asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the strong feeling amongst soldiers at Catterick camp because of the difference in Christmas leave between them and members of the R.A.F.; and what steps are to be taken to remedy the grievance.

I understand that any differences of treatment have now been removed.

asked the Secretary of State for War what particular steps he has taken to enable members of H.M. Forces from Northern Ireland to spend their Christmas holidays at home; and whether the leave given will be free from all restrictions on the usual days granted every month.

The arrangements will be the same as for the troops in Great Britain.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider extending the leave over Christmas of all men who are home on leave from the Middle East after a period of service of more than three years and four months in that theatre; and is he aware that men on repatriation leave have been granted these extra days.

The arrangements already announced regarding extra leave for Christmas are the most beneficial that can be made in present circumstances, and I regret I cannot now include additional classes. I am aware that men who have completed their overseas tours are allowed extra leave, but those who are home on privilege leave must return to their units overseas as soon as that leave expires, if the leave and repatriation of others are not to be prejudiced.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider the outlook of R.A.M.C. officers, whose demobilisation has been indefinitely delayed, who are anxious to return to their profes- sional duties, and who, in many cases, may suffer loss of practice;and if action will be taken to expedite the release of those officers.

I am unable to agree that there has been any general delay in the release of medical officers. On the contrary, since the officer deferment scheme did not apply to them, they are at present being released more quickly than officers in other arms, apart from a few individual specialists, who have been held back on grounds of operational necessity, until replacements can be obtained.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has issued an instruction similar to Air Ministry Signal P.M.737, dated 15th November, with a view to accelerating releases under Class B; and whether such instruction was similarly limited to commands at home.

I have sent personal instructions to the commanders of all commands, both at home and abroad, directing them to ensure that Class B releases are effected quickly. I understand that the Air Ministry Signals also went to commands at home and abroad.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will now give further consideration to the proposal that men who are due for demobilisation should be given indefinite leave until their discharge can be completed, instead of being compelled to spend their time unprofitably for a considerable period at release camps.

No, Sir. As I have already stated, this would be unfair to other soldiers. I do not agree that these men are compelled to spend their time unprofitably for a considerable period.

asked the Secretary of State for War why a greater sum than £5, for example, an advance on account of gratuity, is not being paid to other ranks about to be released under Class B in order to provide for the expenses of leave and for other immediate purposes.

A soldier released in Class B receives an advance covering approximately 14 days pay and ration allowance. The balance for the full period of leave is sent so as to reach him by the 15th day. In addition, family allowance continues, where payable. The gratuity is paid in full eight weeks after release, as in all other cases. I see no reason to alter these arrangements, especially as Class B men are released specifically for employment.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the form which a soldier is asked to sign when accepting Class B release does not state clearly whether he has been offered an individual release or a bulk release; and will he take steps to have the form altered accordingly.

I do not think there is any general misunderstanding on this point. The men concerned are told to report either to a particular firm or to an office of the Ministry of Labour and National Service; if the latter it is clearly a case of bulk release. Also, commanding officers are instructed to make the conditions clear to men who are offered Class B release.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the Dental War Committee (Resettlement Committee) has advised members of the profession that dental officers serving in the Forces are not likely to be released until they have reached the age of at least 30 years; and whether he will give an assurance that dental officers will be released according to age and length of service in the ordinary way.

I am not aware of such a statement. Dental officers are being released in accordance with their age and service groups.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the service of schoolmasters, who at the commencement of the war volunteered as civilian radio officers and served with K.A. units, later being transferred to the Army, are not allowed to reckon such civilian service with Army units in computing their age and service category for release; and whether he is aware that the Air Ministry recognises similar service rendered by meteorological officers in the R.A.F. as counting towards their release group.

These radio officers are in the same position as many others employed under the War Office as civilians and afterwards enlisted or commissioned. Their civilian service is excluded under the general rule which debars the counting of any form of service before joining the Armed Forces. I understand that the case of the R.A.F. personnel referred to is not comparable.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers and other ranks are at S.E.A.C. H.Q.; and how many hotels, offices and private houses have been requisitioned for their occupation in Singapore and other parts of Malaya.

On 1st December there were 698 officers and other ranks at this Headquarters, including Dominion and Indian personnel. It has been necessary to refer to S.E.A.C. for the information requested in the second part of the Question. I will write to the hon. Member when it is received.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the cost of the removal of S.E.A.C. H.Q. from Ceylon to Singapore; and if it is proposed that they should remain at Singapore.

The immediate cost of the move of the S.E.A.C. group of Headquarters to Singapore is estimated at some £330,000. About two-thirds of this, however, represents repair of Government property in Singapore, which would have been necessary in any case. The cost of hiring extra accommodation is not included. There will be a set-off by the relinquishment of accommodation in Ceylon which will be available for other purposes. It is intended that S.E.A.C. Headquarters should remain at Singapore.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that holders of the Military Medal awarded during the period 1939–1945 receive pecuniary benefit, whereas holders of the same medal awarded prior to that time receive no such benefit, he will readjust this matter so that holders of equal honours derive an equal benefit.

As announced when the new benefits attached to this and other awards were introduced, it was decided that they should apply only to awards made for service since 3rd September, 1939, and I have confirmed that this decision was reached after the fullest consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he has taken to inquire into the action of Lieut.-Colonel R. J. Shaw Hamilton in connection with the arrests of which he has been informed.

I have received a preliminary report from the Far East on this case. A summary of evidence has been submitted to the Deputy Judge Advocate General for advice, after some delay due to the illness of the Assistant Judge Advocate. General of the formation and to difficulty of communication. I understand that all investigations were conducted properly. A full report is being sent and I will consider the case fully as soon as it is received.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that when the 4th West Kents were repatriated from the Far East on 4th November, about 250 men, many of them in low release groups, were left behind, owing to lack of shipping space; and whether he will arrange for these men to return home as speedily as possible.

The regiment as such has not returned and I cannot identify the particular occurrence, which may have related to individuals being repatriated on the completion of their overseas tour. I am, however, making inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that the war establishments of headquarters staffs in Ceylon have been cut down in proportion to the reduced duties now falling upon such staffs; and that officers filling existing vacancies are fully employed.

These establishments are under constant review by the War Office. Reductions were recently effected and arrangements have been made for a further detailed examination early in January.

asked the Secretary of State for War why, under B/208 of 29th November, R.A.S.C. Barrack Office, Shorncliffe, discharged Mr. Rich, an ex-soldier with 30 years' service, at the same time thanking him for his efficient service as a clerk, but retaining women clerks in the same office.

I am looking into this case, with a view to the reinstatement of Mr. Rich.

asked the Secretary of State for War why 7686834 Sergeant S. J. Fowler, 356 F. S. Section, S.E.A.C., is still being held in close arrest for an offence allegedly committed on 18th October.

I have no information on this case but I have cabled for a full report and will write to my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 3605611, Private H. McDonald, of the Border Regiment, now in Barrassford Sanatorium, Northumberland, graded medical category A1 on joining the Army in 1940 and graded category C permanent on 4th October, 1945, the date of his discharge, found to be suffering from tuberculosis, has been refused the eight months' treatment scheme on the ground that he was not in hospital at the time of his discharge; and whether he will consider granting deferment to this soldier until he is well enough to work, since his release becomes effective on 6th January, 1946.

Inquiries are being made, and I will write to my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the application for release of Lieutenant D. V. E. Howard, R.A., 189476, Embarkation HQ., Rangoon, under Class B, which has been outstanding since October, can be hastened.

The authority for this officer's release was sent to S.E.A.C. in the middle of November.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the hon. Member for Moss Side may expect a reply to his letters of 25th October, 1945, and 25th November, 1945, regarding Trooper G. Burgess, 3455936.

A reply was sent to my hon. and gallant Friend on 8th December. I regret the delay, but the various points required separate consideration, and correspondence was necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that delay occurs in handing over derequisitioned houses, formerly occupied by his department in Edinburgh, because of the time taken to prepare marching out: statements; and will he take steps to remedy this.

There is an unavoidable time lag in these cases, mainly due to the need to prepare a schedule of condition and to remove War Department fixtures. Further, in accordance with general Government procedure, properties must be offered for use by other Government Departments, if required, before they are derequisitioned. Every effort is being made to speed up release, but shortage of staff is a limiting factor.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he is taking to speed up the supply of N.A.A.F.I. canteens for troops in the B.A.O.R.

Extra canteens are being opened as quickly as staff and suitable accommodation can be provided. They are coming forward at the rate of about one a week.

asked the Secretary of State for War, if he has any further statement to make respecting modification of the regulations as to the administration of corporal punishment to soldiers in West African regiments; and whether any further investigation respecting this has taken place.

I am at present awaiting reports from East and West Africa which I shall consider in due course in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies. I cannot say more at present.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many soldiers of the pre-war Regular Army, who, by reason of wounds or illness resulting from service, are now of a low medical category are consequently refused permission to sign on for a further period of service in order to qualify for pension; that the men so refused have only a few more years to serve to qualify and are of good character and fit for non-operational service; and whether he will issue instructions that men with 15 years' service and over should be allowed to complete service for pension.

It is a normal and reasonable condition for re-engagement in the Regular Army that an applicant must be medically fit for service at home and abroad. The medical categories vary slightly in the different arms and corps but the general condition applies in all cases, and I see no ground for altering the rules in that respect.

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent African or European personnel in the R.W.A.F.F. are being retained beyond their normal Class A release date in the India Command or in S.E.A.C.; and why, and for what time, they are being so retained.

This matter has already been the subject of numerous Questions by hon. Members. I would refer my hon. Friend particularly to the replies I gave on 13th November to the hon. and gallant Member for Horncastle (Commander Maitland) and on 4th December to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Cambridge (Major Symonds).

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider extending leave facilities for troops in C.M.F. to cover trips to Switzerland, on similar lines to the facilities afforded to U.S. forces.

No, Sir. There are currency difficulties.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that short leave is granted from B.A.O.R. and other areas, he will consider abolishing the ruling obtaining in C.M.F. that L.I.A.P. is only granted to men who after return from such leave have a further four months to serve; or whether he will consider reducing this latter period to two months.

For the reasons given on 21st August in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Bridgwater (Mr. Bartlett) it is not possible to arrange identical leave schemes in these commands. As regards the particular proposal, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply I gave on 30th October to a Question by the hon. Member for Ripon (Mr. York).

asked the Secretary of State for War to what use the buildings comprising Shrivenham W.O. establishment are to be put on their vacation by United States troops on 1st January, 1946.

Certain alternative proposals for the future use of the barracks at Shrivenham are at present under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of civilians employed at the C.O.D., Didcot, now and six months ago, respectively.

On 1st December, 1945, 2,566 civilians were employed by the War Department in the C.O.D. and R.E.M.E. workshops at Didcot. On 30th June last, the nearest convenient date for which figures are available, the number was 2,733.

asked the Secretary of State for War the release group numbers below which no person will be posted for service in West Africa.

Men are not now placed under orders for West Africa unless they are in release groups 36 or later, apart from special cases, such as key men and specialists. This rule applies to all overseas commands except B.A.O.R. and C.M.F. to which postings are made from Group 30 or later. Those in earlier groups who were already under orders by 1st December must proceed, under the rules previously in force. The groups liable for overseas service are varied from time to time as the Release Scheme progresses.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now give a definite date for the closing down of the three O.G.T.U. battle schools at Penmaenmawr, Bangor and Capel Curig.

Apart from the Battle Camp at Bangor these establishments have already been closed. I can make no statement at present about the Bangor camp. I explained the position on 4th December, in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Carnarvon.

asked the Secretary of State for War the policy of his Department with regard to the release of huts and other buildings which might be used as temporary housing accommodation for the civilian population.

It is the policy to dispose of all huts once it has been determined that they are not required for military purposes. At an early stage the Ministry of Health or the Department of Health for Scotland is given the opportunity of requesting transfer in the interests of local housing.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will now consider the closing of the battle school near Leiston, Suffolk, in order to enable agriculturalists to return to their former holdings.

No, Sir, I cannot foresee when the requirement for this area will cease, but it is under constant review and a project is at present being examined to restrict the area near the village of Leiston, to enable houses within the boundaries of Leiston Urban District Council to be reoccupied.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that men quartered at the Academy, Woolwich, are sleeping in tents, on boards spaced wide apart, and without ground sheets; and if he will take steps to improve the bad living conditions at this establishment.

The tented camps, which were used as overflow accommodation, were closed on 22nd November.

asked the Secretary of Stats for War by what authority money from the Comforts Fund of Morris Motors, Limited, sent to their former employees serving in the Forces is reckoned as income for the purpose of making dependants' allowances.

This action is taken under the rules governing the grant of dependants' allowances, under which it is necessary to take into account any income of the soldier from outside sources which is available for the maintenance of the dependant.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give further consideration to the representations made to his predecessor regarding the position of disabled men who are discharged from the Service while still receiving treatment in hospital.

This question has recently been under consideration by the Ministers concerned and I hope that a decision will be reached very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the disquiet aroused by the recent fatal accident to three Edinburgh boys on the Pentland Hills, he will cause the findings of the military court of inquiry to be made public.

This regrettable incident, which occurred on a field firing range, is the subject of an inquiry by the appropriate civil authority, as well as a military court of inquiry held in the Scottish Command. I have not yet received a copy of the proceedings of the latter court, and cannot judge whether they will furnish any information additional to that brought out at the civil inquiry. I will make a further statement if necessary when the investigation is complete.

asked the Secretary of State for War if arrangements are being made to repatriate Army personnel from Burma by air on a large scale as is being done in the case of men stationed in India.

Yes, Sir. They receive their appropriate allotment of seats, but the air terminals of the scheme are in India, to which they must first travel by air, land or sea.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been drawn to the accumulation of stocks of men's sports goods and flannel trousers at demobilisation centres because of the preference expressed by the men concerned for ordinary suits; and if, in order to relieve the shortage of sports goods and flannel trousers for ordinary civilians, he will take steps to arrange for a release of surplus stocks from these centres.

Although the present demands for sports jackets and flannel trousers are small compared with those for suits, this is being balanced by confining future production to suits, and I have no reason to expect that there will be a surplus of the sports outfits.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers due for repatriation under the Python scheme having served three years eight months overseas must now complete the full tour of duty; and whether this applies to all officers overseas whatever their release group.

The length of the overseas tour qualifying for return under Python varies in different Commands. Officers who have completed the tour are repatriated as quickly as possible regardless of their age and service group, subject to a few unavoidable exceptions.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether payment for the N.A.A.F.I. goodwill advertising appearing in the national Press is paid for from N.A.A.F.I. funds; and, if so, what is the amount of expenditure in this connection.

The cost is borne from N.A.A.F.I. funds. It is contrary to practice to give particulars of the detailed trading expenditure of this organisation, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the amount involved is relatively negligible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider selling to the public as mementos of victory such of the German maps produced for the invasion of the British Isles as are not required for official purposes.

No, Sir. In view of the information they contain about this country it is undesirable that the maps should be made generally available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on the orders of the senior military commander the skating rink at Cologne is to be reopened in December for the entertainment of His Majesty's Forces; that the German Olympic champions, Herr Ernst Baier and Fraulein Maxi Herber, have been invited to give an exhibition at the official opening; that before the war Fraulein Herber held pronounced Nazi views and claimed to be a member of the Nazi Party; and why German exhibition skaters have been chosen in preference to British champions, to whom no invitation has been issued.

The military authorities have issued no instruction for the opening of the skating rink at Cologne, nor have they made any arrangements for an official opening. The rink is being run as a purely German concern in the same way as German cafes, cinemas and theatres at present open in the zone. Except for granting the necessary permission for the use of the building, the British authorities have had nothing whatsoever to do with the undertaking and it has no official support, Fraulein Herber is not covered by any de-Nazification arrest or investigation category.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can yet make a statement concerning the British ex-prisoners of war missing in the Russian zone of Germany; and, if not, what steps are being taken to induce the Russian Government to appreciate the deep concern over the matter felt in this country.

I cannot add anything to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State to a Question by the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Turton) on 26th November. As regards other action being taken to trace the men I would refer the hon. and gallant Mem- ber to the reply I gave on 27th November to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Kennington (Mr. Gibson).

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether, in order that the amenities of Wentworth Park, near Rotherham, which are now available to the public in that area, may be preserved, he will take the necessary steps to prevent any industrial activity in that park.

I have fully in mind the great value of Wentworth Park to those living in the neighbouring towns, and I am considering in consultation with the Minister of Fuel and Power how the preservation of its general character can best be reconciled with the present urgent need for coal.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether information has been collected respecting the respective advantages and disadvantages of the planting of trees in town and city streets; and whether any advice respecting this matter has been given to local authorities.

I intend to encourage local authorities to plant trees in town and city streets wherever it is feasible and suitable to do so, and shall give general advice to them in the matter so soon as my Department have completed the consideration which is at present being given to certain technical and administrative questions involved.

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what arrangement he is making to provide alternative places of recreation, etc., for the community where commons and open spaces have been taken over by the Service Departments, and where footpaths have been closed and are not to be returned for public use.

It would be premature to consider alternative provision in the matters referred to until a final decision has been taken as to the per- manent requirements of the Service Departments. Every effort will be made to secure the release of open spaces and footpaths wherever practicable.

asked the Minister of Works how many flats at the addresses in Westminster, of which he has been informed, are at present under requisition for office purposes; and how soon it is proposed to make these flats available for normal user.

The 23 flats held on requisition by the Ministry of Works will be released as soon as alternative accommodation can be found for the present occupants. Proposals to this end are at present under consideration. Fifty-two flats are held by the War Department for office purposes at these addresses. I am informed that the War Office are at present unable to say when they will be released.

asked the Minister of Works how many square feet of office space are under requisition at the address in Westminster, of which he has been informed; and what is the average number of persons occupying that space in each of the last three months.

My Ministry holds on requisition at the address in question 47,418 square feet of which 10,819 square feet are suitable for normal office purposes. The remainder, being without natural light, is used for storage. The average number of staff occupying the office space during the past three months has been about 120.

asked the Minister of Works how many flats at the address in the Abbey Division, of which he has been informed, are at present under requisition for office purposes; and how soon it is proposed to make these flats available for normal user.

One hundred and one flats are held on requisition for office purposes at the address mentioned. These are very large flats, but I am nevertheless hopeful that it will be possible to release them next spring.

asked the Minister of Works whether he is now in a position to make a statement concerning the derequisitioning of hotels, schools and residential property in Brighton and Hove.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I gave him on 30th October about the release of requisitioned hotels in Brighton. A conference was held at Brighton on 6th December, when a programme for the release of all but four of the hotels by 15th February was placed before the Corporation. Particulars of the requisition: of the other properties referred to are not at present available, but I will inquire of the several Departments who may be holding such properties and communicate with the hon. and gallant Member the result of my inquiry.

asked the Minister of Works if, in view of the shortage of bricks, any steps are being taken to introduce into this country machines similar to those in use in Berlin, which clean 1,500 to 2,000 bricks per hour, and so make available for use most of the bricks from demolished shelters, etc.

My Department became aware some weeks ago of the use by the Germans of machines for cleaning bricks and arrangements have been made for specimen machine to be imported. Inquiries are being made with regard to the machine recently reported in the Press to be in use in Berlin, which, while apparently more complicated, has a greater rate of output.

asked the Minister of Works whether, in view of the recent decision of the War Office to derequisition 1,509 hotels and boarding houses, 52 holiday camps and 131 restaurants, he will give an assurance hat every facility will be given by way of licences and priorities for materials and labour to enable these establishments to be restored to proper conditions before the commencement of the holiday season of 1946.

I regret that the urgency of competing demands for houses, industrial buildings which will contribute to the supply of goods for the home and export markets, and other building work required in the national interest prevents my giving the assurance for which the hon. and gallant Member asks, but within the limits of the available labour and materials, I will do everything possible to facilitate this work.

asked the Minister of Works how many of the Army huts from searchlight sites in Berkshire are being sold to the French Government; and whether he will give first option of purchase to the farmers on whose land these huts stand.

127 huts on searchlight sites in Berkshire are being sold to the French Government. Where a farmer on whose land these huts stand has intimated that he wished to purchase, and his offer was reasonable, he has been given the option.

asked the Minister of Works what organisations to deal with the disposal of Government surplus stores have been set up in conjunction with his Department; and what value have each disposed of to a recent date.

No trade or other similiar organisation has been set up to deal with the disposal of Government surplus stores in conjunction with my Department. The Department is doing its own disposal work either through normal trade channels or in agreement with them.

asked the Minister of Works when it is proposed to replace the missing panel of the ceiling above the Opposition Gangway in this Chamber.

The panel will be replaced next year during the long Recess when there will be an opportunity of erecting the necessary scaffolding.

The limit to which my hon. Friend refers is fixed by a Statutory Order which expires on 31st January, 1946. The terms of a new Order are under consideration. I would point out that local authorities are empowered to issue licences on my behalf up to a limit of £100 in any one case for work of the type to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that, of the original allocation of 800 temporary houses to Edinburgh, only 50 have been delivered; and will he take steps to remedy this position.

The number of houses delivered to sites in Edinburgh for erection is now 150. Progress has been hindered by a local lack of building labour, particularly painters, but all possible steps are being taken to overcome this difficulty.

asked the Minister of Works what number of temporary houses it is intended to supply Edinburgh by 31st December, 1945, and by 31st March, 1946, respectively.

It is expected that by 31st December, 1945, 175 temporary houses will have been delivered to Edinburgh. Their erection will be completed as quickly as possible. The number to be delivered by 31st March, 1946, will depend on the progress made with site preparation work.

asked the Minister of Works as the aluminium in the aluminium emergency bungalow estimated to cost £1,365, only costs £114, and this bungalow is equipped in the same way as the others listed in the White Paper, what causes the difference in cost of this house and the other emergency bungalows.

The £114 is the cost of the metal in ingot form and is exclusive of the cost of its fabrication into sheets and other units. The cost of this fabrication is in large part the cause of the difference in cost between the aluminium and other types of temporary house.

asked the Minister of Works if, where local authorities are unable to obtain a sufficient supply of unskilled labour for the preparation of housing sites, he will make it possible to obtain such labour from the military authorities.

Yes, Sir. Arrangements have now been made under which military labour, if available, may be used by local authorities for the advance preparation of housing sites in those districts where unskilled civilian labour is inadequate and where accommodation, if required, can be provided.

asked the Minister of Works our present national annual production capacity of approved baths, toilet fixtures, gas stoves and electric stoves; and is he making any special efforts to increase this.

I have been asked to reply. The output of the items referred to during October, the most recent month for which returns are available, was approximately equivalent to the following annual rates: —

Baths	145,000
Toilet fixtures:
Lavatory Basins	484,000
W.C. Pans	268,000
Gas Stoves	162,000
Electric Stoves	77,000

Potential capacity is considerably higher, but production is at present restricted by the shortage of labour, particularly in the iron foundries. Every effort is being made to increase supplies.

asked the Minister of Health when the dumping of refuse at the edge of the Fairmile at Henley-on-Thames will cease; when the fires will burn themselves out; whether the ground on which the dump is deposited belongs to the council or whether it is rented; who is responsible for levelling this refuse heap; and what steps he proposes to take to restore the amenities of the Fairmile and remove the refuse heap.

I understand that the Corporation rented this tip, but ceased using it about two months ago. They will tidy up the site and cover the refuse as soon as practicable.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Miss Agnes Winifred Cowe, now at 24, Kiln Hill, Tweedmouth, entered the service of the Lancashire Mental Hospitals Board in August, 1935, was placed on the permanent staff of that body in December, 1935, and resigned her post voluntarily to attend her ailing mother in February, 1945;that if she had completed 10 years' service with that Board she would have been entitled to the return of her own contributions to the superannuation fund amounting to £42, but that as she resigned voluntarily a few months short of 10 years, she is deprived of that sum; and if he will take steps to redress this grievance.

My attention has been drawn to this case. I have no jurisdiction in regard to the return of contributions to an established officer or servant of a local authority who is superannuable under the Asylums Officers' Superannuation Act, 1909, which applies to the Lancashire Mental Hospitals Board. Under Section 10 of that Act no contributions are returnable in cases of voluntary resignation, whether or not the employee has completed 10years' service.

asked the Minister of Health how many cases of diphtheria occurred in fully immunised children in the borough of Southend-on-Sea in the years 1939 to 1944 and the first half of 1945;and whether any of them and, if so, how many, proved fatal

Information in the form asked for by my hon. Friend has only been obtained from local authorities from 1942 onwards. According to returns received from the Southend-on-Sea authority since that date no cases of, or deaths from, diphtheria occurred among immunised children between January, 1942 and June, 1945. Among children not immunised there were 14 cases and 1 death in 1942, 7 cases and 1 death in 1943, no cases or deaths in 1944, and 3 cases and 1 death in the first half of 1945.

asked the Minister of Health the amounts advanced each year from 1940 to 1945 to individual county boroughs and boroughs, other than Metropolitan boroughs, in England and Wales, and burghs in Scotland, in order to pre-

Local Authority.				1940–41.	1941–42.	1942–43.	1943–44.	1944–45.
County Boroughs				£	£	£	£	£
Bootle	…	…	…	Nil	100,000	162,000	Nil	-74,000
Brighton	…	…	…	Nil	70,000	62,000	Nil	Nil
Coventry	…	…	…	Nil	100,000	Nil	Nil	Nil
Eastbourne		…	…	Nil	167,700	51,300	132,900	63,500
East Ham		…	…	30,000	167,000	171,000	193,200	-110,000
Gt. Yarmouth		…	…	68,800	95,900	2,000	36,000	70,600
Hastings	…	…	…	Nil	58,500	70,000	54,800	88,000
Kingston-upon-Hull			…	Nil	289,000	58,000	-247,000	-100,000
Plymouth		…	…	Nil	380,000	160,000	Nil	220,000
Portsmouth		…	…	Nil	172,000	164,000	Nil	99,000
Southampton		…	…	Nil	23,000	76,000	16,000	Nil
Southend-on-Sea			…	144,000	516,000	405,000	63,300	4,200
Swansea	…	…	…	Nil	230,000	-158,000	Nil	60,000
Wallasey	…	…	…	Nil	197,300	- 14,000	-50,000	Nil
West Ham		…	…	350,000	886,000	492,000	Nil	Nil
Boroughs:
Aldeburgh		…	…	1,400	200	Nil	Nil	Nil
Bexhill	…	…	…	Nil	87,000	52,800	28,500	62,000
Bridlington		…	…	33,320	12,900	-11,020	-4,900	-1,500
Deal	…	…	…	44,900	Nil	18,000	14,400	22,300
Dover	…	…	…	21,900	78,700	32,600	17,000	38,400
Folkestone		…	…	67,600	24,800	3,000	49,400	35,500
Harwich	…	…	…	6,700	11,000	Nil	Nil	Nil
Hythe	…	…	…	9,600	18,300	5,800	4,800	14,800
Margate.	…	…	…	89,400	89,500	73,000	62,100	59,300
New Romney		…	…	Nil	4,900	1,700	Nil	Nil
Ramsgate		…	…	56,000	109,000	44,100	43.500	80,800
Urban Districts:
Broadstairs	…	…	…	12,200	29,700	32,600	16,600	22,000
Canvey Island		…	…	12,700	500	-2,000	Nil	Nil
Clacton	…	…	…	36,000	73,000	23,600	-23,600	Nil
Cromer	…	…	…	3,900	2,200	3,100	4,100	4,700
Felixstowe		…	…	Nil	6,900	200	Nil	-4,100
Frinton and Walton			…	4,400	12,000	7,400	Nil	3,700
Herne Bay		…	…	14,000	13.700	-2,100	6,400	Nil
Mablethorpe and Sutton				Nil	9,600	-1,800	400	1,500
New Hunstanton			…	Nil	4,600	1,000	Nil	600
Sandown-Shanklin			…	Nil	10,100	4,400	15,680	15,300
Skegness	…	…	…	Nil	14,000	11,800	14,600	5,000
Ventnor	…	…	…	Nil	Nil	2,400	2,000	-4,400
Whitley Bay		…	…	Nil	4,000	Nil	Nil	-4,000
Whitstable		…	…	Nil	Nil	5,600	-2,200	1,200
Repayments are indicated by a negative sign.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland has informed me that during the local financial years 1941–42 and 1944–45 the sums of £80,000 and £8,000 respectively were advanced to the

Advances to local authorities, other than Metropolitan Boroughs, in England and Wales to enable them to maintain essential services without an unreasonable increase in rates were as follows:Burgh of Clydebank. The sum of £88,000 is in respect of deficits in the receipts from rates over a period of five years as follows:

asked the Minister of Health the names of the individual county boroughs and boroughs, other than Metropolitan boroughs, in England and Wales, and burghs in Scotland, where application for advances made to the Minister, in order to prevent an increase in rates consequent upon severe enemy action, had been rejected in cases where the loss of rateable value, due to destruction of property, exceeded 12 per cent. of the rateable value prevailing immediately prior to severe enemy action.

Financial assistance has been given to local authorities in cases where the loss of income, owing to the war, was so great that there was a serious risk of a breakdown of essential local services. The loss of income arose not only from destruction of property but also from other causes such as evacuation. All the circumstances of the local authority were taken into consideration and, in particular, the loss of productivity of a penny rate compared with that in 1939–40. I am not aware, nor is my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland aware, of any case in which an application for financial assistance has been refused where this loss of productivity exceeded 12 per cent.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will issue separate rations of coal to families sharing one house, as it leads to great hardship where two or more families are sharing the same house and is one reason why people are not prepared to share their homes in accordance with Government policy.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply on 4th December to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Swindon (Mr. T. Reid).

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is prepared to grant special relaxation in the lighting of shop windows between 4 and 7 p.m. during the week preceding Christmas.

I should like to do this, but I regret that the present fuel situation does not justify any relaxation of the restrictions on shop window lighting.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the number of cases of non observance, he will remind traders of the present regulations regarding the display lighting of shop windows.

The whole question of shop window lighting is under the constant-supervision of my officers and any cases of non-observance are dealt with in accordance with the regulations. I shall be glad to look into any specific cases which the hon. Member may have in mind.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has considered the complaint of the Oxford Public Health Committee concerning the want of cooperation by his Department in the matter of a public nuisance by grit and smoke from premises of which he is aware; and why the request for a deputation has not been acceded to.

I regret that a decision on this matter has been delayed. I am advised that this was essentially a technical matter for examination on the spot, and no useful purpose could have been served by the council bringing a deputation to London. My Regional Combustion Engineer has been making the necessary investigations at the premises concerned and it is now understood that on his recommendation the firm are now installing a grit arrestor. It is expected that the alterations will be finished within few weeks, when my engineer will make a further visit.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will give an assurance that when confirming appointments, such as fuel overseers, made by local authorities, his department will ensure that fair consideration has been given to ex-Service applicants.

The appointment of local fuel overseers rests with the local authority concerned, and they are not subject to formal confirmation by me. I have no doubt that local authorities have due regard to the claims of ex-Service applicants when new appointments are under consideration.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the prolongation of petrol rationing for civilian uses, he will take further action with the Service Ministers concerned to ensure that the extravagant present use of petrol by Service vehicles is curtailed.

There is close contact between my Ministry and the Service Departments in regard to the supplies of petrol needed for military purposes. The position in respect of Service and civilian requirements is under examination.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power, the percentage of total voluntary absenteeism at the coalface for the month of October 1945, with the percentages for voluntary and involuntary absenteeism.

Absenteeism at the coal face in October, 1945, amounted to 20.08 per cent. The figures for voluntary and involuntary absenteeism were 9.45 per cent. and 10.63 Percent. respectively.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the percentage of voluntary absenteeism at the coalface for the year 1944 and for the months of September, October and November, 1945.

Voluntary absenteeism at the coal face was 6.8 per cent. in 1944;9.3 per cent. in September this year and 9.5 in each of the two following months.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what were the proportions of voluntary and involuntary absenteeism in the 17.07 percentage of total absenteeism, all workers, in the month of October.

Of the percentage of 17.07 for absenteeism for all workers in the month of October, voluntary absenteeism accounted for 7.73 per cent. and involuntary absenteeism for 9.34 per cent.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the estimated cost of properly replacing and spreading the top-soil after opencast working; and whether this cost is added to the charge for opencast coal.

Contractors are required to take the restoration of the surface into account in submitting their tenders for the working of opencast sites but as they do not customarily quote separately for this item it is not possible to arrive at the estimated cost. As regards the second part of the Question the selling price of opencast coal is related to that of deep mined coal of comparable quality and not to cost of production.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power in which official publication the monthly figures of coal output, etc., will appear.

The principal figures relating to coal output are now issued monthly by my Department. The question in what official publication these figures can most suitably be republished for purposes of reference is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the proportion of the total labour force engaged in the South Wales district of the mining industry employed in actual coal-getting during the years 1925, 1935 and 1945 to the nearest date.

The most satisfactory way of showing changes in the proportion of the total labour force actually engaged in coal-getting is by a comparison of the number of shifts worked at the coal-face at different dates, expressed as a percentage of the number of total shifts worked at those dates. It cannot however be expected that over so long a period as 20 years the figures so obtained will be strictly comparable with one another. It is not possible to use for this purpose the series given in the Annual Statistical Digest (Cmd. 6639, Table 54) in view of the change in the definition of coal face workers introduced in 1943. The only suitable figures available are those collected for wage ascertainment purposes. For South Wales and Monmouth, these percentages were 43.3 per cent, for 1925, 44.2 per cent. for 1935 and 36.5 per cent, for the first six months of 1945.

asked the Minister of Labour whether in view of the fact that at various hostels throughout the country there are numbers of soldiers, sailors and airmen who have been in the services for periods varying from three to five years and who volunteered for the mines at the time they were urgently required for this industry, on the understanding that their services in the mines would count towards their group for release, and whose release groups for demobilisation have been promulgated, the Government will consider their discharge forthwith.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 6th December to a question by the hon. Member for Sunderland (Mr. F. Willey) a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will now take steps to relax the conditions under which deferments and Class B releases are granted in favour of agricultural workers.

I am not prepared to alter the existing arrangements under which the calling-up of agricultural workers is deferred in any case in which the Agricultural Departments are satisfied that a man's service is essential for the food production programme. As regards Class B releases, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Salisbury (Major J. Morrison), the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Turton), and the hon. and gallant Member for Barnstaple (Brigadier Peto) on 4th December, a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, when next fixing block allocations for Class B releases from the services, he will arrange that science students shall be eligible for release on similar terms to those applying at present to arts students.

No, Sir. As science students generally have received deferment for the purpose of obtaining qualifications, the existing conditions under which they can be released in Class B are more appropriate than those laid down for arts students.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that soldiers are accepting Class B release on a misunderstanding due to failure of the regulations to define work of national reconstruction and instead of returning to work with their former employers, as was expected on accepting release, they are directed to other employers because their former employers were not engaged on work of national reconstruction; and will he amend the regulations accordingly.

A soldier who is offered release under the Class B block release procedure is informed that, subject to any exceptional requirements of national reconstruction, he will be sent to employment near his home if suitable employment is available and to his former employer if he has a suitable vacancy on work of national reconstruction of the kind for which the soldier has been released. It would not be practicable to give an exhaustive definition of work of national reconstruction to soldiers being offered Class B release, but even if it were practicable it would not ensure that they would know whether or not their former employers were engaged on such work.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men now being released weekly under Class B and their main categories.

During the fortnight 1st to 15th November, the latest period for which figures are available, the total numbers released from the Forces in Class B were 13,672. The main categories are: workers in the building and civil engineering and ancillary industries, school teachers and coalminers.

asked the Minister of Labour whether service with N.A.A.F.I. in Class W Reserve will now be reckoned as qualifying service in fixing a soldier's age and service group.

No, Sir. Service with N.A.A.F.I. on Class W Reserve does not count towards release from the Forces.

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the 3,000 students have now been released to attend universities.

Up to 15th November, the latest date for which figures are available, the number of University Arts students released in Class B was approximately 1,150.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the manpower position confronting Messrs. W. H. Dorman and Company, Limited, of Stafford, details of which have been forwarded to him; and, in view of the importance of this firm's production for export, what action he proposes to take in the matter.

I have received my hon. and gallant Friend's letter and am making inquiries. I will write to him as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour why an official of his Department, at Blackpool, refused an application from the Fylde Water Board for 12 labourers, in view of the fact that it was made clear that these 12 labourers were essential to the construction of the water supply system in connection with a housing scheme.

When the vacancies for 12 labourers were notified to my Blackpool office by the Fylde Water Board, no indication was given that the men were required in connection with a housing scheme. There were, at the time, outstanding demands for labourers required directly for building work which carried higher priority. The application for the labourers was never, however, refused, and, indeed, all employment exchanges in the North Western Region were asked to help to find the 12 men. The vacancies have now been noted as building vacancies and will receive the higher priority.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed, male and female, respectively, at each of the following labour exchanges: Ferndale, Porth, Treorchy and Tonypandy on 1st February, 1945, and the latest available date.

The following table shows the numbers of insured persons aged 14 years and over registered as unemployed at the Ferndale, Porth, Treorchy and Tonypandy employment exchanges at 15th January, 1945, the date nearest to 1st February for which statistics are available, and at 15th October:

	15th January,1945.		15th October,1945.
	Males aged 14 and under 65.	Females aged 14 and under 60.	Males aged 14 and under 65.	Females aged 14 and under 60.
Ferndale	224	35	763	449
Porth	140	25	546	332
Treorchy	297	63	874	735
Tonypandy.	232	9	1,040	684

The figures exclude insured men on the registers classified as unsuitable for ordinary industrial employment. At 15th January the number were as follows: Ferndale 62, Porth 41, Treorchy 82, Tonypandy 73. At 15th October, the corresponding figures were 52, 40, 91 and59.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make arrangements whereby Northern Ireland ex-Servicemen can attend vocational training courses in selected centres at home, as they wish to be with their families after long separation.

Centres for training in building trades are being set up by the Minister of Labour for Northern Ireland and ex-Servicemen who are eligible for training under the Vocational Training Scheme will, it is understood, be admitted to these centres early in 1946. In addition training arrangements are made where appropriate in technical colleges and with private employers.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of disabled persons registering for employment at Manchester Employment Exchanges; and whether it is the Minister's intention to use his powers, under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act, at an early date, to ensure a fair share of employment for the disabled.

At 19th November last, the number of unemployed persons registered as disabled under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act at the seven Manchester Employment Exchanges was 627 though not all of those eligible have yet registered. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men employed in the building industry in Scotland on 26th July.

It is estimated that the number of insured men aged 16 and under 65 in employment in the building industry in Scotland in July, 1945, was 35,600.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men called up for the Armed Forces in the quarter ended 30th September in the years, 1942, 1943, 1944 and 1945, respectively.

The number of men called up for the Armed Forces under the National Service Acts in the quarter ended 30th September in the years 1942, 1943, 1944 and 1945 were 46,400, 66,600, 72,400 and 49,400 respectively.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the shortage of skilled staff in the offices of chartered quantity surveyors which handicaps the progress of housing, factory and reconstruction schemes generally, he will consider the deferment, as a class, of pupils in quantity surveyors' offices.

The position of these and analogous young men is at present under consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will agree to the deferment of apprentices from military service under the National Service Acts, until their apprenticeships have been completed, in those cases where the men are within a reasonable time of completion of their apprenticeships.

The Government's demobilisation plans require that the maximum number of young men shall be called up. Deferment on account of apprenticeship can, therefore, be granted only in a limited number of highly skilled occupations. In these cases deferment is granted until the age of 20 or the end of the apprenticeship whichever is the earlier. Apprentices may, however, also be granted deferment up to and beyond the end of their apprenticeship on account of the national importance of their work. I am unable to make further concessions in present circumstances.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the delay in obtaining repairs to ophthalmic optical appliances is now extended to five months in many parts of the country, thus causing great inconvenience to those whose work is handicapped by bad eyesight; that one firm making such appliances and employing 300 men recently had 59 of them called up; and whether, in these circumstances, he will take steps either to limit the call-up of men from the optical industry or to take such other steps as are necessary to provide the industry with no less labour than it has had during recent years.

My Department, in consultation with other Departments concerned, is looking into this question to see whether any further action can be taken to improve the labour supply position. As regards call-up, I should be glad to look into the case mentioned if my hon. Friend will give me the name of the undertaking to which he refers.

asked the Minister of War Transport if it is his intention to make proposals for improving the various Scottish ferry services.

Any immediate improvement in ferry services is dependent upon the various authorities responsible for the ferries, but, as I stated on 22nd October in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for North Edinburgh (Mr. Willis), a survey is being made of water barriers to transport with a view to the consideration of providing better transport facilities.

asked the Minister of War Transport what steps he has taken to provide refitted motor cars for demobilised chaplains and other ex-Servicemen who require the same for carrying out their duties.

I allocate about the whole of the small supply of reconditioned ex-Service cars, made available to my Department, to badly disabled ex-Service-men who need a car for their livelihood.

asked the Minister of War Transport if he will take powers, either by legislation or otherwise, to take over and free to all users toll roads which local authorities are not willing to take over.

It is for the responsible highway authorities to take the appropriate action to free roads or bridges from tolls, under the powers at present available to them. I am prepared, however, to consider any applications for assistance by way of grant which they may place before me.

asked the Minister of War Transport, in view of the fact that Canadian Servicemen married to British women are now being demobilised and their wives in Britain are anxious to join them as soon as possible, if he will give any information as to when transport will be made available.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made in the House on 15th October in reply to a similar question, to which there is little to add. The Canadian military authorities have recently announced that it is hoped to complete the transportation of these wives by August, 1946. While this is our present hope, the whole question is being kept under review with a view to ensuring that, subject to other urgent commitments, everything practicable is done to speed up the movement.

asked the Minister of War Transport if he has any statement to make about the speeding up of trains; and when does he expect expresses to run to their prewar schedules.

A number of trains have already been accelerated and others will be speeded up as practicable. This must be a gradual process, but it is the general aim to restore prewar speeds before the end of the next year. Progress will depend on the return of experienced staff to railway service and/or the making good of the present heavy arrears of repairs and renewals.