asked the Secretary of State for War what percentage of the officers and other ranks of the 6th Airborne Division have now completed A.F. B 2626).

I propose to make a general statement in the near future as to the progress in obtaining signature of A.F. B 2626, but I do not think that it would be right to disclose information about particular formations or units.

With regard to this particular Division, could the right hon. Gentleman say whether any investigation was made following a letter which I wrote to him on 8th November on this matter?

I cannot answer that off-hand; what I can say is that a general circular was sent out, as I have told the House several times, telling units to carry out a census in the early weeks of November and then to report the results.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give instructions that members of the Women's Land Army shall continue to be served at Service canteens in or connected with railway stations, where this has been done in the past, and that similar facilities shall be provided for Women's Land Army members at other station canteens, where, in the opinion of the managing organisation, congestion will not be thereby created.

This question has been examined very carefully. These canteens are intended for service men and women. If members of the Land Army were admitted, members of a number of other bodies, such as the N.F.S. when working with the Army, could not in fairness be excluded. I regret therefore, that as long as these facilities, which include equipment and materials in short supply, are limited, members of the Land Army cannot be admitted to them. If they have been admitted anywhere in the past this was no doubt done in ignorance of instructions.

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that the withdrawal of the privilege at this late stage of the war from girls who have done great work in the war effort, will cause great offence?

When the canteens were started, extra supplies of food were obtained for Service men and women, and I regard myself as under an obligation to the Ministry of Food that the canteens shall be used for the purpose for which the food was granted.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has considered the petition of the inhabitants of Heath Common. Wakefield, as to the bad state of the footpaths, etc., near to the houses of these people caused by the troops stationed at Heath, near Wakefield; and what is he prepared to do about it, in view of the danger to these pedestrians and children.

Instructions have been issued prohibiting, as far as possible, the use of paths in certain parts of Heath Common and of entries to houses by vehicles of the unit stationed there. Steps are being taken to make good the damage done.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is such a shortage of skilled signals troops in S.E.A.C. that men in the Royal Corps of Signals in that command are excluded from the repatriation scheme; and whether he can make a statement on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has considered the letter from the wife of a soldier serving in the Signals Corps, S.E.A.C., sent to him by the Member for West Fife, and, in view of the strong feeling at the exclusion of these men from the repatriation scheme after four years' service, will he reconsider his decision and include them in the scheme.

The hon. Members state that men of the Royal Corps of Signals serving in S.E.A.C. are excluded from the repatriation scheme. In this they are misinformed. As I explained in my reply to the hon. Member for Oxford (Mr. Quintin Hogg) on 5th December, for operational reasons their repatriation will be delayed for a few months.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers are now serving who have got five plus, six plus and seven and upwards years continuous overseas service; and whether irrespective of their applying for transfer to home service such officers will, in default of their express wish to stay, be transferred to home establishment as soon as possible.

The number of British service officers who have been continuously overseas for more than five years, and who wish to return to this country, must be very small. In one theatre I have heard that officers are expected to apply for repatriation instead of being offered it, and I am inquiring into this.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are officers and N.C.O's who have not applied for return, in spite of being many years overseas? Can we have an assurance that they will be posted home?

I would rather not, at the moment, go beyond promising the inquiry into this one theatre, which I mentioned in my answer. In this theatre quite a number of people have made it clear that they do not wish to come home. In other cases I think it is true that they have not been offered facilities, and that they thought it none of their business to put forward their claims.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, to remove anxiety, he will state the effect of the new leave scheme under the Python repatriation scheme, on the rights of men enjoying its benefits.

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the suggestion which appeared in a daily newspaper that the new leave scheme would diminish the number of soldiers sent home under the repatriation schemes. This is not so, and the matter is made clear by the following passage from the Prime Minister's announcement of 17th November:

"Of course the existing arrangements for posting home of men on urgent compassionate grounds will continue unaffected by this leave scheme, as will also the entitlement to repatriation of men who have served continuously overseas for those periods which my right hon. Friend indicated in this House on 26th September as the present objective in the reduction of the overseas tour of service in the Army. This is in addition to, and not a substitution for anything going on now."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 17th November, 1944; Vol. 404, c. 2240.]

Perhaps I might take this opportunity of correcting another misleading suggestion contained in the same article namely that soldiers will lose their claims under the repatriation scheme because the scheme for release at the end of the German war will supersede and cancel it. This is not so and it has never been intended that it should be so. I should like to make an appeal to the Press to be very careful before they put in circulation stories which are likely to cause unnecessary perturbation to soldiers and their families. Given the man-power position we are not able to reduce the overseas tour as much as we should like and a certain number of hopes are bound to go unrealised. But it is bad for morale generally and unnecessarily distressing to relatives if conditions are made out to be worse than they in fact are.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his very reassuring reply, may I ask will he see that his answer has widespread publicity in overseas theatres, as letters have already reached me complaining of the points that he has reassured us about?

I will certainly see that they are sent out and I will try to see that they are published in the theatre newspapers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to give a reply to a question posed to him on 7th November in regard to the case of 184185 W/Corporal R. F. Holmes whose home adddess is Sunning-well, Berkshire.

This man was discharged from hospital on 11th July with orders to report to a reinforcement holding unit. He disregarded these instructions and rejoined his old unit direct. The holding unit, of course, knew nothing of this and after 21 days took the normal action to deal with the man as a deserter. The man's unit was certainly somewhat dilatory in reporting that he had rejoined them, but if he had obeyed his orders when he left hospital the trouble would have been avoided.

Can steps be taken to see that in such cases uniformed police do not visit a man's home, and thus cause local scandal?

If my hon. Friend is referring to military police, they have to wear a uniform, because they have no civilian clothes.

I was referring to civil police.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can clarify the position of the Territorial Army Associations and the proposed ex-Home Guard Rifle Clubs so that it may be clear if absolute discretion rests with the associations to decide whether recognition shall be accorded to those clubs depending upon their size and location.

The instructions issued give Territorial Army Associations authority to form and control such clubs. The instructions say:

"Each Association will be left free to prepare its own scheme on lines which will work satisfactorily in its county."

asked the Secretary of State for War, if the Service Departments will henceforth take into account Service men's demoblisation group numbers before they are posted for service in the Far East.

As far as is practicable in present circumstances, men due for early release are not being sent to distant theatres of war.

Is the Minister aware that there are men who have been four or five years overseas, who come in the early category of demobilisation if it is carried out fairly? Is he further aware that they might have to spend another four or five years overseas? What sense is there in sending them abroad?

I do not believe that the hon. Member could have listened to my answer. I said:

"As far as is practicable in present circumstances, men due for early release are not being sent to distant theatres of war."

In any case, if they are they do not lose their rights of earlier release.

May we have an assurance that men being sent overseas will be included in their demoblisation group?

I have given the most explicit assurance that I can, and I am afraid I cannot give any more.

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether the priority of release of chaplains to the Forces will be settled in accordance with the terms of the age plus length of service scheme.

Yes, Sir. They will be treated in the same way as other officers.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that chaplains in France have been informed, since the Minister of Labour's statement, that they will not be so released?

If my hon. Friend will give me a specific instance of a chaplain who has been informed in that sense, I will inquire into it, and endeavour to ascertain by whom he was so informed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether arrangements can be made for Army welfare amenities and all voluntary canteen equipment when no longer needed, to become available for hire or purchase by ex-Service men and women through their County Territorial Associations.

This matter is under examination.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the present number of Army cadets; and what was the number 12 months ago.

The strength of the Army Cadet Force is obtained twice yearly. The strength on 31st January, 1944, was 177,200 officers and cadets and on 31st July 177,785 officers and cadets.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Mr. Noel Coward's visits to the fronts are at the cost of the taxpayer.

Mr. Noel Coward has visited troops in various war theatres in order to entertain the troops. I am not aware of all the detailed arrangements which have been made in the different theatres. In so far as the arrangements have been made by E.N.S.A. it would be in accordance with the normal practice for the cost of sea transport and local Army transport to be borne by E.N.S.A.

Is it too late for this gallant but undecorated representative to go into uniform?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will grant Christmas leave to troops now in this country who have recently returned from varying periods of service overseas.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the position regarding Christmas at home for those enjoying 28 days' disembarkation leave in this country.

I will with permission circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Could the Minister say whether that answer is favourable to the point of view expressed in my Question?

It is a mixed answer.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has looked into the refusal of an application for compassionate leave for one only of six sons of a resident in Streatham, of whom particulars have been sent to him, all serving overseas, to visit their mother, who lay dying.

As the answer is necessarily rather long I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his Department did not even acknowledge a written application, and that when I intervened I was told that this exceptional case was entitled only to the lowest priority, and that there was no possibility of getting leave?

I think it was a case where the application was delivered in person, and I am told that in those cases, when the applicant is satisfied that the application has been so delivered, an acknowledgment is not sent. As regards the question of priority, I think the words were—I looked them up carefully last night—"a low priority," not the lowest. I would, however, be grateful if my hon. Friend would read my answer. If he then wishes to raise the matter again I should be quite willing to discuss it with him.

Further to that explanation, does not my right hon. Friend appreciate that common humanity requires that an answer should be sent to an application of this kind? Is he further aware that this dying woman was asking day by day for news, and had no acknowledgment at all?

The application was delivered in person to one of the branches of the War Office, and it was quite clear that she was in a position to know that it had been delivered. After that, an application has to go to the theatre of war concerned, where the Commander-in-Chief has the final voice in the matter. But, as I have said, I would be grateful if my hon. Friend would read my answer and then raise any extra points he wishes to raise.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the uniforms of soldiers arriving in this country on leave are necessarily very dirty after their long journey; whether he will arrange for priority for their cleaning, and also for coupons to be supplied to men who have outgrown the civilian clothes which they left at home.

Clean uniforms are usually issued to men from the British Liberation Army who need them, before they sail for this country. Men who arrive in this country from distant theatres have worn out clothing replaced when they arrive, before they are sent home. I am considering whether any further measures are necessary.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some of these men have been three weeks or more on the way, and that it will be longer when they come from the Far East and that this is a substantial grievance which ought to be met? If the Government cannot tackle it would he consider handing it over to a welfare organisation?

The suggestion in the last part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question is entirely unwarranted. As regards the first part, I have already said that I am considering whether any further measures are necessary.

It is urgent.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has now had an opportunity to examine the evidence of prisoners of war who escaped from a Japanese transport recently sunk; and if he will make a general statement regarding conditions in Japanese camps, the delivery of parcels to prisoners and of letters to and from prisoners.

The information obtained from the rescued prisoners of war is being examined and collated and I hope to make a further statement shortly. In reply to the second part of the Question I can at present add nothing to the information I have already given to the House

Can the right hon. Gentleman state when he will be able to make a statement, because there is great anxiety?

Yes, Sir,, I certainly hope to do so before the House rises; I will try to make it early next week.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give help and encouragement for those who have returned from Japanese prison camps to meet the friends and relations of others left behind in order to pass on all available news.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many parents have heard no news of their sons who were taken prisoner when Singapore fell; and whether he has been able to obtain any detailed information from the men rescued from a torpedoed Japanese ship who have arrived in this country which could allay the anxiety which is being felt by the relatives of the prisoners of war in question.

I understand the anxiety of relatives and friends of prisoners of war in Japanese hands to obtain first-hand information from the men lately rescued. Every scrap of information which these men have given has been, or will be, sent to next-of-kin concerned as soon as it has been sifted and checked. It would be unfair to the relatives to send it until this has been done. The men have shown themselves extremely willing and helpful in these investigations and I think it is unfair to them to pursue them further with private inquiries. As relatively very few men have got back and as the Japanese camps are widely scattered it is unlikely that these men will have information about more than a small proportion of all the prisoners. If, therefore, next-of-kin hear nothing, I am afraid it is because nothing new has been heard of the particular prisoner.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that nothing can stop these men from talking to their neighbours, and that the impression getting abroad is that conditions are not quite so universally bad as recent statements might suggest?

Yes, Sir, I have seen statements in several quarters, and I propose to deal with this point in the statement I have promised to make. I think the explanation is that while they were working on the railway, conditions were horrible but, as I said in my previous answer, the conditions improved when they were taken away from the railway and sent back to the rest camp.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement regarding the supply of parcels to prisoners of war in Germany, giving the number of parcels at present, respectively, at Lisbon, Marseilles, Gothenburg and Geneva and an estimate of the average reserves at camps in Germany; the cause of delay in transport by various routes; and the plans and prospects for the future.

Since the route to Geneva was re-opened the parcel position for prisoners in Germany has steadily improved. But as I have said in previous replies, this is subject to the difficulties due to operations of war and to the dislocation of the German transport system. I am circulating further particulars in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

What would be the recognised line of supply? Through Marseilles or through Gothenburg?

The statement I am circulating is quite a long one, and there is a good deal of information in it on that point.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now able to publish, or, alternatively, issue to Scottish Members a copy of the Report of the Scottish Coal Fields Committee.

The printing of this report, I am now happy to say, is approaching completion and copies, I am informed, will be in the Vote Office next week.

In view of certain rumours with regard to what I may call that more serious aspect of this Report, will my right hon. Friend consider issuing at the same time a statement as to what steps the Department has taken in the meantime?

The Report is published in the first instance for the information of Parliament, and it is thereafter for the Government or Parliament to take whatever steps they think proper.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Scottish teachers are presently serving in the forces; and what percentage their number forms of the total male-teaching profession.

As the answer includes a table of figures I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements he has made for emergency training courses for prospective teachers; how many men and women in the services are taking correspondence courses organised by Scottish training departments; and what other steps he is taking to make known among the services the claims and needs of the Scottish teaching profession.

A Central Selection Board has been set up by the National Committee for the Training of Teachers to consider applications for admission to the teaching profession in Scotland from men and women in the Services, or in commerce or industry, and the nature of the courses to be followed. A series of correspondence courses for Service men and women has been arranged by the War Office in association with the Ministry of Education and the Scottish Education Department. These courses are available to Navy, Army and Air Force personnel. A joint leaflet relating to the emergency recruitment and training of teachers was drawn up in May last for distribution to personnel of the Army Educational Corps and those in similar posts in the other Services. A further and more detailed leaflet dealing with conditions in the teaching profession in Scotland is in course of preparation and will be made available to members of the Services and the public generally.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the additional leaflet for Scotland is made an attractive one and not just be rather formal notice which has already been sent from the War Office?

I will certainly look at the reprint but, of course, the facts are outstanding.

asked the Lord Advocate if his attention has been drawn to a decision in the Glasgow Sheriff Court on 24th July last, where a firm of restaurateurs, charged with obtaining meat to the value of £1,500 without a permit from the local food office, were found not guilty on direction from the learned sheriff on the ground that the onus of proof of their entitlement lay with the Fiscal; and if he will take steps to assimilate the law of Scotland to that of England in that matter.

I have inquired into this case. In accordance with Scottish practice in cases tried on indictment the Crown undertook the onus of proof in this matter, but in this case the Crown failed in the proof. The law as to onus of proof in this matter has not been authoritatively settled in Scotland. I am considering whether any change in the existing practice is desirable.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that if this decision is permitted to stand every Statutory Order made by the Minister of Food becomes abortive? This was one of the filthiest cases in Scotland and the people got out it. If the law is left as it is, the onus of proof that any person purchased rationed commodities lies with the Ministry of Food instead of the purchasing authority.

I have said that I am considering the matter. I should not like to act hastily in a matter which affects the rights and interests of accused persons, but I will certainly look into it and reach a decision at an early date as to the proper next step to take.

Are we to understand that in Scotland a man is presumed guilty until he proves himself innocent?

No, at present it is the other way. We undertake the onus of proof and it is represented that we should not.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that this direction prevented any proof and that there was no rebutting evidence that the £1,500 worth of meat was illegally obtained? They never rebutted the charge. The Sheriff directed that the Fiscal ought to prove that these people have authority to buy. The thing is absurd.

That is not in accordance with my information. The Crown attempted to prove that the man did not have a permit. The evidence on that point was not satisfactory and was not accepted, and therefore the Sheriff directed that the jury should return a verdict of not guilty.

I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state under general headings the policy of His Majesty's Government in the order of priority claims on the public purse in the immediate post-war period of three years.

I am afraid that it is not practicable to deal with this matter in the way suggested by my hon. Friend.

Does not my right hon. Friend realise that these hopes may be dashed to the ground unless he will say what provision is possible for all the Bills envisaged in the Gracious Speech?

I always try to avoid raising undue hopes. It is the practice of the Government to make clear to the House as we go along what expenditure is involved in legislative projects which may be commended by the Government to Parliament.

Can the Government make clear how the expenditure is going to be met?

I hope we shall make that clear in due course.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the expenses of Indian troops stationed in the United Kingdom are borne by His Majesty's Government or by the Government of India; and whether these expenses result in a corresponding reduction of the Indian sterling balances.

No Indian troops are stationed in the United Kingdom. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.

My right hon. Friend says that there are no Indian troops in this country; do they not come here every Thursday morning under the care of the hon. and gallant Member for South Portsmouth (Sir J. Lucas)? When we all know that there are units of the Royal Indian Army Service Corps in this country, how can my right hon. Friend make that statement which our own eyes see to be wrong?

I have given the information that was conveyed to me. I will make inquiry and if I am wrong I will tender an apology.

If my right hon. Friend walks through the Lobby he must have seen these men.

I understand that the unit which was in this country has been sent back.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I saw them three days ago?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the expenses of Indian troops stationed outside India and the United Kingdom are borne by His Majesty's Government or by the Government of India; and whether these expenses lead to a corresponding increase of this country's indebtedness towards the countries in which they are incurred.

Under the agreement referred to in the reply I gave to my hon. Friend on 14th November, 1944, His Majesty's Government meet the expenses of Indian troops employed outside India, less the normal cost, which is borne by the Government of India, of certain troops earmarked before the war for external defence. With regard to the second part of the Question, such expenditure, whether met by His Majesty's Government or by the Government of India, is, of course, one of the factors determining the level of sterling balances held by the country where the troops are stationed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the confusion caused in the public mind by recent announcements concerning the liability to tax of Christmas gifts and bonuses in kind, cash and savings certificates, whether he will make a statement elucidating the position.

Christmas bonuses paid to employees are liable to Income Tax, whether payment is made in cash or in something such as savings certificates, which can be turned into cash. Where, however, an employer makes Christmas gifts of goods to his subordinate employees the value of the goods is not treated as taxable remuneration: and in cases where it has been customary for an employer to make such gifts in kind but, because of war conditions, he decides to substitute gifts of equivalent value in the form of savings certificates, savings stamps, National Savings gift tokens or direct credits to savings bank accounts of the employees, the value of the gifts so made is not treated for Income Tax purposes as income of the recipients.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman on a former occasion explain to the House that there were large contributions made in savings certificates, under arrangements which certain firms made, which were not subject to Income Tax? Has the procedure been changed?

There has been no change, but there has been a certain misunderstanding of statements that have been made, and I am glad of the opportunity of clearing the matter up in the comprehensive reply I have just given.

Are not these gifts encashable next day, should the recipients so desire?

Of course they are, but, as I have explained, this is in the nature of a very special concession of a limited character. If it were abused, one would have to consider withdrawing it.

Can these gifts in cash be deducted by the employer in respect of his Income Tax?

Yes, Sir, in the same way as any other payments made to employees.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some businesses, especially family businesses, have been used to making presents, sometimes in the form of cash, to old and valued employees; and is it not hard if these are now to be charged with tax?

As I have explained in the answer, payments made in cash by way of Christmas bonus have always been regarded as liable to tax.

Can my right hon. Friend explain why it is that the bonus paid consistently throughout the year is not subject to tax, but that when it becomes a Christmas present it is subject to tax?

I have no knowledge of bonuses paid throughout the year which are not liable to tax.

Is it not a fact that the allowances made by firms to employees in order that they shall purchase War Savings Certificates at reduced rates, allowances which in some cases have risen to 50 per cent. of the cost of certificates, are bonuses payable throughout the year?

I am not aware that they are not liable to tax.

Is the reply solely concerned with employees? If I were given a present by a grateful client, would that also be taxable?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consult with those responsible for the War Savings Campaign and the Ministry of Works as responsible for the care of public monuments in London, in order to cease covering such historical monuments as Nelson's Column, the Marble Arch and similar places with poster hoardings and so to permit visitors to London to see these monuments, assuming that the war savings movement is now so established as to no longer require these forms of advertisement.

While sympathising with my hon. Friend's purpose which I trust may be attainable before very long, I am afraid that I cannot accept his assumption. It is still of national importance that the need for war savings should receive the most effective possible publicity, and I hope that the National Savings Committee will continue to make full use of the facilities which they have been given for the purpose.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that those very vulgar posters which debase these monuments can in no way support a great national effort?

I have to judge by the success of the effort taken as a whole, which is very great.

In those circumstances would my right hon. Friend cover the Albert Hall entirely with posters?

Would the right hon. Gentleman at least try to find some good modern artists who would design posters which did not look like old-fashioned chocolate boxes or bad magazine covers?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the national wealth, per head of the population, in 1913, 1938 and at the latest convenient date.

Assuming that my hon. Friend is referring to national capital assets, no official estimates are available.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that any figures he might be able to give would not express the real value of the national wealth per head owing to the depreciation in the purchasing power of the pound sterling; and will he take all steps he can to stop inflation?

There seem to be several points embedded in that question. I can only try to deal with the last one, the answer to which is in the affirmative.

Does not the Chancellor agree that most of the national wealth, as Mr. Gladstone said, should be allowed to fructify in the pockets of the people?

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he will give a representative list of the manufactured articles for civilian use which enter into export trade, the shipment of which we shall cease to receive under Lend-Lease after 1st January, 1945;

(2) whether he will give, for the benefit of manufacturers, a complete list of the raw and semi-fabricated materials which this country will cease receiving under Lend-Lease after 1st January, 1945.

I assume that the purpose of the Questions is to secure guidance for manufacturers as to the extent to which restrictions on export will continue. The publication of the lists asked for by my hon. and gallant Friend would, however, be definitely misleading, because, apart entirely from Lend-Lease considerations, the availability in this country of man-power, manufacturing capacity and materials must be taken into account before the export of any particular class of goods can be licensed. Restrictions on export will be relaxed as conditions permit, and announcements will be made from time to time. For the present, manufacturers should consult the Board of Trade for information on any particular class of goods, subject to export licensing, with which they are concerned.

Is the Minister aware that unless manufacturers know which goods are to be exempt from Lend-Lease restrictions they will not be able to make their plans? Is he not asking for an arrangement which will be very undesirable, and impossible to work from the point of view of the Board of Trade?

The exact range of raw materials which are to be exempt from Lend-Lease considerations is not yet known. Apart from that, it is hoped to issue an Order very shortly containing a list of goods which no longer will be subject to export control. Although this list cannot be long or of great importance at the moment, it is hoped to issue further Orders removing goods from licensing control as and when conditions permit.

When will the first list be issued?

I could not quite say.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that by virtue of S.R. & O., 1034, of 1943, 22nd July, every resident of liberated France, Belgium and Holland is still described as an enemy for the purposes of the Trading with the Enemy Act regardless of nationality; and if he will now consider abolishing the use of this description in respect of such of these persons who are either British or nationals of Allied States.

No, Sir. The position is not as represented in the Question. Communication by post is now established between residents in this country and those in some of the liberated territories which would be illegal were the latter still considered to be enemies. Regulation S.R. & O. 1034 of 1943 relates to property in the United Kingdom and is designed to facilitate its orderly release or disposal.

As the continuance of these Orders represents a barrier to the resumption of trade among the United Nations, could the Minister indicate whether there is any likelihood of an early modification of them?

No, I know of no likelihood of an early modification of them, but the Board of Trade has this matter under review, is in contact with the Governments concerned and will take the necessary action at the earliest possible moment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether as the people with special needs to whom priority dockets for the purchase of sheets and blankets are issued do not include those whose stocks were, even before the war, at a low level owing to long unemployment, he will amend the conditions governing the issue of priority dockets so as to include such people.

While sympathetic with the purpose of my hon. Friend's proposal, I fear that for reasons both of supply and administration I cannot extend the conditions governing the grant of priority dockets in the manner suggested.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that in the households described in the Question, the Home Guard's overcoat is the principal bed covering? Will he not reconsider his refusal, in the light of that fact?

I am well aware that there is a very grave shortage of bed coverings throughout the country but I am also well aware that there are many categories of people, other than those mentioned in the Question, who are equally short.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is satisfied that sufficient paper exists for our export trade for distribution in the foreign countries where we hope to build up markets; and whether he will, for that purpose, restrict the amount of paper now used for ephemeral publications.

The supply of paper is lamentably short, and nobody is getting as much as he needs. I am in close touch with my right hon. Friends, the Minister of Production and the Minister of Supply, and when supplies improve exporters, as well as other users, will benefit. Meanwhile, I should not feel justified in suggesting that paper might properly be diverted from any particular class of publication.

Is it not scandalous that certain publications which are in evidence on the bookstalls and are yellow, both in colour and inside, should be given all those possibilities of production, while educational and business publications are not so permitted?

The Board of Trade has many duties, but to censor publications is not one of them.

Is not my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the matter cannot be so lightly dismissed, and, in fact, cannot be dismissed at all?

asked the President of the Board of Trade when it is intended to introduce the Bill to enable inquiries to be conducted into the operation of cartels.

I would refer my hon and gallant Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend on this subject in the Debate on the Address on 6th December.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in cases where the loss of share certificates is due to enemy action, he can reduce the present costly procedure of obtaining replacement by indemnity.

I am assured that companies in general are prepared to relax their usual requirements in suitable cases, and I, therefore, do not think any special action is needed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take on the report submitted to him by a committee concerning tendencies to monopoly in the Cinematograph Film Industry.

My right hon. Friend is awaiting the views of the various sections of the film industry on this report.

And then, after the reception of those views, will it be possible for the President of the Board of Trade to give this House a considered statement as to the action he proposes to take?

No doubt an opportunity will arise, after my right hon. Friend has had an opportunity of consideration, of conveying to the House the results of his consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many clothing coupons it is necessary for serving officers to surrender for a trench coat, without detachable lining, and a raincoat, respectively; and what is the difference between these two garments.

The number of coupons required for an officer's trench coat without detachable lining is 30 and for an officer's raincoat is 22. Roughly speaking, the difference between them is that a trench coat is double-breasted, fully interlined, has a wide skirt and usually has an extra outer piece on the shoulders. A raincoat is usually single-breasted, not interlined, narrower in the skirt, and lacks the outer piece on the shoulders. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the Proofed Garments (Restrictions) Order, 1944, which gives descriptions of these garments.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's Department not consider that while officers stationed in Britain are very generously treated in the matter of coupons for clothing, and other garments that they require, officers abroad require every attention in the matter of finding garments, which are very scarce in certain directions?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there is a shortage of clogs worn by the miners in Lancashire and of the material to repair them; and will he examine this matter to see if he will take steps to improve the supplies.

No, Sir, I am not aware of any general shortage of clogs or clog soles, but I am making inquiries into the position in Lancashire and will communicate with my hon. Friend when I have received a report.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman inquire why there is such a shortage of clogs and the materials with which to repair them in various parts of Lancashire? Is it not a fact that men have to stay away from their work because their clogs cannot be soled properly? I would like the Minister to make a full inquiry in order to see whether there is any ground for the shortage.

I should be very glad to have any information the hon. Member can give me. The production of clogs has been very materially increased, and we have had no complaints.

If I give him particulars of a specific case, will he look into it?

I will have inquiries made in the matter.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that, prior to and during the early years of the war, miners always had an extra pair of clogs, what is called the spare pair, but that, owing to rationing restrictions, these have not been replaced? Would it not be a step in the right direction to consider ways and means of again providing miners with a spare pair?

I am afraid that miners, like other sections of the community, have had to forgo many things which they had before the war. We are doing our best to increase supplies, subject to labour and materials, which in this matter are dreadfully short.