asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the effect of opencast coalmining operations upon valuable agricultural land, he will give an assurance that such operations will cease as soon as national security permits.

I propose to consider the winding up of these operations as soon as production from deep mines is sufficient to meet essential requirements, including exports.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the percentage of South Wales and Monmouthshire coalmines in which miners have to walk over one mile from the pit bottom to their working place; and will he give a list of these collieries.

The proportion of mines in South Wales and Monmouthshire employing 30 or more men where miners have to walk over one mile from the pit bottom to the working place is 24·3 per cent., but at some of these mines man-riding facilities are provided for some of such working places. As regards the last part of the Question, it is not the practice to give information relating to individual collieries.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will state the average pithead prices of coal in each year from 1939 to 1945; the approximate tonnage of industrial coal used during 1944; and the approximate total increased cost to industrialists of such fuel compared with pre-war prices.

The average pithead prices of coal and the quantities used by industry in each of the years1939 to 1944 are given in Tables 9 and 10 respectively of the Statistical Digest, 1944 (Cmd. 6639) recently published. The average pithead price for the first quarter of 1945 is not yet available. The cost of coal to industrialists varies considerably according to variations in source, quality and length of haulage, but it is estimated that the total cost of coal used by the iron and steel, engineering and other industries in 1944 was approximately £40,000,000 more than in 1939.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production what arrangements are being made for the release of premises, hotels and private houses occupied by his Ministry or by firms working for him in the town of Malvern.

Most of the premises, hotels and private houses held by my Department at Malvern are occupied by the Telecommunications Research Establishment, whose work has been of vital importance to the success of our air effort in the European theatre. The Establishment has an equally important part to play in the offensive against Japan, and while arrangements are being made to release the Boys' College as soon as alternative accommodation can be provided, it is necessary that the Establishment should remain at Malvern at least until the final conclusion of hostilities. I regret, therefore, that there is little prospect of giving up in the near future any of the hotels, private houses, etc., at present occupied by personnel of the Establishment, but if my hon. Friend has in mind any particular premises that he thinks it is especially desirable to release and will give me a note of them, I will certainly consider whether such release is possible. Certain factory premises at Malvern, held under requisi- tion on behalf of firms working for my Department, will be released within the next few months.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will review the arrangements for his medical advisers investigating the physical condition of disabled Servicemen under review so as to ensure a complete and thorough medical examination before a reduction in their allowance.

A decision to reduce an award of disability pension granted by my Department is taken only after a complete and thorough examination has shown that there has been sufficient improvement in the pensioner's condition to justify such a course. I am satisfied with the existing arrangements, but if my hon. Friend has a particular case in mind in which he feels that pension was reduced without adequate medical examination I will gladly look into it on his furnishing me with particulars.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether it is the intention of the Government to follow the precedent of December, 1918, and move to set up a Select Committee of the House to inquire and report upon the best methods to administer the Pension Acts and Warrants; and what steps are necessary for the removal and prevention of legitimate grievances.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to a Question on 15th May as to the revision of war pensions. I can only add that if the question of setting up a Select Committee is to be considered with full knowledge of the relevant facts, this cannot be done until the war is completely ended.

asked the Minister of Pensions what steps he has taken to increase the pension of Private Rumsby, of Mellis, particulars of which have been sent to him.

I assume from this Question that Mr. Rumsby considers that his condition has deteriorated since he was last medically examined. A further medical board is therefore being arranged and I will inform the hon. Member of the result.

asked the Minister of Production if he can assure the House that we are no longer manufacturing war weapons, such as tanks and aeroplanes, which are useless for employment against Japan, are otherwise no longer required and which use material urgently required for essential peace purposes.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which I circulated in the Official Report on Wednesday, 16th May. I then explained what steps are being taken to accelerate the adjustment of our production of weapons and munitions to the requirements of the war against Japan, bearing in mind the considerations to which my hon. friend refers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will now make an announcement of the Government's long-term policy for agriculture.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now announce the Government's long-term policy on agriculture.

I would refer my hon. Friends to previous statements about long-term agricultural policy, to which my right hon. Friend has at present nothing to add.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost of restoring to retired officers of the Forces such deductions in their retired pay below the basic rates of 1919 as have not been made good, or have only been partially made good under the provisions of the Pensions (Increase) Act of 1944.

The direct extra cost of increasing the rates of retired pay of officers of the Navy, Army and R.A.F. to the rates in force in 1919, after allowing for the increases under the provisions corresponding to the Pensions (Increase) Act of 1944, would be approximately £200,000 per annum. As I explained in the course of the Debate on the Pensions (Increase) Bill, however, it is the Government's view that the pensioned officer should not be given more favourable treatment in this respect than that accorded to Crown servants generally, including officers of the Forces who are still in active employment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider the advisability of making some reduction in the duty on tobacco and tea in the case of gifts made to old age pensioners as part of Victory celebrations.

I have already considered this question on representations made to me, but I regret that I cannot adopt the suggestion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has considered a letter from a soldier, sent to him by the hon. Member for West Fife, in which is presented a complaint about Income Tax; and what steps he proposes to take.

I have received the letter to which the hon. Member refers, and I will communicate with him in due course.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give full accounts of the revenue and expenditure in respect of Scotland since 1921.

No, Sir. Such an account would require the expenditure of an amount of time and labour on research into past history as would not, in my opinion, be justified.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will authorise the payment of war gratuities immediately to all men and women already discharged from the Forces.

As indicated in my statement on 6th February and in the reply which I gave on 20th February to the hon. Member for Swindon (Sir W. Wakefield), the issue of war gratuities will not be made to those who have already been discharged from the Forces until a start has been made with the issue of gratuities to those released in Class A. It should not, however, be very long after that date before it is possible to invite applications from those who have already been discharged.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how soon he expects to invite members of the Forces who have been honourably discharged to apply for their gratuities; and whether he is aware that the delay is defeating the Government's intention that these gratuities should aid the re-settlement of ex-Service officers and men in civil life.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher).

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to pay to the next-of-kin of soldiers killed in action the war gratuity to which the deceased soldier would have been entitled had he lived.

:When an officer or man is killed and dies on service the war gratuity otherwise payable will not be withheld on that account. It will be paid to his legal beneficiary.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his estimate of £1,000,000,000 damage to house property due to enemy action includes claims under Part II of the War Damage Act; and if he is in a postion to give an estimate of the expenditure incurred or likely to be incurred by local authorities in repairing dilapidated properties which, but for the war emergency, would probably have been scheduled for demolition.

I think my hon. and gallant Friend is under some misapprehension. I was careful to state that the figure of £1,000,000,000 which I gave to the House on 9th May was not an estimate but a figure which it would be safe to say the total damage would exceed. It covered damage not merely to houses and their contents, but to all classes of property, including goods of the kind insurable under the three main schemes. No figures are available as to the extent of the expenditure mentioned in the latter part of the Question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to be able to issue a comprehensive statement on the operations of the War Damage Act.

I do not recollect having been asked for such a statement before, but I will bear my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion in mind. In the meantime the War Damage Act, 1943, provides for the laying before Parliament of annual statements of receipts and payments.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an assurance that when the time comes for extensively damaged buildings qualifying for a cost-of-works payment to be repaired, the War Damage Commission will make payments on account as the work proceeds, seeing that otherwise the owner may be unable to satisfy the builder's legitimate insistence on progress payments.

:Payments on account arid instalment payments are already provided for in these cases. Details will be found in Section VI of the War Damage Commission pamphlet ROD.I, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. As there pointed out, more favourable arrangements are possible where the Commission have been consulted in advance of the works.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any statement to make about the present issues of Government securities.

Yes, Sir. In a reply which I gave to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for East Edinburgh (Mr. Pethick-Lawrence) on 31st October, 1944, I explained that it was proposed to give a short rest to issues of the National War Bonds type, and to offer in the meantime 1¾ per cent. Exchequer Bonds 1950. It was contemplated that we should revert to an issue of the National War Bond type in due course. The Exchequer Bonds have now been on sale for about six months and the total subscriptions amount to about £300,000,000. A relatively short security of this type cannot suitably remain on sale much longer, and I propose to discontinue the sale of Exchequer Bonds after Tuesday next, 12th June. On Wednesday, 13th June, and until further notice, a new issue of National War Bonds will be on sale. The rate of interest will be 2½ per cent., payable half-yearly on 15th February and 15th August. The Bonds will be issued at par. They will be repaid at par on 15th August, 1956, at the latest, but the Treasury will have the right to redeem them at par on or after 15th August, 1954, on giving three months' notice. The maximum life of the new Bonds will thus be 11 years 2 months, or some eight months longer than that of the last similar issue. In view of our continuing heavy borrowing programme, I hope that the new issue will be given the same wide measure of support as previous issues of this type.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what arrangements will be made in regard to the use by Members of their travelling vouchers at the Dissolution of this Parliament.

Arrangements have been made which are identical with those in operation at the last Dissolution. The main provision is that a Member may use one voucher for the single journey to his constituency immediately after the Dissolution. Only those Members who are re-elected will be entitled to use further vouchers after the Election. In order that the House may be aware of the full details of the arrangements, I will, with permission, circulate them in the Official Report, and I would ask hon. Members to co-operate with the authorities of the House in securing their observance.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many Poles are now being cared for by British and Allied Forces in Germany and other occupied areas; whether these persons are to be returned to Poland even against their wishes; if not, what immediate action is it proposed to take to relieve the strain now falling on the relief organisation; and whether the Soviet Government has now given leave for British representatives to visit Poland and ascertain the position of the relatives of those Poles now in our hands.

I am informed that the number of Poles accounted for in assembly centres and camps in Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force's zone up to 27th May was at least 700,000. The Prime Minister has already made it clear to the House that these Poles are at present being sheltered and maintained by S.H.A.E.F. and that they will continue to be cared for in this way for as long as conditions make it impracticable or undesirable for them to be repatriated or otherwise provided for. As regards the last part of the Question, it has not yet proved possible to arrange for British official representatives to enter Poland, since His Majesty's Government do not recognise the Polish Provisional Government now functioning there.

asked the Minister of Health whether any compensation will be paid to householders who have received evacuee children for wear and tear as the billeting allowance is totally inadequate for replacement of sheets and furniture or the cost of redecorating and painting.

Compensation for wear and tear was taken into account in determining the scales of billeting allowances for unaccompanied children billeted for board and lodging under the Government Evacuation Scheme. These were last increased in May, 1944, and I regret that my right hon. Friend cannot accept my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion. Where damage not attributable to wear and tear is established, the householder has always been able to claim compensation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland whether any discussions have yet taken place with the Service Department that utilised the Gareloch for the needs of war, with a view to its return as near as possible to its pre-war condition; and what other parts of Scotland have been similarly reviewed.

The future of the port installations provided in the Gareloch for war purposes has already been discussed with the Service and other Departments concerned. My Noble Friend is advised that it will be necessary to continue to use the facilities for the handling of special cargoes for some time to come. The question of utilising the installations to the best advantage in connection with the post-war development of Scotland will be considered in the light of the Report of the Committee on the Clyde Estuary presided over by Lord Cooper.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered a letter sent to him by the hon. Member for West Fife which makes allegations about interference with a public meeting in Perthshire by Polish soldiers; and if he will make inquiries into these allegations and make a statement.

My Noble Friend is informed that at the public meeting to which the hon. Member refers, the chairman sold papers printed in Polish which he had received from the Polish Council of Democratic Unity in London. The literature apparently had a disturbing effect on the Polish members of his audience, who later congregated in a narrow side street. A complaint about their behaviour was made to the police, who are continuing inquiries but have so far obtained no evidence to justify criminal proceedings or corroboration of the chairman's allegation that a Polish soldier laid hands on him and tried to pull his literature from him. English-speaking Poles who were present in the vicinity were warned by the police that action would be taken by them if there was any breach of the law. This warning has been repeated by the Polish military authorities to all troops under their command.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland how many vessels were held over and lying in Aberdeen with fish on board undischarged on Saturday, 2nd June; and what approximate quantity of fish was involved.

The answer to the first part of the Question is one vessel out of 22, and to the second part, 25 tons, which was discharged and marketed on Monday, 4th June.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland how many tuberculin tested and standard licences have been suspended in Wigtownshire in the years 1942, 1943 and 1944; and how these compare with other counties in Scotland.

:The numbers of Tuberculin Tested (including Certified) and Standard Licences revoked or suspended in Wigtownshire during 1942, 1943 and 1944 were 30, 54 and 40 respectively. The number revoked or suspended in all counties in Scotland in 1944 was 106. My Noble Friend regrets that the figures for all counties for 1942 and 1943 are not readily available.

asked the Minister of Supply if he is aware that the Timber Controller in Scotland is still requisitioning timber from woods already seriously denuded; that from a national point of view this is being viewed with alarm and that owners of woods are of opinion that steps should be taken to draw upon the wood supplies of Germany; and if he will take action accordingly and cease requisitioning timber from already denuded woods.

My right hon. Friend is most anxious to curtail at the earliest opportunity the rate at which the woodlands of the country are being felled, but it is necessary for the present to continue to obtain substantial quantities of timber from Scotland and elsewhere in the United Kingdom, in order to meet essential needs, The question of supplies of timber from Germany is being actively pursued, but I am not yet in a position to add anything to the answer given by the Prime Minister to my hon. Friend the Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison) on 27th March last. [Official Report, Vol. 409, No. 55, col. 1310.]

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can now make a statement about recent events at a Polish camp at Findo-Gask, near Perth, where there have been disturbances resulting in deaths by hanging or shooting, and where Polish soldiers who have served in fighting units of the German Army and as guards in Nazi concentration camps are terrorising other Polish soldiers for refusing to participate in military training avowedly designed to fit them for war against the Soviet Union.

:I am informed that some Poles at this Polish camp wished to be discharged from their forces on medical grounds and made trouble when they were not. But I understand that there have been no cases of shooting or hanging. Polish ex-prisoners who have served as guards in Nazi concentration camps are rejected as unsuitable for the Polish Army.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that men in the Territorial Service gave of their leisure time for many years and made many sacrifices before being called up to serve with the Regular Forces; and whether, in these circumstances, he will consider granting a special medal for Territorial service.

We have now a generous range of awards for services during hostilities, and it is not proposed to add to the list by recommending the creation of this further distinction suggested. I should like to take this opportunity of paying a special tribute to those in the Territorial Army who, before September, 1939, fitted themselves in their leisure hours for military service. Officers of the Territorial Army, and other ranks serving on a Territorial attestation, are eligible, after 20 or 12 years' service respectively, for the award of the Territorial Decoration or the Efficiency Medal. War service counts double, and about 300,000 will have become eligible for the latter medal by the end of this year.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the 1939–45 Star will be awarded to bomb disposal units whose work has been exceedingly hazardous and comparable to operational duty.

:I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given by the Prime Minister to-day to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Wycombe (Sir A. Knox).

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that vaccination failed to protect allied military personnel in Egypt against smallpox for even two months and that there is no proof that inoculation protects against typhus, fever, cholera or yellow fever; and if he will, before ratifying the International Sanitary Conventions recently agreed to in Washington, make provision for objectors to vaccination and inoculation and draw the attention of other Governments, who are parties to these Conventions, to the fact that numbers of the people from this country object to such operations.

As regards the first part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War. With regard to the remainder of the Question, as stated in the reply given on 4th May to the hon. Member for Bradford Central (Mr. Leach), the International Sanitary Conventions, 1944, did not require ratification and are already in force.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is prepared to receive a deputation from Stowmarket, Suffolk, to discuss the possibilities of developing the export trade of local factories.

:I think that the best plan would be, at any rate in the first place, for the deputation to which my hon. Friend refers to get into touch with my Regional Controller whose address is New Court, Trinity College, Cambridge.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to state what steps are to be taken by the Welsh tinplate industry to deal with surplus capacity as a preliminary to the modernisation of the industry; and if any scheme has been submitted to him.

I understand that the industry are about to submit to me a final application for the certification of such a scheme under Section 25 of the Finance Act, 1935. From preliminary discussions which have taken place on the subject, I have every expectation of being able to give the Certificate.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the proposed White Paper on assisted migration to the Dominions will be available before the Dissolution of Parliament; and, if not, whether he will circulate in Hansard a brief summary of the present position and of such plans as have so far been formulated.

Consultation with the Dominion Governments is not yet complete, but I hope that it will be possible to issue a statement whether in the form of a White Paper or otherwise before the end of the present Session.

asked the Minister of Labour if, in view of the world shortage of food, he will take special steps to secure the release from the Forces of agricultural workers and those engaged in allied trades.

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour if he has or proposes any scheme for the setting up of training centres for building tradesmen and labourers.

Yes, Sir, A scheme for the training of building trade craftsmen has been fully worked out in consultation with the two sides of the industry, and I am now in process of establishing training centres for the purpose. The training of building trade labourers in centres is not contemplated.

asked the Minister of Food whether there is now available a report on the experiments carried out in 1944 for the dehydration of herring.

Yes, Sir, a copy is being placed in the Library.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware of the continued injustices and anomalies of the 1936 Tithe Act, particularly with regard to the working of the Clauses dealing with remission of excessive tithe; and if he will consider repealing this in the near future.

The answer to both parts of the Question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Health what is the establishment of his nursing division; how many of these appointments are permanent; and whether he has in mind to extend this Department to meet the growing needs of public health nursing activities.

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend's Question relates to the nursing staff employed in my Department and not to the administrative and other staff associated with it. The professional staff wholly engaged on nursing questions comprises one chief nursing officer, two deputy chief nursing officers and 23 nursing officers, of whom three are permanent. In addition there are on the public health side 18 officers with nursing qualifications. Discussions are proceeding as to the future complements.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, where reductions in the temporary staffs of Government Departments are being carried out, preference of retention in temporary service will be given to ex-Servicemen.

I have at present nothing to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on 3rd May.

asked the Minister of Health bow many houses in the Staly-bridge and Hyde constituency are without a piped water supply.

According to my information, which is limited to rural districts, there are nine houses without a piped water supply in the rural district of Tintwistle

asked the Minister of Health if he will take steps to secure that local authorities reserve a proportion of the accommodation which they have power to allot for members of His Majesty's Regular Forces who, through living in barracks or married quarters before the war, can establish no residential qualification on which to base their claim for housing.

Following discussions with the associations of local authorities I intend shortly to issue to local authorities a circular (of which I will send my hon. Friend a copy) which will contain guidance for them on the question of applications for accommodation from ex-Service men who can establish no residential qualification on which to apply for council housing.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will set out in tabular form the establishment and strength of the Metropolitan Police force for each of the years 1930 to 1944.

The information required is as follows:

Establishment and Strength of the Metropolitan Police Force on the 31st December of the years shown.
Year.		Establishment.	Strength.
1930	…	20,274	20,180
1931	…	20,650	20,432
1932	…	20,496	20,200
1933	…	20,102	19,696
1934	…	19,6.59	19,404
1935	…	19,364	19,097
1936	…	19,439	18,805
1937	…	19,436	18,886
1938	…	19,416	18,511
1939	…	19,465	45,370†
1940	…	19,073	32.807†
1941	…	19,768	30,562†
1942	…	19,766	25,385†
1943	…	19,677	20,561†
1944	…	19,662	17,967*
†Includes temporary constables in excess of the establishment.
* Includes temporary constables.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many copies of the White Paper on Buchenwald Camp have been sold or distributed free; and if he will take steps to ensure that this White Paper is available in libraries, information-rooms, etc., at camps and in Service establishments generally.

Sales total some 80,000 copies, and 30,000 have been supplied for distribution free. This Report was given full publicity in the Press, and the national newspapers reproduced it in extenso.

asked the Prime Minister the total number of casualties sustained by men of the Royal Merchant Navy during the period of the European War; and how many of those who were at any time posted as missing or prisoner are still unaccounted for.

The total number of casualties sustained by men of the Merchant Navy serving on British registered ships as reported from 3rd September, 1939, to 30th April, 1945, was 43,582. Of this total 30,589 were fatal casualties, 4,690 were reported missing, 4,215 wounded, and 4,088 interned. 5,994 of those reported missing or interned are still unaccounted for.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many farms are now without a supply of electricity at cheap rates; and when it is expected that a supply will be provided to these farms in the County of Chester, Stalybridge and Hyde division.

:I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available. As regards the second part of the Question, it has been necessary during the war to restrict electricity development because of shortage of man-power and materials and no decision has yet been taken as to when and how far these restrictions can be relaxed.

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements have been made for Maltese members of the Forces who are returned prisoners of war to visit their families in Malta during their six weeks leave prior to being sent to another theatre of war.

Those Maltese ex-prisoners of war who are in Maltese units will be sent back to Malta as a matter of course. Those who are in British units have no such entitlement tout application from them for compassionate leave in Malta will be very sympathetically considered.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether in assessing service for purposes of promotion from the rank of captain to that of major, quartermasters holding regular commissions are allowed to count three years' service during this war as six years' service.

:No, Sir. For promotion to substantive rank war service counts the same as peace service. It was, however, decided in 1942 that, as a wartime measure, quartermasters should be eligible for promotion to war substantive rank of Captain after three years commissioned service on full pay during the war.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to arrange that men suffering from tuberculosis will remain within the Service while being treated.

As my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary said in the course of the Debate on the Adjournment on Thursday last:

"It has been decided, after full consideration, that tuberculosis cases may also continue on Service emoluments for eight months, where men are receiving treatment in civilian or military hospitals."

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, at a recent conference of senior A.E.C. personnel, held in S.E.A.C. to plan the large scheme of education covering the interim period down to final demobilisa- tion, it was reported that one applicant for transfer to work in this scheme had been rejected because he had fought for the Republicans in the Spanish civil war; and whether he will give directions that such evidence of anti-Fascist tendencies shall not be regarded as a disqualification.

I have no information about this, but inquiries are being made.

asked the Secretary of State for War when he proposes to fulfil his promise of 13th March and give the hon. Member for North Kensington the particulars regarding the release of a certain soldier and certain matters concerning the Army Cadet Corps.

:As regards the Army Cadet Force my hon. and gallant Friend asked me to consider the issue of boots and greatcoats to members of the Force and the issue of a shirt, collar and a tie on repayment coupon free to its officers. Pools of greatcoats are at present held by Commands for cadets attending schools of instruction. I understand that owing to the supply position it is not possible to provide shirts, collars and ties for officers on repayment and boots and greatcoats for the Force in general but the suggestion is being re-examined. The application for release from Private Schneider has twice been carefully considered by the Ministry of Labour and the War Office, but in comparison with other applications his is not sufficiently strong to justify his release from the Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to make a further statement on the case of No. 3061355 Lance-Corporal John Norris, 1st Battalion the Royal Scots, who disappeared in India under mysterious circumstances on 1st October, 1943.

I much regret that all the necessary information in this case has not yet been received from India and until it arrives it is not possible to reach a final decision. G.H.Q., India have been asked to expedite their report. The unit concerned is operationally employed under S.E.A.C. and my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that owing to its moves delay was inevitable in dealing with this case.

asked the Secretary of State for War what alterations have been made in the arrangements for the return in the United Kingdom of Q.A.I.M.N.S. officers under the Python Scheme; and why sisters serving with the C.M.F. and due for return under the Python Scheme are being retained until such time as is convenient for them to be spared.

I am not aware that any nursing sisters are being retained in this Command owing to a shortage of replacements. The latest detailed information I have gives the position there at the end of March. Of some 2,000 nursing officers 18 were overdue for Python repatriation. Some, I know, were willing to remain overseas and the others were probably held up by difficulties in transport. I hope they are home now.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is yet in a position to state approximately what percentage of British Army personnel serving overseas have so far applied to have ballot papers sent to them by post at the General Election.

:By 31st May about 27 per cent, of those Army officers and men on the Service Register had applied to vote by post. Three weeks then remained for further applications to be made. A further return on the progress of the scheme is due on 15th June. Those who did not apply to vote by post may, of course, register their vote through any proxies they have appointed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the impossibility of men attached to the No. 1 Platoon, 42nd Field Company, R.E., engaged on road repairs in Austria to send money to their wives because the company had no remittance forms; that application was made for such forms on 2nd April and again on 16th May, but the company was still without such forms; and will he remedy this defect.

These men are supplied with such forms from Italy and I hope they have by now received them. Inquiries are, however, being made.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British soldiers have been killed in Germany since the German surrender in clearing enemy minefields; and whether German troops are being employed on this work.

:One British officer and 33 other ranks have been killed since VE-day in North-West Europe, but the information I have does not show how many of them, if any, were killed in clearing minefields. Disarmed German troops are being used on this work.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Army field post office of the B.L.A. is being used by Mr. Tracy Carter to distribute to electors of the Chichester Division of West Sussex propaganda of the Democratic Party and an appeal for financial help in his candidature for Parliament; and whether similar facilities, provided at the expense of the taxpayers, are available to all Service candidates.

:If my hon. and gallant Friend will send me further particulars I will have inquiries made into this.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether members of the Territorial Army Nursing Service are demobilised on the same basis of age and length of service as personnel in the Army.

:Members of this Service are eligible for release on the same basis as the rest of the Army and every effort will be made to effect their release at the same rate.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will reconsider the policy of refusing to recommend the granting of leave on the ground of business hardship to men serving overseas, especially in the case of small businesses; and whether he is aware that if the present policy is continued it will result in the ruin of many businesses owned by men serving overseas.

Leave or temporary release for business purposes could hitherto only be granted in very exceptional cases, and then only if the maintenance of a business was threatened which was essential in the national interest or if there were in the case other extremely compassionate factors not of a purely business nature. In such cases men abroad were first posted to the Home Establishment at the discretion of the Commander-in-Chief concerned. Whether in course of time some relaxation will become possible in the conditions governing such cases I cannot yet say. But it must be borne in mind that if any appreciable extra numbers are released in this way it can only mean the retention in the Army of men who would otherwise be released under the Release Scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for War what method is adopted in order to provide funds for returned prisoners of war.

:When officers and other rank prisoners of war first come into British hands in Europe they receive an initial advance of £5 in local currency. If repatriation is delayed, weekly advances in local currency are made of approximately £2 10s. a week for officers and £1 for other ranks. Similar arrangements apply in other theatres, but the amounts differ according to local circumstances. Those evacuated through Odessa and those repatriated under the Geneva Convention receive similar advances on board the ship bringing them home. On arrival at a reception camp in the United Kingdom, officers receive an advance of £10, and other ranks of £5· Officers are thereafter left to make their own arrangements. Before being sent on leave, other ranks receive advances, varying according to rank, from £6 to £10, and during leave they receive from their Regimental Paymaster any further pay and ration allowance to which they are entitled. In the meantime the Regimental Paymaster investigates their accounts and informs them of any balance due. The man may then ask for payment within the amount of any credit balance.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement or issue a White Paper regarding the British military occupation of that part of Germany in the zone for which the British Government are responsible, indicating what will be the status and conditions of service of officers and other ranks serving with the military government; if it is intended to make service in Germany attractive enough to retain the most suitable officers; and whether a comprehensive statement similar to that already issued by the U.S. War Department can how be issued.

I think it would be premature to issue a comprehensive statement now before even the Control Commission for Germany has begun to function. But I can say that the status and conditions of service of officers and other ranks serving with the Military Government in the British zone in Germany will be the same as those of any other British officers, staff officers or other ranks serving in the European theatre.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the travel vouchers given to men who have come home from overseas can be made available for first-class carriages to prevent the indignation felt by the men themselves and the travelling public when men, who have served overseas, are turned out of their seats to make room for civilians.

By making the vouchers available for first-class travel these men would in practice become entitled to first-class travel and there is insufficient accommodation for the traffic involved. My hon. Friend suggestion is, therefore, impracticable, quite apart from other objections such as the difficulty in practice of treating men stationed at home in a different way. Special trains and reserved accommodation are provided whenever possible for men returning to this country on leave.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that certain men placed in temporary reserve received £2 10s. in place of a suit and were not granted any allowance and that some of them suffered a period of unemployment before being absorbed into the work to which they were transferred; and whether such men will be entitled to a suit and 56 days' allowance on demobilisation.

:I would refer my right hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Barnsley (Mr. Collindridge) on 13th March and my hon. Friend the Member for Whitehaven, Cumberland (Mr. Anderson) on 17th May, of which I am sending him copies.

asked the Secretary of State for War if field allowance is to be paid to officers for periods which they have spent in prisoners-of-war camps or on the march between one camp and another whilst prisoners of war.

:Prisoners of war have not, so far as I am aware, incurred expenditure of the kind which field allowance is designed to cover, and they are therefore not entitled to the allowance.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether arrangements are being made to permit the use of halls requisitioned by the military for public meetings of candidates at the forthcoming General Election.

Yes, Sir, subject to military requirements.

asked the Secretary of State for War why a mountain regiment, R.A., has, on return from nearly three years' service in Italy, been located in an inaccessible area of the Scottish Highlands; and if he will consider transferring this regiment to a less remote area, such as North Wales or the Lake District, where amenities can be made available.

The best training facilities for this unit are in the Scottish Highlands and so it has been sent there. In addition to their disembarkation leave they will have their normal leave entitlement while they are in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the reason for the issue, by General Scobie just before the end of hostilities in Europe, of a warning that the British military police might be ordered to destroy copies of Greek newspapers and to close their printing offices; what was the form and wording of this warning; and when will the powers therein assumed be relaxed.

This warning was issued on 1st May in a letter from Lieut.-General Scobie to the Greek Under-Secretary for the Press, who transmitted it to the Greek Press. The operative words of it were:

"immediately on the publication of any article or news item likely to prejudice the security of Allied Forces in any theatre of the war, British Military Police will be instructed to confiscate all copies of the offending paper and to seal their presses for a specified period."

The reason for the warning was the publication of a series of articles in the Greek Press. Some of these articles dealt with British operations in Greece during the German occupation and mentioned the names of British officers who were at that date still prisoners in German hands; others mentioned the movements of His Majesty's ships and also of British formations. These articles were therefore quite clearly of a character prejudical to military security in time of war; in addition they might have imperilled the personal safety of the captured British officers. Despite previous protests the Greek Press had continued to issue articles of this type. As a result of this warning the offending articles ceased at once and there was no case of action having to be taken against any paper. As the German war has now ended the problem is unlikely to arise again.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give a comparative table showing the nutritional value of the rations now allowed to German prisoners in this country, German soldiers and civilians, respectively, in areas in Germany in which the British Army is in occupation and British civilians in this country.

:The appended table shows the daily quantities of the various foods now being given to prisoners of war held by the United Kingdom Government as a result of the instructions referred to in the reply I gave my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Isle of Wight (Capt. P. Macdonald) on 29th May and the daily quantities of rationed foods drawn by civilians here. The caloric value of the scale for non-working prisoners is about 2,000 and that for workers is about 2,900. As regards civilians in this country a wide range of foods is either on points or is not rationed in any way, and I understand that a comparable figure cannot be given for them. As regards Germans in Germany, whether civilians or released soldiers, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth (Sir L. Lyle) on 9th May.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has taken note of the resolution signed by war correspondents attached to the Second Army, protesting against the censorship of news about Nazi war criminals and recent events inside Germany; and if, now that the war in Europe has ended, he will initiate a reconsideration of censorship policy with a view to abolishing all restrictions on the transmission and publication of news and comment which are not essential to military security.

Censorship policy in North West Europe is still a matter for the Supreme Commander. He has very recently announced considerable relaxations.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether local German transmitters are to be operated in the zones under Allied control; and whether there is an agreed policy on this matter with the American authorities.

The answer to both parts of the Question is Yes, Sir. The fact that control is at present under S.H.A.E.F. ensures an agreed policy on this matter with the American authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for War what methods of newspaper publication are to be pursued in the British-occupied zones; whether there is to be one paper or a number of local papers; to what extent anti-Nazi Germans will be permitted to take part in this work under Allied control; and whether His Majesty's Government or S.H.A.E.F. will be generally responsible for this work.

Two newspapers are at present produced for the Germans by the Army in the Field. Later, local German firms will be permitted under conditional licenses to publish newspapers in various localities, and individual Germans will be permitted to submit articles and work for these firms. These publications will be subject to the usual censorship regulations. His Majesty's Government, through the British element of the Control Commission when it is established, will be responsible for this work in the British zone.

asked the Secretary of State for War what progress has been made in the restoration of German trade unions in the British-occupied zone; whether adequate facilities are provided for representatives of international trade secretariats to assist in this work; and whether such unions as are being formed in Germany will be allowed early facilities for the publication of union journals to assist in their rapid expansion and the dissemination of democratic ideas and news amongst German workers.

The policy of His Majesty's Government is to do nothing to hinder the formation and orderly activities of free trade unions in Germany, within the limitations imposed by considerations of military security. It is too early to give particulars of the progress being made. The provision of facilities for visits by representatives of international trade union organisations, or for the publication of union journals is at present premature, but these matters can no doubt be considered as soon as the Control Council is established.

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements are made in the British zone of occupied Germany for feeding, clothing and transporting German anti-Nazis released from the concentration camps; and whether there is any discrimination in the treatment and arrangements for them as compared with their colleagues of other nationalities from these camps.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 8th May.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the non-fraternisation order applies to Austria; and what steps he proposes to take effectively to enforce it.

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." Its detailed application is left to the discretion of the local commander, who will interpret the order in the light of the Moscow declaration.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many soldiers whose homes are in Norfolk have been reported as prisoners of war in Japanese hands, and how many are still unaccounted for though believed to be held under similar circumstances.

In view of the considerable time and labour necessary to obtain this information I hope my hon. Friend will not press me for it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the end of the war in Europe and the need for re-establishing democratic forms throughout the whole of Italy, he will take steps to ensure that political leaders who make speeches are not arrested by the Allied Military Government.

Allied Military Government is responsible for the maintenance of order in areas under its control, and I am satisfied that the provision that political meetings in those areas require its prior consent is reasonable and does not conflict with re-establishment of democracy in Italy. I assume my hon. Friend is referring to the arrest of Signor Nenni. He will be aware from the answer I gave the hon. Members for West Leyton (Mr. Sorenson) and Broxtowe (Mr. Cocks) on 30th May that Signor Nenni was arrested because he deliberately disregarded the above provision.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of British prisoners of war who have now been repatriated and the number still awaiting repatriation and their present location.

:Since I gave an answer to a number of hon. Members on 29th May a further 8,500 British Commonwealth prisoners have reached this country, making 164,500 in all, since the beginning of this year. No appreciable groups of prisoners now remain awaiting repatriation in the areas occupied by the British and American Armies. Assurances have now been given by the Soviet authorities that British prisoners in Austria and other southern areas in their occupation will be transferred westwards under arrangements similar to those made with S.H.A.E.F.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has any information as to why our prisoners of war have not yet been released from Luckenwalde; and if he will make inquiries from the Russian Government on this matter.

:I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave a number of hon. Members on 29th May. According to the information received from S.H.A.E.F. all British Commonwealth prisoners of war who were formerly detained in Stalag IIIA, Luckenwalde, have already been transferred to the S.H.A.E.F. zone under the reciprocal agreement made between S.H.A.E.F. and the Soviet High Command for the overland transfer of released prisoners of war and the great majority of these have now been evacuated by air to the United Kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether some 8,000 of our prisoners of war released by the Russians at Stalag IV B on 23rd April have yet arrived home, or what is the cause of the delay.

:As far as I am aware all the prisoners of war formerly in Stalag IV B at Muhlberg have been transferred to the zone of S.H.A.E.F. and most of them have now reached this country. In this connection I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply I gave a number of hon. Members on 29th May.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many French nationals have now been evacuated by Movement Control at Supreme Headquaters and at Headquarters, 21st Army Group; how many more it is estimated there are waiting evacuation; and what expression of appreciation has been received for their services from the French Government.

At the beginning of this month S.H.A.E.F. had repatriated through Service channels some 1,050,000 French Nationals; of this number 190,000 had been transported by 21 Army Group. Only a few thousand, including sick, remain to be returned from areas under S.H.A.E.F.'s control. Public appreciation of the expeditious repatriation of French Nationals by the Allied Armies was voiced on 1st June by the French Minister of Prisoners, Deportees and Refugees at a ceremony in Paris welcoming the millionth Frenchman on his return. In addition notices appeared in the French Press which were unanimous in expressing gratitude for what had been done for French prisoners.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the end of the war in Europe, he will take steps to secure the early repatriation of Italian prisoners to their own country.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the total number of Italian co-operators in this country; if those who wish to return to Italy are allowed to do so; and if he will state the Government's plans for their repatriation.

:There are 118,000 Italian co-operators in this country. The question of their future is under consideration, but of course it must be recognised that the shipping of such large numbers in the near future will be a matter of considerable difficulty.

asked the Secretary of State for War the position of older men who are serving in the West; whether men of 40 years of age are to be sent to the Far East; and what is the maximum age of such men for service in this area of the war.

:I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Prime Minister on 10th April in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson), of which I am sending him a copy.