asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if, in view of the fact that American air services are now operating on the Atlantic route, he will consider making the fares charged by B.O.A.C. competitive with these services.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he is aware that the fare charged by B.O.A.C. for a single air passage between the United Kingdom and the United States is more than twice that charged by Pan-American Airways; and as the British line is thereby placed at a disadvantage, what steps he proposes to take to reduce this discrepancy in the fares.

The fares charged by British Overseas Airways Corporation for transatlantic air passages are identical with those at present charged by Pan-American Airways on their flying boat services. I am aware that Pan-American Airways have announced their intention, when their transatlantic land plane service starts, to charge fares considerably less than the present fares. I am informed, however, that the United States Civil Aeronautics Board has refused authority to Pan-American Airways to introduce these fares on the ground that the Companies had not given the customary 30 days' notice of revision. Arrangements for securing agreement on the appropriate fares for transatlantic-services are under discussion with the United States authorities.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he will make representations to the U.S.A. Government to the effect that the new Atlantic air service which starts from America should make Britain a port of call.

The United States authorities have already authorised two of the United States airlines which are to operate transatlantic services to make calls in the United Kingdom.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he has given due consideration to the suitability and centrality of Northern Ireland for the establishment of a trans-Atlantic airport there for the convenience of travellers.

I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave last Wednesday to the supplementary question by my hon. Friend the Member for Battersea, North (Mr. Douglas).

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he will assure the House that His Majesty's Government are prepared to grant to the United States Government Fifth Freedom Rights for American air lines on the same terms as they have been granted by the Government of Eire to the United States Government.

I cannot give my hon. Friend the assurance he seeks. The grant of unrestricted Fifth Freedom rights is not consistent with the policy of orderly development of air transport to which His Majesty's Government adhere.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether he will take steps to secure that the fares charged by the Railway Air Services bear a reasonable relation to the fares charged for first class rail travel over the same routes and distances.

If subsidies for internal airlines are to be avoided, fares must be governed by the costs of operation, and not by the fares charged for rail travel. When post-war routes are fully organised and more suitable aircraft become available, the cost of operation per passenger-mile will come down and enable lower fares to be charged.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation whether it is proposed to issue a White Paper before the forthcoming statement on civil aviation.

No, Sir. My Noble Friend has given careful consideration to the question of issuing a White Paper, but is of the opinion that the statement of policy he proposes to make on 1st November will supply the information needed by hon. Members.

asked the Assistant Postmaster General if he will give details of the mail service between Nyasaland and the United Kingdom; and if he will take steps to expedite the delivery of mail to and from His Majesty's Forces there.

Letters for H.M. Forces in Nyasaland weighing not more than 1oz. are conveyed by air at the postage rate of 1½d. Heavier letters are sent by air if prepaid 6d. for the first 1½ oz. and 6d. for each succeeding ½-oz. For civilian correspondence, air transmission is accorded to the lightweight air letter at 6d. and to other letters if prepaid at the rate of 1s. 3d. a ½-oz. Similar air postage rates apply in the reverse direction to correspondence from Forces and civilians respectively, except that letters from the Forces up to 1 oz. in weight are conveyed by air free of postage. Other postal packets are sent by surface route. The transmission time to Nyasaland by air is normally ten days to a fortnight and by surface four to five weeks. If my hon. and gallant Friend will furnish me with any information that he may have of delays to correspondence for or from the Forces in Nyasaland, I will have inquiry made in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he will do his utmost to further the efforts of those domiciled in this country who desire to bring parents or near relations from the liberated countries to live with them here.

My right hon. Friend is fully conscious of the importance of this matter, and hopes to be in a position to make a statement at an early date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the likely continued shortage of goods, he is satisfied that no injustice will be done by basing compensation for the loss of chattels under the War Damage Act on values at the time of the loss and not on values at the time when it will be possible to replace articles.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given on 23rd August to the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers).

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production whether he is aware that Mr. G. L. Clinton, of Firs Farm, Fernhill Heath, who has a milk round, has submitted an application, No. A. 543588, for the necessary tyres to carry on the delivery of this milk, which includes milk prescribed under doctors' orders for patients, and has been waiting for many weeks for the tyres to be supplied; and whether priority will be given to the supply of tyres for those engaged on such essential work.

Yes, Sir. Mr. Clinton's application was for four car tyres, and there was no indication that they were required for milk delivery. Now that this fact has emerged arrangements have been made to supply them forthwith.

asked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production, what conditions govern the regulation of rents of housing accommodation under his control; and whether he will take steps to adjust the high rents of bungalows at Bridgend, Stonehouse, to a figure proportionate to the lower wages now being earned by the tenants.

The charges for married quarters provided by my Department are fixed with due regard to those prevailing for private properties possessing comparable amenities, and without reference to the earnings of the occupants. These charges have been reviewed recently, and it was concluded that the general level was reasonable. On the basis of this conclusion the rents for the bungalows at Bridgend, Stonehouse, are considered fair, but the position is being kept under review in the light of changing conditions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that a delegation from E.A.M. has been waiting since 8th September for visas to visit this country; and whether he will give instructions that this permission be granted immediately.

Instructions to grant visas to this delegation had been sent to Athens before this Question appeared on the Order Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he realises that the widow of a police constable with two children receives pension and allowances amounting to only £50 per annum; and will he do something to remedy this position.

:I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to a question on a similar point by the hon. Member for Moseley (Sir P. Hannon) on 11th October of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that the recent statement of the relative sacrifices of this country and the U.S.A. in the war, was widely boycotted in the American Press; and whether steps are being taken to ensure that the facts contained in it are brought to the notice of the American public.

This was a report made by a joint British-Canadian-American Committee to the Combined Production and Resources Board, each of the three countries concerned arranging for the simultaneous release of the document to its own Press. Responsibility for bringing the report to the attention of the American public therefore rests with the American authorities, though it will continue to be our policy to inform the people of the United States of the full extent of the British war effort.

asked the Minister of Information whether the monitoring system on foreign broadcasts is still being carried on.

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Food why he has raised the tea ration to Eire.

During the greater part of the war Eire's tea supplies were limited to 25 per cent. of its pre-war consumption. In view of the slightly better stock position now prevailing and the comparatively small quantities involved, it has been possible to raise the allocation without detriment to home supplies or the needs of other tea-drinking countries.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the number of former individual traders who are now serving in the Forces, or who have been directed to essential civilian work, he will restrict the issue of further licences for retail food shops to multiple and co-operative shops until these individual traders have had a fair chance to restart their businesses.

Licences are granted to multiple and co-operative stores to reopen, at the original premises, branches which they closed because of the war. If those premises have been damaged by enemy action or have been requisitioned, a licence is granted for near-by premises. No licence is granted to a multiple or co-operative store to open a new branch unless the refusal of the licence would involve a high degree of public hardship. I am not prepared to impose any further restriction on the issue of licences to these classes of trader.

asked the Minister of Food if it is upon his instructions that divisional food officers are refusing to support release from the Forces of owners of one-man businesses, except where the distribution of food is in jeopardy of breakdown; and if he will give instructions for a more generous attitude.

I am glad of the opportunity of explaining what appears to be a general misconception about the responsibilities of my Department for recommending releases of men in the food distributive trades from the Armed Forces. The Ministry of Food is concerned only with releases under Class B of the demobilisation scheme, that is, releases on industrial grounds. My officers, therefore, are precluded, under arrangements approved for all Government Departments, from considering the case of any business on any ground except the adequacy of food distribution in the locality. They do, however, give careful consideration to every case where an essential business is in danger of closing down, or where the standard of service may still further deteriorate, and cause undue hardship to the public, if the release of a former employee cannot be secured. Many such cases have been sponsored. Compassionate cases, such as those mentioned by my hon. Friend, where a one-man business is concerned, but the distribution of food is not in jeopardy, are for consideration under Class C of the demobilisation scheme. As such they are a matter solely for the Service Department concerned and my officers may not intervene. My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that the Service Departments are now giving a wider and more liberal interpretation to compassionate grounds, and I have given instructions that an applicant should be informed forthwith as to the possibility of an application on compassionate grounds if such exist, so that he may, if he wishes, make the necessary representations through his commanding officer without loss of time.

asked the Minister of Food why champagne is being retailed in this country at 35s. a bottle in view of the fact that the price paid by his Department for champagne imported from France is 14s. a bottle.

The c.i.f. cost of the champagne to which the hon. Member refers is 14s. 9d. per bottle. To this cost a further 6s. 6d. is to be added for duty, and the remaining addition of 13s. 9d. represents the margins allowed to importers wholesalers and retailers to cover their expenses and leave a reasonable profit. The champagne in question is being imported by the trade, and not by the Ministry of Food.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will explain the shortage of orange juice in Lewisham and elsewhere; and when conditions are likely to improve.

There has been a shortage of bottled orange juice during recent weeks in many parts of the country due to an unexpectedly high level of consumption, during the summer. Every effort is being made to increase supplies so that depleted stocks can be replenished. I am advised that ample supplies have been available in the Lewisham Food Office area during the last five weeks.

asked the Minister of Food what is the object of his regulation which prohibits millers from charging postage on oatmeal but permits them to charge for its transport by rail in large quantities; and whether this order can now be rescinded in order to encourage consumption of oatmeal as opposed to other foodstuffs which are in shorter supply.

The object of the regulation which prohibits any addition in respect of carriage to the maximum retail price where the goods on retail sale are sent by post, rail or in any other way is to prevent evasion of the prescribed maximum price The available supply of oatmeal is being fully taken up, and there is, therefore, no reason at present to consider encouraging further consumption on the lines suggested.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will now bring the fish-zoning scheme to an end.

No, Sir. Considerable extensions of the zones were made recently which allow quick distribution of all the fish at present landed without unnecessary use of transport.

asked the Minister of Food if he will consider relating the supply of points goods to the number of registrations for rationed goods held by each trader instead of relating it to commodities sold in the pre-war datum period.

No, Sir. The proposal would destroy a large part of the flexibility for consumers purchasing at any shop, which is one of the merits of the points scheme. Moreover, there is no satisfactory relationship between the trade in points rationed foods and straight rationed foods.

asked the Minister of Food what is the present cost per ton of beet sugar produced in this country, excluding all credits; and what was the price paid for British West Indian cane sugar in the current year.

The cost per ton of beet sugar produced in this country in the 1944–45 campaign, excluding the estimated cost of by-products, was £36 4s. 5d. The current cost at refinery in this country of British West Indian cane sugar is approximately £22 5s. 10d.

asked the Minister of War Transport if he will take steps to improve the omnibus service between the Knightsbridge area and Westminster.

There are several alternative means of travel by omnibus and underground between the Knightsbridge area and Westminster. The omnibus services on Routes Nos. 9, 11 and 46 were recently strengthened and, when additional staff is available, the service on Route No. 96 will be increased and that on Route No. 9 further improved.

asked the Minister of War Transport why a doctor has been refused a licence to purchase a reconditioned engine for a motor-car, whilst a licence is granted to a midwife or a nurse. Mr. Barnes: The Question presumably refers to a spares shortage certificate for which doctors, nurses and midwives are accorded priority. If my hon. Friend will give me details of any particular case he has in mind I will make inquiries. Spares shortage certificates have recently been discontinued in respect of certain manufacturers who are able to meet requirements for their cars.

asked the Minister of War Transport if he is aware that train services on the London suburban Southern Railway lines are not running according to the advertised times; that this is causing great inconvenience to the travelling public; and whether he will, with the railway company concerned, take steps to improve the running of these trains. Mr. Barnes: The revised time-table brought into operation on the Southern Railway's suburban lines on 1st October included a number of alterations and additional services which have had the effect of reducing the terminal margin times and making the services more susceptible to delays. Moreover, permanent way restrictions are more numerous than before the war as a result of deferred maintenance and some of the more serious incidents of enemy action. The new timetable involves many changes in the working which has been in force for a number of years, and it is bound to be some time before the new arrangements function smoothly in all respects. The average late arrival of suburban trains on the Southern Railway is at present 2·9 minutes. The Company intend to improve on the present position, and the working is receiving and will continue to receive the closest attention of the responsible traffic officers.

asked the Minister of War Transport whether, in view of the unsatisfactory rail facilities provided for female members of His Majesty's Forces, especially on long journeys, he will take steps to reserve a coach for them and label it not for public use.

Arrangements are already in force for the reservation of accommodation on trains for parties of Service-women numbering 20 or more, and also at terminal stations for duty parties when the number will fill one or more compartments. Moreover, it is the Railway Companies' practice to reserve compartments for women passengers on long-distance night trains where experience has shown this is required.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many trade unions are registered in Nigeria; and what is the estimated strength of each union.

106 trade unions were registered in Nigeria on 31st August last, the latest date of which information was available. The membership of these unions varies considerably, from 10 to nearly 3,000 each.

asked the Minister of War Transport how many trawlers and drifter-trawlers were requisitioned and acquired, respectively, by his Ministry for the Admiralty between August, 1939, and the end of the Japanese war; how many were lost due to enemy action and other causes while on charter to the Admiralty; how many have been returned to the industry; how many are still requisitioned; and how many are at present undergoing conversion.

The information asked for is given in the following table:

(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
	Requisitioned.	Acquired (included in Col. 2).	Lost (all causes).
Trawlers	817	45	170
Drifter Trawlers.	50	—	—

	(5)	(6)	(7)
	Returned to the Industry.	Still under Requisition.	Undergoing Reconversion (included in Col. 6).
Trawlers	163	439	251
Drifter Trawlers.	3	47	14
These figures exclude vessels taken up for certain special emergency duties during the course of hostilities and released after a relatively short period of service.

asked the Minister of War Transport what were the conditions agreed upon with the U.S.A. authorities for the exclusive use of the Cunard White Star liners ss. "Queen Mary" and "Queen Elizabeth" for trooping, these liners not being available, therefore, for normal Atlantic traffic; and on what terms have the British Government agreed to the ss. "Europa" and "Ile de France" being released from the shipping pool and reconditioned for civil Atlantic trade.

There were no special conditions agreed with the U.S. authorities for the use of the "Queen Mary" and "Queen Elizabeth" for the transportation of American Forces from Europe to America. As I stated in the House on Friday, 12th October, the two "Queens" were allocated for this purpose in order to achieve the redeployment of the American Forces against the Japanese in the shortest possible time. These troop ships, like all other troop ships, have been used during the war as combined resources to be used in the common interest to the greatest possible advantage. The two "Queens" cannot be made available for normal Atlantic traffic until their services are no longer required for the repatriation of our own Armed Forces, including those of the Dominions and the Allies.The British Government has not agreed to the "Europa" and "Ile de France" being released from the Shipping Pool and reconditioned for civil Atlantic trade. The "Europa" is in the hands of the U.S. authorities and is being prepared for U.S. trooping. The "Ile de France" is still employed in the movement of British and Dominion troops as she has been throughout the war.

asked the Minister of War Transport how many ships have been released to Malta to replace those lost by enemy action; and whether he will arrange for the early release of ss. "Berryden" for the North African service of the island.

Since the outbreak of war eight vessels of over 100 tons gross on the United Kingdom register, aggregating 12,000 tons gross, have been sold to Maltese owners. In addition five prize ships of 27,000 tons gross have been registered in Malta. The sale of the ss. "Berryden" to Malta was sanctioned on the clear understanding that she should remain on the United Kingdom register and continue her employment in the United Kingdom coasting trade, where there is only sufficient tonnage to meet the commitments of the coming winter. I cannot release this ship to the Malta-North African service, the needs of which are already adequately covered.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Gibraltarian evacuees still remain in Northern Ireland; and what is the expected date of their return.

Of the some 12,000 Gibraltarians evacuated to the United Kingdom in 1940, 3,600 still remain in Northern Ireland. 460 of these will return to Gibraltar as soon as a ship can be found to take them. It is hoped that a further 250 will have left before the end of the year. It will, however, be impossible to repatriate the remaining evacuees before the completion of a plan of permanent building in the Colony under which, if all goes well, accommodation will become progressively available from about this time next year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any statement to make on the threat of two Maltese parties to boycott the election.

I have received with regret reports that two of the parties in Malta may boycott the forthcoming elections to the Council of Government. I cannot regard such an attitude as helpful or in the best interests of Malta, particularly in view of the forthcoming discussions in connection with the restoration of responsible government; and earnestly hope that these parties may see fit to reconsider their position.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what sums are being provided by the British Exchequer for the subsidisation and rehabilitation of the various colonial export crop industries.

In most cases no need arises for special assistance of the kind suggested to colonial export industries, but where necessary appropriate measures are being considered. If my hon. Friend will specify more particularly which industries he has in mind I will endeavour to deal with his inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what profits have been made on the marketing of Uganda cotton and Nyasaland tobacco during the war; whether a decision has been taken as to the use to which these profits should be put; and whether Government marketing plans for these products are to continue.

The Cotton Fund in Uganda, derived from profits made during the war on the marketing of cotton, stood at the end of 1944 at approximately £3,000,000. It is intended that these profits should be expended for the benefit of the African population of the areas in which production takes place and a local committee is now considering the objects for which the Fund should be used. The future organisation of the industry is under consideration.Tobacco grown on private estates in Nyasaland, whether by Europeans or Africans, is sold by private arrangement. The bulk of the tobacco produced by Africans is grown on Native Trust Land and is marketed through the Native Tobacco Board established in 1926. The profits of this Board during the war years have been as follows:

	£
1939	7,656
1940	31,587
1941	81,926
1942	114,931
1943	89,092
1944	54,798

As regards the use to which these profits are put, the law was amended in 1944 to enable payments to be made from the funds of the Board into a local Native Development and Welfare Fund. A sum of £130,000 was paid into this Fund last year. At the same time a sum of £210,000 was retained by the Board for the purpose of price stabilisation. No change is contemplated in the existing arrangements for marketing through the Native Tobacco Board.A delegation with representatives both of the European growers and of the Native Tobacco Board, and accompanied by a representative of the European growers in the Eastern Province of Northern Rhodesia, has just completed a successful visit to this country, during which they were able to make contact both with the Departments concerned here and with commercial interests and to explore the possibilities of future markets for Nyasaland tobacco.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made towards the completion of an Anglo-French alliance; and whether this alliance is being designed as part of a system of alliances between States in Western Europe.

As I indicated in my speech of 20th August, it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to establish the closest and most friendly relations with France.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how far, as a result of his recent conversation with the French Foreign Minister, have outstanding questions, particularly in regard to overseas problems, been composed between France and ourselves.

As foreshadowed in my statement to the House on 20th August, I have had some talks with the French Minister for Foreign Affairs with a view to clearing up certain points of difficulty which had arisen between the French Government and ourselves. These discussions are continuing.

asked the Minister of Education in what districts schoolchildren receive a free issue of milk during school holidays.

In June of this year the following local education authorities had arrangements of varying extent for the supply of school milk during the holidays, but it is probable that this information was not complete; it may be assumed that in all these areas any school milk supplied to pupils who were considered necessitous, was provided free of charge:

• Bedfordshire.
• Cambridgeshire.
• Cheshire.
• Essex.
• Hertfordshire.
• Kent.
• Lancashire.
• Lincolnshire-Kesteven.
• Middlesex.
• Nottinghamshire.
• Suffolk(West).
• Surrey.
• Yorkshire (West Riding)
• London.
• Bath.
• Blackpool.
• Bolton.
• Bootle.
• Bournemouth.
• Bristol.
• Burnley.
• Burton-on-Trent.
• Bury.
• Carlisle.
• Coventry.
• Croydon.
• Derby.
• Dewsbury.
• Doncaster.
• Eastbourne.
• East Ham.
• Hastings.
• Ipswich.
• Manchester.
• Middlesbrough.
• Reading.
• Salford.
• Southend-on-Sea.
• South Shields.
• Stoke-on-Trent.
• West Ham.
• West Hartlepool.
• Wigan.
• York C.B.
• Cardiff.
• Newport (Mon.).

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs when a statement will be made defining His Majesty's Government's policy on emigration.

The policy of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom remains as stated in the White Paper (Cmd. 6655) presented to Parliament in June.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will see that the present principle of recruitment to the Greek police and gendarmerie under the British Military Mission, which excludes Communists but admits X-ites, will be amended to exclude neither or both.

If the Greek police and gendarmerie are to be impartial and non-political forces it is clearly desirable that extremists of both sides should be excluded. I have instructed His Majesty's Ambassador in Athens to impress this most strongly on the Greek Government. The head of the British Police Mission to Greece informs me that he has frequently urged on the Greek authorities the need for vigorous and drastic action against extremists of the Right who transgress the law.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many Greeks are still detained in camps in North Africa and Eritrea; when they will be repatriated to Greece; and will he give an assurance that they will in the meantime be granted the unrestricted right to receive letters, parcels of food and medicine and proper medical and dental treatment.

There are 1,850 Greeks detained in North Africa and Eritrea as a result of mutinies in the Greek forces in 1944, of whom 1,200 are military and 650 naval personnel. About 1,500 naval internees have recently been repatriated, and it is hoped that the remaining 650 will have returned to Greece by the end of this month. No definite date can be given for the repatriation' of the 1,200 military internees, but the Greek Government have been asked to release naval vessels for this purpose, since other transport is not available. As regards the last part of the Question, there are no restrictions on incoming letters and parcels other than the normal security censorship and a search for means of escape. As a result of the recent publicity suggesting that medical treatment is inadequate, the internees are being sent large quantities of medicines. These parcels must be examined, since they often include dangerous drugs. I am assured that the British and Greek authorities are satisfied that the medical and dental facilities for the internees are fully adequate.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the repeated requests from the British medical staff at Mai Habar Hospital, Eritrea, from April, 1945, or earlier, for the transfer of Greek tubercular patients to hospitals where they could receive proper treatment were refused until after the Red Cross delegates visit.

All requests for the transfer of Greek tubercular patients were considered by the Medical Directorate at G.H.Q. Middle East and decisions made were in the best interests of the patients themselves. In most cases it was more satisfactory for them to remain at Mai Habar where full facilities were available. Some patients have recently been transferred, but this was part of a general administrative movement which had been planned before the Red Cross delegates' visit and was not made in consequence of the visit.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many persons, not being British subjects, enjoy diplomatic privileges in this country; and by how many this number was increased by the Diplomatic Privileges (the Transport Organisation and War Crimes Commission) Order in Council, 1945 (S.R. & O., 1945, No. 1211).

The number of persons accepted by His Majesty's Government as entitled to full diplomatic immunity from legal process as members of the foreign Missions accredited to the Court of St. James is 909. The same immunity is enjoyed by 25 members of the staffs of Missions accredited to certain Allied Governments, and by 10 members of the retinues of foreign Sovereigns at present residing in this country. It is also enjoyed by 204 Allied Government officials still working here, and by 18 persons connected with U.N.R.R.A., one connected with the Intergovernmental Committee for Refugees, and by 69 foreign government representatives on the Preparatory Commission. The total number of persons enjoying full diplomatic immunity from process in these categories is, therefore, 1,236. This figure does not include wives and children sharing the immunity of their menfolk. To this total will shortly be added, under the Order-in-Council referred to by the hon. Member, the names of about nine persons not already privileged in other capacities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will give any information on the recent developments in Indo-China.

:In Indo-China, as in Java, the Japanese followed a policy of encouraging the growth of nationalism, and with Japanese backing and arms nationalist groups were able in August last to establish what has become known as the Viet Nam Republic, comprising the coastal territories of Tonkin, Annam and Cochin China. After the Japanese general surrender, responsibility for disarming and controlling all Japanese forces and for releasing and evacuating Allied prisoners of war and internees in Southern Indo-China up to the boundary between South East Asia Command and the China theatre, which for operational purposes had been established along the parallel of 16^o N., devolved on forces under Admiral Mountbatten's command.Unfortunately, in fulfilling the primary task entrusted to him, the British Force Commander in Indo-China, General Gracey, found himself obliged to contend with continual looting and attacks by Annamite armed bands on French civilians and property and with conflicts between these bands and the French forces under his command. On General Gracey's advice, the senior French officer agreed to meet Annamite representatives and arrangements were made for a truce to run from 2nd October. In face of the evident inability of the Annamite leaders to exercise effective control over their own armed forces, General Gracey warned them on 8th October that should their forces break the truce he would have no option but to take whatever steps might be necessary to ensure the proper execution of his task. There has been sporadic fighting involving British forces in the outskirts of Saigon.As stated by the Prime Minister in reply to a Question on the situation in Java on 17th October, His Majesty's Government do not desire to be unnecessarily involved in the administration or in the political affairs of non-British territories, and their object is to withdraw British troops as soon as circumstances permit. As the House is no doubt aware, the French Government, in a declaration of policy issued on 24th March last, promised a wide measure of autonomy to Indo-China, and I should like to take this opportunity of informing the House that this liberal attitude on the part of the French Government has been reflected in the very conciliatory manner in which the local French representatives have dealt with the Annamite leaders. There has also been close and friendly co-operation between the British and French Commanders. In the meanwhile, every effort is being made to expedite the movement of French troops to Saigon insufficient numbers to enable them to take over from the British forces.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the date of the Polish elections has been fixed; and if he is satisfied that all political parties will be represented at the elections in accordance with the terms of the Potsdam decisions.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Peasant Party in Poland, led by Mr. Micholajczyck and the Christian Labour Party, are being given facilities to take part in the impending elections, in accordance with the Potsdam decisions.

So far as I am aware no date has yet been fixed for the elections in Poland. For the rest, I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member for Cambridge University (Mr. Pickthorn) on 10th October.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many members of the Polish Armed Forces in Britain, Germany and Italy who volunteered to return to Poland have, in fact, so returned; and if British representatives keep in touch with these men after their return.

The hon. and gallant Member will see from the written answer to the Question asked on 22nd October by the hon. and gallant Member for Colchester (Captain C. Smith) that the repatriation of those members of the Polish Armed Forces who have volunteered to return home cannot be started until the necessary arrangements have been agreed between His Majesty's Government, the Polish Provisional Government and the other authorities concerned. The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the instructions by the Russian occupying Forces in Hungary that there shall be only one electoral list at the forthcoming electrons, whether such elections will be regarded by the British Government as free elections for the purpose of choosing a Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what stipulations were made by His Majesty's Government on re-organising the Hungarian Government as to the course of future Hungarian policy.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information concerning the latest position regarding elections in Hungary.

It had been the intention of the Hungarian Government to hold general elections on 4th November, and His Majesty's Government had been assured by the Hungarian Government that these elections would be free and untrammelled. On 7th October municipal elections were held in Budapest which gave a majority to the Smallholders Party. These elections were followed by threats of disturbances and strikes promoted by the unsuccessful Social Democrat and Communist Parties, which, if implemented, could only worsen the present economic crisis. In these circumstances I understand that on 16th October it was suggested to the leaders of the Hungarian political parties by Marshal Voroshilov, the principal Soviet representative in Hungary, that the forthcoming elections should be held on the basis of a common list of candidates for all parties. This suggestion is now being considered by the political parties concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will give the names of the members of the British Mission in Bucharest; whether the members of this Mission can freely move about the country; and whether they have examined the situation in the British-owned oilfields in Rumania.

His Majesty's Government are represented in Rumania by a Military and a Political Mission. The Military Mission consists of 36 officers and about 150 other ranks under Air Vice-Marshal Stevenson. There are 19 members of the Political Mission. The answer to the second and third parts of the Question is "Yes."

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will arrange for standard Red Cross parcels to be made available to sick and elderly persons of British birth now resident in France and other countries, even when such persons have acquired alien nationality by marriage.

:I am arranging that standard Red Cross parcels when they are available will be provided for those people in France of British birth who have no foreign authority or representative to whom they may properly turn for similar assistance.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what Allied troops are still in occupation of the Danish Island of Bornholm; for what reason are they still in occupation; and when are they to be withdrawn.

Soviet forces are still in occupation of Bornholm. I have no information as to the tasks on which they are now engaged or the date on which they are to be withdrawn.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what grounds Mr. Zerbini, a Greek resident of Egypt, is still detained in forced residence in Eritrea.

The British security authorities in the Middle East have already informed the Egyptian Government that they have no objection to Zerbinis' return to Egypt and that they will afford him any necessary facilities for his journey. As soon as the Egyptian Government grant a visa M. Zerbinis will be able to return to Egypt.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied that the recent agreement on the status of Tangier is being fulfilled.

Yes, Sir. The international status of Tangier was restored without incident on 11th October, in accordance with the agreement reached at the Paris Conference, and the new administration appears on the whole to be functioning satisfactorily.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any further information regarding the situation in the Dutch East Indies.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement, about the present situation in the Dutch East Indies.

I have little to add to the answer given by the Prime Minister on 17th October. Though the situation in Batavia itself is quieter, the general situation in Java continues to give rise to anxiety. British troops have now entered Buitenzorg, Bandoeng, Semarang and Sourabaya, and, with a view to ensuring that the Force Commander is in a position to fulfil the tasks indicated by the Prime Minister, reinforcements of British troops are being sent to the island. Meanwhile Admiral Mountbatten's Chief Political Adviser has arrived in Batavia and is in close touch with the Dutch Lieutenant Governor-General, who is urgently studying the best procedure for conducting discussions with the local Indonesian leaders regarding the application of the reforms promised in the broadcast by Her Majesty the Queen of the Netherlands in December, 1942.

asked the Attorney-General by what authority a licensed victualler is debarred from becoming a justice of the peace.

There is no statutory prohibition against a licensed victualler being a J.P. By long administrative practice the Lord Chancellor, who is responsible for the advice given to the Crown in relation to the selection and appointment of Justices of the Peace, except in Lancashire, has not appointed licensed victuallers to the Bench. The terms of reference to the proposed new Royal Commission, will include this subject among others.

asked the Attorney-General whether, as the considerations which led to the creation of the supplementary list of justices of the peace apply with equal force to the functions of a judicial authority under the Acts relating to lunacy and mental deficiency, he will take steps to see that justices of the peace on the supplementary list do not in future exercise any powers under these Acts.

I think it is undesirable that a Justice on the supplemental list should exercise the power of a judicial authority under the Lunacy and Mental Treatment Acts. The desirability of drawing the attention of those concerned to this expression of opinion is under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many jettisoning exercises have been carried out by the R.A.F. since VE and VJ-Days, respectively; and how many gallons of petrol have been dumped in the sea in the course of them.

In the course of training crews to deal with emergencies, approximately 300 jettisoning exercises were carried out from VE-Day to VJ-Day by the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom and Europe. Since then there have been just over 100 more. On an average, rather more than 20 gallons of petrol were used for each of these exercises, making a total of approximately 9,000 gallons. The exercises are carried out not over the sea but over armament ranges on land.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he will make a statement on pay, pensions and conditions of regular service in the R.A.F.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air when he will be in a position to announce the long-term conditions of service in the R.A.F.

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply which I gave on 10th October to the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. W. J. Brown).

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, as a means of speeding R.A.F. release, he will consider an interim scheme of short-term regular service, pending the announcement of conditions of service for the peacetime Air Force, on sufficiently attractive terms to ensure the retention of the necessary experienced specialist personnel.

Conditions of service for the post-war Air Force will be announced as soon as possible. Meanwhile officers may apply to extend their service, and serving airmen in ground trades to enlist for between three and seven years' regular service. Recruits can also be accepted either for regular service or in the R.A.F.V.R. for the duration of the present emergency.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of the desire, particularly amongst demobilised aircrews, for some organisation of a reserve or auxiliary nature in which they can retain their interest and skill in military aviation; and whether he has any statement to make on this subject.

Yes, Sir. I am aware of such a desire and I hope that it will be possible for a statement to be made soon.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider moving Air Ministry branches at present located in requisitioned houses and hotels, into administrative and living accommodation on aerodromes not required for operational purposes, where this can be done without undue hardship to the staff.

It would be impracticable to carry out moves of this kind without undue hardship to the staff or without prejudice to the efficient conduct of business in my Department.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air approximately how many camps and other institutions, capable of accommodating 500 men or more, he has had at his disposal at any time since the ending of hostilities.

515 camps, etc., of this size are held by my Department in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether those members of the R.A.F.V.R., Czech Section, who came to this country in 1940, and on being enlisted in the R.A.F., swore an oath of allegiance to His Majesty the King, are still to be treated as members of the R.A.F., and, as such, to be demobilised in this country.

The Czech nationals concerned who came to this country in 1940 were, with few exceptions, enlisted in the R.A.F.V.R. (Czech Section) but they remained members of the Czechoslovak Armed Forces and their demobilisation is a matter for the Czechoslovak Military Authorities. It is understood that those who have pre-war residential qualifications in this country will be demobilised here. So far as others who may wish to remain in this country are concerned, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department gave to my hon. Friend the Member for South Cardiff (Mr. Callaghan) on 18th October.

asked the Under Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that, in view of the slowdown in R.A.F. demobilisation forecast for next year, the leaflet inviting R.A.F. personnel to remain permanently in the R.A.F. has caused annoyance; and whether he will withdraw this leaflet until conditions of service in the peace-time R.A.F. are known.

The leaflet to which my hon. and Gallant Friend refers was issued as part of a recruiting campaign to arouse interest in the adoption of the Royal Air Force as a peace-time career. I am aware that there has been some Press criticism of this leaflet, but my information does not confirm my hon. and Gallant Friend's suggestion that it has caused general annoyance in the Service.

asked the Under Secretary of State for Air, if he will make a statement regarding the number of recent air crashes in Transport Command.

:During the period 1st July to 15th October, 1945, there were 24 accidents to aircraft operating in Transport Command involving death or injury. Of this total, 13 occurred to aircraft carrying passengers and resulted in the deaths of 191 passengers and 64 crew and injuries to eight passengers. We deeply regret the losses involved, but they must be seen in relation to the task imposed on Transport Command during the last few months. Since 1st July, the total passenger mileage for the Command has nearly doubled, and it has now reached the figure of 190,000,000 passenger miles a month. This great total is made up of flights covering the widest variety of activities over greater ranges, and under diverse and difficult conditions. The Command's work has varied from the carriage of passengers on scheduled services on well-organised routes to special tasks such as urgent supply dropping and the evacuation of prisoners of war from isolated areas in the Far East which were virtually military operations.On the extensive scheduled services there were four fatal accidents, involving the deaths of 18 crew and 18 passengers. These figures represent a passenger fatality rate of one in approximately 13,000,000 passenger miles. There has been one serious accident in the first fortnight of our large-scale trooping operations. The remaining accidents nearly all occurred during flights in the nature of air operations, many of them carried out under most difficult conditions, before hostilities with Japan came to an end.It is only right to look at these casualties against the vastly increased commitments, and, in fact, the accident rate for the Command has fallen over the past year. Nevertheless, this heavy loss of life demands that no measures shall be spared which would promote increased safety, and everything in our power will be done to give the Command the assistance and priorities it needs to fulfill its tremendous task.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he is aware of the disquiet and inconvenience caused to the citizens of Norwich by the frequent flying of aircraft based on Horsham at low altitudes over the city; and if he will take steps to abate the danger and nuisance by using instead one of the more remotely situated aerodromes in Norfolk.

:The Air Ministry cannot give up the use of Horsham St. Faith, because complex and expensive installations have been centred there which are important for the air defence of the United Kingdom. It is, moreover, one of the relatively few Royal Air Force stations which have permanent accommodation to live and work in. Flying has already been reduced and, so far as safety permits, arrangements are made to avoid Norwich. Further reductions in night flying will be made as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, to lessen disappointment over R.A.F. demobilisation delays, he will speed up the return to British stations of men now in Germany who have already done one tour abroad.

Men who were sent to Germany after spending a very short time in this country following previous service overseas are being posted home as soon as possible, but the hon. Member will appreciate that priority of relief has to be given to tour-expired men serving in more distant commands where facilities for home leave are not so favourable.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what steps his Department have taken to inform the men in the R.A.F. of the reasons for the apparent departure from the Bevin release scheme as far as it affects the R.A.F.

We have not departed from the principles of demobilisation announced in the White Paper, where it was clearly stated that owing to military considerations release would necessarily proceed at different rates in the different Services, and that it would be necessary in some Services to deal separately with the several branches and possibly trades and ranks in those branches. It is important that the reasons for these differences should be properly understood, and I am glad to announce that we have made arrangements for a series of signals to be sent from the Air Council to Commanding Officers at home and overseas for the information of all members of the Royal Air Force. These signals, which are in addition to other information of both an official and a popular kind, will explain clearly and without delay the policy and progress of demobilisation in the R.A.F.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has now considered the suggestion that a small independent civilian body be enabled to investigate complaints of redundancy and misemployment in the R.A.F.

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave on 17th October to my hon. Friend the Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Levy).

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the training period for aircrews in Canada is counted towards the three years' maximum period overseas.

A training period spent overseas counts towards completing an overseas tour provided that further service overseas follows after less than six months in this country. The overseas tour of three years applies only to married men. For single men the tour is at present four years, but it is being reduced to 3½ years, starting on 1st December, 1945.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of applications received from officers in the R.A.F. for permanent commissions; the number granted to date; and the total number to be given, having regard to the post-war establishment of the R.A.F.

Approximately 22,000 applications for permanent commissions have been received from officers of the R.A.F., a high proportion of which have been recommended by commanding officers. At present appointments are being limited to replacing wastage in the 1939 establishment, which comprised some 3,000 officers holding permanent commissions. The names of 482 officers selected for permanent commissions have already been promulgated, and further lists totalling approximately 300 are in course of promulgation. The total number of permanent commissions to be offered will depend on the establishment fixed for the post-war Air Force. In addition, some 6,000 vacancies are available under the interim scheme for extension of wartime service recently promulgated, and offers of extended service commissions are being made to 1,200 officers this week. These offers do not preclude further consideration of the officers for appointment to permanent commissions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider permitting the repatriation of W.A.A.F. who become engaged, in the same way as this provision operates in the A.T.S.

There have been no compulsory postings overseas for the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. Applications to be posted back to the United Kingdom in order to be married will be considered on their merits in the same way as other applications for compassionate posting.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many prisoners of war and members of the Armed Forces due for release or repatriation have been transported from other than European zones to this country by the R.A.F. since the end of the war with Japan.

During the preliminary operation of the air trooping plan from 14th August to 20th October, approximately 300 ex-prisoners of war and 5,770 members of the Services due for release or repatriation have been transported by air to this country from outside Europe. Approximately 50,000 men have been brought to this country from Italy, and I will communicate further with my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as I have obtained information showing the proportion of these who came to Italy by air from outside Europe.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is satisfied that the two extra hangars now about to be erected at St. Mawgan aerodrome are so placed as not to spoil the beauties of the countryside, especially in view of the decision to make use of this aerodrome as a main trans-Atlantic airport.

The sites for these temporary hangars had to fit in with the existing lay-out of the airfield, and to avoid causing obstructions to flying. Within limitations such as these we are anxious to preserve natural amenities wherever possible. I should add that I am not aware of a decision to use St. Mawgan as a main trans-Atlantic airport.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the reasons for the maintenance in being of the West African Command, R.A.F.; whether he is aware that there are general complaints that the men there have little to do; and whether he has any plans for the future employment of them.

The Royal Air Force West Africa Command provides facilities necessary for the safety and efficiency of air communications. A reduced establishment can now be accepted to carry out these duties and men are being brought home as quickly as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if, in view of the fact that thousands of trained aircrew are being re-mustered to ground trades and that large numbers of trained ground staff at Cranborne, Southern Rhodesia, are employed in giving aircrew instruction to pupils who have already had flying experience, he will arrange for the dismantling of this station or its discontinuance as an aircrew training station.

This station is still required for flying training. I am, however, making inquiries into the particular points which the hon. Member has raised and will communicate with him.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why, in view of the delay in releasing personnel of the Accounts Branch of the R.A.F. including married members of the W.A.A.F., no steps are being taken to train non-accountant unmarried members of the W.A.A.F. as accounts clerks.

Our main requirements in the accounting trades are to relieve men serving overseas who are tour expired or due for release. Training is at present confined to men because members of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force are not liable to compulsory service overseas. All married women who wish to claim priority will be released by the end of November.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what is the total living accommodation in aerodromes under his control; and what proportion of this total accommodation is at present being used for Service purposes.

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

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that certain roads through the Kermington and Kelstern aerodromes in North Lincolnshire, which are now out of commission, have been closed to civilian traffic, causing considerable loss of time and labour to the farming community which is compelled to make wide detours; is there any reason why these roads should not be re-opened to civilian traffic at once; and what steps does he propose to take in the matter.

The road through Kermington airfield has been re-opened. Kelstern is earmarked for further flying use, and I regret that the roads there cannot be re-opened for the time being

asked the Under Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that tropical kit, mosquito nets, bush hats, etc., issued to draft 10481, were withdrawn immediately prior to embarkation on 16th September, that on 14th October, five days after arrival at Singapore, the troops were still without adequate protection; and what steps he is taking to ensure that such mismanagement does not occur again.

I am making inquiries and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Under Secretary of State for Air whether he is satisfied with the standard of accommodation and feeding arrangements for other ranks in the troopship m. v. "Dunera."

The "Dunera," which has recently been employed in the Indian Ocean, does not operate under the control of my Department, but I will make further inquiries if my hon. and gallant Friend will send me particulars of what he has in mind.

asked the Under Secretary of State for Air if he is aware of the dissatisfaction of R.A.F. personnel, North Front, Gibraltar over the fact that the ranks of sergeant and above receive a hardship allowance called Colonial Pay, which is not paid to other ranks; and if he will take steps to end this discrimination.

:I am not aware that the issue of Colonial allowance, which is paid on similar conditions for the three Services, has been the cause of any general dissatisfaction among members of the R.A.F. at Gibraltar.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air, if he will state the future policy for the A.T.C.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 17th October to the hon. and gallant Member for Stockport (Wing-Commander Hulbert).

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements are being made for the trial of Japanese war criminals; and whether he will take steps to see that these trials are held at the earliest possible moment.

Instructions have been issued to Commanders overseas to apprehend and detain in custody all Japanese who are suspected of war crimes. Steps are being taken to obtain statements from all British Commonwealth prisoners of war released from Japanese hands, in order to obtain evidence and permit the preparation of cases for trial. Information similarly obtained from civilian internees or any other source will be utilised. Although the identification of criminals and the collation of evidence is a formidable task, it is the intention that trials should be started at the earliest possible date.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give an estimate of the numbers of Service personnel killed, after capture by Germans, contrary to the Geneva Convention; and how many prosecutions against those responsible have taken place or are about to take place.

Five hundred and twenty-one British Commonwealth prisoners of war are at present listed as having met violent deaths after capture by the Germans. This total excludes cases being investigated by B.A.O.R. and not yet registered. One prosecution has taken place, one is now proceeding and three others are due shortly. Of the remainder, a large number are complete and prosecution awaits the identification of accused known by name and description, while other cases are unlikely to come to trial because either the accused are dead or are unidentified.

asked the Secretary of State for War when it is anticipated that the banks in British Malaya will be able to resume normal business and permit their customers to draw funds which stood to the credit of their accounts before the occupation of Malaya by the Japanese.

:The banks in Singapore have already re-opened to transact new business. They are unable to allow withdrawals from balances standing in accounts at the time of the Japanese occupation until they have had time to investigate the position of the accounts, and I am unable at present to forecast when the investigations will have been completed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he hopes to submit the Government's policy on prices and wages for the consideration of the House.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which I made on this subject in the course of my Budget statement yesterday.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will furnish a list of persons who still receive annual emoluments in virtue of grants made to their ancestors; the amount in each case; and if he will now consider abolishing these in the interests of the taxpayer.

The only remaining payment within this category is the annuity of £5,000 paid under 46 G. 3, C. 146 to the holder of the title of Earl Nelson (though I would refer my hon. Friend to the Finance Accounts of the United Kingdom for the financial year 1944–45, pages 35 and 38, for details of compensation allowances and other perpetual charges on the Consolidated Fund). I am satisfied that this pension could not be abolished, except by agreement, without breach of public faith.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will reconsider the decision of 15th May, 1935, under which a Member who travels by air between London and his constituency has to pay the excess over the first-class railway fare.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will take steps to secure that Members of Parliament are granted the same facilities for travel between London and their constituencies on internal air lines as they now enjoy on the railways.

My right hon. Friend thinks that the time has come when it would be right to consider what changes, if any, should be made in the existing conditions under which air travel is recognised for the recoupment of cost of M.P.' s travel; and arrangements will accordingly be made for the matter to be examined.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what system of special wartime allowances now operates in Devon-port dockyard; and whether, especially in view of the loss of income caused by the ending of overtime, he will review this machinery with the purpose of making improvements which will assist those who have been bombed out from their houses in Devonport and Plymouth and must therefore spend a disproportionate part of their income in travelling expenses.

Special war-time allowances of many kinds have been authorised in the Royal Dockyards to meet special conditions, e.g. the assumption of extra responsibility, and they remain in operation while those conditions still obtain. No such allowance has, however, been authorised in respect of travelling expenses incurred by employees bombed out of their houses in Devonport or elsewhere, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the hardship and inconvenience suffered by these men are matters of constant concern, and we have taken, and are taking, all practical steps to alleviate them, by obtaining improved transport, by supporting and furthering emergency housing plans, and by unremitting attention to the general welfare of the workers.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will make a statement at an early date on the future of the naval base at Rosyth and the naval repair factory at Donibristle.

:The future of Rosyth and the Aircraft Repair Yard at Donibristle is bound up with the strength, composition and disposition of the ultimate post-war Fleet. All these inter-related problems are under examination but I do not expect that any conclusion will be reached for some time to come.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will make arrangements whereby R.N.V.R. officers who desire to remain in the Service, will be permitted to do so for the purpose of making the Navy a career.

Schemes have already been introduced to enable Reserve Officers to apply to transfer to permanent commissions, but until there is more precise information about the size and composition of the post-war Fleet, transfers must be few and confined to those branches where it can be assumed that post-war requirements will enable additional officers to be granted permanent commissions.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will take steps to speed up the transfer of pay documents of officers and men on appointment to another ship.

I am fully aware of the importance of the speedy transfer of pay documents, but the hon. Member will recognise that the problem is not an easy one. Considerable improvement has been effected during the last few months, and measures to secure a further improvement are being actively pursued.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many officers of the R.N.V.R. are now on indefinite leave.

There are no officers on indefinite leave, but there are always a number of Naval officers awaiting appointment. A number of appointments ceased with the Cease Fire in Europe and still more at the end of the Japanese war. These R.N.V.R. officers in the Executive, Special and Air Branches are being rapidly posted to replace officers who are being released.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the present position as regards release of engine-room artificers; why the release of this class is so far behind that of seamen; what steps he is taking to bring it in line with that of other classes; and what is the estimated rate of release of groups in this class up to June, 1946.

Present arrangements provide for engine-room artificers up to age and service group 26 to be released by the end of this year. This is about four groups behind the average for the Royal Navy but only one behind seamen, petty officers and chief petty officers. The explanation is the shortage of engine-room artificers and the high proportion of men in this branch in the early age and service groups. I am hoping to ease the position by dilution and the training of new entrants, but this takes time. I will do all I can to speed up the release of men in this branch, but I regret I cannot forecast the rate of release up to June, 1946.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will now give directions that men who were transferred from the Navy in order to take up work in gasworks and were not informed that by accepting such transfer they would lose their 56 days' leave with pay at the termination of their service, shall have this leave with pay in due course, irrespective of the date of their transference or of whether they are entitled to be released from work at the gasworks when their age and service group comes due for release.

No, Sir. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Wimbledon (Mr. Palmer) on 9th October, a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the reasons for recently refusing the issue of 60 clothing coupons to British wives who are joining, or have joined, their American husbands; and if he is aware of the inconvenience caused to British families through the difficulty of providing dollars to purchase goods on the American continent.

No supplementary coupons are given to brides setting up homes in this country, and it is not desirable to give more favourable treatment to women going to the U.S.A. to join their American husbands. Women going overseas on marriage get the same treatment as other people going abroad. With supplies of clothing so short and the increase in the number of people travelling, extra coupons can only be given to those travelling to certain destinations for which their existing clothing would be inadequate. No coupons are now given to people going to the U.S.A. As regards the latter part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Member for South Leeds (Mr. Gaitskell) on 18th October.

asked the Minister of Works to what extent the timber trade is contributing towards the erection of temporary and permanent houses, respectively.

Timber used in connection with temporary and permanent houses is obtained in the same way as timber required for other purposes. The timber trade itself is the channel for the distribution of timber under a licence scheme.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation how many members of the staff of his Ministry have had practical or professional experience in the operation of civil air lines, giving their names, the dates of their appointment and the nature and extent of their experience in each case.

There are 34 members of the staff of the Ministry of Civil Aviation who have had practical or professional experience in various capacities in the operation of civil air lines, for periods ranging from 12 years to 3 months, the average being just over 4 years. As regards the remainder of the Question, there is a well recognised tradition which precludes public reference by name to individual officers of the Crown services.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed to continue to require repayment of moneys advanced towards the support of dependants of British subjects interned in Belgium by the enemy occupying power.

Yes, Sir. These moneys were advanced by His Majesty's Government against signed undertakings to repay on demand. The British subjects concerned, however, are not pressed to repay in cases where repayment would cause undue hardship.

asked the hon. Member for Tottenham North, as representing the Kitchen Committee, if letters to the staff couched in peremptory terms, copies of which have been sent to him, were sent with his knowledge and approval; and will he give instructions that the staff shall be treated in future with consideration, as many of these persons have given years of devoted service to hon. Members.

I am obliged to the hon. Gentleman for his courtesy in sending me copies of the correspondence to which he refers. The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. The letters were sent under the authority of the Select Committee appointed last Session. I can give the hon. Member the assurance that the staff will receive every consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any financial aid is available to those civilians being repatriated from the Far East whose businesses have been destroyed by the war.

Apart from the normal financial assistance which is available in the United Kingdom for those in need, individuals who have been repatriated from the Far East will be able to seek aid for any particular needs from the Far Eastern Relief fund to which the House was invited last week to approve a contribution from public funds. Those who intend to return to the Far East will also be assisted with the cost of passages for the purpose. The general question of the financial assistance to be made available from Government funds for the rehabilitation of trade and industry in the Far Eastern territories is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that persons who have suffered interruption in the following of their occupation through some form of war service are ineligible for agricultural training under the scheme announced on 5th June, 1945, by reason only of the fact that they can return to a former occupation; and whether he will review this position in order to encourage people to take up agricultural careers.

The general conditions of eligibility for agricultural training under the Government's Vocational Training Scheme for men and women released from war service are the same as for all other kinds of training provided under that Scheme. The relaxation of the conditions in favour of applicants for agricultural training is not considered practicable, as any such concession would inevitably lead to demands for similar treatment for persons desiring to train for other occupations. I am glad to say, however, that the Ministry of Labour and National Service, which is the Department responsible for determining eligibility in individual cases, applies a liberal standard in considering applications from persons wishing to take up agricultural training.