asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if any progress is being made in this country with the underground gasification of coal.

My Ministry, with the advice of the Fuel Research organisation and the Geological Survey of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, is studying this question in order to determine whether geological and other conditions in any of the coalfields in this country are such as to justify experimental trials of the process.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this process has been developed to some considerable extent in Russia? Will he not accelerate the investigation?

I have been in touch with Russia to try to get information from there. We have a lot of literature on the subject which has all been translated. As the result of that investigation the geological survey is also to be made.

Has the right hon. and gallant Gentleman studied the researches of the late Professor Sir William Ramsay on the matter?

Has the Russian Government been approached with a view to receiving a delegation?

Twelve months ago I approached the Russian Ambassador here, for all the help that he could give me.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that medical certificates recommending delivery of coal for people seriously ill are not receiving attention; and if he will take steps to remedy this matter.

I regret that a number of cases have come to my notice where, notwithstanding instructions, or directions, given by the local fuel overseer, there has been delay in the delivery of coal to cases supported by medical certificates. I have taken steps to ensure that deliveries are made promptly to such cases.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many special forms for recommending delivery of coal to sick people have been issued to doctors by his Department.

One million copies were issued in December last to the Ministry's regional offices and to local fuel overseers for distribution to doctors, certified midwives and health visitors. I cannot say how many of these were supplied to doctors.

When it was proposed to issue these special certificates, were arrangements made so that sick people could have priority?

Yes, arrangements were made that the local fuel overseer should instruct the merchant to honour the certificates. If they were not honoured directions were issued by the fuel overseer. Delays came to my notice and steps were immediately taken, and that delay has been overtaken.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what plans are being formulated in order that the present failure to distribute coal for domestic purposes will not recur next winter.

As the tonnage of coal delivered to London householders this winter, in spite of the exceptionally severe weather conditions, has substantially exceeded the total delivered last winter, I cannot accept my hon. Friends' implication of failure. I am, however, reviewing the present arrangements for coal distribution in the light of the winter's experience, and such changes as I find to be necessary for its improvement will be made.

Is it now proposed to rationalise the distribution of coal, in view of the fact that the Minister of Labour said last week that even in normal conditions there would be a shortage of labour?

A good deal of rationalisation has already taken place. When I review the arrangements, its extension is one of the things that I shall review.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power, whether, in allocating supplies of coal, coke and anthracite for Eastbourne, he took into consideration the large numbers of evacuees now returning to this area.

Yes, Sir. Adjustments of winter allocations of house coal to the South-Eastern Region have been made in consequence of the return of evacuees to that area, and the basic allocation to Eastbourne has been substantially increased.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that evacuees are still returning and that, from information given me, although the figures were furnished, they were not taken into account?

I can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that we have this matter very closely in mind. The allocation has been substantially increased to Eastbourne and, if the need arises, will be increased still further.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has further considered the possibility of using prisoner-of-war labour in coal distribution in London.

Since the reply which I gave on 23rd January to a similar Question by my hon. Friend, I am advised that the question of accommodation for prisoner-of-war labour in London has been under review, and I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Labour and National Service, as to the possibility of arranging for the labour force engaged in coal distribution to be strengthened from this source.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say when he will be in a position to make a definite statement?

I am afraid that I cannot say now more than I have said in my reply.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power, why the hostel at Great Wyrley has not been used since completion on 15th November; and what is the current cost of upkeep, including salaries, wages and amortisation of capital.

Of the three hostels intended for the accommodaton of miners directed to the Cannock Chase Coalfield, one has proved to be redundant, owing to the unexpectedly larger proportion who either live in the immediate neighbourhood of the collieries or have found lodgings for themselves. It was accordingly decided not to bring the Great Wyrley hostel into use, because the other two are more conveniently situated, having regard to the present needs of the coalfield for additional manpower. The latter part of the Question is one for my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Works.

Was not this a serious mis-direction of labour and materials, and a very serious waste?

Not necessarily. There were some geological conditions which supervened after this, which made it necessary to alter arrangements at one of the pits. Secondly, there was a fear that there would be a shortage of billeting accommodation. Had the accommodation not been ready, it would have been a very serious position. As it turned out, accommodation was more readily available than had been thought.

What is going to be done with this redundant hostel?

As I never took over the hostel, perhaps the hon. Baronet will put his Question down.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how much British coal has been exported to Italy for the use of the civilian population during the months of December, 1944, and January, 1945.

None, Sir.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will authorise an increase in the petrol allowances for private-hire motor-cars and taxi-cabs in Eastbourne, in view of the large numbers of evacuees returned or returning.

I have received no representations that the number of hire cars and taxi-cabs at Eastbourne is in-adequate for the reason suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend. I am, however, making inquiries and will communicate with him again as soon as possible.

is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that I made representations upon the point many months ago? If he wants further representations, I shall be pleased to send a list of the taxi drivers that there are.

That is not quite the point. When an emergency such as the hon. and gallant Gentleman refers to has arisen we have given the hire-car proprietors extra petrol. The taxi driver's allowance is already much higher and the proper way to proceed, if the local authority or the local police feel that Eastbourne is not properly served, is for them to apply for more taxi-cabs.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman bear Ashford in mind?

Also London?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if, in view of the difficulty experienced by members of His Majesty's forces in getting from main line stations, Newcastle and Durham, to their homes in outlying districts, when proceeding on leave, he will agree to an extra allowance of petrol to motor-car owners who are willing to assist in conveying them to their homes, thus ensuring to the forces members the full benefit of their leave.

As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, it was recently decided to re-introduce the "Get-you-Home" scheme for the benefit of members of the Services returning to this country on leave. The necessary arrangements are made locally by the Army Welfare authorities. I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War that orders for the restarting of the scheme went out on 18th January.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that I have facts to show that men and girls have had to walk seven or eight miles to get to their homes?

My hon. Friend will realise that Army welfare is not part of my duty. My duty is to see that the petrol is provided, and I am given to understand that the instructions were issued on 18th January. I would remind my hon. Friend that this service is for soldiers returning to this country and not for those already in it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the circumstances under which extra clothing coupons are issued to limbless persons; how many persons are now in receipt of such extra clothing coupons; and what proportion of persons eligible to receive such coupons have so far received them.

Additional clothing coupons are issued by my Department to anyone suffering from physical disability which imposes excessive wear on clothing. About 65,000 applications have been granted during the past 12 months.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Messrs. Maggs, of Frome, have had no feeding bottle teats or valves delivered in the month of January and that they have scores of mothers very urgently in need of same; and when the shortage of these essential articles is likely to be overcome in Frome.

If my hon. Friend will let me have particulars of the orders placed by this firm for delivery in January which have not been fulfilled, I shall be glad to see what can be done.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that for the last three months this firm has had fewer teats than ever before, in spite of the promises made by the Board of Trade; that they have had neither teats nor valves for January, and that for scores of mothers and children the position is desperate? I will give the right hon. Gentleman the particulars he asks for, but we are sick of promises from the Board of Trade which are never carried out.

I shall be obliged if the hon. Lady will give me the particulars I have asked for. I have made inquiries from several wholesalers, and none of them have been approached by the retailer referred to. One wholesaler tells me that he used to supply this retailer but that no supplies have been asked for during several months past. Therefore, I think it will be useful if the hon. Lady will give me a little more light on the subject.

I have in my hand full details which I will give to the right hon. Gentleman. I, in my turn, hope that the right hon. Gentleman will sometimes keep his promises.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that Austin Motors, Limited, have announced the payment of a bonus of 10 per cent. on their ordinary and A ordinary stock without publishing their accounts; if he has called the attention of the Cohen Committee to this further example of a company's failure to comply with the Stock Exchange regulation; and if he proposes to expedite legislation, in view of the repetition of these failures.

Yes, Sir, but I am glad to note that, following the failure of this company to publish their profits simultaneously with their dividend announce- ment, dealings in their shares were suspended. As a result, preliminary profit figures were quickly made available. The Cohen Committee already have this matter before them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any additional releases of gum boots for children are being, or have been, made to meet the requirements caused by existing bad weather conditions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the hardship suffered by schoolchildren in country districts owing to the inadequate supply of waterproof footwear; and if he is taking any steps to facilitate the production of any substitutes for rubber wellington boots for their use.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the inadequacy of the supply of children's rubber boots, thus causing hardship to many children in the inclement weather; and whether he will take steps to increase the supply of these boots and of children's footwear of all kinds.

In spite of the extreme shortage of natural rubber, I was able to re-start the production of some children's wellingtons last summer, and I am glad to say that I have also been able to arrange for this small home production to be supplemented during the present year by imports from Canada. Children living in rural areas will have preference in the distribution of these supplies which, I am afraid, will still be small in relation to the total demand.

Is this distribution going on now?

Certainly, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of difficulties in providing uniform for St. John Ambulance cadets, owing to coupons, and will he facilitate purchase.

I regret that, in view of the present shortage of supplies, I cannot see my way to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that the future of ambulance work lies in our ability to enthuse the rising generation, and that any restrictions discourage their public spirit?

These restrictions are imposed upon us by the war, but I hope that in the future supplies will become available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has any information as to the countries in which the use of the metric system of weights and measures is legally compulsory and those where it is optional.

Yes, Sir. Information on this subject is available, and if my hon. Friend will let me know any countries in which he is specially interested, I shall be glad to send him particulars.

Having regard to the fact that these countries include our export markets, will the right hon. Gentleman consider appointing a small committee to review the progress of the metric system and report on the best way of stimulating its general use?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantities of textiles, furnishing fabrics and carpets have been exported from Britain to foreign countries and the Dominions, respectively, during the past six months; and how much it is proposed to export during the next six months.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the difficulties now being faced by housewives owing to the depletion and deterioration of their stocks of household linen; and whether he will give an assurance that this deficiency will be at least partially made good before household linen is allowed to be exported.

I am well aware of the present severe shortage of these goods. Exports of cotton, wool and rayon textiles are barely sufficient to meet the essential needs of Empire and Allied countries which are dependent upon us for supplies. No new production of furnishing fabrics or carpets for export has been authorised since 1942. Exports have thus been limited to old stocks, which are now virtually exhausted. Further particulars will be given in the Export Accounts for 1944 to be published later this month. There is unlikely to be any increase in the rate of these exports during the next six months.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether, in the Allied and Empire countries to which these goods are exported, there is any rationing of such goods?

In some there is and in some there is not, but some of these goods are not rationed in the strict sense of the word here. I would like to make clear that we are only exporting now in order to meet the urgent needs of people who are very dependent upon us—in the Empire in particular. They are of the opinion that they are getting very little indeed now, and I am receiving many representations that they should have more.

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

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many licences have been applied for to manufacture prototype equipment; how many have been granted; and how many refused.

The number of applications received is 1,100; 930 have been granted; and 19 have been refused for the time being on the advice of the Supply Departments concerned but will be reconsidered later.

Owing to the small number of licences that have been refused, would it not be possible for the President to permit the manufacture of prototypes without a licence?

I cannot do that. Licences that have been refused have been reduced from 30 to 19. The ground for refusal is that the Supply Department concerned tells me that the firm that wants the licence is behind with its war contracts. If a firm is behind with its war contracts it ought to complete them first. In a number of cases we have been able to reconsider the matter since the firm has caught up with its arrears.

asked the Minister of National Insurance the estimated amount in the National Insurance proposals over and above contributions to be met by the taxpayer on death grants for the first 5, 10, 15 and 20 years, respectively, after the scheme comes into operation.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 12th December to the hon. Member for Tamworth (Sir J. Mellor) from which he will see that it is estimated that in the first year the expenditure on death grants will fall short of the related contribution income by about £2,500,000, whilst in ten years' time, the expenditure will exceed the contributions by about £500,000 and in 20 years' time by about £4,500,000 a year. Under present conditions I do not think I should be justified in asking for figures to be calculated in greater detail.

In view of that answer, can my right hon. and learned Friend say what the real value of those grants will be; and can he give us an assurance that they will not be paid in depreciating currency?

It will depend upon the whole trend of future events. I cannot prophesy what they will be.

Then why raise false hopes?

asked the Minister of National Insurance (1) whether he is aware that the successful launching of the proposed new Ministry of National Insurance will be seriously imperilled by unsuitable location of offices in advance of operational planning; and will he consider withholding any definite decision in the meantime;

(2) whether he is aware of the feeling of resentment at the proposal to set up at a place in the provinces, possibly Newcastle-on-Tyne, his new Ministry, which will absorb the staffs of the Acton Claims and Record Office of the Ministry of Labour and National Service, and the Ministry of Health, Blackpool; and in view of the hardship caused to members of his staff by the breaking up of their homes by permanent transfer to the provinces where there are few houses for them, and the uprooting of their homes, will he reconsider his decision.

It has been impracticable to postpone a decision on this matter because of the necessity for the Blackpool staff to vacate as soon as possible the requisitioned premises in which they are at present accommodated. The point of view of the staff was put very fully during the discussions between the Treasury and the Staff Side of National Whitley Council, to which I referred in an answer on 1st February to my hon. Friend the Member for Caerphilly (Mr. Ness Edwards), and I need only add that every effort will be made to mitigate any hardships which the transfer may entail.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that it will mean that vast numbers of civil servants, who have willingly accepted this uprooting during the war, will have to suffer complete and permanent disorganisation and separation from their families and their homes and will be bereft of the hope for the future which has sustained them during the time of war?

Will it not be to the great benefit of these people that they should live in a more bracing climate; and will this not mean our getting quicker answers to questions?

I have already said that we should be wrong to give up any idea of the proper location of Government Departments because it entails certain hardships. We will do everything possible to minimise those hardships.

Will not the Government find proper accommodation for these men and their families?

I beg to give notice that, owing to the cruel hardships that this decision will entail upon thousands of civil servants, and owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what authority has the expenditure for the headquarters of the Ministry of National Insurance at Newcastle-on-Tyne, estimated at £2,000,000, been sanctioned.

The provision of certain temporary office accommodation has been approved, but no proposals for more permanent buildings have yet been formulated.

Under what Financial Resolution of this House has my right hon. Friend power to authorise or suggest such expenditure?

The point of my answer is that plans involving such expenditure have not been formulated.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that in a unit of the B.L.A., of which he has been informed, leave vacancies are being allotted in accordance with the length of service of the individual soldier with the B.L.A. and not chosen by ballot from those eligible for leave; and if he will stop this practice.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether, in calculating the leave quota to the United Kingdom for men with long service overseas, account is taken of men granted compassionate leave;

(2) whether he is aware that in many units the quota of men sent on leave periodically to the United Kingdom is minute as compared to those entitled; and whether the allocations per unit can be increased.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now make any statement as to how and by what ratio the allocation of leave places in S.E.A.C., C.M.F., and India has been increased during the past three months; and if for security reasons he cannot supply actual figures similar to the Air Ministry, will he by any other method show what are the actual increased chances of men getting home leave.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men serving overseas are selected for home leave according to rules made by commanders-in-chief or by unit commanders; and whether he will publish the rules in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) if, in order to assist Members of Parliament in clearing up misunderstandings on the question of home leave from overseas, he will circulate in HANSARD a summary of the methods by which the ballot is conducted in the various theatres;

(2) if he is aware that some hardship has been caused to men who have been serving overseas for a considerable period but miss their chance of inclusion in a home leave ballot through being transferred from one unit to another; and if he will consider recommending to commanding officers the practice, which has been followed successfully in some units, of including in each ballot a few blank cards to cover such cases.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the apparent widespread misunderstanding and anxiety among British troops in Italy regarding the leave scheme now in force, he will take the necessary steps to ensure that the scope and application of the scheme is fully explained by unit commanders to all personnel concerned

As the Prime Minister said in his original statement on 17th November, the total leave quota which it was practicable to allot for theatres, other than B.L.A., is 6,000 a month. Prior to this announcement there was no leave scheme for these theatres. It should have been clear, therefore, that from these theatres only a small proportion of men would get leave in any one month. It is unlikely that for the time being it will be possible to increase this number. I am very sorry if a contrary impression has got abroad. This was certainly not the intention of the Prime Minister or of myself. In all theatres, subject to the most general guidance, the nature of which was set out in the Prime Minister's statement, the responsibility for the allotment of vacancies within the quota has been left to commanders-in-chief and I am sure that this is wise because they must know the different local conditions better than I do. These alter from time to time as a result of operational and other circumstances and may lead to changes in the leave arrangements. In view of this I do not think an attempt to publish in this country the details of the application of the scheme in the various commands would help. I will, however, suggest to commanders-in-chief that they should take steps to make sure that officers and men have had the scheme explained to them and that they know what their local arrangements are.

There is no special allotment for cases of compassionate leave from the more distant Commands overseas, but I understand that in a few Commands compassionate circumstances are taken into account in selecting men to make up the ordinary leave quota. It is the case of course that, in extreme cases of compassion, commanders-in-chief overseas can and do post men to the United Kingdom, as distinct from giving them leave. There is no fixed quota to cover such compassionate postings but as these men have to be replaced in the overseas theatre, the number who can be so posted to the United Kingdom is necessarily limited by man-power considerations. I am not aware that men are in fact losing their chances of leave by being transferred from one unit to another, but if the hon. Member for Maldon (Mr. Driberg) will send me particulars of what he has in mind I will certainly look into it further. As regards the Question asked by the hon. Member for Skipton (Mr. H. Lawson) this is as I have said a matter for the commander-in-chief concerned. I cannot, however, see that there is anything unfair in the practice to which he refers.

As regards repatriation to the home establishment on long service grounds, though we shall lose no possible opportunity of reducing the tour of service abroad it is clear that no dramatic change is at present possible and so I am not able to add to what I said on 26th September. I hope that hon. Members in all parts of the House will assist me in dealing with these matters. If unfounded expectations are created disappointments are inevitable and these we must all wish to avoid. There is, I assure hon. Members, every desire to shorten the tour of service overseas but at this climax of the war the right policy is surely to put our utmost effort into securing victory at the earliest date. Moreover, early victory is the best means of accelerating the return home of those who have been abroad for long periods.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that in the 21st Army Group an order was issued stating that leave was not to be by ballot of those eligible? Is that not likely to cause very great dissatisfaction when a matter like the ballot is departed from by individual units?

I actually looked up this instruction of 21st Army Group. There was a provision for varying the allotment in accordance with operational and other circumstances.

One fully appreciates the difficulties of my right hon. Friend, but may I ask how it happens that an allocation is sometimes made to a unit, and the men are informed of the number who will be sent on leave; subsequently men return to the United Kingdom on compassionate grounds and thereby prevent other men going on ordinary leave under the scheme? Does he think that is fair?

I do not know to which theatre of war my hon. and gallant Friend is referring

The C.M.F.

I do not think that in the C.M.F. compassionate leave interferes in the least with the allotment of people for ordinary leave.

Is the Minister aware that men serving abroad believed, when they heard the Prime Minister's statement, that the chances of leave would be stepped up very considerably? Will he tell us the reason for not informing the House of the ratio of opportunity, and could this not be done without, in any way, giving information to the enemy?

In the Prime Minister's original announcement he gave the total allotment of leave vacancies per month, which was 6,000. If you make an analysis of that, either generally or for particular theatres, it would be quite easy to calculate the strength of our Forces.

Is the Minister aware that there is a well-established belief among soldiers that by the present kind of selection for leave men actually get leave after two years' service? Has he any explanation of that state of affairs?

I am not seeking for a moment to deny that there are possibilities, in some theatres, of getting leave after two years. I know, for example, that there is, in at least one theatre, a great desire for a leave scheme that will encourage people who have seen long periods of fighting. If my hon. Friend is referring to the theatre from which he has just come, that is particularly the case in that theatre.

asked the Secretary of State for War why applicants to serve in service canteens are asked to supply references from two responsible British male persons, such as a minister of religion, doctor of medicine, justice of the peace, barrister-at-law, solicitor or bank manager; and why women in these professions are not permitted to act as such references.

I am not aware that N.A.A.F.I. or the Council of Voluntary War Workers make any such stipulations but if the hon. Lady will send me particulars I will make further inquiries.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that War Office letter 103/General/6107 (M.I.11) dated 1st August, 1943, specifically states that references must be from two male persons, and as that is a War Office letter I could not but conclude that it means what it says?

Naturally, I do not carry in my head all the details of the many thousands of War Office letters which are emitted in the course of a single year, but from the hon. Lady's description it looks to me as though she is referring to the stipulation of the Foreign Office to applicants for passports.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the number of officers and other ranks reported missing on the Italian front during 1944, concerning whom no further information has been obtained; and, in view of the anxiety of their relatives, whether further steps are being taken to ascertain whether they are in prisoner-of-war camps, or hospitals, or in hiding.

The answer to the first part of the Question is approximately 600. As regards the second part, I have every sympathy with the anxiety of the relatives of missing men. When a man is reported missing, his next-of-kin is sent a leaflet explaining the steps that are taken to trace him. The fact that no information may be received for a long time does not mean that there is any remission of the efforts to trace missing men. Inquiries are made among those who were serving with the missing man and also through diplomatic channels, the International Red Cross Committee at Geneva, and all other possible sources of information.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether soldiers, discharged as unfit for further service from the Army during the summer months but detained in hospital until the winter, are given greatcoats on leaving hospital or whether they are given civilian clothing on the summer scale.

The old scale of clothing issued to men discharged from the Army included no greatcoat except for men discharged during the winter on medical grounds. But the new scale which has been in issue since the middle of last October provides a raincoat for all men irrespective of the time of the year when they are discharged.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that wounded officers and other ranks on sick-leave are ordered to attend before Medical Boards at the hospital in which they were treated on their first return to this country, regardless of the distance from their homes or places of residence; and whether he will arrange, in future, for such officers and men to attend both for any necessary treatment and for Medical Boards at the nearest suitable hospital to the address at which they are residing whilst on sick-leave.

Whenever possible Medical Boards on wounded officers and other ranks returning to this country are held before they are sent on leave, whether this is disembarkation leave, normal privilege leave, or, in the case of officers, sick-leave. If at any time, owing to the numbers involved, this it not possible, the rule is that the patient should have his Medical Board at the hospital to which he is assigned for treatment. This should be as near to his home as possible, except in cases where he requires special treat- ment and must be sent to a hospital with the appropriate facilities. I am, however, aware that in a few cases this procedure has not been properly carried out, and that some men have been returned unnecessarily to the hospital where they were first treated on return to this country. Steps to prevent this are being taken.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it was a real hardship on persons, especially invalids, to have to travel long distances and stay awake at nights on journeys of this kind in the recent balmy weather? Is the organisation being perfected?

That, I think, is the general sense of what I said. I also said that there have come to my notice cases in which those rules have not been properly carried out, and that I was taking steps to see that this did not happen.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider extending the provisions of Section 25 of the Finance Act, 1944, which provides for the deduction by the taxpayer of sums paid to a wife under an order of the court for her maintenance, to cover cases of husbands living apart from their wives and who are making payments of maintenance under a Deed of Separation or other binding agreements; and whether he is aware that the present system of deducting tax from the gross amount paid causes a great deal of friction and confusion between the parties.

I do not think that it is either necessary or desirable to extend the provisions of Section 25 of the Finance Act, 1944, as suggested by my hon. Friend. Where maintenance payments are made under a deed of separation or other binding agreement, it is to be assumed that the Income Tax factor will have been taken into account in the negotiations between the parties as to the conditions of separation.

Does not my right hon. Friend appreciate that much friction and hardship are caused by the deductions which are made before payment to the wife is made? Sometimes, as a result, a wife who should be paid £2 a week receives only £1, and an adjustment is subsequently made, and a great deal of friction and hardship is caused.

Sometimes they pay it to someone who is not a wife.

If I may answer the question, I do not see why greater difficulty should arise in this class of case, than in other cases in which Income Tax is collected by deduction.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, where a naval rating offends against the Customs Duty on imports on, for instance, stockings, which he was bringing home as a present for his near relatives, and he is punished by his commanding officer by losing his leave, he is also obliged to have the stockings confiscated.

Smuggling by naval ratings constitutes a breach of naval discipline and naval ratings caught smuggling are reported forthwith to the naval authorities for disciplinary action. Goods forming the subject of attempts at smuggling are confiscated by the Customs, whether the offender is a naval rating or any other person.

Here is a naval rating who, over two and a half years, has managed to save £8 with which to buy some stockings for his mother and sister. He is punished by the Department which the right hon. Gentleman represents. Does the right hon. Gentleman, who is a Member of the War Cabinet, and to whom this Question has been transferred, think this rating should also be punished by the loss of leave which he had earned?

That is obviously not a matter for me. I am concerned with the Customs law. The answer is that where an attempt is made to smuggle goods those goods are confiscated. I see no escape from that.

No one would disagree with that reply, but the Question was put down to the First Lord of the Admiralty. It was transferred to my right hon. Friend, presumably because it was a matter for the War Cabinet.

As the hon. Member should know, Questions are put to the Minister who has special responsibility. This Question was transferred to me because the central point appeared to be the confiscation, which is a Customs matter.

If I now put down a Question to the First Lord on the question of leave, will the right hon. Gentleman refuse to answer?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give an assurance that immediately after the end of the war with Germany he will make available for officers and men in His Majesty's Forces any Income Tax post- war credits to which they may be entitled, so that they may use this money towards the purchase of a house.

I am afraid I cannot make an exceptional arrangement such as my hon. Friend suggests.

Will my right hon Friend, at the appropriate time, take note of the suggestion?

Yes; opportunities will arise for discussing these matters.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that cost-of-works repairs, other than essential first-aid repairs, to dwelling houses cannot now be carried out, and that no date has yet been fixed for value payments to be made, and will he therefore consider temporarily suspending the collection of War Damage contributions or reducing the amount of contributions or the assessments upon which they are based.

I should not feel justified in introducing legislation altering the basis upon which contribution is paid. I would moreover draw the attention of my hon. and gallant Friend to Sections 63 and 64 of the War Damage Act, 1943, which provide for the suspension of collection of instalments of contribution in cases where it is likely that a value payment will fall to be made or where the property is rendered and remains unfit, as defined in Section 64, by reason of war damage.

As half of this contribution is paid for by the insurance, could not something be paid on account, at any rate, in a case where people have lost their homes entirely?

I have explained on more than one occasion, and quite recently, that it has always been contemplated that value payments should not be issued until a much later stage.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why notes of £10 and over are being withdrawn from circulation, and not the smaller denominations.

The reasons are that the notes of higher denominations afford a readier means of evading the Exchange Control and other Regulations, and that, in view of modern banking facilities, such notes are no longer essential for use as currency within this country.

If the object of this withdrawal is to stop hoarding and black-marketing, does my right hon. Friend not realise that unless the whole currency issue is withdrawn and reviewed, his whole object—with which we all agree—will be vitiated?

No, Sir. I have explained what the object is. It is more limited than my hon. Friend suggests, and those advising me think that the purpose will be achieved.

Why does my right hon. Friend not take steps to make it a broader issue?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he intends to distribute the 20 per cent. refund on Excess Profits Tax.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the provisions of Section 37 of the Finance Act, 1942, from which he will see that the Excess Profits Tax post-war credit is not payable until after the end of the war, and that the date of the payment has still to be prescribed by Parliament.

Is the Chancellor aware that the control of the purchase of commodities, particularly machine tools, has been relaxed, and that the release of this money would give considerable assistance to manufacturers in preparing for post-war production?

That is as may be; but, as has been pointed out, no change can be made without a departure from the conditions under which these post-war credits are to be given.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the case of farmers in relation to this rebate, because many of them are in need of this capital for replacements on the farms?

I will take note of my hon. Friend's point.

Has there been any change of principle in connection with the repayment? The assumption seems to be that this is an automatic payment. I thought it was conditional on the amount required in the particular industry.

No, Sir; no change has been made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what authority directors of Government-controlled corporations receive a substantial part of their remuneration free of Income Tax.

The same rules of the Income Tax law apply, and are applied, to directors of Government-controlled corporations as to other company directors. No part of their remuneration is exempt from tax. If my hon. Friend has in mind the position of an expenses allowance paid in addition to ordinary remuneration, I can only say that the question whether, and to what extent, such an allowance represents taxable remuneration depends on the facts of the individual case, and in particular on the consideration whether the performance of the duties of the office necessitates the expenditure covered by the allowance.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the whole practice of expenses allowances is thoroughly pernicious and ought to be abolished?

That is a matter of opinion entirely.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will look into the circumstances of those employees of B.O.A.C., who are engaged in flying between the United Kingdom and Canada and who, when based on Montreal, are subject to Canadian Income Tax and also have United Kingdom Income Tax deducted as well; and will he take steps to remedy this grievance.

I would remind my hon. Friend that provision is made, in Section 27 of the Finance Act, 1920, for granting relief in respect of the payment of Dominion Income Tax in cases where a person has paid Dominion Income Tax in respect of a part of his income and is also liable for United Kingdom Income Tax thereon.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his answer does not deal with the point at issue, which is that these people live part of the week in Scotland and part of the week in Montreal, and that they are presumed to be living simultaneously in both countries, when in fact they are constantly travelling to and fro? Ought they not to be treated as being domiciled in one country only?

That is a very wide question. I understood the Question to be concerned with relief from the burden of double taxation.

Would the Chancellor say why he thinks this is a very wide question? Surely, the number of persons concerned is very few, and the point which the hon. Member makes is an obvious one.

I said I thought it was a wide question because questions of law under which domicile or residence is determined go beyond the point in my hon. Friend's Question.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that there are only a small number of people whose residence has to be determined in one country or the other, although they, perhaps, sleep two nights in Canada and two in the United Kingdom?

My hon. Friend has over-simplified the matter.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is manifestly unfair to a small number of people who are doing a very valuable service to charge them double Income Tax, one lot in the Dominion and another in this country, for circumstances which they cannot control themselves?

The point of my answer shows that they are not charged double tax.

Oh, yes, they are.

Does the same standard apply to the Prime Minister when spending a lot of his time in other countries?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the profits of the R.A.F. fishing organisation at Scarborough or Torquay have been assessed for income tax; and, if so, upon whom will the tax be levied.

I would remind my hon. Friend that no information can be furnished as to the Income Tax liability in particular cases. He may rest assured that whatever legal liability may exist will be duly assessed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the whole of the nominal capital of the Finance Corporation for Industry, Limited, and of the Industrial and Finance Corporation, Limited, respectively, will be issued; whether the shares will be fully paid; whether the issue will be subject to the consent of the Capital Issues Committee; and whether loans made by these two companies will be subject to the consent of the Capital Issues Committee.

The matters raised in the first two parts of the Question are for the decision of the companies concerned when they have been formed. Issues of capital (including issues of securities in the exercise of borrowing powers) by either Corporation will be subject to any Treasury consent required under the regulations or other provisions in force at the time of issue, but the promoters have been informed that such consent will in fact be given. Persons desirous of obtaining finance from either Corporation will need to make application to the Capital Issues Committee for Treasury consent in accordance with the regulations in force for the time being.

Are definite regulations and conditions being drawn up for the operation of these companies, before we have a discussion in the House?

There is no question of regulations being drawn up. These companies will be treated under the ordinary provisions.

Are these companies proposed to be operated and conditions of finance established, before a Debate takes place in this House?

I do not know. That depends on when the Debate takes place.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman been consulted about the matter referred to in the first two parts of the Question?

I do not think so. Not to my knowledge.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's answer imply that the industrial facilities, so far as banking is concerned, with regard to the two corporations which he has been good enough to set up, are wholly and entirely dependent upon what consent the Capital Issues Committee gives to them? Where does the Treasury come in at all, if the right hon. Gentleman has passed the ball?

This Committee acts on behalf of the Treasury.

Are we to understand that the Capital Issues Committee is going to function indefinitely after the war?

That might well be the subject of a separate Question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the operations of the Finance Corporation for Industry, Limited, and of the Industrial and Finance Corporation, Limited, respectively, will be confined to the making of loans, or whether they will undertake the purchase of shares in other undertakings.

I understand that the memorandum of association of each company will cover the provision of finance by means of loans or the subscription of loan or share capital.

May I raise a point of Order with you, Mr. Speaker? I think it is a matter of some constitutional importance, but I appreciate that you have not had sufficient notice concerning it, and that you may not be, therefore, in a position to make a reply to-day. I want to raise the question of the relationship between this House, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the operations of the Finance Corporation for Industry, Limited, and the Industrial and Finance Corporation, Limited. Questions on these have appeared on the Order Paper and, in the course of his replies to them, the Chancellor of the Exchequer stated that he was not responsible either for the establishment or for the administration of these corporations. I want to know, therefore, under what Rule these Questions can be placed on the Order Paper at all, because Questions can only be put upon the Order Paper to a Minister who is responsible. The Minister denies the responsibility; yet we have had Questions and a number of supplementaries to those Questions. The result is that the House is given the form of responsibility for the behaviour of these corporations, without the reality of control.

It is my respectful submission to you, Sir, that here is a position which requires to be cleared up. When the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced to the House, in the first instance, as a piece of information, that these corporations were to be established, I asked him whether he proposed to devise any instrument by which their activities might be reviewed by the House from time to time. The right hon. Gentleman replied that, as this was a private act of private persons, for which he was not responsible, there would be no such instrument, and yet, subsequently, we have had a number of Questions on the Order Paper concerning a matter for which neither this House nor the Minister is responsible. May I submit, Sir, that we ought to have this matter cleared up, and that we ought not to involve ourselves in public discussions about matters for which there is no precise and particular responsibility?

The hon. Member realises, as he has said, that it is quite impossible for me to give an answer at short notice. I do not know whether the Chancellor has any explanation to make, but all I can say is that I shall make such inquiries as I can, and go into the matter.

Perhaps I might say, Sir, that it is perfectly true, as I made clear in the first instance, that I have, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, no responsibility for the establishment of these corporations or for their conduct. I have a general responsibility for capital control, the control of capital issues and the regulation of capital issues, and some of the Questions on the Order Paper did, quite definitely, involve matters within my responsibility. But, in regard to the point which the hon. Gentleman has raised, I think he was perfectly right in saying, as I myself made clear, that I have no re- sponsibility. I did, however, in the first instance, think it proper, as a matter of convenience, to give to the House certain information, and I believe that that is not infrequently done by Ministers.

May I say that the position of the Bank of England is really anomalous, and that in many cases Questions relating to the Bank of England have been put to the Chancellor of the Exchequer? If I might suggest it to you, Mr. Speaker, the fact that the Bank of England is going to play a large part in this proposal does entitle this House to get a certain amount of information with regard to it from the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

In reply to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and in my submission to you, Mr. Speaker, for your further consideration, may I point out that a very difficult constitutional issue is raised because an institution over which the Treasury has a direct control participates in activities for which the Chancellor of the Exchequer denies he is responsible? We have growing up in this country a form of practice which does invalidate effective Parliamentary control over certain aspects of Ministers' activities and it is necessary to bring our constitutional behaviour into conformity with the actual facts of life and to put the responsibility upon the Minister on whom it lies, and not permit him to dodge it, whenever it is convenient for him to conceal what he has done.

May I point out that there has been a case—the case of the Unemployment Assistance Board and a number of other boards set up by this House—in which this House has expressly deprived itself of the power of asking questions?

No, that was by Act of Parliament.

I think, from what I have heard, I must have a little time to consider this point. It looks to me to be a matter of scrutinising rigidly Questions put in at the Table.