asked the Secretary of State for War whether members of approved voluntary associations are now allowed to proceed to the area of the B.L.A. if members of the same family are already serving in that area.

I understand that the Commander-in-Chief does not wish to avail himself of the permission to which I referred in the reply I gave my hon. Friend on 23rd January.

Is there any hope that, with the changed war situation, the Commander-in-Chief will relax his ban on wives proceeding to the B.L.A. area?

Yes, Sir; I am quite sure that as soon as the fighting stops the Commander-in-Chief will relax his ban.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether regular officers who have escaped or been released from prisoner-of-war camps and temporarily graded a low medical category as a result of their privations are being delayed in receiving promotion in substantive rank.

In the case of a time promotion, an officer is promoted as soon as he completes the necessary qualifying service, even if he is in low medical category, so long as he is employable; if he is in an unemployable category temporarily, his promotion is held up until he becomes employable, and is then ante-dated. In the case of a promotion by selection (that is to lieutenant-colonel and above) the officer's medical grading cannot be ignored and it may affect his selection.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the repatriation of members of the S.E.A.C. Forces who are in or near the front line is frequently delayed beyond the repatriation period; and whether he will arrange that, as far as is possible, all officers and men in this area shall be sent back to their holding centres after a maximum of three years and six months service in India and Burma, to enable them to be re-equipped and ready to leave immediately their repatriation period is due.

The needs of the fighting fronts are of course paramount, but I have every reason to believe that everything possible is already being done to prevent under or avoidable delay in repatriating men under the Python scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for War what number of days' leave is now granted to a soldier on leave from the Middle East before returning to the Middle East or on transfer to the B.L.A.

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply I gave a number of hon. Members on 10th April.

asked the Secretary if State for War the reasons for retaining men over 40 years of age in the Army at a time when men over 30 years of age are not being called up.

The Army needs all the trained men it has, regardless of their age, and only in exceptional individual cases can any be released until military commitments are reduced.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether he expects that men over 30 will be required for the war against Japan?

I cannot answer that question until events show themselves more clearly. The central fact of this situation is that men called up now will not be available for six months' time, when it is to be hoped that the requirements will be very different from what they are to-day.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the encouragement by his Department and Territorial Associations of the celebration of 13th May as Home Guard Sunday, he will give general authority for all Home Guards on the strength of the Force at stand-down to wear uniforms on that day when attending parades, reunions and services of commemoration.

As the Home Guard has been stood down no general celebrations have been arranged for 13th May. But the force has not been disbanded, and members may therefore attend local services and reunions in uniform.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to keep in a proper state of preservation houses in the Chertsey division of Surrey that have been requisitioned by His Department and are unoccupied.

Four houses have recently been unoccupied in the Chertsey area apart from a block of accommodation which is being progressively occupied by an incoming unit. I understand that one of them has now been released and two occupied. Empty houses are inspected by the local military authorities about once a week, and such maintenance work as is necessary is carried out, provided labour is available.

In view of the fact that these houses are not being kept in a proper state of repair, will my right hon. Friend make a further effort to see that they are placed in a fit condition to be occupied when their proper owners return?

The purport of my answer was that, provided labour is available, we try to keep them up, but in any case when they are de-requisitioned we are under obligation to pay compensation for dilapidations.

In addition to compensation, could we have some priority in having them made fit for occupation? Compensation is not enough.

That—I was going to say, luckily—is not one of my responsibilities.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that compensation, in itself, does not make a house ready for occupation?

Yes, that has been brought to my notice on a number of occasions in the last few months.

What is the right hon. Gentleman going to do about it?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will recommend His Majesty to give first place in the order of precedence to the infantry as a recognition of the outstanding skill, courage and endurance displayed by this branch of the Service; and whether he will direct that in all official documents and correspondence in his Department "infantry" should be spelt with a capital I.

No one in or connected with the Army would wish to belittle the magnificent qualities and services of the infantry, but I think it would be preferable to postpone consideration of questions involving the relative precedence between arms and corps until after the war. Instructions were issued in the War Office in February that when the term "Infantry" is used to denote that specific arm of the Service, it will be spelt with a capital letter.

Whilst thanking my right hon. Friend for that answer, may I ask whether, as the war with Japan will be fought mainly with infantry, it would not be an encouragement if the matter of precedence were gone into before that other campaign is enlarged?

I honestly think—and I hope my hon. and gallant Friend will agree—that it is better to consider these things for the post-war period, and not in the intervening stages between two wars. I do not think—and here again I think I shall command general assent—that the infantry have any idea now that their services and their capacities are belittled.

Would not three capital letters be better than one in this case?

Will my right hon. Friend realise that there will be a good deal of opposition to the suggestion put forward in this question?

I had gathered that, even before my hon. and gallant Friend had reminded me of it.

Will my right hon. Friend consider giving a practical demonstration of the value of the infantry, by seeing that the skilled infantry men get trade pay?

I answered a Question on that very subject only about a fortnight ago. I think it is a matter to be seriously considered in relation to the settlement of the post-war pay system of the Army.

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

Does my right hon. Friend think that anybody in the infantry cares a "twopenny dam" about this precedence?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will, in consultation with the Secretary of State for the Home Department, arrange for exhumation of the body buried at Darwen cemetery and alleged by his Department to be that of the late 3386087 Private Alan Marshall, and for exhumation of the body buried at Tournai Bridge, Belgium, and alleged by some comrades of the late Private Marshall to be his body, and thereby ascertain the correct place of burial and relieve the present distress of the mother.

From the evidence available there is little, if any, doubt that Private Marshall is buried in Darwen cemetery. My hon. and gallant Friend's request is, however, being considered, and I will communicate with him further.

While expressing thanks to my right hon. Friend for the sympathetic manner in which he has met my request, may I ask him whether it is not a fact that a study of the documents shows that far from this matter being established beyond any reasonable doubt a mistake might have been made?

I think it is a balance between "reasonable probability" and "beyond all reasonable doubt." On the evidence as I have read it, I think there is reasonable probability that the facts are as I have stated. If my hon. and gallant Friend asks me to say, "beyond all reasonable doubt," I must reply that I am not prepared to go as far as that, otherwise I would not make any further inquiries.

Is it not a fact that many witnesses in this case are scattered throughout the world, so that it is impossible to instigate the fullest inquiry?

The impression left on my mind from reading the documents is that careful inquiry has been made and that a great deal of testimony has been taken.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will take further steps to improve the delivery of mail to those serving in the Indian theatre of war so as to allay the anxiety felt by parents and relatives at home.

Since the first week in February all letters have been sent to troops in India by air. They take about seven days to reach the unit from this country. I do not think it is very likely that we shall be able to improve on this.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is a considerable body of troops, most of whom have been abroad for more than four years, encamped in a place of which he has been informed; and, as these men appear to be doing very little, why are they not being brought home.

Inquiries are being made, but I shall be very surprised if these troops are not fulfilling some essential purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the widow of the late James Stokes of the Shropshire Light Infantry, who was recently posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross is to receive the yearly grant of £50; and if this soldier's son is eligible for any special grant by reason of his father having won the Victoria Cross.

In an answer he gave my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Lewes (Rear-Admiral Beamish) on 27th February the Prime Minister announced that in future £50 would be credited to the estate of a man to whom the Victoria Cross has been awarded posthumously. This has been done in the case referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent he estimates it will be possible, on the conclusion of hostilities on the Continent or the conquest of Germany, to increase the frequency and extent of leave pending and during progressive demobilisation.

I am anxious not to raise hopes until I am certain that they can be fulfilled. I must, therefore, await events before attempting to give a specific answer to this Question.

Can we take it that when hostilities have actually ceased on the Continent, there will be more frequent leave?

The hon. Member must take it that at present I am not able to make any specific promise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that there is a number of South African war veterans living in a state of impecuniosity; whether all the funds which were collected to provide for the soldiers and sailors and dependants have been exhausted; and, if not, what funds are still in existence.

I have been asked to reply. The money collected by public subscription is now being administered by the various charities to whom it was allocated. But if my hon. Friend will send me particulars of the men to whom his Question refers I will bring them to the notice of the organisations concerned.

Is it possible to state what is the amount still held in these funds?

I would like to have notice of that question. I do not believe it is a matter on which I have any information, but if my hon. Friend will put down a question I will see if I have any.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a very widespread feeling that there is a large sum of money in the hands of certain of these societies which has not been used, and to allay that feeling could he have a statement issued, either by his Department or by the Department responsible, on the subject?

That is a different question. The funds certainly are not officially controlled. Various hon. Members have from time to time raised questions in the House about the number of South African war veterans who are destitute. I have asked them to send particulars of individual cases so that I could investigate them, but I have never received any.

asked the Secretary of State for War why, when on 17th April 500 to 600 German prisoners of war were detrained at a town, of which he has been informed, omnibuses and lorries were provided to drive them to their camp, which is only one mile distant from the station; and whether he is aware of the indignation this has caused in the town.

The prisoners were taken by lorry as it was considered inadvisable to march them through the town at a busy time of the day, but instructions have been issued that transport should not be provided in such circumstances in future.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the district, of which he has been informed, has suffered very severely from enemy damage during the last 12 months? Is he further aware that nothing would have given greater delight to the inhabitants of the anonymous town than to have seen these men marched through the streets to their prison?

There was always a possibility that the delight of the anonymous town referred to might have taken the form of contumely and, under the Geneva Convention, the detaining Power is under obligation to protect prisoners against contumely.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that that could not have happened in the case of my constituents?

asked the Secretary of State for War if in future when German prisoners of war are being moved from one place to another he will arrange for them to march or be conveyed in guards' or other closed vans and not in passenger coaches depriving British travellers of seats and necessitating their standing in the corridors.

No, Sir. If the prisoners are moved by rail, less British troops for guarding and administering the prisoners are needed than if they are marched. It is also more difficult to guard prisoners in vans, and for this, and technical railway reasons, passenger coaches are used.

Does my right hon. Friend think it is satisfactory that women and children should stand in crowded corridors while German prisoners loll luxuriously in seats?

It is extremely easy to make that case, because it has an appeal to popular feeling. I am not an expert railway man, but I am assured that if prisoners are put into closed vans, as my hon. Friend suggests, fewer coaches would be included in the train. This would, therefore, mean that fewer passengers could be carried.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, while retaining the amount of calories in the food given to German prisoners of war and civilian internees which is required by the Geneva Convention, he will see that the rations are composed of food which is least required and least appreciated by the civilian population.

I have nothing at present to add to the reply I gave a number of hon. Members on Tuesday last, except to repeat that non-working prisoners do not get more of the nationally rationed foods than civilians.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make any statement on the conditions at the prison camp at Nordhausen in Germany.

So far as I am aware no prisoners from the British Commonwealth were detained in this camp.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the rations actually supplied by the Germans to British prisoners of war in the main camps in Germany.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any evidence regarding the observance or otherwise of the Geneva Convention by German military authorities so far as our prisoners of war are concerned; and whether the Protecting Power is still conversant with the conduct of prisoners-of-war camps in Germany.

asked the Secretary of State for War, in order to allay anxiety among relatives of British prisoners of war in Germany, whether he will make a statement respecting their general condition and treatment; what percentage of liberated prisoners of war complain of ill-treatment; whether the food situation and conditions have greatly deteriorated in recent weeks; and whether records are being compiled both of the harsh and brutal and of the humane and considerate German officials in charge of British prisoners.

All ex-prisoners on reaching this country complete a questionnaire which enables them to give information about the treatment they have received. They are returning in large numbers daily and it will not be possible to collate the information derived from their reports for some time. Numerous representations have had to be made to the Germans during the course of the war about breaches of one or other of the articles of the Geneva Convention. I gave particulars of the food given to our prisoners by the Germans in a reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Reigate (Mr. Touche) on 2nd March. Information received recently suggests that even these rations have been reduced since then. But owing to the disintegration of the German administration and transport system during recent weeks, and the large scale compulsory transfers of our prisoners of war, it is impossible to make any statement of general application at present.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now received reports concerning a deceased soldier named Alexander, of Wentworth Road, Doncaster, a prisoner of war who was shot in the back and killed by a German guard who was sentenced to six months' detention but later released by the Gestapo; and whether he will collect evidence from returned prisoners who are acquainted with the circumstances of this soldier's death and, if evidence of guilt is forthcoming, have the name of the Nazi guard added to the list of war criminals.

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to the case of Sapper A. B. Alexander, who was shot by a German guard at Stalag XXI D in May, 1942. I am circulating a statement about this in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

While I anticipated some of the information which the right hon. Gentleman gave me, may I ask him why he cannot interrogate or interview some of these returned prisoners, who feel infuriated about the way this man met his death?

The hon. Member will find that I have dealt with that in my answer, and if he will read it, and still wants to ask further questions, it will be open to him to do so.

I am anxious to see that those responsible are brought to justice.

Following is the statement:

This case was taken up with the German Government through the Protecting Power. Their reply alleged that Sapper Alexander had attacked a guard, who had shot him while acting in self-defence, and that an inquiry was to be opened. As no report of this inquiry was received a further note was sent to the German Government insisting that a full inquiry should be held into the circumstances of death of Sapper Alexander, at which British witnesses should be present. This note stated that His Majesty's Government reserved all rights in connection with this case.

In the answer the German authorities reiterated their former assertion that the German guard had shot Sapper Alexander whilst acting in self-defence and alleged that the facts were based on the evidence of the guard in question and of British witnesses. No names of any witnesses were, however, given. I have no information that the guard responsible for Sapper Alexander's death was punished for his action. All repatriated prisoners of war are requested on their recovery from captivity to set out the details of any crimes committed against fellow prisoners of war of which they have knowledge, and although I have, as yet, no information concerning the death of Sapper Alexander from these sources, if information is received indicating that he was murdered all possible steps will be taken to find the German guard responsible for this soldier's death, and to bring him to justice.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can give any further information regarding the movement of prisoners-of-war camps in Germany or the liberation of prisoners in these camps.

The Protecting Power has informed us that the German Government state all transfers of prisoners have ceased in areas still under German control. The prisoners have been collected as far as possible in large Stalags and the German Government has asked the International Red Cross Committee and the Protecting Power to send representatives to these camps. When the German military authorities withdrew, these representatives will remain in charge of the camps until the Allies arrive. The advancing Allied Armies continue meanwhile to liberate large numbers of our prisoners. Forty-three thousand prisoners from the British Commonwealth have so far arrived in this country from North-West Europe and further large numbers are likely to have been recovered recently by the Red Army in the neighbourhood of Berlin and Dresden and by the American Armies on their way to Munich and the Austrian frontier.

Has my right hon. Friend any information regarding Oflag VIIB, in Bavaria?

I am certain that I gave some information in regard to that camp a week ago. If my hon. and gallant Friend will refer to that answer, and still wants to ask further questions, perhaps he will be good enough to put them on the Order Paper?

Is it likely that food supplies will reach there by road, in the ordinary way, or will it be necessary to send them by air?

The obligation on the Germans is to leave behind in the camps food for the troops. It may not always happen that way, but I do not imagine that the Germans will disappear from control of the camps long before the Allies are expected to arrive.

Does the first part of the right hon. Gentleman's answer mean that the Government are doing the best possible for our men under the circumstances?

As it was an offer which was accepted by the four main Allied Governments, I think the hon. Member must assume that we think it is the best they can do.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he can make any statement as to progress in the provision of permanent housing in Scotland; and what further progress has been made in the provision of temporary housing.

A total of 36,000 permanent houses have been completed during the war and 3,625 are now under construction. Local authorities generally have been asked to submit proposals for additional houses, and building will now be authorised on an increasing scale as labour becomes available. For this purpose sites have been approved for 102,400 houses and servicing has been completed or is in progress for about 14,000 houses. 34,400 temporary houses have been allocated to local authorities and sites for 18,900 out of the 20,000 forming the 1945 programme have been approved. Sites have been serviced or are being serviced for 4,700; foundation work is in hand for 926; construction, recently begun, is in progress on 36 houses.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will publish a return showing how the rates levied in Scotland in the last two rating years compare with those levied before the war.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is prepared to issue a statement on the subject of rating burdens in Scotland.

I hope to publish at an early date a return showing for each rating authority's area the rates levied in 1938–39, 1943–44 and 1944–45.

When will that be?

In about a fortnight's time.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether all schools in Scotland used for war purposes have now been derequisitioned.

No, Sir. But the priority of release of requisitioned accommodation is being urgently reviewed, in the light of the war situation, and arrangements are now being made for the release of the schools most urgently required for educational purposes.

How many schools in Scotland are still requisitioned?

I think the number of schools in Scotland still wholly occupied for non-educational purposes is 35. There are some that are partly occupied.

asked the Prime Minister if he will give instructions that the Service Departments should give help to counties, cities, boroughs and other local areas in the compilation of rolls of honour.

The records of casualties are not kept by Departments in a form that would enable them to furnish the various local authorities with lists of the fallen who come from their respective areas.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will have warnings broadcast to Germans in pockets in the Channel Islands, in France and in Holland, of the punishment that will be meted out to those of them who deliberately starve or otherwise maltreat British or Allied subjects.

The Germans in the areas concerned are already well aware, as a result of repeated broadcasts, that anyone who deliberately starves or otherwise maltreats British or Allied subjects, will be held personally responsible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the form of his answer and in view of the answer that he gave me recently, make it clear that it applies to maltreatment of anyone, and not merely of Allied subjects?

Certainly.

How long will it be before they are all cleared out of the Channel Islands?

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the granting of a ribbon or medal which can be worn to members of His Majesty's Forces who have been awarded the Commander-in-Chief's certificate for good service and devotion to duty.

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that owing to the delay in forming a democratic Government in Poland, many thousands of liberated Polish prisoners, both civil and military, cannot return to Poland without fear of reprisal; and whether he will take steps, in conjunction with the U.S.A. authorities in Germany, to ensure that no liberated Polish prisoners are repatriated against their will.

The large numbers of Polish prisoners liberated by the advance of the Allied Armies are being given shelter and maintenance under the authority of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief at various centres set up for their reception. They will continue to be cared for in this way so long as conditions make it impracticable or undesirable for them to be repatriated or otherwise provided for. The matter is one for inter-Allied discussion, but I cannot conceive that Poles in danger of reprisals would be sent back to Poland against their will. I trust however that the conditions which will be created in Poland as the result of the inevitable further discussion on this subject between the Great Allies will be such that the numbers failing to return to their native land may be very few.

Would it not be desirable that all those who have influence in this country should use it towards the end of getting conditions in Poland and a Government in Poland which would allow most of these people to return?

It is a question of interpretation.

asked the Prime Minister what orders have been issued in relation to the posting of persons in the Services who have been adopted as prospective Parliamentary candidates.

Subject to overriding military objections on operational grounds, bona fide adopted Parliamentary candidates of all parties are being given forthwith an opportunity to return to the United Kingdom as soon as possible for reversion to the Home Establishment. They may then obtain temporary release if they so desire for the purpose of fighting an election. These arrangements also apply to serving M.P.'s who are being informed of their existing rights.

Are we to understand that any scallywag in the Services who calls himself an independent candidate is to be released?

I am glad to see these signs of repentance. I introduced the words "bona fide" because, after all, a man cannot just say, "I wish to come home because I am going to be a candidate." He must have what would be considered reasonable credentials that he is supported in a constituency. That is a matter which will be dealt with, as I hope all our troubles in this sphere will be dealt with, by free discussion between the leaders of the established parties.

Does the right hon. Gentleman accept the epithet of "scallywag" which the hon. Member applied to men in the Services? Does he agree that there are scallywags fighting for the country?

I was not aware that the hon. Member applied it to the people in the Services, who number many millions. He might have been speaking of people who would call themselves independent candidates but who would not have any backing which a reasonable body of men would consider bona fide.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we nominate ourselves?

The expression "bona fide," which is a very reasonable and well-understood expression in these islands, was intended to prevent vast numbers of persons indulging in that particular form of adventure.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that men serving overseas who are anxious to be adopted for a constituency find difficulty whilst they are overseas in making the necessary contacts to secure nomination? Would he consider whether at this stage of the war it is not possible to grant facilities in such cases?

It would not be possible to give a blank cheque to everyone who said he would like to go home to fight a constituency but every effort is being made to give opportunities of contact with constituencies to those who are desired by parties in constituencies, or even by powerful groups in constituencies, to get back in good time not only to fight an election but to make themselves known, which, in country districts with large numbers of villages, is a process requiring a certain amount of time. This, I think, is fair to officers and soldiers—because many soldiers wish to stand as candidates—and also conforms to our general standards.

Is not the position that any man who can produce evidence of a genuine invitation by responsible people can get back?

Yes, certainly, subject to proper weight being assigned to the word "genuine" and the word "responsible."

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in what class of undertakings, other than brickworks, the Treasury has refused to designate a Government Department to deal with applications for advance payments under Subsection (3 b ) of Section 70 of the War Damage Act, 1943.

None, Sir. In the only other case in which the question of designation has arisen, the circumstances pointed clearly to the need for assistance in the public interest.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is yet in a position to indicate what arrangements will be made to implement his promise of 17th February, 1944, regarding temporary Crown servants who have incurred an overlapping tax payment and have lost the tax holiday to which they were entitled to look forward.

I am afraid that I cannot add to the answer which I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Romford (Mr. Parker) on 10th April, when I said that I hoped to make a statement in the near future.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the promised concession to small businesses applies to farmers.

Yes, Sir. The proposed relief will apply in all cases where the Excess Profits Tax standard is less than £12,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will introduce amendments to the Superannuation Acts to ensure that the widows and dependants of civil servants, including the foreign service, are suitably provided for in the event of the death of an officer while serving or after retirement.

My hon. Friend is, I am sure, aware that certain provision is made already under the Superannuation Acts, as set out in the reply I gave to my right hon. Friend the Member for Mitcham (Sir M. Robertson) on 17th April. I had not contemplated any extension of the provision so made apart from changes that may result from the introduction of a comprehensive national insurance scheme.

Is not the Chancellor aware that there have been many distressing cases of very high officials in the Foreign Service, including Ambassadors, leaving their widows in extremely straitened circumstances, and that some of them have had to be subsidised out of the Civil List? Does he regard that as a satisfactory situation?

I do not doubt that distressing cases occur in all walks of life. I am not at all sure they could be averted by any provision it might be possible to make under the Superannuation Acts, but as my hon. Friend knows, there are channels through which representations on this subject can be made. I am always ready to listen.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power (1) if, in order to increase the output of coal and to conserve the assets of British coalmines, he is considering utilising German labour in uneconomic coalmines, in view of the fact that while the Germans would be adequately supplied with food and housing they would not be paid wages, thus making it possible to mine coal without that loss which would be incurred if the normal wages were paid to British miners and at the same time causing no unemployment to British miners;

(2) if consideration is being given to the employment of Germans in British coalmines in order that the supply of coal may be improved.

The further employment of Germans in this country is receiving the consideration of the Government.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many increases in the price of coal have been authorised since the outbreak of war; and what were the actual amounts in each case.

Apart from the increase of 3s. 6d. per ton which operates from to-day the information which the hon. Member requires is contained in the White Paper published on 18th April, regarding the Coal Charges Account (Cmd. 6617), to which I would refer him.

Although the Minister stated the other day that a large amount of this increase is due to wages costs, is it not fairly true and obvious that most of the trouble is caused through bad organisation in the industry?

Cannot the right hon. and gallant Gentleman furnish the information for which my hon. Friend asks without reference to the White Paper? Can he say how many increases in the price of domestic coal have taken place since the beginning of the war?

If I take the trouble of going into the finance of the coal industry in some detail, I think I am entitled to expect hon. Members to look at that information.

Is there any special reason why the Minister dislikes giving information to the House? Why is he afraid to give information if he has it on the paper before him?

Not only am I not afraid to give it, but I have given it in full detail to every hon. Member who wishes to read it and to every newspaper in the country.

If there are five items, why not tell us what they are?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the average pit-head price of coal and the price of coal to domestic consumers in London for the years 1938 and 1945, respectively.

The average pit-head price of Derby Brights, a typical household coal, was approximately 23s. in 1938 and to-day it is 42s. 5d. The average retail price of this coal supplied to domestic consumers in London in 1938 was 51s. 6d. and to-day is 77s. 9d.

Are we to understand that the statement made by the right hon. and gallant Gentleman the other day, when he announced that the increase in the price of coal was attributable to high wages, is accurate? Is not a large part of it attributable, first of all, to defective organisation in the mining industry and to costs other than wages which he has not specified in his announcement?

What I said last week was that the greater part of the increase is due to the increase in wages. In regard to the question of organisation, here again I recommend the hon. Gentleman to look at the Report I published.

What steps is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman taking to reduce the enormous disparity between the pithead price and the price to the consumer?

That is a question that I do not object to. That is part and parcel of the whole question of re-organisation The increase in the retail price is only 50 per cent., which is considerably less than the increase in the pithead price.

Are not these prices in any case largely fictitious, as a large amount of the stuff that is being sold under the name of coal would never formerly have been honoured by that name?

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman indicate to the country that a very large proportion of the price that they pay for the coal does not reach the miner at all but goes to middlemen?

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman repeat the price of coal in London?

77s. 9d.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the number of group production directors now employed by the regional controllers in each region; the annual cost of their salaries and allowances; and if he is satisfied that their appointment has been justified by the results.

As the first part of the answer involves a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. As regards the last part of the Question, my hon. Friend will appreciate that it is not easy, in the circumstances prevailing in wartime, to assess accurately the value of the work of group production directors. I feel, however, that the appointment of expert mining engineers to undertake responsibilities in regard to pits other than their own will be justified by experience.

Following is the information:

The number of group production directors at present employed under my Ministry in the various regions, and the annual cost of their salaries is as follows:

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that 46 villages in the South-West Norfolk Parliamentary Division are without an electricity supply at present and that only 37 of these are provided for in the postwar development schemes of the East Anglian Electric Supply Company; and will he institute an immediate inquiry into the position of electricity supplies in South-West Norfolk with a view to supplying all these 46 villages with electricity in the shortest possible time.

As my hon. Friend will be aware, it has been necessary during the war to restrict electricity development because of the shortages of man-power and material. Such restrictions cannot yet be relaxed. The postwar development schemes of the East Anglian Electric Supply Company will result in supplies being available in 85 of 94 villages and hamlets in that part of my hon. Friend's constituency which is in the area of supply of that Company. Limited supplies are already being given in most of the remaining nine places. In view of these facts I do not consider it necessary to institute any inquiry.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend give any indication how soon after the war these 46 villages may expect to get this supply? Will it be a matter of years or of months?

If my hon. Friend will read the answer, he will find that in the case of 85 out of 94 it will be very shortly after the war. The Company have prepared a very big scheme of development and as soon as they are able to do so, I am sure they will proceed with energy.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether a decision has yet been arrived at regarding the proposal that the full annual petrol entitlement of 600 miles should be granted in one leave period to personnel whose leave in the United Kingdom extends over a period of 28 days or more.

In conjunction with my right hon. Friends, the First Lord of the Admiralty and the Secretaries of State for War and Air, I am considering whether in present circumstances any, and, if so, what modifications can be made in the Active Service Leave Allowance.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what supplies of clothing have been, or are being, sent to liberated countries; what are the means of distribution; and whether extra coupons can be issued under suitable safeguards to relatives in the United Kingdom of British subjects in such liberated countries in order to enable them to send special supplies of clothing direct.

The bulk of the clothing which has so far been sent from this country to liberated areas has been required for distribution by the Allied Commanders during the period of military control. Small quantities of clothing have also been made available to U.N.R.R.A. and to the Governments of certain liberated countries, who are responsible for its distribution. I have recently announced arrangements for the dispatch of parcels, containing clothing and other articles, through the British Red Cross to British subjects in liberated countries, but I regret that I cannot see my way to issue extra coupons for this purpose.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the British Red Cross only distribute parcels to whomever they can get in contact with and to persons whom they think suitable? Would not my right hon. Friend consider again the suggestion in the Question so that persons can send parcels, for instance, to relatives in France who badly need them?

I am anxious to arrange that and to use the Red Cross as the channel for bringing together those individuals. So far, that seems to be the best arrangement.

Will my right hon. Friend make it possible for an individual to send a parcel direct through the Red Cross?

I think that can be done now.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that trade papers are emphasising the pronounced shortage of suit lengths for our own civilians, and are accusing the Board of Trade of causing this shortage by showing sloppy sentiment in supplying suits to liberated countries. Will the right hon. Gentleman challenge or repudiate these statements?

I said in my answer that very small quantities indeed of clothing have been sent abroad under any conditions.

The right hon. Gentleman should see for himself what the trade papers are saying about him.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that a little more of that sloppy sentiment would be appreciated in France and Belgium?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to prevent profiteering in flags and other patriotic emblems likely to be in demand for victory celebrations.

I have had this matter examined by the Central Price Regulation Committee, who are of the opinion, which I share, that it is not possible to devise any really effective and enforceable scheme for controlling these prices.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that grossly excessive prices are already being charged? Is it not possible to check these profiteers from cashing in on patriotic emotion at a moment when the public are least likely to be on their guard?

A lot of little flags will be sold by kerbside vendors, and it is impossible, unless I am to get the whole Army demobilised for employment as inspectors, to deal with them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now allow the importation of cigars from non-sterling countries, in view of the fact that the Treasury are desirous of obtaining the revenue from the large amount of duty which would result from their importation, and are prepared to allow the necessary exchange for that purpose.

No, Sir; and I understand that there is no foundation for the suggestion that the Treasury would be prepared to release foreign exchange for this purpose.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that as recently as last February the Chancellor stated in the House that he would not be opposed to this procedure?

No, Sir; the Chancellor and I have been in touch on this matter, and my hon. Friend has not fully understood what has been said to him from time to time. I would advise him to try smoking a Jamaica cigar.

Will my right hon. Friend also consult the First Lord of the Treasury?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that nearly all the tartan material at present in stock or being made is reserved for export so that no supplies are available for the manufacture of the kilt for Scottish children; and, in view of the economical nature and good wearing quality of this garment, will be take steps to see that adequate stocks of tartan are kept in Scotland for this form of clothing.

No, Sir. It is not the case that tartan materials are reserved for export. Tartan materials can be supplied in many of the utility specifications and also in the non-utility range. If my hon. and gallant Friend will let me have details of any shortage, I shall be glad to look into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the furniture produced by a group of reputable firms in Scotland, equal in quality to the utility furniture and considerably cheaper; and, as it has been produced without lowering the standard of cutting the wages, will he take steps to have the furniture examined with a view to placing this furniture on the market.

I have just received a booklet containing specifications of this furniture and I have referred it to the Committee which advises me on utility furniture.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he proposes to answer the letter of the hon. Member for North Kensington, dated 20th January, in which he conveyed the complaint of one of his constituents regarding the difficulties of obtaining upholstery for the repair of bombed-out persons' furniture.

I have now answered the letter to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. I much regret the inconvenience which this delay has caused him, and I have admonished the official who was responsible.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the complainant in this case was a leading local Communist? Is this treatment of Communists likely to encourage a united Left front?

asked the President of the Board of Trade why a retail licence was granted to Messrs. Willsons, Limited, Eign Street, Hereford, to sell goods in categories 1 and 2 of the Schedule covered by the Location of Retail Business Order, 1942, S.R. & O., No. 1619, when they purchased a shop which had previously sold goods in categories 10 and 11 of the above Order; and if he is aware that great resentment has been felt in the town at the granting of this licence to a new multiple shop selling women's wear when the business previously carried on in the premises purchased was concerned with men's wear.

This company acquired the goodwill of a business which had sold both women's and men's outerwear. They were accordingly quite properly granted a licence by the local price regulation committee covering categories 1 and 2 as well as categories 10 and 11.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the sale of one item of women's clothing was a negligible fraction of the total turnover?

There seems to be a conflict of evidence in this case. The local committee went into it carefully, and I do not think that I could disturb their decision.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the local chamber of commerce are very annoyed and distressed at the granting of this licence?

I regret that, but I am not disposed to revoke the licence.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why his Department has decided to put a stop to all further manufacturing of non-austerity or free cloth; and whether in view of the hardship which such a step will cause to bespoke tailors he will have the decision altered.

My hon. Friend is misinformed. The proportions of utility and non-utility cloths authorised for manufacture have not been varied for about two years and non-utility or "free" cloth is still being made in substantial quantities.

Is my hon. Friend in a position, in view of the widespread anxiety which exists among bespoke tailors lest they should not be able to get sufficient supplies, to give an assurance that, as far as practicable, he will endeavour to meet their reasonable wants?

Certainly, Sir. There has been misunderstanding about this, based upon an inaccurate statement that has gained wide currency. I hope that my answer will correct it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will permit some civilian industry to commence operations on a site in the neighbourhood of Corsham, of which he has been informed.

I understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that sufficient vacancies are likely to be available to absorb the workers released from the Government factory at Corsham, either in Corsham, its neighbourhood or elsewhere.

If this should not prove to be the case, will my right hon. Friend allow some civilian industries to be established there? Otherwise we shall be a new distressed area.

I am not preventing the establishment of any civilian industry there, but I do not think there will be a case for starting up a new industry in this vicinity in view of what I have told my hon. Friend. I shall be glad to watch developments and perhaps my hon. Friend will keep in touch with me.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he has yet been able to give consideration to the case of the manufacturers of transport vehicles with regard to the increased possibility of export trade in such vehicles, if an eight feet maximum width were permitted to replace the present seven feet six inches; and whether, at an early date, he will call a conference of all concerned in order to reach a satisfactory settlement in this matter.

Yes, Sir, I have twice received a deputation of representatives of the manufacturers and operators of transport vehicles, who laid before me the arguments in favour of allowing an increase to eight feet in the width of such vehicles. On both occasions the probable effect of a change to eight feet on the prospects of the export trade in transport vehicles was fully discussed.