asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with the present provision of instructors for the Army Cadet Force; and whether he will state the attitude of the Government to the Army Cadet Force including the Army Cadet Force Association, P.S.S.C.A. and the J.T.C., with special reference to their training, equipment and welfare.

:Provision was recently made for the full-time or part-time employment of ex-Service men as administrative assistants or instructors in the Army Cadet Force. This scheme is still in its early stages, but it is expected to provide valuable help. The question of assistance by the Regular Army is also being considered. I have no reason to anticipate any fundamental change of policy in regard to the pre-service cadet organisations, and post-war planning is proceeding in the expectation that they will continue to be maintained, on a voluntary basis, now that the war is over.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that five German women employed in his office by a town major in Germany areallotted a weekly allowance of 50 cigarettes; and, since British troops are unable to obtain sufficient cigarettes for their own needs, will he issue instructions that this practice shall cease.

:No authority exists for any issue of cigarettes to German civilians employed by the military forces. The women referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend may have received cigarettes as a personal gift, but orders have now been issued that any such practice should cease.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the lack of housing accommodation for ex-Service persons in Southend-on-Sea, owing to the number of properties in that borough still under requisition by his Department; and whether he can give a definite undertaking to release these properties before the end of the current year and to return the properties even without repair if the prospective tenants indicate that they are willing themselves to accept the responsibility of restoring the properties.

It is hoped that the majority of the 350 small houses which remain under requisition in Southend-on-Sea will be released by the end of this year. There are also a few large houses still under requisition in the borough: these fall to be dealt with later.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that there are still a substantial number of small and large houses standing empty which are requisitioned by his Department and which are suitable for homes and schools, he will accelerate the process of derequisitioning these, having regard to the urgent need for additional accommodation.

I am well aware of the urgent need for additional accommodation and the process of derequisitioning has already been accelerated. Priority is given to the release of small houses, a fact which may, in some cases, cause delay in the final derequisitioning of larger houses, owing to the limited staff available for both tasks. If the hon. Member will give me details of any large house held by the War Department which is empty and suitable as a school, I will look into the case.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Pay Warrant 1940, as amended by Article 639E, incorporated therein by Special A.O. of 27th March, 1945, provides that increases of remuneration in respect of rank element and retired pay rate granted to officers of the quartermaster class filling appointments not appropriate to that class carrying rank superior to their substantive rank, apply only where the rank concerned is that of major and above; and whether, in view of the hardship thereby caused to officers of the quartermaster class filling appointments of this type carrying captain's rank, he is prepared to consider further amendment of the Pay Warrant.

The normal retired pay rules do not provide any rank element for ranks below major. The amendment referred to is a war-time concession under which acting or temporary rank can count in certain circumstances towards rank element of retired pay, within the limits of the ordinary rules. No hardship is therefore involved. The concession is not restricted to quartermasters.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the stand-down order, as regards the Home Guard, is still in force and no official disbandment has been announced, he proposes to effect official disbandment at the end of 1945; or whether he contemplates keeping a nucleus of the Home Guard on a stand-down basis for a longer period.

I regret that I cannot at the moment add anything to the reply given on 21st August, 1945, to the hon. Member for Newark (Mr. S. Shephard). I will make a statement as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the complaints regarding the detention of Spanish Republicans at the Kirkham Camp; and whether he will take steps to release these men.

asked the Secretary of State for War who was responsible for bringing Spanish citizens who fought on the Republican side in the Spanish civil war to this country as prisoners of war; and why are they still being held in prison camps.

These Spanish nationals were captured as serving members of an enemy para-military organisation and they are correctly held as prisoners of war. The question of their disposal is under urgent consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of Spanish Republicans detained in prisoner-of-war camps in this country; what measure of liberty is allowed to these people; and why they are not now released.

There are now 225 Spanish nationals detained as prisoners of war in the United Kingdom. Their camp has no barbed wire perimeter and they may exercise up to five miles from the camp unescorted. They may talk to members of the public and visit their houses if permitted to do so. They wear green battle-dress but no patches. In answer to the last part of the Question I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to-day to my hon. Friends the Members for Dundee (Mr. Cook) and West Renfrew (Mr. Scollan).

asked the Secretary of State for War when all prohibition on inshore fishing in Rye Bay will be lifted.

I understand the hon. Member refers to the interference to shipping caused by the batteries at Lydd. As already explained to him by my predecessor, this area will be used very rarely in future, and full precautions are taken to prevent danger to shipping.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Private G. T. Hall, T/245854, 14th Company, R.A.S.C, Army Transport Company, C.M.F., left England in June, 1941, and is still awaiting Python leave; and if he will look into this case and arrange for this man to return at once since he has been four years and three months away from home without any leave.

Private Hall arrived in the United Kingdom early in September and has just completed his disembarkation leave.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men in depots repatriated under the Python scheme and awaiting demobilisation receive training for civilian employment; or for what purpose are they being used during this intervening period.

Generally speaking, vocational training is provided by the Ministry of Labour and National Service after release from the Forces. A limited amount is carried out in the Army, where practicable, in consultation with the Ministry of Labour and National Service, but the Army Education Scheme is primarily concerned with general and pre-vocational training. Python personnel awaiting release are posted to normal duties where there is sufficient time to make this worth while. A large number are in holding units, however, and are made available for assistance to agriculture and industry when required for work of national importance. No restrictions have been imposed regarding the time spent on educational training, which is limited only by the facilites and instructors available.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the machinery for getting applications for compassionate release from the Army expeditiously dealt with will be in operation.

I am satisfied that applications for compassionate releases are being dealt with expeditiously. With the relaxation of conditions the number of actual releases has increased rapidly: some 2,400 were authorised during the first three weeks of September. Such delay as occurs is due mainly to the submission of two or three separate applications relating to the same case, or to insufficient information being supplied by the applicant. The quickest method is for the soldier to apply to his Commanding Officer, giving full evidence, and to refrain from using other channels of approach while his case is in progress. The extra applications add to the work and almost always hold up the particular case.

asked the Secretary of State for War the length of overseas tour current now in each of the overseas theatres in which our troops are serving; and when he intends to reduce them.

The current qualifying periods for return to the United Kingdom are three years and four months in India and S.E.A.C. and four years in all other overseas Commands. Unfortunately it has not yet been possible to get the actual tour down to the qualifying period, but every effort is being made to do this. In the Far East the length of the tour is now about three years eight months, in the Middle East four years one month, and still longer in East Africa, where there are additional transport difficulties. At the moment the transport situation is such that we are hard pressed to maintain the existing periods, in conjunction with the very large repatriation commitments under the Release Scheme, and much as I should like to reduce the periods I do not think it would be right to hold out hopes that a reduction is at present practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will take steps to alleviate the disparity in hardships between troops in M.E.F. and troops in B.A.O.R. and home commands in respect of length of unbroken service abroad and facilities for home leave.

The period of the overseas tour is the same for M.E.F. as for B.A.O.R., but I regret that it is not possible to arrange identical leave schemes for these commands, or to bring them into line with Home Commands in that respect. The arrangements for leave must depend upon the transport facilities available, the length and time of the journeys and the number of men who can be spared at any one time. These factors vary considerably in different places and disparity of treatment is unavoidable unless the troops in B.A.O.R. and at Home are to be restricted to the practical limits of the more distant commands. The existing system represents the best that can be done in the present situation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a substantial number of members of the Territorial Army were performing fulltime service with the anti-aircraft defences during the coverture period; and whether he will reconsider the ruling that such service performed prior to 3rd September, 1939, shall not count as service for purpose of release.

I am aware that full-time service given before 3rd September, 1939, does not count for the purpose of release. Such service was not confined to the personnel mentioned, however, and they could not be treated specially. A general exception to the approved age and service rules would be involved. In view of the comparatively short periods served in many cases and the fact that a large proportion of the men concerned have already been released by virtue of their long service I regret I can see no adequate grounds for the change proposed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 14667666 Corporal O. Chilton, has been engaged in his professional capacity as a certified masseur for only seven months during his 23 months of military service; in what capacity it is intended to employ him overseas; and whether he will now demobilise him in Class B in order to return to the Devonshire Royal Hospital, Buxton.

:Corporal Chilton was in a unit which took part in the invasion of the Continent and there was necessarily a long period, during the preparation for the assault and the subsequent unpredictable conditions on the Continent, when the unit was not required to open up for the reception of casualties. In the circumstances, and having regard to the four months he spent on normal recruit training, I agree that his employment on actual masseur duties has been comparatively short. He is now under orders to proceed overseas for employment as a masseur. I have not so far received any request for his release in Class B, but I understand that the Ministry of Health, which is the sponsoring Department for application in respect of the person employed in the occupation in question, has this case under active consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 1109681 Lance-Bombardier W. H. Finney, was employed for 15 years, before joining the Forces, in a responsible position in hospital administration; that during nearly the whole of his five years' service in the Army he has been employed as steward in an officers' mess; and whether he will now demobilise him in Class B in order to return to the Devonshire Royal Hospital, Buxton.

This soldier is employed as a non-commissioned officer in charge of an officers' mess. He is not in a high medical category and his civil occupation is recorded as Assistant Secretary (Voluntary Hospital). I have not so far received any request for his release in Class B, but I understand that the Ministry of Health, which is the sponsoring Department for application in respect of the person employed in the occupation in question, has this case under active consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to demobilise men who have been prisoners of war and from Category A I have been degraded as low as Category B 7 through wounds received in action; whether his attention has been drawn to the large numbers of men in camp at Llanerch Panna, Ellesmere, Shropshire; and whether he will arrange for their speedy demobilisation.

The release of ex-prisoners of war who are still medically fit for Army service is dependent on their age and service group. Soldiers in medical category B 7 are not unfit for Army service, although some change in their Army employment may be necessary. The camp referred to is an Army Selection Training Centre where personnel are trained for unit and administrative duties prior to re-posting. The unit in question is now disbanding, however, and only a small number of soldiers still remain there.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will reconsider the decision not to pay to the representatives of deceased members of the Army the amount which would have been due to them had they survived, in respect of terminal leave and civilian clothing grant?

I see no ground for altering the decision already given in this case. The primary object of granting terminal leave and civilian clothing is to assist resettlement in civil life and this does not apply when the soldier is no longer living.

asked the Secretary of State for War what regulation or instruction authorised the procedure whereby at a court-martial at Chelsea on 12th September, one of the members of the court, to whom the defendant objected on the grounds of his religion was replaced by another officer.

This objection was raised and dealt with under the procedure laid down in Section 51 of the Army Act, and in compliance with Rule of Procedure 25 (A), which requires that the court shall ascertain that it is constituted of officers to whom the accused makes no reasonable objection. In the special circumstances of this particular case the Court decided to allow the objection, as it was fully within their discretion to do.

asked the Secretary of State for War, in view of the inconvenience caused to traffic, when the road from Winchester to Andover will be restored to public use.

It is hoped to clear this road within the next two months, so far as the War Department is concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will ensure that special leave is granted to men in the B.A.O.R. who are following postgraduate courses so that they may sit for their examinations in this country.

I regret I cannot agree to the grant of extra leave for this purpose. Men in B.A.O.R. are eligible for 12 days' leave in the United Kingdom approximately every six months. Those who wish to sit for an examination may apply to have their leave advanced or retarded to suit the examination.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has yet reconsidered the question of the free issue of civilian clothing to officers leaving the Army before 8th May, 1945; and if he can make any statement.

This question is still under consideration, but I hope to be able to make an announcement shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War the average period of time which elapses between the request for, and receipt of, a certificate of service required by members of the A.T.S. for the purpose of obtaining employment.

:In the case of other ranks, a short Statement of Service together with an assessment of Military Conduct and Testimonial is recorded in the release book which is handed to the auxiliary at the Military Dispersal Unit. If an auxiliary applies to the Officer in charge of A.T.S. Records for further details of Service, the Statement is despatched within two or three days of receipt of the application. An A.T.S. officer should normally receive a Statement of Service within a week of her application to the War Office. But there may be some delay if the application is made within a few days of her release from the Service, while the personal records are still in use in connection with the release procedure.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will put an end to the practice of sending ex-prisoners of war to units at which they are given elementary initial military training by N.C.O.'s far junior to them in age and service.

I am afraid this practice has been unavoidable. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to find non-commissioned officers who possessed the qualifications of age and service combined with the necessary training experience to fill all the instructors' appointments in the diverse units concerned in the initial military training of returned prisoners of war. It is by no means unusual for officers and non-commissioned officers, other than ex-prisoners of war, to be instructed by experts junior to them both in age and service.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will supplement the demobilisation plan with one by which men not needed for military requirements can be granted extended leave to enable them to help to meet the urgent needs of civil life.

Arrangements have been made with the Ministries of Labour and National Service and Agriculture for troops in the United Kingdom to be provided for work of national importance, wherever required, as a military duty. A close liaison with local Ministry of Labour and National Service officers, Agricultural Executive Committees and farmers is maintained at lower formation and unit levels, to ensure that the best possible use is made of troops available for this purpose during normal working hours, and troops are encouraged to assist voluntarily in their "off duty" hours. It will be appreciated that while a considerable group of men may be available for this work at any one time, while they are being sorted, or awaiting posting or embarkation, the individuals within the group are constantly changing, and extended leave in particular cases is not practicable..

asked the Secretary of State for War what attention is being given to avoid unnecessary fatigues being created for soldiers in camps where they are not being occupied on war duties; and what schemes there are to provide them instead with useful occupations in the needs of the public or by way of training until such time as they are demobilised.

:Instructions have been in force for a long time which authorise the use under local arrangements of troops on work of vital national importance whenever they can be spared from their military duties and the supply of civilian labour is inadequate. Apart from such activities troops have the benefit of the Army Educational Scheme which is a very comprehensive one and there are also special courses designed to prepare ex-prisoners of war for resettlement in civilian life if they desire to take advantage of them.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he is taking to repatriate men in the Far East who are chronic sufferers from malaria and other diseases; and whether he will ensure that all such men are repatriated as quickly as possible.

:The decision as to which individuals should be evacuated from the Far East on medical grounds is one which in general is left to the medical authorities on the spot, who alone are in a position to assess all the factors in each case. The disposal of patients suffering from tropical illnesses has been carefully considered from time to time in the War Office and general policy defined. I am advised that the great majority of patients make complete recovery from tropical illness such as malaria and bacillary dysentery. Patients are invalided home when suffering from complaints which render continuation of service in the tropics inadvisable.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether divisional cemeteries established in France, Belgium and Holland during recent operations are being maintained; and where not, whether the graves of men from the same formation will be, so far as is possible, kept together in any reconstructed cemeteries.

:The cemeteries referred to are being maintained, and the graves of men from the same formations will, as far as possible, be kept together in any reconstructed cemeteries.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Alderney, Channel Islands, is now considered to be on home service; that there are so far practically no civilians and no shops there and soldiers therefore receive 90 cigarettes a week, can purchase no others and are equally restricted for other goods; and whether he will take steps to remedy the matter.

Steps are being taken to increase the supply of cigarettes available through N.A.A.F.I. Other goods sold through N.A.A.F.I. are already supplied on scale comparable with overseas Commands.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that numbers of British troops now stationed in the Channel Islands have been there for nearly six months; and when they are likely to be allowed leave.

Leave from the Channel Islands opened on 4th October, and there will now be a regular leave service.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the case of a conscientious objector, named Roy Woodward, now at the State Hill Detention Barracks, Castleton, near Rochdale, particulars of whose alleged treatment at these barracks have been sent on to him; and whether he is prepared to have an investigation made into all the circumstances of the case.

This case has been investigated and the facts are as follow: No. 97007722 Private Roy Woodward was registered as a Conscientious Objector to do non-combatant duties by the Northern Appellate Tribunal on 29th May, 1945, when he appeared on an appeal from the decision of the local Tribunal that he should do full military service. He was posted to the Non-Combatant Corps and was called up on 2nd August, 1945, on which date he reported to No. 12 Pioneer Corps Holding and Training Unit, Prestatyn. On 14th August, 1945, he was tried and convicted by Court-Martial on a charge of disobeying a lawful command, namely, refusing to take a kitbag when ordered to do so. He was sentenced to 56 days' detention and was admitted to No. 15 Military Detention Barrack, Stakehill, Castleton, near Rochdale, to serve his sentence. On admission, his civilian clothes were taken away from him, in accordance with the rules prescribed for Military Detention Barracks and Military Prisons. These rules provide that once a soldier has been admitted to a Detention Barrack his plain clothes will be taken away at the time of the medical inspection, and he will then be dressed in uniform. Private Woodward was given his military clothing to put on. This he refused to do, although efforts were made by the Commandant, the Assistant-Commandant, and also by members of the Staff, to induce him to change his mind.Private Woodward's father called at the Detention Barrack and was permitted to interview his son. It was hoped that he would succeed where others had failed, but Private Woodward persisted in his attitude and refused to put on any military clothing. For the sake of decency and health he was dressed on several occasions by the Staff, but immediately removed his clothing at the first opportunity, and wore only a towel round his waist. The whole of the time during which Private Woodward was dressed in a towel, military clothing was in his room ready for him to put on.On 1st September, 1945, Private Woodward was charged with a further offence of disobedience, and was remanded for trial by Court Martial. On 4th September he was allowed to dress in his civilian clothes and was removed from the Detention Barrack to a military unit to await trial. He was brought to trial on 17th September, 1945, and was sentenced to 93 days'imprisonment without hard labour. This sentence will enable him to appear again before the Appellate Tribunal for the purpose of pleading his conscientious objection to military service, and arrangements to that effect are now being made. He is at present in custody at His Majesty's Prison, Strange ways, Manchester.Whilst Private Woodward was in custody at No. 15 Military Detention Barrack, he was treated with every possible consideration. He was committed to the Detention Barrack concerned as a result of his conviction by Court Martial for an offence against military discipline, and on his admission to the Detention Barrack he necessarily became subject to the rules and regulations applicable to such establishments, which include the wearing of military uniform. He was kept under observation by the Medical Officer who was consulted throughout as to what steps were necessary in the interests of the soldier's health. He was visited by his father twice and his mother once, and his parents would have been permitted to visit him again on 9th September if he had remained at the Detention Barrack. In addition he was granted an interview with a Quaker, Mr. Sutherland, on 29th August, 1945.It will be appreciated that Private Woodward was sent into the Army on a finding of the Appellate Tribunal, with full knowledge that that course would involve the wearing of uniform. The military authorities, both at the Court Martial of 14th August, in the matter of the sentence awarded, and subsequently in the Detention Barracks, were therefore justified in assuming that it was not unreasonable to require Private Woodward to accept the consequences of the finding, and he must himself be held responsible for the periods of time he spent clad only in a towel, while his uniform was available to be put on.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in view of the stop on duty-free cigarettes for troops overseas, he will consider either an increase in the weekly free issue or taking steps to supplement the quantity which can be acquired weekly from the N.A.A.F.I.

It is intended to increase the weekly quantity of cigarettes obtainable through N.A.A.F.I. to 75 per man at the earliest possible date, as compared with the present 65. With the free issue of 50 there will then be a total of 125 weekly available for each man. This is much more than the number provided for the smoking population of this country, and I see no grounds for a further increase until adequate supplies are available generally.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the many cases of a compassionate nature on which Members of Parliament are unable to make effective representation to him owing to the soldier in question being posted overseas, he will take an early opportunity of recalling those delegated powers to the War Office; and resume, now that hostilities are over, his constitutional function in relation to them.

:No, Sir. I think that the present system is the best and most speedy in present circumstances. As hon. Members know, general directions about priorities have been issued by the War Office. In practice these are adhered to very closely; but local considerations cannot be ruled out altogether, and I am afraid that centralisation would merely tend to make for delay in many cases.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether compassionate posting will now be considered upon business grounds.

The difficulties of compassionate posting have, I understand, already been explained in detail to the hon. Member by my predecessor. They apply with even greater force at the present time owing to the considerable regrouping and disbandment of units which is now taking place. On the other hand, the ability of the Department to grant compassionate releases has increased, and it has been found possible to relax the regulations governing release in the case of one-man businesses. I am satisfied that the practice of granting release, which may now be for an indefinite as well as for a definite period, is the fairer system, and should continue.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many houses have been derequisitioned by his Department in Northern Ireland since 1st August.

The War Department has derequisitioned 46 houses in Northern Ireland since 1st August and a further 26 are now in the process of being derequisitioned.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether leave will be granted to candidates serving in the Army for the purpose of taking part in municipal elections; and whether, if elected, they will be released.

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on 24th August to my hon. Friend the Member for Acton (Mr. Sparkes); also to the reply given on 24th August by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for South Edinburgh (Sir W. Darling).

asked the Secretary of State for War when No. 30 British General Hospital was sent to Norway and for what purpose; how many patients were attended in Norway and of what nationality; what was the total strength of the hospital; and when was it brought back to the United Kingdom.

No. 30 General Hospital was sent to Norway on 6th June, 1945. Its purpose was, in conjunction with other medical units, to provide for the care and treatment of the Allied occupation force and liberated Allied prisoners of war. One hundred and twenty-five in-patients and between 300 and 400 out-patients were treated, together with 559 dental cases. The records relating to the out patients are not available in the United Kingdom. The in-patients and dental cases were wholly Allied and mainly British. The total strength of the unit was 23 officers, including 18 R.A.M.C., 40 nursing officers and 159 others. The unit returned to the United Kingdom on 3rd August, 1945. It will be appreciated that when the unit was despatched to Norway it was not known what difficulties would be encountered by the occupying force.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many of the officers compulsorily commissioned in the Indian army have applied to re-transfer to the British service in accordance with the Indian Army Order of April, 1945; how many have been re-transferred; why three or four months elapse between application and re-transfer; and whether he will explain the system for dealing with these applications in London.

The total number of applications for re-transfer is not known, but to date the War Office has received applications from 1,105 officers. Of these, 825 have been transferred to the British Army and the balance of 280 cases are at present under examination with a view to transfer. I understand that, owing to the distances involved and the pressure of communications in India, it is difficult to expedite the transmission of applications from the officers' station, which may be in S.E.A.C. to G.H.Q. India. No undue delay occurs in the War Office. It is necessary to check the service and technical qualifications in order to ensure that applicants are placed to the best advantage and, in some cases, where the particulars are incorrect or incomplete, reference back to India may be necessary. But in the normal case the time taken varies between a few days and, at most, three weeks, after which the Military Secretary's Department arrange for the officer to be gazetted. It will be appreciated that the branches concerned are working at high pressure at the moment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the large number of skilled draughtsmen who are still employed in R.E.M.E. on work which could equally well be performed by less skilled men; and whether, in view of the shortage of skilled draughtsmen in industries, he will make arrangements whereby more of these men can be released from the Army at an early date.

The total strength of mechanical draughtsmen in R.E.M.E., at home and abroad, is 363, and some of these are due for release in the near future. This represents present Army requirements which are constantly under review and all the men are employed to the limit of their capacity, except possibly for isolated cases where moves and reductions of establishments are in process of being carried out. In the circumstances I see no reason for special release arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give an assurance that no supplies from United Kingdom food stocks have been sent, or will be sent, to Germany for consumption by German civilians.

I can only repeat the answer given to the hon. Member in reply to a similar Question on 22nd August.

asked the Secretary of State for War what special measures are being taken to prevent an outbreak of influenza or infantile paralysis amongst the German civilian population during the coming winter.

The danger of an outbreak of epidemics, including influenza and infantile paralysis, among the German population this winter is fully realised by the authorities in the British Zone. They have accordingly taken such preparatory steps as are possible with the facilities at their disposal. These include the organisation of German hospitals, the mobilisation of German doctors and nurses and the accumulation of medical stores and ambulances.

asked the Secretary of State for War if it is the policy of the military authorities to encourage fraternisation between British and Russian troops in Berlin and other places where they occupy adjoining zones; and what has been done to help to bring this about.

Yes, Sir. It is the policy of the military authorities to maintain friendly relations between British and Russian troops wherever zones adjoin. Although certain restrictions on movement across the frontier exist outside Berlin, movement between the zones in Berlin is unrestricted except after curfew, and the entry of troops to each others' clubs is permitted by invitation. Contacts at sports meetings are frequent, and inter-allied team games are encouraged.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British prisoners of war are still unaccounted for in the Russian zone of Germany; and whether officials of the British Army of the Rhine Search Bureau have received permission to search for these men in the Russian zone.

It is estimated that there are about 150 British prisoners of war unaccounted for in the Russian zone of occupied Germany. The Russian authorities have been asked by the British element of the Control Commission to allow search teams into their zone, and itineraries of the proposed search have been submitted to the Russian authorities, but final approval for the entry into the Russian zone has not yet been received.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he proposes to grant facilities for the return to Germany of those anti-Fascist German refugees whose services will be useful in the rehabilitation of the British zone and who have indicated their willingness to return.

The matter is at present under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is in a position to make a statement regarding the establishment of a German administration by the Soviet authorities in the Russian zone of occupation in Germany; and whether His Majesty's Government was consulted before this administration was set up.

Each Commander-in-Chief is responsible, within certain agreed principles, for the control and administration of his own Zone.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can make a statement about the employment in Germany of former members of the Nazi party in administrative posts and in industry; and why they have not been replaced by anti-Nazis.

It has been the consistent policy of His Majesty's Government that as far as possible former members of the Nazi party should not be continued in official posts, and a directive to this effect was issued to the Commander-in-Chief when the Military Government was first set up in Germany. During the progress of military operations it was not always possible to devote the necessary time to an exhaustive examination of the past record of various German officials in administrative positions in areas overrun by our troops. A rigorous examination is now, however, proceeding with a view to carrying out the political principles laid down in the Potsdam agreement.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Germans have been executed since 15 May, 1945, for crimes against British subjects committed in Germany before that date; and whether he will issue monthly statements reporting progress in punishing war criminals.

No executions of Germans for war crimes against British subjects have so far been carried out. As the House is aware, the trials of major war criminals are to be held before the International Military Tribunal at Nuremburg. Trials of minor war criminals are dealt with by British Military Courts, and one such case, relating to Belsen Camp, is now in progress. Others are in preparation and a small number are ready for trial. Commands have been instructed to deal with them as expeditiously as possible. I will consider the issue of periodical statements of progress in cases dealt with by British military courts for the trial of war criminals, but I do not think that the issue of a monthly statement would be justified.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the difficulty of finding an adequate number of Germans for public offices inside occupied Germany, he will consider the Allied Control Commission giving former German officials, who were deprived of their positions by the Nazis, the right of reinstatement in their former departments.

It is the constant policy of Military Government in the British Zone to reinstate in their former departments, officials who were deprived of their positions by the Nazis.

asked the Secretary of State for War what amounts are deducted from the pay of officer prisoners of war held by the Japanese, both in respect of food and cash advances; what charges were made for food and accommodation; and if, in view of the fact that these charges will not be paid to Japan, they will now be remitted.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the full rate of pay of equivalent Japanese officer ranks is to be deducted from the pay of British officers imprisoned by the Japanese, or will the deductions take into account the actual payments made by the Japanese to these officers, the quality and quantity of food and clothing in fact supplied, the disbursements made by these officers voluntarily to hospitals with a view to alleviating the sufferings of other ranks and the monetary equivalent of the labour performed compulsorily by them in violation of International Law.

Hon. Members will no doubt have seen the announcement issued last week that all deductions which have been made from the pay of officer prisoners of war in the Far East in respect of pay issuable to them by the Japanese under the Geneva Conventions should be cancelled, and that the amounts deducted will be refunded to each officer shortly after his repatriation is completed.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many persons have been blinded or are suffering from visual defects as a result of malnutrition or from other causes in prisoner of war camps in the Far East.

We have not yet received detailed statistics relating to the disabilities incurred by prisoners of war who have now been freed in the Far East. The information required by the hon. and gallant Member has been applied for, however, and I will write to him as soon as it is received.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will, subject to the exigencies of the service, arrange that all capital sentences imposed on German war criminals by British courts should be carried out by the Jewish Brigade who are now in Germany.

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Italian prisoners, designated co-operators, remain in the United Kingdom; what work they are now engaged upon; and if it is proposed to repatriate them at an early date.

There are now approximately 144,000 Italian co-operators in the United Kingdom. They are, in the main, engaged on harvesting, sugar beet gathering and processing, housing, transport, and in factories for the Ministries of Supply and Food. A number are also employed by the Service Ministries. It has been decided in principle that the repatriation of Italian prisoners of war in this country to Italy shall begin when this year's harvest is completed, as soon as transport is available. The shipping situation is very difficult, however, and it is impossible to fix any definite date for the beginning of this repatriation, although every effort will be made to begin it before the end of the year.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will now revoke Article 3 of the Control of Engagement Order, 1945, so as to restore freedom to all persons to obtain employment either direct or through any agency they prefer.

I would ask the hon. Member to await the general statement on the future of labour controls which I hope to make shortly.

asked the Minister of Labour when, and how, he intends taking action to amend or terminate the Essential Work Order as it applies to the building industry.

The future of the Essential Work Order for building is under discussion with the industry, and I am not in a position to make any statement until these discussions are concluded.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is satisfied that the number of architects and surveyors being released from war-time duties will, in addition to those who are now available, be sufficient to enable the Government's announced housing programme and other essential construction work required during the first two post-war years to be completed.

The number of architects and surveyors being released from the Forces in Class B is the maximum number consistent with the main principle of release by age and length of service, and with the need for releasing in this Class qualified men in other professions and trades. In addition to releases in Class B, there will no doubt be additional releases in Class A as a result of the recently announced acceleration of the rate of release from the Forces.

asked the Minister of Health whether a proposal by the Buckingham County Council to purchase the 1,071 acres of Langley Park and Black Park for the sum of £109,000 or other figure has now been approved; what was the previous rateable value of the land with buildings thereon; how many councils are concerned in this purchase; and how much each is contributing towards the total cost.

This purchase for the sum stated—which includes costs—has been approved. The previous rateable value of that part of the land with buildings thereon was £1,222. The four local authorities concerned, and their respective contributions towards the total cost, are: Buckingham County Council, £49,235; London County Council, £38,373; Slough Borough Council, £10,826; and Eton Rural District Council, £10,826.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can now state the price paid by the Torquay Corporation for land at Barton and Watcombe acquired under the Compulsory Purchase Order, 1934; what is the total area involved; and what part of this area is agricultural and therefore derated.

No, Sir. The price has not yet been determined. The total area involved is 34½ acres, of which 33 are agricultural.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has approved the acquisition by the Clevedon Urban District Council, for housing purposes, of 7·297 acres of land adjoining Old Park Road, at a price of £12,500; how much of the price included compensation for injurious affection; and if he will state the value at which the land was assessed for rating purposes.

No, Sir. The Urban District Council decided against the acquisition of this site, which was offered to them at a price of £12,500 including £8,500 as compensation for injurious affection. The land is agricultural and therefore derated.

asked the Minister of Health if he has yet sanctioned a Compulsory Purchase Order for the acquisition by the Bath City Council of 10·546 acres of land at Poolemeade, Twerton, for housing purposes; if arbitration has taken place; what price has been awarded and what was the previous rateable value.

I have now confirmed a Compulsory Purchase Order in respect of 5·5 acres of land at Poolemeade, Tiverton, out of an order for 10·546 acres submitted to me by the Bath City Council. Arbitration has not taken place. The rateable value of the total 10·546 acres is £155.

asked the Minister of Health if the Birmingham City Council have yet applied for a compulsory purchase order for the acquisition of the freehold interest in an area of approximately 179 acres of land situate between Bradford Road and the river Colne at Shard End, from the Earl of Bradford, for housing purposes; why the negotiations have so far proved abortive: and what is the present rateable value of this land.

No application has yet been submitted to me by the Birmingham City Council for confirmation of a Compulsory Purchase Order, but I understand that the owners of the land are unwilling to sell. With the exception of 23 small dwellings the land is agricultural and is derated.

asked the Minister of Health if he has approved the acquisition by the Birmingham City Council of 236·157 acres of freehold land, bounded by Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon Heath Road, the Radleys and the L.M.S. Rail- way, from the executors of the late Mr. Douglas James, for the sum of £100,397, equal to £425 per acre, a contribution to the surveyor's fees of £721 7s. and proper legal costs; and if he will state the previous value at which this land was assessed for rating purposes.

Yes, Sir. My approval was given on the 17th August last. The land is derated.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Wareham and Purbeck Rural District Council has yet succeeded in acquiring housing sites in the villages of Chaldon Herring, Corfe Castle, Maltravers, Morden and Winfrid, for the building of altogether 104 houses; and whether he can state the area, the price paid, and the previous rateable value in each case.

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health what award the official arbitrator has given for the three acres of land near Roundstone Lane, Sompting, compulsorily acquired by the Worthing Rural District Council for the purposes of a cemetery; and if he can supply the figure at which this land was assessed for local rating previous to acquisition.

For the area of 3·67 acres in question the official arbitrator awarded the sum of £655, less £26 5s. costs. The land was previously agricultural and had therefore no rateable value.

asked the Minister of Health if he will investigate why the Worthing Rural District Council referred back a recommendation of the Public Health Committee to acquire for housing purposes 3⅓ acres of land at Sompting at a cost of £2,750; whether renewed steps have been taken to acquire this land; what price has been agreed; and what is the rateable value.

I am informed that the recommendation to acquire this site for housing at a cost of £2,750 was referred back to the Public Health Committee because the price was considered too high. On reconsideration the Council have decided to recommend the acquisition and I have now received their application for approval to purchase at a cost of £2,750. The land is derated.

asked the Minister of Health what price the Sandy Urban District Council have offered for eight acres of arable land south of Cambridge Road for housing purposes; whether a compulsory purchase order has been made; whether arbitration has taken place; what award has been given; and what was the rateable value of this land.

No offer of price was made by the council. A Compulsory Purchase Order has been made and confirmed, but arbitration has not yet taken place. The land is derated.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the number of Servicemen rendered homeless by reason of their houses having been requisitioned in their absence on active service, he will draw a distinction in their case and give instructions for such houses when required for personal occupation by the owners, to be released immediately the owner is demobilised or within two months of such demobilisation.

Every effort is being made to release houses from requisitioning for the personal occupation of the persons who owned them at the time of requisitioning. It is not, however, possible to insist that all such houses, or all such houses owned by Servicemen, should be vacated within a specified time in view of the difficulty of finding alternative accommodation for existing occupiers.

asked the Minister of Health what is the cost to the ratepayers and the taxpayers of the sewer now being dug between Pratts Bottom and Knock-holt, in the area of the Orpington Urban District Council.

The cost of the sewer in question was estimated at £22,345, but by reason of difficulties caused by shortage of labour this figure may be exceeded. A contribution of £4,043 will be made by the Ministry of Works towards the cost of the sewer.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will issue a statement showing the number of additional habitable homes made available in the London CD. region by repair, adaptation, rebuilding, new building and the erection of temporary houses, respectively, in each of the first three quarters of 1945; and whether he will, as from October, 1945, issue a monthly progress statement giving the same particulars.

Figures giving the precise information desired by the hon. Member are not at present available, but I propose to obtain as soon as possible returns from local authorities and to arrange for the issue of a monthly progress statement based on these returns.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that there are, lying exposed to weather conditions, hundreds of component parts of the Arcon type house in the East India Dock, Poplar; and when they are going to be removed for erection.

The premises at the East India Dock are used as a distribution centre for the assembly and distribution of the component parts of Arcon houses. The flow of components in and out of the depot is continuous and temporary storage in the open is not detrimental.

asked the Minister of Works what steps he has taken to ensure that parts for prefabricated houses delivered to Huddersfield are accompanied by the nuts and bolts necessary to secure them together.

Owing to production difficulties there was, for the short period of a fortnight, a shortage of bolts for a few houses on two sites in Huddersfield during August. The requisite nuts and bolts will in future be sent with the houses.

asked the Minister of Works how many of the 750 temporary houses allocated to the City of Leicester have been erected and occupied; and the date on which this work was first commenced.

Two sites for 139 of the 750 temporary houses allocated to the City of Leicester have been handed over to the Ministry of Works. Work on the first site began on 12th March and 22 of the 28 houses thereon have been handed over to the local authority for letting. Foundation work for the houses on the other site started on 4th July and is still in progress. Delay in these cases has been due to a variety of unavoidable obstacles, but it is hoped that in future more rapid progress will be made.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there are confusion and disappointment in the minds of the men concerned and their relatives regarding the rate of release from the Services; and whether he will consider the publication from time to time of as comprehensive and explicit an official statement as may be possible of the immediate intentions of the Government in this respect for each of the services.

As the hon. Member will be aware, a comprehensive statement on releases from the Services was published on 3rd October. Further statements showing the progress of releases from the Forces will be issued monthly.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider doubling the period of paid leave on demobilisation, so that the speed of demobilisation can be greatly increased without the danger of non-reabsorption into industry of ex-Service labour.

No, Sir. Demobilisation is proceeding as rapidly as it can and would not be accelerated by increasing the period of paid leave.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the advisability of permitting service of national importance in W.T. Reserve to be included for the purpose of calculating age and service release groups.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will review the position of men who volunteered from the Army for underground work in the coalmines, in respect of their category for demobilisation.

The question whether periods on release from the Forces to civil employment, including coalmining, should be allowed to count in determining the order of release from the Forces has been fully considered, both when the release scheme was first drawn up and subsequently. To allow such periods to count for this purpose would, however, be most unfair to other men who have served continuously in the Forces and I should not feel justified in reopening the matter now. The question as to when those men who were granted indefinite release from the Forces to industry and are still on release shall be freed from their special liability to recall is at present under active consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any compensation is to be given to men and women in the Services whose release for any Service reason has been or is being delayed beyond that of those similarly qualified.

No, Sir. Apart from the very great administrative difficulties involved I could not accept the underlying assumption of my hon. Friend's suggestion that a man has a promise of release in Class A on a certain date. That is not the case. The promise is that, subject to military requirements, men will be released in a certain order.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that men released to the reserve list for employment in industry before the end of the war in Europe are not receiving the release benefit axed at 21 days' pay now paid to those released from the services in Class B; and if he will remedy this anomaly.

The purpose of the 21 days' pay granted to a man released in Class B is to cover the period which may elapse between his release and his taking up the employment for which he was released. This has no application to the case of men who were released indefinitely from the Forces to civilian work before the release scheme came into operation and went straight into the employment for which they were released, and I see no justification for making a special retrospective payment in such cases.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in the case of men whose entry into the Forces was deferred because they were retained compulsorily in industry and who are now consequently in late release groups, he will allow the time, or a part thereof, spent in reserved occupation prior to enlistment to count towards service for release.

No, Sir. To allow time spent in a reserved occupation before enlistment to count towards priority of release would completely undermine the release scheme and be most unfair to men with longer service in the Armed Forces.

asked the Minister of Labour the estimated number of men and women who have been, or will be, released from the Army during the period from 26th July to 20th January next under Class A scheme; the number of men similarly to be released under Class B scheme for the same period; and the corresponding numbers of releases from the Navy and Air Force, separately.

The detailed statement of releases from the Forces, which was published on 3rd October, a copy of which I am sending my hon. Friend, gives the desired information for periods ending 31st December, 1945, and 30th June, 1946. I am not able to give information for intervening periods.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the release of the men from the Armed Forces under Class A, by age and service groups, is taking place at the same speed in all branches of the Forces; and if he will state the reasons for any discrepancies between the three Services in the rate of release.

The release of men from all three Services is taking place at the maximum rate possible. It is, however, inevitable that this rate should vary between the three Services, and to some extent between different branches of each Service, in view of the differences in the size of the groups and the nature of the commitments.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give an assurance that the age and length of service scheme for release will operate equably, so that men serving overseas are released in accordance with their groups at the same time as men in the same groups serving at home.

Yes, Sir; every effort will be made to this end.

asked the Minister of Labour if the Register of Disabled Persons, as provided for in Section 6 of Disabled Persons (Employment)Act, is yet in process of preparation; how many applications for registration have been received by his Ministry; and if regulations have yet been prepared for the guidance of disablement advisory committees in dealing with applications to them.

The Register of Disabled Persons was started on 25th September. I have no figures at present of the number of applications. Regulations relating to applications for registration were made on 30th July, 1945, and have been issued to Disablement Advisory Committees.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the progress of the Government Vocational Training Scheme to assist men and women released from the Forces to find permanent employment; if he is satisfied that the scheme is receiving the support of employers and trade unions; and if reports on the results of the scheme will be published in the "Ministry of Labour Gazette."

Every effort is being made to enable the Government Vocational Training Scheme to meet the needs of demobilised men and women. There are already 17 Government Training Centres in operation and five others will start within a few weeks. In addition, steps are being taken to establish 33 new Centres, devoted almost entirely to training for the building industry, and a special Centre is being set up to give training for the cotton spinning industry. Apart from the facilities in Government Training Centres, arrangements have been made, in association with the Education Departments, to use to the full the resources available in Technical Colleges, and arrangements are also being made, wherever practicable, for training in employers' works.The schemes of training in the various industries have been fully discussed and agreed with representatives of employers and workpeople. The fullest collaboration has been met with in these discussions, and I should like to pay a tribute to the full appreciation, which both sides have shown, of the problem of resettling ex-Service men and women in civil life. Reports on the results of the scheme will be published from time to time in the "Ministry of Labour Gazette."

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what amount of petrol would be required to double the present ration; and what proportion the total amount of petrol then being used in this country would bear to the total amount used in 1939.

An additional 394,000 tons of petrol per annum would, it is estimated, be required in order to double the present basic ration. If the basic ration was doubled but no increases were made in the supplementary rations for cars and motor-cycles, the total annual consumption of petrol by such vehicles would be approximately 52 per cent. of that in 1938. This estimate is based on the number of cars at present in use, and takes no account of the large increase which would result from doubling the ration.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if it is his intention to continue control of petrol under the pool distribution scheme or if it is intended to revert to the competitive system.

I have this matter under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether arrangements will be made for extra allowances of petrol to be made to candidates in the forthcoming municipal elections on 1st November next.

Arrangements have been made by which petrol allowances will be made available to candidates at the municipal elections to be held next month.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why the fuel ration books now being issued for ten horse-power motor-cars provide six units for the months of September, October and November, eight for the month of December, seven for the month of January and seven for the month of February.

The coupons included in the current ration books are intended to provide 18 units for the three month period, September-November, giving a monthly mileage of approximately 150 miles. For the three following months, there are 22 units intended to provide a monthly mileage of approximately 180 miles. In order to split the 22 units between the three months as evenly as possible it has been necessary to provide eight units for December and seven for each of the other two months.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power by what authority or under what regulation or Act he issued instructions to drop prosecution of miners for absenteeism or persistent lateness

Article 6 (3) of the Essential Work (Coalmining Industry) Order, 1943, provides that in certain circumstances a recommendation may be made to a National Service Officer that proceedings should be instituted against a person who has acted contrary to the provisions of Article 6 (1) of the Order. The Order does not require that any such recommendation should be made.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the estimated loss of output per annum caused by 1 per cent. of

Calculations of the loss of output due to absenteeism depend on a number of assumptions; and in the case of coalface workers in particular it is impossible to conceive of a change in absenteeism at the coalface in isolation from other changes.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what was the percentage of avoidable absenteeism and of unavoidable absenteeism, respectively, for all workers in the coalmines and for coalface workers, respectively, for each of the years from 1900 to the latest available date; and the yearly average for the first three quarters of 1945.

The following is the information available from the year 1921. Complete figures for the third quarter of 1945 have not yet been obtained.the Coal Industry and show absenteeism for all workers to have been approximately 10 per cent. This figure, however, is not comparable with those given above.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will give an assurance that agricultural workers receive the same allowance of coal as coalminers.

I cannot advise that agricultural workers should receive the same allowance of coal as coalminers. The hon. Member will be aware that by no means all miners receive a free allowance of coal.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he proposes to grant a higher allowance of solid fuel to inhabitants of rural districts, who have no electricity or gas supply, than is granted to town dwellers, enjoying both these services.

As announced from time to time in Ministry of Fuel advertisements, additional supplies may be granted under licence by local fuel overseers to those premises entirely dependent on solid fuel.

asked the Minister of Labour how many coalminers have been released from the Forces since VE-Day; how many of these have rejoined the mining industry; how many coalminers have volunteered for release in Class B; and how many coalminers remain in the Forces in each group.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Huddersfield (Mr. Mallalieu) to-day.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will inquire into the case, details of which have been submitted to him, of a graduate of London University with first-class honours in science, who is employed as a labourer in a coalmine, is included in no announced scheme of release but has been refused permission to transfer to a research post in industry with a view to releasing this man.

I am making inquiries into this case and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether it is proposed to co-ordinate the gas and electric industries.

I propose to make a statement on the future of the gas and electricity industries at an early date.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will now state his policy with regard to the extension of increased supply of electricity for the rural areas.

The development of electricity supplies in rural areas is part of the general problem of the development of the electricity supply industry. Any proposals that may be put forward for re-organising the industry will therefore have regard to the requirements of the rural areas.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in August the B.L.A. had one medical officer for 409 officers and other ranks, compared with one general practitioner for 2,576 civilians in the United Kingdom; and what steps he has taken to correct this anomaly.

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." As regards the second part, the civilian position can only be remedied by an acceleration in the rate at which doctors are released from Services, and the Government are at present urgently considering to what extent this is practicable.

asked the Minister of Health when he proposes to relieve local authorities of the custody of Government equipment such as blankets, clothing, etc., issued free on loan for A.R.P. rest centre purposes and make them available to communities badly in need of them and relieve storage for other purposes.

Plans for the disposal of the Government surplus stores in question were laid down on the principles of the White Paper, Cmd. 6539. The process of withdrawal of surplus stocks from holding local authorities has proved difficult owing to the scarcity of depot facilities, and the procedure is being urgently re-examined.

asked the Minister of Health if he will now state his policy with regard to the extension of increased supplies of drinking water and housing for the rural areas..

It is the policy of the Government that rural water needs should be met as quickly as possible. Rural authorities should proceed actively with the preparation and submission of their schemes for examination and approval by me so that work on them may proceed as soon as the labour situation will permit. I intend shortly to make a general statement on the whole question of the Government's housing policy, and I would ask my hon. Friend to await that statement.

asked the Minister of Health when the 56 old ladies and the seven nurses, who were evacuated from Orpington County Hospital to the E.M.S., Whittingham, near Preston, Lancashire, were sent back to Orpington.

These patients and nurses returned to Orpington last week.

asked the Minister of Information whether his attention has been drawn to a film produced by the War Organisation of the United States of America and entitled "Objective Burma, "which is being exhibited both in this country and overseas; and, in view of the fact that the British and Indian forces who mainly cleared Burma are ignored, what steps he is taking to counter the bad effects of this film on our relations with the United States of America and on our prestige abroad.

As the hon. and gallant Member may have seen in the newspapers, this film has been voluntarily withdrawn from circulation in this country. The official British film of the 14th Army's campaign in Burma, made by the Army Film Unit, is now being completed and will be ready for public exhibition both at home and abroad in the course of the next few weeks. In this connection I should like to refer to the official figures for the strength of forces in South East Asia Command which were released to the Press on 11th September.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the election expected to be held in Czechoslovakia during November will be under the supervision of Great Britain, U.S.A. and Russia; and whether he is aware of the anxiety of the Slovaks that they should not be dominated by any one political party.

The elections for the National Assembly of Czechoslovakia are the concern of the Czechoslovak authorities. Since the elections will be conducted by secret ballot and by Proportional Representation the second part of the Question does not arise.

asked the Minister of National Insurance whether members of the W.L.A., who after demobilisation return to their homes in towns and are unable to find employment, will draw benefit at the agricultural or industrial rate.

The benefit to which they will be entitled will be that payable under the scheme to which they have contributed. In most cases, this is the agricultural scheme, but there may be a small number of workers who have been employed on work insurable under the general scheme, e.g. on milk rounds.

asked the Minister of National Insurance the figures for the numbers involved and cost to the Exchequer of the old age pensioners who come under the respective categories of contributory at the age of 65 and non-contributory at the age of 70.

The approximate numbers at 31st March, 1945, and the estimated cost to the Exchequer in the year

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Dundee Corporation has yet effected the purchase of the Camperdown estate; what price is involved; what is the area and the previous annual rental of the land which has been, or is being, acquired; for what purpose this land is wanted; and whether conditions attach to the purchase apart from the price payable.