asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, through the agency of the Council of Industry in Scotland, or otherwise, he has taken any steps for the continued full-time use of large factory production in Dumbarton which may otherwise be closing down.

Yes, Sir. I understand from the Council on Industry that they have been in active consultation on this matter, and that arrangements are in train with the Ministry of Aircraft Production for the placing of considerable orders for the production of aluminium houses in Dumbarton. Employment will by this means be provided for a substantial proportion of the workers presently engaged in aircraft manufacture there.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that a shortage of necessary equipment, particularly Gerber machines for the butter fat test, is holding up the expansion of milk recording in many parts of Scotland; and what action he is taking to remedy the position.

Yes, Sir. I am aware of the difficulty which has arisen through the usual makers of Gerber butter fat testing machines being heavily engaged on urgent high priority work for the Forces. The Scottish Milk Records Association and the Department of Agriculture are in touch with the manufacturers and with other firms who might be able to help with a view to expediting production.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the proposal to cut down the Dunottar Woods, in Kincardineshire; what representations he has had on this subject from the county council or the town council of Stonehaven; and what steps he is contemplating to preserve the amenities of these woods.

I have received no representations from the county council or the town council on this matter. I understand, however, that both these authorities are in touch with the owner of the woods. The town council have asked him whether he would be willing to sell the woods so that they may be preserved for the public. The owner is considering the question, and has undertaken not to

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will give the names and dates of the various inquiries, commis-

carry out felling operations pending further discussions.

asked the Minister of Supply what representations he has received against the proposal to cut down the woods of Dunottar, Kincardineshire; and if he proposes to refuse a permit for this purpose, in view of the beauty and high amenity value of these woods.

I understand that the owner of Dunottar woods proposes to fell certain mature trees and representations against the proposal have been received from one member of the public. In consequence, however, of an Order made under the Defence (General) Regulations, 1939, before felling can begin a licence is required from the Ministry of Supply and no application for a licence has yet been received. If such an application is made it will be considered with careful regard to the amenities of the district, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what were the total output of coal, costs of production including wages, and total proceeds from the sale of coal for each of the years 1937 to 1944 in the United Kingdom.

The following is the information:

sions, reports, etc., dealing with the mining industry, and which covered wages, conditions, safety, compensation, etc., from and including, the Sankey Commission.

Particulars of the various publications which were issued prior to November, 1937, are contained in the Catalogue of Publications relating to the Mining, Quarrying and Petroleum Industry, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member, together with a list of publications issued subsequently.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he has any information with regard to the prevention of silicosis by the method used with considerable success in Canada and the U.S.A. involving the inhalation of aluminium powder by coal miners.

Yes, Sir. I am aware of the work which is being done in Canada and the United States of America and these are being considered by the Medical Research Council and by my medical advisers.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if arrangements can be made to improve the distribution of house coal in the Stalybridge district.

I am not aware that there are any special difficulties in connection with the distribution of coal to domestic consumers in the Stalybridge district. The closest liaison exists between my regional officer and the merchants, and I am advised that regular fortnightly meetings are held by the Local Fuel Overseer with the merchants in order to deal with any special problems which may arise. Moreover, if any consumer is suffering hardship because of lack of fuel he should apply to the Local Fuel Overseer for assistance in obtaining delivery. If, however, my hon. and gallant Friend has any special case of difficulty in mind perhaps he will communicate with me.

asked the Minister of Food if he will name the members of the Standing Committee on medical and nutritional problems which has taken the place of other committees advising him on bread questions during the war years; and at what date this replacement took place.

The following officers are at present members of the Standing Committee of the Ministry of Health on Medical and Nutritional Problems. This Committee was set up in the early part of 1941, and has since that date been consulted by my Department on many questions connected with food and health:

STANDING COMMITTEE ON MEDICAL AND NUTRITIONAL PROBLEMS

Members

Ministry of Health.

Sir Wilson Jameson (Chairman).

Mr. P. N. R. Butcher.

Dr. W. A. Lethem.

Dr. H. E. Magee.

Dr. D. M. Taylor.

Ministry of Food.

Sir Jack Drummond, F.R.S., D.Sc, F.I.C.

The Lord Horder, G.C.V.O.

Board of Education.

Dr. J. Alison Glover, C.B.E., M.D., F.R.C.P.

Medical Research Council.

Sir Edward Mellanby, K.C.B., M.A., M.D., F.R.C.P., F.R.S.

Professor S. J. Cowell, M.A., M.D., M.R.C.P.

Dr. B. S. Piatt.

Department of Health for Scotland.

Dr. A. Davidson.

Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Mr. R. G. R. Wall.

Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.

Dr. C. S. Hanes, Ph.D., F.R.I.C, F.R.S.

Ministry of Supply.

Dr. A. J. Amor.

Ministry of Fuel and Power.

Dr. S. W. Fisher.

asked the Minister of Food whether wheat germ supplied to certain commercial firms producing patent foods and patent medicines is derived from any and what source other than home-grown wheat; and is he satisfied that no home-grown wheat is diverted to flour destined for manufacturing purposes in which the valuable nutrient constituents of the wheat germ would be useless and destroyed by the process of manufacture.

Wheat germ supplied to firms preparing certain medical products is extracted from the wheat in the milling of flour for manufacturing purposes. This wheat may consist of home grown or imported wheat. In reply to the second part of my hon. Friend's Question, manufacturing flour from which the germ has been extracted is as far as possible sup- plied for purposes where the processes involved would destroy the nutrients in germ.

asked the Minister of Food which are the proprietary medical products which are now supplied with wheat germ separated from wheat in milling; what proportion of wheat germ thus resulting is supplied to these firms; and by whom is their selection determined.

The medical products for which wheat germ is now supplied are: Bemax, Froment, and C.V.B. and preparations made by Allen and Hanburys, Ltd., Glaxo Laboratories, Ltd., Bickiepegs, Ltd., A. C. Whitehead, and J. & M. Glaskie. The amount of germ provided for these products is less than one per cent. of the total germ contained in the wheat which is milled in this country. As regards the last part of the Question, the selection of these products is determined by my Department, who obtain the necessary medical advice by consultation with the Ministry of Health.

asked the Minister of Food whether at a recent distributive trade conference his attention was called to the advocacy of keeping goods under the counter for special customers; and what attitude he expressed towards this policy.

I am aware of the recent statement made by the President of the National Amalgamated Union of Shop Assistants. My right hon. and gallant Friend considers that a food retailer is justified in doing his best to ensure that unrationed goods in short supply are equitably distributed among his regular customers, and that persons who go from shop to shop with a view to obtaining such goods are not given the opportunity of purchasing an unfair share.

asked the Minister of Food, in view of his policy that this country is to rely on the sugar-beet available, in it during the current year for its supply, if any shortages will be made good by imports from other countries.

Sugar is required by this country not only for the civilian domestic ration, but also for the manufacture of a great many foods, for Service require- ments both in this country and overseas, for catering establishments, for Allied Troops in this country, and other essential needs. Of our total requirements something between 25 per cent. and 30 per cent. is supplied by the home beet sugar industry, and the balance is imported from other countries. Of the available combined Allied supplies, the entire quantities allocated to the United Kingdom are already being imported.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the present price of watercress is three to four times prewar price; why this rise has occurred; and as watercress is largely consumed by many poor families, if he will take steps to abate its retail cost.

I am aware that the present price of watercress is substantially higher than in pre-war years. The increase is attributable to the strong demand at this time of the year for this commodity, of which the supply is both limited and local. The answer to the last part of my hon. Friend's Question is "No, Sir." Price control is impracticable owing to the limited quantity and highly perishable nature of the supplies available.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if any arrangement has been made with the Icelandic Government for representation of British trade interests in Iceland.

His Majesty's Government are represented in Iceland by an officer holding the rank of His Majesty's Minister and Consul-General, an important part of whose duties is to represent British trade interests in that country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to undertake an inquiry into the efficiency of iron and steel production in this country of a similar character to that recently made into coal production.

The Government have, for some time, had under consideration the measures required to secure the efficiency of the iron and steel industry in the post-war period. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply and I have already instituted certain inquiries on the subject, which are not yet complete.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of a shortage of wool in Norfolk shops; and will he make arrangements for further stocks to be available.

Supplies of hand-knitting wool are nowhere plentiful, but I am not aware of any special shortage in Norfolk. Production has been increasing for some months and supplies all over the country should soon improve.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the furniture produced by a group of reputable Scottish manufacturers, that it is at least equal in quality to the furniture produced under the utility scheme and much cheaper in price; and will he take steps to grant facilities for large-scale distribution of this Scottish product.

Forty-six Scottish firms have been designated as makers of utility furniture and are providing a substantial proportion of the present output, which I am glad to say is steadily rising. This furniture has been designed to ensure the maximum economy in the use of materials and labour, and the lowest prices consistent with sound construction and good design. It is generally regarded as very good value for the money. I do not consider that similar furniture could be produced more cheaply, except either by lowering the quality or by cutting wages. But I am always ready to examine suggestions for improvement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what has been the result of his efforts to increase the production of shoes for children; and if, in view of the present war conditions, he will allocate still further supplies of leather for civilian use, especially for children's shoes.

Production in 1943 was 12 per cent. greater than in 1942 and rose by a further 5 per cent. last year. I am most anxious to increase the production of civilian footwear, and am in constant touch with my right hon. Friends the Minister of Labour and the Minister of Production regarding the allocation of labour and leather for this purpose.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Victor Cecil Burgess and Edgar Frederick Boismaison, carrying on business under the firm name of Corporate Utilities, in Whitchurch Lane, Edgware, are in fact selling books without having a licence to do so; and what steps he is taking in the matter.

I am having this case investigated.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many licences have been issued, under the Location of Retail Businesses Order, in the Manchester City area to individual traders; and how many applications for such licences have been refused up to date.

Between 1st January, 1942, when the Location of Retail Businesses Order came into force, and the 31st March last, 786 licences were granted to individual traders in the Manchester City area and 241 applications were refused.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will introduce legislation to prevent the circulation of pamphlets implying that vaccination is likely to result in the death of newly-born infants, especially in view of the pain caused to mothers of recently-born children by pamphlets such as those in the form of a death certificate of a five-months-old baby, the misleading nature of their contents, and the shortage of paper.

No, Sir. Much as my right hon. Friend deplores the activities to which my hon. Friend refers, and the mischief and pain which they cause, he is not satisfied that they afford ground for interfering with the free expression of opinion in this matter. He thinks that parents are usually wise enough to be guided by the advice of their own doctors.

asked the Minister of Works, in regard to a contract for the supply of night-shirts and pyjamas entered into with Messrs. Hodgkinson, Limited, and Messrs. J. B., Limited, why his Department are refusing to pay for a large quantity of such goods for which formal acknowledgments have been given; and whether he will cause an investigation to be made into the matter.

These goods were purchased by the Ministry of Works for the Ministry of Health mostly for Emergency Medical Service hospitals. All sums which have been claimed by Messrs. Hodgkinson under their contract with the Ministry have been paid. No contract has been placed, by the Ministry with Messrs. J.B., Ltd.

asked the Minister of Health what he proposes to do with the camps now administered by Camp Corporations, Limited; what is the valuation of these camps; what moneys have been received; and in what manner have such receipts been applied.

Since their completion, the camps administered by the National Camps Corporation, with two exceptions, have been occupied by local education authorities of vulnerable areas for occupation by school children, together with the necessary teachers and staff, and they continue to be so used. The value of the camps, which includes sites, buildings and equipment less depreciation, as shown in the Corporation's balance sheet was £1,048,529, as at 31st March, 1944. The Corporation is a non-profit-making undertaking, and the charges for the use of the camps are adjusted to cover the expenditure of the Corporation. The revenue for the year ended 31st March, 1944, amounted to £466,230 and, apart from a small balance, this was expended on working and administration expenses, payment of interest on redeemable advances, provision for depreciation and taxation.

asked the Minister of Education what are the terms under which the children's camp at Linton, Grassington, has been transferred to the Bradford Education Authority; and whether the camp will be under the authority of the head master or under dual control.

The camp in question is let to the Bradford Local Education Authority by the National Camps Corporation at an inclusive charge per child to cover the cost of food and all other services provided by the Corporation. The educational arrangements for the parties of children attending the camp are under the control of the teacher placed in charge by the Bradford Local Education Authority; and the catering, provision of domestic services and the upkeep of the camp buildings are under the management of the National Camps Corporation.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that the Women's School of Medicine is unable to receive students selected for admission from next October; and whether, in view of this check to the entry of women to the medical profession and the damage done in the past year to certain hospitals, he will give priority to the repairs required to meet the position of women students.

I am fully aware of the importance of enabling this and other educational institutions to resume their work in full. Unfortunately several similar institutions in London have also suffered considerable damage and sufficient labour cannot be made available to deal with all of them at present. I am in consultation with the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Committee as to how the limited building resources which can be made available can best be allocated and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as a decision is reached. In reaching this decision, due weight will be given to the importance of the work of the Women's School of Medicine.

asked the Minister of Works whether he will make arrangements whereby villages in rural areas can purchase unused Army huts in their immediate locality for re-erection as village halls and social centres.

Applications of this nature should be addressed to the Ministry of Works. Surplus huts will be made available whenever possible, in agreement with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education, who is responsible for recommending sales for this particular purpose.

asked the Minister of Works whether, to save the public unnecessary correspondence, he will publish the list of hotels still requisitioned by the Government in the different Eastern and Southern seaside resorts.

I doubt whether my hon. Friend's suggestion would be a satisfactory substitute for the usual advertisements by hotel owners. It would be preferable, I suggest, for tourist agencies and the publicity departments of seaside resorts to publish periodically the list of hotel accommodation likely to be available.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the number of Stateless persons in this country and in Europe generally, and of persons in Germany and elsewhere heretofore, denied the same legal and civil rights accorded to other persons, he would propose on behalf of His Majesty's Government an international convention to implement the principle of legal and civil equality in all civilised countries?

His Majesty's Government are, of course, anxious to see that the problem of Statelessness is reduced to the smallest possible proportions and that discriminatory legislation of the type to which my hon. Friend refers is removed. Practical measures for this purpose are already being carefully considered.

asked the Secretary of State for War the length of release and the conditions, particularly with regard to retention of acting or temporary rank and reinstatement in former appointments which will apply to recognised political agents who are temporarily released from the Army for the General Election.

Political agents will be released under the conditions described by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service in his reply to my right hon. Friend the Member for Chorley (Sir D. Hacking) on 1st February, for whatever period is necessary to complete arrangements for the General Election. The normal rules regarding relinquishment of rank upon relegation to the Reserve or to unemployment will apply, viz., acting or temporary rank will be relinquished and will be re-granted after recall only on posting to an appropriate appointment. The number of vacancies for such appointments will, of course, depend upon current requirements, and I regret that it is not possible to give any guarantee of reinstatement.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there are any facilities for ex-prisoners of war on leave after release to obtain medical treatment when such is required.

Yes, Sir. Instructions on how a soldier on leave may obtain medical treatment are printed on the back of the pass issued to all soldiers, including ex-prisoners of war after their release from captivity, when they are sent on leave.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has any information regarding British prisoners of war who were in camps Oflag 9 A/H and 9 Z, who on Thursday, 22nd March, carrying only coats, blankets and food, were marched eastwards by the Germans; and if he has any information that the American Army, which overran these camps, has overtaken the prisoners and effected their liberation.

Following are the details available. The British prisoners of war formerly in Oflags IX A/H and IX A/Z were marched out of the camps on Thursday, 29th March, taking with them such of their kit as they could carry. The sick had already been evacuated in lorries. They marched east, those from IX A/Z one day ahead of those from IX A/H. A small number of officers from the IX A/Z party who were unfit to travel was left behind at Lengefeld. Here, these officers were joined by the advance party from IX A/H and the group was overtaken by the Allied Forces. The main party from Oflag IX A/H was also recovered in this area and the prisoners from this camp have with few exceptions been released. 120 officers from Oflag IX A/Z have arrived in this country. Moreover, there are grounds for believing that most of the others have been recovered, but this has not yet been confirmed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many S.E.A.C. troops are getting no tobacco and very few cigarettes; and whether he will take steps to see that supplies are adequate.

No, Sir, I am not aware of this, and I should be glad if the hon. Member would send me particulars of the case he has in mind so that it can be fully investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for War the regiments represented by the 183 soldiers who were sentenced to seven years' imprisonment for mutiny at Salerno, in October, 1943; if he will state the cause of the mutiny; and if he has reduced the sentences of these men.

It would not be in the public interest to give the details asked for in the first part of the Question. A party of reinforcements refused to join the units to which they had been ordered. It was impossible at the height of the battle, which was at a most critical stage, to send them to their own specific units or normal formations, and the men concerned refused to obey orders to join the other units where they were urgently needed. Except in two cases where the men were found to have had recent previous sentences of penal servitude the sentences were suspended immediately or within a few weeks in all cases and the soldiers were despatched to 8th Army units as reinforcements.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will afford facilities for the organisation and training of the cadet movement in Monmouthshire.

These facilities already exist. The County Cadet Committee administers five units with a total strength of 170 officers and 1,484 cadets.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether arrangements have now been made by which religious films will be available to chaplains if they desire them; and whether he can state the number of films that have now been made available to chaplains of the Army at home and abroad.

As I said to my hon. Friend on 3rd August last, chaplains are free to hire religious films if they so desire but have not widely exercised this right.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the present arrangements for leave and/or repatriation for British troops serving in the Far East apply to British officers and N.C.O.s seconded to East African units.

Officers and N.C.O.s of the British Army serving with East African Forces are entitled to leave and repatriation under the same rules as other British troops. British officers and N.C.O.s who enlisted locally with East African Forces are entitled to leave in the same way as other British troops, but since their "home establishment" is not in this country they cannot be repatriated to this country. Instead, they are entitled to 61 days' leave which, if they wish, they can spend here.

asked the Minister of Supply if he is aware that his Ministry is supplying the War Department with about 450 Ministry of Works concrete huts for the construction of an Army Camp in Essex, of whose location he has been informed, and that they are being transported by rail and road from places as far away as Scotland and Yorkshire, though enough components for at least 50 exactly similar huts, which are stored at a location of which he has also been informed within seven miles of the camp, are not scheduled to be used; and what is the reason for this waste of public funds and transport facilities.

I have been asked to reply. Normally orders are placed by the War Office on the Ministry of Works for this type of hut and the Ministry delivers them direct to the required site. It is inevitable, however, that from time to time surplus huts are acquired, which are then stored against future requirements, In the present instance it was decided to use up stocks of huts which had accumulated in certain depots in Northern Command rather than place fresh orders on the Ministry, 100 of these huts were despatched from Northern Command. None were ordered from Scotland. Meanwhile a new hutting project produced a demand for the same type of hut in Northern Command. The transfer of huts was therefore immediately stopped and an order placed with the Ministry of Works. Part of this demand will no doubt be met from the source indicated in the Question.

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements are made for the immediate feeding of the Dutch people who have been on the border line of starvation for a long time and who should therefore have priority.

The combined United States-United Kingdom military authorities have made arrangements for the introduction of relief supplies into occupied Holland and their distribution there at the earlest possible moment after liberation. Stocks have been accumudated both on the Continent and in this country and arrangements made to provide special foods and medical attention for the more serious cases of malnutrition. In all these matters the combined military authorities have worked in the closest collaboration with the Netherlands Government.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, having regard to the shortage of man-power in the Criminal Investigation Department, he will take steps, at the cessation of hostilities in Europe, to release police officers now serving in the Special Investigations Branch.

I regret that no undertaking can be given to release any or all of these men earlier than their ordinary turn.

asked the Minister of Labour under which of the two categories of demobilisation police officers who are now serving in the Special Investigations Branch of the Armed Forces have been included.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. and learned Member for Ilford (Mr. G. Hutchinson) on 7th December last.

asked the Secretary of State for India how many cases of, and deaths from, smallpox have been recorded in Calcutta in 1941, 1942, 1943 and 1944, respectively; and whether he will supply similar information in regard to cholera.

I am asking the Government of India for the information desired by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for India how many deaths from smallpox were recorded in British Indian in 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942 and 1943, respectively; and whether the Public Health Commissioners with the Government of India receives any information about smallpox in the Indian State; and if so, whether he will publish the figures for recent years.

Smallpox deaths in British India in 1938 and 1939 totalled 38,844 and 48,104 respectively. I have no complete figures for the subsequent years and am asking the Government of India whether they can supply them. I am also consulting them as to the extent of the statistical information available to their Public Health Commissioner regarding smallpox in the Indian States and as to the suggestion in the last part of the Question.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the figures and percentage, men and women, of unemployment in the proposed Development Areas, separately, named in the First Schedule to the Distribution of Industry Bill, for the years 1934 to 1939, with comparative figures for the areas covered by the Wigan, St. Helens, and Bolton employment exchanges.

As arranged with my hon. Friend, a modified statement has been furnished by letter.

asked the Minister of Labour whether soldiers transferred to Class W of the Army Reserve to enable them to serve with the N.F.S. and recalled to the Army at the expiration of their period of release will be allowed to count the period spent in the N.F.S. as service for demobilisation.

Yes, Sir. Their period in the Fire Service whilst on the Reserve will count as war service for the purpose of release from the Armed Forces after the defeat of Germany.

asked the Minister of Labour to what classes of persons he has applied the provisions of holidays with Pay.

Full details of collective agreements and Statutory Orders as to payment of wages for holidays were published in the "Ministry of Labour Gazette" for September, 1944. It is known that in addition holidays with pay are given in many individual cases as a matter of voluntary arrangement.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the number of appeals made to the Appellate Tribunal against decisions of the Fulham and the South-Eastern Local Tribunals for conscientious objectors, respectively; and the percentage of each that were varied by the Appellate Tribunal in favour of the appellant.

I regret that the information for which my hon. Friend asks is not available.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if he will reconsider the instructions issued to the railway companies by which they cannot accept the return of empty casks, drums, jars, etc., with the result that the breweries are unable, through lack of packages, to attain their output quota.

No such instructions have been issued to the railway companies. On the contrary, the importance of ensuring that empties are returned to the senders is fully appreciated, and instructions are in force that the same priority should be given to the empty containers as to the commodities for which they are used. During periods of exceptional congestion, however, it is necessary for the railway companies to impose temporary restrictions on the acceptance of all but high priority traffic, and, when this happens other traffic, including empty containers, is necessarily delayed. Machinery exists between my Department and the Ministry of Food for securing movement and in any particular case where output of beer is endangered representations should be made to the Divisional Food Officer.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport when he hopes to reinstitute refreshment buffets on trains operating between King's Cross and Hull.

I regret that I am unable at present to say when it may be possible to restore restaurant and buffet cars on long-distance trains.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether local fuel advisory committees now have any functions to perform.

As provided in the Coal Distribution Order, 1943, the functions of the Local Fuel Overseers' Advisory Committee are to assist the Local Fuel Overseer and to advise on any matters which he may refer to them.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any grants or loans under the various development and welfare Acts have been made to Newfoundland or are under consideration; and whether, with a view to accelerating its social and economic progress, he will arrange to carry out a detailed scientific and expert examination of the territory from every angle, followed by the formulation of a five- or ten-year plan of economic development.

Certain assistance was given to Newfoundland under the Colonial Development Act of 1929, in addition to the grants-in-aid voted up to 1940. But the Colonial Development and Welfare Act of 1940 does not apply to Newfoundland in so far as it relates to new schemes. Since 1940, Newfoundland has in fact acquired a substantial surplus balance, and, as I said in reply to Questions in the House on the 30th January, the Newfoundland Government have available funds for financing any schemes with which progress is likely to be possible in the near future. As I explained on that occasion, my Noble Friend hopes to be able to make a detailed statement later in the year which will cover the question of the reconstruction needs of Newfoundland. It is considered, however, that such further investigations as may be found necessary can best be carried out by means of technical enquiries by experts in each particular field rather than by a single survey of all the Island's varied industries and resources.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that £25,000,000 is the amount spent annually on farming machinery and that the rate of development of the home manufacturers is slow, he will make early arrangements for the home manufacturers to obtain suitable labour in sufficient quantities at the earliest possible date.

Subject to the overriding labour demands for war production everything possible will be done to supply labour for the manufacture of farming machinery as for other products and services essential to the life of the community.

asked the Minister of Labour what are to be the arrangements for granting holidays with pay to mark the conclusion of hostilities with Germany in Government factories and establishments; whether he is aware that reports of the length of holiday to be given in such places is causing uncertainty as regards other establishments in the districts affected where work of extreme importance is being carried out and who have never been informed of the policy of the departments.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the announcement made by my right hon. Friend on 4th April, a copy of which I am sending to him. As regards the second part of the Question the answer is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Labour what arrangements have been made to celebrate, on the part of all workers, the official termination of the war in Europe; and what steps he is taking to ensure that all holidays agreed upon will be holidays with pay for all workers.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the announcement made by my right hon. Friend on 4th April, a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the Government's policy in regard to ex-Servicemen employed in Government-controlled factories who have lost their rights of reinstatement through no fault of their own, as for instance, where their pre-war employers have gone out of business.

The fact that the former employer has gone out of business does not necessarily render reinstatement rights ineffective, as the business may be carried on by some other person who would be liable to reinstate the applicant if that were reasonable and practicable. An ex-Service man who has failed to ob- tain reinstatement will be given every assistance to obtain other employment when his present work ends.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of the inconvenience to the public caused through the shortage of taxicabs, he will consider the increase of the present petrol ration.

I have been asked to reply. As I stated in reply to a similar Question on 13th March, I am anxious to permit relaxations, such as those suggested, in the petrol rationing scheme as soon as possible, but I regret that the supply position does not yet justify such action.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the fact that there are a number of people who, having lost relatives during the war, prefer to forgo festivities on V Day, he will make arrangements for those whose motor-cars are licensed to obtain a small amount of petrol on this occasion to enable them to take a short drive in the country, seeing that petrol will not be used for business purposes on that day.

I regret that it would not be practicable to arrange for the grant of petrol allowances for use for pleasure purposes on V Day, even if supply and other considerations permitted the use of petrol for such purposes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give consideration to amending the law relating to the taxation of Co-operative societies in connection with profits derived from sales to non-members; and if he will make compulsory the segregation of these profits and make them assessable to taxation.

No, Sir. As I explained in the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke Newington (Sir G. Jones) on 17th October last, since 1933 Co-operative Societies have been taxed on the whole of their profits in the same way as other traders.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that present methods of collecting arrears of Income Tax by the system of Pay-as-you-earn causes hardship to many and especially to such shipyard workers as were previously piece-workers: and if he will take steps to diminish this hardship by spreading the collection of these arrears over a longer period.

Under Pay-as-you-earn the collection of arrears of tax is dealt with by adjusting the employee's code number, and the effect is that the collection of the arrear is spread over a full year. The spreading of the collection of the arrear over a whole year should ordinarily result in its collection without hardship. If, however, the amount of the arrear is so great that its collection even over the period of a year would cause hardship the Tax Office has authority to hold over a suitable part of the arrear. In any such case the taxpayer concerned should represent his case to his local Tax Office.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will arrange for British women married to members of the U.S. Forces and in receipt of marriage allowances, to be able to pay their money cheques direct into the Post Office Savings Bank if they so desire.

No, Sir. Deposits in the Post Office Savings Bank can be made only in sterling. The ordinary allowances issued by the U.S. Authorities to the British wives of members of the U.S. Forces are paid by cheque in U.S. dollars and the Post Office Savings Bank cannot undertake to act as agents in foreign exchange transactions.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, having regard to the additional information now available, he will have further inquiries made regarding the case of Mr. G. E. Bridgewater, of 95, Droitwich Road, Worcester, in connection with his claim for pension.

I am making inquiries in this case and will write to the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent the delay in carrying out important and urgent work in certain branches of his Department is due to the difficulty of obtaining sufficient clerical staff; and what arrangements he is making to transfer redundant clerical staff from other branches of his department where the work is not so urgent, or to obtain staff from other Departments of State, so that the delays may be reduced or avoided.

In order to make the best use of clerical staff available, transfers are constantly taking place within the Board of Trade, in accordance with changing requirements and with the pressure of work on the different sections of the Department. More clerical staff is required, in view of the increasing responsibilities of the Board of Trade; and I am glad to say that, though there is considerable difficulty in recruitment at the present time, some additional staff is being obtained, both on transfer from other Government Departments and from outside.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any information as to the capture of 41 U-boats by the Russians when they captured Danzig; whether these boats were fit for use or whether they were in an incomplete stage; and what is going to be done with them.

Marshal Stalin's Order of the Day dated 30th March announced the capture of 45 U-Boats at Danzig and a subsequent Soviet announcement stated that eight of the captured U-Boats were large. A request has been addressed to the Soviet authorities for further details. I have no information as yet about the last part of the Question.

asked the Minister of Health the amount of subsidy which will be paid to local authorities for house building; and if not, state when he expects to be in a position to do so.

Discussions are still proceeding with local authority associations on the subject of subsidy, and legislation will be introduced as soon as reliable information is available about the probable level of building costs in the emergency period. Meanwhile my right hon. Friend has informed the local authorities that when legislation is introduced it is his intention to propose that any increased rate of subsidy should extend to houses started with his approval by local authorities before the legislation is passed.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that airmen released from service for work in the aircraft industry were informed, prior to their release, by the terms of a circular issued by the Air Officer i/c Records, R.A.F., that their period of release would count as service towards their current engagement; and whether in these circumstances the period of release will be included in the airmen's service for demobilisation.

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the replies given to his similar Question on 24th January, and to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Stretford (Mr. Etherton) on 21st March, of which I am sending a copy to my hon. and learned Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing what obligations have been accepted in respect of civilian personnel serving the Armed Forces in Europe, India and Burma, respectively, who may be injured by enemy action or accident or contract or aggravate a disease as a result of service, these details to relate to the B.R.C.S., F.A.N.Y., W.V.S. and S.S.A.F.A., respectively.

The position was set out in the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions on 15th March and in the reply he gave my hon. Friend on 12th April.