asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the necessity of securing and maintaining the broad and representative character of the present Provisional Government in Greece, in accordance with the express views and undertakings of His Majesty's Government, he will make a statement on the recent dismissal of prominent members of E.A.M. from academic posts in Athens.

I understand that there have been no dismissals. Four professors of the University of Athens will be examined by a committee of their fellow professors, who will decide whether to place them en disponibilite for actual connection with the recent insurrection. In that case, they will receive their salaries but will remain outside university life until the Government which results from the forthcoming elections, makes a final decision on their case. This procedure is in strict accordance with Article 7 of the Varkiza Agreement concerning, the purge of the Civil Service.

Is it not the case that two of these professors—Svolos and Angelopoulos—are men of high integrity, who could not possibly have been associated with any of the worse features of the recent disturbances, and will my right hon. Friend continue to press for the observance of the spirit, as well as the letter, of the truce?

I have looked into this matter, and I think that the spirit and the letter have been perfectly observed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that' we are concerned not only that these gentlemen shall receive their pay but that they shall also be able to preach their democratic principles in the universities?

I am bound to say that they did not practise democratic principles when they had the chance.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make available, in the Library of the House, the text of any memorandum from E.A.M. to the Greek Government alleging breaches in the Varkiza Agreement and the text of any reply by the Greek Government; and whether he has any statement to make on the situation.

I understand that a memorandum has been presented by E.A.M. to the Greek Government and the full text is being obtained. When it has been received, I will consider the hon. Member's request that it should be made available in the Library of the House. The memorandum has been discussed at a personal interview between General Plastiras, M. Sophianopoulos, the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs and the E.A.M. leaders. The Greek Government have undertaken to examine all the allegations made and to take action in any cases where they are found to be correct.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will define the difference between a major war criminal within the scope of the Moscow Declaration of 1st November, 1943, and a person with the record and status of Count Grandi.

In the view of His Majesty's Government, the major war criminals referred to in the Moscow Declaration are those who by virtue of their high position have borne a pre-eminent responsibility for actions against the United Nations in violation of the accepted rules of war and of common humanity. With regard to Count Grandi, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave him and the hon. Member for Bridgwater (Mr. Bartlett) on 28th February. If any of the United Nations has information about Grandi which leads them to take a different view, it is open to them to submit it to the War Crimes Commission.

Are not the international crimes of Italian Fascism precisely comparable, except in degree, with those of German Nazism, and is not Count Grandi's position exactly comparable with that of Ribbentrop? I mean as regards complicity in those crimes?

I have said that no member of the United Nations has taken this action. If any wish to do so, it is open to them.

Is it not the position that a war criminal ceases to be a war criminal when he realises that his cause is lost and transfers his allegiance to the other side?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why Syria and the Lebanon have not been invited to the San Francisco Conference, in view of the fact that they are at war with Germany and their independence is recognised by most of the United Nations, including France; and whether he is aware that Saudi Arabia has been invited without declaring war.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that Syria and the Lebanon are recognised as sovereign and independent by all the convening Powers and have declared war on Germany, invitations will be sent to them to be represented at the San Francisco Conference.

The invitations to the San Francisco Conference are being issued by the United States Government on behalf of itself, the Soviet and Chinese Governments and His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. Invitations have been issued to all those States which were United Nations at the time of the Crimea Conference or whose adherence to the United Nations Declaration was accepted by 1st March. The Governments of Syria and the Lebanon declared war on Germany and Japan on 27th February, and their appli- cations to adhere to the United Nations Declaration are at present under consideration in accordance with established procedure. Applications by the two States to be invited to the San Francisco Conference are also under consideration. There is nothing further which I can say at present. The last part of the Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) is inexact, since Saudi Arabia declared herself to be in a state for war with Germany and Japan on 28th February and her adherence to the United Nations Declaration has been formally accepted.

The right hon. Gentleman says that Saudi Arabia declared war on 28th February and that the two States applied on 27th February. Why has Saudi Arabia been accepted, while the other two have not?

I have said that the matter of these two States is under consideration between the inviting Powers. It is obvious that I cannot make a statement now except after consultation with the other Powers. As regards Saudi Arabia, His Majesty's Government felt themselves to be under a special obligation because it was at our suggestion in 1943 that Saudi Arabia did not declare war.

When the matter is being considered, will my right hon. Friend remember that these two States were told by our Ambasador in Cairo that if they supported and joined the Allies they would enjoy all the advantages of free countries which are associated with the United Nations?

I do not know what document my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to. This is a matter which does not concern only His Majesty's Government.

This is an assurance from our Ambassador in Cairo.

Is it not a fact that these two States have been recognised as sovereign and independent by all the great Powers? They are now at war with our enemies, and is there any reason, in justice or in equity, why they should not be invited to the San Francisco Conference?

I have told my hon. and gallant Friend that the matter is being considered. Those invited to the Conference are the United Nations and the associated Powers, with the addition of Saudi Arabia, for the very good reason I have just given.

Has my right hon. Friend good reason to believe that the consultations will be completed in time so that if a favourable decision is reached these two States can attend the Conference?

Yes, Sir; certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what independent States which have declared war on Germany have not been invited to send representatives to the San Francisco Conference and for what reasons.

Italy and certain former European satellites of the Axis have declared war on Germany, but they are not United Nations and have therefore not been invited to the San Francisco Conference. Syria and the Lebanon form a special case which, as I have just explained, is at present under consideration between the inviting Governments.

Will my right hon. Friend take note of the desires of Syria and Lebanon and their interest in this matter?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received any information concerning the scales of salary paid in U.N.R.R.A.

The full report on the establishment of U.N.R.R.A. is, I understand, about to be issued by the administration. If the hon. and gallant Member cares to address an inquiry to the European Regional Office of U.N.R.R.A. about specific points concerning salary scales, I feel sure that he will find them most ready to help him.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that owing to the fact that U.N.R.R.A. can only operate in an ex-occupied area at the invitation of the Government concerned and that U.N.R.R.A. lacks the priorities and material resources needed for the adequate discharge of its functions, this organisa- tion is failing in its task; and will he take steps, in conjunction with the Government of the U.S.A., to rectify this state of affairs.

I cannot agree that it is a weakness in U.N.R.R.A. that an invitation from the Government of a liberated country is required before it can operate in that country. Nor can I agree that U.N.R.R.A. is failing in its responsibilities, which are only now beginning, towards those countries which have invited its assistance. As regards the concern of His Majesty's Government and the Government of the United States that adequate supplies should be available to the liberated countries, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement which was made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State on 14th February.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are thousands of under-nourished people in Western Europe; that they believed that U.N.R.R.A. was created as an international organisation to go to their relief, and that they do not understand why it does not?

My hon. and gallant Friend knows that it is not so simple as that. In the first period, the problem is a military one for the Supreme Command, and, unfortunately, even the creation of an organisation cannot, by itself, solve our shipping and other problems. I wish it could.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say if the British Government have applied to U.N.R.R.A. on behalf of Burma, or whether Burma has applied to U.N.R.R.A.?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put that question down. I do not know.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he can make a statement on the present political situation in Rumania;

(2) how many British newspaper correspondents there are in Rumania; and whether he has received any complaints about difficulties in the communication of news from that country.

A new Government assumed office in Rumania on 6th March headed by Doctor Groza, leader of a party known as the Ploughman's Front. The new Government is composed of 12 representatives of the National Democratic Front which is a coalition of Social Democrats, Communists and Ploughman's Front with the addition of four non-Party members. The Soviet Government have informed His Majesty's Government that a change of government in Rumania had become necessary, owing to the fact that the Government of General Radescu had been found incapable of maintaining order in the country, which is a back area of the Red Army, and had taken inadequate measures to curb the activities of pro-Hitler and pro-Fascist elements in Rumania. The Soviet Government felt that this situation could not be tolerated and that it must be ended by the formation of a Government which they felt to be capable of guaranteeing order and of fulfilling the armistice terms. They accordingly sought the agreement of the King of Rumania to the formation of a new Government under Dr. Groza, and this has now been installed.

After the change of Government had taken place General Radescu sought sanctuary with the British political representative in Rumania on the grounds that his life was in danger from his political opponents. As His Majesty's Government have no evidence to show that General Radescu personally has been involved in anti-Allied activities, the British political representative in Bucharest was authorised to give him sanctuary.

As regards the general situation, communications are now passing between the United States Government, the Soviet Government, and ourselves. As regards newspaper correspondents, there are at present three British and two Palestinian correspondents in Rumania. As regards complaints about difficulties of communication, while I have received no complaints, I understand that a very strict censorship is in fact enforced by the Soviet authorities, on the ground that the lines of communication of the Red Army fighting in Hungary run through Rumania, necessitating the adoption of exceptional measures for the maintenance of security.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is considerable interest in Rumania at the present time, particularly in view of the British interests involved; and will he keep this House in touch with developments in that country?

Naturally, I will certainly keep the House informed. At the same time, I think that, in judging this situation, the House should bear in mind that the German armies, on leaving Rumania, no doubt made all the necessary arrangements to maintain contacts with certain elements of the population and to stir up trouble on the Russian lines of communication. I mention that only because it is completely in accordance with normal German practice.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say if the principle of joint responsibility laid down by the Crimea Conference will apply to Rumania as to other liberated countries?

Perhaps my right hon. Friend noticed that I said that there were at present communications passing between the three Governments.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House if any greater freedom has been extended to religious and other communities in Rumania than hitherto obtained in that country?

I have had reports that there has been a greater degree of toleration granted, and, if that is so, it will be warmly welcomed by us. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put a question down next week, so that I can deal with it.

Is it not a peculiar British interest that the communications of the Red Army in its rear should not, in any way, be interfered with during its struggle in the East?

Yes, Sir. It most certainly is, and I think that I brought that out in my answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now prepared to grant Rumania the status of co-belligerent, like Italy, in view of the fact that she has 17 divisions fighting for the Allies and has suffered 100,000 casualties since August, 1944.

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether assurances have been given by the Vatican authorities that in the event of any war criminals taking refuge in that State they will be handed over to the Allies.

The Vatican was included in the approach to neutral States in 1943 to which I referred in reply to a question put by my hon. Friend on 6th December, when I said that the replies received were, broadly speaking, not unsatisfactory. A further inquiry was made of the Vatican on this subject in September last in connection with a certain Press report. The reply of the Vatican authorities showed that there was no foundation for the rumour that asylum had been offered to leading war criminals.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received a request for the recognition of the Albanian Government, set up in Tirana under General Enver Hoxha; and whether it is proposed to invite this government to send a representative to the Conference at San Francisco.

His Majesty's Government have recently received such a request. They consider, however, that the situation in Albania is at present too obscure to justify recognition of the present administration as a Government. The answer to the second part of the Question is "No, Sir."

Do we recognise any authority, de facto, in Albania now?

A British Military Mission is shortly to arrive in Albania which will keep His Majesty's Government informed.

Can my right hon. Friend pronounce the name of the General mentioned in the Question?

I would be too modest to make the attempt.

In view of the obscure position in Albania, would the right hon. Gentleman consider sending a Parliamentary delegation?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether men serving at Gibraltar are entitled to colonial allowance.

Colonial allowance is paid to officers, warrant officers, and flight sergeants serving ashore at Gibraltar. It is not paid to airmen below the rank of flight sergeant.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is very great concern about this among the men; and will he reconsider the position and make it apply to all?

No, Sir, I do not think that is possible. The allowances are paid to compensate those ranks who, by serving abroad, are at most disadvantage in obtaining facilities not supplied at the public expense, things like laundry and so on, and I am bound to say that the allowances are of a very modest nature indeed.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will issue the names of member of the W.A.A.F. who were dropped by parachute over occupied Europe; and state the number of casualties suffered in these operations.

I sympathise with the desire of my hon. and gallant Friend to obtain recognition for members of the W.A.A.F. who have taken part in hazardous operations of this kind. At present, however, the disclosure of names would be open to objection on security grounds as it would tend to jeopardise the safety of patriots who took part in the operations and are now in enemy hands. There are also objections to the publication of casualties sustained in these operations. I regret, therefore, that I cannot give the information asked for.

Can my hon. and gallant Friend tell the House why it is that the Russian Government can give full particulars of the work of partisans behind the lines, whereas we, apparently, can give no particulars of this most gallant exploit?

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman might ask that question of the Russian Government, but I can assure him that we will give out the names as soon as security allows us to do so.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that you cannot ask a question of the Russian Government as there is no Russian Parliament?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that men returning from overseas get 21 days' leave if they have been in the Service for only a few days less than four years, while those who have served for four years or more get 28 days; that this causes dissatisfaction; and whether he will arrange a system which is less rigid.

The length of disembarkation leave for Royal Air Force personnel depends upon the period of continuous service abroad. Men who have served abroad for four years or more receive 28 days' leave. Those who have served for two years or more but less than four years receive 21 days. There are bound to be border-line cases but I am not aware that the rules have given rise to any general dissatisfaction and I see no reason for altering them.

asked the Minister of Works, who are the Opposition Whips to whom Rooms Nos. 21 and 21B in the Palace of Westminster have been allotted.

Room No. 21 is allotted to my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty. Room No. 21B is vacant.

May I ask the hon. Member why the First Lord of the Admiralty has a room which is labelled "Opposition Whips" unless it is in anticipation of the day when he will represent the Co-operative party in this House?

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. It is not labelled "Opposition Whips." Rooms 21A and 21B are those which are labelled "Opposition Whips," but not room 21.

asked the Minister of Works why a room in the Palace of Westminster has been allotted to the Leader of the Opposition, having regard to the fact that this Statutory Office is unfilled at the present time.

As my right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member on the 28th November, 1944, this room is now occupied by my right hon. Friend the Member for Wakefield (Mr. A. Greenwood). The label on the door has been left there in error and will be removed.

Is my hon. Friend aware that I was hoping that Mr. Speaker would authorise the payment of £2,000 a year to the right hon. Gentleman?

I will communicate that to my right hon. Friend.

Will my hon. Friend consider allotting a room to the hon. Member for South Croydon (Sir H. Williams), installing him there and locking the door?

asked the Minister of Works how many persons are employed regularly under his Department in this House for whom no retiring pension is provided, except the old age pension; and whether he will give consideration to more suitable provision for those who render this service.

asked the Minister of Works why no pension is to be paid to Mr. Knight, the liftman to the Ladies' Gallery of the House of Commons, who is to retire shortly after 44 years' service.

One hundred and sixty-three members of industrial grades are at present employed at the Houses of Parliament who are eligible on retirement after 15 years' service for gratuity of one week's pay for every year of service. As regards the last part of Question No. 31 and the particular case of Mr. J. P. Knight, I would refer the hon. Members to the reply which the Financial Secretary to the Treasury gave to a Question by the hon. Member for Abingdon (Sir R. Glyn) yesterday.

Will my hon. Friend see that his Department reconsiders the whole question of pensions in view of the fact that the whole House would wish that those who give their lives in service on these premises should have a more adequate pension when they retire?

I can assure my hon. Friend that this service is one which is appreciated by the whole House. But my Ministry or any other Ministry has no power outside the sanction given by Parliament under the Superannuation Acts, 1834 to 1935.

May I ask my hon. Friend whether the same principle applies to Members of Parliament?

I can only say in this particular instance—and I am sure that everyone would like to appreciate the great services which this man has rendered—that you cannot keep good people down. I understand that Mr. Knight is leaving with a desire to take another job.

Is it not a fact that whatever the Act of Parliament may be, most Acts of Parliament are passed on the initiative of a Government Department, and is it not time that this Department initiated legislation so as to give decent terms of employment to this form of employees?

That is a matter for consideration.

Is the Minister aware that the exclusion of this particular man from pension and the exclusion of many thousands of others for whom the Minister's Department is partly responsible is due to the wholly unjust and arbitrary rule that only 12½ per cent. of this type of work can be established as pensionable however many years are put in; and is it not time that he insisted on the abrogation of this obviously harsh and unjust rule?

We want fair play for our friends.

asked the Minister of Works whether he will inquire into the shortage of materials for housing repairs in Ogmore and Garw urban area where persons are seriously affected by mining subsidence and deterioration of war years.

There should be no shortage of bricks or cement in any part of the country. Unfortunately there is a very heavy demand for the lighter materials (e.g. plasterboards, slates, wallboard and plaster) in London and the other bombed areas, and shortages are occurring elsewhere. An allotment of these materials is made to districts which have not suffered from enemy action, but it is necessarily small. If the hon. Member will let me know the materials which are particularly short in the Ogmore and Garw urban areas, I will have an investigation made.

asked the Minister of Works whether he will give a list of the names of the contractors who have received contracts for the erection of the first 150 temporary houses in Peterborough; and whether local builders were given an opportunity to tender.

Tenders have not yet been invited. Suitable local builders will be included in the lists of firms who are invited to tender.

asked the Minister of Works whether there is any restriction on the use of mobile mechanical cranes being used in house construction; and what is the estimated saving in man-hours in the erection of a normal sized council house if such aid be employed.

No restriction is placed on the use of mobile cranes for house construction, but military demands have created a general scarcity of these machines for civil work. They are not used in the erection of normal types of houses. It is not possible as yet to estimate the saving in man hours which would be achieved.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, in view of the harm done to our relations with the U.S.A. by propaganada to the effect that that British Navy has only been allocated a minor role in Pacific operations and that British ships are inferior to the American Navy in speed and equipment, what steps he is taking to inform the American public of the facts of our naval efforts in these operations.

The operations of the British Pacific Fleet will be covered by British, Dominion and American Press correspondents as well as nine cameramen and still photographers. The task of keeping the American public informed rests with the British Information Service in America for which my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Information is responsible. The Admiralty have arranged to give all possible assistance to the British Information Service.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the British Information Service cannot operate unless they are given information from his Department; and does he not agree that these discreditable rumours would never have -arisen, if adequate publicity had been given to the magnificent work of the British Navy?

I do not agree with that at all. Many of the rumours which have been spread have been denied quite instantaneously and on the spot, by Admiral Fraser and others and by publicity in the Press.

Will the First Lord of the Admiralty make a categorical statement that the British Navy is not to play a minor role in the Pacific?

It has been made quite plain by Admiral Fraser and Admiral Nimitz and I do not propose to add anything to that.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the British Information Service in America has been handicapped very much by shortage of staff, and, in view of the great increase in its labours which the extension of the war in the Pacific will involve, will he consult with the Minister of Information to see whether that staff can be increased?

I am in the closest contact in the matter and the Admiralty are making their own arrangements with the Ministry of Information, and any increase in staff of the British Information Service should be taken up with the Minister.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty in view of the fact that it has been decided that Army officers are to retain on retirement the highest acting or temporary rank held in the present war, provided that the period for which the rank was held was not less than six months, have similar arrangements been made for Naval officers.

This question is under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the acute shortage of labour in Kenya, as a result of which the tea companies are obliged to import labour from the Belgian Congo; and why such action is necessary, in view of the fact, that the Ukamba Reserve is in a poor condition and employment will have to be found for a high proportion of the Wakamba tribe.

There is an acute shortage of labour in Kenya brought about by war demands. The tea companies have recruited 30 workers from the Belgian Congo on contract as an experiment and I understand that further recruitment is under consideration. Large numbers of Wakamba are serving in the Forces or engaged on essential work outside the Reserve and all available able-bodied males in this area are required for the maintenance of the social and economic life of the tribe.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) if he will consider, in consultation with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, the setting up of a small joint expert committee to study the questions resultant from the Congo Basin and other relevant treaties and conventions; to consider their abrogation and to convene an appropriate international conference thereupon at an early practicable date after the cessation of hostilities;

(2) whether, in view of the changed circumstances brought about by the war and the far-reaching social and economic developments contemplated for the African Colonies, he will now consider the advisability of the abrogation of the Congo Basin and other relevant treaties and conventions, the abolition of the African mandates and their replacement by a comprehensive African Charter, to which all appropriate countries will adhere, to ensure general social and economic African betterment for all races and classes.

I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say, in view of the importance of the topic, when he will be able to give the House some information?

No, Sir, I could not. The hon. and gallant Gentleman, of course, must realise that this is not a matter of individual action but of international agreement.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman assure the House that no steps will be taken without adequate consultation with this House; and further, that this Treaty will not be abrogated, unless it can be replaced by a more satisfactory one?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the large number of cases of stramonium poisoning recorded in the East African Colonies; whether both Service and non-Service elements have been affected; to what responsibility is this outbreak to be attributed; and what steps have been taken to prevent the continuance of this occurrence in these territories.

I have seen a report of cases of stramonium poisoning in Kitale, Nanyuki and Tanga, due to the presence of seeds or leaves of this poisonous weed in sacks of meal. But I have no details and am asking the Governments concerned for a report.

May I ask the right hon. and gallant Gentleman whether this disease is not due to the contamination of mixed meals supplied largely to the troops, and will he look at the East African Medical Journal for December last to see how this serious disease can be ended forthwith by giving decent storage space for food?

It is well known that there is danger of poisoning of this kind from the mixture in the meal, but full information has already been given to producers as to how this can be avoided, and I am going to ask the Governors how, in this particular instance, contamination has taken place.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the manufacture of cement in Ceylon is to become a Government monopoly; if it is proposed to raise the import duties on cement; and what will be the estimated percentage increase in the purchase price of cement.

I understand that the Ceylon Government propose to seek expert advice on the technical aspects of the establishment of cement manufacture in the island, and that until the expert's report is available to them no decision will be taken on protective duties or other questions of policy.

Do I understand from that reply that it is not anticipated that the making of cement shall be made a Government monopoly?

I think that all the hon. and gallant Gentleman can understand from the reply is that no decision has been or will be taken until an expert has reported.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is a shortage of cement in Ceylon now?

Yes, there is in many places.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what representations have been made on behalf of the Government of Mauritius to meet the food shortage likely to be caused by the drought in Australia; and whether any decision has been reached as to continuing in the island the growing of maize, etc., on parts of the estates hitherto used for the growing of sugar-cane.

I am in constant touch with the Governor about the food position. Present indications are that the Colony's food requirements programmed from Australia will not be affected by the drought there, but if any shortage should arise arrangements will be made for supplies from other sources. I have recently accepted a recommendation from the Governor that the scheme for the compulsory planting on estates of maize, manioc and sweet potatoes should be abandoned, as the increased production hoped for has not materialised, in the interests of sugar of which there is a most urgent need. Production of other vegetables and cereals is still being encouraged.

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider some means whereby the sympathy of this House may be conveyed to the Government of the Netherlands on the present sufferings and privations of the Dutch people; and what further practical steps are being taken by this country to relieve this distress.

Yes, Sir. I am sure that the House would wish me to take this opportunity of expressing the deep concern and sympathy which we all feel for the Dutch people in their present ordeal and our admiration of the magnificent spirit shown by those in the still occupied areas in resisting the repeated efforts of the enemy to exploit their distress.

His Majesty's Government are well aware that expressions of sympathy are of little comfort unless followed by practical help. There is unfortunately little that we can do to bring immediate relief to the occupied areas. We have, however, already facilitated certain relief shipments through the blockade by the International Red Cross Committee and the Swedish Government, and we are urgently considering the possibility of extending such shipments. There has also been put by a considerable stock of essential foodstuffs which will be sent into Western Holland with all possible speed as soon as the Germans are driven out—or fly.

In the liberated areas conditions show signs of improvement. An interim civil import programme to meet the immediate needs of these areas has been prepared by the Netherlands Government and approved by His Majesty's Government, the United States Government and also the organisation known by the letters S.H.A.E.F.—the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Expeditionary Force. Deliveries are already being made against this programme in addition to the regular imports of essential civilian supplies under the military programme.

Finally, I should like to mention what is being done for Dutch children evacuated from the battle areas for whom no suitable accommodation can be found in the confined space of liberated Holland. The Netherlands Government, with our willing co-operation, have worked out a scheme under which successive parties of up to 2,000 children will be brought here on visits of a few months, first in camps and later as the guests of private families. The first thousand have already arrived. This scheme will not only help to restore the health and strength of the undernourished younger generation but also gives us a welcome opportunity of demonstrating our sympathy with the Dutch people in a practical way.

asked the Prime Minister whether the question of British citizenship for members of the Polish fighting Forces will be on the agenda of the forthcoming meeting of British Empire delegates to the San Francisco Conference or by what other means he proposes to bring it to the official cognisance of the various Dominion Governments.

Consultation with the Dominion Governments on this matter is already proceeding through the customary channels.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that that news will give the greatest possible satisfaction to our gallant Allies as, at the present time, the fulfilment of this suggestion of his constitutes in their eyes their only war aim and their only peace hope?

No, Sir, I had in mind—I am glad this point has been raised—in saying this that I know from personal inquiries that there are a certain number of Poles who will be very unhappy and will not adapt themselves to the new conditions which may be established. In that event, this must be regarded as their final security. If everything else fails, here are open the portals of the British Empire.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the resolution sent to him by the council of the county borough of Brighton urging the necessity for appointing a single Minister to co-ordinate the functions of the numerous Government Departments concerned with the restoration and rehabilitation of seaside resorts; and whether, having regard to the manifold difficulties being encountered on account of conflicting decisions by the Departments concerned, he will now give effect to that resolution.

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative and to the second in the negative. I do not propose to appoint a new Minister. In case it may be difficult for Members of the House or of the public to know exactly to which Minister or Department to put a question on this subject, I have arranged with my Noble Friend the Minister of Reconstruction that anyone in such a difficulty shall address himself to him and he will assign to the Minister concerned the duty of dealing with the matter.

Would the Prime Minister say whether Lord Woolton will have the power to make each of the various Departments work in conjunction, having regard to the fact that if you want to get a hotel restarted now, after getting it de-requisitioned by the Service Department, it is necessary to approach the Minister of Labour, the President of the Board of Trade, and the Minister of Food for various permits, and each Department makes its agreement contingent upon the other, so that no progress is made?

While not accepting this description of the workings of a Government characterised by singular efficiency down to the smallest details in every branch, I do not think I will, this afternoon, go further than to advise the persons concerned to write to Lord Woolton.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in his recent discussions with the leaders of the Greek Government, the question of the annexation by Greece of any part of Southern Albania was raised; and what advice he gave the Greek Government on this matter.

No, Sir. The question of Southern Albania was not discussed.

Can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that if the question of the extension of Greece to Southern Albania is raised, he will advise against it?

I think all territorial questions ought to be considered at the Peace Conference and settled there, because no settlement in one part of Europe can effectively be made without relation to the entire map. But there are, as is known, cases which fall outside that category.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that there is doubt about the position of Members of Parliament who are given permission to visit the war fronts overseas in regard to their rights of addressing the troops; and will he make a statement on the procedure to which Members are expected to conform.

I hardly think it necessary for me to suggest how Members of Parliament should comport themselves. I should suppose that a visiting Member of Parliament would only address troops on authorised occasions, and when doing so that he would refrain from taking advantage of the opportunity to further purely party interests or to express contentious views likely to introduce an element of discord among men who are fighting under military discipline, and perhaps likely to be engaged at short notice with the enemy.

May I thank the right hon. Gentleman, because I quite agree with what he has said? I wanted the position cleared up because it has been said that Members of Parliament were not allowed to address troops unless they first submitted the manuscript of what they wanted to say.

As I presume that the Prime Minister has not answered a hypothetical Question, can he say whether permission is now being given to Members of this honourable House to visit the Western Front?

I should have thought that the hon. Gentleman had no need to ask that question.

That is in the past.

Yes, but I know of no reason why facilities given in the past should not steadily broaden out.

I take it that any Members of Parliament getting through the Home Office sieve, and getting near enough to the troops, will be allowed to address them so long as they praise the present order, and do not talk about a new order?

asked the Minister of Production his policy in regard to orders for Russia for war and reconstruction; have orders of any kind been held up or delayed; and is it his intention to facilitate the maximum exchange between the two countries.

The policy of His Majesty's Government since 22nd June, 1941, has been to supply the Russians with everything for which they have asked and which we could provide. The Russian orders which we have been able to undertake have been given the same general status as our own Service needs, and have been held up only when the urgent operational needs of our own Forces have had to be put first. The Government are most anxious, so far as our resources will allow, to give the fullest possible assistance in the reconstruction of Russia, which has suffered so terribly from the war. It is certainly the intention of His Majesty's Government to facilitate a maximum exchange between the two countries.

asked the Minister of Supply on what date the new plastic polythene was perfected; whether it was sent to Duponts of U.S.A. before the U.S.A. entered the war; and whether I G. Farben, Germany, were furnished with the secrets of polythene in accordance with the pre-war arrangements.

Small scale production of polythene began before the war, but continued improvements have since been made. I.C.I. Ltd. inform me that Duponts were furnished with research information and samples over a period before the war and were given detailed manufacturing information in November, 1941, for the purpose of erecting a plant on behalf of the United States Government. T.C.I. also inform me that they have not at any time supplied information concerning polythene to I. G. Farben.

Will the hon. Gentleman now answer the Question? Did Duponts, in accordance with their pre-war arrangements, inform I. G. Farben, of Germany, of this British invention?

Under the agreement between I.C.I. and Duponts all the information furnished by I.C.I. is to be strictly confidential, and for the use of Duponts only. This applies to information furnished on any subject, but having regard to the secrecy of polythene a letter was sent to the chairman of Duponts by Lord McGowan on 17th September, 1941, stressing the importance of keeping secret the uses for which polythene had already proved itself in this country.

May I ask whether Lord McGowan's request to the American company was carried out, and whether we can have a "Yes" or "No" to the question of whether I. G. Farben, of Germany, were informed of this British invention?

I cannot answer for Duponts. We only know that up to date there is no evidence that this material has been used by Germany.

Will it be embarrassing to the hon. Gentleman if I ask him what is polythene?

It is a production from gas, or ethylene, which is used for the purpose of covering high frequency cables, particularly for radiolocation, and has special qualities which make it better than any other form of cable covering.

In view of the great importance of this Question, will my hon. Friend take steps to find out whether Duponts did or did not disclose to I. G. Farben in Germany the details of this process? Will he take steps to find out?

If there is anything I can do I will certainly do it.

asked the Minister of Supply why the large works in the South Wales development area, particulars of which have been given to him, are still held on care and maintenance basis, when they could be used for other purposes.

My right hon. Friend will be glad to consider any alternative proposals for the use of this works which my hon. Friend has in mind.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in response to the increased seasonal demand, he will release the necessary materials for producing a larger quantity of soft drinks.

No, Sir. I regret that the position is the same as it was last year, when my hon. Friend asked me a similar Question.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend recognise that the just claims of manufacturers and consumers for an increased supply of soft drinks should be now adequately met?

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the food committees of Durham Rural and City Councils have decided to resign as a protest against the action of the Ministry in refusing to allow the food executive officer, Miss A. Powley, who had resigned because of ill-health, to withdraw her resignation upon recovery from her illness; and if he will reconsider the case in the light of this serious protest.

I considered this case very fully myself before writing to the chairmen of the food control committees concerned. I do not consider that there is any reason to review the decision about which I then told them. I, however, very much hope that the members of these two committees will continue to assist in the essential work which falls to us together to perform.

Is it not a very serious matter that when these two committees ask for a hearing they cannot get a hearing and a deputation is refused? Can there not be the same sort of hearing as was given to the question of Durham Cathedral?

I did not refuse to meet a deputation. What happened was that the late food executive officer resigned on the ground of continued ill-health, the unsatisfactory premises in which she had to work, the difficulty of controlling staff and the long railway journey from her home. That resignation was accepted. A new food executive officer has been appointed, but if we can find another job for the late food executive officer we shall do so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the president, secretary and others of the Uganda Drivers' Union have been arrested; and whether intimidation is being practised and military Forces still employed in the Protectorate.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information regarding the arrest of the president, secretary and members of the Motor Drivers' Trade Union in Uganda.

The Governor has reported that he has ordered the detention under Uganda Defence Regulation No. 23 of five persons, including the president and secretary of the Motor Drivers' Trade Union, because he has reasonable cause to believe that they had recently been concerned in acts prejudicial to the public safety and that by reason thereof it was necessary to exercise control over them. There is no justification whatever for the suggestion that intimidation is being practised; and the additional military Forces are being progressively withdrawn.

Will the Minister say what precisely are the grounds for these arrests, what acts these men have committed and whether any opportunity will be given for an investigation to be made? Are they detained or imprisoned, and will they have an opportunity of answering any charges made against them?

As I said, they are under detention under the Regulations, and it is not the practice, any more than it is the practice in regard to cases coming under Regulations in this country, to give specific details of the charges which were made.

Were the offences committed such as would have resulted in the general secretary and chairman of the Transport Workers' Union in this country being arrested if they had committed the same offences here?

The hon. Member must realise that these events in Uganda were concerned not only with an industrial dispute, but with a very serious and organised disturbance.

Will these detained people have the right to appeal against their detention?

The normal procedure under these Regulations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what degree of self-government is enjoyed by the Lukiko in Uganda; how it is selected; whether the younger elements are represented; how Ministers are appointed; and whether he is giving consideration to the political difficulties of Uganda.

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement furnishing the information asked for. With regard to the last part of the Question, as I said in the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for St. Pancras (Wing-Commander Grant-Ferris) on 31st January, the Kabaka announced in November his intention of altering the composition of the Lukiko in order to make it more representative in character. I am not at present in a position to add further to that statement.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of War Transport if he will give instructions to the railway officials to pay attention to train connections as in many instances passengers on trains a few minutes late find their connections have gone and this means a long wait for the next one.

I fully appreciate the inconvenience caused to passengers when they miss their connections, and I can assure my hon. Friend that the railways make it a rule to bold connecting trains as long as they reasonably can. But he will understand that the locomotives and rolling-stock of these trains are very often scheduled for further service after their arrival at their destination, and that, if they were too much behind their time, the planned working of the system would be seriously upset. I am writing to my hon. Friend about the special cases to which he has drawn my attention.

Will my hon. Friend communicate with the railway authorities and ask them to pay a little more attention to it, and not to forget that passengers are kept waiting?

I think the railway companies do their best. They must get the best results they can with their limited locomotive and line capacity.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if he is aware of wastage of vegetables on Norfolk farms, due to the lack of railway transport; and will he request the L.N.E.R. to improve the situation.

It has been necessary in recent weeks to send empty railway wagons to the ports in large numbers to move essential war traffic which the Services have urgently required. In consequence, some vegetable growers in mid-Norfolk could not be supplied with the wagons they wanted at their usual stations, and I understand that some cabbages were lost. Things have now improved, but I am grateful to my hon. and gallant Friend for this opportunity of reminding growers that, if they are short of transport, they should consult the Divisional Food Office, who may be able through the machinery of my Department to arrange that it shall be provided either by rail or by road.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if he has considered the report of his officer who investigated the three recent cases of railway locomotive boiler explosions which occurred in this country and resulted in death and injury to the footplatemen; why the recommendation made in the inspector's report, under date of 21st January, 1944, recommending that an improved type of safety lead plug should be fitted with the least delay, had not been so fitted by August last, with the result that another driver and fireman received fatal injuries; and who was responsible for this serious delay.

When the inspecting officer's report on the accident at Honey-bourne was received on 21st January, 1944, immediate steps were taken to secure the production of the improved fusible plugs which he recommended. Unfortunately, not enough of these plugs had been received by the end of August to equip all the smaller engine depots of the London and North-Eastern Railway, and in consequence the engine involved in the accident at Sudbury Hill had not been so equipped. I should add that the primary cause of the accident was the driver's failure to keep sufficient water in the boiler.

Without accepting the serious implication conveyed in the last part of the answer, may I ask whether the railway companies are now providing sufficient safety plugs in order to avoid accidents?

It was not the railway companies. They have to get them from elsewhere. They are now provided for all American locomtives, the British locomotives had them already.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if he is aware of the dangerous condition on a by-pass in Hampshire, the name of which has been communicated to him, and the spur leading thereto caused by tanks; and will he take steps to remedy the situation before a fatal accident takes place.

Yes, Sir, I am aware that this by-pass road is in a dangerous condition, and steps are being taken to remedy the situation as quickly as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if, in view of the importance of the Mersey Tunnel for transport services, he is prepared to take it and its approaches over as a national highway.

I have received no proposals from the authority responsible for the tunnel that it should be taken over as a national highway. In any case, I have at present no powers to add to the number or mileage of the trunk roads. I regret, therefore, that I am unable to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

In view of the valuable work that the tunnel has done for the nation, is it not possible to take into consideration the service that has been rendered on Merseyside and relieve both sides of the disability now imposed on them as a national transport highway?

Questions of broad principle are raised which will have to be considered in a wider context. I have received no proposals from the local authority.

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is a committee sitting?

I must await a request.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will state the number of deputies to regional transport commissioners who have been appointed during the war; how many are part time only; what are their duties whilst the commissioners are themselves functioning; to what extent the cessation of all public inquiries has resulted in a decrease in the work of the regions; and whether he will now consider the determination of all appointments as deputies.

Five full-time and eight part-time Deputy Regional Transport Commissioners have been appointed during the war. Their duties vary from region to region. The Regional Transport Commissioners are an essential and most important part of my Ministry's war-time organisation, and as such they have undertaken many new or extended functions; these have more than offset the decrease of work which has resulted from the temporary cessation of public inquiries.

Does that number include Commissioners appointed in Scotland?

Yes, Sir.

What duties do they perform?

They have been rationing fuel, dealing with haulage organisation, allocating new vehicles among many claimants, dealing with man-power, vehicle repairs and shortage of spare parts, and allocating traffic.