asked the Minister of Labour whether he is prepared to secure the release of key men in the printing, engraving and binding trades employed by the medical group of publishers in order to overcome the serious decline in the production of medical books.

I am not aware that publishers of medical books are prevented by labour difficulties from making full use of the paper available to them, but if the hon. Member will let me have particulars of any case in which this is not so I will make inquiries.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the approximate number of firms at present substantially restricted to seeking male staff through the Ministry of Labour; and what approximate number will be so restricted to that medium under the new Control of Engagement Order as proposed in Cmd. 6568.

I regret that the information asked for is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the new Control of Engagement Order, proposed in Cmd. 6568, is intended to increase or decrease the field of compulsion in labour control as compared with the existing Orders which it is proposed to replace by that Order.

The proposed new Control of Engagement Order must be considered as part of the general scheme of labour controls set out in Part III of Cmd. 6568, which is intended to represent a substantial relaxation of control as compared with the existing position.

asked the Minister of Labour whether employers having vacancies during the interim period will be prevented from advertising such vacancies in the Press under the new Control of Engagement Order proposed in Cmd. 6568.

I have not yet reached conclusions as to the terms of the proposed new Control of Engagement Order. Clearly, however, there will have to be control over advertisements addressed to persons within the scope of the Order.

Is it not likely that advertising would be much more helpful to both employers and employees than the employment exchanges?

I would remind my hon. Friend that, just prior to the Battle of 1940, employers were advertising in the papers and ruining the whole basis of stability of the industry of the country. I cannot allow, while the war is on, competition to start again in that way, and so break the whole of the controls which are in operation.

asked the Minister of Labour in view of the restrictions placed upon the work of private employment agents during the war and the increase of restrictions upon that work under the Control of Engagement Order, proposed in Cmd. 6568, what proposals he has for the restoration of the business of those private employment agents, now in the services, upon their return to civilian life.

asked the Minister of Labour, whether, as the reason for the non-approval of well-known and established workers employment agencies was the difficulty of fitting them into the war effort, he will now consider fitting them into the peace effort by approving them under the new Control of Engagement Order proposed in Cmd. 6568.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in the post-war transition period employment agencies will be permitted to function freely or whether the proposed new Control of Engagement Order will compel the same classes of persons, as is the case in war-time, to seek employment at the labour exchanges.

I am not yet able to say what will be the position of employment agencies under the proposed new Control of Engagement Order. I would, however, point out that the proposals in Cmd. 6568 relate to any interim period between the defeat of Germany and the defeat of Japan. No proposals have yet been put forward relating to the period following the conclusion of all hostilities.

Having regard to the fact that the private employment agents are much more efficient than the Appointments Board of my right hon. Friend's Department, will he not interfere too much with these private agents?

From the implication made by my hon. Friend, I gather that his standards of judgment of efficiency and mine are entirely different.

Does not my right hon. Friend get any correspondence from the unfortunate people who are registered at Sardinia House?

Can my right hon. Friend make it clear whether it is his intention to try to stop these private employment agencies after the war?

No, Sir. I have already replied to my hon. Friends before that I have neither power nor intention to decide what shall happen after the war. The position of these businesses is exactly the same as other concentrated industries.

Is it not the case that these businesses have as their main concern, the making of money?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, upon application, he will supply to private employment agencies lists of vacancies notified to his Ministry's Appointments Department in the same way as such lists were formerly supplied to trades unions employment bureaux from the supplementary register.

No, Sir. I do not consider that existing circumstances call for any extension of the arrangement referred to by my hon. Friend.

Might I ask why private employment agencies are treated with this invidious distinction as compared with the trade unions?

They are not treated with an invidious distinction at all.

Are any lists of vacancies being submitted by any of the Minister's registries to the trade union bureaux now?

No, Sir, they are all subject to the Control of Engagement Order.

asked the Minister of Labour what redress a restricted applicant will have under the Control of Engagement Order, proposed in Cmd. 6568, when the official exchanges fail to offer such person employment satisfactory to that person's requirements.

I am not at present in a position to answer detailed questions on the provisions of the proposed new Control of Engagement Order suggested in Cmd. 6568 which I have at present under consideration. I would, however, remind my hon. Friend that the proposals relate to a period when it is presumed that we shall still be at war and as stated in paragraph 4 of the White Paper, the aim of H.M. Government will be, while seeking to mitigate the severity of the existing labour controls and while paying such regard as is possible to the natural desires of workers to seek work where they please and of employers to engage labour freely, to ensure that the available resources of man-power are employed in the places where, and on the tasks in which, they are most needed in the national interest.

Will the Minister inform hon. Members who are specially interested in this matter as soon as he is ready to answer points of detail?

I shall make a statement, I presume, to the House when the war with Germany is over but I cannot decide these things until I know what demand will be made upon the country for the war with Japan.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the policy of His Majesty's Government regarding single women who are now employed in war industry; how soon after the end of hostilities in Europe will they enjoy the right to work where they wish without direction by the State; and how soon will all women who have been directed to industry be released from State control and be free to take up domestic and private occupations.

The Government's proposals on this matter are set out in the White Paper on Re-allocation of Manpower between Civilian Employments, Command 6568, and I cannot at present add to what is said in that Paper.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the present position of the Cardiff doctor, whose name and address has been given, at present in general practice in that city who was found guilty of failing to comply with the direction of a National Service officer under the Defence (General) Regulations, reguiring him to undertake a resident hospital post and, as there is no appeal against such a direction and conscientious objection is only recognised in the armed Forces of the Crown, what action he proposes to take to ensure that Regulation 58A is complied with.

The doctor in question failed to comply with a direction to take up a post in a hospital alleging conscientious objections. For this offence he was convicted and fined but he remains liable to be directed to other suitable employment and directions will be issued accordingly if and when a post is found for him which is suitable having regard to his experience, qualifications and other circumstances.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the latest figures for Scotland as a whole and for the city of Edinburgh of men, classified as belonging to some branch of the building industry, who are registered at the employment exchanges as being unemployed.

I will write to my hon. and gallant Friend within a few days and give him the latest available figures.

asked the Minister of Education what has been in England the cost of nursery schools set up since the war; and how many children have made use of them.

Three nursery schools have been established by local education authorities in England during the war at a capital cost of about £18,000; in 1943–44 the net maintenance expenditure was £5,280 and the averange attendance 240. Three nursery schools were established by voluntary bodies. I have no figures of their capital cost; in 1943–44 the net maintenance expenditure was about £1,730 and the average attendance 125.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain nursery schools are closing? Cannot he take steps to keep them open?

I think we ought to be quite sure that we are not getting muddled between nursery schools and war-time nurseries.

asked the Minister of Education if he will give the names of the representatives on the Welsh National Advisory Council on Education of the 500 non-provided schools in the Principality who are responsible for over 45,000 scholars, including 14 church schools in Cardiff with 3,000 scholars; and if he is satisfied that the appointments already made are adequate.

The members of the Central Advisory Council for Wales were deliberately not selected on a representative basis, but there are members of that Council who are fully competent to consider any matters relating to the denominational schools which might properly be brought to the notice of the Council. The appointments have been made with a view to securing that as wide a number of interests as possible can make their contribution.

In view of the spirit of the discussions on the Education Bill when it was before the House, that non-provided schools would receive adequate representation on such bodies, will not my right hon. Friend reconsider his decision, in view of the large number of children involved?

No, Sir, not at all. I am quite satisfied that all the interests concerned will have a chance of expressing their views on this Council, and I have evidence to that effect. I never intended that these Councils should be strictly representative in character, or strictly representative of denominational interests.

asked the Minister of Health in how many districts the construction of new houses by local authorities is now in hand; and whether he can give any figures to indicate progress.

The last of the war-time agricultural cottages are being completed in 64 districts. 2,560 of these cottages are now completed and the remainder should be finished very shortly. Apart from a few experiments in new forms of construction and the completion of a few houses left unfinished at the beginning of the war no other new houses are now being built by local authorities

asked the Minister of Health whether any approximate date has been fixed for the resumption, on any notable scale, of the construction of new houses by local authorities; and whether plans are being made to ensure that when that moment arrives there will be adequate material and labour.

The determining factor in the resumption of building is the supply of labour and the date by which further labour may be expected to become available must in turn depend on the course of the war. I am not in a position to add anything further to the statement my right hon. Friend made on this subject during the Debate on 7th December last. Plans are being made to ensure that material will be ready as soon as the labour is available.

asked the Minister of Health what action he proposes to take in the case of Mrs. Frost, of 26, Croydon Road, West Wickham, of which particulars have been sent to him.

Arrangements have been made for this family to share a house in Beckenham.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has taken, or will take, steps to ensure that the tenant of a house who gives up his tenancy owing to entering His Majesty's Forces, retains the right to restoration of the tenancy on returning to civilian life.

My right hon. and learned Friend will consider this matter in the light of the recommendations of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Rent Control, whose Report is expected next month.

asked the Minister of Health whether or not billeting officers have instructions to give priority in housing accommodation to workers classified as in essential industries over people who are employed in the Army. Navy and Air Services.

I am not aware of any such instructions.

asked the Minister of Health how many temporary houses or hutments have been and are being erected in the London area; and approximately, the total number of applications made for accommodation by those who have lost their homes in the Metropolitan police area and the number of houses in this area that have been vacated by the Army or the R.A.F., but that are not being used for civilian accommodation.

Three thousand five hundred hutments have been supplied, of which 365 have been completed, and 1,636 are in hand. The number of applications made for accommodation of all kinds by homeless families is about 23,000. The answer to the last part of the Question is 12.

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman really contend that only 12 houses have been vacated by the military authorities and are available for civilian occupation? Would he take my assurance that I can give him scores of other cases?

The hon. Gentleman is under a misapprehension as to the exact terms of his Question, which referred to the number vacated and not being used for civilian accommodation. The number taken over by the Service Departments is 879, and of these 12 are unsuitable for civilian occupation at the moment and are being used for storage.

Is the Minister aware that many houses were vacated by the military authorities months ago, and are still unoccupied in areas where accommodation is urgently needed?

That is not my information, but if the hon. Member will bring any particular case to my notice I will look into it.

asked the Minister of Health whether means can now be found to enable local authorities to build houses in urgent cases, as for instance for men invalided from the services, especially where local labour and material are available.

The general position regarding labour and materials makes it impossible to go further than the limited scheme for rebuilding war damaged houses, announced to local authorities in my Circular 158/44 of 7th November, of which I will send my hon. Friend a copy. As regards future possibilities, I cannot add anything to my statement in the Debate on 7th December, 1944.

Should not those who have been wounded in the war be treated at least as well as those who have suffered from bombing in this country?

That seems a long way from the Question, but, of course, the answer to the question is "Yes."

That is my question. Will priority be given to men who have been wounded in the war equally with bombed-out people?

There was a question with regard to priorities by my hon. Friend the Member for Holland with Boston (Mr. Butcher) to which I gave a full answer just before Christmas.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of moving for a Select Committee to enquire into the difficulties to be surmounted in achieving a successful housing policy and programme commanding the close co-operation of all the Government departments and local authorities concerned.

No. Sir. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Reconstruction, in collaboration with the other Ministers concerned, is already actively engaged in dealing with this problem.

Will my right hon. Friend not agree that, if the war had been prosecuted with the same diligence as the building of houses, we should have lost it long ago?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the recent action taken against Canon J. M. James, Rector of St Clears, Carmarthenshire, who assaulted the local billeting officer, Mr. W. Emlyn Jones, by striking him on the head and rendering him unconscious and who was fined £5 plus costs on a charge of obstruction only; why there was no charge of the more serious offence of battery and assault; and if, in future, his department will take steps to protect their agents

Yes, Sir. The proceedings on the charge of obstructing the billeting officer in the discharge of his duties were taken by the police. As the officer may be considering further action, I do not think it would be proper for me to say more. Occurrences of this kind are fortunately extremely rare and no special steps for the protection of billeting officers seem to be called for.

In the circumstances disclosed by that answer, will the right hon. Gentleman agree that the billeting officer was the better Christian of the two?

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of fact that throughout the country many people are unaware of the activities of the Emergency Medical Service, he will make a statement on the valuable services that have been and still are being rendered.

Various aspects of the Emergency Hospital Scheme, commonly known as the Emergency Medical Service, have been described in recent annual reports of the Department, and have also been the subject of many newspaper and magazine articles and broadcasts. I can hardly deal adequately in an answer to a Question with the widespread activities of the scheme, which provides treatment not only for the sick and wounded of the Forces and for air raid casualties but also for many classes of civilian sick and injured. The scheme has also developed such allied services as rehabilitation, blood transfusion, laboratories and ambulances. There may be an opportunity of reviewing the scheme as a whole on some future occasion such as a Debate on the Estimates. I should like, however, to pay my tribute now to the hospital authorities and to the medical, nursing and other staff of the hospitals, who have co-operated so well with the officers of the Ministry in making the scheme a success.

Does the right hon. Lady agree that this is an excellent illustration of the efficiency of large-scale medical service?

It is certainly a success as a scheme, through the co-operation of all those working for the sick and injured.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that in many cases old age pensioners who are in receipt of supplementary pension and make a claim for extra allowance for special diet under doctors orders are called upon to pay 1s, for the medical certificate and this bears heavily upon them when they have to produce one each week; and will he examine the position so as to make it less expensive to them.

The Assistance Board inform me that it is not their practice to require periodical medical certificates as suggested by my hon. Friend, and if he has details of any cases in which they are being called for perhaps he will let me know.

Cannot a better statement of the position be made, as I am getting letters from people who have been called upon to furnish such certificates? I have a letter in my possesion now, which I will send to the right hon. Lady.

If the hon. Gentleman will let us have the particulars we will look into them.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has yet considered the representations made to him by the Manchester City Council, on 19th December, 1944, upon the use of unclean fillings in bedding, upholstery and other domestic articles; and will be, in the interests of public health, take steps without delay to grant to local authorities further statutory powers to enable them to ensure the cleanliness of all fillings used in the manufacture of such articles.

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." As indicated in a letter sent to the Council on 22nd December, arrangements are now being made for the resumption of the sittings of the Departmental Committee which has this whole subject under review.

Is the right hon. Lady aware that Manchester is one of the largest centres for the manufacture of these articles, and that the local authority there have had complaints for a long time about the damage caused to public health by the continuance of this filthy practice, yet have been unable to take any action because they have no powers?

Yes, Sir, that is why this Committee is looking into the whole matter to see how it can better be dealt with.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is proposed to consider a revision of the drug tariff prices.

The drug tariff prices are revised monthly in consultation with the National Pharmaceutical Union.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the Report of the Inter-departmental Committee on Medical Schools.

Yes, Sir. Since time to-day is short, I will, with permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

The Committee have recommended a comprehensive programme for the reform and development of medical education and research. Certain of the matters involved would require legislation, and these the Government propose to discuss with the bodies concerned. Apart from these the Committee's recommendations are in the first place for the responsible educational authorities to study in framing their future policy, and the Government accordingly invite Universities, medical schools, and teaching hospitals to give the report early consideration. Recognising the fundamental importance of medical education and research to the future of the country's health services, the Government accept the principle of increased grants for the purposes of medical education and research to be distributed by the University Grants Committee through the Universities to medical schools, post-graduate schools and institutes, and hospitals used for teaching and research. They also accept the suggestion that for a limited period these additional grants should be separated from the block grants received by Universities for their work as a whole. The amounts of grant to be made from time to time, whether for capital or for recurrent expenditure, will be determined after consideration in the light of the recommendations of the University Grants Committee and the general financial position prevailing. The Government share the views expressed in the report on the importance of affording to women equal opportunities to those enjoyed by men for medical training and for obtaining post-graduate experience. They have, therefore, decided, as recommended by the Committee, that future payments of grant to medical schools should be conditional on the adoption by the school of the principle of admitting a reasonable proportion of students of both sexes. They recognise that schools at present open to one sex only may need periods of varying lengths to adjust their arrangements to a co-educational basis, and they therefore propose that the University Grants Committee in consultation with the University authorities concerned should be charged with the responsibility of determining from time to time whether the action taken by each of these schools complies with the principle to the extent that is reasonable. The Government attach equal importance to the revision of the medical curriculum, and their acceptance of the principle of increased grants for medical education and research is dependent on the early completion of this process. They are, therefore, glad to learn that, as recommended by the Committee, the General Medical Council has already taken the initiative in the matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in connection with the plan for a State medical service, he has taken cognizance of the surveys conducted by the British Institute of Public Opinion or other institutions or Press questionnaires; and whether it is his intention on future occasions to carry out some such survey in co-operation with the Ministry of Information.

I have naturally been interested to see any results of the various surveys and questionnaires on this subject but I myself have no official surveys of that kind in contemplation.

If the Government have no fact finding organisation, can it be wondered at if some of its legislation does not give the public what they desire? Will my right hon. Friend try to become aware of what the public do want?

I am discussing these proposals with the various organisations particularly concerned and we shall then submit legislation for the decision of Parliament.

Is it not a fact that a recent survey by the Institute mentioned showed that the public is entirely indifferent to the health service and ignorant of its existence?

Is it not a fact that these surveys will not be satisfactory until the younger doctors can be consulted? Otherwise it will be top heavy with the opinion of old age.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the shortage of nurses in many mental and other hospitals and of the strain and overwork this involves; what steps are being taken to relieve the shortage, particularly in mental hospitals; and whether special consideration is being given both to the present need and to the necessity of making this service more attractive both now and in post-war years.

I am aware of the shortage of nurses and of the fact that they sometimes have to work longer hours than are desirable. The staff of mental and other hospitals is under constant review by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Labour and National Service, who on the advice of his National Advisory Council has taken a number of steps to relieve the shortage, including the granting of high priority. The matters referred to in the last part of the Question are under active consideration by the Departments concerned.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that in some hospitals the position is becoming critical, and cannot special attention be given to those hospitals that make representations for extra service?

The situation in many fields is acute, but I know from recent and personal experience that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour has the question of hospital staffs very much in mind.

Can we take it that there will shortly be an augmentation of hospital staffs?

My hon. Friend hardly gives credit for what has already been done. Figures were given last year, but if I may bring them up to date, they are that since August, 1943, 3,450 women have been placed in employment or training in mental nursing, and 1,200 have been engaged direct.

Have the Rushcliffe recommendations been carried into effect in any way?

I cannot answer that without notice.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if farmers make returns to his Department of all crops they set and if cabbages are included; and whether returns are made of the acreage of cabbages gathered and what is left on the ground because there is no market for them.

Returns of the acreage of cabbage, as of other crops, are regularly obtained by my right hon. Friend's Department. They relate to the acreage at the date of the return. As regards the last part of the question, returns of the amounts of cabbage marketed and left in the ground are not made by individual growers, but estimates of the proportion of the crop marketed each month during the season in the various growing areas are furnished by the local crop reporting committees.

Can nothing be done to make use of all the cabbages which are being left to be ploughed in?

Current reports do not indicate unusually large acreages being left un marketed.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that many schemes for providing farm premises with electric current are now being held up by war agricultural committees; and whether, in cases where material is available and contracts signed, he will now modify the Orders by which war agricultural committees appear to be bound to the detriment of milk and food production.

County war agricultural executive committees were informed recently that applications for installing electricity on farms should be supported where the supply would result in increased production or economy in labour, provided the outlay was reasonable having regard to the use which would be made of the supply. My right hon. Friend is not aware that proposed installations falling within these terms are being held up by committees. The only restrictions on the installation of electricity on farms are those imposed by the limitation of supply of material and labour.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the Ministry to think a little more about food production?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman will be aware that electricity undertakers are not obliged to consult agricultural executive committees.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps are being taken to enable the general public to obtain a more adequate ration of liquid milk.

The steps which are being taken by my right hon. Friend are to encourage by all practicable means a further increase in milk production, particularly in the winter months.

Was the Minister correctly reported as stating that we shall not have a better ration for the general public till 1949?

I think my right hon. Friend did not quite make that statement. What he said was that he feared that it might not be possible completely to abolish rationing before 1949. Year by year since 1939 there has been a continued increase in the production of milk.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what supervision is exercised by his Department over the welfare arrangements for members of the W.L.A., especially in respect to small isolated groups working under the severe conditions of winter, often without protection or cover and without being given the amount of rest and refreshment necessary to counter the effects of such exposure.

Supervision is exercised through the Women's Land Army County Offices, which are responsible for investigating the proposed working and living arrangements before any Land Army member is supplied for employment. Each Land Army member when placed in work is put in touch with an approved local representative, to whom she can look for help in any personal difficulty. The representative visits regularly, usually once a month, to ensure that working conditions remain satisfactory and that worker and employer are mutually satisfied. If the hon. Member is aware of a particular instance where Land Army members appear to be working under unsuitable conditions and will provide details, my right hon. Friend will have investigation made.

asked the Minister of Health why he has refused to recommend the discharge from the Army of Captain Brewis, who is serving overseas in a legal capacity and whose release is urgently needed by the Gloucestershire County Council, of which he is deputy clerk, to relieve the heavy strain upon the officials of the council in consequence of losses through death and illness of responsible members of the staff at a time when the work of the council has considerably increased.

I have carefully considered the facts of this case but I am satisfied that there is no prospect at the present juncture of securing the release of this officer who is serving overseas, and, in the circumstances, I do not feel justified in putting forward a recommendation.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that, for health reasons, this officer is not allowed to take part in any operational duties? Does his answer mean that there is an embargo forbidding Ministers to recommend to the Committee that has been set up that those not engaged in operational duties overseas should be released?

No, Sir. There is no such embargo. It is a matter for Ministerial decision. I have heard this suggestion before that those not engaged in operational duties should be released automatically, but the contention does not bear examination. The war could not be carried on without the services of many who are not engaged in operational duties.

In view of the way my right hon. and learned Friend is not upholding the interests of local authorities, I will raise the matter at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for India, in view of the release of large numbers of prisoners and detainees arrested after the disturbances in 1942, why there has been discrimination between these and some of the Congress leaders.

Persons detained as a result of the Congress disturbances of 1942 are being gradually released so far as is compatible with essential security considerations. Individual cases are therefore necessarily considered on their merits from that standpoint.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has given no answer to my specific Question, why there is this discrimination, some Congress leaders having been discharged unconditionally and other people being still detained?

Certain Congress leaders have been discharged on grounds of health and others are detained on grounds of public security.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that those discharged on grounds of health, such as Mr. Gandhi, have perfect freedom to move and speak; should not the same apply to others who are still detained?

No, Sir.

Will my right hon. Friend give wide publicity to the fact that the bulk af the people detained have the key of their prisons in their own hands if they will give guarantees for their future conduct?

If we had satisfactory assurances which would protect the security of India, a new situation would arise.

Did the right hon. Gentleman get that assurance from Gandhi? I beg to give notice that at the earliest opportunity I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment, in view of the unsatisfactory reply.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can now give an assurance that officers who were compulsorily commissioned in the Indian Army will be enabled, if they wish, to transfer forthwith to the British service.

This question is still under discussion with the Government of India and the War Office, but I hope to make a statement very soon.

As these officers have been improperly treated, why cannot this matter be dealt with with the utmost dispatch?

I hope the matter will be settled very soon and that I shall be able to make a statement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman recollect that this matter was raised as far back as before last August, and ought we not really to have a decision on it, as many of us have had letters from relatives pressing for this matter to be cleared up?

I quite understand that.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will give favourable consideration to the claims to be included in the four years service repatriation scheme, and to qualify for the special 28 days leave, of those British officers and other ranks, particularly the married ones, in the Indian Army who are not in the Regular Army and who were called up or volunteered for service in the same way as other members of the British Army and were subsequently transferred to the Indian Army.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the full reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Cathcart (Mr. Beattie) on 14th December.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has now had an opportunity of considering the comments made by the Master of the Rolls in the Bethnal Green shelter case; and what action he proposes to take.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the Bethnal Green shelter case in the light of the observations of the Master of the Rolls in his recent judgment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is now in a position to make a statement on the observations made by the Master of the Rolls when dismissing the appeal of the Bethnal Green Corporation against damages awarded against them in a lower court in connection with the air-raid shelter disaster.

I hope to make a statement to-morrow.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether anything can be done to safeguard the interests of Servicemen who are overseas who are debarred by the Local Government Act on the ground of the time factor, from making claims in the Bethnal Green shelter case to compensate them for the loss of relatives.

The matter is receiving consideration but I am not yet in a position to announce a decision.

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to deal with this point in his statement to-morrow, because a number of people are very much concerned about it?

I am afraid I could not possibly say anything about it to-morrow, but I might do so a little later on, especially if my right hon. Friend keeps in touch with me.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now able to relax the prohibition on the use of whistles.

I have come to the conclusion that in present circumstances it is possible to relax throughout the country the ban on the use of whistles worked otherwise than by mechanical power, and on handbells. An Order amending the Control of Noise (Defence) (No. 2) Order, 1939, has now been made. It is intended to continue the use of whistles and handbells for Civil Defence and Fireguard signals as in the past, although I recognise that their use for other purposes may in certain circumstances reduce the significance of the signal. If conditions change it may be necessary to impose again the restrictions now removed.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's answer mean that men with delivery vans can now use all the normal methods of attracting their customers in villages and elsewhere?

It means that my hon. Friend has got what he wants. I hope that the people will now enjoy all the noises that may result.