asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what special steps he is taking to ensure adequate distribution of coal this winter in rural areas which are supplied with neither gas nor electricity.

Local fuel overseers are empowered to authorise by licence additional supplies for those premises entirely dependent on solid fuel, and in the allocation of coal to merchants account is taken of their proportion of rural consumers. Merchants have been required to stock part of their summer supplies as a winter reserve and every effort is being made to increase current production, but rigid economy in consumption will be necessary for all consumers.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will give an explanation of the drop in average weekly output of coal as between 3, 467, 000 tons in September, 1945, and 3, 622, 000 tons in September, 1944.

This decline in output is mainly attributable to increased absenteeism from various causes and to a fall in the manpower available in the industry.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what was the production of coal in each of the months January to April during the year 1945, shown as weekly averages for four or five week periods.

The particulars asked for are as follow

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what was the production of coal in each of the months March to August during the years, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943 and 1944, respec-

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will ensure that supplies of coal in London this winter are fairly distributed between firms which specialise in 8 cwt. orders and those which deal mainly with 1 cwt. deliveries, thus making certain, as far as is possible, that consumers receive the coal to which they are entitled.

Every effort is made to ensure that available supplies of house coal are fairly distributed to depots and merchants. In particular special attention is given to the needs of the small consumer who for lack of storage space takes his coal in one or two cwt. deliveries.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will issue monthly statements of coal stocks.

Yes, Sir, I have already made arrangements for these figures to be published monthly.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the present practice of employment exchanges in giving preference to the watch and clock repairing industry over the optical industry in the supply of skilled labour; and whether, in view of the present delays in obtaining repairs to spectacles and other essential optical equipment, he will investigate this matter with a view to early remedial action.

The table below sets out the production figures requested by the hon. and gallant Member:

I am not aware of such a preference, but I am prepared to examine any cases the hon. and gallant Member sends to me.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men were released from the Services on 15th October, 16th October and 17th October.

I would ask my hon. and gallant Friend to await the next monthly statement on releases from the Forces. I do not think I should be justified in asking the Services to provide figures of the numbers released on particular dates.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in the case of a conscript who is desirous of serving on a Regular engagement with the Army, R.N. or R.A.F., steps are taken to ensure that he is directed into the service in which he desires to serve.

A man desirous of serving on a regular engagement is not called up under the National Service Acts; he volunteers for the Service in which he desires to serve.

asked the Minister of Labour the total intake of men and women to His Majesty's Forces from 1st July to 31st October, and the total number of that intake still in training in this country.

The intake to the Forces from 1st July to 31st October was about 93, 000 men and 7, 000 women. Statistics are not available to show how many of this intake are still in training in this country but it is understood that very few of the men and none of the women have yet gone abroad.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of disabled persons registered as unemployed at the date of the last count; and whether he will name a day for introducing a system of quotas and designated occupations under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act in order to facilitate the satisfactory resettlement of all disabled persons.

The number of unemployed persons registered as disabled under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act at 22nd October was 17, 526, but registration under the Act is by no means complete as yet. I hope, to be able to announce at an early date when the Quota Scheme will be introduced. The designation of certain occupations will follow the introduction of the Quota.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of Army officers employed in his Department on 9th May, 1945; and what is the number at present.

I assume the hon. and gallant Member wishes to know the numbers employed on the Headquarters Staff, at the War Office. On 30th April, 1945, there were 2, 953 officers, including 218 A.T.S. and seven nursing officers. On 31st October, 1945, the total was 2, 631, including 196 A.T.S. and seven nursing officers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that owing to security precautions the public's know- ledge of actions in which British troops distinguished themselves is inadequate, particularly as to the names of the units engaged; and whether he is prepared to authorise the issue of brief official accounts of such actions in the near future.

The security restrictions on the mention of particular units which were in force during the war were removed immediately hostilities ceased. The actions in which British units were engaged form the subject of commanders' despatches which are now in course of being prepared for publication, and in which a considerable amount of information about the exploits of particular formations, and in some cases of units, will no doubt appear.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Army nursing sisters have been instructed to dress in khaki uniforms; who pays for these uniforms; how many nurses are affected; and how many of them are likely to be discharged within the next 12 months.

This uniform was introduced in 1943 as more serviceable in war and more easily obtainable overseas. It was to be brought into use as replacements became necessary. Nursing sisters purchase their own uniforms, for which they are given an initial grant and a maintenance allowance. About 8, 850 nursing officers are now serving, of whom rather more than half will probably be released within the next 12 months. All officers have been advised not to make needless replacements of existing uniform where they have a reasonable expectation of early release.

asked the Secretary of State for War what proportion of men are covered by Army education schemes providing for full eight hours a week and what proportion less than eight hours, respectively; in how many units in the B.A.O.R. the scheme is fully implemented; how many instructors have been trained and how many officers and other ranks have been transferred to the A.E.C. since VE-Day; and how many have been recommended for transfer but have not been so transferred, respectively.

Much time and labour would be required to ascertain what proportion of men throughout the whole Army are covered by Army Education schemes providing the full six hours a week—not eight hours as stated in the Question. The number of units in B.A.O.R. operating the Scheme, either wholly or partially, on 30th September, 1945, was 1, 319. All of these units were doing three or more hours education a week in training or working time. It is not practicable to obtain accurate information about the number of unit instructors who have been trained.The number of officers and other ranks who have been transferred to the Army Educational Corps or attached for employment with the A.E.C. in Commands at home since VE-Day is 85 officers and 267 other ranks. The number recommended by Command Selection Boards and not transferred or attached for employment is 121 officers and 139 other ranks, including those no longer available owing to withdrawals, releases, sickness, etc. Figures are not available for the overseas Commands who are empowered to attach officers or transfer other ranks to the Army Educational Corps.

asked the Secretary of State for War why it is that only men in groups 1 to 25 for release are permitted to undergo educational training courses.

The scheme is not restricted to any particular groups, but where a unit cannot apply it to everyone immediately owing to military duties preference is sometimes given to men in the earlier release groups. Most units operating the scheme, however, are able to apply it to all personnel.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has now received reports on the danger to life and property arising from the continual employment of the Postling training area; and whether, with the diminishing military training needs in this district, he can now give a date on which this property will be derequisitioned and the land made available for food production.

Firing over this area ceased on 31st October, and it is no longer required for military training. It cannot, however, be derequisitioned unfil it has been cleared of unexploded missiles.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will release parts of Minchinhampton Common, a Gloucestershire beauty spot, requisitioned by his Department and now becoming ugly and derelict.

Yes, Sir. Derequisitioning is already in progress and will be completed as soon as the War Department structures have been removed.

asked the Secretary of State for War when Regular Army personnel who still have considerable periods to serve with the colours will receive their war gratuities.

Service in the Forces at present continues to count for war gratuity. The sum due in any particular case cannot therefore be assessed for payment unless the individual is released or discharged.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has considered the letter addressed to him by the hon. Member for Taunton, containing a copy of a directive empowering unit commanders to refuse facilities to visiting Members of Parliament for addressing troops; what authority was responsible for the directive; whether it was circulated to all units; and whether the document in question had been approved by his Department.

I am making further inquiries about the letter referred to and will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the medical report upon No. T/14708503, Driver Dyer, E. M., is not yet forthcoming, having regard to the fact that some five months have elapsed since the hon. Member for Westbury was first informed that his Department had called for it from the medical authorities concerned.

I am sorry for the long delay in this case. The soldier is serving in India and, despite repeated efforts, the medical report has not yet been received. I took special action on 30th October to obtain it and I hope to be able to inform the hon. Member of my decision on the case in the very near future.

asked the Secretary of State for War what provision has been made or planned for the welfare of British troops serving in Java.

The same provision is planned for the welfare of the British troops in Java as has been made for other troops in S.E.A.C. With the present movement of troops in this area the full scale of amenities may not be provided at once, but every effort will be made to reach the full scale in the shortest possible time.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the service rendered to officers by the King George V Club, Piccadilly; and whether he will ensure that it is available to officers as long as such facilities are needed.

:I am aware of the services rendered by the Y.M.C.A. providing facilities to officers, both at the King George V hostel and elsewhere. I am concerned to see, that sufficient accommodation is available in London both for officers and other ranks, and I have for some time been in communication with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War if Trooper Powell, R.A.C, 7951707, of whose case he has been informed, is now to be offered commissioned rank.

No, Sir. I regret the delay in informing the soldier of the decision, but I can see no ground for reversing the final decision of the Selection Board.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many non-Regular officers have been granted Regular commissions since VE-Day and in what ranks; and how many applications for Regular commissions he has received but not yet approved nor finally turned down and in what ranks.

:297 Regular commissions have been granted since VE-Day. All officers are gazetted as 2nd Lieutenants or Lieutenants according to their qualifying service and are thereafter subject to the usual promotion rules. 35 have already qualified for the substantive rank of captain. The retention of any higher temporary or war-substantive rank already held is not affected by the grant of a permanent commission. The number of applications received and not yet finally disposed of is 1, 658. Details of the ranks of these officers are not readily available.

asked the Secretary of State for War if an officer in the Regular Army is now free to resign his commission if he so desires.

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given on 31st October to the hon. and gallant Member for Stone (Major Fraser) and on 30th October to the hon. and gallant Member for Hythe (Colonel Mackeson).

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can give details of the number of staff officers at present in Singapore; and whether, in view of the deferred release of officers, who have borne the heat and burden of the day in various theatres, a great percentage of these staff officers could now be returned to regimental duty.

I regret I cannot give figures. They are changing continually at present because of the redeployment of the forces in S.E.A.C. and of the reductions being made on the reorganisation of various headquarter establishments. Wherever possible, staff officers are being returned to regimental duty, to free regimental officers and assist the Release Scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet received a report from the overseas command concerned as to any decision in regard to the release of Private H. J. Rayner, No. 14797086, which case was referred to him on 31st August last by the hon. and gallant Member for Portsmouth, North.

Yes, Sir. I understand the soldier is now stationed in this country, and has been on leave.

asked the. Secretary of State forWar why Donnington Park, Derby, cannot now be derequisitioned by the military and revert to its pre-war use as a sporting centre for the youth of the Midlands.

A considerable amount of constructional work has been carried out at this depot at the public expense and it is still badly needed by the Army, particularly if the release of vehicle depots on housing estates and by-pass roads is not to be unduly delayed. I do not, therefore, consider that it would be in the public interest to release it at present.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what grounds are promotions given to officers in the R.A.P.C; why are officers with long experience and overseas service overlooked, even when recommended, while younger men with less service and qualifications are promoted; and are the unsuccessful officers informed as to the reason why promotion has been denied to them.

Promotion in the R.A.P.C, as in other arms and corps, is by selection on grounds of merit and suitability for authorised vacancies on the establishment. An officer may at any time ask for an interview with his commanding officer on any subject, including promotion.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will exclude school teachers from the group of officers in B.A.O.R. whose demobilisation groups have been deferred on the ground of extreme shortage of teachers in the schools.

No, Sir. But the release of teachers under Class B continues, both for officers and men.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will supplement the present issue of clothing to all men on demobilisation by the addition of a working suit of overalls.

No, Sir. The aim was to provide a good general outfit, to enable the soldier to compare favourably with the average civilian. This is being done and I see no reason to alter the scope of the outfit by bringing in working clothing, which varies with the individual.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that applications for compassionate release under Class C are being converted into temporary transfer to W. (T) Reserve and, as that imposes a penalty on the men's group release assessments, they feel compelled to refuse it; and whether he will see that applications for release under Class C are either permitted or rejected and not altered without the applicant's consent.

All releases for a temporary or indefinite period are subject to the soldier's consent, and he is warned that the period of temporary release does not count as service in assessing his release group.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give an assurance that 6030567, Lance-corporal E. A. Everett, Office of Liaison Representative, British Military Mission, Durban, who is in Release Group 22, will return to the United Kingdom in time to be demobilised on or before 6th December.

Like other soldiers in his group, Lance-Corporal Everett will be released between 25th November and 6th December unless he volunteers to defer his release or is retained in the Service on the grounds of vital military necessity.

asked the Secretary of State for War the approximate figures of Servicemen of 35 years of age and upwards who will remain in the Forces at the end of this year, with the figures of men in the same age groups that are likely, under present plans, to be left in by next June.

I can only give very rough estimates based on the existing programme of releases, and ignoring certain incalculable factors, such as Class B or compassionate releases, and voluntary deferments. On that basis the figures are 240, 000 and 100, 000 respectively, so far as the Army is concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War why men awaiting demobilisation are being sent to training camps and, compelled to train for trades other than their own and given no choice, for instance, a bricklayer had to train as an equipment assistant.

Men in the earlier release groups are not selected for training in Army trades. If my hon. Friend will furnish particulars of any such case he may have in mind it will be investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for War when officers in Group 21 and upwards, whose release under Class A has been deferred, may expect release.

Officers in Group 21 will be released between 10th November and 12th February. The precise dates on which later groups will be released are still under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War if officers in Group 21 upwards, whose release under Class A is deferred, are so deferred as the result of individual inquiry into each case and if he is now able to report the reason for retaining such officers now serving in R.E.M.E., C.M.F.

The reasons for deferring the release of officers in Groups 21, 22, 23 and 24 were fully given in my statement on 16th October when I explained why it had become necessary to defer the release of whole groups of officers rather than individuals. The deferment of the release of individual officers in these group on grounds of military necessity, by inquiry into each individual case, is therefore temporarily suspended.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men have had their demobilisation deferred by reason of the fact that additional reinforcements have had to be sent to Palestine.

None, Sir, as far as I am aware.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Army officers have been offered Class. B release as schoolmasters; whether offers of Class B release have been made to as many age and service groups of officers as of other ranks and to as high a proportion of the numbers eligible.

Up to 3rd November, 762 offers had been made. So far as age and service groups are concerned no distinction is now drawn between officers and other ranks, although individuals in either case may be refused release on grounds of military necessity. This applies particularly to the Army Educational Corps. The proportion of officers as compared with other ranks, who are eligible for release as schoolmasters cannot be stated but, subject to the individual exceptions mentioned above, offers have been or are being made to all those whose names have been approved by the Ministry of Education.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will inquire into the cases, details of which have been submitted to him, of two graduates of London University, previously working for the Bath Education Committee and the Education Committee of the Surrey County Council, respectively, who urgently require their release from service in the Army Education Corps; and whether, in view of the urgent demand for teachers, he will consider the immediate release of those teachers still in the service of the Army Education Corps, where the duties are of an administrative rather than an instructional character and consequently do not specifically require the services of qualified teachers.

I am inquiring into the cases, with particular reference to the duties now being performed by these men. I will write to the hon. Member in due course, dealing with the points of detail raised in the correspondence.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give immediate attention to a letter from Messrs. G. H. Mason and Sons, of Skipton, sent to his Department on 5th November, 1945, regarding the release of Lance-Bombardier W. Lightle, 1140445, who is a fully trained plumber and whose retention in the Forces is retarding the housing programme in the Skipton area.

The letter in question was received and acknowledged on 7th November and answered on 10th November.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the continuance of compulsory Church parades is making individual work of chaplains more difficult owing to the resentment of officers and men at the element of compulsion; and if he is aware that men volunteer for fatigues on Sundays to avoid these parades.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider making attendance at church parades voluntary in view of the fact that, as men are detailed to attend, the parades are, in effect though unofficially, used as a kind of punishment.

On the general question of compulsory church attendance I would refer hon. Members to the reply I gave on 16th October to a previous Question by my hon. Friend the Member for East Ham, North (Mr. Daines). I am not aware that men velunteer for fatigues to avoid church attendance or that it is used as a form of punishment. I should like to be informed of any specific cases of the latter,

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will increase leave facilities for men stationed in Gibraltar.

The immediate aim is to grant 28 days' leave to the United Kingdom before 1st January, 1946, to all personnel serving in Gibraltar who have over 18 months' continuous service overseas, exclusive of those shortly due for repatriation. The future policy of leave from overseas stations is under discussion.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of men in the Army at present serving sentences for refusal to carry out an order under fire; and what percentage of these men are under 24 years of ag.

No, Sir. I regret that the information is not available without detailed investigation which would necessitate the expenditure of much time and labour in this country and in overseas commands.

asked the Secretary of State for war whether he is aware that men in age and service Group 26, who have completed more than four years' overseas service and been repatriated under the Python scheme, are being warned for further overseas service; and whether he has any statement to make.

The. home establishment of the Army provides very few vacancies for repatriated soldiers and in order not to interfere with the return home of others it is often necessary to repost soldiers to North-West Europe, within a comparatively short period of their repatriation. The minimum period in this country is six weeks. The age and service groups liable for overseas posting vary from time to time, as I explained on 16th October in reply to a Question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member of Aston (Major Wyatt). At present men in Group 26 or later are eligible for posting to B.A.O.R. I much regret the need for reposting men with long overseas service but in the present situation it cannot be avoided.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the need for more officers, he will take steps to reduce the delay, which may be anything up to 12 weeks, between the date a soldier finishes pre-O.C.T.U. training, and the date he is posted to an O.C.T.U.

Postings must fit in with the training organisations at each O.C.T.U., but itis generally possible to post cadets within four weeks of completing their pre-O.C.T.U. training. Delays beyond four weeks are quite exceptional in ordinary circumstances. At the moment, however, the O.C.T.Us. are being re-organised and extra delay has been unavoidable in some cases.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many O.C.T.Us., with what capacity, existed in January, 1945; how many men were under training; and what is the present position.

There were 14 military O.C.T.Us. in the United Kingdom on 31st January, 1945, with training capacity for 7, 690 cadets; 3, 612 cadets were under training. On 31st October, 1945, there were 12 O.C.T.Us., with training capacity for 6, 906 cadets, and 2, 204 cadets were under training. O.C.T.Us. have also been used to train allied cadets and to retain officers transferred to different arms. In addition, 845 cadets were under training in India in January, 1945, and 953 on 30th September, 1945, the latest date for which figures are available. The O.C.T.Us, in the United Kingdom are at present being reorganised, and their capacity very considerably reduced.

asked the Secretary of State for War what facilities for the carrying out of their public duties will be afforded to Army personnel elected to local authorities.

Instructions have been sent to the commanding officers of units in the United Kingdom that 48 hours' short leave should, whenever possible, be granted to members of local government councils who are serving with the Army, to enable them to attend first meetings of such councils after the recent election. Attendance at subsequent meetings will be subject to the opportunities afforded by ordinary leave. In this connection I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend 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 if he has considered the cases brought to his notice where regiments now serving in B.A.O.R. are carrying a complement of officers higher than normal during any period of action where such officers are performing only administrative duties and, by their own testimony, are under-employed and have useful posts awaiting them at home; and whether, in view of such facts, he will reconsider the present regulation which retains officers who would otherwise be entitled to be released.

Units are used or earmarked for various purposes and it is necessary in some cases to maintain them at full strength if they are to be in a position to fulfil their role. Officers are not being retained unnecessarily, and those units in B.A.O.R. which have a purely occupational role are deliberately under-posted.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the reasons why private No. 1693011, whose name and unit have been supplied to him, is now awaiting embarkation for abroad, when he is due for demobilisation next March and his pay book is marked, because of his physical condition, home duties only.

This soldier is in Group 26 and his medical category is A1. In these circumstances he is eligible for posting to B.A.O.R. under normal rules. I have no record of any change of medical category but he will be medically examined before he proceeds overseas and if declared unfit will not be dispatched.

asked the Secretary of State for War by whom, and with what legal authority, instructions were issued to drivers of Army convoys to ignore traffic signals, and to dispatch riders to see such convoys through light-controlled crossings irrespective of the lights.

Under general instructions issued in 1942, and periodically brought to the notice of all concerned, military drivers must at all times conform to normal traffic signals and road signs. If my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the occurrence at Cambridge on 22nd October, I can only say that I am awaiting the results of the inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for War if 36 hours' leave for Forces stationed at home may be staggered throughout the week, to avoid congestion of transport which occurs on Saturdays and Sundays.

I assume the hon. and gallant Member is referring to the short pass leave of 48 hours. This is already staggered throughout the week, by imposing a limit to the numbers who can be away at the same time. The limit is the same at week-ends as during the rest of the week.

asked the Secretary of State for War what leave of all kinds is now allowed to personnel stationed in the United Kingdom and how often.

A summary of the existing rules regarding leave to Army personnel stationed in the United Kingdom is shown below:

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that the mail service to members of the Forces serving in the Andaman Islands is adequate.

:All mails for the Andaman Islands are sent by air from Rangoon but I am inquiring further as to the details of the service and will write to the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the delay in dealing with Service divorce cases; and if he will make arrangements to speed up the procedure.

I am aware of the delay, but it occurs almost entirely after the cases have left the hands of the military authorities and there is little I can do in the matter. The work of the military Legal Aid Sections has been speeded up and the initial preparation of a case should not now take more than about two months.

asked the Secretary of State for War what welfare facilities will exist for serving men and women in Sherbourne after the closing of the Toe H club; and what is the number of serving men and women in the area.

All the units in question have the normal canteen and other facilities. In addition there is a W.V.S. canteen and hostel, with seating capacity of 250 for meals, and several canteens in Yeovil. The Toe H club was used mainly by naval personnel in the local hospital, which has a canteen. Apart from the naval personnel, there are about 1, 870 Service men and 100 Service women in the area.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will cancel a recent instruction depriving personnel, with less than six months to serve before release, of the full dental treatment to which they would otherwise be entitled.

No, Sir. This action was taken in order to avoid serious delay in the release of dental surgeons. All urgent and essential treatment is still given during the last six months of a soldier's service.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the present arrangements with regard to leave for officers and men of the British Army now serving in Austria.

Twenty-eight days' leave to the United Kingdom for all troops with over 18 months' service overseas who are not due for repatriation within a few months. It is hoped to clear all entitlement on this basis by the end of the year. Twenty-eight days' local leave annually, in two periods of 14 days, one of which is forfeited when leave to the United Kingdom is granted. The usual disembarkation leave is granted to personnel repatriated to the United Kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in recognition of the distinguished services of the Army Dental Corps during the war, he will consider making a recommendation to His Majesty that in future this corps may be known as the Royal Army Dental Corps.

:The question of granting honours and distinctions to regiments and corps in respect of service in the late war is now under consideration and in due course the claims of all will be investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the grievance of officers and men who served with units which were stationed in Ceylon in 1942 and in the Middle East from 1943 to 1945, because they are not eligible for any campaign medal except the Defence Medal; and whether he will give further consideration to the desirability of giving some distinction to those who have served for long periods overseas in the Army during the recent war.

:Eight Campaign Stars and a Defence Medal have now been instituted for service during hostilities, and it is not the intention to recommend the institution of a further award specially to mark service of this nature. The time qualification of three years for the Defence Medal is reduced to one year for those who served overseas from their place of residence.

asked the Secretary of State for War if short service commissioned doctors who signed for five years and have, in some instances, already done over six, may now be released to enable them to return to their civilian practices where they are urgently required.

A doctor appointed to a short service commission before the war is liable to retention during the present emergency under Article 213 of the Royal Warrant for the Pay, etc., of the Army, and is retained subject to the conditions mentioned in my reply on 30th October to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Hythe. A doctor appointed during the war is eligible on completion of his period of five years short service commission for immediate release if his age and service group has already been released or alternatively for release with his age and service group when it is reached, provided he has not been appointed to a permanent commission and has not applied to defer his release or to serve on for a minimum period of two years postwar service, with gratuity.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to evacuate home the patients of No. 92 British General Hospital in Italy, some of whom have been abroad nearly four years; and how many are now awaiting transport in that hospital.

I have no figures relating to that particular hospital, but, in all, 602 patients are awaiting evacuation from Italy. There has been some delay due to shipping difficulties but arrangements have been made to clear all the patients during November.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many requisitioned premises are held by his Department in Dorchester, Bridport, Beaminster and surrounding districts; and how many of these premises are now in use by troops.

I am not sure what area the hon. and gallant Member has in mind, but in the three towns themselves the figures are three, five and one respectively. Apart from the property in Beaminster, which is being derequisitioned shortly, all are now in use by the Army.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many square feet of office space at the address in the West-End of London, of which he has been informed, are under requisition; by what departments they are occupied; and what was the average number of persons employed there for each of the last three months.

:I have been asked to reply. The building in question contains approximately 13, 300 square feet of office space and is in full use by my Department. The average number of persons using this office accommodation during the last three months is 140.

asked the Secretary of State for War the date on which North Moreton House, Didcot, Berkshire, was released from requisition by his Department; if the building was ordered to be handed back to the owners on that date; whether he is aware that the caretaker employed by his Department not only refuses to leave the house but has brought his relatives to live there, thus preventing the owner gaining possession; and what action has been taken by his Department to remedy this and to see that the building is surrendered to the owner in accordance with the official notice of release.

This house is still retained on requisition pending final action regarding the caretaker. I am aware of the circumstances and will give the hon. Member further details shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the B.A.O.R. messing order which forbids the issue of coffee to British personnel below the rank of sergeant; and will he have this cancelled.

I have no knowledge of such an order. If my hon. Friend will furnish details I will make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is prepared to consider a scheme by which officers, in age groups which have been deferred for release can now be granted special leave, since they would have qualified for home leave if the announcement of their deferment had been made at an earlier date.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I gave on 30th October last to the hon. Members for Ripon (Mr. York), Grimsby (Mr. Younger) and Hornsey (Captain Gammans).

asked the Secretary of State for War how much time per week is available during working hours in the Army of Occupation in Italy for educational work, apart from military training, and how much for sports; and how far this allocation of time has absolute priority.

The working time allotted to education is not less than six hours a week in units where the Education Scheme is fully operative. Many units in C.M.F. have not yet been able to implement the scheme in full owing to military commitments. It is for the local commander to decide when a unit is in a position to implement the scheme, after which it becomes part of the daily programme. The amount of time allotted for sports and recreation is a matter for the discretion of the local commander depending on the priority given to other tasks in the daily programmes of work.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Private R. L. Burnett, 4345768, East Yorkshire Regiment, who is at his home at Pudsey, on embarkation leave prior to going to the M.E.F., has been a prisoner of war for over five years and only back in this country for 5½ months; and, as he has not spent a Christmas at home for six years and is in demobilisation Group 26, will he consider posting Private Burnett to a home command for the remaining few months of his service.

This man was incorrectly warned for a draft for C.M.F. The warning has now been cancelled.

asked the Secretary of State for War why men released from the Army on compassionate grounds or discharged owing to disability before the end of hostilities are not entitled to the same issue of civilian clothing as men now being demobilised.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 16th October to a Question by the hon. Member for South end-on-Sea (Mr. Channon).

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give a list of the foreign police missions from this country now in being or in contemplation.

No foreign police missions have been established or are contemplated by my Department. I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs that there is only one such mission, namely that in Greece. It will be appreciated that there are public safety branches in Military Government Administrations in various parts of the world, but that these are in no sense missions.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will inquire into, and take measures to correct, the over establishment in West African Command, where a military hospital whose average number of occupied beds since July is 200 and whose establishment in this country would be three medical officers, retains 13 medical officers, excluding the O.C., and where, in a hospital with less than 40 patients, there are nine medical officers; and what steps he is taking to ensure that staffs are not kept merely because the reduction of establishment means lower rank for the senior officers.

The medical services in the West Africa Command are already in process of reorganisation and considerable reductions in medical and nursing staff are being made. The revised establishments, in this and other cases, are fixed in relation to current and future needs, without regard to the rank and status of present occupants.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many engineering cadets were accepted for service in the Army; how many of them were accepted for commissions; and how many of them had been in the Army prior to their taking the engineering cadet course.

Up to 1st November, 1, 167 engineering cadets who had passed their examinations had been called up for service in the Army. Of these, 606 have been accepted as suitable for cadet training with a view to beng granted commissions in technical corps, and 490 are either undergoing primary training or a special course of instruction to try and improve their officer qualities, before appearing before a Selection Board. 115 cadets had service in the Army prior to taking up the engineering cadet course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether cablegrams sent to next-of-kin purporting to be from ex-prisoners of war in Japanese hands are dispatched by the individuals themselves; or whether they are sent to addresses taken from a list of names supplied to the authorities.

Normally the cables are prepared by the men themselves and are collected by the authorities for despatch at the nearest convenient telegraph office. It is believed that lists were prepared in certain cases, where forms were not immediately available, but the necessary information was furnished by the recovered prisoners of war themselves.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that repatriation leave ex India and release above Group 22 in the 81st West African Division has ceased until further notice on the grounds that there are not sufficient Europeans left in the division for it to function properly; why reinforcements were brought into this division and posted away as unwanted men; and if he will consider sending immediate reinforcements in order to restore the normal work arrangements of the division.

I am aware of the suspension of repatriation and leave from this formation. Great difficulty has been experienced in providing officers and non commissioned officers who are qualified and suitable for the particular duties and in some cases reinforcements sent have had to be withdrawn. Drafts of specially selected officers and non-commissioned officers are being sent to India in November and December for the West African Divisions, but it is not possible at present to meet all the requirements.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that powdered tea has recently been issued to certain units of A.T.S. in the London district and elsewhere; and will he give an assurance that in future leaf tea only is issued to the A.T.S.

If, as I assume, the hon. Member is referring to tea, sugar and milk powder, this is not issued to the troops, and any issues to A.T.S. must have been made in error. Steps have been taken to prevent a recurrence.

asked the Secretary of State for War why troops, British or Allied, in the United Kingdom, continue when off duty to carry firearms and ammunition.

A soldier is forbidden by regulation to carry firearms and ammunition when off duty. I understand that, in general, Allied troops in the United Kingdom are subject to similiar rules

asked the Secretary of State for War what complaints he has received of differentiation in treatment between returned prisoners of war from Europe and those from the Far East, whereby men from Europe have been subjected to such rigorous treatment as to retard their full recovery, both physically and mentally; and if he will have the methods of treatment inquired into so that these men may receive the fullest sympathetic treatment and consideration.

There have been complaints that prisoners of war liberated in Europe were not released on repatriation, like most of those liberated from the Japanese. But the latter suffered exceptional privations of all kinds, and it was decided after full consideration that the concession could not be extended. I cannot agree that the returned prisoners of war from Europe are subjected to rigorous treatment of the type mentioned. At all stages they are treated carefully and sympathetically. Special units with adequate and qualified staffs were formed to deal with them and no man is posted to a unit for further military training unless he has successfully completed preliminary training in the special units and is in all respects medically fit.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will issue instructions that men proceeding on release leave shall be given the facility of exchanging badly worn underclothing, shirts and socks, for similar clothing in serviceable condition.

:Soldiers should not at any time be in possession of clothing which is unserviceable. If particulars of any individual case are forwarded, the case will be investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers and other ranks who were in receipt of retired pay or pensions prior to 3rd September, 1939, were re-employed during the war; and how many are now so re-employed.

:Exact figures are not available, but it is estimated that some 3, 000 prewar retired pay officers have been re-employed at one time or another during the war, and that between 800 and 900 are still re-employed, although the numbers are falling rapidly. The corresponding figures for other ranks could not be obtained without considerable labour and research in the various Army Pay Offices.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many emergency commissions have been granted since VE Day.

:During the months May to September inclusive, 5, 848 emergency commissions were granted. The figures are compiled from world wide returns and those for October are not yet available.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Czech soldiers are at present in the Czechoslovak army depot at Southend-on-Sea; how many are forcibly detained there; and whether he will give an undertaking that none of them will be repatriated to Czechoslovakia except at their own free will.

:After the completion of certain moves now taking place, 780 Czechoslovak soldiers will be at Southend. On 3rd November 17 soldiers were in detention for disciplinary reasons and 41 ex-prisoners of war were also held at the depot. As regards the last part of the Question, His Majesty's Government must, of course, in this and other similar cases, reserve the right to deport when this is considered necessary.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if he is aware that Army personnel in Nairobi are now having to wait from 12 to 18 days for mail from Britain, whereas before the Army Post Office closed down they were receiving mail regularly six to eight days from the date of dispatch; and whether he will take steps to see that mail from home is delivered more expeditiously.

I am aware that there has recently been delay in the delivery of some of the correspondence for Army personnel in Nairobi. Every effort is being made to improve the service, and I can assure my hon. Friend that the position is being very closely watched.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to the repatriation of Italian prisoners of war and ex-prisoners.

:As I have stated previously, this is dependent on shipping. We are planning to repatriate 1, 500 in November and 5, 000 in December. I am not yet able to forecast the numbers which can be moved each month during 1946.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the arrangements for German and Austrian prisoners of war in this country sending and receiving correspondence with their relatives or friends in Germany or Austria.

asked the Secretary of State for War what facilities Austrian prisoners of war in this country enjoy for communicating with, and receiving news from, their own country.

Limited postal facilities are now available for German prisoners of war and their relatives in the British, American and French zones of Germany, and for Austrian prisoners and their relatives in the British zone in Austria. Every effort is being made to expand the facilities.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will terminate the practice of prior reservation of seating accommodation for German prisoners of war on British railways at the expense of the travelling public.

The practice has already ceased except for parties of 20 men or more, where it is necessary for the exercise of proper control and in the interests of the general public. An exception is made in the case of certain German officers of very high rank, where special precautions are necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many prisoners of Austrian nationality are now in British prisoner-of-war camps; and what steps are being taken to repatriate all or some of these prisoners.

Fifty-eight thousand six hundred Austrian ex-members of the German armed forces are still held under British control, including 15, 300 in the United Kingdom. Repatriation has been completed of all Austrians formerly held in the Central Mediterranean area and of all Austrians domiciled in the British zone of Austria who were held by B.A.O.R. Administrative arrangements for the repatriation of all other Austrians of suitable political character are now being discussed, and will be put into force as soon as satisfactory arrangements for their transportation and acceptance in Austria can be made.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to arrange for vocational training for men who have been prisoners of war for over two years and so cut off from current trends in their occupation, while they are waiting for release.

Civil Resettlement units have been established to assist men to adjust themselves to the changed conditions, by means of lectures, films, discussions, visits to factories, farms and other activities. These units do not provide facilities for vocational training in the ordinary sense of the term. Such training is provided by the Ministry of Labour and National Service after release from the Army. They are, however, equipped with workshop facilities to enable the ex-prisoner of war to regain his former skill or, where he can no longer follow his pre-war occupation, try his hand at some new trade.All ex-prisoners of war are eligible for civil resettlement courses within 12 months of the date of their repatriation, either before or after their release from the Army. The facilities of the Army Education Scheme are available to ex-prisoners of war posted to Army units. Instruction under this scheme is primarily general and pre-vocational, though a limited amount of vocational training in certain trades is given by arrangement with the Ministry of Labour and National Service.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the N.A.A.F.I. goodwill advertising appearing in the national Press, a copy of which has been sent to him; if it has been paid for from N.A.A.F.I. funds; and why money arising from the sale of goods to Servicemen in their canteens is expended in this way rather than on their welfare.

Yes, Sir. I see no reason why N.A.A.F.I. should not be at liberty to use this method of bringing points of interest relating to the service they provide to the notice of members of the. Forces and others who are interested.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the trial, which commenced on 17th September last, of the persons charged with the commission of atrocities at Belsen, is likely to terminate.

I am informed it is probable that the trial will end within the next few days.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any action has yet been taken with regard to the 150 British prisoners of war who are reported as lost in Soviet-occupied Germany.

:I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 7th November by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British and Indian officers and other ranks known to have been prisoners of war in German camps liberated by the Russians, are still unaccounted for; and what recent steps have been taken to discover their whereabouts.

:As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I gave on 9th October to the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Turton). As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Turton).

asked the Secretary of Stale for War the total number of releases in Class C up to the end of October from each branch of the Services.

The number of Class C releases approved by the three Services up to 31st October, 1945, for all ranks, men and women, are:

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers and other ranks from the British, Australian and Indian Armies were taken prisoner at Singapore; and how many casualties were suffered by each Army during the period of their captivity.

As the Japanese Government did not furnish complete lists of the prisoners of war they captured, and failed to notify many deaths which occurred among prisoners of war during their captivity, I am unable to give the figures asked for. Active steps are being taken to discover the facts, so far as they are still ascertainable, but it will be some months before the resulting figures are available.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British and Dominion officers or other ranks married Russian women in Russia during the war; whether the wives of these men have yet left the U.S.S.R.; and, if not, what facilities for transport will be made available.

Statistics are not available. Applications for passages have been received in isolated cases and have been granted.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is being done to recognise and reward the services of persons abroad who, during the war, have given help to men in His Majesty's Forces when escaping from enemy hands or otherwise evading capture by the enemy.

:I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to the hon. and gallant Member for Waterloo (Captain Bullock) on 7th November last.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the comparative costs of building working-class houses in Scotland and in England, excluding London.

The average price for typical four-apartment houses included in tenders so far approved during 1945 is 20s. 5d. per square foot in Scotland and 20s. 11d. in England and Wales, excluding London.