doubt includes much that is not communicated to the Press or the public. Business could not be satisfactorily conducted on any other basis.

But should the right hon. Gentleman's Department accept any privileges in this respect?

They do not get any privileges in this respect, but the Commission having taken over the duties that the Ministry used to exercise under the Trade Board Act, the information of my Department must be made available to the Commission.

Do directors of insurance companies get any privileges?

Could not this information be made available to all interested parties?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action is being taken by His Majesty's Government to provide food and medical supplies, including anaesthetics, to the inhabitants of the Channel Islands who are now unable to import the necessities of life; and in particular, whether His Majesty's Government are prepared to invite the collaboration of the International Red Cross with a view to the supply and distribution of such necessities to the islanders under their supervision.

I am sorry I am not at present in a position to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friends the Members for Shrewsbury (Mr. A. Duckworth) and East Birkenhead (Mr. Graham White) on 2nd November.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the possible evacuation of the populations because the last people to starve in the Islands will be the Germans?

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that all the aspects of the matter are being carefully considered, and I am most anxious to do something as soon as possible. As he will appreciate, however, it is not wholly under the control of His Majesty's Government.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is widespread public anxiety as to the position of our own people in the Channel Islands? When does he think he will be able to make a statement?

That anxiety, of course, is shared by the Government. The facts are not easy to get. I cannot be sure, but I hope to be able to say something when Parliament re-assembles.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the probable postponement until next summer or autumn of a general election, he will endeavour to make it possible for Service men and women aged 21 and over to vote at such by-elections as may occur in constituencies in which they are normally resident.

After 1st December when the new electoral arrangements come into operation a Service elector will be able to vote in the manner provided by the law at a by-election in a constituency containing the address to which he has declared.

Does that apply both to Service men on duty in this country and to those serving abroad?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the Corporation of London has made a decision in favour of police who joined their Force before 28th July, 1921; and if he will make a statement on the subject as to whether it is intended to extend this decision in favour of the police force in general.

The Police Pensions Act, 1921, included a special provision that the application of the Act to the City of London police force should not prejudice any right possessed by any member of the force at the date of the passing of the Act—that is the 28th July, 1921. The City of London police authority were recently advised that the effect of this provision was that members of the force who were serving before the 28th July, 1921, were entitled, if they wished, to have their pensions assessed in accordance with the statutory provisions which applied to the force before that date. The section under which this action was taken applies only to the City of London police force; and, as regards other police forces, there is nothing I can usefully add to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr. Liddall) on 28th September.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the extra years of service were made at the time of great difficulty in the police force, and that those extra years bear very hardly indeed on a great many of the men?

The situation in the City of London, I am afraid, was somewhat fortuitous, and I am not sure it was intended to work out as it has done. I do not think I can add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Lincoln.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that that reply caused considerable discontent among the police force throughout the country?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has considered some revision of the basic police pay, in view of the increase of the cost of living and, in particular, some revision of the terms on which recruits now enter the service.

As my hon. Friend is, no doubt, aware, the regular police are receiving, in addition to their basic pay, a pensionable war supplement of 19s. a week. The question of the revision of basic pay, and of the terms on which recruits will enter the police service when recruitment is recommenced raises an entirely separate issue, on which I am not at present in a position to make any statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will authorise payment of deferred pay to members of the Civil Defence who have been stood down and who are old age pensioners.

The scheme of Civil Defence post-war credits, which followed the arrangements made for the Armed Forces, was designed to provide payments after the war. An exception to this rule was made in favour of allowing immediate payment to persons finally invalided out of the service, or in cases of death. It is not within my power to extend the provision for payment during the war to include such classes as old-age pensioners who leave Civil Defence Service on grounds other than that of final invaliding.

Will the Minister realise that many of these people are old age pensioners who may not see the end of hostilities? Could arrangements be made to treat them as a special class?

I hardly think so. Of course, I cannot use Civil Defence to solve problems which are, perhaps, more connected with old age pensions, and I think it would be difficult, under the scheme, to make exceptions of this kind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the conditions imposed on those 18B detainees who have been released conditionally include the requirement that they shall abstain from spreading Fascist and anti-Semitic propaganda; if any action has been taken against persons guilty of breaches of such conditions; and if action is taken against persons released unconditionally if they persistently spread Fascist and anti-Semitic propaganda or take part in the activities of Fascist or other disloyal organisations.

The conditions which I am empowered to impose on a person released from detention are prescribed by paragraph (2) of Regulation 18B, and they do not include conditions designed to restrict propaganda. Propaganda which takes the form of conduct calculated to provoke breaches of the peace can be dealt with under the ordinary criminal law. That law is of general application applying alike to all individuals and to all sections of the community.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say anything with regard to recent happenings in Hyde Park, on Sundays?

That is not the Question on the Paper.

But it arises, and I am entitled to ask it?

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether the anti-Semite is not, automatically, the enemy of England and the friend of Hitler?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many proceedings have been taken or charges laid against the drivers of Allied vehicles for driving dangerously or exceeding the authorised speed limits; and in how many cases have punishments been inflicted.

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

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the machinery at present in force is adequate to deal with dangerous driving on the streets, especially in London?

That is another question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to numbers of cases of children living under neglect in insanitary conditions for whom 'no satisfactory homes are at present available and to the difficulty experienced by magistrates in dealing with such cases of cruelty and neglect, because of the absence of provisions for securing the welfare of the children; and what steps are being taken to remedy the difficulty.

My hon. Friend has sent me a communication from which it appears that in a particular area difficulty is being experienced in finding for neglected children either foster parents or accommodation in a suitable institution. I am in communication with the local authority, on whom the responsibility rests for making provision for such children, and I will communicate further with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask whether he is aware that this is not confined to one area? Similar difficulties occur elsewhere, and there is urgent need for remand homes and for approved schools, for neglected children against whom there is no charge, and who ought not to be put in the same place as delinquent children.

I quite agree with my hon. Friend that there are shortcomings. It is, of course, a local authorities' service, and I have no powers of compulsion. There are great difficulties about labour and material during war time. I am conscious of the shortcomings, and will do all I can to meet them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has considered the statement of the magistrate of the Juvenile Court, Tower Bridge, on 14th November, that a child of seven removed from her own home pending the trial of her parents was placed by the L.C.C. in a remand home in which she shared lessons and water-closets with girls aged 14–17 years, some of whom bad been convicted of crime and many of whom were prostitutes suffering from venereal disease; and whether he has made inquiries into these allegations.

I have seen the statement and am making inquiries into the matter.

As the Home Office inspects these homes, and is thus involved in the matter, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of having any inquiry made by an independent person?

That is one of the points that obviously I ought to consider, but the sparks are flying about at the moment. I must get rather more facts, first, to see whether an inquiry is desirable. If it proves to be desirable then certainly the inquiry will have to be of an independent character.

Can the Minister say that if an inquiry takes place it will be held in public?

I should have to consider that.

Can the Minister say whether any welfare visitors visit these remand homes?

I do not think that this matter arises in regard to welfare visitors.

Is the Minister aware that there is one incontestable fact, and that is that there is great public anxiety on this question?

There is a lot of publicity about it.

Can the Minister say on what date the last visit was made by one of his inspectors to this remand home?

No, I cannot.

asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been drawn to the contempt of a magistrate's court by Colonel Eton, Assistant Education Officer of the London County Council, by scandalising the court of Mr. John Watson, Justice of the Peace, Chairman of a Juvenile Police Court, in asserting that he had misused his judicial position for the purpose of criticising and abusing the London County Council; and whether the Attorney-General proposes to move for a Writ of Attachment on Colonel Eton?

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for calling my attention to this matter, and I am inquiring into it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the change in the war situation, he is now prepared to review such of the special war-time restrictions upon aliens as can be relaxed without prejudice to the national interest.

Yes, Sir, After consultation with the Service Departments and the security authorities, I feel justified in doing away with certain restrictions imposed on aliens when the risk of invasion was imminent. I have revoked, with effect from to-morrow, the Aliens Protected Areas Orders which prohibited aliens from entering or remaining in certain areas without police permission. The prohibition on entry into these areas which has been imposed on certain persons under Defence Regulations 18A and 18B will automatically lapse on repeal of these Orders. I also propose very shortly to revoke the Aliens (Movement Restriction) Orders which impose a curfew and prohibit the use of vehicles without a permit. The majority of aliens have already received exemption from these restrictions but the effect of the new Order will be to remove them from nearly all the remainder. A small number of aliens will remain subject to the special restrictions imposed on enemy aliens by Articles 6A or 9A of the Aliens Order (or both). I still think it advisable to maintain restrictions on these individuals. Those who are subject to Article 9A will therefore still require to obtain a police permit to have a motor vehicle and those subject to Article 6A will also be subject to a curfew.

Is it not equally important to preserve freedom for our own people?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will relieve the situation in those prisons where prisoners are kept locked in their cells for 17 hours on week-days and 22 on Sundays.

As I announced on the 6th May, 1943, in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Romford (Mr. Parker) arrangements came into force in April of last year for an increase in the hours of duty of prison officers, to enable prisoners to be out of their cells for one hour longer on weekdays. As a result, with the exception of the women's prison at Holloway, prisoners are out of their cells for employment and exercise for a minimum of about 7 hours, 20 minutes from Monday to Friday, 3 hours on Saturday, and 3½ hours on Sunday, for chapel and exercise. These periods are increased in the cases of those prisoners who attend physical training and educational classes in the evening. In addition, substantial numbers of prisoners take their meals in association. I regret that, until it is possible to make a substantial increase in prison staffs, I can hold out no hope of any general improvement on the present position.

Does not my right hon. Friend think it is very lowering to keep these people in cells for 22 hours on a Sunday?

The answer I have given does not bear out the statement in the hon. Gentleman's question, but, on the other hand, I agree that the position is not satisfactory. I am afraid it cannot be satisfactory until the staffing position is improved

Can the Minister tell us what steps he is taking to recruit staff, because the staff position is at the bottom of the whole unsatisfactory position with regard to prisons?

We are dependent upon the man-power situation. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour is doing all he can to help, but undoubtedly there are great difficulties, which will remain until the staff position is improved. Anything I can do to improve the situation, I will do.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has now inquired into the allegation made in a juvenile court that boys sent back to a certain approved school got the birch for several weeks; and if he will make a statement.

Yes, Sir. The headmaster of the school in question exhibited Press cuttings reporting the allegation on the boys' notice board at the school and as a result the prefects of their own volition wrote to the chairman of the court contradicting the allegation. The chairman subsequently visited the school and on leaving made the following entry in the visitors' book:

"Every credit is due to the headmaster. I am more than satisfied with what I saw and. heard."

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his reply will give great satisfaction to the school authorities, who have been suffering under the imputations which have been made?

I quite agree with my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he proposes to take to put and end to the existing unsatisfactory position in Liverpool in regard to prisoners' aid.

The unsatisfactory position to which the hon. Member refers results from the continued operation of the Liverpool and Area Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society, whose certificate of efficiency has been withdrawn, concurrently with the activity of the new society to which a certificate of efficiency has been granted. I share the hon. Member's regret at this unsatisfactory state of affairs, and I would welcome any step that could be taken to bring it to an end. I am not, however, prepared to review my decision to withdraw the certificate of efficiency from the Liverpool and Area Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society, and I regret that there is no action that I can take to remedy the existing situation.

Is not the Minister aware that the secretary of the newly-formed Prisoners' Aid Society has already resigned office, giving as his reason that he was misinformed at the time of his appointment as to the true local circumstances? Cannot he take some positive action to clear up this very unsatisfactory position?

The matter has been carefully considered, and I withdrew the certificate after most careful considera- tion. If the local people, with good will among themselves, can get together and clear up the matter I shall be glad, but I cannot restore the certificate of efficiency which I thought it right to withdraw.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the difficulty is to get the officers of these two bodies together? Cannot he do something to bring them together and patch up differences?

It all depends whether an atmosphere of good will prevails. If it does, I should be very glad to do anything I could.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether permits to visit Belgium on business grounds are now being granted; and how many applications have been received for leave to travel for this purpose.

Belgium is still a military zone, and exit permits are not being issued for business purposes.

While appreciating the reason which the Minister has given, may I ask if he can explain why, when I put a Question on the Order Paper last week in the same form, relating to France, it was answered by the Secretary to the Department for Overseas Trade and that now this Question, which was put down to the same right hon. Gentleman, has been answered by the Home Office?

I have not the least idea.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the necessity for economy in transport, he will appoint a resident medical referee in Nottingham on whom workers in Nottinghamshire could attend, and thus avoid unnecessary travelling to Leicester.

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the dermatological medical referee for this circuit and not to the general medical referees who, with one exception, reside within it. There is at present extreme difficulty in obtaining the services of consultants for these specialist appointments. In fact, when this appointment was made, no application was received from any dermatologist residing in Nottinghamshire. I am glad, however, to inform my hon. Friend that the dermatological referee for this area, who resides at Leicester, has made arrangements at the request of my Department to visit Doncaster at weekly or fortnightly intervals as may be required to examine workmen who reside in the Northern parts of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and in the Doncaster area. This will result in a substantial reduction in the distances which these workmen have to travel.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that miners in Nottinghamshire feel that the journey to Leicester is not really necessary, and not likely to be profitable?

I have done my best.

asked the Prime Minister what is the total number of Members of Parliament holding official posts as well as the number of Parliamentary Private Secretaries.

Sixteen Members of this House have been given Certificates by me under the House of Commons Disqualification (Temporary Provisions) Acts, and one Member is now an Ambassador, making a total of 17. The number of Parliamentary Private Secretaries may, I understand, be put at 36.

Does my right hon. Friend consider it desirable that the complete independence of such a very large number of Members of Parliament should be curtailed by holding offices of any kind under the Government, directly, or under the various Ministries?

So far as Members who have been given appointments under the Act of Parliament are concerned. I think it not only desirable but extremely advantageous to the service of the country during the exceptional period through which we are passing. I asked the House for these powers and gave full reasons. I think I have used them with restraint and well within the limits assigned by the House. I am sure there has been great advantage to the public from their use. It is not a practice that one could imagine continuing in normal times. As to the number of Parliamentary Private Secretaries, the House has been well aware of the practice which has grown up over many years, and I do not see that there is the slightest reason to object to it. It is a well-established practice.

While the Government may have exercised restraint in relation to the matter, is it equally the case that some of those who have been appointed have exercised the restraint which might have been expected of them—for example, the High Commissioner for Canada?

There is a Question on the Paper to-day, which, unhappily, has fallen into the unstarred section.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the delay in reaching a decision as to whether there will be a permanent women's service as part of the regular armed forces of the Crown after the war is causing anxiety, in view of the fact that the most suitable women must come to a decision as to their future careers; and when an announcement will be made.

I would refer my Noble Friend to the answer which I gave on 3rd October last in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Wallsend (Miss Ward).

Will the Prime Minister bear in mind the new point raised by my Noble Friend, and give a reply to that?

I do not know what is the new point. All these matters have to be settled in the future but the whole progress of the war dominates, to a large extent, the date at which a decision can be reached.

asked the Prime Minister if he will endeavour to arrange that the next meeting between himself, President Roosevelt and Premier Stalin should be held in this country in view of the fact that he has already paid two visits to Moscow and four to the American continent.

This point has occurred to me and my colleagues several times, and I trust that the Question of my hon. and gallant Friend may lend additional force to it; but I cannot be sure.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that most people in this country feel that he has done his fair share of troubadouring and they would regard it as a graceful gesture if President Roosevelt and Premier Stalin would agree to meet him in this country?

If it is pressure to support this proposal that is needed, my right hon. Friend can be assured of the utmost support from the faithful Commons.

I think these matters have to be left to be worked out as best they can. We may have our views in this country but, working with a great number of powerful Allies, we have to recognise that our views sometimes have to yield to those of other people.

asked the Prime Minister if he can make a statement about the continuance of controls after the end of the German war.

As the answer to this Question is rather long I will, with permission, make a statement at the end of Questions.

It is not possible to look beyond the end of the Japanese war, and my reply relates to the period between the defeat of Germany and the defeat of Japan. Until Japan has been defeated the war must have first call on our efforts. After the defeat of Germany it will be possible and necessary to turn ever an increasing part of our resources to civilian production. Thus we must make exertions to restore our export trade and to re-equip our industry. The shortage of houses, both permanent and emergency must be grappled with as if it were a war-time measure. Active steps must be taken to relieve the shortage of civilian goods.

As stated in the White Paper to be published to-day, the existing system of allocating man-power to the Forces and to the various industries will be maintained. Nevertheless, it is intended to mitigate so far as possible the rigidity of the existing controls over labour. Many of the war-time controls over raw materials, industrial capacity, agriculture, food, transport and so forth will likewise be as necessary in this period as they are to-day. In these fields also, relaxations will be possible and will be made whenever circumstances permit and in an orderly manner. Any other course would result in violent disturbances which might well lead to inflation; would be harmful to the economic life of the country; and would make it impossible to ensure that the Nation's resources are devoted to essential needs, and are fairly distributed during periods in which demand will still be without any economic relation to supply.

It is too early to forecast the stages by which control will be relaxed. But the House can rest assured that the whole matter will be dealt with in a severely practical manner, each case being considered not only on its merits but as part of an organised scheme. It is important in this phase that theoretical, ideological or partisan tendencies either way should be excluded, and the governing consideration in every case should be the public interest.

Arising from the statement which the Prime Minister has just made, has he anything further to say about the restoration of the protection of the liberty of the individual?

That is a matter which might more properly be addressed, in the first instance, to the Home Secretary, but it is, of course, a matter which will be continually under review, as the danger of the proximity of war recedes from our shores.

May I thank my right hon. Friend for his reply, and assure him that its general purport will give widespread satisfaction?

The hon. Member has not understood it properly.

Will the Prime Minister assure the people of the country that houses will come ahead even of beer?

Yes, Sir, certainly if it were proved that one necessarily excluded the other.

The Prime Minister has referred to the need for grappling with the housing situation. Could he give an assurance that we shall have at least one day before Christmas, in order to discuss the housing situation generally?

I certainly feel that there is a great deal of need for discussion, but the Debate on the Address may furnish an opportunity. We have only a certain amount of time between the date on which we meet again after the impending short interlude, and Christmas, and all those days can be devoted either to the Address, or to other special points. There are only so many days available, but I should certainly think that housing would stand high in that category.

Is it not more necessary that we should stop discussing, and get on with the legislation to get the job done?

We cannot have any new legislation before Christmas, but I certainly agree about the urgency of getting the job done. It is only that Parliament likes to take a hand in these matters, and very often gives a very valuable driving impulse, which the Government welcome.

Is the Prime Minister aware that there is considerable feeling that undue restriction is being placed upon our export industries in this country, in making personal contacts abroad? Will he, having regard, of course, to the needs of housing and other matters, see that these restrictions are mitigated in some way, in order that exporters from this country will have an opportunity of making personal contacts abroad with a view to securing export trade?

Yes, Sir, I certainly endorse the spirit of my hon. and gallant Friend's remarks.

asked the Prime Minister whether transport conditions will now permit the supply of English beer, in large and regular quantities, for consumption by troops in Italy.

Like my hon. and gallant Friend, I returned from Italy with this earnest request, and I gave immediate instructions that every effort was to be made to meet it. The War Office inform me that English beer with the necessary keeping-qualities is not at present available in sufficient quantities to meet the demands for all theatres of war. Local breweries in Italy are being developed as quickly as possible and other measures are in hand to improve supplies. I shall be glad to be assisted by the House in watching this matter with vigilance.

Is the Prime Minister not aware that N.A.A.F.I. have for months past been telling the British public that they have secured breweries and are brewing in Italy? Could we not transfer a few English working brewers and get English beer brewed?

That suggestion will reach the War Office, which is naturally the Department to deal with the details of the matter, and they can look forward to support from the House in their praiseworthy task.

asked the Prime Minister whether it will be possible to make the necessary arrangements for the commencement of home leave from the Mediterranean theatre, even on a limited basis, for troops who have been constantly in action, during the forthcoming winter.

I hope to be in a position to make a statement on this subject at the beginning of Business tomorrow.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the end of the Parliamentary Session, he is now able to state whether a decision has been taken as to the issue of the King's Badge to personnel discharged from the N.F.S. and C.D.

I hope this matter may be settled shortly.

In view of the fact that this Question has been on the Order Paper four times, could my right hon. Friend let me know when I can put it down again?

I hope that it will not be necessary.

asked the Prime Minister whether, when information to Members of Parliament and the Press is refused on security grounds, departmental security officers are obliged to justify a negative attitude to those competent to judge from the widest aspects of public policy and that in no case is a decision by security officers accepted unchallenged.

I have been much puzzled to understand this Question but, after very careful consideration, I am inclined to think, upon the whole, that the answer should be in the negative. Others, however, have suggested that it should be in the affirmative. If my Noble Friend will elucidate this Question, I will endeavour to give him an answer.

In view of the fact that the numbers and influence of security officers have steadily increased throughout the war, and that many more persons are now concerned with security and censorship measures than was the case in the early stages of the war and at the time of Dunkirk, does not my right hon. Friend think that it is fully time to reduce the authority of these persons and recognise that the war is terminating in this as in other fields?

That does not bear a very strict resemblance to the Question on the Paper. The Minister at the head of a Department is expected to know all that goes on in his Department, and if he is in any way disturbed by interference which is not from the War Cabinet or from higher authority, his business is to bring it before the War Cabinet, when the issue can be decided. Every Minister, whether in the War Cabinet or not, is entitled to raise such a matter. There is certainly no question of security officers having any authority against the War Cabinet.

Could the Prime Minister put a Parliamentary draftsman with a gift for lucid expression at the disposal of the young Conservative committee?